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

King: The Sovereignty of Spiritual and Temporal Authority

The Sovereignty of Spiritual and Temporal Authority

Treatise & Commentary
Sources Consulted:A. E. Thierens, The General Book of the Tarot (1930) · Arthur Edward Waite, The Pictorial Key to the Tarot (1910) · Manly P. Hall, The Secret Teachings of All Ages (1928) · Éliphas Lévi, Transcendental Magic (1856 / 1896 trans.)
The Oratory and the Laboratory: “Ora et Labora” as the dual pillar of Hermetic and Spagyric philosophy.
The Oratory and the Laboratory: “Ora et Labora” as the dual pillar of Hermetic and Spagyric philosophy.Heinrich Khunrath, Amphitheatrum Sapientiae Aeternae, engraved by Hans Vredeman de Vries (1595)

The principles and correspondences presented reveal a network of authority, leadership, and spiritual growth. Through a careful examination of the surviving literature points, this synthesis will explore the manifold nature of sovereignty, the sympathy of spiritual and temporal authority, and the pursuit of philosophical and spiritual wisdom.

§ I

The Sovereignty of Spiritual and Temporal Authority

The concept of "KING" serves as a linchpin in understanding the sovereignty of spiritual and temporal authority within this esoteric current. As a manifold entity, "KING" symbolizes both a monarch and a divine or supreme leadership, embodying the principles of governance and sovereignty. This duality is reflected in the relationships between "KING" and other entities, such as "HIGH PLACE," "HEIREPHANT," and "ORGANISATION." The "KING" occupies a "HIGH PLACE," a position of authority and influence, which is also held by the "POPE." This shared occupation of a "HIGH PLACE" highlights the sympathy of spiritual and temporal authority.

The "HEIREPHANT" is another crucial entity in understanding the sovereignty of spiritual and temporal authority. As a central official, the "HEIREPHANT" wields authority and responsibility over the spiritual, psychical, and physical realms, symbolized by "HEIREPHANT'S HOUSE." The "KING" derives authority and responsibility from the "HEIREPHANT," demonstrating a hierarchical structure of governance and sovereignty. This hierarchy is further reinforced by the relationship between the "KING" and "ORGANISATION," where the "KING" is individually responsible for a definite and concrete organization.

§ II

The Pursuit of Philosophical and Spiritual Wisdom

The pursuit of philosophical and spiritual wisdom is a pervasive theme within this esoteric current. The "KNIGHTS OF THE GOLDEN STONE" and "KNIGHT OF THE GOLDEN STONE" represent orders initiated by the "KING" and the rules of the alchemical process, respectively. These orders symbolize the culmination of spiritual and philosophical work, seeking to transform through a journey of seven steps, as seen in the "RITUALS OF MITHRAS." The "KNIGHTS OF THE GOLDEN STONE" are initiated with "DIVINE LIFE," a key concept in spiritual and alchemical practices, representing the life force and divine essence.

The relationship between the "POPE" and "ALCHEMICAL TAROT" further highlights the pursuit of philosophical and spiritual wisdom. The "POPE" card represents the Quintessence, a key concept in Alchemy, and is part of the Tarot Major Arcana. This connection attests to the necessity of spiritual and philosophical wisdom in the pursuit of transformation and growth.

⁂

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:

  1. I.A. E. Thierens, The General Book of the Tarot
    1930

    Containing the Astrological Key to the Esoteric Tradition of the Greater and Lesser Arcana (Intro. by A. E. Waite)

  2. II.Arthur Edward Waite, The Pictorial Key to the Tarot
    1910

    Being Fragments of a Secret Tradition under the Veil of Divination

  3. III.Manly P. Hall, The Secret Teachings of All Ages
    1928

    An Encyclopedic Outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Qabbalistic and Rosicrucian Symbolical Philosophy

    Chapters / Sections Consulted:Ch. “The Chemical Marriage of Christian Rosenkreutz”
  4. IV.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 I: The Doctrine of Transcendental Magic

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🜚The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall — Reader’s Edition)
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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.

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