Tarot of the Bohemians

•

r

^

>

THE

GIFT OF

HEBER GUSHING PETERS CLASS OF

1892^^^^'^^'

«»'.

5226

930 571 3 1924 028

The

original of this

book

is in

the Cornell University Library.

There are no known copyright

restrictions in

the United States on the use of the

text.

http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924028930571

THE TAROT OF THE BOHEMIANS.

Absolute Key to Occult Science.

JProntispiece.

—

:

ABSOLUTE KEY TO OCCULT SCIENCE.

THE TAROT OF THE BOHEMIANS. THE MOST ANCIENT BOOK IN THE WO^LD.

\For the exclusive use of Initiates.

By PAPUS.

*

All intellectual light, like all physical light, comes from the East, and I come with it, also from the East." Narad, (7i€ Bohemian.

CHAPMAN

LONDON AND HALL, 1892.

Limited.

EiCHARD Clay & Sons, Limitkd,

London & B^^noay,

TO

§ttnlt S>tuntt AND TO ALL ITS DISCIPLES.

PREFACE. The

Tarot pack of cards, transmitted by the Gypsies

from generation to generation, ancient initiation.

is

the primitive book of

This has been clearly demonstrated

by Guillaume Postel, Court de Gobelin, Levi,

and

J.

The key

to its construction

been revealed, so fill

who

up

Etteila, Eliphas

A. Vaillant.

far as I

this deficiency

and application has not yet

know.

I therefore

by supplying

Initiates,

wished to i. e.

those

are acquainted with the elements of occult science,

with an accurate guide, which would assist

them

in the

pursuit of their studies.

The

uninitiated reader will find in

it

the explanation of

the lofty philosophy and science of ancient ladies are

Tarot,

Egypt

;

whilst

enabled to practise the use of the divining

by methods which we have

rendered easy

in

Chapter XX.

The book has been

so arranged that each part forms

viii

PREFACE.

a complete whole, which can,

if

necessary, be

studied

separately.

I have used every effort to be as clear as possible

public that has

warmly welcomed

my

;

the

other books will,

I hope, forgive the imperfections inherent to a

work of

this kind.

PAPUS.

——

—

CONTENTS. PAET THE

*'

I.

GENERAL KEY TO THE TAROT," GIVING THE ABSOLUTE KEY TO OCCULT SCIENCE. PAGE

Chap.

I.

to the Study of the Tarot

Introduction

End

Approacliing

—The Occult

—The

Cultus

Esoterism

—The

—^The

of Ereemasonry IE.

The

Sacred

of Materialism

Science

— The

The ILL — The

People, Transmitter of

— The — Our Work

...

2nd

and

...

:

3

The

—The Yod

He— Synthesis

Word

17

Esoterism of IN'umbers

the

IV.

Word

Word

Sacred

Word Yod-He-Vau-He

He— The Vau—The

!N"umbers

— Synthesis

Secret Societies

Gypsies

Kabbalah and the Sacred of the Sacred

:

Operations

:

The Theosophic

— Signification

of

Numbers

26

Analogy between the Sacred Word and I^UMBERS The Kabbalistic Word and the Series of Numbers Explanation of the :

—

Tetractys of Pythagoras

General

Law

...

—Figuration ...

...

of the ...

32

—

— —

•

CONTENTS. PAOK

CFAP.

V.

The Key

Minor Arcana Formation of the Tarot Study of a Colour— The lour Figures The Ten Numbers Affinity between the "Figures and the Numbers Study to the

—

—

of the

:

—

Four Colours

— —A Comprehensive Glance

over the Minor Arcana

VI.

The Key Arcana

VII.

Ternary

1st

Septenary tenaries

Major Arcana

to the

—

— 2nd

— 2nd

Septenary

and the Ternary

:

35"

...

...

...

The Major

—

Ternary

1st

—The Three

Sep-

of Transition

51

...

Connection between the Major and Minor Arcana Domination of the 1st Septenary Affinities of the 2nd Septenary in the Tarot,

—

:

Card by Card

— Ditto

General Affinities

of the 3rd Septenary

—Affinities of Yodj He, VaUj

and of the 2nd i^e

61

General Figure giving the

PART

Key

to the Tarot

68

...

II.

SYMBOLISM IN THE TAROT. APPLICATION OF THE GENERAL KEY TO THE SYMBOLISM.

VIII.

Study of Symbolism The Symbols The Primitive Terms Key of Symbolism Definition of the Sense of one of the Symbols General Law of Symbolism

-Introduction to the

:

—

—

—

—

IX.^HlST0RY OF the SyMBOLTSM OF THE TaROT. Inquiry into

its

Egyptian Book

:

The Tarot

Transformations

is

an

—Man-

Pack —Venetian Tarot — Florentine — Bolognese Tarot — Hindu Tarot

tegna's

Tarot

Origin

— Its

71

—

—

CONTENTS. CHAP.

xi

Tarot — Modern Tarots — —Besan^on — "Watillaux — Oswald and German Tarots — ConstiWirth — Symbolism the Tarot — The tution 16 Primitive Hieroglyphic Signs — The 22

PAGE

Etteila

Cliinese

Marseilles

Italian

of

of tlie

Hebrew X.

Letters

...

...

...

...

81

The Symbolical Tarot. The 1st Septenary. Theogony Scheme of Arcana 1 to 7. Work Key to the 1st Septenary The 1st :

—

—

Card of the Tarot the Origin of

—

all

the others

The Three Principles of the Absolute The Trinity Eigure of the Isfc Card and its

—

Affinities

...

...

...

...

2nd Card— The High Priestess (Eeth) 3rd Card— The Empress (Gimel) 4th Card— The Emperor (Daleth) 5th Card—The Pope (He) 6th Card— The Lovers (Yau)

Summary

XL

— Constitution of God Androgony

2nd Septenary. Septenary 7th

8th 9 th

10th 11th 12th

— Constitution

Septenary.

112

...

115

...

119

123 127 ...

to the

1 32

2nd ...

...

Man

...

:

...

Key

...

...

...

to

133

—Temperance

Card— The

...

156

158 161

(!N"un)

Devil (Samech)

155

the

Card—Death (Mem)

14th Card 15th

of

Cosmogony

3rd Septenary

13th

Key

...

96

...

135 Card— The Chariot (Zain) 138 Card— Justice (Cheth) 142 Card—The Hermit (Teth) Card— The Wheel of Fortune (Yod) 145 148 Card— Strength (Kaph) Card— The Hanged Man (Lamed) ... 151

Summary

X IL— 3rd

:

...

...

...

...

...

164

—

—

.

CONTENTS. 16th Card

—The

Tow er

Lightning-struck

168

(Zain) ..' Card—The Star (Phe) 18th Card— The Moon (Tzaddi) ... Summary Constitution of the Universe

171

17th

174

—

177

178

XIII.—i-General Transition

Card—The Sun (Qoph) 20th Card— The Judgment (Eesh) 21st Card- The Foolish Man (Shin) 22nd Card— The Universe (Tan) ...

179

19th

182 185 188

Summary XIV.

192

General Summary op the Symbolical Tarot Involution and Evolution

Theogony

:

The

...

Absolute

...

:

...

according

193

to

—

Wronsld, Lacuria, and the Tarot Theogony of Divers Eeligions identical with that of the Tarot

— Summary

Figure containing the

...

194

..

...

210

...

...

214

...

Androgony : Figure with Summary Cosmogony : Figure with Summary

Symbolism

of

-

all

the

Major Arcana, enabling the Signification of each Card to be easily defined 220 221 ...

—

PART

III.

APPLICATIONS OF THE TAROT.

XY.

General Key to the Applications op the Tarot The Principle and the Forms The

—

:

21st Card of the Tarot

The

Day

is

a Figure-Principle

Tarot—The Year— The

—The

Human

Life

...

Month—The ...

...225

——

—

—

CONTENTS.

xiii

PAGE

CHAP.

XVI.

The Astronojiic Tarot Egyptian Astronomy The !Four Seasons The Twelve Months :

—

Planets — Abso— Figure contain-

— The

The

Thirty-six Decani

lute

Analogy with the Tarot

ing the Application of the Tarot to Astron-

— Key to the Astrological Works of Chris— Oswald Wirth's Astronomical Tarot

omy tian'

XVII.

The

Tarot

Initiative

this Subject

233

Ch. Barlet's Essay on

:

— Involution and Evolution—The

—

Hours of ApoUonius of Tyana The Phases of Initiation represented by the Tarot ... 253 Barlet's Work upon the Cosmogonic Tarot 253 ...

XVIII.

The Kabbaustic Tarot upon the Book of

:

Deductions by Etteila

TJioth

—Example

of the

Application of the Tarot to the Kabbalah, the

Hierogram of

Adam by

Stanislas de Guaita 291

XIX. — The Authors who have interested themselves IN the Tarot Eaymond Lulle Cardan Postel — The Eosicrucians Court de G^beHn

—

:

— Etteila — Claude

—

de

Saint-Martin

—

J.

A,

— Christian —Eliphas Levi— de Guaita — Josephin Peladan The Platonist — Theosophical Publications —F. Ch. Barlet

Vaillant

St.

0. Wirth— Poirel—Ely Star— H. P. Blavatsky —Ch.de Sivry—Mathers

XX.

The

Divining

Introduction:

Tarot in Sevi;n Lessons. To our Lady Keaders As-

—

tronomy and Astrology telling 1st

by the Tarot Lesson

—

Lesson

— Intuition—Eortune-

in Seven Lessons

...

301

Simplification of the Eules of

Eortune-telling ^ncl

297

by the Tarot

— Minor

Arcana

— Signification

305

—

CONTENTS.

xiv

PAGR

CHAP.

—A good Memory unnecessary for their

—Key 3rd Lesson — Major retention

to the

Divining Tarot

Arcana

—

from a Divining Point of View 4:th

Lesson

this

— Basis

Knowledge

of

the

...

...

— Arrangement

the

of

318

— Reading Process — Elaborate

5th Lesson

6th Lesson

—

published

Etteila's

Method

the

Tarot

Process

— Eapid

...

...

and

original

—2nd Deal— 3rd Deal— 4th

1st

Deal

Deal

...

— Conclusion — Bibliography

...

327 333

Application op the Tarot to Games The Koyal Game of the Human Life according :

to

the Egyptians

—The

Unity

of

Games

in

335

the Tarot

XXII.

322

un-

of reading the Tarot

(from one of his rarest works).

XXI.

316

Application of

Cards

7th Lesson

307

Signification

Conclusion of the "Work

Index

...

...

...

343 349

Table of the Authors and Principal Works QUOTED ... ... ... ... .. 353

INTKODUCTION TO

THE STUDY OF THE TAROT.

—

—

—

THE TAROT. CHAPTER

I.

INTBODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF THE TAROT.

— Synthesis — The Occult Science Cultus The People^ Organ of the Transmission of Esoteriem — The Gypsies —-The Sacred Word of Freemasonry — Our Work.

Approaching End of Materialism

The

Secret Societies

—The

" Therefore you must open the book and carefully weigh the statements made in it. Then you will know that the drug within is of very different value from the promise of the box, that is to say, that the subjects treated in it are Dot Rabelais. so frivolous as the title may imply."

We

are

scientific

on the eve

methods.

can expect from

hope

for great

unwilling to

it,

of a complete transformation of our

Materialism has given

and

lis all

that

we

inquirers, disappointed as a rule,

things from the future, whilst they are

spend

more time

adopted in modern times.

in

pursuing the path

Analysis has been carried, in

every branch of knowledge, as far as possible, and has only deepened the moats which divide the sciences.

Synthesis becomes necessary If

we would condescend

;

but how can we realize

to waive for one

belief in the indefinite progress

and

moment

it ?

our

fatal superiority of

—

;

THE TAROT.

4

later generations over the ancients,

we should

at once per-

ceive that the colossal civilizations of antiquity possessed

Science, Universities, and Schools.

India and Egypt are still strewn with valuable remains, which reveal to archaeologists the existence of this ancient science.

We

are

now

in a position to affirm, that the

dominant

character of this teaching was synthesis, which condenses in a few very simple laws the whole of the acquired

knowledge.

But the use of synthesis had been almost

entirely lost,

through several causes, which it is important to enumerate. Amongst the ancients, knowledge was only transmitted to

men whose worth had been proved by

This transmittal took

name

of mysteries^

priest or Initiate?-

a series of

tests.

place in the temples, under the

and the adept assumed the title This science was therefore secret

of or

and thus originated the name of occttlt science^ given by our contemporaries to the ancient synthesis. Another reason for the limited diffusion of the higher branches of knowledge, was the length and difficulty of the journeys involved before the most important centres occult,

of initiation could be reached.

However, when the approaching when

Initiates found

these

doctrines

that a time was

might

be

lost

to

humanity, they made strenuous efforts to save the law Three great methods were of synthesis from oblivion.

used for this purpose 1.

Secret societies, a direct continuation of the mysteries ;

2,

The

cultus,

a symbolic translation of the higher

doctrines, for the use of the people 1

See JamblichuSj Porphyry, and Apuleius.

INTRODUCTION. 3.

the people

Lastly,

itself

5

became the unconscious

depository of the doctrine.

Let us now see what use each of these groups made of the treasure confided to

it.

THE SECRET SOCIETIES. The

school of Alexandria was the principal source from

which the secret

The majority

societies of the

of the Initiates

West

arose.

had taken refuge in the

East, and quite recently (in 1884) the

the existence in India, and above

all

West discovered in Thibet, of

an

occult fraternity, which possessed, practically, the ancient

synthesis in

its integrity.

The Theosophite

Society was

founded with the object of uniting Western initiation with Oriental initiation.

But we are

less

interested

in the

existence of this

doctrine in the East, than in the history of the develop-

ment of the initiative societies in the West. The Gnostic sects, the Arabs, Alchemists, Templars, Rosicrucians, and lastly the Freemasons, form the

Western

chain in the transmission of occult science.

A

rapid glance over the doctrines of these associations

is sufficient

to prove that the present

form of Freemasonry

has almost entirely lost the meanings of the traditional symbols, which constitute the

trust

which

it

ought to

have transmitted through the ages.

The elaborate ceremonials to the vulgar

actual

common

of the ritual appear ridiculous

sense of a lawyer or grocer, the

modern representatives

of antiquity.

of the profound doctrines

THE TAROT.

We

make some exceptions in Ragon and a few others.

must, however,

great thinkers, like

favour of

In short, Freemasonry has lost the doctrine confided to it, and cannot by itself provide us with the synthetic

law

which we are seeking.

for

THE CULTUS. The

secret societies

were to transmit in their symbolism

the scientific side of primitive initiation, the religious sects w^ere to develop the philosophical

and metaphysical aspects

of the doctrine.

Ev^ry that

is

an ancient creed was one of the Initiates, he knew perfectly well that only one and that the cultus merely served to

priest of to

say,

religion existed,

translate this relig^ion to the different nations accordincr

This fact led to one

to their particular- temperaments.

no matter "which he served, was received with honour in the temples of all the other gods, and was allowed to offer sacrifice to them. Yet this circumstance must not be

important

result,

namely, that a

priest,

of the gods

supposed to imply any idea of polytheism.

High

The Jewish

Priest in Jerusalem received one of the Initiates,

Alexander the Great, into the Temple, and led him into the Holy of Holies, to offer sacrifice. ^

Our

religious disputes for the

over another would have caused

that intelligent

men

fundamental

to one

they were unable to suppose could ignore the unity of all creeds

of the ancient Initiate priests

in one

supremacy of one creed

much amusement

religion.

;

•

Sectarianism, chiefly sustained by two creeds, equally

INTRODUCTION.

7

blinded by their errors, the Christian and the Mussulman,

was the cause of the total loss of the secret doctrine, which gave the key to Synthetic Unity. Still greater

in our

Western

The Jews

labour

is

religions,

required to re-discover Synthesis

than to find

it

in Freemasonry.

alone possessed, no longer the

spirit,

written in Hebrew,

is

sense has never yet been revealed. this prodigious work,

of the Inquisition at

the

list

Rome have

cultus has

its

unity of

all creeds, in spite

its

true

Fabre d'Olivet com-

placed these studies on

Posterity will judge them. tradition, its book, its Bible,

know how

which teach those who

although

but the ignorant descendants

of those prohibited.^

Yet every

Bible,

marvellous from this point of view,

for it contains all the occult traditions,

menced

but the

The

letter of their oral or Kabbalistic traditions.

to

read

them the

of the difference existing

in*,

the ritual of various countries.

The Bepher

BerescJiit of

Moses

is

the Jewish Bible, the

and the Esoteric Gospels form the Christian Bible, the Legend of Hiram is the Bible of Freemasonry, the Odyssey the Bible of the so-called polytheism of Apocali/pse

Greece, the A^jneid that of

Kome, and

lastly

Vedas and the Mussulman Koran are well

the

Hindu

known

to all

students of ancient theology.

To any one possessing the key, all these Bibles reveal the same doctrine but this key, which can open Esoterism, ;

by the sectarians of our Western creeds. It is therefore useless to seek for it any longer amongst them. is

lost

^

See Fabre d'Olivet,

La Langue

Hdhrdiqxie

Restitit,ee.

^

THE TAROT.

THE PEOPLE, The Sages were

under no

illusions

the

respecting

which they confided to

possible future of the tradition,

the intelligence and virtue of future generations.

Moses had chosen a pecple to hand down through succeedins: acres the book which contained all the science of Egypt; but before Moses, the Hindu Initiates had selected a nation to

hand down

to the generations of the

future the primitive doctrines of

the great civilizations

of the Atlantides.

The people have never disappointed the expectations Understanding none of the of those who trusted it. truths which

it

possessed,

it

carefully abstained

from

them in any way, and treated the least attack made upon them as sacrilege. Thus the Jews have transmitted intact to us the letters which form the Sepher of Moses. But Moses had not altering

solved the problem so authoritatively as the Thibetans. It it

was a great thing

to give the people a

book which

could adore respectfully, and always guard intact; but

to give

it

a book which would enable

it

to live,

was yet

better.

The people

intrusted with the transmission of occult

doctrines from the earliest ages

Gypsy

was the Bohemian

or

race.

THE GYPSIES. The Gypsies possess a Bible, which has proved their means of gaining a livelihood, for it enables thera to tell

— — ——

;

INTRODUCTION. fortunes

;

at the

same time

it

9

has been a perpetual source

amusement, for it enables them to gamble. Yes the game of cards called the Tarot, which the Gypsies possess, is the Bible of Bibles. It is the book of Thoth Hermes Trismegistus, the book of Adam, the book of

;

of the primitive Revelation of ancient civilizations.

Thus whilst the Freemason, an man, has

intelligent

and virtuous

lost the tradition; whilst the priest, also intelligent

and virtuous, has lost his esoterism the Gypsy, although both ignorant and vicious, has given us the key which ;

all the symbolism of the ages. must admire the wisdom of the Initiates, who utilized vice and made it produce more beneficial results

enables us to explain

We

than virtue.

The Gypsy pack to

the

of cards

is

a wonderful book according

Court de Gebelin^ and Vaillant.^

name

of the

This pack, under

of Tarot,^ Thora,^ Rota,^ has formed the basis

synthetic

teachings of

all

the ancient nations

successively.''

In it, whei'e a man of the people only sees a means of amusement, the thinker will find the key to an obscure tradition. Raymond Lulle has based his Ars Magna upon the Tarot; Jerome Cardan has written a treatise upon subtility from the keys of the Tarot ;'^ Guillaume

Postel has found in whilst

it

Louis-Claude

the key to the ancient mysteries

de

^

Court de Gebslin.

2

Saint- Martin,

Le Monde

the

unknown

Fi-lmitif.

^

Les Homes, Mistoire des Boh^mieim. Eliphas Levi.— Ritnel de la Hcntte Magie. Vaillant.— 0^. cit Guillaume Po-stel. Clavis.

"

Vaillant.

^

Eliphas Levi.

2 4

Vaillant.

Loc.

cit.

Oj}. cit.

!

!

THE TAROT.

10

philosopher, finds written in

it

unite God, the Universe, and

the mysterious Knks which

Man

Through the Tarot we are now able o develop

synthetic

the

law,

and

to discover in

concealed

these

all

symbolisms.

approaching when the missing word will Masters, Rosicrucian and Kadosh, you who

The hour

is

be refound. form the sacred triangle of Masonic

remember

initiation,

do you

1

30th

— Knight

Master

Kadosh

—

Rosicrucian

_v

/_

ISth

3rd

Remember, Master, that

man, killed through remember Hiram, whose resurrection, promised by the Branch of Acacia, thou art looking for in faith

the most cowardly of

illustrious

conspiracies;

Remember, Rosicrucian, the thou hast sought escapes thee

for so loner, of

mysterioits word which which the meanincr still

!

Remember, Kadosh, the magnificent

symbol

"sVhich

radiated from the centre of the luminous triangle,

the real meaning of the letter

G

was revealed

HIRAM— INRI—YOD-HE-VAU-HE same mystery under

!

when

to thee

indicate

!

the

different aspects.

He who understands one of these words possesses the key which opens the tomh of Hiram, the symbol of the

INTRODUCTION.

11

synthetic science of the Ancients he can open the tomb and fearlessly grasp the heart of the revered Master, the symbol of esoteric teaching. ;

The whole Tarot

is

based upon

'this

word,

KOTA,

arranged as a wheel.

T yod (I)

A

he (N)

(I)

he

(E)

vau (E)

INRI

!

is

the word which indicates the Unity of your

Freemasons and Catholics Igne Natura Benovatur Integra.

origin,

!

lesus Nazareics scientific

same

and

Bex ludeorum are the opposite and metaphysical,

religious, physical

poles,

of the

doctrine.

YOD-HE-YAU-HE

(mn'^)

is the word which indicates you both, Freemasons and Kabbalists, the Unity of your origin. TAROT, THORA, ROTA are the words which

to

point out to you

all,

Easterns and Westerns, the Unity of

your requirements and of your aspirations in the eternal

THE TAROT.

12

Adam-Eve,

tlie

source of

our knowledge and of

all

all

our

creeds.

All honour, therefore, to the

we

Gypsy Nomad,

to

whom

are indebted for the preservation of this marvelJous

instrument, the synthetic

summary

of the whole teaching

of antiquity.

OUR WORK. We

will

commence

«

by a preliminary study of the

elements of the Kabbalah and of numbers. Supplied with these data, we will explain the construction of the Tarot in all its details, studying separately each of the pieces

which compose our machine, then studying

the action of these pieces point

we

shall

upon each

other.

Upon

We

be as explicit as possible.

this

will then

touch upon some applications of the machine, but upon a few only, leaving to the genuine inquirer the work of

We

must confine our personal work upon a synthetic formula we can only supply the implement of labour, in order that those who wish for knowledge may use it as they like and we

discovering others.

to giving a key, based

;

;

feel assured

efforts

that they will understand the utility of our

and of their own.

Lastly,

we

will

do our best to explain the elements of

divination by the Tarot as practised by the Gypsies.

But those who think that

occult science should not be

revealed must not be too angry with

taught us that everything

may be

us.

Experience has

fearlessly said, those

only Avho should understand can understand

;

the others will

accuse our work of being obscure and incomprehensible.

—

:

INTKODUCTION.

We

13

have warned them by placing at the head of our

work For It

•

is

the exclusive use of Initiates.

one characteristic of the study of true occult

science, that

it

may

men.

Like

appears to

many

be freely explained to

the parables, so dear to the ancients,

it

all

only the expression of the flight of a bold imagination

we

need, therefore, never be afraid of speaking too openly,

Word

the

by

will only reach those

who should be touched

it.

To you social,

you

and

all,

philosophers of Unity, enemies of scientific,

religious sectarianism, I

now

address myself, to

I dedicate this result of several years' study.

May

I

thus aid in the erection of the temple which you are about to raise to the all

honour of the

Unknown God,

the others emanate throughout Eternity

!

from

whom

PART

I.

GENERAL KEY TO THE TAROT GIVING THE ABSOLUTE KEY TO OCCULT SCIENCE.

—

CHAPTER

II.

THE SACRED WORD YOD-HE-VAU-HE. The Kabbalah and the Sacred Word— The Yod— The He— The Van The second He Synthesis of the Sacred Word.

—

According

—

to the ancient oral tradition of the

Hebrews, which gives to the mortal who can discover the correct way of pronouncing it, the key to all the sciences, divine and human. This word, which the Israelites never uttered, and which the High or

Kahhcdah} a sacred word

exists,

Priest pronounced once a year, amidst the shouts of the laity,

is

found at the head of every initiative

ritual, it

radiates from the centre of the flaming triangle at the "It appears, according to the most famous rabbis, that Moses which awaited, his book, and the false interpretations which would be given to it in the course of time, ^

himself, foreseeing the fate

resorted to an oral law, which he delivered verbally to reliable men,

whose

fidelity

he had tested, and

whom

others in the secret of the sanctuary,

he charged to transmit

who

it

to

in their turn, transmitting

from age to age, secured its preservation even for the most distant This oral law, which modern Jews still flatter themselves that they possess, is called the Kabbalah, from a Hebrew word which signifies that which is received, that which comes from elsewhere, it

posterity.

which passes from hand H^hraique Bestitu^e, p. 29.

that

to hand."

Fabee d'Olivkt, La

La'ngite

G

THE TAROT.

18

33rd degree of the Freemasonry of Scotland,

above the gateways of our old cathedrals,

Hebrew It is

letters,

is

displayed

it is

formed of four

and reads thus, Yod-he-vau-Ju,

niH"*.

used in the Sepher BerescJdt, or Genesis of Moses, and its grammatical construction

to designate the divinity, recalls

even by

its

formation

^

the attributes which

men

Now we

shall

have always delighted to ascribe to God.

powers attributed to this word are real up to a certain point, for with its aid the symbolical gate of the arch, which contains the explanation of the whole doctrine see that the

of ancient science, to enter into

The word vcno

A

(1),

is

alphabet.

we

is

We are

is

easily opened. It is therefore necessary

detail respecting

formed of four This

he (H).

number

letters

some

it.

letters,

last letter he is

Yod

(^),

attributed to each letter of the

must look

now

at those

considerincr. ^

he (n),

repeated twice.

which relate

Hebrew to the

THE SACRED WORD YOD-HE-VAU-HE. The

numerical value of the word

total

+

10

+

5

Let us now study each

+

6

=

5

mn^

is

19

therefore

26.

letter separately.

THE YOD. The Yod, shaped

like a

comma

or a dot, represents the

principle or origin of all things.

The other

letters of the

Hebrew alphabet

are all pro-

duced by different combinations of the letter Yod} The synthetic study of nature had led the ancients to conclude that one laiv

07^Zy existed,

and ruled

all

natural productions.

This law, the basis of analogy, placed the Unity-principle at

the origin of

things,

all

Q^efledions at various

the Yod^ which alone forms

words and

fore all the

and regarded them as the

degrees of this Unity-principle.

all

all

Thus

the other letters, and there-

the phrases of the alphabet, was

image and representation of this Unitywhich the profane had no knowledge. Thus the law which presided over the creation of the Hebrew language is the same law that presided over the creation of the Universe, and to know the one is to know

justly used as the principle, of

The Sepher Yetzirah,^ one of the most ancient books of the Kabbalah, proves this fact. Before proceeding any further, let us illustrate the definition which we have just given of the Yod by an the other, unreservedly.

example. aleph other

The

(M), is ;

first

letter of the

composed

the other letters are ^

^ 3

Hebrew

alphabet, the

of four yods placed opposite to each all

formed on the same

See the Kabhala Denudata. Translated into English by Dr. See the Kabhala Denudata.

Wynn

Wcstcott.

basis.^

THE TAROT.

20

The numerical value of the yod leads The Unity-principle, according

ations.

the Kabbalists,

also the

is

to other considerto the doctrine of

Unity-end of beings and of

things, so that eternity, from this point of view, is only an

The

eternal present.

a

the Unity-principle circle,

ancients used a dot in the centre of

the symbol of this idea, the representation of

circle as

the centre of eternity {the

{the dot) in

a line without beginning or end).^

According to these demonstrations, the Unity is regarded which all created beings are only the con-

as the whole, of

dituent jjarts ; just as the Unity-man is formed of an agglomeration of molecules, which compose his being. The Kabbalah, therefore, places at the origin of all things

the absolute assertion of the being by itself of the Eo-oUnity, which is represented by the yod symbolically, and

by the number principle

1,

10.

This number 10, representing the All-

with the Zero-nothing

0,

well

supplies the

requisite conditions.^ ^

See Kircher, OScHpits ASgyptiacus ,,

Lenain,

,.

J,

La

;

Science Kahhalistique

;

Dee, Moiias Hieroglyphica.

See Saint-Mnrtin, Des rapports qui existent cntra Dieu Vliomme ct

„

rUiiivers.

Lacuria, Harmonies de lEtre exprim^es par

lea

nomhres

;

THE SACRED WOKD YOD-HE-VAU-HE.

THE

21

HE.^

But the Ego cannot be

except through

realized

its

The assertion of the Ego is established, when we must instantly realize a of the Ego, Absolute, upon itself, from which the

opposition to the Non-Ego. scarcely

reaction

conception of

existence will be drawn, by a kind of

its

This

division of the Unity.

opposition, of the Binary, the

the Unity

by

itself,

the exact

is

is

the origin of diudity^ of

image of femininity, even as

the image of the masculine.

in opposition to

number

itself,

Ten, divided

then equals

"o"

=

-^^

five,

of the letter He, the second letter of the

great sacred name.

The He

therefore represents the passive in relation to

the Yod, which symbolizes the active; the

woman

relation to the Ego, the

Non-Ego the

relatively to

the substance relatively to the essence

life

;

in

man;

in its relation

to the soul, &c., &c.

THE VAU.2 But the opposition

of the

^

Ego and the Non-Ego imme-

diately gives rise to another factor

existing between this

Now

Ego and

;

this

is

the Affinity

Non-Ego.

Hebrew alphabet, = 15 = 6 (or 1 + 5),

the Vau, the sixth letter of the

produced by 10 (yod)

+

signifies link or analogy. ^

this

See Eliphas

IjQ'vi^

Dogme

et

5 (he)

It is the link which, uniting

RitvA de

la

Haute Magie; laClef des

—

Grands Mysteres Lacuria, op. cit. ^ See Fabre d' Olivet, La Langue Hehra'iqiie

Bestituee.

