The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Zero Card

The ZERO CARD, referred to as Le Mat in tarot, is a unique entity within the broader context of the tarot deck. It holds a significant position as the twenty-first card in the sequence and is distinct from the traditional numbering system. Le Mat is symbolic of the divine substance that underlies all phenomena and illusion, often likened to the material universe and a tangible symbol of the material world. It is also associated with the Eternal Power of unknown manifestation, signifying the Supreme Mind's ultimate potential and the unseen forces that shape reality. Despite causing controversy due to its ambiguous nature, Le Mat is emblematic of the nameless and supreme understanding that transcends conventional naming and classification.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Fool→Substance

While the Zero card is unnumbered, it is implied to relate conceptually to the Fool as an initiating symbol

The zero card, representing the nameless crown of the Supreme Mind, is part of the Isiac Tablet

World→Substance

The Zero and The World are related in terms of their symbolic depiction of the initiation and conclusion of the arc of the Major Trumps

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

Zero CardthroughFoolilluminatesSun →
I. Zero Card & Fool

While the Zero card is unnumbered, it is implied to relate conceptually to the Fool as an initiating symbol

II. Fool & Sun

The Sun symbolically connects with the Fool, representing the beginning and potential end of the Fool's journey The Fool represents the nature and journey of the Sun, indicating the path from innocence to transformation

Zero CardthroughWorldilluminatesTarot →
I. Zero Card & World

The Zero and The World are related in terms of their symbolic depiction of the initiation and conclusion of the arc of the Major Trumps

II. World & Tarot

The Tarot includes The World card representing unity with all creation and the realization of the divine

Zero CardthroughFoolilluminatesSpirit →
I. Zero Card & Fool

While the Zero card is unnumbered, it is implied to relate conceptually to the Fool as an initiating symbol

II. Fool & Spirit

The Spirit represents the essence of the Fool and guides his journey towards wisdom and simplicity

Zero CardthroughWorldilluminatesChrist →
I. Zero Card & World

The Zero and The World are related in terms of their symbolic depiction of the initiation and conclusion of the arc of the Major Trumps

II. World & Christ

The world awaited Christ's coming, prepared by divine forces and philosophical belief

Zero CardthroughWorldilluminatesMan →
I. Zero Card & World

The Zero and The World are related in terms of their symbolic depiction of the initiation and conclusion of the arc of the Major Trumps

II. World & Man

The man, as an apocalyptic beast, accompanies the World card and adds the element of intellect to the full circle symbolism.

Zero CardthroughIsiac TabletilluminatesInitiation →
I. Zero Card & Isiac Tablet

The zero card, representing the nameless crown of the Supreme Mind, is part of the Isiac Tablet

II. Isiac Tablet & Initiation

Initiation is related to the Isiac Tablet as a system of symbolism and ritual that could be practiced with the tablet's emblems.

Zero CardthroughFoolilluminatesEarth →
I. Zero Card & Fool

While the Zero card is unnumbered, it is implied to relate conceptually to the Fool as an initiating symbol

II. Fool & Earth

The Fool card represents the principle of Earth in the Tarot

Zero CardthroughFoolilluminatesHigh Priestess →
I. Zero Card & Fool

While the Zero card is unnumbered, it is implied to relate conceptually to the Fool as an initiating symbol

II. Fool & High Priestess

The Fool and the High Priestess are both cards in the Tarot deck, with the Fool representing a new journey and the High Priestess symbolizing the mysteries of the subconscious and intuition, often seen as related in the process of spiritual growth and understanding The narrative transition implies a progression from initial folly to a more discerning state after learning, as symbolized by the High Priestess, but the direct relationship based on text is weaker and not explicitly described. Thus, I'll assign a low relationship strength here.

Zero CardthroughWorldilluminatesLion →
I. Zero Card & World

The Zero and The World are related in terms of their symbolic depiction of the initiation and conclusion of the arc of the Major Trumps

II. World & Lion

The lion, as an apocalyptic beast, accompanies the World card and is integral to its symbolism of the complete circle of life.

Zero CardthroughWorldilluminatesEagle →
I. Zero Card & World

The Zero and The World are related in terms of their symbolic depiction of the initiation and conclusion of the arc of the Major Trumps

II. World & Eagle

The eagle, as an apocalyptic beast, accompanies the World card and adds the element of insight to the full circle symbolism.