By analyzing the surviving literature points, we will trace the underlying philosophical themes and cosmic cycles that govern this esoteric domain. Our investigation will reveal a rich body of symbolism, highlighting the sympathy of transformation, innocence, and the pursuit of wisdom.
The Cosmic Cycles of Transformation and Renewal
The principles and correspondences within this esoteric current reveal a profound emphasis on transformation, renewal, and the cyclical nature of existence. The Ogdoad, associated with the High Priestess, symbolizes a change "unto the Ogdoad," implying a transformative rebirth in Christ. This theme is further reinforced by The Last Judgement, which signifies the transformation and resurrection, ultimately leading to The World, representing the completion of this great work of transformation. The connection between The Last Judgement and The World suggests a sequential yet interconnected cycle of change, where transformation initiates a new beginning.
The relationships between The Last Judgement, Innocence, and The World further solidify this theme. The Last Judgement brings about the state of innocence, renewing it in the spirit, while The World upholds the concept of innocence and the restored world it symbolizes. This cycle of transformation and renewal is echoed in the symbolism of the Major Trumps, including the Fool, which relates to The World as a perfected state of the Cosmos.
The Pursuit of Wisdom and Inner Knowledge
The High Priestess, associated with the white and black pillars, the veil of the Temple, and the lunar symbol, embodies significant spiritual and feminine energy, signifying the queen figure and representing the spiritual bride and mother in the higher realms. Her connection to the mystic temple and the Greater Law, as represented by the word Tora, attests to the necessity of intuition and inner wisdom. The Emperor, representing spiritual and mental authority, reflects a different aspect of the soul, structured authority, while The High Priestess represents intuition and inner wisdom.
The relationship between The Fool and The High Priestess implies a progression from initial folly to a more discerning state after learning, symbolizing the journey from ignorance to wisdom. The Fool, carrying a bag of seemingly worthless items, stands at the confluence of the earthly and spiritual realms, representing a state of potential, where the individual is poised to embark on an enlightening adventure.
Nature and Magic
The Elohim, symbols of creation, are connected to the stages of creation represented by numbers like the ennead and heptad, reflecting their roles in the cosmology of gods. The association of spring with the presence and activities of elves indicates a harmony of nature and magic. This theme is further reinforced by the symbolism of the Major Trumps, which relate to The World as a perfected state of the Cosmos.
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.Arthur Edward Waite, The Pictorial Key to the Tarot1910
Being Fragments of a Secret Tradition under the Veil of Divination
- II.P. D. Ouspensky, The Symbolism of the Tarot: Philosophy of Occultism in Pictures and Numbers1913
Translated by A. L. Pogossky
- III.Manly P. Hall, The Secret Teachings of All Ages1928
An Encyclopedic Outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Qabbalistic and Rosicrucian Symbolical Philosophy
Chapters / Sections Consulted:Ch. “Pythagorean Mathematics”
Further Inquiry in This Cycle
Companion Studies & Disputations
World: A Philosophical Synthesis
The doctrine of World encompasses esoteric concepts, weaving together symbolism, transformation, and the human condition. Central to this community is the…
The Mystical Temple of the High Priestess
Through a synthesis of the classical sources and relationships, this analysis reveals the intricate connections between the High Priestess, the Ogdoad, the…
Elves: The Harmonics of Creation
The concepts presented in the Elves tradition offer a fascinating glimpse into the esoteric thought of this hermetic lineage. Central to this philosophy is…

The Tarot of the Bohemians (Papus / Gérard Encausse)
The absolute key to occult science: the classic nineteenth-century treatise uniting the twenty-two Major Arcana with Kabbalistic Hebrew letters, tetragrammaton progressions, and astrological synthesis.