—

)

THE TAROT.

22

antagonisms in the whole of nature, constitutes the third

word of

this

mysterious Trinity.

Ego— Non-Ego. Ego with the Non-Ego.

Affinity of the

THE 2nd he. Nothing can

exist

beyond

Trinity, considered

this

as

a law.

The which

Trinity all

is

the synthetic and absolute formula to

the sciences converge

with regard to

its

us integrally, by

;

and

scientific value,

all

this formula, forgotten

has been transmitted to

the religions of the world, the uncon-

scious depositaries of the

Science Wisdom of primitive

civilizations.^

Thus the great sacred name is formed of three letters The fourth term of the name is formed by the

only.

repetition of the second letter, the He.

This repetition indicates the passage of the Trinitarian

law into a new application; that

is,

to speak correctly,

a transition irom the metaphysical to the physical world, generally,

or

of

any world whatever to the world that

immediately follows

The knowledge ^

it.^

of the property of the second

See Louis Lucas, Le

Roman

^^Prceter hcBC tria nibmera

He

is

the

alchiTnique.

non

est alia

mag nitudo, quod

tria sunt

omnia, et ter tindecnnque^ id pythagorici dicitnt ; om,ne et omnia tribiis determinata sunt." Aristotle. (Quoted by Ostrowski, page 24 of

—

his Mathese.

" The passage of 3 in 4 corre2 Ostrowski has seen this clearly, sponds to that of the Trimurti in Mai'a, and as the latter opens the second ternary of the pregenesetic decade, so the figure 4 opens that Mathese, p. 25. of the second ternary of our genesetic decimal."

'

THE SACRED WORD YOD-HE-VAU-HE.

23

key to the whole divine name, in every application of which it is susceptible. We shall presently see the proof of this statement.

SUMMARY UPON THE WORD YOD-HE-VAU-HE.

Now

we have

that

separately studied each of the letters

that compose the sacred name, synthesis to them, and

sum up

The word Yod-he-vau-he fying

we

will

apply the law of

the results obtained.

formed of four

is

letters, signi-

:

The Yod

IVie

He

The Vau

The active principle pre-eminent. The Ego = 10.

The The

passive principle pre-eminent. JSTon-Ego

The Median

=

5.

letter,

the Ufik, which unites the

active to the passive.

The Affinity between the Ego and the XonEgo = 6. These three

letters express the Trinitarian

law of the

Absolute.

The 2nd Re

This second prising

It

it

:

represents the

complete Being, com-

phenomenal

letters

which

Ego, Non-Ego, Affinity.

indicates

from one

He

one Absolute Unity the three

in

compose

The second He marks the passage from one world to another. The Transition.

the passage from the

or I'eciprocal

;

scale to another.

it

serves as

noumenal tc the means of ascension

—

—

—

THE TAROT.

24

REPRESENTATION OF THE SACRED WORD.

The word Yod-he-vau-he can be represented ways, whicli are

The

circle

in various

all useful.

can be drawn in this way yod

1st

2nd he

he

van T

But

since the second Hc^ the sign of transition,

the active entity in the following scale,

becomes

since this ITe

i. e.

only represents a yod in germ,^ the sacred word can be represented,

with

the second

he

under

the

first

yod,

thus yod 2nd he Lastly, a third

method

Id he

ran

of representing the

word

consists

in enveloping the Trinity, Yod~he-vcm, with the tonalisating letter, or

second He, thus

2nd he

2nd he

a

2nd he

2nd he The second He, upon which we are intentionally dwellino- at some length, may be compared to a grain of ivJieat relativelj^ to the ^

THE SACRED WORD YOD-HE-VAU-HE.

Now we later on,

will leave these data, to

The

which we must return

and speak of the occult or Pythagorean conception

of numbers.

ear.

25

ear,

''

the Trinity, manifest

or yod-he-'oau^ exerts all its

He. But between the ear which

activity in the production of the grain of wheat, or second this grain of Avheat is only the transition

gave

it

birth,

and the ear to which

following generation.

and another which ^ Yod in germ.

it

it

will itself give birth in the

It is the transition

contains in

germ

;

between one generation why the second He is

this is

CHAPTER

III.

THE ESOTERISM OF NUMBERS. The Theosophic Numbers and Operations

— Signification

of

the

Numbers.

The Numbers. The

ancients had

almost

lost in

a

numbers which

conception of

modern

is

times.

The idea of the Unity in all its manifestations led to numbers being considered as the expression of absolute laws.

This led to the veneration expressed for the 3 or for

the 4 throughout antiquity, which

is

so incomprehensible

to our mathematicians. It is

however evident that

if

the ancients

had not

known how to work any other problems than those we now use, nothing could have led them to the ideas we find current in the Hindu, Egyptian, and Greek Universities.^

What then know ?

are

these operations, that our savants do

not ^

SeeFabre

d'Olivet,

La Langue Hebraiqite

d'Alveydrej Mission des Juifs.

Bestitu^e et Saint-Yves

THE ESOTERI^M OF NUMBERS. They

are

of

two

kinds

27

theosophic reduction

:

and

theosophic addition.

These operations are theosophic because they cause essential laivs of

th6

nature to penetrate throughout the world

;

they cannot be included in the science of phenomena, for they tower above

it,

soaring

into

the

heights of pure

intellectuality.

They

and oral men, under the name

therefore formed the basis of the secret

instruction confided to a few chosen

of Esoteonsm.

1.

Theosophic Reduction.

Theosophic reduction consists in reducing

all

the numbers

formed of two or several figures to the number of a single figure, and this is done by adding together the figures

which compose the number, until only one remains. EXAMPLE

:

= 1+0 = 1 =1+1=2 12 = 1 + 2 = 3 126 = 1+2 + 6 = 9 2488 = 2 + 4 + 8 + 8 = 22 = 2 + 2 = 4 10

11

This operation corresponds to that which the proof ly

is

now

called

9.

2.

Theosophic Addition.

Theosophic addition consists in ascertaining the theosophic value of a number, by adding together arithmetically all

the figures from the unity to

Thus the

figure

4,

in

itself inclusively.

theosophic addition, equals

all

—

— THE TAROT.

28

the figures from 1 to 4 inclusively added together, that is

to say, 1

The

+ 2+3+4=

10.

figure 7 equals 1

+ 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 = 28-2 + 8 =

10.

Theosopbic reduction and addition are the two operations

which

it

indispensable

is

know,

to

if

we would

understand the secrets of antiquity.^

Let us now apply these rules to

we may

the numbers, that

all

discover the law which directs their progression.

Theosopbic reduction shows

us,

fir^t

of

that

all,

numbers, whatever they

may

selves to the nine

since they are all brought

to

first,

be, are reducible in

numbers of a single, figure. But this consideration is not

now

addition will

Through for:

new

furnish us with

find that 1, 4, 7,

down

theosojphic

light.

10 are equal to

1.

1-1 4=1 + 2 + 3 + 4=10=1 7 = 1+2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 = 28 = 10=1 10 = 1

So that figure

we

it

and

sufficient,

all

them-

1,

all

the three numbers ultimately return to the

thus 3

1.

2.

4

=10 =1

4.

7=

5.

28

6

= 10 =

1

^ See for move details TraiU Ele'mentaire de Science Occulte^ by Papus, chap. ii.

—

—

THE ESOTERISM OF NUMBERS. Or one could

1^9

"write 1.

2.

3

5.

6

(1) 4'.

(1), etc.

The results of this consideration are (1) That all the numbers in their evolution, reproduce the 4 first; :

(2)

That the

last of these 4 first,

the figure

4,

represents

the unity at a different octave.

The sequence way

of the

numbers may therefore be written

in this

1.

THE TAKOT.

30

,

Let us now repeat that the knowledge of the laws of numbers and the study of them, made as we have here

key to all occult science. must now sum up all the preceding statements in the following conclusion that all numbers maybe reduced, in a final analysis, to the series of the 4 first, thus arranged— indicated, will give the

We

:

3

2.

1.

4

THE SIGNIFICATION OF NUMBEES. But our knowledge

of the numerical science of the

ancients does not end here. to each

Since the 4

It also attributed a meanino;

number.

we

have" reduced the series of all the

first,

it

will suffice for us to

attributed to these 4

know

numbers

to

the meaning

first.

The

Unity represents numbers, since the others

the all

creative

principle of

emanate from

it; it

is

all

the

active principle pre-eminent.

But the Unity alone cannot produce anything except by opposing

itself to itself

thus

-p From

this proceeds

duality, the principle of opposition represented

by two, the

passive principle pre-eminent.

From third

the union of the Unity and Duality proceeds the which unites the two opposites in one

principle,

common neutrality,

1 -H

2

= 3.

Three

is

the neuter principle

pre-eminent.

But these three

principles all reduce themselves into

—

THE ESOTERISM OF NUMBERS. the fourth, which merely represents a

new

acceptation of

the Unity as an active principle.^

The law

of these principles

Unity or return to unity.

is

31

therefore as follows

—

CHAPTER

—

IV.

ANALOGY BETWEEN THE SACRED WOED AND NUMBERS. The

Numbers — Explanation of —Figuration of the General Law.

Kabbalistic WoTid and the Series of

the Tetractys of Pythagoras

Numbers and the Kabbalistic Word. This sequence of numbers

1, 2, 3,

active, the passive, the neuter,

corresponds in

all

and

4,

representing the

and a second active principle,

points with the series of the letters of

the sacred name, so that the latter

Yod 2nd He

may be

thus written

— He — Yau =

Yod,

etc.,

which demonstrates analogically that 1

represents

2 3

4

We

— __ _

Yod He Vau The 2nd He

can prove the truth of these analogies by the

identity of the action of the nuiii^ler

unity (4 the

Yod

= 10 = 1), and

4,

of the second He,

of the following sequence.

which becomes a which represents

—

—

THE SACRED WOED AND NUMBERS.

33

In comparing the two identical series we obtain the following figures Sequence of numbers

Kahhalistic sequence

Yod

1

2nd he

he

vau Identity of the two sequences I

Yod

2

hen

2nd he

4:

1

vau 3

We

can

now understand why

Pythagoras, initiated in

Egypt into the mysteries of the sacred word Yod-he-vauhe, replaced this word in his esoteric teachings by the sequence of the 4 first numbers or tetractys. This sequence of the numbers is, in all points, identical with the sequence of the letters of the sacred name, and the tetractys of Pythagoras, 1, 2, 3, 4, equals and absolutely' represents the word Yod-he-vatt-he. The sequence of the numbers, or the sequence of the letters, therefore, resolves itself definitely into

data

the folloiWing .;

— THE TAROT.

3^

1

Term

positive

1

Term

negative or generant.

1

Term neuter

and generator. The YodoT the 1.

The Be

or the 2.

or generated

proceeding

from the two

preceding.

The Vau 1

Term

or the

3.

of transition individualizing itself in the following

sequence.

The

27id lie or the 4.

Provided with these preliminary data, which are absolutely indispensable, let us

Tarot,

and see

if

we cannot

now take

our pack of cards, or

find the universal law in

yod

2?id he

Jw

vau

symbolized through antiquity by the Cross.

it

——

—

CHAPTER THE

V.

THE MINOR ARCANA.

KEY" TO

— Study of a Colour—The Four Figures —The — Affinity between the Figures and the Numbers Study of the Four Colours — G-eneral Study of the Minor Arcana.

Formation of the Tarot

Ten Numbers

The Key The

Tarot

is

to the

composed of 78

Minor Arcana.

cards, divided as follows

56 cards called the mi7iov arcana. 22 cards called the major arcana.

The 56 minor arcana

are formed of 4 series of 14 cards

each.

The 22 major arcana are formed of 21 numbered and of one un-nambered. In order

to study the

Tarot with success, we must then

arrange the following packets 4 packets of 14 cards each.

14

+ 14 +

1

packet of 21 cards

1

packet of

1

cards,

card

Total

14

+

14

= = =

56 21 1

78

THE TAROT.

36

We

shall presently return to the origin of this marvellous

conception of the

human

mind, hut for the present

we

must confine ourselves to the dissection of the machine, and to displaying its mysterious arrangement. Starting from a fixed and immovable principle, the constitution of the sacred tetragrammaton, Yod-lie-vcm-he,

the Tarot develops the most divers combinations, without

one departure from

its basis.

We

shall

now

wonderful construction, which confirms in

its

unveil this application

the universal law of analogies.

The explanations which follow may appear dry to some must remember that we are now giving them an almost infallible key to the ancient or occult science; and they will understand that they must open persons; but they

the door of the sacred arch for themselves.

STUDY OF A COLOUK. Let us now take one of the packets of fourteen cards and analyze

its

construction.

This packet, taken as a whole, corresponds to one of the colottrs

of our pack of cards.

represent clubs

;

sioords,

the

the

loands

or

etcps or goblets,

The 4 packets

respectively

corresponding

sceptres,

corresponding to our spades

;

our

to

corresponding to our hearts

;

the

and money or Fentaeles,

corresponding to our diamonds.

We

shall

now study one

of these packets, for instance

that of Seeptres.

The packet

consists

of 4

figures

:

the

king, queen,

knight, and knave, and of ten cards which simply bear

numbers.

The and

ace, two, three,

ten.

four, five,

six,

seven, eight, nine,

——

—

THE KEY TO THE MINOR ARCANA.

37

THE FOUR FIGURES.

We

must first consider the four figures The king represents the active, the man, or male. The queen represents the passive, the woman, or female. The knight represents the neuter, the adolescent. Lastly,

the knave represents the

sequence, which

may

4th term

of

this

be figured in this way

Kins

Knave

Queen

Knight This sequence

only an application of the general law

is

Yod-he-vcm-he, which

we

already know, and the analogy

is

easily established

King or

Yod Knave

Queen

or

or 1st

Be

2nd He Knight or

Van

The knave it

is

therefore corresponds with the second He,

only a term of transition

what? Between the four

figures

;

i.e.

but transition between

and the ten numbers foUowincj.

—

—

THE TAROT.

38

THE TEN NUMBERS. Let us now study these numbers. We are acquainted with the Laio of numbers, or law of the sequences, which

we have ah'eady

stated in these terms

— —

2.

3

4

5.

6

7

—

etc.

1

cards cannot escape from this law^ and

The ten

at once arrange

The

—

them

we can

in series.

first series will

be formed of the ace, or

1,

repre-

senting the active, of the 2 personating the passive, of the

3 for the neuter, and lastly of the transition from one series

4 therefore correspond and are thus formulated

1, 2, S,

he,

which represents the

4*,

to another.

also

with the Yod-he-vau-

Ace or

Yod Two

or 1st

He

2nd He Four

Vau or

Three

The other

He

series follow

of the preceding series

the same rule exactly, the second becoming the Yod of the follow-

thus 4, the fourth term of the first series, becomes the first term of the second series 7, the fourth term of the second, becomes the first term of the third, as ing series

:

;

follows

—

—

THE KEY TO THE MINOR ARCANA.

39

THE SERIES OF NUMBERS. 4

1

We

same

see that the

law, Yod-he-vait-he, can be applied

Since this law

to these series.

we can make

four figures,

is

also applicable to the

a comparison based on the

following proposition

Two terms same third

(the

(the

numbers and the

figures) equal to a law Yod-he-vau-he) are equal between

themselves.

THE SEQUENCE IN ONE

COLOtTK.

King

Knave

Queen

Knic^ht 4

— If

10

4

we now group

all

ing to the letter of are analogous,

we

the numbers of the sequence accordthe tetragrammaton, to which they

shall find

— THE TAEOT.

40

— 4—7 — 5—8 —9 3 —

Eepresenting Tod

1

Eepresenting the \st

He

2

Eepresenting the Vau Eepresenting the 2nd

6

He

(1.

4

10 7)

Yod 1st

(2. 5. 8)

He

2nd He

(10)

Yau (3. 6.

The knave

9)

figure 10 therefore acts for the

mcmhers, as the

acts for the figures, that is to say, it serves as a

Between a\ hat ? Between one colour and another.

transition.

AFFINITY BETV^EEN THE FIGURES AND THE NUMBERS.

We have already studied both, the figures and the numbers separately, let us now see what connection exists between the figures and the numbers. If

we group

Law which

the similar terms according to the identical

rules them,

The King

is

the

we

shall find

Tod

them

as follows

—

:

:

:

MmOR

THE KEY TO THE The

41

7 represents this evolution in the

series 4, 5, 6,

human

ARCANA,

world. series 7, 8, 9, 10 represents this evolution in the

The

material world.

Each colour is a complete whole, formed manner of beings.

Of a

material body

vital force

—

7.8.9)

:

(Queen

Of an

the

:

(Knight

Of a

after

—

4.5.6)

intellect

(King

~

Of reproductive organs (Knave

1.2.3)

—

10)

Each of these parts can subdivide numbers indicate.^

itself into

three others,

as the

Let

us,

however, return to

summing up the

results obtained,

Representations of the Yod

our

we

deduction,

and by

shall find

:

The King The 1 or Ace The 4 The 7 Representations of the

He

The Queen The 2 The 5 The 8 ^

We

show

wislied to

Initiates

make

what

explained by studying

this application of tlie

results it.

Tarot in order to

might be expected from the laws

:

:

THE TAROT.

42

"Representations of the

Vau

The Knight The 3 The 6 The 9 Representations of the 2nd

He

The Knave The 10

\^ING

8

5

2

?

.7

KNd

^r/VicH'f

FIGURATION OF ONE COLOUR.

THE KEY TO THE MINOR ARCANA.

^eaci— Spirituality

I

/ rT\ \

a^

\

43

Divine World

EE/v

Human World

Chest— Yitality

V\

i

^- A/

^

Material

5od'y— Materiality

World

Transition from

Transition from

one world another

one being to another

"^

N /\^^

to

THE TAROT.

44

STUDY OF THE FOUR COLOURS, Supplied with these data,

let

us continue our study

and apply the same principle to the other cards. The laws which we have defined for the constitution of one colour, apply in the

same way

to the other three

colours.

But when we consider the four new deductions will be called forth.

colours of the Tarot,

We

must remember

that these four colours are: the Sceptre, the Cup, the.

Sword, and the

Money

or Pentacles.

The Sceptre represents the Male or the Active. The Cup is the image of the Passive or Feminine. The Sword repre>?ents the union of the two by its crucial

form.

Lastly, the Pentacles represent the second He.

The authors who

have philosophically studied the unanimous in asserting the analogy that exists between the tetragrammaton and the four colours. Guillaume Postel,^ and above all Eliphas Levi,^ have developed these studies with great results, and they shovv us the four letters of the tetragrammaton applied in the Tarot are

all

symbolism of every cultus.

We must pause one moment to notice the analogy between these letters and the symbols of the Christian religion.

The Yod or Sceptre

of the Tarot

is

represented by the episcopal

crosier.

The

1st

He

The Van. The

%icl

Cup is represented by the Chalice. Sword by the Cros^, bearing the same form. He or Pentacles by the Host, the transition from or

or

natural to the Sapernatiiral world. 1

Clavis ahscunditarum reruin.

2

Eliphas Levi,

Dogme

et Rittiel

de la Haute Mayie.

the

—

—

;

THE KEY TO THE MINOR ARCANA. The

series

45

which we have studied in oue colour

is

defined equally strictly in the four colours regarded as a whole^ thus Sceptre or

Yod

Cup

2nd

or lie

He

or

Money

I

I

Van or

Sword

A COMPREHENSIVE GLANCE OVER THE MINOR ARCANA. If we look back a little, we can easily judge the road we have traversed. The four colours considered in gloho have shown us the

application of the law Yod-he-vau~he.

But the same law

is

reproduced in each of the colours

taken separately.

The The

four figures represent Yod-he-vau-he

four series of

numbers

Let us then arrange affinities,

and we

all

also.

the cards according to their

shall obtain the following results

The 4 KiTl,rrS The 4 Aces The 4 Fours The 4 Sevens The 4 Queens The 4 Twos The 4 Fives The 4 Ei^rhts

^

'^

= Yod

\

[=He )

46

—

THE KEY TO THE MINOR ARCANA.

GENERAL FIGURE OF THE MiNOE ARCANA.

The

vital

body of the minor arcana: Ihe The The The

4 Queens 4 Fours 4 Fives 4 Sixes

Disposition of SeHes.

SCEPTRES

Divine World

Mead, Spirituality

Chest, Vitality

Body, Materiality

ueeri

[Knight

n+ H

7. 8. 9.

Knight

Human World

Material

World

7. 8. 9

1

Knight 7.

8.

9.

Transition from

one being to

Transition from /-^^

Knave 10]

the other. Generation

PENTACLES

one world to the other

: :

THE KEY TO THE MINOR ARCANA. The

intellectual

49

body The The The The

4 Kings

4 Aces 4 Twos 4 Tiirees

Reproductive organs

The 4 Knaves The 4 Tens

We

can only point out the very instructive

shown

in these figures

;

affinities

they can be carried to a great

length.

We

give these indications in order to demonstrate the

management of analogy, the method of the occult science, to which we have so frequently alluded in our preceding works.

We

need, only compare this last diagram, which repre-

sents the four colours, with the only, to see at

It is the

which depicted one

once that the law upon which these two

diagrams are constructed applications of

first,

it

is

the same,

only

the

that

are varied.

same law by which the

human being group themselves

cells

that form the

to constitute organs^ the

organs group themselves to form memhers, and the grouping of the latter produces the individiml}

We

have drawn the following conclusion from

all

that

—

we have already stated The Pentades, responding

to the second He, indicates

a transition.

Between what ? Between the -minor ami major arcana. "^

See the Traite Mementalre dc Science Occidte, chap.

iii.

E

E

THE TAKOT.

^0

r

-7^

% r^i

r

PTR

g

—

CHAPTER

VI.

THE KEY TO THE MAJOR ARCANA.

— 1st Ternarj'— 2nd Ternary— 1st Septenary —The Three Septenaries and the Ternary of

The Major Arcana 2nd Septenary Transition.

The Major Arcana. The fundamental

difference

which

exists

between the

minor and major arcana, is that in the latter the figures and numbers are united, whilst in the former they are distinct.

There are 22 major arcana, but one of them bears a

0,

major arcana. Most of the authors who have studied the Tarot have devoted all their attention to these 22 cards, without so that, in reality, there are only 21 great or

noticing the others, which, however, contain the real key to the system.

But we

will leave these digressions

and commence the

application of the law Yod-he-vmc-he to this portion of the Tarot.

A

little reflection will

suggest to us that there should

be some sequences in the major arcana as well as in the

minor arcana. these series

?

But how

are

we

to define the limits of

—

THE TAROT.

52

minor arcana bears a symbol which whole scheme (Sceptre, Cup, Sword, or Pentacles); it is different in this case. Each

Each card

of the

easily connects it with the

not symholism

card bears a di^erent symbol.

Therefore

that can guide us here, at

events for the moment.

all

it is

Besides the symbol, each card expresses an idea. idea

is

already a better guide, for

it

is

than the symbol; but this guide does not yet security that

we

could desire, for

it

This

easier to classify

may be

offer all the

read differently

by various persons. Again, the idea proceeds from the action of the symbol upon the other term expressed by the card, the numher.

The number easiest

is

certainly the

most

to follow in its evolutions

number that

will

guide

and

us;

reliable element, the it

;

therefore, the

is,

through

it

we

shall

discover the two other terms.

Let us now

recall our explanation of the

Ave shall easily define

numbers, and

the series of the major arcana.

However, from the commencement we must "make one The series which we are about to enumerate arc the most usual, but they are not the only

great reservation.

ones.

we The numbers This

said,

to be adopted 1

2

now study

1, 2, 3,

the four first major arcana. 4 at once indicate the classification

and the nature

corresponds to Yod, and

—

3 4:

will

—

to

He

to

Vau

to the

— —

of the terms. is

active.

passive.

neuter.

2nd He, and

indicates transition.

This 4th arcanum corresponds to the Knave and to the

10 of the minor arcana, and becomes Yod followinc^ series.

in the

next

or

—

—

THE KEY TO THE MAJOR ARCANA. If we wish we should do

to

make

it

in this

a figure of the

first

ternary

63 1, 2, S,

way 0) 1

(4)

(n)

The

active

{3)1

term

1

is

at the head of the triangle, the

two other terms are at the other angles. This ternary can also be represented in Yod-he-vau-he

—

its affinities

with

1

}/od

2nd he 4

2 he

3

—

Second ternary. We have stated that the 4 becomes Yod or active term in the following sequence.

the

This

is

realized in the figure below

4 ijod

5

2nd he

he

van 6

7

—

—

THE TAROT.

54

The 4 representing the Tod, to 5

and

6,

therefore, acts with regard

as the 1 acted with regard to 2 and

3,

and we

obtain another ternary.

The 7 acts here as the 4 acted previously, and the same rule applies to all the series in the arcana. First septenary. The application of one law to very different terms has led us so far; we must not abandon this system, but persevere and say If in one ternary exist an active term = ^fod, a passive term = he, and a neuter term = vmo, resultino^ from tlie two first, why should not the same result be found in

—

several ternaries taken together

The

?

and corresponds to -i/od ; the second ternary is passive and corresponds to he; the reaction of one ternary upon another gives birth to a third first

ternary

is

active

ternary or van.

Let us make a figure representing this 1

—

THE KEY TO THE MAJOR ARCANA.

The

55

7 therefore forms the element of transition, between

one se'ptenary and another. If

we

define the analogy between this

and the Yod-he-vcm-he, we

first

septenary

shall find

(1-4) yocl

{'2—5)

n

2iid he

Jw

n

(7)

van

(3-6)

A

deduction

may

be made in passing, from which a Vv

great deal of information

may be

studied: the 4 being only the

1,

derived,

if it

be carefully.

|

considered negatively, tha j

5

is

only the 2 considered negatively, whilst the 6

negative of

3.

It is always the

the '^

have therefore defined a

two opposing ternaries.

I

same nmnber under differeuM

aspects,

We

is

first

septenary, formed of

—

—

THE TAROT.

56

We

have seen that this septenary also reproduces Yod-

he-vau-he.

Second septenary. ternaries

is also

—The law that applies

true for the others, and

to the

first

following the

same method we obtain a second septenary, thus formed Negative Ternary,

Positive Ternary.

10

7

11

The two

ternaries, positive

and negative,

12

will balance

each other to give birth to a second septenary and to

term of transition

13.

Thus

its

—

THE KEY TO THE MAJOR ARCANA.

57

General figure

loa

(TZlT)

hi -|—

he

^^^13^

i/au

(93)

But

if

negative,

The

the two ternaries respectively act as positive and

why should

not the two septenaries do the same

septenary, taken as a whole, will

first

?

therefore

be positive, relatively to the second septenary, which will be negative.

The

first

septenary corresponds to yod, the second to

he.

—

—

—

THE TAEOT*

S

Third septenary. The

third septenary

is

thus formed-

(13-16)

yod

he (19)

(14-17) he

(15-n

If the first septenary

is

positive

the third will be neuter, and will

We

and the second negative, correspond with vau.

should have therefore, definitely 1st,

2ud, 3rd,

A POSITIVE SEPTENARY A NEGATIVE SEPTENARY A NEUTER SEPTENARY

= = =

Yod.

He. Vau.

Yet each septenary contains one term which belongs

to

the preceding septenary, and one which belongs to the following septenary.

Thus the

7

is

1he 7th term of the

the 1st term of the second.

13

is

first

second septenary and the 1st of the third,

The

result is that three terms

septenary and

the last term of the etc.

remain to be

classed.

These are 19

— 20

These three terms form the

21 last ternary,

the ternary of

between the major arcana and the minor arcana, a ternary which corresponds to the second he, and which

transition

may

be thus represented

THE KEY TO THE MAJOR ARCANA.

59

19

20

21

(19)

yod

2nd

(20) he

lie

(0)

(21)

The last numbered card, which ought correctly to bear number 22 for its Hebrew correspondent), closes l^he

the

Tarot by a marvellous figure, which represents tution to those it

presently.

law

is

The

who can understand

We

its consti-

will return to

Therefore, in the major arcana, the great

thus definitely represented. first

it.

(See next page.)

septenary corresponds to the Divine World, to

God.

The second to Man. The third to Nature. Finally, the last ternary indicates the passage from the

creative and providential world to the created

and

fatal

world.

This ternary establishes the connection between the

major and minor arcana.

THE TAEOT.

60

19

'Ke

.-];:-">&'

\\'

20 1

vau.

CHAPTER

VII.

CONNECTION BETWEEN THE MAJOR AND MINOR ARCANA.

GENERAL AFFINITIES.

KEY OF THE TAROT.

—

Domination of the 1st Septenary Affinities of the 2nd Septenary in the Tarot, Card by Card Ditto of the 3rd Septenary General Affinities

—

—

Affinities of

—

Yod, He, Vau,

General figure giving the

Key

an(] of tlie

2nd He.

to the Tarot.

Connection between the Major and Minor Arcana.

The

Pentacles on one side, the

Te^mary of transition on

the other, establish the connection between the major and

minor arcana. This connection

is

found in the general

affinities of

the

four letters of the tetragrammaton.

The

1st septenary,

which corresponds to yocl, governs all in' the minor series, that is to

the correspondents of yod

say— The 4 Kings. The 4 Aces. Tlie 4 Fours.

The 4 Sevens.

—

——

—

THE TAROT.

62

Each element

of the septenary governs different terms,

thus Isf Septenary.

and 4 govern King-\A.l of Sceptres. of Cups. and 5 of Swords. 3 and 6 of Pentacles. The arcanum 7

The arcana

1

— —

— — —

— — —

2

Moreover

The

arcanum

1st

of the series,

i. e.

Arcanum 1

(

|

+)

I

especially governs the positive terms

—

The King The King

The 4th arcanum

Yod Yau

of of

or of Sceptres or of

Swords

( (

+ )?

—

).

especially governs the negative terms

of the series

The King of He ... Cups ( + ). The King of the 2nd He + Pentacles

Arcanum 4

(—)

By applying

the same law to the other arcana

Arcanum ( + )2

Ace Ace

Arcanum

Ace Ace

(-)5 Arcanum

3

of

Yod ( + )

of

Vau

of

He ( + ) He ( — )

of

(

4 of Sceptres

4 of Swords

(+) Arcanum (-)

6

Arcanum

7

—

4 of Cups

(

(

(

+

)

"\ve

(—

).

find

Sceptres.

