The Concept tradition is a rich body of esoteric concepts, relationships, and rituals that weave together to form a complex philosophical framework. At its core, this tradition revolves around the dichotomy of True and False Sabbaths, with the former representing a point of luminous magic and the latter embodying darkness and persecuted worshippers. Through an examination of the traditional doctrines, relationships, and rituals within this tradition, we can distill a deeper understanding of the underlying philosophical currents that govern this esoteric landscape.
The Sabbaths: A Dichotomy of Light and Darkness
The True Sabbath and False Sabbath represent two poles of a philosophical spectrum, with the former associated with luminous magic and the latter with darkness and persecution. The True Sabbath is linked to ancient worships, Mysteries of Isis, Ceres Eleusini, Bacchus, Bona Dea, and Primeval Druidism, all of which required secret gatherings and rituals. In contrast, the False Sabbath is associated with counterfeit practices, orgies, and the devaluation of magical talismans.
Magical Truth and Orthodoxy
Magical truth is a key factor in the establishment of orthodoxy among initiates, particularly within the context of the True Sabbath. This concept is closely tied to the Mysteries of Isis, Ceres Eleusini, and Primeval Druidism, which all required secret gatherings and rituals to facilitate spiritual transformation and community engagement.
Rituals and Practices
The community's rituals and practices are characterized by the use of mysterious signs, symbolical hymns, and communion of feasting. Magical chains are formed during table and dance rituals, and infarnal monsters are employed as part of character tests. The final test of character involves kissing the posterior of a goat, while entering a house of prostitution or committing adultery would devalue magical talismans.
Lineages and Influences
The community's lineage includes figures such as Papus, Aleister Crowley, and A.E. Waite, who have contributed significantly to the understanding and practice of tarot divination. The term "Sabbadus" is associated with the origin of the term Sabbath, and the Jewish Sabbath is linked to the magical Sabbath.
Card Divination and Tarot
Card divination, which utilizes tarot cards to predict the future and gain insights, is a concept that combines various tarot elements. The lineage of Papus, Waite, and Mathers is important to the practice of tarot divination, and their contributions have shaped the understanding and interpretation of the tarot cards.
Bibliographia & Fontes
Primary Source Books Used in This Article
The doctrines, historical citations, and symbolic correspondences synthesized in this article are drawn from the following primary works and chapters:
- I.A. E. Thierens, The General Book of the Tarot1930
Containing the Astrological Key to the Esoteric Tradition of the Greater and Lesser Arcana (Intro. by A. E. Waite)
- II.Éliphas Lévi, Transcendental Magic: Its Doctrine and Ritual (Dogme et Rituel de la Haute Magie)1856 / 1896 trans.
Translated and Annotated by A. E. Waite
Chapters / Sections Consulted:Part II: The Ritual of Transcendental Magic - III.Papus (Gérard Encausse), The Tarot of the Bohemians1889
Classical Primary Source Referenced in Text
Further Inquiry in This Cycle
Companion Studies & Disputations
The Esoteric Tapestry of Secret Gatherings and Ancient Worships
The False Sabbath, a concept shrouded in darkness, serves as a linchpin connecting various mysteries and rituals, including those of Isis, Ceres Eleusini…
Dimensions of True Sabbath
By examining the intricate web of connections between True Sabbath, Magical Truth, Mysterious Signs, Symbolical Hymns, Magical Chain, Infarnal Monsters…
The Esoteric Synthesis of Concept
The doctrine of Concept encompasses esoteric concepts, figures, and relationships that warrant a deep exploration of their philosophical underpinnings.

The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall — Reader’s Edition)
An encyclopedic outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Qabbalistic, and Rosicrucian symbolical philosophy, detailing the rites of ancient mystery schools from Eleusis to the Rose Cross.
