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

Papus, Lesser Arcana & Tarot Deck in The Esoteric Tarot

Unveiling the Mysteries of the Tarot

Treatise & Commentary
Sources Consulted:Arthur Edward Waite, The Pictorial Key to the Tarot (1910) · A. E. Thierens, The General Book of the Tarot (1930) · Papus (Gérard Encausse), The Tarot of the Bohemians (1889)
Key I — The Magician (Le Bateleur): Illustrating the Hermetic axiom “As above, so below” with the four elemental implements upon the table.
Key I — The Magician (Le Bateleur): Illustrating the Hermetic axiom “As above, so below” with the four elemental implements upon the table.Pamela Colman Smith & Arthur Edward Waite, Rider & Son, London (1909)

This essay provides a comprehensive synthesis of the philosophical and esoteric concepts related to the Tarot, a divination tool used for centuries to gain insights into the human condition. By examining the relationships between key entities and concepts, such as Numerology, Levi's Tableau, Papus, and the Greater and Lesser Arcana, this essay reveals the deeper connections and symbolism underlying the Tarot. This analysis demonstrates how the Tarot serves as a powerful tool for spiritual growth, self-discovery, and understanding the mysteries of the universe.

§ I

The Tarot

Central to the Tarot is a network of relationships between various esoteric concepts. Papus, a prominent French occultist, built upon the work of Éliphas Lévi, exploring the connections between the Tarot and Levi's Tableau. This synthesis reveals the Tarot as a tool for understanding the relationships between God, Man, and the Universe. The Greater Arcana, representing higher cosmic principles, and the Lesser Arcana, representing lower cosmic principles, are interconnected components of the complete Tarot. This sympathy is further reflected in the relationships between the Tarot and Numerology, Cartomancy, and Folklore.

§ II

The Symbolism of the Tarot

The Tarot deck, comprising both Major and Minor Arcana, is a collection of cards used in divination, magic, and esoteric practices. Each card features symbols and images that carry significant meanings, facilitating the unfolding of esoteric and practical knowledge. The Major Trumps, in particular, serve as a profound tool for philosophical and spiritual wisdom, offering deeper paths of understanding and knowledge. The symbolism of the Tarot is rooted in traditional myths and folklore, connecting the Tarot to human experiences and the collective unconscious.

§ III

The Role of Papus in Tarot Studies

Papus, a key figure in Tarot studies, contributed significantly to the understanding of the Tarot through his works, such as "The Tarot of the Bohemians." His research and writings emphasized the importance of the Lesser Arcana, a component of the Tarot deck, and explored the connections between the Tarot and Numerology. Papus's work also highlighted the Tarot's connection to Folklore and traditional myths, demonstrating the Tarot's ability to tap into the collective unconscious.

§ IV

The Wisdom of the Tarot

The Tarot, as a tool for divination and spiritual growth, offers a profound path of self-discovery and understanding. The Major Trumps, in particular, serve as a guide for navigating life's complexities and uncovering deeper truths. The Tarot's symbolism, rooted in traditional myths and folklore, connects us to the collective unconscious, allowing us to tap into the wisdom of the ages. Through its use, the Tarot reveals the sympathy of all things, offering a deeper understanding of the universe and our place within it.

⁂

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

    Being Fragments of a Secret Tradition under the Veil of Divination

  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)

  3. III.Papus (Gérard Encausse), The Tarot of the Bohemians
    1889

    Classical Primary Source Referenced in Text

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✦The Tarot of the Bohemians (Papus / Gérard Encausse)
From the Library

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.

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