Swords.

Cups. Pentacles.

+ ).

—

).

).

4 of Pentacles

(

—

).

All the transitional terms. 7 (»).

^

signs +» — ^ indicate the sign + the positive terms, the — the negative terms, the sign the terms.

The

sign

j

:

qo

nei(,ter

—

—

—

THE MAJOR AND MINOR AKCANA. Second septenary. ing to He, governs

all

—The second septenary, correspond-

the correspondents of the

the minor series, that

first

He, in

say

is to

The The The The

Each element

63

4 Queens. 4 Twos. 4 Fives. 4 Eights.

of the second septenary has the following-

dominations ^Queen of Sceptres, Arcanura 7

Queen

(+)

Arcanuui

(+)

.

11

of Swords,

{Five

of Sceptres, (

Five of Cups,

(+)

(-)

Arcana 13

—The

f

AU

(-)

the 8,

third

septenary corresponds

and rules over The The The The

of Pentacles,

Five of Pentacles,

(-)

to Vatt,

f

(-)

12

Five of Swords,

Third septenary.

/

(+)

Two

Arcanum

+)

,'Two of Cups, 1

(-)

(-)

of Pentacles,

(-)

Arcanum

(+)

Two

Queen

(-)

'Two of Sceptres,

(+)

(+)

10

of Swords,

(-)

Arcanum 8

'Queen of Cups,

4 Knights.

4 Threes. 4 Sixes. 4 Nines.

—

—

—

THE TAROT.

64

Each element

Knight

+)

(-) Three of Cups,

Tliree of Sceptres, .

,

14

,

(+)

(+)

I

Three of Pentacles,

Three of Swords,

+)

(-) Six of Cups,

'Six of Sceptres,

Arcanum

(+)

15 (

Knight of Pentacles,

of Swords,

(-)

Arcanum

Six of Pentacles,

Six of Swords,

+)

(-)

.

(-)

Arcanum 19 (a.)

Ternary of transition.

[

All the nines,

1

—The

i-^)

ternary

rules over

The 4 Knaves. The 4 Tens.

Each

of Cups,

(+)

(+)

13

(

Knight

'Knight of Sceptres,

Arcanum (

of this septenary thus rules over

of

Arcanum

its

elements thus rules over

of transition

;;

:

THE MAJOR AND MINOR ARCANA. Each

terra

65

can be taken in two principal acceptations

in the positive

(

+)

or in the negative

(

—

The same

),

rule

applies to the sub-divisions of these terms.

For instance, the correspondents of the

first

septenary

are 1 and 4. 1 is

the positive

(

is

the negative

(

4:

1

the

governs two minor arcana

King

1st

—

).

the King of Sceptres and

of Swords.

The King The King

The

:

+ ).

of Sceptres of

Swords

definite value of these

King

is positive.

is

negative.

terms would therefore be

—

of Sceptre's. Positive

of the positive

+)

(

(

+)

or

King

of Sceptres

+

+

2nd King of Swords. Negative

(

—

or

of the Positive

)

King

of

+ The same

(

+)

more simply

Swords

—

rule applies to the other terms in combining

the sign which follows the major arcanum with that which follows the term

The value defined.

of

under consideration. each of the 78 cards of the Tarot

is

thus

6G

THE TAEOT.

GENERAL AFFINITIES. AFFINITIES TO Yod.

THE MAJOR AND MINOR ARCANA.

67

THE TAUOT-

68

•nN^

^.

^y rVA. ^ I

y^^

PAKT

II.

SYMBOLISM IN THE TAROT. APPLICATION OF THE GENERAL KEY TO SYMBOLISM,

CHAPTER

VIII.

INTKODXTCTION TO THE STUDY OF SYMBOLISM. The Symbols

—The Primitive Terms —Key of Symbolism — Definition —The General Law of

Sense of one of the Symbols Symbolism. of the

'

Introduction to the Study of Symbolism in the Tarot.

Our

study of the Tarot and

its

numerical arrangement

has given us the general hey, which should be applied to the further developments of which our subject

all

may be

susceptible.

The symbols should However, as we

shall

therefore exactly follow the evolu-

and

tion of the numbers,

this

we

now study each

shall

Tarot in turn, and as the reader's attention diverted by all these details,

mence by a

them

find

do.

of the cards of the maj?"

be a

we have determined

to

little

com-

short introduction to the study of the symbol-

ism of the Tarot, an introduction in which

we

shall say a

few words upon the grouping of the symbols. This point explained,

which we

We

we can

shall terminate

pass on to further details,

by a synthetic recapitulation.

thus hope to obtain the greatest possible light upon

these difficult subjects.

The

analysis of the

word Yod-he~vmo-he has given us

—

—

—

THE TAROT.

72

the general law upon which the wholeTarot

This law

is

is

constructed.

thus represented l'

yod

2

2nd he

he

i

van

We

must therefore

first

in our symbols, wliich

define the four primitive terms

form the law exactly applicable

to

the whole symbolism.

And, cards

;

in fact,

we

find these four terms in our four

first

the s^eneral sense of these terms beincr

— Creator Divine. — Transformer Physical and Difeser. 4 — Generator Transitional becoming 1

or

2 — Preserver or Astral. 3

or

or

Creator.

This law corresponds in

all

points with our sacred word,

thus Creator or

Divine 1

yod Preserver or

Transition

2na he 4

2 he

Astral

or

Generation

vau 3

Transformer or Pliysical

INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF SYMBOLISM.

We

shall see that this

73

law applies exactly to each of the

cards which possess three meanings.

A A A

superlative or Divine meaning.

comparative or Magic-Astral meaning. positive or Physical meaning, responding to a transition.

GENERAL STUDY OF THE FOUR FIRST CARDS.

Key

the Symholisni of the

to

Tarot.

Tlie four first cards of the major arcana form, symbolic-

complete sequence, which

ally as well as numerically, a

corresponds with the sacred word Yod-he-vcm-he.

For the

expresses the

card

first

active absohote,

and

corresponds with Yod.

The second card denotes the

rejlex

of the

first,

the

corresponds with the first He. The third indicates the median term, the convertible

jMssive absolute

it

;

transforming term, corresponding to Vau. Lastly, the fourth card is a

term of transition between

the preceding series and the one that follows

The symbolic

represented by the four

sequence

is

first cards,

represented by

fact

produces

that

all

Tarot

series of the

is

exactly as the numerical

the four

a very important

it.

therefore completely

first

numbers.

This

consideration, namely,

the symbols of the Tarot are but transformations

of the three first,

and that the

latter will supply us

with

the general law of symbolism, a law which will enable us to determine mathematically the sense of each card that follows.

But we can go

still

further.

—

—

THE TAROT.

74

Since the second card

formed by the

first

is

the reflex of the

card results from the two others,

third

perfectly acquainted

first,

and

is

considered negatively, and since the

with the

it

suffices

to he

card of the Tarot

first

to

determine Quathematically the sense of all the others.

Some details upon The ogeneral law of

this subject are necessary.

the four

first

cards

— — Negative. Eeflex the 3 — Neuter, enveloping the two another. 4 — Passage from one Positive.

1

is

as follows

Creator.

of

2

first.

Preserver.

others.

Transformer.

series to

We

can then represent the series in this way

Negative

And what

is

i

true for each of the terms of a ternary

also true for the ternary

us to

new

For the

Neuter

is

taken as a whole, and this leads

considerations. first

ternary would be positive, corresponding to

Yody the active, the creator.

The second ternary would be negative, and would correspond to the first He, i. e. that all the terms of this ternary would be reflections of the terms of the first, just as the second card was the reflex of the first.

——

INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF SYMBOLISM.

75

This gives us (5)

\

Eeflex of 2

/

(7)

y

(6)

Reflex of 3

Keflex of 4

Reflex of

We 5, 6,

1

can thus determine the meaning of the arcana

know

7 in the three worlds, since we

the arcana

We

4,

the meaning of

1, 2, 3, 4.

need only

by numwhich correspond respectively to

refer to the study of the Tarot

bers, to find the symbols,

Yod^ to He, to Vmi, and to the second He.

But

if

the second ternary

is

the reflex of the

first,

the

same rule applies to the septenaries. All the cards of the second septenary will therefore be

the symbolical reflection of those of the

first.

All the cards of the third septenary are representatives of the third term, or of transformation.

We

have then

The

\sb se^pienary,

Which

*

represents the active Creation.

The Divine

Osiris-

Brahma, or the Father.

The 2nd septenary.

Which

represents Preservation.

The

Astral, Isis, Vishnu,

the Son.

The Srd septenary,

Which the

represents Transformation, Physics, Horns,

Holy

Spirit.

Siva,

:

THE TABOT.

76

The all

three

first

arcana will therefore give the sense of

the others according to the following: figure

FIGUEE SHOWING THE SENSE OF EACH OF THE 22 MAJOR ARCANA.

yod positive or

—

—

—

INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF SYMBOLISM.

77

TO DISCOVER A PRIORI THE SYMBOLICAL VALUE OF ANY

CARD IN THE TAROT.

We

must

see

Which Hebrew

(1st)

letter is written to the left in the column, which contains the card under con-

horizontal sideration.

Which Hebrew

{2nd)

Which

{^rd)

letter is written at the foot of the

containing the card.

vertical cohi^mn,

(+

sign

or

—

governs the

)

secondary

column, containing the card in question.

vertical

EXAMPLE

:

I wish to determine the sense of the 5th arcanum.

I look to the left and find the

Hebrew

This shows that the 5th arcanum

In order

to

know,

is

letter he.

the he of what?

I look at the vertical

column and find

yod.

The 5th arcanum

is

the he of yod, but that

so I look at the secondary (

—

is

not enough,

column which contains the sign

negative.

)

I thus obtain a definite description of the 5th arcanum.

This only

The

fifth

The

He

is

who

card of the Tarot

of Yod

is

considered negatively.

a synthetic formula comprehensible to those

are used to manipulating the sense of the word

Yod-he-vau-he. It

is

He

therefore necessary to give further explanations.

represents the

We may

reflex.

The 5th arcanum The

more

therefore say,

reflex of

is

explicitly

:

yod considered negatively.

yod considered negatively ^

But what

is

—

)

THE TAROT.

78

To

find this out, I look in

my

left

column

at the letter

yod, I seek in the secondary vertical column the sign

(—

negative, and at the intersection of these two lines I find

the 4th arcanum.

The yod considered negatively Tlii^ leads

That

me

arcanum

the 5th

is

the 4th arcanum.

to conclude is

the reflex of the ith arcanum.

All the arcaua can be explained in this way by each other, according to the

This tableau

is

above

rules.

the key of the Ars

Magna

of

Kaymond

Lulle.

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE CAEDS OF THE TAROT. To obtain the Tarot,

it

origia

and derivation of any card

suffices to take the third card before

third card after

it,

in the q,nd the

it.

Thus the 8tli arcanum is derived from the 5th arcanum, and crives rise to the 11th arcanum. 5

—

.

INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF SYMBOLISM. The 5th arcanum

(universal

life)

79

therefore unites the

two opposites.^

The passage

of the vivifying fluid (4) into love (6)

medium

performed through the

of universal

is

life (5).

Since each card of the Tarot has three meanings,

it

is

easy to philosophize by means of our pack, without taking too

much

trouble about

Another result of

it.

this rule

is,

that each card of the Tarot

number which,

has a complementary in any card bearing a

added to

its

own, gives a total of 22.

For instance, what arcanum ? It is the 21st

transition

from

According

to

arcanum, since 21 1 to

21

forms

(creative

+1 = 22.

What

is

the

?

what we have

The 11th arcanum fore

the complementary card of the 1st

is

just stated it is 21

+

1

=

and transitory life) therebetween the 1st arcanum the 21st arcanum (universal

(reflected

the transition

principle)

and

generation)

To other,

find the card that serves as

we must

in question

complementary to any

therefore subtract the

number

of the card

from 22.

For instance to find the complementary card to 14 22

— 14 =

8.

The 8th arcanum is therefore complementary to the 14th. We have made this digression because all these details 1

The Hebrew alphabet thoroughly

establishes

the letters corresponding to these three numbers.

tliis

affiliation for

(See 8th arcanum.)

THE TAROT.

80 will be

most useful

to the study of our

to us presently.

We

can

now

return

major arcana.

Let us once more recall the manner in which the four arcana have given us the key to the symbolism of all the others, accordiuf? to their affinities with the sacred

first

word, as follows

—

THE GEXKRAL LAW OF THE SYMBOLISM OF THE TAROT. Positive (1)

yod Negative Keflex of

Transition

2nd

(2) he

lie

(4)

yod of the

following series

yocl

vau (3)

Neuter

Union

of

yod and of he

—

CHAPTER

IX.

HISTORY OF THE SYMBOLISM OF THE TAROT.

INQUIRY INTO

ITS ORIGIN.

an Egyptian Book — Its Transforinations — Mantegna's — Venetian Tarot—Florentine Tarot — Bolognese — Hindu Tarot — Chinese Tarot — Modern Tarots — Etteila— Marseilles Besanyon — Watillaus — Oswald Wirth — Italian and German Tarots — Constitution of the Synibolism of the Tarot — The 16 primitive Hieroglyphic Signs — The 22 Hebrew Letters.

The Tarot

is

Pack

Origin of the Symbolism of the Tarot.

As we have

already stated, each card of the Tarot repre-

sents a s3^mbol, a

We

number, and an

idea.

have endeavoured to avoid empiricism as

we

first

studied the numbers, for

far as

and therefore they are the most settled

possible in the course of these explanations

;

element, and give the most unvarying results in their

combinations.

Relying firmly upon the basis which we have thus constructed, we can now study the symbols with absolute assurance.

We

hope that

for this

purpose you have procured the

Tarot ^ of Marseilles, the most correct in ^

See

may

p.

its

symbolism^ or

89, the price of the Tarots and the addresses where they

be procured,

G

THE TAROT.

82

the twenty-two keys designed

else

perhaps

—and

by Oswald Wirth; you have

this is really almost indispensable

—

both of them.

You

needj then, only deal the cards upon the table, to

see at once that the personages depicted

wear

upon them

all

dresses of the Benaissance period.

And

yet, is this

does not appear

Look

pack of cards of ancient origin?

It

so.

at your figures

more attentively and you

will soon

perceive Egyptian symbols [the triple cross (No.

5), ibis

(No. 17)] combined with these Renaissance costumes.

They

at once prove that the Tarot of Marseilles is really

the exact representation of the primitive Egyptian Tarot,

epoch denoted by the costumes. Only the gypsies possess the primitive pack intact. The studies of those learned men who have investio-ated o the Tarot have confirmed this fact by the strongest evidence. And the works of Chatto,^ Boiteau,^ and above all of Merlin,^ show us that history corroborates our slightly altered to the

assertion.

Merlin conducted his researches very

and

scientifically,

succeeded in discovering the original of our Tarot

of

Marseilles in an Italian Tarot at Venice, the father of

all

the later packs.

He this

beheves also that he has discovered the origin of Venetian Tarot in the pliilosophical pack of Mantegna.

But he cannot determine the 1

Chatto, Facts

origin of this pack, because

and Sjjeodations on

the

Origin a)td History of

Playing Cards in Europe. 8vo. London, 1848. ^ Boiteau, ies Cartes a Joner et la Gartomathcie. 4to. Paris, 1854. 3 ]\Ierliii, Origine des Cartes a Jouer^ recherches nouvelles sur Us Na'ihiSj les Tarots et sur les aittres Esphces de Cartes.

laented with 70 illustrations.

4to.

Paris, 1869.

A work

ornf-

HISTORY OF THE SYMBOLISM OF THE TAROT. the one that Merlia believed

Tarot

is

to be

83

the source of the

made by one of The Ars Magna of Raymond Lulle was the same way it is drawn entirely from the

on the contrary a

reprodioction,

the Initiates.

produced in

;

Tarot.

-We known

have given in

for

reference the ixtch

of Mantegnay

the trade as the cards of Baldini, as well as

the packs of the Italian Tarots, from which most of ours are derived.

The tableau

which indicates the connection between Mantegna ought to be reversed, and on the contrary show the cards of Mantegna derived from the Tarot^ as we have stated. Here are the figures of the Tarots. (See page 84.) ^

the Tarot packs and that of

1

Page

86.

THE TAROT.

84

£?

O

HISTORY OF THE SYMBOLISM OF THE TAROT. OEIGIN" Minchiate of Florence,

OF THE OTHERS.

85

THE TAEOT.

86

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE PRIMITIVE ITALIAN PACKS AND THE MODERN TAROT

—

Modern

Tarot.

:

HISTOBY OF THE SYMBOLISM OF THE TAROT. ranga, evidently derived from the Tarot, from the in

men

which the

87

manner

are ar ranched in four series.

Elephants, chariots, horses, foot-soldiers.

The Mussulmen that

is

of India also possess a

pack of cards

derived from the old symbols of the Tarot: the

Giingeifn or Ghendgifch.

This

game

is

composed of eight

each, divided in this

way

—

series of twelve cards

Superior Sp.dton

Inferior Section

or Bishbur

or

Crowns

Kunbur

:

Harps Suns

Moons Sabres

Koyal diplomas

Slaves.

Bales of Merchandise.

CHINESE TAROT.

An

inexperienced

recognizing

eye might find

some

difficulty in

the Tarot in these games, but the Chinese

have given us an irrefutable argument in favour of our assertion, in the arrangement of their Tarot, which is represented by the figure on page 88.

We have placed the correspondences of the minor and major arcana, and of the four letters of the tetragrammaton* above this fio-ure.

A description of this Chinese pack will be found in Court de Gebelin {Le Monde Primitif), and in the work of J. A. Vaillant. of

With regard to the foreign Tarots, we possess nearly all them at the present time, and this induces us to name

the various editions of the Tarot which to consult.

we

are

now

able

THE TAROT.

88

yod 1

MINOR ARCANA. he vau

MAJOR ARCANA. he

—

HISTORY OF THE SYMBOLISM OF THE TAROT. The The The The

89

double-headed Tarot of Besaii9on. Tarot of Watillaux.

German

I'arot.

Tarot of Oswald Wirth.

^

THE FRENCH TAROT PACKS. The Tarot of

Etteila

is

of no symbolic value,

it is

a bad

mutilation of the real Tarot.

This pack

is

used by

all

our fortune-tellers.

interest lies in the strangeness of its figures.

obtained for 5 or 8 francs from

all

Its sole

It can

be

the great card-sellers in

Paris.

The Tarot of

pack of the princess Tarot, reproduces the minor arcana very correctly. It is worth consideration on this account.

The

Watillatcx, or

Italian Tarot, that of BesoMc.on

are unquestionably the best which ticularly the latter,

which

fairly

and of Marseilles}

we now

possess, par-

reproduces the Primitive

symholical Tarot.

FOREIGN PACKS OF TAROTS, Besides the Italian in

we must quote the German

which the symbols of the minor arcana are

Tarot,

different.

For

The The The The

However,

Cups

are represented

Pentacles

Swords

•

—

Sceptres this Tarot is a very

by The Hearts

The Bells The Leaves The Acorns

bad one.

^ These Tarots are to be found in Paris, 20 Rue de la Banque, M. Piissey, at 4 francs and one is published in London by Mr. George Redwnyj 15 York Street, Covent Garden. ;

THE TAROT.

90

THE TAROT OF OSWALD WIRTH. became necessaiy to have a Tarot pack in which the symbolism was definitely established. This work, suggested by Eliphas Levi, who defined the principles on which it was to be based, has beea accomplished by Mr. Oswald It

Wirth. This clever occultist, aided by the a Ivice of Stanislas de Gaaita, has designed the series of the twenty-two major

These drawings reproduce the Tarot of Marseilles,

arcana.

suggested by the re-

with the symbolical modifications

searches of Eliphas Lovi upon this important question.

Owing to the kindness of M. Poirel, who assisted the work by printing these designs, we now possess a marvellous symbolic document in the Tarot of Oswald Wirth. It is therefore wise, as we have already said, for those who wish to study the Tarot very thoroughly, to procure the Tarot de Marseilles, and that of Osioald Wirth.

We

shall use

them both presently

in our explanation of

the symbolical meaning of each card.

But by

before passing to the study of these symbols, card

card,

we must

see

if

there are no

means

of positively

defining the symbolism of the Tarot.

HOW CAN WE HOPE TO DEFINE THE SYMBOLISM OF THE TAROT CONCLUSIVELY

We

have already and

?

sufficiently explained

that

the

Tarot represents the ancient or occult science in every possible development. If

we then wish

to find a solid basis for the study of the

symbols represented in the

22

major arcana, we may

put the Tarot on one side

for

an instant, and devote

ourselves to this ancient science.

It alone can enable us

THEJUGCLCn

THE HIGH PBIESTta,

YHlLlUIIHIHQ BTRUCH

TEMPtRANCt,

%

HISTOKY OF THE SYMBOLISM OF THE TAEOT.

91

our end, not in finding the explanation of the

to attain

symbols, but in leading us to create

them one by

one,

by

deducing them from fixed and general principles.

We

commence work

shall thus

of quite a

new

character,

whilst avoiding, so far as possible, falling into those errors

which

from the

arise

effort to explain

the symbols of the

Tarot by themselves, instead of seeking for their solution at their original source.

The

first

step in the search for these particular symbols

leads us to discuss the grave

symbolism

We

cannot enter upon,

ourselves writers

we

;

upon

criterion,

problem of the origin of

itself.

much

less solve, this

question by

shall therefore

quote the opinions of several

this subject.

Truth, having Unity for

its

agreement of various conclusions in one

the

point will be a valuable guide for us.

Claude de Saint-Martin, the

unknown

philosopher, states

in his book, the Livre des Rap'ports^ that the primitive

alphabet

is

composed of sixteen

data, so far

as

He

signs.

we can judge, from

received these

intuitive revelation,

joined to the teaching of the lUuminism, of which he was

one of the members. Lacour, in his book on the Elohim or Gods of Moses,

has inductively determined the existence of a primitive alphabet,

also

composed

of

sixteen

signs.

author, Barrois, pursuing inquiries of quite a nature, also reaches

Another different

the conclusion of the existence of

sixteen primitive signs in his system of Dactylology.

But the labours of Court de Gobelin, and above all of d' Olivet, are the most remarkable in this respect. In his Langue Hihralque Restitute, this learned Initiate estab-

Fahre

lished the existence of primitive hieroglyphic signs from

which the Hebrew

letters are derived.

THE TAROT.

92

All these writers, starting from very different points,

agree in their conclusions, and

gives us a

this

strong-

argument in favour of the truth of their inquiries. But it matters very little to us whether these 16 primitive signs are the direct origin, either of the Hebrew, The identity of source Sanscrit, Chinese, or Greek letters. tends strongly to identity of results, and any one of these derivative alphabets will answer our purpose.

The Hebrew

alphabet, composed of 22 letters, seems

preferable to us, on account of the concordance between

the

number

of its letters

and that of the Arcana

in our

Tarot.

We

shall therefore adopt, as the starting-point

study, the

Hebrew alphabet

of

22

letters,

of our

derived from the

16 primitive hieroglyphic signs. This conclusion shines

scarcely reached,

is

upon us from

when

fresh

light

all sides.

Guillmtme Postef^ reveals tons the connection between the

Hebrew

letters

and the Tarot;

Claude de Saint- Martin^ Fahre opinion;

lastly,

^%Aas

Van Hdmont

d'Olivet,'^

all

fils^

confirm our

Levi^ also throws the weight of his

marvellous learning into the question.

But we

are

more surprised to find that the Seplur book of the Kabbalah, which contains a

Yetzirah,^ an old

study upon the formation of the at a division of the letters

1

Hebrew

alphabet, arrives

which exactly corresponds with

Clavis.

Origin of Language (Latin). Tableaux naturels des rapports qui existent entre Die^c, VUnivers.

2 ^

et

^

La Langue Hehraique

^

Bittiel de la

^

Translated into English by Dr.

HestituSe.

Haute Magie.

Wynn

Westcott.

Vhomme

—

;

;

;

HISTOEY OF THE SYMBOLISM OF THE TAROT.

93

the astrological data contained in an old manuscript in

upon which Christian

the Vatican,

^

based his horoscopic

works.

One

sino'le

o

and identical conclusion

different points of view

:

arises

the value of the

from

Hebrew

all

these

letter as

a symbol.

In

it

we

possess a real symbol, of

which we can ascertain

not only the meanings, but also the origin.

We

could then

make

a Tarot exclusively composed of

Hebrew letters and of numbers, but this is not our object we are seeking to discover in the symbolism of the Hebrew characters the symbolism of the Tarot, and we shall thus our intention of ascertaining deductively the value

realize

of the figures of the Tarot

and the reason they have been

chosen.

THE HEBREW LETTERS AS THE BASIS OF THE SYMBOLICAL TAROT.

We

shall

now study the Hebrew

letters

one by one, in

determining successively 1st.

The hieroglyphic value

of each one of them according

to its origin (Fabre d'Olivet, Barrois)

2nd. Its symbolic value derived from this hieroglyphic

(Fabre d'Olivet, Eliphas Levi, Christian) 3rd. Its astronomical value

(Christian and the Se'pher

Yetzirah).

to

Once acquainted with these data, it will be easy deduce from them the application of the letters

for us

to the

symbols of the Tarot.

But before we enter upon this study, it Hebrew alphabet

say a few words upon the its

constitution. ^

Histoire de la Magie.

is

necessary to

in general

and

:

:

THE TAROT.

94

The alphabet these

Hebrews

of the

composed of 22

is

letters;

however, are not placed by chance, one after

letters,

the other.

Each

according to

its

them corresponds with a number

of

rank, with a hieroglyphic according to

form, with a symbol according to

its

affinities

its

with the

other letters.

As we have

already said,

all

in the following 1st.

manner

the letters are derived from

The yod has generated them

one amongst them, the yocl}

(see Sepher Yetzirah)

—

Three mothers The A The The Sh

M

(Aleph)

H

rThe jMem)

72

W

(The Shin)

2nd. Seven doubles (double because they express two

sounds, the one positive strong, the other negative soft)

The B The G The D The Ch The Ph

(Daleth)

1

(Caph)

3 D

TheE

(Resli)

The T

(Tail)

(Beth)

:]

'

(Pe)

3rd. Lastly, twelve simple,

To render

:2

(Gimel)

this clearer,

we

")

n

formed by the other

will give

the

letters.

Hebrew alphabet

here, indicating the quality of each letter

and

its

rank.

(See page 95.)

We the

have now given a fixed principle

Hebrew

letter,

for

symbolism in

and need not fear being deceived by

the false interpretation of a costume, or of an incorrect figure.

The Hebrew

letter will

be always there, to en-

lighten us upon obscure or difficult points. ^

See above

(p. 19)

:

Study upon the word Tod-he-vau-he.

HISTORY OF THE SYMBOLISM OF THE TAROT.

We have

can therefore safely return to the Tarot, which

left

NUMBERS

to

make

this dio^ression.

95

we

CHAPTER

X.

THE SYMBOLICAL TAROT. THE FIRST SEPTENARY, IST TO 7tH ARCANA.

—

THEOGONY.

—

of Work Key to the 1st Septenary' The 1st Card of the Tarot the Origin of all the others The three Principles of the Ahsolute The Trinity Figure of the first Card and its Affinities

Scheme

— — — — Tlie High Priestess and the Beth — The Gimel and the Empress — The Daleth and the Emperor—The He and the Pope —The Vau, the Lovers — Summary of the 1st Septenary — Constitution of God.

Study of each of the 22 Major Arcana. Scheme of Work.

We

now apply

shall

this general

laiv

of symbolism to

each of the twenty-two major arcana.

We

must here beg

for the reader's careful attention in

spite of the length of the subject under

We shall

make

therefore

we

consideration.

every effort to be as clear as possible, and

shall first explain the

scheme which we have

adopted in the study of each of the cards of the Tarot. (1st)

We

shall

always start from the hieroglyphic sign

which has given birth Gebelin

is

the author

to the

whom we

Hebrew

letter.

Court de

shall consult chiefly

upon

this subject.

(2nd)

We

shall explain

from the hieroglyphic character

all

THE SYMBOLICAL TAROT.

97

the ideas that can be progressively deduced from

it,

and which characterize the Hebrew letter considered as a Kircher and Fabre d' Olivet are our authorities in sign, work.

this

(8rd)

the

When we

Hebrew

have once defined the ideas signified by

letter,

we

shall search for the application of

these ideas in the symbolic figure of the Tarot.

Eliphas Levi,^ Christian,^ and Barrois

^

will aid us in

our inquiries. (4th) Lastl}'-, we shall determine the meaning which must be attributed to the card of the Tarot, according to its numerical and symbolical affinities with all the others, in applying to it the general law of symbolism. This portion of our work is strictly personal. (5th) We shall end the study upon each of the cards by a fio^ure showing: all that we have said.

We

must warn the reader that the perusal of the means of understanding the card of the Tarot, and that the best way will recapitulations only will be of no use as a

be to carefully follow the successive explanations of each card,

with the Tarot before him.

We

cannot end this opening chapter without alhiding

the

to

basis

upon

which

we have

established

the

astronomical relations of each card of the Tarot.

One

of the

most ancient books of the Kabbalah which we mother

possess, the Se'pher Yetzirctli,^ says that the three letters of the

Hebrew alphabet correspond with

the three

worlds, the seven doubles with the seven planets,

and the

twelve simple with the twelve signs of the zodiac.^

Haute Magie.

^

Rituel de la

^

Dadylologie ou Lanyage Frimitif.

*

Translated into French by Papiis.

'^

See Franck, The Kahhala, Paris, 8vo.

^

Histoirc de la Magie.

THE TAEOT.

98

Now by

in studying the astrological manuscript published

Christian,

we have

discovered

attributed to the planets by

the author of this

exactly correspond with the doioUe

numbers attributed

to

that the

the

Hebrew

twelve signs

numbers

manuscript

letters.

of the

The zodiac

exactly correspond with the simple letters.

We considered that this absolute agreement between two documents of such different origin deserved our serious attention, and we have therefore given with each letter its astronomical correspondence.

THE SYMBOLICAL TAROT.

99

KEY OF THE FIRST SEPTENAHY. ARRANGEMENT OF THE FIGURES FOR STUDY.

