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

Round Table: The Quest for Spiritual Fulfillment

The Quest for Spiritual Fulfillment

Treatise & Commentary
Sources Consulted:Manly P. Hall, The Secret Teachings of All Ages (1928) · A. E. Thierens, The General Book of the Tarot (1930)
Hermes Mercurius Trismegistus, “Contemporary of Moses,” transmitting the sacred letters and laws to the initiates of Egypt.
Hermes Mercurius Trismegistus, “Contemporary of Moses,” transmitting the sacred letters and laws to the initiates of Egypt.Giovanni di Stefano, inlaid marble pavement of Siena Cathedral (1488)

The principles and correspondences within this esoteric current reveal a rich body of symbolism and philosophical themes centered around the quest for spiritual fulfillment and union with the Divine.

§ I

Symbolism: Chalices, Tables, and Swords

The Last Supper, Holy Chalice, and Holy Graal form a triangular relationship, symbolizing the soul's journey towards spiritual fulfillment and union with the Divine. The Last Supper, where Jesus shares a symbolic meal with his disciples, represents the brotherhood and soul-union among those who partake in the meal. The Holy Chalice, associated with the Last Supper and the quest for the Holy Graal, signifies the soul's thirst for spiritual water or wine of Life Divine. The Round Table, with its circular shape, embodies the concept of equality and unity among its members, sharing divine blessings and soul-union.

The relationship between the Round Table and Shri Krishna reveals an interesting dichotomy. While the Round Table knights use swords as a symbol of material and physical authority, Shri Krishna's teachings in the Bhagavad Gita emphasize the importance of transcending materialistic power and embracing higher ideals of wisdom and ethical conduct. The wand, representing intellectual and moral leadership, is juxtaposed with the sword, symbolizing the destruction of maya (illusion) rather than the annihilation of life.

§ II

The Legacy of Arthur and Merlin

The relationships between Arthur, Merlin, and the Round Table Order reveal a network of influences and symbolisms. Arthur, instructed and assisted by Merlin, establishes the Order of the Round Table, which incorporates zodiac signs to represent spiritual and cosmic attributes. The Round Table, as the symbolic center for the Order's meetings and rituals, embodies the concept of brotherhood and soul-union among its members.

Merlin's influence on Arthur and the Round Table Order is instrumental in shaping their spiritual leadership and understanding. The relationship between Merlin and Britain, where Arthur rises to power, highlights the significance of Merlin's guidance in Arthur's journey.

§ III

The Cosmic Order and Divine Attributes

The signs of the zodiac, as a lineage of astrological signs, correspond to different elements and qualities, influencing the cycles of the soul, body, and personal being. The Order's symbolism incorporates zodiac signs to represent spiritual and cosmic attributes, linking Arthur to the cosmic order and signs.

The relationship between God the Father and God the Son, symbolizing spiritual sun and its radiance, is reflected in Arthur's spiritual leadership. The zodiac signs serve as symbols for the attributes of God the Father and God the Son in the Order's symbolism, further emphasizing the connection between the cosmic order and divine attributes.

⁂

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.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. “Flowers, Plants, Fruits, and Trees” · Ch. “Mystic Christianity”
  2. II.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)

Further Inquiry in This Cycle

Companion Studies & Disputations

Round Table: The Harmony of Spiritual Brotherhood

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Holy Chalice & Last Supper: The Eucharistic Quest

The Holy Chalice tradition presents a fascinating nexus of esoteric concepts, weaving together the threads of Christian mysticism, symbolism, and the…

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Arthur: The Cosmic Order of the Soul

The Signs of the Zodiac represent a lineage of astrological signs that influence the cycles of the soul, body, and personal being. This lineage is closely…

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Merlin: The Synergistic Rise of Leadership

Through a critical examination of the classical sources and relationships, this analysis reveals the intrinsic connections between mentorship, geography…

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✡The Kabbalah Unveiled (S. L. MacGregor Mathers)
From the Library

The Kabbalah Unveiled (S. L. MacGregor Mathers)

Containing the foundational translations and esoteric commentaries on the Book of Concealed Mystery, the Greater Holy Assembly, and the Lesser Holy Assembly from the Zohar.

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