The Tarot, a complex system of symbolism and esoteric knowledge, is closely bound to various mystical traditions, including Hermetic symbolism, ancient mysteries, and Egyptian initiations. The classical sources and relationships reveal a rich body of connections between the Tarot and other esoteric practices, philosophers, and historical events.
The Tarot and Hermetic Symbolism
The Tarot is deeply rooted in Hermetic symbolism, a philosophical system that encompasses the principles of spiritual growth, magical practices, and the attainment of wisdom. The Hieroglyphic book of seventy-eight tablets, a possible source of the Tarot, is seen as a repository of esoteric knowledge that relates to ancient Egyptian practices. The Tarot's connection to Hermetic symbolism is further underscored by its representation of a summary of the Hermetic Sciences, including Kabala.
The Tarot and Ancient Mysteries
The Tarot is believed to be connected to the ancient mysteries through its ritualistic elements and esoteric nature. The Fifth Lineage and Twelfth Lineage, part of the Tarot's structure, represent specific esoteric traditions that are woven into the fabric of the Tarot. The Tarot's connection to ancient mysteries is also reflected in its association with Egyptian initiations, which are seen as a source of esoteric knowledge that relates to the Tarot.
The Tarot and Esoteric Practitioners
The Tarot is linked to various esoteric practitioners, including Madame Blavatsky and H. Blavatsky, who studied the Tarot and recognized its significance as an esoteric tool. The Tarot's connection to these practitioners highlights its importance as a system of symbolism and esoteric knowledge that is utilized by those seeking spiritual growth and wisdom.
The Tarot and Historical Events
The Tarot is also connected to historical events, such as the French Revolution, through its association with figures like Cagliostro and the Comte de St-Germain. The Prologue of the French Revolution, with its political drama and symbolic events, provided the context for Cagliostro's teachings and activities, which are closely bound to the Tarot.
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.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 · Part I: The Doctrine of Transcendental Magic - 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. “Fishes, Insects, Animals, Reptiles and Birds” · Ch. “The Mysteries and Their Emissaries” · Ch. “The Qabbalah, the Secret Doctrine of Israel” · Ch. “The Fraternity of the Rose Cross” · Ch. “The Ancient Mysteries and Secret Societies (Part I)” · Ch. “The Hiramic Legend” - IV.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)
- V.P. D. Ouspensky, The Symbolism of the Tarot: Philosophy of Occultism in Pictures and Numbers1913
Translated by A. L. Pogossky
- VI.Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, The Secret Doctrine1888
Classical Primary Source Referenced in Text
Further Inquiry in This Cycle
Companion Studies & Disputations
The Evolution of Tarot Symbolism and Esoteric Knowledge
The realm of occultism and tarot symbolism has been shaped by the contributions of several key individuals, including Eliphas Lévi, James Christie, Samuel…
Kabbalah, Egyptian Initiations, and Hermetic Symbolism
By synthesizing the surviving literature points, we will trace the mystical threads that weave these concepts together, revealing a profound compendium of…
Court De Gebelin: The Evolution of Tarot Symbolism
The Tarot, a complex system of symbolism and divination, has undergone significant transformations throughout its history. This essay synthesizes the…
Divination, Magus & Elementary Spirits in The Esoteric Tarot
This essay examines the intricate world of divination, a practice that seeks to uncover hidden knowledge and predict future events. Through the examination…
Cagliostro & Louis XVI: And Historical Narrative
The Cagliostro tradition is a network of esoteric entities, relationships, and historical events that intersect to form a rich body of mysticism, politics…
Trump Major & Hermetic Literature: Esoteric Synthesis
By examining the connections between Martinists, Kábalism, Trump Major, Craft Masonry, Hermetic Literature, Avatars of Vishnu, and Pamela Colman Smith, we…
The Eternal and the Infinite: A Philosophical Synthesis of Eternity
The analysis reveals a profound and abstract concept of Eternity, symbolizing the eternal and the timeless, and its relationships with manifestation…
Papus, Lesser Arcana & Tarot Deck in The Esoteric Tarot
This essay provides a comprehensive synthesis of the philosophical and esoteric concepts related to the Tarot, a divination tool used for centuries to gain…
Ancient Mysteries & Masonic Symbolism: Mysteries
By examining the works of Alexander Wilder and Robert Macoy, we gain insight into the significance of these secret societies and their continued impact on…
Celestial Influences and the Locus of Destruction
The esoteric community of concepts known as the Planisphere tradition revolves around the intricate relationships between celestial bodies, historical…
The Esoteric Tapestry of Tarot and Divination
By examining the connections between key figures such as Antonio Magus, Eliphas Lévi, and Christian P., as well as the various tarot decks and divination…
Arthur Edward Waite: An Esoteric Synthesis
The Arthur Edward Waite tradition is a nexus of esoteric entities, relationships, and concepts that reveal a profound compendium of mysticism, symbolism…
Realm of Tarot Cards and Cosmic Entities
The world of Tarot cards and divination practices is a complex and manifold realm, inhabited by traditional doctrines and concepts that intersect and…
Eight-pointed Star & Star Configurations: Cosmic Hieroglyphics
By analyzing the interactions between the Key of the Tarot, the Eight-Pointed Star, Universal Life, the Butterfly of Psyche, and other concepts, we will…
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.