Empress 3

:'

Juggler

Emperor

1

4

4

The chariot

6 Lovers

5

Pope

Hi£(h Priestess

CHARACTER OF THE FIGURES. Keflex of

Origin of the Tarot

1

i

Equilihrium of IN'aturaUz-

ation of 1

and 2

3

3 and of 6 passage from

one "World to the other

Refl.ex of 1

Reflex of 2

Keflex of 3 6 Equilihrium of

4 and 5

THE TAROT.

100

THE FIRST CARD OF THE TAROT. OKIGIN OF THE SIGNIFICATION OF ALL THE OTHEES,

We

see from our preceding

exact meaning of the

first

work that

if

we know the

card of the Tarot we can, from

thatj discover the signification of all the otiiers.

We cannot approach this subject The hope

without great hesitation.

of ascertaining the truth

is,

in

fact^,

troubled by

the possibility of making a mistake which might have very serious results.

The work which we have already accomplished however, enable ns

to

decipher

meaning

the

of

will,

the

symbolism of the first card of the Tarot almost mathematically, but the general meaning only whilst we know ;

that each card

We

must

must have not

one, but three meanings.

discover three sufficiently general principles

to be applied to every order of

human knowledge

;

for this

should be the object of the Tarot.

In this case w^ authors

who have

will,

as usual, resort to those eminent

treated these questions from different

points of view, and the agreement between their teachings

new light to illuminate our path. The Pole H(ENE Weonski,* who died of hunger in the suburbs of Paris, was perhaps one of the most powerful

will give us

intellects

produced by the 19th century.

He

asserted that

he had discovered the formula of the absolute, and his works are unquestionably a summary of one of the most elevated syntheses that

we have ever

seen.

We

need not

discuss the doctrines of Wronski, but will only say a few

words upon the three primitive elements which enter into his law of creation. 1

See V

OcndUsme Gontemporain

(M. Carr^).

—

THE SYMBOLICAL TAROT. Wronski places

the

at

origin

of

elements, which he designates by the

101

creation

all

three

names

Of Neuter Element Of Element of Being Of Element of Wisdom

(E.

K)

(E. B.) (E.

W.)

The NeitUr Element represents the Absolute, Reality resulting from the total

neutralization of the two other

elements by each other.

The Element of Wisdom represents the creative faculty its especial characteristics, autogeny and spontaneity.

with

The Eleme7it of Being represents the permanent faculty with

its characteristics,

autothesis and inertia.

Principle of the Creation or Element of

Wisdom.

Principle of Preservation or Element of Being. Principle of Neutralization or JSTeuter Element,

These are the three terms upon which Wronski establishes the foundations of Reality, and, consequently, of all

the

systems

of

We

creation.

must remember these

conclusions.

Fabre d'Olivet,

in

his

researches

upon the

first

which direct everything,^ determines the existence of three elements, which he names Providence, principles

Destiny, and

Frovidence

Human is

Will.

the principle of ABSOLUTE liberty, of the

creation of beings and things.

Destiny

is

the principle of ABSOLUTE NECESSITY, of the

preservation of beings and of things. Lastly, the

Human

Will

mediate between the two

CHANGE ^

in all their forms.

:

is

a neuter principle inter-

the principle of mobility and

Now

it is

not necessary to be

See The G-olden Verses of Pythagoras, and the Histoire Fhilodu Genre Humain.

sophique

;

THE TAROT.

102

very learned to perceive the absolute agreement which exists

between the two authors

the one, Wronski, reached

;

by mathematics, the other, d'Olivet, attained The his by profound study of antiquity and its mysteries. words used may vary, but the idea is fundamentally the his conclusions

same.

Wronski's Element of the creation,

is

the same

who thus

d'Olivet,

Wisdom

places

(E. W.), the prmciple of

thing as the it

as

the

Providence of

principle

of

the

creation.

M^ronski's Element of Being (E. B.), the principle of the permanent faculty, exactly represents what d'Olivet calls Destiny, and which he concludes to be the principle of preservation. Lastly, d'Olivet's

with Wronsla

human

Will corresponds in

all

points

Neuter Element. Here then are two very different systems, which lead to the same signification. But our conclusions do not stop s

here. If

we study

these

three

primitive

attentively "we shall find in the

first

:

principles

more

Providence or the

Element of Wisdom, represented in philosophy by the word God. Destiny or Being shows us its identity with the immutable laws which govern the Universe. Lastly,

that the

it

does not require

human

much

study to prove to us

Will resi3onds to Man.

God, Man, and the Universe. This

is

ancients, in

the basis of

all

the esoteric philosophy of the

and not only Wronski and Fabre d'Olivet agree

their conclusions respecting this mysterious ternary

——

—

—

THE SYMBOLICAL TAROT. science

occult

itself

proclaims

by the mouth of

its

identity

103

with these

Hermes Holy Kabbalah, Neo-Platonicism and the Alchemists through Pythagoras and all the Greek philoso-

principles

all

its

disciples,

Trismegishts, the

phers assert the division of the Great All into

three

ENTITIES OR WORLDS.

In

less

remote ages Guillaume Postel ^ gives the key of it, and the basis of this key

the Tarot without explaining is

formed by this mysterious entity

Deus, Homo, E-ota. Trithemie and his pupil Corneliios Agrippa us this fecund and sublime trinity in

all

^

also give

their analogical

figures.

The Jesuit Kircher^

describes this division into three

worlds as the basis of the Egyptian mysteries. Lastly, entirely

Clattde

de

Saint-Martin has written a book

based upon the keys of the Tarot, and

entitled

it

is

Tableau Naturel des rapports qui unissent DiEU,

l'Homme, et l'Univers. Let us question India upon the law of the absolute, she replies

Trimurti: Brahma, Siva, Vishnu.

Let us ask China for the great secret of her philosophy, and she will give us the Tri-grams of Fo-Hi. Address

ourselves

Egyptians, he will

tell

»

CI avis.

2

La

3

CEdi^yV'S

to

one

of

the ancient

us

FhilosopMe Occulie (La Haye). ^gyptiacits.

initiated

THE TAROT.

104

Osiris, Isis,

The founder

Horus.

Greek Cosmogony, the disciple of the

of

science of Egypt, Hesiod, also transmits this law to us,

and they that

feel

Trinity

man

is

all

confirm Louis Lucas

when he

states

:

^

''

I

hidden beneath this mystical formula of the one of the most important scientific laws that

has ever discovered."

God, Man, and the Universe, these are the most general principles that

we can

three meanings of the It

remains for

determine

and they constitute the

card of the Tarot.

us to ascertain

meanings respond to

attain,

first

first,

how

far

and then

they extend through the whole

Tarot. ^

whether these

to the primitive hieroglyphic,

See ie Ro'\nan Alchimique.

THE SYMBOLICAL TAKOT.

105

/""le:-bateLeur"~

THE JUGGLER.

THE JUGGLER.

W

L 1st ORIGIN"

Hebrew

letter (Aleph).

OF THE SYMBOLISM OF THE FIRST CARD OF THE TAROT.

The Aleph hieroglyphically expresses Man Inmself collective unity, the

From

as a

master principle, ruler of the earth.

this hieroglyphic

meaning are derived ideas

the Unity angl of the principle ivhich determines

which give to Aleph

its

it,

of

ideas

value as the sign of Power and

Stability.

Man, all

or the Microcosm, the

the worlds,

is

Unity and the Principle

in

the meaning of the primitive hieroglyphic,

we see, exactly renders the general ideas which we have established. But attentive consideration of this first card of the which, as

Tarot will enlicrhten us

still

further.

— THE TAROT.

106

Symlolism of

the,

First

Card of

th& Tarot.

THE JUGGLER you take the first card of the Tarot and examine it you will see that the form of the juggler depicted upon it corresponds in all points with that of the If

attentively,

Aleph.

letter

If

we now apply

to the study of this card

the principles of the elucidation of symbolism, according to the Traite Elementaire de Science OecuUe,

new explanations of it. The top of the figure

is

we

at once find

occupied by the divine sign of

placed upon the head of the Juggler. The bottom of the figure represents the Earth ornamented Avith its productions, the symbol of Nature.

Universal Life

oo

Lastly, the centre

is

occupied by the

Man

himself, placed

behind a table covered with divers objects.

The

and

right

left of

the figure are occupied by the

hands of the Juggler, one of them bent towards the Earth, the other raised towards Heaven.

The

position of the hands represents the two principles, and passive, of the Great All, and it corresponds with the two columns Jahin and Bohas of the temple of Solomon and of Freemasonry. Man with one hand seeks for God in heaven, with the other he plunges below, to call up the demon to himself, and thus unites the divine and the diabolic in humanity. In this way the Tarot shows us the rSle of universal active

mediator accorded to the Adam-Kadmon. If

we wish

to

symbol, so far represent

it

in

make a summary of the meaning of the we have now deciphered it, we can this way a:S

—

THE SYMBOLICAL TAROT. Right {Arm lowered)

Top

Divine

Head

Centre

Human

Bodij

107

Left

(Arm

JSTecessity

Bottom

Evil

Yet

tlie

raised)

Liberty-

symbolism of

l^atural

Good

Feet

this first card of the Tarot does

not end here.

The Juggler holds the wand of the Mage in the left hand, which he raises, and the four great symbols of the Tarot are placed before hiai. as

The Cup, the Sword, the Peutacles or Talisman, which, we have already seen, exactly correspond with the Tetrafframaiaton

letters of the

Sceptre or

Yod, symbol of the active

Principle pre-

eminent, and of God.

Cup

or

He, symbol of the passive Principle pre-eminent,

or of the Universe.

Sword, Cross or Vmi, symbol of the Equilibrist Principle pre-eminent, or of

Man.

Pentacles or 2nd He, unites the three

From

the

human

with the four great TJ)e

men

tlie

cyclic

symbol of Eternity, which

Principles in one Whole.

first

point of view these symbols correspond

human

castes.

of Yod, or the Inventors, the Producers.

The

iN^obility of Litellect.

The men of He, discovered by the

or the depositaries of the great truths

men

of

Yod: the Savants, the Judges.

Professional nobihty.

The men of Vau, or the guardians and defenders of the former

:

the Warriors.

The men of

the

Mobility of the sword.

2ad He, the multitude from which the

other classes are continually recrnited

:

the People.

—

THE TAROT.

108

The

upon the table at them and must arrange them in arcana we shall find these synibols arranged

four great symbols are placed

random, and

Man

the twenty-first

rules

;

in a cross.

We

know

already

that the

first

card of

tlie

Tarot

is

completed by the twenty-first (21 + 1 = 22), and we see why, if this first card represents Microcosm, the last would represent Mctcrocosm, and the eleventh card, which serves as the universal link to all the

complements of the Tarot,

represents the Vital reflex Current, Avhich serves as a link

between the worlds.

But we must not first

This symbol the Unity as

The

we

will return to our

is

the

first of

the whole Tarot/ and

its chai'acteristic

conceptions,

We

things.

is

bears

it

number.

Unity-principle, the origin of which

human

to

anticipate, so

arcanum.

impenetrable

is

placed at the beginning of

cannot seize the origin of this primal

all

caiise,

which we are content to assert accordincj to the absolute law of analogies so well expressed by Eliphas Levi '

Je crois a Vinconnu que Dieu personnifie, Prouv^ par I'etre m^me et par rimmensit^, SURHUMAIN de la philosophie,

IdM

Parfaite Intelligence et

If *

we cannot

It is

follow this

curious to notice,

Supreme Bont6."

Unknown

^

in its principle,

when examining the position how often

of the personages in the Tarot of Marseilles,

it

is

of the hands this position

represents the alphabetical letter to which the figure corresponds,

according to Barrois (system of dactylology or primitive language). The arcana 1, 2 and 5 are especially noticeable in this respect. 2

"I believe i-n the unhnoimi, Avhich (j:o6. personifies, Proved by existence itself and by immensity, Superhuman Ideal of all philosophy, Perfect Intelligence and Supreme Benignity.''

—

—

THE SYMBOLICAL TAROT.

109

consequences, and development of the

at least easy to us to follow it in its

therefore our study will be only the

Unity-principle

in

creation,

according

related

to

the

Cosmogony of ancient initiation. Gody Man, and the Universe are, then, the three meanings of our first card, and we will now say a few words upon the application of these data to all the other cards of the pack.

EXTENSION OF THE THREE GEEAT PRINCIPLES THROUGH

THE TAROT. The three meanings

the

of

card

first

respectively

represent

The Creator or Yo'L The Eeceiver or He. The Transformer or Vau.

which

Lastly, the transition to the second He,

is

not

under consideration at present.

But the

first

card of the Tarot, taken as «

loJiole,

repre-

sents the Creator or Yod,th.e second card taken as a whole

He, and the third

will therefore represent the Eeceiver or

the Transformer or Vato.

Each

of

them

four aspects of Yod-he-vatc-he in the idea

But what

is

true of the ternary,

Septenary, so that the

first

is

will also

which

it

show the expresses.

also true

of the

Septenary, taken as a whole,

the Creator. The second septenary will represent the Receiver. The third the Transformer.

will represent

Lastly, the

ternary

of

transition

will

represent

the

return of effects to causes, and of consequences to the principle.

Let us condense this

all

by saying

THE TAROT.

no 1st

septenary represents God.

— —

2nd septenary 3rd septenary

Moreover, each of these elements others in

all

Man. the Universe. is

contained in the two

points of their manifestations.

GENERAL RECAPITULATION.

We

have now to recapitulate

all

the acceptations of the

As each card in the Tarot same recapitulation, we think it may be

first

card in a general figure.

will

have the

useful to explain the

scheme

followed' in this arrangement.

At the head of the figure number and letter of the card.

will

be found the Hebrew

Below

it,

the

name

usually

given to the card in the Tarot.

To the

right of the figure are the significations in the

Three Worlds u Divine,

Below these three

Human, and

Natural.

significations is found the

absohcte

key to each card, according to the figure of the revolutions

word Yod-he-vau-he. The Hebrew letters placed upon the upper line of this key indicate the origin of the card under consideration, the Hebrew letters placed above it indicate the exact meaning of the card. of the

THE SYMBOLICAL TAROT. 1.

in

M

The Juggler. AFFINITIES

SIGNIFICATIONS

Key

to;

yod

the

yod

Card Primitive Hieroglyphic

Man

Kahbalah

Kether

The divine

creator or

GOD No

Astronomy

the Father

OSIETS

affinity

yod of yod yod-yod

The divine

preserver

MAIT

ADAM lie

of yod

yod-yod

OBSERVATIONS

The divine transformer

THE ACTIVE DIS-JYEESE NATUEA NATUEANSi vau of yod 'yod-yod

2nd he of yod yod-yod 1

According to Spinoza the only free cause and substance of all or phenomena, conscious and unconscious, past, present, and

modes

to come.

[A. P. M.]

THE TAROT

112

THE HIGH

THE HIGH

PKIESTEtiS.

2ad Hebrew

PRIESTESS.

letter (Beth).

ORIGIN OF THE SYM.BOLISM OF THE SECOND CARD OF THE TAROT.

The Beth

hieroglyphically expresses the

as the organ of speech.

inner

self.

Therefore

Speech

is

mouth

of

man

the production of man's

Beth expresses that inner

self,

central as a dwelling, to which one can retire without fear

of disturbance.

From this ideas arise of a Sanctuary, an man and for God. But the Beth also

inviolate abode for

expresses

every production

that

emanates

from

this

mysterious retreat, every internal activity, and from

it

Knowledge, of Law, of Erudition, of occult Science or Kabbalah. Beth corresponds with the number 2, and astronomically with the moon. This number has given birth to all the issue ideas of Instruction, of the higher

THE SYMBOLICAL TAROT.

emanated from the Binary, hence

significations

passive

113

Woman applied to the Moon Woman relatively to Man.

the ideas of reflection, of

;

and to

relatively to the Sun,

THE SECOND CARD OF THE TAROT. The High

God

Priestess.

God the Father, reflects himself, and God the Man, or God the Son, the negative his creator. As we have seen, man is the

himself, or

gives birth to relatively to

divine receiver, therefore this second card of the Tarot will express all

The

first

the ideas of the

conceived negatively.

first

man

card represents a

standing; this, on the

woman.

contrary, bears the figure of a seated

by the woman and by her

(First idea of passivity)

The man, endowed with

position.

the attributes of Power,

all

was placed in the midst of nature.

The woman

is

ad orned with

all

Authority and persuasion, and she porch of the temple of

Isis,

is

the

attributes

of

placed under the

between two columns.

Idea of a sacred dwelling, of a divine recipient.

The two colimms,

arms of the Juggler, express

like the

the Positive and the Negative.

The woman

is

crowned with a

lunar crescent, she

is

falling over her face. cross,

tiara,

surmounted by the

enveloped in a transparent veil

On

her breast she bears the solar

and upon her knees

lies

an open book, which she

half covers with her mantle.

This

is

the picture of

Isis,

of Nature,

the doctrines of Isis are hidden

magi the science.

secrets

We

whose

The book

not be raised before the profane. ;

veil

must

indicates that

but she divulges to the

of the true Kabbalah, and of occult

must admire

this profound symbol.

—

:

THE TAROT.

114

The

first

card expressed Osiris in the three worlds

second gives us the signification of

Isis,

;

this

the companion of

Osiris

In God Father,

In

it is

Isis,

Man

or

it is

the reflex of Osiris^ the reflex of

God

the reflex of

Eve, the woman,

In the Universe natnra natiirata^

life

Adam

of the absolute

man

(mn).

it is

the reflex of nahcra oiaturans

2.

Tlie

AFFINITIES

God the

the Son.

High

n Priestess.

:

it is

THE SYMBOLICAL TAROT.

THE

THE

EMPRE,yS.

3.

115

EM.PEES8.

3

3rd Hebrew letter (Gimel). ORIGIN OF THE SYMBOLISM OF THE THIRD CARD OF THE TAROT.

The hieroglyphic meaning of the letter Gimel is the hand of man half closed in the act of prehension. Hence it signifies all that incloses, all that is hollow, a canal, an inclosure. The throat is the spot throat, the

where the words conceived in the brain are formed, or I might almost say embodied, therefore the Gimel is the symbol of the material envelopment of spiritual forms, of organic generation under all

its

forms, of all the ideas

springing from the corporeal organs or their actions.

Generation itself to

The

is

the mystery by which the spirit unites

matter, by which the Divine becomes signification of

corresponds,

is

easily

Human.

Venus-Urania, to which this card

understood by the above explanations.

THE

116

TAE.OT.

THE THIED CARD OF THE TAROT. The Empress, This symbol would therefore signify ideas of generation, of

embodiment

in all the worlds.

A

woman

seen full face.

The human being becomes woman. This

woman

is

corporeal in the

womb

of a

represented with wings, or in the centre

of a radiating sun.

The idea all

of the spirituality of the vivifying Principle of

beings.

She holds an The

eas^le in

eagle

is

her

rio^ht

hand.

the symbol of the soul and of

life

(Holy

Spirit).

In the

left

hand she bears a sceptre forming the

astrological sign of Venus.

The

sceptre

is

passive influence,

woman

held in

which

tlie

The

The

hand

to

indicate the

Yenus-Uvania,

or

the

exercises in the generation of beings.

She wears a crown with twelve

through

left

!N"ature,

sign all

of

points, or twelve stars.

the diffusion of the vivifying

Principle

the worlds and of the sun, through the Zodiac.

third card of the Tarot shows the result of the

reciprocal action of the

other in one principle.

two

first

terms neutralizing each

It is the Neuter

Element of Wronski,

the basis of every system of reality.

The

absolute creative force, or Osu'is, and the absolute

preservative force, or

Isis,

neutralize themselves in the

—

—

THE SYMBOLICAL TAROT. equilibrist force,

which contains in

different properties of the

two

itself

117

the two very

forms.

first

In God this would be the equilibrium of the Father and of the Son, or

God The In

Holy Ghost HORUS

the

universal vivifying force.

Man this would be the equilibrium of

the

Adam-Eve

Adam-Eve or

In the Universe

this

Humanity. would be the equilibrium

naturans and of Natura naturata

—

The World Conceived like a being.

of

Natura

THE TAROT.

U8

3.

Tlie

AFFINITIES

5

Empress.

THE SYMBOLICAL TAROT. The

creative

principle

119

and the receptive

principle,

having, by their mutual 3iCti-^

'vesta

^ntac aACn

?

QUEEN \ X"^ S<

^

4^ {^..

)(

"^'*?

l\

^'-z.

-V

A^ >a

^ O r 1

Ram

o^

ace:

^

\mimervA

7 \

1)

^0

/V

^

So <

^7 QUEEN pA/^

^h\tlC,

t7

^7

v^ /

VENUS /"^^^/^ 4f

^^^

(

^7

°i/

^

S.

KNIGHT

,

CANCER

KINC\MERCl OF CUPS *

J

^

Apollo -^

To faco page 252.

69

U N E

CHAPTER

XVII.

THE INITIATIVE TAROT. Ch. Barlet^s Essay on this Subject

— Involution and Evolution — The — The Phases of Initiation

Hours of Apolloniua of Tyana presented by the Tarot.

The

re-

Initiative Tarot.

APPLICATION OF THE TAROT TO THE THEORETICAL AND

PRACTICAL DOCTRINES OP INITIATION.

Our

friend F. Ch. Barlet has written a very interestiag

article

Our

upon

this subject,

which we

will quote

in extenso.

readers will then see the exactitude with which his

conclusions harmonize with our own.

INITIATION. Amongst the

ancients the scientific

men were

sages, such as Pythagoras, Plato, Aristotle

;

in

also the

modern times,

on the contrary, science and wisdom are unsuccessfully seeking for each other, or struggling in mortal conflict over is

the

Positivist

question.

religious

against nature

is

easily

philosophers

That such a separation

seen by the study of those

whose

extensive

learning

and

THE TAROT.

254

admirable

to

efforts

up a synthesis of scientific modern intellectual world.

build

wisdom merit high rank

in the

Whilst their fundamental aphorism is that nothing is attainable by man beyond the world of phenomena, their

works display an increasing though unintentional tendency to cross the limits which they seek to impose upon themselves, for they are led by that nature which they love, and which in its final manifestations they know We may compare them to better than any one else. insects imprisoned behind a

window

in despair they beat

;

the sunbeam which should lead them to the source of all light, yet unable to follow it beyond the invisible wall of their

themselves against the

On! the other hand, the Spiritualists are outside,

prison. free,

glass, clearly seeing

and as

it

were

lost in

the luminous ocean, wandering

without a compass, unable to find the guiding sunbeam which is the despair of the Positivists. However, one school exists which promises to guide the one, to free the other, and to direct each student an towards the centre of Truth so ardently desired ;

unknown

school, little frequented, like every transcendent

degree, although

its

considerable learning

masters have always given proofs of

—the school of

Theosoiohy, a positive

spiritualism preserved for ages in the ancient mysteries,

transmitted with more or less purity by the Kabbalists, Mystics, Templars, Rosicrucians, and

Freemasons, often

degenerate, like every other doctrine prematurely divulged, yet hidden at the root of every religion, and carefully per-

petuated in a few

unknown

sanctuaries, chiefly situated

in India.

The

secret of Theosophy, in the reconciliation

between

science and metaphysics, lies in a certain practical develop-

ment

of those

human

faculties

which are best

fitted to

THE INITIATIVE TAROT.

255

Let us

extend the limits of reliable knowledge.

first

try

understand this possibility.

to

An

attentive

examination of any

however positive

may

it

be,

scientific

method,

proves that there

is

no

evidence or certainty save in axioms, and that the fragile

and changeable scaffolding of our sciences, built upon this

immovable

due to inhdtion, of which

entirely

basis, is

observation and experience are only instruments.

But the

field of direct

perception in which intuition

this fact is now phenomena of hypnotism and magnetism, the torments of our modern sciences for by them the limits of opaque matter, of space and time, are

exerts itself is capable of extension;

by

demonstrated

the

;

suppressed in variable but incontestable degrees.

But

in this realm of transcendental faculties the

still,

perception certainty

is

not always so reliable as the unvarying

which characterizes an axiom

;

for

amongst the

hypnotizable or magnetizable subjects, the material lucidity

number

which are reproduced and which vary between the of a disordered imagination and the sublime

presents a

of gradations

in the intellectual fancies

order,

revelations of healthily inspired genius.

We

do not therefore exceed the possibilities given by

the reliable evidence of observation and experience,

we the

when

assert that the physical or intellectual perception of

human being

limits of ordinary

is

capable of extending beyond the

judgments and sensations and that which it can attain it is ;

in the transcendental regions

susceptible of

more

This assertion opens hierarchy of

or less certitude in its impressions.

new

fields for

new immediate

human knowledge, an

causes,

and the prospect of

an indefinite progress in science.

Now

Theosophy

inspires

man

with the enthusiasm

THE

256

TAROT.'

which enables him to draw near regions of perception, whilst

it

these transcejident

to

guards him from,

illusion,

through the forces and the new beings which .he will

meet

there

it

:

>

instruction

this

is

Initiation.

which

constitutes '

' '

.

The slight sketch which will now follow will at least give some idea of the principles by .which Religion and Philosophy,

Any

Wisdom and

defects

find

in

it

must be

to 'want of skill on the part of the student

attributed

who

Science, are united in Theosophy.

which the reader may

has undertaken

,

Initiation comprises

The Theory

it.

two

different,

but united sections.

of the resources and necessities of his enter-

which the neophyte always receives as an inheritance which leaves him absolute liberty of thought and the Practice in which he exercises, under the direction of

prise,

—

his

masters, the

physical^ intellectual,

control which will render

The

him an

and moral

self-

Initiate.

Theory, the primary instruction of Theosophy,

is

a preliminary definition, consisting almost exclusively of the contents of the Theosophical publications

;

but a

student should not fancy himself one of the Initiate

because he possesses these public works; the knowledge of

them

is

an excellent preparation, but nothing more.

This theory

more

is

found scattered throughout a number of

or less well-known

and accessible books

;

but there

them which explain.it .as a whole, simply This and methodically enough to satisfy a beginner. are very few of

due to the actual state of many not admit regular instruction, also

first difficulty, chiefly

mindS; which

will

:

THE INITIATIVE TAROT.

257

corresponds to the numerous varieties of intelligence which

Some, previously opened to theosophical

examine them.

approach every detail with equal profit

doctrines,

themselves

others,

;

them

on the contrary, who cannot at

to first

examine them by means of a secondary door which especially suits them, but which often forces them to make enormous digressions through our sciences and philosophies. The first steps are consequently very varied, and they require guidance accept

a whole,

as

willingly

from some more advanced brother, the

discerning

intellectual

and

who

moral

capable

is

state

of

the

of

neophyte.

This

why no work on

is

the subject can be especially

recommended here. An excellent bibliography of theosophic works will be found in the TraiU EUmentaire de Science OcctcUe, by Papus. We now add to it an excellent list of a series of studies, long but reliable, which Avill form a gradual transition from Positivism to Theosophy For facts. Study: Richet, d'Assier, Liebault, Philipps, Dnpotet, Reichenbach, Mesmer, &c. Comte, Stuart Mill, Bain, Hypothesis of the whole :

:

Ribot, Spencer, Taine, &c.

Philosophers:

Du Prel, Hartmann,

Schopenhauer, Hegel.

can then be derived from older works Spinoza, Leibnitz, and even from the ancients Aristotle, Great

profit

Plato,

the Neoplatonists, the

:

modern

mystic

scientists

:

Pythagorists

Wronski,

;

Fabre

then

the

d'Olivet,

Lucas, &c.

The student This series

will

will,

then

fully

understand Theosophy.

however, require further modifications,

according to the character and the scientific aptitudes of the student.

the theory,

We

must

also point out

which are necessary

for

some features

of

the comprehension of

—

•

THE TAROT.

258

our principal subject; the reader must only remeniber is entirely due to the author of this and he must not impute any of its errors to Theosophy itself.

that this explanation article,

Our

positive sciences give the last formula of the visible

world in the following words There

An

is

—

no matter loithout force

:

no force witJiout matter.

but incomplete formula, unless the following commentary be added to it 1.

indisputable

The combination

of

what we

call Force

and Matter

presents itself in various proportions, from that which is

materialized

called

chemical grain

(a

bodies), of

to

pollen,

Force

snhtilizecl

present

minerals,

Matter

spermatozoid,

Matter and Force, although fore

(rocks,

the

we cannot

or

electric

isolate

simple

Matter-Force atom).

them, there-

themselves as the extreme and opposing

mathematical limits

(or

contrary signs) of a

series of

which we see only a few medium terms, abstract but indubitable. 2.

The terms of

this series, that is to say, the substances

of nature, are never stable

by

;

Force,

which

is

characterized

sways essentially inert matter from one pole to the other, as though it were drawn by a infinite mobility,

continual current, while

it

retorts

by a counter-current,

which leads it back to its inert condition. For instance, an atom of phosphorus borrowed by a vegetable from the mineral phosphates, becomes the element of a human cerehral

cellule

integration 3.

falls

(subtilized

matter),

back into the

The movement

inei^t

then through

dis-

mineral kingdom.

resulting from this unstable equili-

——

THE INITIATIVE TAROT. brium

is

not disorganized

harmonies which we in.

;

it

259

presents a series of chained

call Zatos,

and which are synthetized

our eyes in the supreme law of Evolution.

One conclusion is forced upon us This harmonious synthesis of phenomena is the eminent manifestation of what we call a ivill. :

Therefore,

world

is

according to positive

science,

the visible

the expression of a will which manifests itself

by the unstable but progressive equilibrium of Force and Matter.

by

It is represented

I.

III.

this quaternary

Will

Force (Elements

(simple origin).

of this polarized Will).

II.

Matter.

World

lY. The Visible

(The result of their unstable, dynamic equilibrium).

The positive method will not allow us to pause there, we must analyze the Will in its turn. We will abridge this analysis here, for

the reader will easily master

the aid of the treatises on psychology; the two opposing terms of ajftrmation

new

it

with

leads through

and negation

to a

superior, apparently simple cause, the Idea,

analysis

again

consciousness,

the absolute

decomposes into

consciotisness

gradually remounting to

its

which and un-

furthest limit,

term, the One, both conscious and uncon-

scious, affirmative less,

it

and negative,

force

and matter, name-

incomprehensible to man.

Let us designate this supreme term by A, and the material atom by 12, we shall then have, according to our analysis, the following series of hierarchized quaternaries as a representation of the

Universe

THE TAROT.

260

+

-

A

(1)

Divine World

Unconscious-

Consciovsness (2)

(3)

(The Transcendent)

ness

Idea

(4)

(6) Affirmation

(5)

Intelligible

Negation

Will

(7) (9) Force

(8)

Matter Visible

KOSMOS

(10)

World

(Logic)

World

(Positive Science) X2

The extreme

terms, a and w, Spirit and Matter, equally

incomprehensible to

human

grandeur and infinite

intelligence in their infinite

littleness,^

are not

only linked

together by invariable intermediate chains, but they also

make an

incessantly descending

movement from one

to

the other, in which the Spirit becomes Matter by the successive disintegrations which express the Idea, the Will,

and Kosmos.

But

This constitutes the creation.

since, as

our sciences prove to us, the

in a state of evolutive

is

to their teachings this

Kosmos

itself

movement, and since according

movement

clearly inclines towards

which spiritualizes the living being by entering more and more into its composition, the preceding scheme expresses but one half of the Universe, the one lohich descends. We must now add to a progressive synthesis,

it

a second half, which restores the atom,

principle

a,

This

lives.

is

which the flow

arcs ^

:

to its opposing

Progress, the sequence of Creation.

Thus the Universe appears in

co,

through the progressive synthesis of individual

is

to us like a circular current,

necessarily inverse in the two opposing

from the positive pole a to the negative pole

The

first a,

One and

infinitely great

second w, a multiple composed of an analj'^sis of a. tiny elements ;

;

integration of Q.

vrtjinite

number

co

the

The

of infinitely

—

;

THE INITIATIVE TAROT. current descends

tive pole

—this

Matter

Spirit into

is

Involution, the descent of the

from the negative pole

;

a the current re-ascends

spiritualization of Matter.

We *

the

he

is

intellectual

presently.

*

him

upon

to be

at the

head of the three kingdoms of the

He

thus belongs to the

the imposing

;

monument

visible

world of

of science

is

a

world; but at the same time his errors, his

enormous

doubts, the

deficiencies in his knowledge,

his passions, sufficiently

in this sphere, as

he attain

it,

he

is

prove that he

will

it

is

it,

and

no longer master

in the inferior world.

he conceives

iMvine world,

presses towards

As it

;

to the

but

if

be by faith rather than by science.

then a being who in his re-ascension has reached

the middle region, his place is in

the superior

and even the centre of that region

the centre of the ascending arc, between

and the

by the

the oue, ruled

and the Beast.

A

inferior beings of creation, ruling

others,

midway between the Angel

situation inevitably painful through

the equality of the two opposing forces, ;

which retard his

he has come to a dead stop, which must be

overcome by a special

At the present time facilitates the

shall

it

the position which he also occupies in the

proof of

ascension

to the posi-

already far from the negative pole,

the Universe

is

shall describe

of oxir sciences shows

terrestrial world.

Man

to

this is Evolution, the

arc,

ascending

since

—

man

Let us then infer for

The evidence

261

effort.

Initiation

is

the instrument which

development of the human

soon understand of what

it consists.

butterfly.

We

;

THE TAROT.

262

The

Ancients, with the usual force of their synthetic

genius,

have

symbolized the whole of Involution and

Evolution by a sequence of twenty-two figures,

hidden

significations,

which

the

of

full

name

occultists

the

Twenty-two Great Arcana.

Taking the ten

first as

a description of Involution, we

find in the others the successive phases of Initiation, such

as they are depicted in the twelve hours (or sentences)

which form the Ntictemeron attributed to Apollonius of Tyana. These we shall now enumerate. To be perfectly clear we must first return to Evolution for one moment. In fact its analysis is not completed by the ten terms which have led us to the Kosmos, the dynamic equilibrium of Force

This Kosmos can be analyzed in

and Matter.

turn as two principles which, according to are conflicting in every

movement

all

of matter

its

the sciences, :

the Active

and Passive (male and female of organizations, acid and basis of chemistry, the opposing poles of electricity, &c.).

Completely inert matter

is

only found in their absolute

equilibrium in the unsiezable pole exactly opposed to the

a—the The

Q)

of the Universe.

occultists

have represented this 4th tetractys, of

which the Kosmos

term (the tetr.ictys of the by the 11th, 12th, and 13th The arcanum arcana, the Kosmos being its first term. which bears the generally dreaded number 13 requires further notice. It is called Death and Eesurrection, and it represents absolute Inertia, only found in Death but here Involution stops and Evolution commences, for the equilibrium of the two principles, active and passive, is

the

first

inferior world, infera, hell),

is

never prolonged.

This would seem to contradict the preceding remark,

THE INITIATIVE TAROT. that the description of Initiation, that re-ascension, opens with the

This however

the 14th.

is

the being should retrace in

263 to say, of the

is

10th arcanum, and not with not

so,

because in Involution

an inverse sense, to complete

the synthesis, every stage by which the a has been dis-

Man

integrated in the course of its Involution.

is

the

work of this kind anterior to his present state, but of this work which has raised him from the to at first he to the stage of Wdl he is quite unconscious was subjected to it under the fatal pressure of pure Force actual result of a

;

only,

then of

evolution

is

instinct, desires,

and passions

his previous

;

therefore unJcnowji to him, and yet

how can

he master any of these worlds without knowing them

His

first

work

in Initiation

must

all ?

therefore be to re-descend

become acquainted with and all the beings that he

to his first steps in Evolution, to all

the degrees,

all

the

forces,

has passed through, to penetrate the roots of itself,

We

and

to learn to

shall see

assertion; the

dominate them

life to

death

all.

presently that this

is

not a figurative

Neophyte cannot attain any reliable voluntary

exercise of the transcendental faculties without first obtain-

ing the m.astery over the forces which would produce illusion,

which would threaten his

reaching Inertia and conquering

it.

life

itself;

without

Like the Christ, the

model of regenerate man, he must expire upon the cross and rise again the third day; that is to say, after descending the three last steps represented by the 11th, 12th,

and 13th arcana, into the depths of

hell,

there to

discover Death and to overcome him.

This fully understood,

we

will describe the twelve hours

or phases of Initiation. *

THE TAROT.

264

The 10th arcanum, the

first

hour of the

man

sponds with the stage which

series, corre-

has reached at the

The symbol of this arcanum is the Sphinx^ which guarded the entrance to the Egyptian world the Neophyte descended between its paws into the tunnel which led to the sanctuary, through a series of tests, the image and noviciate of the descent which we have just present time.

;

mentioned. This

is

common

then the hour of preparation life

;

from the transcendental

separates the

it

life

;

in

the

it

student learns the w^ork that he must undertake, and prepares himself for

Let us see in what way.

it.

The human head

of the

Sphinx, the centre of the

Neophyte " First acquire the Knoioledge which shows the goal, and lights the way to This is the theoretic instruction mentioned above. it." Its bull's thighs, the image of the rough, persevering intelligence, says to the

:

labour of the agriculturist, say to

him

:

"

Be

strong and

patient in thy work."

paws say

Its lions

to

him: "Thou must

hrave

all,

and

defend thyself against every inferior force." Its eagle's

wings say to him

:

"

Thou must

will to raise

thyself towards the transcendent regions, which thy soul

already approaches."

The

riddle attributed to the

answer required

for

it,

Greek Sphinx, and the

are an equally expressive image

He is the animal that in the of man, and his aim. morning (that is to say, in the infancy of humanity) goes on four feet (4 being the expresses matter and

noon (that

is

number

of realization,

its instincts, the visible world)

to say, in the maturity of his

;

at

humanity)

he walks upon two feet (2, the number of opposition, the image of science, of its contradictions, its doubts, and of

:

THE INITIATIVE TAROT.

and in the evening (when the day upon three feet (3, the number of

the intelligible world)

;

nearly over) walks

is

265

which the Trinity gives the solution by the superior term, the harmonious synthesis of the two adverse terms). ApoUonius describes the same hour in these words the divine world, in

of all the oppositions, of all the antinomies,

"

Here the Neophyte praises God, utters no injurious words, no more pain," which means that his theoretic knowledge of the Creation is increased, and that he practises self-control. We will now pause and examine inflicts

the consistency of these various prescriptions.

We arc,

have seen that man, having reached the ascending

has become the object of dispute between the inferior

which he has traversed under the impulse of instinct, and those active forces which draw him upwards; we have noticed that the struggle must now be decided by the intervention of the Will, sufficiently developed by Evolution, and sufficiently free to exert its forces of inertia,

influence on one side or

on the other

:

man

can therefore

decide either for the inferior forces of disintegration, or for

for

names

the superior ones of synthesis, under the

Good and

Ei'il.

And

truly evil for

him

if

of

he redescend,

he will meet the terrors of decomposition, of Death.

Good, on the other hand,

if

he ascend,

for

he will enjoy

the realization of his natural aspirations, the of the

Creation and dominion over

Now human

where

is

knowledge

it.

the index of the forces of inertia in the

organization

on the other hand,

?

—

is

-In instinct, in

ihe passions.

Where,

the index of the active forces

?

—In

moral energy, in Virtue.

Where lead

to

is

the index of the forces of disintegration, which

inertia

in

the

human

tendency to isolation, in egoism.

organization?

—In

the

Where, on the other

— THE TAROT.

266

hand,

is

index of the integrant

the

forces

?

—In

the

tendency to joint responsibility, to altruism, in Fraternity.

The transcendent world has

Will

sufficient

therefore open to whoever

is

even

(or

man who

approaches

current of decomposition, jN'ature destroys

all

it

Evil;

where he it

Only the man whose heart

selfish

back into the

fall

will

be dissolved.

the law of selection!

is is

to

but woe to that

;

with a passionate and

it

with lowered head he will

heart;

impulsion)

artificial

triumph over the forces which guard

full

himself to the true destination of the

of charity can raise

human

being in the

region of Principles.

This will

is

why

the Sphinx prescribes, with the persevering

of the Bull, the couraoe of the Lion against the

forces

of the passions

;

and why ApoUonius commands

reserve and fraternity, with the Gospels which place

con tro] at the foundation of

Such

then, with the aid of knowledge,

for Initiation

;

we

self-

Law.

all

is

the preparation

shall soon see the importance of these

precepts.

The Neophyte, liminaries of the

exercised

sufficiently

first

in

these

pre-

hour, then descends the three lower

steps as follows

Arcanum

XI.

Second hour of Apollonius

:

Strength. '"

:

The abyss of fire— the

mrtiies of the stars close as a covivii through the dragons " (the rnagnetic chain). and the fire

The Neophyte and

learns to distinguish

its double current, positive

imiversal

and negative,

Force

in his

own

—

THE INITIATIVE TAROT. The

organization.

26V

application of this knowledge will be

found in the two following hours

Arcanum Third hour of

XII.

The Great Work.

:

Apollonius

"

:

The

serpents,

dogs,

the

and fire"

The inert

first

manifestation of force applied externally to

matter for affecting transmutations; this

The Neophyte having attained

Alchemy.

this step in practice

make a complete

be ready morally to

is

Arcanum

hoiTor

it

and fear of

magic and This

and

is

to

gdotiey

fire so as to volatilize it.

XIII.: Death.

Fourth hour of Apollonius: the sepulchres,

bis

must

personality; in the language of the alchemists, he

have destroyed his fixed nature by

must

of

sacrifice

'^

will injure

visions;

The Neophyte wanders in

him ;

he will experience

he should devote himself

to

^

Necromancy, the application of Force to the

domination

of

inferior

living

beings

:

Elemental,

or

organisms ready to synthetize themselves, and Elementary,

remains of the dead, on the way to disorganization. Morally, the

Neophyte should die

enter the spiritual

life

;

the celestial

to ordinary

man will

life,

to

be born from

the corpse of the terrestrial man.

The foundations

of the Universe are

now reached

;

the

Neophyte touches the extremity of the terrestrial aura, the sublunar atmosphere which surrounds every planet, like the reservoir of the

elements of

reached a terrible moment, 1

The magic which evokes the

its life

when he must evil genii

who

;

he has now

lose the earth

injure

—A.P.M.

man

;

THE TABOT.

268 to

launch out into the ocean of space

to

which two periods are consecrated.

The

first is

;

a formidable

crisis,

transitory.

Arcanum XIV.

The two Urns (the terrestrial and

:

celestial fluids).

hour

Fifth

of

Apollonius

"

:

The

waters

above

the

heavens."

Here the Neophyte learns the flow in the

of the astral currents

planetary aura, just as in the second hour he

acquired a prehminary knowledge of Force, before exposing himself to

it

in tha following hour.

Arcanum XV.

Typhon (the

:

Sixth hour of Apollonius quiet,

immovable through

Unprotected

:

"

electric whirlwind).

Here one must remain

J'ear!'

the Neophyte exposes himself

to

the

double and formidable fluid-current of celestial space, by

which the ignorant or imprudent is carried away without mercy, but which raises the strong man who has purified Silence, prudence, courage

himself.

!

According to your deserts you will be enraptured like St.

Paul, or yitu will expose yourself either to madness,

to the spiritualization of evil, or to sorcery.

Sabbat or the Ecstasy

This

is

the

!

The reader cannot pay too much attention to this solemn monument of practical occultism, so well described in Lytton's novel Zanoni under the name of the Dragon of the

Threshold;

necessitates so

by many

it

many

artificial

is

the

secrets.

paths

:

formidable danger which

This threshold

is

reached

the hachich, narcotics, hyp-

notics of every kind, the practices of spiritual

mediums-

—

!

;

THE INITIATIVE TAKOT.

269

but woe to him who attempts to pass it before he has triumphed in the long and laborious preliminary preparation

His

1

fate is foretold in the

Arcanum XVI. Seventh

hour

The Lightning-stnick Tower.

:

Apollonius:

of

next arcanum.

''Fire

comforts

every

and if some piHest^ himself a ^^-wr^ man, jmrloin and tose it, if he Mend it with holy oil^ consecrate it, and then anoint some ailing limb with it, the malady living creature^

will he

The

cured"

if

its

he be impure he

more or

less

has touched the

current

irresistible

exposed himself to

man who

vortex on the terrestrial heights

threatened with disorganization

is

complete, according to his intellectual or

moral unworthiness, and his energy (incoherent mysticism, folly,

death, or complete disintegration, represented by the

genius of If,

this

evil,

the Devil)

on the contrary, he be worthy of the higher regions, baptism of fire renders him one of the Magi; the

sources of terrestrial

life

are at his disposition

;

he becomes

a Therapeut.

Having reached the

spheres

celestial

terrestrial one,

he will then learn to know

this point,

progressively

as

and to dominate them

;

he

knows

the

three hours are

consecrated to this exploration

Arcanum XVII.

:

The Star of

Eighth hour of Apollonius

"

:

The

the

Magi.

astral virtues of the

eUmentSy of seed of every hind."

This

is

the region of the principles of the solar system;

in it life

becomes clear;

centre to

all

its

distribution from the solar

the planets, and their reciprocal influences,

—

;;

THE TAROT.

270

are understood in all their details, in

name

The

the CwTespondences.

what the

occultists

Initiate is then master

of Astrology in every branch of the science, in the widest

meaning

of its acceptation.

Arcanum XVIII. Ninth hour of Apollonius

The

Initiate

solar system, "

:

now extends

The Twilight.

:

"

Nothing

is

finished here"

his perceptions

beyond the Zodiac "

;

he

is

beyond our

in sight of the

he touches the limits of the intelligible world the divine light commences to show itself, the object of new terror and danger. Infinite

;

Arcanum Tenth hour and man

open,

" The gates of heaven are horn again, docile in the lethargic sleep!'

of Apollonius is

The Idea appears or,

XIX!^: The Eeqjlendent Light. :

to the regenerate soul of the Initiate,

in the language of the Occultist, the spiritnal sun will

rise for

him; he

will

Divine World, in which

Two

by a new regeneration enter the man dies no more.

steps remain before the highest

human

destinies

can be accomplished

Arcanum XX. Eleventh

hour

of

The AiaaJcening of Apollonius

:

"

the

The

Dead. Angels^

the

Seraphim fly with mstling loings joy in heaven, the earth rises, and the Sitn, ichich

CheruMm, and

the

theo^e

is

isstoes

from Adam"

This

:

is

the hierarchy of the Divine world, which appears

upon new earths and new heavens. not pass through death again; eternally.

The

Initiate will

henceforth he will live

THE INITIATIVE TABOT. Arcanum XXII.

:

The Grown of

Twelfth hour of Apollonius

Nirvana

!

:

Complete return

"

The

to

a.

the

271

Magi.

cohorts of fire rest"

Let us recapitulate these twelve hours of the

0,

—Preliminarj''

studies

and

tests.

initiation.

!

THE TAEOT.

272

Need we add how much

and time

effort

(years, lives,

how

often centuries) are required for each of these hours,

few there are who pass even the

first

steps

!

And what can we expect from their knowledge ? The hope of indefinite progress towards the realization of our most radiant hopes, the desire first

realizations, so that

assurance of the others those

;

whom we recognize

lastly,

to attain at least those

we may

them the-

derive from

confidence in the instruction of for

masters already far advanced

the certainty that in these fruitful doctrines

;

we

shall find the salvation of. our suffering societies,^as well

as the most longed-for individual happiness.

And

these

desires, this confidence, are felt after the first preliminary

studies.

To

succeed,

we need undertake but one work

that which the Sphinx depicts to us

:

at

first,

moral and intellectual

But only the man who seriously underthem can know what immense and persevering efforts they exact May this rough glimpse of them preparations.

takes

!

inspire the reader with the desire

devote himself to

them with

all

and the courage

the ardour of

to

Hope

F. Ch. Barlet.

THE DIVINE NAME IN THE TAROT. By Ch. Barlet. The

totality of the

symbols which form the Tarot

distributed through a series of

being presented in a single figare thatr it is

the reason for this

;

the signification of this totality at the

same time

is

78 plates or cards, instead of is

very multiple

;

is,

for

theologic, cosmologic, psychologic,

and divining, and this variety

the result of the different

is

combinations which can be produced by the arrangement

and comparison of these 78 cards. sense that

it

This variety

is

not one

unique masterpiece, in the

of the lesser beauties of this

adds movement and consequently

life

to the

usual immobility of every written representation, without

counting the diversity of

its

appliances,

which include

numbers, words, form, and colour.

The Tarot can

therefore be

made

to speaJc

when one

innumerable combinations has been found; that

its

say,

when

the student knows

how

to arrange the

whole or

upon the table, in the order necessary the answer which ho seeks.

part of his cards

discover

We

ask him

view, that

how can

or should

Tarot, with its

answer

What

:

is to say,

us, as

is

what

man

of

is to

to

the Creation from man's point of is

the

life of

the Great All, and

participate in

it ?

The whole

22 great arcana and 5Q minor arcana, will

we

shall

show by quoting only a few

profound interpretations which

it

provides.

of the

-

THE

274

To

TAE.OT.

we must remember

obtain this information

three

same time the key the

is

to the 22 great arcana, which,

abstracted, are only seven repetitions

We

Trinity.

that the

cards which express the Trinity form at the

first

must

the card

notice that

also

fourth term of the divine tetractys,

is

when

of this IV.,

the

both the realization

of the Trinity restored to the unity, and the first term of

The

the following Trinity. the divine

name

four

of 4 letters,

cards thus represent

first

lEVE

('^in''),

so that if

we

repeat the Trinity seven times, to obtain the sequence of

the 21 great arcana, the numbers will correspond to the four letters as follows ]Srumbers Letters...

1.

<

I

t

We

will

2.

—

—

3

4.

5.

6.

n

>

n

EI

E Y

assume that these

~ —

7. "1

8.

9

n

^

E— YE

~ — —

I

etc.

etc. etc.

letters are thus attached to

the corresponding arcana, and this remark will be the

key

to the

To

arrangement which we are looking

find a second key,

given space

;

redeal our cards in a in the plane will

at first only their place

appear; then the Kosmos

we must

it will

first

for.

We know

be clearly defined.

that

conceived as the final expansion of the

is

mathematical point, that

is

to say, of the Absolute,

which

before this expansion included all force or potentiality in its

nothingness.

The 0,

centre of

the Foolish

Let us di'aw this sphere

it will

Man

or

Crocodile,

which

the whole pack, at the same time that the other cards, for they include universe.

From some

becomes our north

(see Fig.

1).

be represented by one of the cards,

all

it

is

the pivot of

participates in all

the properties of our

point of the sphere, a point which

pole, the

the creation will appear on

movement its surface.

will start,

by which

.l^r,, I

'

I

t

'

\'

'

'

y^

I !r

^ N

YdV,

'\

!

<

I

'

'

I

'

i:::;-"' ^'

-f^-l

I 1

1

1'

J

1

>

/^w^/

ti

THE TAKOT.

276

Around this point upon the sphere, the reflex we will place the cards of our 3 first arcana

centre,

of the

Mage, the

(the

I.

:

(Knowledge, Suhstance, ^) III. (Love, the fertile Powei', the Being, *)) and in order that this Trinity may be repeated in the whole septenary Spirit,

*»)

;

11.

;

;

of our distribution

we

make

will

will divide the surface of

We upon

it

the root of 3 great

terms of the Trinity, which

divisions, representing the 3

our sphere by 3 meridians.

can then continue the distribution of our cards

The head of each each second term

this surface in the following way.

partial Trinity will be in

division 1

;

be in division 2 each third term in division 3. Consequently our IV. card (the Emperor, H) will be in the will

I.

;

;

the V. card (the Pope,

will

1)

be in

II.

;

the YI. card

(Liberty, ^) will be in III., and this second fsequence will

A

form a new zone upon the sphere. inferior, will

a

third,

little

be formed by cards YIL, VIII. and IX., cards

XL, X. and XII.

will

occupy the Equator, and the 9 cards

from XIIL to XXI. will be distributed like the 9

first,

in 3

bands placed upon the lower hemisphere as shown in Fig.

Now

our 22 great arcana are placed

look at their significations.

;

let us

1.

pause and

Above the Equator we see an North Pole, represented

ever-increasing expansion of the

by the 3 upper follow,

triangles,

planes of the Creation III.),

then by the 6 trapezes which

each larger than the one before. :

The

Here

are the three

Divine, metaphysic

(L, IL,

the Intelligible, moral (IV., V., VL),and the physical,

that of the generative attributes or elements (VII., VIIL,

and IX.).

The creation is realized upon the equatorial line (X., XL, XIL), in which the first term, with the preceding cards, represents the 10 sephiroth of the Kabbalah.

Below the Equator,

in the world of material realization,

— ;

THE INITIATIVE TAROT.

277

quitted by Death (XIII.), this expansion is and synthetized by an inverse and symmetrical retracted The arcana which follow movement of the above.

which

is

represent

Initiation

carried

to

its

extreme

limits,

path by which the creature (X.) returns from plicity to

the unity of the

the southern pole

—a

new

spirit,

its

the

multi-

goes back to the point

reflex of the Absolute, towards

it reascends by the vertical axis of the sphere.^ The Neophyte, after his preparation (positive science, magnetism and alchemy, X., XI., XII.), travels through the

which

sublunar world (XIIL, XIV., XV.), then through the solar

system (XVI., XVII. and XVIIL), and escapes by the sun in the abyss of the Infinite (XIX.,

XX., XXL).

We may now

end this short explanation of the practical distribution of our 22 arcana upon a plane (the reader will do well to imitate it upon a table with a pack of Tarot cards). The student should imagine that our sphere is seen from a considerable distance, vertical for instance,

upon

its

axis

at the distance of the earth from the sun, the

upper hemisphere only will appear, the other being seen but transparently

Equator

;

and

it

will lotjk like a circle, with the

The

for its circumference.

limits of the 3 super-

posed zones appear like 3 concentric circles

;

the meri-

by their dividing lines, only look like 3 equally divided radii, making of the 3 sectors 3 equal arcs. This representation, which geometricians name prodional planes, seen

jection

upon the plane of the Equator, gives the second

figure (the

4?

circles of

the centre only)

of clearness in the symbols, has

triangle

inscribed

in the

posed upon the 3 meridians. ^

The

details

which

part of this chapter.

;

to

it,

for the sake

been added an equilateral circle, with the points

inner

The Roman

justify this assertion will

figures inscribed

be fuund in the

first

—

;

;;

THE TAROT.

278

numbers of the cards placed we have said, and, consequently, also indicate their place upon the table. The arcana of the lower hemisphere are

in the circles represent the as

indicated upon the figure in dotted

preceding

circles as the

;

since

fche

letters, in

the same

lower zones, seen only

might be confused with the upper, through mutual symmetry. Here, in its great features, is already an answer to our questions the Spirit descends by three trinities from the Absolute into Matter (upper hemisphere). It is realized by the trinity X. (Malchut), XI. and XII. (the Equator), and

transparently, their

:

returns to the Absolute by a trinity of growing synthesis, which constitutes human progress (lower hemisphere). We will presently explain some of the philosophic interpretations which this distribution furnishes let us it

;

first

complete

it

by our 55 minor arcana.

They especially

represent our solar world.

Since we are

number,

its

the divine

now

in the world of realization, 4

fundamental basis

name

of 4 letters

be divided into 4 sections spades, hearts, clubs,

and

far

more

is

to

is

it is

lEVE :

is its

the Trinity realized

Our

(nin**).

cards will

the 4 colours of the pack,

and diamonds, with their "hieroglyphic

significant

and Pentacles, Everything

;

names

:

the Sceptres, Cups, Swords,

dual in this world, where the equilibrium

unstable, unable to find any rest, except in the return

the Trinity, from which

it

Thus these 4

proceeds.

fundamental divisions will divide into 2 duads spiritual, the other material,

and feminine Spiritual

masculine)

;

principle,

duad,

the

religious attributes

the one

namely

the Sceptre

Cup

:

each composed of a masculine

(heart,

(spades,

a

full

triangle,

an open triangle, feminine)

——

—

;

THE INITIATIVE TAROT.

279

Material duad the Sword (club, a lobe J triangle), and the PentacU (diamond, double triangle) ; the attributes :

and of the artisan. Four other divisions correspond to these 4 colours, those of the figures which also form 4 duads, namely King and Queen Knight or Warrior, and Knave. As to the numbers which follow these figures, they lead of the warrior

us to another consideration, which

is also

essential to the

distribution of our cards If

4

is

the fundamental

the symbols of our world,

number of these minor arcana, we must not forget that it is

connected with the Trinity, from which

it emanates; and returns to it. We must then also find the ternary element in it after the colours and the figures, which have provided the basis of our world, the

also

that

realizes

it

it,

:

numbers, which reflect

are,

as

the sephiroth in

They pause,

it

were, the essence of

and by them the act of

it,

it,

will

creation.

in fact, at 10, including 3 trinities besides the

tenth, Malchut,

which unites them.

must also take the two numbers 3 and by combining them so as to utilize all the elements which we have just enumerated. This is how we can do this (follow Fig. 1 upon the plane of the

Our

distribution

4 into account,

Equator, represented as a ring outside the sphere)

We

some

will first separate

each of the 4 colours Trinity,

King

(^),

(p),

Queen

of the cards

:

the Knave of

which, as the realization of the

(H),

Knight

(*l),

serves as the tran-

from the quaternary to the ternary; and the 10 of each colour, the unity of complete realization, the multiple sition

unity 1 and

— Malchut.

The Knaves, by

their participation in the quaternary

and ternary, and their return to the Unity by the Trinity,

—

;;

THE TAROT.

280

have a universality which connects them with the

numbered card place them round

;

we

"un-

will therefore

this card, as a cross, in the centre of our

In this way the centre

equatorial circle.

will express

:

the original unity, the source and aim

the card

0,

creation

by

;

of the great arcana

its triangle,

the primitive Trinity

quaternary in which

colours, the

it

is

of

by its 4 by the

;

realized

By

;

character of the 4 Knaves, the return of this quaternary to

the ternary

;

in short, the

whole creation assembled in one

which

point, in potentiality,

is

the characteristic of the

Spirit.

On

the other hand the four 10 will be placed at the ex-

tremities of the cross formed circles, as

term of

As

by the Knaves, outside

the expression of the Unity multiple, in

our

ditferentiation.

to the other cards, they include

which

figures,

Trinity

all

its last

;

it is

correspond

with

the

first

3

quite simple to distribute

3 kinds of

terms

them

of

the

in the 3

parts of our external equatorial plane, corresponding with

the 3 divisions of the sphere

—

The Kings opposite to division I Q) The Queens opposite to division E (H) The Knights opposite to division V (1) ;

and, since there are 4 colours for each of them, 4 subdivisions are naturally produced in each of our 3 principal divisions;

these

4

Cup

subdivisions,

corresponding

to

the

and the Pentacle (H), 0), also repeat the Divine name of 4 letters (lEVE) (^'''^"^), and form the passage from the ternary to the quaternary. Now only the numbers remain to be placed and we Sceptre

the

(n),

the Sword

(1),

;

have only Trinity

to

make them

correspond with the terms of the

—

;

;

THE INITIATIVE TAROT.

Then, in a

The The The

four 2 behind the Queens

still

more external

four

"behind the Kings;

I

four 3 behind the Knights.

The four 4 The four 5 The four 6

the same order.

outside, as

We

outside the Knights and the

and

Let us

now

;

3.

circle will include the four 7, 8

and 9

to the four 10, they are placed quite

already said.

obtain the

figures 1

The

outside the Kings and the 1

As

we have

thus

circle

outside the Queens and the 2

an outlying

Finally, in

281

distribution

represented by the

2.

consider their signification.

atom descended upon the sphere has reached the point represented by arcanum X., the tvheel of Ezekiel, From this, the which raises man and lowers the elemental. atom falls, so to speak, through the material world, which living

he has just entered.

He

first

and Cap)

decade (Sceptre

.

descends through the spiritual the

(see

numbers of increasing complexity

By

:

figure),

King,

traversing

1, 4, 7,

then 10.

this 10, the multiple unity, limit of materialization,

which unites the two portions of the decade Sceptre-Cup, he resumes in an inverse sense, as though by a reascending arc,

the

road which will lead

remounting the

4, 7, 10,

and King

him back to plate X., of Cups and Swords, the

substantial duad.

This is only one-third of the voyage which the living atom must accomplish in the real world and, in this first excursion through matter, he has still retained the spiritual character which he received from Yod (**), the he must now lose this character characteristic of plate X. ;

;

for

that of the, following

E

(H).

To

this end,

he passes

THE TAROT.

282

from plate

X.,

which he has just re-entered,

to plate

XI.

{^),

the Hermit, the v&iled LamiJ, to pass in the same way as

he has already done through the dual series of the SceptreCup, through the Queens, the 2, 5, and 8, passing by the 10 of Cups, and remounting by it through the second series, Sword-Pentacles, to the arcanum XI., the startingpoint of this second excursion.

arcanum he passes

Finally, from this last

XII.

the Sacrifice^

(1),

number

to

descends the neuter series of the

3, 6, 9 of Sceptres and Cups, crosses the 10 of Swords and the 10 of Peutacles, and remounts by the dual Swords and Pentacles to the intelligible world. His journey across the material world is completed; he

Knight,

has travelled over the Zodiac -

arcanum XIII.

is

to the spiritual world, to the

We

will

now

he

;

will

now

die

;

the

ready for him, and will give him access

Redemption.

some

explain

other

features

of

this

Equator into 3

arcs,

distribution. It divides the external circle of the

subdivided into 4 portions

These are the 12 signs of the Zodiac.

characters. first is

12 divisions of different

in all

;

naturally ranked with the

arcana in the spiritual sector, (Spades)

;

i. e,

first

The

card of the minor

the King of Sceptres

the second corresponds with the

King

of Cups,

and so on to the twelfth.

One

observation will

suffice

between the zodiac and our

to justify the connection

cards.

We

must note the 12

divisions of the circle into the triple repetition of the 4

Sacred Name; an operation legitimized by already remark made, that these 4 colours correspond the letters of the

with

these

circle,

where the signs of the Zodiac are

letters

(see

Fig.

2,

in

the

intermediate

written).

We

at

once recognize the 4 trigons of the Zodiac, corresponding

•

THE INITIATIVE TAROT.

283

with the elements which the 4 colours also represent, and these trigons are characterized as well as designated.

The

fiery trigon

and the

Sceptre

(T, ^, ^), corresponding with the '^1\ is swayed by the spiritual element.

letters

The earthy trigon (B» "^j 'VJJj corresponding to the G%op and to the letters ^nn, namely, two E's of the name and the

of 3 letters,

an

E

final

feminine

essentially

of the

name

character,

of 4 letters

substantial,

but

—

of

superior order.

The airy and the

trigon

letters

(11, =0=

l*^'"^,

:ni;),

corresponding to the Swm^d

swayed by the masculine element of

the second order.

The watery

trigon (£d, m,, }{), corresponding to the T^T^T^J comprising, this time, the

Pentacle and to the letters final

E

of the

of the

name

name

of 3 letters

of 4 letters twice repeated,

—the

and the

E

dominant character, the

inferior feminine.

But we must leave the minor arcana to the investithey would lead us too far and return to some further notice of the great arcana. gations of the reader

—

—

Let us first notice how the three chief sectors preserve and reproduce their innate characters in all their divisions.

We

find, in

the

first,

that of the letter

the members of the unity,

minor arcana) Sceptre

;

;

as

I.,

figure,

IV., VII.,

Yod

Kings

the

Q), the Spirit,

X. (repeated in the ;

as

sun above the Equator from the spring to the

solstice.

In the second sector (n) the substantial principle feminine numbers arcana)

;

the

colour,

in the Zodiac, the lines of the ascension of the

II., V.,

as figure, the

VIII., XI. (repeated in the

Queens

;

as colour , the

the

is

minor

Cup

;

in

the Zodiac, the four signs of the descent of the sun

towards the Equator fecundity in

all its

;

the season of harvests and vintages,

forms.

Fig.

2.

—

:

THE INITIATIVE TAROT. In the third sector sacred

numbers which IX.

orders, III., VI.,

;

Son, the Element, aro the

the

(1),

285

participate in the two preceding

as ftgure, the

Knight

;

as colour, the

Pentacle of the practical world, and the Sword also, which close the

preceding sector; in the Zodiac^ the signs through

which the sun passes in the southern hemisphere the

of renovation

earth,

Christmas

is

in the centre

when

death; the time

world to reanimate

The

divine

first

for

the cycle which follows

the

new

:

birth in the winter of

the Son was born into an inferior

it is

is

not only written in the series of

also found

to those circles, either in

The

;

it.

Name mrf

concentric circles,

our

;

consumption of the produce of

winter, the season for the

sector gives

upon the

lines belonging

descending or in remounting.

it

without transposition, as we see

in Fig. 2.

Name

In the second sector the divine

is

preceded by

the feminine letter E, the Mother, and finally pauses at E,

lEVE,

IE.

In the third,

(See the figure.) it

commences by the

letter of the

Son and

ends by that of the Father, to which he returns

lEVE,

We

it

:

VE,

I.

shall

now

inquire from the symbols of the cards the

different

ways of ipr enouncing

vctrio^ts

manifestations in the

Name, and also the Kosmos of each of these four

the divine

Let us question even the spirit of these symbols, instead of their number, colour, or form, which have chiefly occupied us at present. By first following the regular order of our arrangement letters.

we

shall find

In the divine world the arcana L, II., III., IV,, the divine Tetractys, comprising (1) the Absolute Being ; (2) :

:

the Consciousness of the Absolute

;

(3)

Love or the power

THE TAROT.

286 of fecundity

;

the realization of the virtualities of the

(4)

Absolute.

In the world of laws: arcanum V., the laws of the relation of the Crea,ted with the Uncreate (the Initiator,

knowledge of good Fear also)} YI. {Liberty, Beauty) and evil; knowledge of the Law. YII. (Glory); rule of the Spirit over Matter, the fertile power of the Law and ;

;

VIII. {absolute Justice, Victory)^ realization of the Law.

In the physical world

arcana IX. (the veiled Lamp), the

:

light extinguished in the darkness of the substance, the spirit

imprisoned in the material world, Yesod.

X.

(

Wheel

of Fortune), which raises the fallen spirit to lead it back, with the nature which it has spiritualized, to all its power,

by Strength (arcana XL), and by Sacrifice (arcana XIL). The phases of spiritualization then follow. XIIL First :

phase

:

XIV.

{Death) to the physical world.

combination of the movements of

XVI.

Magic.

(the

life.

Lightning-struch

{the

XV.

two Urns)

(Typhon).

Tower); the inter-

planetary force.

Second phase XVII. (the flaming Star), the internal XVIII. (the Twilight), the aurora of the divine sun. XIX. (the SuTi), central and XX. (the Judgment), after :

light.

;

which the supreme

realization

is

obtained, the Groion of the

MagL

We

have said that the divine

Name

is

again enunciated

in following the three sectors.

In the

first

are the arcana

the realization of over

Matter,

and

its

the

Then, in return, XIIL, ^

I.,

IV., VII.,

virtualities,

X.

The

absolute,

the dominion of Spirit

animating principle of beings.

XVL, XIX. and L

Death

(Inertia),

Consult for the generation and signification of numbers the

Traits EUmentaire de Science Occxilte, by Papus, a learned author, whose good counsels have produced the best part of this article.

THE INITIATIVE TAEOT. the astral

the central

light,

sun,

287

and the Unspeakable

himself.

This tion

is

the account, by the principles, of the differentia-

and integration of the Absolute. sector, the one which corresponds to the

In the second

we have the series, XIV. the Hierophant, or religion Justice, Force, and the combination of the movements of life; the image of the Saints the Mystics of all religions, who by consciousness of the Absolute or faith, VIII., XI.,

v.,

:

;

;

absolute Faith

and

acquire, without

Justice, receptive,

seeking for

the

it,

feminine virtues,

power of working

prodigies.

Lastly, in the third Sector, that of

fecundity,

we have

XII., the

Sacrifice;

forces

;

the series

:

IX.,

Love or power of

Wisdom and Prudence

XV., self-abandonment to the

and XVIIL, the attainment of the

Infinite.

;

astral

The

essence of this series of efforts, both active and passive, constitutes Initiation, the

Let us once more seek three divisions at once.

Redemption.

for the divine

We

Name, through the

shall find, for instance, the

VL, which demonstrate the divine manifesting itself by Beauty and Liberty in the

arcana L, Trinity,

II.,

III.,

Intellectual world

:

Son (1). Or again, I., VL,

it

is

the passage of the Father Q) to

the

The descent of the Father Q) by the Son (VL) and by Yesod the Word made flesh. This is the Redemption, IX., X.

:

into the physical world (X.)

(IX.)

;

the series w^hich in the Sepher

Column

of the Sephiroth (Kether

Yetzirah represents the

— Tiphereth —Yesod and

Malchut;.! ^

The

Papus),

is borrowed frora Fabre d'Olivet, and the Sepher Yetzirah (translation by

signification of the cards

Wronski, E. Levi,

Cliristian,

;

THE TAROT.

2S8

But we must

limit these examples,

which the reader

will

Let us only add a few more words upon our second problem the different manifest-

easily multiply for himself.

:

ations of each of the three persons of the divine Trinity.

The Yod XIII.

then

is

found in the arcana Hierophant,

in Keter, in the

;

Y.,

T., ii]

IX., XII.

the Wise Old

and

Man;

presides over death, which will bring the world

it

from the depths of gloomy Inertia to the resplendent

crown of the Magi, by the internal light. It will be noticed, at the same time, that the Yod is the only one of the four letters which, by its various positions, forms a complete spiral round the sphere, from the north to the south poles a symbol which may appear very remarkable to any one acquainted with the mysteries of ;

the

life

The

of a planet.

first

E, the celestial Mother (arcana

II.), is

XIY. and XVIIL, that

in the arcana YI., X.,

found

is to

say,

Beauty, Form, the Angel of Temperance, which balances the movements of

life,

and the aurora

Sun

of the divine

Diana the Moon.

The Y, the Son, the fertile power

;

characterized

is

planes by the arcana

III,, YII., XI.,

upon the

XY. and XTX.

various

Love,

;

the Ruler over Matter, Force

;

then

Typhon, the mysterious Baphomet of the Templars, which collects the superior forces to spread them over the Earth; and lastly, the central Sun. In a word, the Christ of the

Gospel, the

Elements, the

Spirit

Word made

E

Love, the Master of the

Universal Sun.

the, divine reflex of the

Lastly, the second

of

flesh to spiritualize the flesh;

;

the terrestrial Mother

the arcana lY,, VIII. XIL, XYI. and ,

of

the

Justice,

divine

is

seen in

realization

and also Mercy, absolute overwhelmed and suffering Spirit,

virtualities,

Sacrifice, the

XX. The

;

;

;

THE INITIATIVE TAROT. and finally Eesurrection

;

289

the head of the Serpent crushed

beneath the woman's heel, by the force of abnegation and resigned faith.

We

need only follow these various arcana upon the

sphere, to

once more that the

see

arcana (northern hemisphere), and

Yod

has 3 superior

2 inferior

That the V Q) has only 2 superior and (upon the Equator)

And

that

E

the

has

4*

superior,

2

medium

1

and 2

inferior,

medium. Let us close these remarks, already too lengthy, by a simple

upon

observation

the

general

of

effect

our

arrangement.

The three

worlds, Divine, Intelligible, and

Physical,

are found not only in the three zones of the sphere., but

they are again reproduced in the whole arrangement the Divine

is

in the centre, through the Foolish

the Tarot, and the cross of four colours

;

this

Man

of

we have

already pointed out.

The

and

Intelligible

the sphere (Fig.

1),

its

developments are provided by

or the circular distribution of the 21

great arcana (Fig. 2).

The

physical

Equator (Fig.

is

1),

seen in the external plane of the

with the distribution of the 56 minor

arcana, representing the Zodiac of the

and the various degrees

multiplicity of Force through substance

to the

extreme pole, the negative unity 10. Moreover, the whole (Fig. 1) reproduces the form of the planet Saturn, with its ring, a form which in

according to the theories of our positive sciences,

itself,

the demonstration of the great the formation of the Universe; namely, the is

clearest manifestation, the

laws of

concentration of the substance in a radiant state around

u

;

THE TAROT.

290

a point of attraction, producing

"with

a progressive con-

densation a rotatory movement, particularly accentuated at the Equator, satellites,

and giving birth

to the stars, planets,

and

thus descending from the ethereal ndhuleuse to

the atom, to the solid ultimate ness to inert

;

from

living nothing-

nothingness, from the unit to an infinite

multiplicity.

Thus the

Tarot, the secular fruit of the genius of our

ancestors, can represent not only the creation in its actual state,

but

its

with that of the

history

human

even in

details,

yet avoiding, by the combination of

borrowed from, natural philosophy breaks

life,

—namely,

clear, full expression of

and

its

future

creature, even to their principles

the

its

analogical symbols,

the rock upon which

all

the definition of words, the

Word

in the sublunar world.

—

CHAPTER

XVIII.

THE KABBALISTIC TAROT.

—

Deductions by Etteila upon the Book of Thoth Example of the Application of the Tarot to the Kabbalah, the Hierogram of Adam by Stanislas de Guaita.

Deductions by Etteila upon the Book of Thoth.

We

will

now

recapitulate

some of the conclusions which work upon the Book

Etteila attained in the course of his

of Thoth (the Tarot).

The Booh of Thoth Hermes indicates by its name alone had discovered its Egyptian origin. It

that our author is

composed of 78

forming 4 volumes.

leaflets,

The 1st volume contains 12 leaves The 2ud 5 5 The 3rd The 4th bQ --

— —

—

— —

Thus the 22 major arcana form 3 volumes, and the h% minor arcana form the

The 56

last.

leaves of the last

volume divide

in the following

way, according to the operation indicated reading of the cards 26

+

17

+ 11 + 2 = 56.

in the

first

—

—

;

:

THE TAROT.

292

The 4

56

the

of

divisions

(the

leaflets

4 colours)

respectively represent 1.

Agriculture.

2.

Priesthood.

3.

:N"ohi]ity,

Magistrates. Soldiers.

Art. 4.

People,

Commerce.

The Booh

of

TliotJi

contains three parts,

viz.

22 Major Atouts. 16 Minor Atouts (the figures).

40 Small cards. It. is

formed like a living being, 78 3

is its

If

body;

its spirit

1 its

or mediator

soul.

we add the 12 first leaflets number of its

shall discover the 1

If

for

of the

+2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9+

we now

look back at the

first

the cards according to our author,

Number 78

book together, we

total

10

+

11

+

= 78.

operation in reading

new deductions

be found to represent

will

12

will arise.

Salt,

or the

incorruptible Spirit.

The number Divinity

;

lastly,

into three parts,

1

(a

is

book)

represents

number

the Unity,

the

26, which divides the Tarot exactly that of Jehovah (nin*^).

the

Yod

He Vau

He Total.

= = =

...

10 5 6 5

26

—

—

!

THE KABBALISTIC TAKOT. In the

first

operation-^

nothing remains,

—

293

upon the packets

of 26 cards

0.

In the second operation upon the packets of 17 cards 1

remains, which represents the point in the centre of

the circle zero.

upon the packets

Lastly, in the third operation

cards 2 remain,

of 11

which represent Man.

To sum up

—The Circumference the Universe. —The point the Centre-God. —The Male and the Female. Man. of

1

2

of

God, Man, and the Universe, obtained by the mystic system of Etteila

We the

we try deductions he makes from shall never

ourselves, in

end

closing,

if

to follow our author in all

the above

;

with demonstrating

let

us content

the

meaning

which he gives to the numbers of the packets which have

been successively placed on one

Finally, the

side.

26— TAe

Soul.

ll—The

Spirit.

II— The

Body.

remainder of the cards 11 + 11 + 2 = 24

is

student

a

'

Life.

These few pages will

gUmpse

of Etteila's

to

suffice

method

give the

of proceeding.

We

rendered his deductions as clearly, and presented methodically, as possible.

as

consult his ^

See,

for

The curious had

have

them better

work on the subject an explanation of these packets and the method of

obtaining them, Chapter

XX,

(6th lesson).

THE TAROT.

294

Collection sue les Hautes ScienceSj or a theoretical and practical

treatise

upon

wisdom magic

tlie

of

the

absolutely complete in twelve books, which contain Etteila has written

by

fortune-telling

of Thoth.

ancients, all

upon the Hermetic philosophy, the

cards

.

.

that

art of

and particularly the sublime Boole

.

2 vols. 8vo., bound, 1780.

EXAMPLE OF THE APPLICATION OF THE TAROT TO THE KABBALAH. THE HTEROGKAM OF ADAM, BY Stanislas de Guaita. In asserting that the hierogram of Adam conceals the most profound arcana of the living Universe, we shall not astonish those who have made a serious study of the Sepher BerescMt, By comparing the admirable translation of Fabre d'OIivet with the pentacular revelations of the Book of Thoth, it is not impossible to strike out the supreme light of truth. Here are a few data which will

aid us to reach

Adam aiS H

(1st

is

it.

written in Hebrew, Aleph, Daleth,

key of the Tarot

Principle and the end

;

Kingdom

;

God and man;

Juggler).

the

the Equilibrant Unity.

1 (4th key of the Tarot the

The

:

Mem.

:

The Emperor).

the verbal Quaternary

;

The Power and

the Multiplication of

the cube.

a ation

(13th key of the Tarot ;

!Night

:

Death).

Destruction and Eestor-

and Day, moral and physical

Ephemeral ; feminine Passivity

;

;

Eternity and the

at once the gulf of the Past,

the matrix of the Future.

The ternary analysis of the fathomless principle that Yod manifests in its inaccessible and synthetic unity, Adam

THE KABBALISTIC TAROT.

295

Aum, which famous in the sanctuaries of India. In DIM, Aleph corresponds to the Father, the source of the Trinity Daleth to the Son (whom the Kabbalah also names the King) and Mem to the Holy Spirit, whose in fact, very analogous to the hierogram

is,

is

so

;

;

ethereal body, devouring yet fertilizing transitory forms,

causes

life

(inexhaustible and unalterable in

essence)

its

blossom upon the changing hot-bed of Groiath.

to

have said that

I

which

principle, of

A my

the cyclic

is

!3"T«

(Yod)

^

analysis

of the

the inaccessible synthesis,

is

simple calculation of the numerical Kabbalah confirms

Let us translate the

assertion.

(Tarofcic

Ml 1

In

of

Adam

In 18,

then

+ 8 = 9.

numericals

absolute is

1

9.

the

Now we

analytical

obtain 10 by

unity which leads the cycle and closes analysis in synthesis, the number which corresponds to the letter

adding' to 9

back to

numbers

14 nlS.

+ 4 + 13=18.

Kabbalistic

number

letters into

method).

the specific

its starting-point,

and 10 is Yod: this we were anxious to prove. sents the ninth evolution of

from

*»

ms

(Adam) then reprethe cycle, which emanated

The hierogram matic vocable

(Yod), and which closes in 10 by returning to its

starting-point.

revealed in

its

Principle and end of

expanded form

Let us go further

all,

the eternal Yod,

tertriune.

still.

have then the right (noting, however, that Adam differs from Yod, or from Wodh, as the totality of the we have the right sub-multiples differ from the Unity),

We

—

to say,

pursuing our analogies,

If

Adam

he equal to 1,

THE TAROT.

298

Adam-ah = I-ah; and Adam Eve = represents

Universal

represents .Yod

Adam

Life,

united

united to Life.

to

natura Life,

This

is

He

I~eve.

naturans ;

and nQTS

n*^

(n)

then

(Adamah),

the union of the Spirit

and of the Universal Soul at two different degrees (always remembering the distinction noticed above). Lastly, in, mn^ (lEVE), as in mn-mw (Adam-Eve), Vau (i) represents the fecundity of this union, and the last

He

(n)

symbolizes natura naturata (issued

from

naUira nahirans, increased by the mixed principle).

These

four

letters,

mn''

(lEVE),

symbolize

the

quaternary of Mercavah, the six letters of Adam-Eve, rTT/T'^lN,

the senary of Bereschith.

(Fragment of the Serpent of Genesis published in the Lotus of

March 1888,

p.

327, and 328 note.)

—

—

CHAPTER LIST

XIX.

OF THE AUTHOKS WHO HAVE INTERESTED THEMSELVES IN THE TAROT.

— Cardan— Postel —The Rosicrucians —Court de — Etteila— Claude de Saint-Martin — A. Vaillant Christian — Eliphas Levi — Stanishia de Guaita — Jos^phin P^ladan The Platonist — Theosophical Publications— F. Ch. Barlet Blavatsky— Ch. de —Oswald Wirtii— Poirel— Ely Star— H. Sivry — Mathers.

Ra3'moTid

Lulle

Gebeliit

J.

P.

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE AUTHORS

WHO HAVE SPECIALLY INTERESTED THEMSELVES IN THE TAROT.

Eaymond Lulle (1235—1315), an eminently

learned man,

founder of a system of philosophy, but chiefly of entirely based upon the application of the Tarot j this

tlie

logic, is

the

Ars Magna.

Cardan (J^b6me).

Born

in Paris in 1501, died in 1576.

Pro-

fessor of Mathematics and Medicine at Milan and Boulogne. Travelled through Scotland, England, and France, working

miraculous cures.

His treatise

On

SuhtiUty (1550)

is

entirely based

on the keys of

the Tarot,

PosTEL (Guillaume).

Born

at Dolerie (diocese of Avranches)

—

—

—

THE TAROT.

29S

Sent to the East by Francis I., he brought back some valuable manuscripts, and was appointed Professor of Mathematics and Oriental Languages in the College of France. Died in the Convent of Saint-Mnrtiu des Champs in 1581.

in 1510.

One

of the greatest Initiates of

the sixteenth

century.

He

discovered the key to the Tarot, but did not disclose the secret, in spite of

Tlie

the promise given in the

Key to the Hidden MysteHes

will be

(1580).

his workj

title to

A

list

of his

works

found in the index.

The Mysterious Fraternity of the Eosicrucians La Fama Fraternitatis Rosce Cruets (1613) shows the that the Eosicrucians possessed the Tarot, which

is

(1604). Initiate

described

thus

They possess a book from which they can learn emrything that is in the hooks already 'written and to he ivritfen. We must not forget that the Eosicrucians are the Initiators of Leihnitz, and the founders of actual Freemasonry through Asmhole.

Court de 1784.

Au

Nimes in 1725, died at Paris in who discovered the Egyptian Consult his Primitive World (1773

Born

G:6belin.

at

illustrious scholar,

origin of the Tarot.

1783).

Etteila (1783).

We have

given a

summary

of his

work upon

Fortune- telling with the Tarot, and upon the application of this

work

to the Kabbalah.

Claude de Saint-Martin.

The unknown

philosopher.

Bom

1743 at Amboise, died in 1803. The disciple of Martinez Pasqualis and Jacob Boehm, the founder of the so-called

in

Martinist order.

His book, the Tahleau Naiurel des Rapports et V Unioers, is based upon

qui existent entre Dieu, r Homme the Tarot, J.

A. Vaillant. received a great

Lived many years with the Gypsies, and

many

contained in his works

of their traditions orally: these are

—

LIST OF AUTHORS.

299

Les RSmeSj Hlstoire vraie des vrais Bohemiens (towards 1853).

La Bible des Bohhniens (1860). Clef Magique de la Fiction et du Fait (1863). Christian.

Has published an occult

Librarian of the Arsenal.

manuscript upon the Tarot, blending with

it his

personal

upon astrology in L' Homme Rouge des Tttilennes (1854). reflections

Amongst contemporary Masters

Eliphas Levi.

he had the greatest knowledge of the Tarot. et

Rltuel de la

Haute Magie (1861,

2 vols., 8vo.)

and died in 1870, leaving a son

Stanislas de Guaita.

made

Contemporary Kabbalistic

scholar.

several applications of the Tarot to the Kabbalah.

du Mysthre

(1886),

often wrote

"The Platonist"

upon the Tarot in (1888).

Consult

and Le Serpent de

A clever novelist and

Jos^PHiN PiiLADAN.

He

based upon

(I believe).

have given one extract of them already. Seuil

is

Eliphas Levi had a most romantic

the keys of the Tarot. life,

of Occultism,

His work Dogme

Eeview

his

of

also,

He

We Au

la Genese,

eminent Kabbalist.

works (1885

— 1889).

American Occultism.

It

contained a poor study upon the application of the Tarot to

horoscopy.

This essay has been reproduced in the

Small pamphlets called "Sif tings,"

Theosopliical Publications, ISTo.

F,

14 (London 1888)

Ch. Barlet.

One

(7,

Duke

Street).

of the most learned and most highly-

esteemed authorities amongst French Occultists.

The sum-

works on the Tarot Initiatique (1889) quoted in extenso, page 253.

mary

Oswald

of one of his

Wirth

has

studied

the

astronomical

Tarot

is

(see

Chapter XVL), and has carefully reproduced the twenty-

two symbolical tion obtainable

according to the most recent informaupon Symbolism (1889).

figures,

-

THE TAKOT.

300 E. PoiREL.

Occultist.

Editor of the Tarot cVOsioald Wirtli

An

known by

(1889).

Ely Star.

author

his interesting

work upon

Astrology, the Mysteres de V Horoscope (Dentu, 1888).

It

contains a chapter upon the Tarot.

This author, rendered eminent by her works upon Theosophy, mentions the Tarot in her books [Isis Unveiled and the Secret Doctrine), but very superficially and without any synthetic basis.

H. P. Blavatsky.

Ch. de Sivry.

a

very talented occultist, chiefly

To

works upon music.

his kindness

a Tarot Boltemien entitled

—

we owe

known by his summary of

the

Extract from the sacred book of the Op^chti tribe, the primitive family, which, adored Otchavatri, representing the only

Otchawatra.

God

This tiibe lived at the foot of the Himalaya.

This book describes the symbolism of the twenty-two arcana, according

to

the

Gypsies,

with

interesting, details

upon

esoterism.

Mathers, an English

author, has recently published a short

account of the Tarot, which contains nothing very original is

rather a

summary of the principal authors who have

the question.

It is chiefly written as

:

it

studied

an aid to fortune-telling

by cards.

This closes the

of authors

whose books we have

and who have alhcded to the Tarot or used its keys. may have omitted some of them, if so we must beg

heard

We

list

them

of,

to excuse us.

—

CHAPTER XX. THE DIVINING TAROT IN SEVEN LESSONS. Tnlrodicction

1st Lesso')!^

To our Lady Readers — Astronomy and Astrology — Fortune-telling by the Tarot in Seven Lessons.

:

Intuition

Simplitication of the Kules

:

of Fortune-telling

by the

Tarot.

2nd

Lessoit,

Minor Arcana

.

— Significations — A

necessary for their retention Sceptres

to

— Cups— Swords — Pentacles.

3rd Lesson: Major Arcana

4:th

— Key

good Memory unthe Divining Tarot

—

Significations from a Divining Point of View. Lesson: Basis of the Application of this Knowledge Arrange-

—

ment

of the Garde.

—

Reading the Tarot Rapid Process— Elaborate Process. Etteila's original and unpublished Method of reading the Tarot (from one of his rarest works) 1st deal 2nd deal 3rd

5th Lesson: Qth Lesson

:

—

:

deal

— 4th deal.

1th Lesson

Conclusion

:

—

— Bibliography.

THE DIVINING TAROT. INTRODUCTION.

—Astronomy and Astrology—Intuition —Fortune-telling hy Tarot in Seven

To our Lady Readers

Lessons.

the

The of

first

part of our study of the Tarot, full of numbers,

Hebrew

letters,

and abstract deductions,

lated to attract the attention of ladies.

is

But

not calcuif

women

THE TAROT.

302

enjoy mystery and idealism, prefer and excuse the flights

men

exact precision and method and I have therefore built this arsenal of technical arguments for them, confining imagination in the narrow limits of deduction so that, if she has sometimes escaped and scattered the brilliant gems of a vivid imagination,

in studies of this kind,

;

of illusion over the course of

made with

my

work, the escape was only

great trouble, and in spite of

my

efforts to

however, traditional that the future can be read through the Tarot, and our feminine readers will retain her.

It

never forgive

is,

me

if

I ignore their natural curiosity

on

this point. I

have therefore decided to approach this delicate

question, and I hope that the pleasure gained

by the

fair

inquirers will balance the scepticism of sterner intellects.

can quote the opinion of

It is true that I

of antiquity,

who

all

the writers

assert that the Egyptians used the Tarot

means of predicting the future, and that the Jews employed it to confirm their prophecies. But in opinion an important distinction should be made on as a

also

my this

subject.

Unquestionably the Egyptians

through the Tarot cations only.

;

but they used

Nothing was

left to

predicted its

the

future

astronomical appli-

chance.

Thus, knowing

that most of the important events which take place upon

the earth are determined by the magnetic currents pro-

duced by

tlie

position of the earth at the

event takes place, these learned relations existing

men

moment that first

between the position of the

the

defined the stars in the

heavens, and the circumstances they created

upon the Since the stars accomplish fixed revolutions, that to say, that they return to the same position at the end

earth. is

of a certain

number

of years,

which are mathematically

THE DIVINING TAROT.

303

determinable, the Egyptians thought that the same events

would be also reproduced at fixed intervals.

It

would

know the movements of the stars, to predict the coming events. This is why astronomy wag only the commencement of astrology. As the Tarot reproduced the movements of the stars upon a table, we can easily guess how the ancients proceeded when they read prophecy by its aid. They drew therefore suffice to

up the Horoscope of the coming year, according to the position which the stars would occupy during its course, and could then at once predict two-thirds of the events

Fabre d'Olivet in

likely to occur.

of the

one-third

his

depend upon the Hitman Will, and the ,

to

Providence,

human Will

works shows that

events are Determined, another third

As the determining

last third is subject

Fatality

and the

usually unite, almost unconsciously,

we

see

that the astrological Horoscope can predict two-thirds of

the events.

Later on reliable data were

lost,

and men commenced

fortunes by chance, without using any scientific

to read

The

method.

astrological systems, called onomantic, that

which use the numbers foimed by the letters of the name and pronoun of the individual, are generally false, and produce no practical results. For this reason the astrological system d escribed by Christian can be

is

to say,

regarded only as a deceitful, lying dream.

The

truth of

the predictions, then, depends upon the intidtion of the prophet, and this leads us to consider the differences which

may be

noticed between the predictions of fortune-tellers.

Intuition plays the most important part

when

the more

exact methods disappear, and therefore woman's nature,

which

is

essentially intuitive, is well qualified to read these

divinations.

THE TAROT.

304

discussion of the -wherefore of all this would lead us

The

much

We

too far from our subject.

cannot either teach

—

by the Tarot in a few pages a whole volume nor have we the time to is necessary for this purpose handle these difficult subjects. Perhaps we may decide to undertake them some day. However, we see that chance and intuition are the chief astrology

—

instruments in divination by the Tarot, as practised at the present time.

readers

to

undertake

it

for

We must

into

is

and

themselves,

explain the most simple principles of the

it

usually

therefore aid our

art,

will

dividing

now them

seven lessons, so as to render them as clear as

possible.

We

will arrange

and therefore

it

them

will

so that they

may

be complete,

be unnecessary to read

all

the pre-

ceding abstract studies before using the Tarot from this point

of view.

Lastly,

we

will

explain

the principal

methods used by masters in the art of fortune-telling, so as to enable our readers to become adepts in the preBut we must remind them that diction of the future. empire over the subject, and that science has little imagination

domain.

and

intuition

reign

over

this

charming

FIRST LESSON. SIMPLIFICATION OF THE RULES OF FORTUNE-TELLING BY

THE TAROT.

The

great difSculty encountered

study of divination by the Tarot, to

is

by a beginner in the the number of meanings

be remembered in reading the cards.

Open any treatise upon this subject, and you will see you must first learn the different significations of the 78 cards of the Tarot. Then yon must learn the significathat

78 cards reversed, without counting the and other complications, which bring them to about 200 different meanings, which must be retained in the memory before any one can become a good fortuneteller by cards. Habit only will enable the student to remember all these details, and in this case intuition becomes an important aid to the memory. Now this complication always points to an imperfect system. Nature is synthetic in its manifestations, and simplicity is always found at the bottom of the most Whilst admitting outwardly complicated phenomena. that our work upon the Tarot may be erroneous, no one tions of these

meetings

can deny the absolute simplicity of the constituent principles.

We

will therefore

apply the same method to the

THE TAEOT.

306

divining Tarot, and endeavour to establish a system which will enable us to dispense with

memory almost

or at least to considerably reduce its work.

entirely,

We shall thus

allow a certain scope for scientific data, although

we

are

unwilling to create any prejudice by this influence, considering the subject

The

first

we

are dealing with.

point to retain from the

commencement

this study is the necessity for clear, simple rules,

the divining Tarot

may be

in the following lessons.

read.

We

will

of

by which explain them

—

;

SECOND LESSON. MINOR AKCANA. FROM THE DIVINING POINT OF VIEW.

SIGNIFICATION

The Tarot pack is composed of 78 cards or plates 22 of them bear symbolical names (the Juggler, Sun, Moon, Hanged Man, etc.), and they should be separated from the 56 others, which are divided into four great series: Sceptres,

These four

Cups, Swords, and Pentacles.

each contain 14 cards (King, Queen,

series

Knight, Knave, Ace,

2,

3, 4,

5, 6, 7, 8,

sponding with the four series of

9 and 10), corre-

common

playing cards

diamonds), but called Sceptres, Cups, These are the Minor Arcana. The 22 symbolical cards are the Major Arcana or Great

(clubs, hearts, spades,

Swords, Pentacles.

Arcana. 1,

Minor arcana, formed

cards each, or 56 cards in

of

four

sequences of 14

all.

Major arcana, formed of 22 cards. These are the two great divisions which must first be remembered. We have already said that the minor arcana were 2.

divided

into

Pentacles.

four

Each

sequences:

Sceptres,

Cups,

Swords,

of these series represents one of the four

great principles, as follows

—

308

THE TAROT,

•

The Sceptres The Cups TJie Swords

represent

Enterprise

— — —

The Pentacles

and Glory,

Love and Happiness.

Hatred and Misfortune, Money and Interest,

Enterprise, Love, Hatred, Fortune, are the four must be remembered. If you now take one of these packets of 14 cards, you will see that it is formed of four figures, and of 10 other great principles which

cards,

which bear numbers formed by the symbols.

We

will first look at the 4 figures

The Kifig Th.e Queen

— — —

The Knight

The Knave

The Man represents the the enterprises ; the

man,

Man,

represents

Woman.

A A

Young Man. Child.

creator, the

woman

one who undertakes

characterizes love

conflict, struggle, rivalry,

;

the young

hatred ; the child symbolizes

the absolute neuter, the second He, which varies according to circumstances, money,

applies itself to

Young Man, to

all,

which addresses

itself to all,

Child, are therefore the

and

Man, Woman,

universal transition.

same symbols applied

family as the four great principles applied to

the

humanity, and to know them in one case

is to

know them

in the other.

To sum up

all

this,

we may

say that the

first

element

represents the positive, the second the negative, the third

the opposition between a,hsohtte

neuter

;

the two

;

finally,

the

last

the

and these elements are symbolized by the

four figures of each of the minor arcana.

But even

and black, so humanity

The

two colours, red divided into dark Si>xid fair.

as the cards are divided into is

eight figures of the Sceptres and Swords therefore

THE DIVINING TAROT

309

represent dark people, the eight figures of the

Cups and

Pentacles, fair people.

The

figures of the Sceptres

and Cups are good ; of the

Swords and Pentacles, had.

We

shall presently repeat this in connection

and

colour,

will

now

with each

recapitulate the meanings of the

four figures of the Sceptres.

King of Sceptres Dark man ; good ; a friend. Queen of Sceptres Dark woman ; good. Knight of Sceptres Dark young man good. Knave of Sceptres Dark child or messenger ; good. :

:

:

;

:

Besides our four figures

bearing

cards

meaning of these 10 recall it

We that

the 10

to consider

we

can

and above

cards,

all

discover

the

how can we

?

have nothing new to

we

packets

we have

How

numbers.

already know. :

We

learn,

but need only apply

all

divide our 10 cards into four

three packets of 3 cards each, and one packet

formed of a single card, the 10th.

When

this is

done we

say— packet of 3 cards, formed of the ace, 2, and have the same meaning as the Man, enterprise, commencement, the creation of some undertaking (enter-

The

3,

first

will

prise, love, hatred, or

money).

The second packet, composed sents Woman, and all the ideas

of the

4, 5,

and

repre-

6,

of negation, of reflection,

associated with her; that is to say, the opposite of

antagonism, opposition in

The

man,

any matter.

third packet signifies the equilibrium

which

results

from the action of the two opposites upon each other, represented by the

Young Man,

THETAROT.

310

Lastly, the Child, the absolute neuter, will be represented

by the 10th card. Each of the 3 cards

in these

packets have the same

meaning.

The first card of these 3 packets will indicate the commencement the second, opposition, antagonism the third, ;

;

equilibrium, which gives us the following general sequence in

our 10 cards.

KEY TO THE DIVINING TAROT. 1.

Commencement

2.

Opposition

3.

Equilibrium

J

4.

Commencement

\

5.

Opposition

I

6.

Equilibrium

J

7.

Commencement

8.

Opposition

9.

Equilibrium

10.

Undetermined

"j

V

of Commencement.

of Opposition.

\

V

of Equilibrium.

j :

The

card which follows will explain

it.

Thus the three words, Commencement, Opposition, Equilibrium, the synonyms of Thesis, ^Antithesis, Synthesis, or of Brahma, Siva, Vishnu, etc., suffice for the explanation of all the minor arcana of the Tarot.

We

need only add

the words love, hatred, enterprise or fortune to each of the

series,

and we can define the meaning of every card

without wearying the memory.

This we will now do.

THE DIVINING TAROT.

311

SIGNIFICATION OF THE FOUR SERIES OF THE MINOR

ARCANA IN THE DIVINING TAROT.

SCEPTRES. Enterprise,

Creation,

King.

The King

of Sceptres symbolizes a

tlie

dark man,

He generally represents

a friend.

man,

Agriculture,

a married

father of a family.

Queen.

A

Knight.

A dark young mau, a friend. A dark child, a friend. Also

dark woman, a friend. Eepresents a serious woman, a very good counsellor, often the

mother of a family.

Knave.

message from a near

Ace op Sceptres. Commencement Two.

represents a

relation.

of an Enterprise,

Opposition to the commencement of the Enter prise.

The Enterprise

is

commenced "when an un-

expected obstacle suddenly prevents

its

execution.

Three.

Realization of the commencement of the Enterprise.

The

basis

of

established,

the work is now definitely and the undertaking can be

fearlessly continued.

Jour.

Obstacles to the Enterpi^ise. liTothing stacles.

can be accomplished without ob-

We

therefore

now

find

them

appearing, and must prepare ourselves to

overcome them. jVE.

Opposition to the obstacles.

surmounting them.

Victory after

THE TAROT.

312

Realization of the opposition.

Six.

At

Failure of the

the obstacles succeed.

last

Enterprise in the midst of

its

execution.

Seven.

Certain success to the Enterprise.

Eight.

Opposition to

/

The Enterprise "will/

its success.

only partially succeed.

'

!N"lNE.

Realization of success.

Ten.

Uncertainty in the management of the Enter-

Success

is

continued^

prise.

CUPS. Preservation.

Knowing the meaning

Love.

Instruction.

of one series,

give

them

King of

we know a

We

the significations of the three others.

priori

however

shall

in order to facilitate the work.

Cups.

A fair

man, afrieml.

This card also

repre-,

sents a barrister, judge, or ecclesiastic.

It

symbolizes a Bachelor.

Queen of Cups.

A fair The

Knight of Cups.

A

looman, a friend.

The woman

loved.

Mistress.

young fair man, a friend. loved.

The young

mail

The Lover.

A fair child.

A messenger.

Knave of Cups. Ace of Cups.

Commencement of a

Two.

Opposition to this commencement.

Birth.

love affair, |

Unimporj-

ant obstacles raised by one of the lovers, j

Three.

Realization of this commencement.

Four.

Serious obstacles to the

Five.

Opposition to the obstacles.

is

The

mutual.

love I

love.

They

arise froni

other persons, not from the lovers.

obstacles after a struggle.

Victory over

'

th|}

THE DIVINING TAROT. The

Six.

313

Love destroyed Widowhood.

obstacles triumph.

midst of happiness. Seven.

Success assured to the lovers.

Eight.

Partial failure of

Love only

love.

in the

partially

succeeds.

Nine.

Motherhood.

Ten.

Uncertainty in the management of the love affair.

SWOKDS. Transformation.

King of Swords.

A

had man.

dark,

War.

Hatred.

He

is

a soldier,

a

who must be distrusted. Queen op Swords. A dark wicked looman. The card also indipowerful enemy,

cates her actions, gossip

Knight.

A

and calumnies.

young, dark man, an enemjj.

He

is

also

a spy.

A

Knave.

The

child,

Bad

an enemy.

neios.

Delay.

figures generally indicate opposition raised outside

the house.

Ace of Swords.

Commencement of eiunity.

Two.

Opposition

to

commencement.

this

enmity does not

The

last.

Three.

Eealization of the enmity.

Four.

Opposition to the hatred.

Hatred. Success against

the enemy.

ElVE.

Six.

Opposition to this opposition. at the

victory

secured.

is

Equilibrium of the opposition. is

Seven.

moment one

triumphs

rendered powerless at

last.

Success assured to the enemy.

The enemy fancies the

The enemy

THE TAROT.

314

Eight.

Partial

opposition

enemy only ^iXE.

to

tTiis

success.

Tlie

partially triumphs.

Certain duration of the hatred. Uncertainty in the enmity.

Ten.

PENTACLES. Money,

Development,

To^ade.

King of Pentacles. A fair manj inimical or indifferent. Queen of Pentacles. A fair looman, indifferent, or inimical.

A

Knight.

A

young, fair man.

An

stranger.

arrival.

A fair

Knave.

The

A messenger. A

child.

letter.

figures of the, Pentacles are inverse to those of the

Sceptres and outside,

Cups, and indicate

that

all

comes from

from the country or abroad.

Ace of Pentacles.

Commencement of fortune. Inheritance. Gifts. Economy, etc., etc.

Two.

Opposition to this commencement.

Diffi-

culty in well establishing the

land-

marks Three.

of

Realization fortune.

good fortune. of

commencement

this

A small

Loss of money.

Opposition of fortune.

Five.

Opposition to this opposition.

coming which

toill

balance the

Six.

Eealization of the opposition.

Seven.

Success assured.

Partial success. the

moment

A

of

sum.

Four.

Eight.

first

A

success

loss.

.

Buin.

large fortune.

Great loss of money at apparently of

securinfT the fortune.

definitely

THE DIVINING TAROT.

315

Equilibrium of Equilibrium,

Nine.

A

durable

fortune.

Uncertainty in the fortime.

Ten.

and great

As

we

a whole,

themselves.

It

see the

therefore

Great success

reverses.

same

series

requires

always repeating

time

little

to

thoroughly learn the meaning of the minor arcana, even without fear

much memory. We advise may forget them, to simply

they

on the cards themselves.

those

readers

write the

who

meaning

However, professional

card

readers are careful not to do this, for intuition often leads

them to an interpretation which meaning of the card.

differs

from the exact

—

THIRD LESSON. MAJOR ARCANA. SIGNIFICATION FROM THE DIVINING POINT OF VIEW.

We

now kaow the

signification of the

minor arcana, and

need only study the major arcana.

As we have already

stated, the

major arcana consist of

22 symbolical cards, which we have not yet examined as a means of predicting the future.

Their meauing

is

very easy to remember,

if

any one

will

take the trouble to consider them carefully one by one, as their signification

One

is

described.

the

general rule will also aid

matter, that

is,

that the seven

first

memory

in

this

cards chiefly refer to

the intellectual side of man, the seven next to his moral side,

and the seven

last to the variotos events of his

material

life.

We

will

now

give the signification of these 22 cards of

our Tarot 1.

The Juggler

2.

The High Priestess

3.

The Empress

4. 5.

Emperor The Pope

6.

The Lovers

Tlie

signifies

— — — — —

Male

Inquirer.

Female Inquirer. Action.

Initiative.

Will. Inspiration.

Love.

THE DIVINING TAROT. 7.

The Chariot

Triumph.

317

Providential Pro-

tection, 8.

Justice

Justice.

9.

The Hermit

Prudence.

10.

TheWheel of Fortune

11. Strength

Fortune.

Man

13.

The Hanged Death

14.

Temperance

15.

T^e

1 6.

jTAe Lightning-struclk-

EuiN.

Hope.

12.

17.

18.

The Moon

19.

T/ie,Sw?i

Trials.

Fortitude.

Sacrifice.

Death. Temperance.

EcoNOMr. Immense Force. Illness.

Z)ez?«7

Tower TAe .Sifars

Destiny.

Strength.

20.

The Judgment

21.

r/ie Foolish

Man

Deception.

Hidden Enemies. Danger, Material Happiness. Lucky Marriage. Change of Position. Inconsiderate Actions. ness.

22.

TA'e Universe

Assured Success.

Mad-

—

FOURTH LESSON. THE APPLICATION OF THESE DATA. ARRANGEMENT OF THE CARDS.

BASIS OF

We are

now

in a position to handle the Tarot as a

means

of divination.

But

before

we attempt

to read

we must

it,

upon the table. To know the meaning of the cards

how

settle

to arrange the cards

in the art of cartomancy is still

:

As

more important.

should not be lost sight

of,

is

only the

know how

to

a

;

step

them

the astronomical data

fact,

and the Tarot ought only

be used to represent the revolutions of the source of future events

first

to arrange

but that

is

stars,

to

the

the realm of Astrology,

and we must confine ourselves to that of telling fortunes by the Tarot cards, and their combinations depend a little upon chance.

We this

shall,

many

however, give as

study as possible.

commencement

We

reliable elements in

need only look back to the

of the third part

of the Tarot), to see that the

the four great periods of Childhood.

Youth. Maturity.

Old Age.

(Key

human

to the Applications life

passes through

—

— —

THE DIVINING TAROT. If the student

is

not interested in

simply wishes to see the evolution of

laiQ

Human

an

and

Life,

event, it will also

pass through four great evolutions

Commencement. Apogee. Decline. Fall.

We

must then

first

determine, in our arrangement of

each other in

the cards, four points facing

pairs,

upon

which we can afterwards place the cards Avhich are to reveal the future to us. This, therefore, the

fonr

is

our

point

first

:

the determination of

"places vjhicli the cards ivill occupy.

4

Apogee Youth 3

1

Comm encement

Decline

Maturity

Childhood 2

Fall

Old Age

We from

must notice that the

left to right.

This

is

disposition of the points goes

seen by the order of the numbers,

whilst the symbols are read from right to

The Human

Life or the Event

distinct periods

The Past. The Present. The Future.

Which

gives us a

new

left.

moves

figure as follows

in

three very

THE TAROT,

320

4

Future

The Inquirer

is

found in the Centre.

The arrangement

of the triangle follows that of the figures and not of the

symbols.

However, since four points are not enough to reproduce movement of the sun exactly, we take, for important readings of the Tarot, twelve points which correspond with the twelve months of the year. The figure already obtained will, at any rate, serve as a means of consulting the Tarot upon small events. But we can also get the following figure, which we must remember for the arrangethe

ment

of our cards

when we wish

events or the course of a lifetime.

to inquire about great

2

THE DIVINING TAROT.

321

10 11

9 II.

Apogee

1

V.

X\

T Comiuence-

8

VI.

Future i Inquirer

^7

IIIj^^^^-^^

ment 1

This figure, which carefully studied, is

An

is

very important and should be

composed

of three circles.

ho2ises, filled by the The houses are arranged from left to right; this is shown by the numbers. 2. A second intermediate circle, composed of four houses, arranged from right to le/t. 3. A central circle, formed by the triangle, and contain1.

outside circle, formed of twelve

minor arcana.

ing a house at each point, giving three houses in the

The be

last three

filled

by the major arcana.

The Inquirer

circle.

houses and the four preceding ones will

will

be in the centre of the figure.

—

FIFTH LESSON. FORTUNE-TELLING BY THE TAROT. I.

Kapib Process

What must we do of

any matter 1.

:

if

we wish

to

draw out the horoscope

?

You should take the miaor arcana and

suit of cards that refers to the

separate the

kind of consultation you

require.

If it is some business you are abmot must take the Sceptres or Diamonds. If

it is

a love

affair,

to

undertake, you

take the-Cups or Hearts.

For a laio-sioit, or any struggle, take Swords In a money matter^ the Pentacles or Clubs. 2.

or Spades.

Shuffle the cards selected, then ask the Inquirer to

cut them. 3. Take the four first cards from the top of the pack, and without looking at them place them in a cross in the

following way, from left to right, as

shown by the numbers.

4 3

1

2 4.

Then take your major arcana (which should always

be separated from the minor arcana), &huffle them, and

them be cut

for you.

let

—

—

THE DIVINING TAROT. 5.

You then

323

ask the Inquirer to draw out seven cards

from the major arcana by chance, and to give them to you without looking at them.

and when the Inquirer has cut them, take the three top cards, and without looking at them arrange them in a triangle, in the following order 6.

Shuffle these seven cards,

II.

I.

III.

You

thus obtain the following figure 4

Major Arcana 11.

I.

3

1

III.

% 2 7.

Take up the

read the oracles, noticing that the card 1

them and placed at number

cards so that you can see

indicates the commencement.

The card placed at number 2 indicates the apogee, at number 3 the obstacles, lastly, at number 4 the falL The major arcanum placed at I. indicates the influences that have weighed in the affair during the Fast.

The major arcanum

in II. indicates the influence exerted

over the Present.

The arcanum

at

number

III.

shows the influence which

and determine the Future. These cards can be very rapidly deciphered when the

will affect

But one important point should is once acquired. be noted, that when the rapid process is used for fortunehabit

—— THE TAROT.

324 telling,

the figures do not exclusively represent persons of

The King represents a man, without any other distinction, the Queen a woman, the Knight a young man, and the Knave a child.

especial complexion.

II.

—A

1.

Shuffle all the minor arcana together

MORE ELABORATE PROCESS

:

and

let thena

be cut for you.

Take the twelve

2.

them

first

cards from the pack, and place

in a circle thus

10 9

11

12

8

2

6

7

1

3

5

4 3.

Shuffle the major arcana, an^ let

the Inquirer,

who

will

them be cut by

then choose sevdn cards.

4. Take the four first of these cards from the pack, and arrange them opposite the cards placed at numbers 1,

10, 7, 4,

thus— 11.

III.

I.

IV, 5.

Then

plaoe the three others in a triangle in the

centre of the figure, thus

V.

VI. VII.

THE DIVINING TAROT. You

325

thus obtain the following general figure, which

we

have already given, 10 11

9 11.

12

8

^VI.

V.^ 1

V \+/

I.

III

7

vn.

2

6

IV. 3

5

4

Place the Inquirer in the centre of the figure, unless

it

If the Inquirer has been drawn amongst the other cards. has been drawn you must place it in the centre, and replace it by another major arcanum chosen by the person whose fate is

being studied.

The 12 minor arcana

indicate

through which the individual

life

the

lution of the event during the four great periods

mencement, indicated by the displays its character (arc. III.)

;

Fall

;

Apogee

phases

different

will pass, or the evo:

Gom-

major arcanum L, which (arc. II.)

;

Decline or Obstacle

(arc. IV.).

Lastly, the 3 major arcana placed in the centre indicate

the especial character of the horoscope in the Past (V.), in

the Present (VI.), and in the Future (VII.). The future is indicated in the minor arcana by the cards placed from 7 to 12;

The past by those placed from 1 to 4 and the present by those placed from 4 to 7. These numbers only indicate the numbers of the places occupied by the arcana, and never the numbers of the ;

326

arcana themselves.

THE TAEOT. It is

important to avoid the idea

that the arcanum VII. must always return to the place

numbered VII. But our readers are sufficiently intelligent to make any further insistence upon this point quite unnecessary.

The explanation of the meaning of the arcana will be perfectly easy, when the lessons 2 and 3 have been once read.

Practice will teach all these details far better than

the theories in the world.

all

SIXTH LESSON. and unpitblished Method of Fortune-telling by the Tarot (from one of his rarest works).

EtteilaJs original

We

have explained a method which

is

original

in a

we have no intention of monopolizing Cartomancy, we will now say a few words upon

great naeasure, but as

the art of

the system used by Etteila, the great master in this portion of occultism. Etteila,

whose

who

real

name was

Aliette,

was a hairdresser s

French Revolution. Having accidentally found a pack of Tarot cards, he was After interested by its eccentricity and began to study it. thirty years he believed that he had discovered the secret apprentice

lived at the time of the

Egyptian book. Unfortunately Etteila did not possess any synthetic knowledge, and this ignorance led him to the most erroneous conclusions, whilst many of his of

this

intuitive solutions are really marvellous.

There

is

too

much inclination to calumniate this ardent worker but we must recognize the real truths contained in his works without laying too much stress upon the ignorant simplicity ;

which

disfigures them.

However

this

may

to fortune-telling,

and

be, Etteila if

devoted

his contemporaries

all

his

powers

may be believed,

—

—

— THE TAROT.

328

He

he succeeded wonderfully in bis aim.

came the great authority

We

will describe his

therefore be-

for all fortune-tellers

system in some

by

cards.

detail, instead of

alluding to those used by his female successors,

who

as a

rule misrepresented without understanding his explanations.

*

*

Four deals are required before the Tarot can be clearly read according to this method we will now enumerate them one by one. First deal Shuffle all the cards of the Tarot, without making any distinction between the major and minor arcana. Then let them be cut, and divide your pack into :

:

three heaps, each containing 26

26

26

Take the

cards.-^

central

26

heap and place

26

it

on your right

26

26

on one side to the right.

You have

two packets of 26 cards. Take them, them, and divide them into three heaps, each containing 17 cards still

shuffle the cards, cut

17

17

17

1

One card will remain, but you need not trouble about it. You then take the central packet and put it on your hand by the

right

side of the

one of 26 cards already

th^re 17

^

17

17

26 on one

side.

1 1

Etteila quite realized that the

divine

name mn^,

number 26 corresponded with the

the total being 10

+

5

+

6

+ 5

yod he van he

= 26,

—

—

—

THE DIVINING TAROT.

329

You then shuffle

take the 35 cards Avhich are not on one side, and cut them, then divide them into three heaps

of 11 cards

each 11

11

11

2

Two cards remain, but these

are of no consequence

the central packet as before and place

;

take

on your right by

it

the side of those already there 11

11

^

11

17

26

2

This ended, you collect the 24 cards that you have not placed on one side, and you are then ready to explain the oracle.

* *

*

For this purpose you first take the packet of 26 cards from your right and lay it upon the table card by card, going from right to left 26

1

Then take

the packet of 17 cards, which you place

beneath the others, then the 11 cards, which, you also You then obtain the

spread out beneath the other two. following arrangement. Soul

26

Mind Eody

1

17

1

11

1

Waste packet 24

You then

explain the meaning of the cards, remember-

ing that the lowest line of

11, refers to

the hodyy the centre

— 330

THE TAEOT.

one to the mindy and

lastly,

the upper line of 26 cards to

the soul of the Inquirer.

From

this system of

subtle arguments

arrangement Etteila deduced his

upon the creation

Kabbalah, and the Philosopher linger over

it.

We

s

of the Universe, the

But we need not

Stone.

will rather pass

on to complete this

study of fortune-telling by the Tarot.

Second deal Keshuffle all your cards (78) and them be cut for you. Take the 17 first cards and arrange them thus :

17

let

1

Look quickly at the 18th card (it will be under your hand when you have placed the 17 first) and the 78th, which will be found beneath the pack. The meaning of these two cards will tell you whether any fluidic sympathetic communication is established between the Inquirer and yourself. You can then read the oracles spoken by the line of cards, commencing as usual on the right.

When

your line is read, you pass the I7th card to your and the 1st to your left, then move the 16th and the 2nd, etc., and so on until the cards have all changed places except the one in the centre. This card falls on one side.^ Third deal: Take up all your cards, let them be shuffled and cut for you, then arrange them as shown in right

the following figure, according to the order of the numbers.

You key ^

his

thus obtain Etteila's great figure, which gives the

to the Past, Present,

Perhaps

we

books, and

liave

and Future of the person about

misunderstood Etteila, who is very obscure in but this last are trying to explain

whom we

operation seems perfectly useless.

;

THE DIVINING TAROT.

331

To use this method successvery carefully. The best this figure follow must fully you upon a table or a with all its numbers plan is to draw it whose fate you are inquiring.

and then to arrange the cards according to the order of the numbers. For reading the results of this figure you must take up large sheet of cardboard,

the cards two by two, the 1st with the 34th, the 2nd with the 35th,

etc., for

the Past.-

The 23rd with the

45th, the 24th with the 46th

the 33rd with the 55th, for the Present. The 12th with the 66th, the 13th with the 65th the 22nd with the 56th, for the Future. One careful survey of the tableau will render understood.

it easily

—

— THE TAROT.

332

Fourth deal The fourth By it answers can be obtained

deal

:

Shuffle all the cards, let first

them be

is

only subsidiary.

to

any questions asked.

cut,

and then deal out the

seven of the pack thus 7

1

then read the answer.

The above system few pages, an

—

based

upon have summed up in these on some points obscure pamphlet by this

Etteila's original

of fortune-telling

is

We

method.

—

The Book of Thoth. It contains a portrait of Etteila and is very rare, like the other works of this author

author.

We

must add that his method has never been by any of his numerous disciples;

seriously elucidated

and we believe ourselves it

upon simple

principles.

to

be one of the

first

to explain

SEVENTH LESSON. CONCLUSION.

We

have learnt that intuition and practice are necessities

in the art of fortune-telling

by

cards,

now

that this art has

lost its scientific principles

(Astronomy) and launched into

Having made

this reserve in our opinion of its

empiricism.

present value, we have studied the best method of applying the Tarot to this curious practice, and with this object

we

have learnt the meaning of the minor and major arcana, and the best arrangement of the cards for reading them.

With

this

method, which

previous studies,

chiefly the

is

we were anxious

to give

result

of

our

one of the most

ancient systems, and chose the one used by Etteila, the

founder of Cartomancy.

Our readers

are

therefore

able

to

choose whichever

system they prefer, and whichever they find most successful.

We

must repeat that

intuition

is

the great secret of

all

these divining arts, and that fortune-telling by cards, in water, in earth, or coffee, is precisely the same thing.

We

wished to speak of the modern divining Tarot to render our work more complete, and our lady readers will

thank us

digressions.

for

not ignoring

them

in these abstract

THE TAROT.

334

BIBLIOGRAPHY. Mademoiselle Lemarchand, Recreation de la Gartomancie. Paris,

1867,

12iilo.

Julia Orsini,

Etteila, ou

VArt de Tirer

les Cartes.

V.

1853, 8vo.

Madame

E.

Le Grand

Clement, Le Corbeau Sanglant ou VAvenir DevoiU.

E.

The works

of Etteila

we have

already quoted.

CHAPTER XXL APPLICATION OF THE TAEOT TO GAMES. The Royal Game of Human Life played by the Egyptians. The Unity of Games in the Tarot.

The Royal Game of Human

Life,

according to the egyptians. 1.

When

the players have chosen their Magian, they also

choose from amongst the non-players a

man and

whom they name Osiris and Isis. 2. When commencing a game, the Magian the central place, the players settle the principal

together

fine

halfpenny), and a basket

(we will suppose is

a

woman,

having taken

amount it

to

of the

be one

placed on the table to receive

the money. 3.

When

all

the players are seated, the Magian takes

the Book of Thoth, i. e. the pack of Tarot cards, and shuffles them, carefully placing their heads alternate ways, but without looking at them, lets them be cut by some

and then deals the cards to his right, as many as he likes, up to seven, to each player

player on his o-ivino-

left,

and to himself.

THK TAKOT.

336

4. Each player should notice that the top of the card (when the Magiaa deals itj is facing his chest; it is therefore in that sense, and according to the order in which the

cards are dealt, that the players should read the oracles

traced upon

it,

which they

amongst the persons 5.

When

refer to

in the house.

one of the players reads an oracle he assumes

the character of an interpreter, and refers the oracle will not give

he

pay half the 6.

When

upon the

whomever they choose

if

the person to

him a

present, he

whom must

fine.

a person has received three veracious oracles

past, the present, or according to probahilities

the future, and he refuses to reward the interpreter, the players will hold a council, and judge by a majority of voices whether his refusal case,

the

which warns

who

present Life,

for

is

In the

justified or not.

Magian must pronounce the word all

the household that there

does not join in the royal

and then Osiris and

when they accepted

diffuse peace

Isis are

these

is

game

latter

Pamenes, one person

of the

Human

obliged to pay for him,

they undertook to

titles,

and abundance over the heroes who are

playing. 7.

When

one of the spectators asks to buy the hand of

one of the players, the Magian fixes divided into three parts

:

the

first

its

third

is

price,

which

is

paid into the

fine-box; the second to the Magian; and the third to the player,

who however can avoid

paying the two

first

thirds

parting with his cards by

of the

price

fixed

by the

Magian. 8.

When

one of the spectators has acquired the hand of

one of the players, he takes with of fines 9.

it all

the player's chances

and presents.

When

one of the players cannot read the oracles, he

APPLICATION OF THE, TAEOT TO GAMES. places his seven cards on one side

337

and pays one-fourth of

the fine. 10. If the player, although able to read the oracle, cannot find

any one

upon the

to

table,

whom

he must lay his cards face upwards, and read the meaning that he can refer

it,

he sees in them, without paying anything. hand, he interprets

them

If,

on the other

judgment Magian condemns him to pay

badly, according to the

of the other players, the

half the fine. 11.

When

the interpreter has pronounced the oracle,

aloud or privately, and has received a present, he can have

by the Magian, who will return them to him to cut and finally, if the same cards produce three presents from the same or other persons to whom the oracles have been uttered, all the players, except the his seven cards re-shuffled ;

Magian, give the interpreter three times the value of the This

fine.

12.

is

the civic crown.

The Magian arranges and

directs the

games

as

he

he awards the fines according to the nature of the faults, such as showing the cards to other players, hiding them from the spectators, any indiscretion in the utterance of the oracles, reading oracles which are not justified by likes

;

the cards,

etc.

The spectators can join in the game until the Magian indicates that it will soon end, by saying in a quarter of an hour, or half an hour, the game will close. 14. If the Magian should forget to announce the coming 13.

end of the game, all the spectators have a right to share fines, which are divided equally amongst all the players, when the expenses have been paid.

the

THE TAROT.

338

THE UNITY OF GAMES. Is

maa

not true that

it

faculties

to

To convince

his

satisfy

has displayed more inventive

vices,

than

ourselves of this fact

innumerable inventions destined

anything else

for

?

we need only look at the to aid him in losing the

time which has been so parsimoniously dealt out to us

all.

But the human brain acts in accordance with a very small number of laws, and the inventor cannot escape from the effect of this rule. Look at the basis of most games, however they may to find one single

derived

differ in

appearance.

Is

it

not possible

game, from which most of the others are

?

Follow

me

in thought, dear reader, over

one of the high-

roads of Spain or Itaty, and let us ask some old Gypsy to leave her

camp

for a

moment and

at the strange cards she

tell

our fortunes.

draws from her greasy bag

Look :

the

Universe, the Sun, the Stars, Death, Fortune, Love,, are

only a few of the names of these eccentric figures, which depict the phases of our daily

What

is this

It is

game

?

life

The Gypsy

with so

much

simplicity.

Tarot.

composed of our cards with four additional figures who are placed between the Queen and

called Knights,

the

Knave.

But

its

originality lies in

supplementary and symbolical represents an image, a number, an

figures.

idea.

the twenty-two

Each

of

them

Court de Gobelin,

a savant of the eighteenth century, has shown us that this is of Egyptian origin, China and India from the earliest antiquity, and we shall see that it is the father of most of the games now known. It is composed of numbers and figures, which mutually But if we separate react upon and explain each other.

game, as possessed by the Gypsies, that

it

also existed in

APPLICATION OF THE TAROT TO GAMES.

339

them upon a paper in the form of making the numbers move in the shape of dice,

the figures and arrange a wheel,

we produce

the Goose game, with which Ulysses, according Homer, practised cheating beneath the wails of Troy. If we fix the numbers upon alternate black and white squares, and allow the lesser figures of our game to move upon them the King, Queen, Knight, Foolish Alan or Knave, Tower or ace we have the Game of Chess. In fact, the primitive chessboards bore numbers, and philosophers used them to solve problems of logic. to

—

If,

—

leaving the figures on one side,

we

confine ourselves

numbers, the Game of Dice appears, and if we weary of throwing the dice, we can mark the characters to the use of

upon horizontal plates and create the Game of Dominoes. If the symbolical figures are

in our way,

we

replace

them by black and white draughts, and by using the numbers upon the dice we invent Backgammon, another combination of the Goose game.

Chess degenerates in the same Avay into the Game of Draughts, Lastly, our -pack of cards, instead of first appearing under

Charles X., according to the

common

report, is of far older

Spanish regulations are in existence dated long

date.

before this reign, forbidding the nobles to play at cards,

and the Tarot

The

itself is

of very ancient origin.

become clubs, the cups and the pentacles or money

sceptres of the Tarot have

hearts, the swords

spades,

We have also lost the twenty-two symbolical and the four knights. But if all these games are derived from the Tarot, what its origin and its primitive derivation ? These are grave questions, which for their solution

diamonds. figures

is

lead

•

the

mind

into

dangerous

researches.

Let

me

THE TAROT.

340

therefore relate

you a certain confidence upon

to

this

subject which I received from a dusty old manuscript,

Take

forgotten in a corner of a library. as history, whichever as your curiosity

Now,

let

,is

you

like, it

it

as

romance

or

does not matter so long

gratified.

us transport ourselves in imagination three

thousand miles away, into the midst of the wonderful and grandiose Egyptian civilization, which archaeologists are each day revealing more fully to our century.

Let us enter one of those cities, of which Paris would form but one district, passing through the defensive outworks guarded by a well-equipped body of soldiers, and

amongst the inhabitants, who are as numerous and as busy as those of our greatest cities. glide

On

all sides

to

rise

immense monuments

enormous heights

indicate the

;

of strange architecture

the terraces of rich houses

steps of a gigantic staircase, formed by

first

the palaces and temples, and dominated by the silent residence of the supreme head of the Empire.

The great

cities are

everywhere

fortified,

the Nile

is

by moles, and enormous reservoirs are ready to receive its surplus waters, and thus transform terrible restrained

inundations into beneficent irrigation. All this involves science and savants, but where are

they?

At

this

epoch science and religion were blended in a

single study,

and

all

the

men

of science, engineers, doctors,

architects, superior officers, scribes, etc.,

or Initiates.

We

must not confuse the

were called

priests

priest of antiquity

with the word taken in the modern sense, or we shall into

many

errors,

Egypt was given over form.

fall

amongst others that of believing that to clerical despotism in its worst

:

APPLICATION OF THE TAROT TO GAMES.

341

Instruction of every kind was given in the temples in

various degrees, according to methods perfectly established, and, at that epoch, imitated in every country in the world.

The highest

instruction which

man

given in the great temple of Egypt, and

can acquire was it

was there that

the great reformers of the future completed their studies

many

Orpheus, Lycurgus, Pythagoras, and Moses amongst others.

Astronomy was one of the sciences which became the

We

object of constant investigation.

Pythagoras, wise

men

movement position

Many

who has perpetuated

now know through

the knowledge of the

of Egypt, that they were acquainted with the of the earth round the sun, as well as with the

of the latter in relation to its satellite planets.

of the mythological stories relate to these mysteries

and the wise men of the epoch, that is to say, the priests taught astronomy to their disciples, by means of small

which represented the months, seasons, signs of the In this way they imprinted upon the imagination of the students the data which later on they verified in nature. A time followed when Egypt, no longer able to struggle cards,

zodiac, planets, sun, etc., etc.

Then

against her invaders, prepared to die honourably.

the Egyptian savants (at least so asserts) held a great

ledge, that until

judged

my

mysterious informant

assembly to arrange

how

the know-

that date had been confined to

worthy to

receive

it,

should

be

men from

saved

destruction.

At

first

they thought of confiding these secrets to

virtuous men secretly recruited by the Initiates themtransmit them from generation to selves, who would generation.

most

But one

fragile thing,

priest,

and most

observing that virtue

difficult to find, at all

is

a

events

THE TAROT.

342

iu a continuous

line,

proposed to confide the

said,

would never

scientific

traditions to vice.

The

latter,

through

it

we

he

fail

completely, and

are sure of a long and durable preservation

of our principles.

This opinion was evidently adopted, and the chosen as a vice was preferred.

The small

game

plates were

then engraved with the mysterious figures which formerly taught the most important

scientific

secrets,

and

since

then the players have transmitted this Tarot from generation to generation, far better than the most virtuous

men

upon earth would have done. Such is the story or the history confided to me by this old manuscript, upon the origin of the father of our great games, and I am very glad that it provided me with the means of proving my perhaps paradoxical assertion of their original unity.

;

CHAPTER

XXII.

CONCLUSION.

Having reached

we must

the end of our journey

cast

one rapid glance over the road we have followed, in order to give

some account

of the scope of our work.

Seeing that materialistic science was giving way, in spite of the desperate efforts of its partisans, irresistible

pressure

of

the

new

under the

the impotence of

era,

purely analytical methods forced itself upon us, and

were led

to search for the possible basis

we

of a synthesis

which each day renders more indispensable. At this moment, the ancient wisdom revealed itself to our investigations, and we find that it contains this synthetic method as the immutable basis of all its scientific, religious, and social discoveries.

The

secret societies entrusted with the transmission of

this sacred deposit

the

have

lost its

key as well

as its ritual

nomad Gypsies and the Jews only have guarded

their

Bibles intact throughout the centuries the latter had the Sepher of Moses, the former the Tarot attributed to Thoth :

Trismegistus, the triple hierarchic University of

Hermes

ancient Egypt.^ 1

Consult Saint-Yves d'Alveydre, Mission des Juifs.

— THE TAROT.

344

The Tarot appeared

to us as the

Egyptian translation of

the book of initiation, starting as the to

Freemasonry and the whole occult

now missing key science.

How could we decipher this series of hieroglyphics ? How discover the mysterious grouping of these plates, now become the

accessory of gamblers

Wronski teaches us that the the faculty to execute. questioned antiquity.

?

faculty to conceive implies

we have

Strong* in this truth,

Its Sphinxes,

dumb

to the profane,

have spoken, its old temples have unveiled their mysteries, have re-awakened

its Initiates

answer to our

in

call

:

four

mysterious letters have been revealed to us

n

1

n

He

Vau

He

*<

Yod

The

sacred word, which shines above every initiation, the

object of the veneration and respect of all the sages.

The study

of the Tarot has

expresses the combinations of

must

shown us that

lEVE.

only

in these questions guard ourselves above all things

from leaving too

much

chosen

starting-point for

as

the

scope to the imagination,

we have

our studies

a fixed

principle, as basis to these sole

it

However, since we

guarantee against

immutable combinations, the

all possible

error: the member.

We

then approached the symbol, and there we again encountered new difficulties. The history of the Tarot has shown us that

its

figures

have often changed in pass-

ing through the hands of various peoples, and through different epochs, although its

in all times It

and

meaning has been preserved

in all places.

was therefore necessary to find for the symbols a and immutable in its combinations as

principle as fixed

the number.

The study

of the origin of the letters used

CONCLUSION. to inscribe

ation

human

source of the

back

lanoruasres led us

The 22 Hebrew

alphabets.

first

tb the determin-

hieroglyphic signs, the

sixteen primitive

of the

345

letters

immediately derived from these signs furnished us with this

indispensable

basis

to

all

serious

researches,

as

numbers were for thus had a sure guide, which

definitely fixed for the symbol, as the

the whole

Thanks

We

Tarot.

rendered error

still

more

unlikely.

to the application of these principles, exact,

although very general, information was furnished to us upon Theogony, Androgony, and Cosmogony, and we could at last recapitulate the

symbolism of the Tarot in a very

interesting tableau.

We

then wished to show that the Tarot was really the

general hey which

we had pronounced

it

to be.

A

few

Astronomy is unquestionamongst them through its fixed important ably the most applications proved the fact.

when we wish to discover how an evolution can advance, and we wander in the labyrinth of inexactitude, Astronomy shows us how the evolution Therefore,

principles.

of the sun 'progresses,

key

and that knowledge gives us the

to every possible evolution.

The

gigantic labours of Dupuis were fruitless, because

he did not understand that the solar Myth was only a representation of the general law of evokUion, and not

The method that of the especial evolution of the sun. induction nor neither deduction, is but of occult science

unknown method

analogy, an

at the present date

which

the Tarot reveals to us in all its splendour.

we have made other made still more; shown

Afterwards could have of the

of

applications of

Holy Kabbalah, of Theosophy,

Man and

it,

and

the key of Philosophy, of the Physiology

of the Uoiverse in the Tarot

;

but we have

THE TAROT.

346

restricted ourselves to giving the key,

way

to use it

and

to

showing the

by some examples.

We

were unwilling to exceed the engagement.

strict limits of

our

Such as it is, our work still contains some imperfections which we would willingly efface. We are under no illusions on this point, and time alone can remedy it. But we would draw attention to the aim which is visible throughout its pages; the application of the most exact methods possible to occult science. Through the modern exact sciences we have reached the study of occultism, and starting ourselves from materialism, of which we were one of the most ardent disciples, we felt the necessity of advancing further. But we had retained one trace of our early affections, the taste for method, and it is the absence of this method which spoils occult science. Louis Lucas had clearly seen that physics must advance by the side of metaphysics to serve as its basis in the same way we have endeavoured to place fixed principles, such as numbers and the Hebrew letters, side by side with the metaphysical :

data, like the

symbols or abstract conceptions.

Occultists as a rule are lost through this lack of precision.

We have made every effort to avoid

this stumbling-

however asserting that we have succeeded. An author is not qualified to judge his own work. Be this as it may, we have been frequently obliged to

block, without

speak of occult science without the leisure to enter into these explanatory details

—this

is

the reason

our book

To

Initiates.

we addressed

Ca

,oittoa(5ti orr^^'

,4

fct^^^ .0^ .^^

^^ If^

/C

;

CONCLUSION.

An

Initiate

occultism,

one who possesses

is

and who

is

may

vocabulary, which

this is our excuse for to

347

some minds, and

therefore

the

elements of

familiar with a whole

man of the world which may sound pretentious

well alarm a

words

this is

why we were

anxious to express

our ideas quite clearly. Still,

since

rendered

is

it

as

it

to simplify the little

customary

attractive as

memory amuse since

Tarot to be used for

and with

and have tried

this subject,

We

possible.

systems used, so that a

intelligence can easily

But

for the

we have touched upon

fortune-telling,

woman

little

of

even

exercise of

herself with this art.

own system may not please all the we have summed up the process

our

partisans of Cartomancy,

of the great master Mteila, so that, even in this purely

empiric region,

we have

tried

to

introduce as

much

scientific exactitude as possible.

We

hope that this recapitulation .of the

several years

may

efforts

of

prove useful to occultism, and to

its

which becomes daily more pronounced. This is May the social the aim which we have kept in view. preparing give rise to an era of peace disorders which are divided nations, and may and harmony amongst the now the knowledge of these mysteries overthrow European This should be your aim, Csesarism in all its forms Kabbalists, Theosophists, Martinists, Rosicrucians, and On this point believe the humble disciple Freemasons of your doctrines, who will be only too happy if his work has retained one feeble ray of the Eternal and Holy revival,

!

!

Truth.

5

INDEX. Adam,

111, 294

Conclusion, 343

Addition, theosophic, 27

Cosmogony, 216

Air, 189

Courage, 150 Creator, 74, 109

Alchemists, 5 Aleph, 105 Alphabet, Hebrew, 93 Amen, 203

—

Creeds, 6 Cross,

—

symbol of the, 34, 44 episcopal, 44

Androgony, 210 Animal. 187

Cups, 36, 44, 312

Arabs, 5 Arcana, major, 51—60, 61—67, 316 Arcana, minor, 35—50, 61—67, 307 Astronomical Tarot, 233

Daleth, 119 Day, 231 Death, 158, 159 Decan, 236 Destiny, 101 Devil, 164, 165 Diamonds, 36 Divine world, 41 Divining Tarot, 301

Atlantides, 8 Attraction, universal, 131 Authority, 125, 126

Authors who have spoken of the Tarot, 297 Axe, hieroglyphic, 181

balance, sign of the Zodiac, 152

253 Beauty, 131 Beth, 112

Barlet, C.

— —

,

— — — —

Freemason, 7 Greek, 7

Hindu, 7 Jewish, 7

Roman,

7

Binah, 118, 205 Blood, 228 Body, 180

Body, material, 176, 177 Bologna, Tarot

Brahma,

of,

Wisdom,

101, 102

Emperor, 120 Empress, 116 En Soph, 205 Epagomene, 235

Bible, Christian, 7

—

Earth, 189 Elements, the, 180, 181 Element, Being, 101, 102' Neuter, 101, 102

Esoterism, 26 Etteila, 88, 291, 327 Eve, 114, 240 Existence, elementary, 140, 141 Experience, 153, 154 Eye, 127, 131

85

75, 146, 195,

204

Cards, fortune-telling by, 305 Chaos, 176 Chariot, the, 135 Charity, 131, 153 China, 103 Chinese Tarot, 87 Chocmah, 114, 205 Clubs, 36 Colours, 44

Faith, 126 Fall, the, 169, 170 Fatality, 166, 167 Father, 75, 136, 137 Figuration of the sacred word, 23 Figures, 37—41 Fire,

189

Fo-hi, trigram of, 103 Foolish man, the, 185, 186 Force, 153, 154, 160 Forces, the physical, 227

INDEX.

350 Fortune, wheel Four, 32, 37 Freemasons, 5 Friday, 118

of,

Kadosh, 10 Kaph, 148

145

Karma

Game, royal, of human Games, unity of, 338

life,

335

Generation, 116 German Tarot, 89

Kingdoms

(animal, mineral), 192

de), the kabbalistic

Lamed, 151 Liberty, 150

123—126, 150, 163, 180, 231 Light, astral, 136, 137 Lightning-struck tower, 168

Life,

Hanged man, 151 He, 21, 38, 6e, 123 He, second, 22, 24 note, 38

Lingam, 124

Hearts, 36

Love, 130, 131 Lovers, 128

Hermit, 142 Hesiod, 104

Macrocosm, 108

Hieroglyphics, 91 Hindu Tarots, 86 Hiram, legend of, 7, 10 heart of, 11 tomb of, 10

—

—

Spirit, 75, 117,

118

Hope, 173 Horus, 75, 117, 195 Host, 44

Human

world, 41, 48, 118

Immortality, 173 Initiates, 4, 6, 124 Initiative Tarot, 253 Innervation, 186, 187 Inri, 10, 11 Instinct, 186, 187 Intellectuality, 41 Intelligence, 125, 126 Inventors, 107 Isis, 75, 113, 114, 195 Jaldn, 106

Man, 102, 103, 105, Mantegna pack, 84

Mysteries, 4

Nahash, 166, 167 Natura naturans. 111, 206 Natura naturata, 114, 207 Nature balanced, 117

Numbers, 26

Jupiter, 120, 121, 195 Justice, 138—141

— — —

law of the evolution of, 29 signification of, 30 affinities of, 33 Numbers (of the minor arcana), 38

Nun, 161 17, 32,

111, 113, 155

Materialism (approaching end), 3 Material world, 43, 48 Matter, 215, 227 Mem, 158 Mercury, 171 Microcosm, 105, 108 Mineral kingdom, 180, 181 Monday, 114 Months, 233, 235 Moon, 114, 175 Moses, 7, 8 Mother, 140, 141 Motion, innate, 184 Motion, of relative duration, 186, 187

Nizah, 141

January, 176 Judgment, 184 Juggler, 106 Juno, 195

Kabbalah,

vegetable,

Knight, 37 Kosmos, 118

Gnostics, 5 God, 102, 109, 111

Holy

1

Knave, 37

Gimel, 115

Guaita (Stanislas Tarot, 299 Gypsies, 8, 239

of the Hindus, 147 Kether, 111, 205 King, 37

144

Nutrition, 180, 181

INDEX. Occult science, 4 Operations upon numbers, 18, 20 Osiris, 75, 114, 116, 195, 203

Pe, 171 Pechad, 126?

the twenty-two major arcana, 76,

Pentacles, 36, 47—49, 52, 251, 314 People, the, 8, 107 Planets, 238

Pope, 125 Power, 122 Power, magic, 147 Priestess, High, 112 Prism, 226 Providence, 101 Prudence, 144 Ptah, 203 Pythagoras, tetractys

Symbols, 11 Synthesis, 3 Table of the twelve hours of the Initiation, by Barlet, 273 Table indicating the meaning of

Parabrahm, 204 ,

351

of,

33

Queen, 37

220, 221 Tarot of Florence, 85 Tan, 188 Temperance, 162, 163 Templars, 5 Ten, 38 Ternaries, 53 Teth, 142 Tetractys of Pythagoras, 33 Theogony, 194 Theosophite Society, 5 Thoth, book of, 9, 292 Three, 30, 38 I'hroat,

Thummim,

136 Thursday, 122 Tipheroth, 131 Transformer, 72 Tuesday, 150 Two, 30, 38 Tzaddi, 174

Ra, 203 Reduction, thcosophic, 27 Religion, 126 Reproduction, 41, 192 Rash, 182 Respiration, 183, 184 Roof, 176 Rosicrucians, 5, 10, 298 Rota, 9

Urirn, 136

Samech, 164

Vau,

Universe, 102, 111, 177

Saturn, 184 Savants, 107 Sceptres, 36, 311

Sepher Bereschit, 7 Septenaries, 54—58, 61—65, 99, 132, 133 Shin, 185 Signs, primitive, 91 Siva, 75, 146, 195, 203 Societies, secret, 4

Son, 75 Soul of the Universe, 122 Spades, 36 Speech, 112, 171 Star, seventeenth card, 171 Stars of Solomon, 162 Sun, 179 Swords, 36, 44, 107, 313

75,

21, GQ, 127 Vegetable kingdom, 184 Venetian Tarot, 85 Venus Urania, 116, 175 Virgin, 146 Vishnu, 75, 146, 195, 204 Vital force, 41 Vulcan, 195

"Watillaux, 89 "Wednesday, 173 Will, 102

"Wirth, 89, 90, 242—251, 299 119, 188

Womb,

Word, 32 World, visible, 103, 169, 170 Worlds, 43, 48 Zain, 135, 168

—— —— — )

.

ALPHABETIC TABLE OF THE

AUTHOES

ANI) PRINCIPAL

PAGE

—La

Agkippa.

WORXS QUOTED,

La Haye,

Philosophie OccuUe, (Bib. Nat., Z. 1983, A.^)

2 vols. 8vo.

1727.

Apocalypse Amaravella. A theosophic writer known by Ms fine works in Le Lotus, and in the Eevue TMosophique. Apollonius of Ttana. A great initiate and thaumaturge, con-

—

7

—

temporary with Christ

265, Society Hermes, the French branch of the Theosophite Society of Adyar (Madi'as).

Aenould

Abbema

(Arthur).

—President of the Theosophite

sgg-.

(Louise).

Adam (Mme.

Juliette),

ADHitMAK, D' (Countess Gaston). Barkois. Dactylologie ou Langage

—

Primitifi Paris, 1850, 4to. (Bib. Nat., X. 4,679.) EUments Carlovingiens^ Paris, 1854, 4to. (Bib. Nat., Z.) Blavatsky (FT. F.)—Isis Unveiled, New York, 1884 BoiTEATJ. Les Cartes d,jouer et la CartortianciCt Paris, 1854, 4to. Boehme (Jacob). Les Trois Principes, translated by Claude de

—

300

Saint- Martin. .). Venerable de la L . * La Menaissance, a con(le F ference in defence of occult symbolism in the F . Barlet (Ch.). Editor of the Initiation. The author of the most 15, 299 learned works that France possesses upon Occult Science Court de Gobelin. Le Monde Primitif, 9 vols., 4to., 1773 1783. Cailli^ (Rene). Dieu et la Crdation, Paris (Carre), 3 vols., 8vo.,

Bertrand

.

•

—

.

*

.

—

M

.

—

—

1886.

—

Chatto. Facts and Speculations upon the Origin and Sistory of Playing Cards in Europe, London, 1848, 8vo, D^E (Jean). Monas Hieroglyphica (in Theatrum Chemimum), 1560.

Ely Star

{Les Mysthres de VHoroscope, 18mo., Dentu, 1884

300

...

—

Etteila. Works by. YvLh:i^GK{k.)— La Kabbalah, Paris, Fabre d'Olivet. Les Vers dor4s La Langtce B4braique restitute, works of one of the greatest

—

Hachette, 1889, 8vo. de Pythagore, Paris, 8vo., 1816 1825, 4to,, Paris. (Fundamental contemporary masters of occult ;

science.

Gtiaita (Stanilas

de).

Au seuil du

enlarged edition, 1889

Mysthe, Paris, 1886, 8vo., 2nd 294

—

—

— ——

)

AUTHORS AND PRINCIPAL WORKS QUOTED.

354

PAGE

Gary (See Polti). Go YARD (Dr.). Former

—

of several works

President of the Vegetarian Society, author

upon occultism.

GouDEAU (Eniile). Hartmann. "Works by. Hermes Trismegistus Holmes (Augusta).

—

Homer. Hesiod.

— ^he — Op.

9

Odyssey ... Dies ... (the R. F. Jesuit).

7

104

'

et

KiRCHER Rome, 1622. Kabeala Denudata.

(Edipics

— Frankfort,

JSgyptiacus, 3 vols.,

1764. 2 vols., 4to., (Bib.

fol.,

Nat,

A. 969).

Koran, the. Levi (Eliphas, pseiidonym of the AhM Constant). Bogme d.e la Haute Magic, Paris, 2 vols., 8vo. Histoire d.e

—

;

8vo.,

Paris

La

;

et Riticel

la 3£agie,

Clef des grands Myst^res, 8vo,, Paris (Funda-

mental works) Lenaix. La Science Kdbhalistique, Amiens, 1823, 8vo. (A good summary. Lacuria (P. F. G. ). Harmonies de VMre exprimdes par les nombres, Paris, 1847, 8vo., 2 vols. (Fundamental work.) Lejay (Julien). Editor of the Initiation. Has made an application

—

299

—

of occult synthesis to Sociology. Lacour. Les (Eldiin on, dieux de Moise, Paris, 1825, 8vo., 2 vols. Louis Lucas. La Chimie Nouvelle, 1854, 8vo. La M4decine Nouvelle, 1863, 2 vols., 8vo. ; Le Itoinan Alchimique, 1853, 8vo.

—

—

;

(Fundamental works) ... ... ... ... ... MoNTiteRE (George). Chief Editor of the Revue V Initiation. Moses. Le Sepher Bereschit (Genesis). Merlin. Origine des cartes a jouer, recJierches rwuvelles sicr

—

— —

TUiibiSf les tarots et sior les

...

226

les

autres espkces de cartes, Paris, 4to.,

1869.

Manoel de Grandfort. MoRSiER (Emilie

—

Nus

de).

(Eugene). Philosopher, the author of several works upon Spiritualism. Les Grands Myst^res, Paris, librarie des Sciences, psychologiques, 8vo. Olcott (Colonel). President of the Theosophite Society of Adyar, which now includes more than 175 branches in different parts of the world. pAPUS. Traits EUmentaire de Science OcGidtCi Paris, 1887, 18mo. (4th edit). Paracelsus. "Works by. Postel (Guillaume). La Clef des Choses CacMes (Latin), 12mo. ... Polti and Gary. La TMorie des Temperaments , 1889, 18mo. (Carre, publisher.) Peladan (Josephin). La decadence Latine, Ethopceia, in 7 vols. (Edinger, Paris) PoiREL, E. Occultist, editor of the Tarot de Jrirtk, and of several other reproductions deduced from occult science Rabelais (epigraph)

—

—

—

—

,

.

297

299

300 3

— — —

—

—

AUTHORS AND PRIKCIPAL WORKS QUOTED.

355

—

PAGE

Ragon. Orthodoxie Mat^onniquet followed by Ma^.onnerie and the Initiation ffermitique.

— —

with a Treatise on the Planets, 8vo. Mysthrcs, ISmo., Paris, 1863. Lc Monde Nouvcau, 1889, 8vo., Paris. author of important works upon Magnetism, published

Ma^onnerie

La

RocA

Messc

(Abbe).

RouxEL.

—The

Occulie

Occulte,

ct sgs

in the Initiation, Tableau naturel des Rapports Saint Martin (Louis Claude de). qui existent cntre Dieu, V Homme et VUniDcrs, 2 vols., 8vo.,

Edinburgh, 1782

Sepher Yetzirah,

298 the (translation by Papus), Paris, 1888, 8vo.

(Carre).

— First principles. — Editor of the Remte des Deux Mondes. study upon esoterism, Les grands a Simon. — La Cit^ CJmioi^e, 18mo., 1884. Schopenhauer. Schur6.

Has

just published

Initie's (Perrin, editor).

fine

SiVRT (Ch.de)

300

Esoteric Btiddhism, 1884, 18mo. remarkably learned Trithemus (1462 1516).

SiNNET.

—

—A

man, the master

of Cornelius Agrippa.

Vaillant

(J.

Les R6mes, histoire vraie dej vrais Bohemiens, 8vo

A.)

Paris, 1850,

Virgil.— The ^neid Vedas, the.

Van Helmont

298 7

(Mercure).

Principia Philosophice aniiquissimm

et

Amsterdam, 1690. Mercury Van Helmont is reputed to have initiated Leibnitz. Weber (Louis Zenon). Author of important philosophical works rccentissvrue,

—

published in the l7iitiation "WiRTH (Oswald). The Astronomical Tarot (in the course of work). See Index. "Wronski (Hoene).— Xc Messianism ou R^forme Ahsohte du Savoir HuTnain^ Paris, 1825, 3 vols., small folio. See the complementary list of his numerous works in Occultism Contemporain by Papus.

—

"WoLSKA (A. de). Yves d'Alveydre (Saint).— Za Mission des Juifs, Paris, 1884, large Alcan Levy, publisher. (Funda8vo. of more than 1000 pp. mental work.)

178

Richard Clay & Sons, Limited,

London & Bungay.

:.3r..

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