If you received this post late, or twice, I am sorry.
It was scheduled to go out, like all the essays, at 3:00 AM. I noticed however that I didn't receive it in my email, and it doesn't look like anyone else did either, so I re-sent it at 10:30 AM.
A very interesting read. My experience with Tarot has only been what I’ve seen in New Orleans. The “connection” or similarities between Tarot and Freemasonry sounds intriguing. Thank you for expanding my curiosity.
I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Some of the works by Arthur Edward Waite are quite interesting. His writing style is looooong, and sometimes strange, but I've always kind of enjoyed his books.
Most people think it is a system of divination, and to be fair it is used that way, but so is the Bible (bibliomancy using the Bible). The Tarot has much more value as an illustrated guide to spiritual evolution, and as a catalogue of magical correspondence. For example, the modern Tarot corresponds perfectly to magical Kabbalah. Considering the trump cards, there are 22 of them. Each card corresponds to one of the paths of the tree of life, and to each Hebrew letter. Each numbered card corresponds to one of the spheres, or sephirot. The court cards correspond to specific sephirot. The Tarot also captures Alchemical information as each suit corresponds to one of the classical elements, swords-air, wands-fire, cups-water, discs-earth. These are also the symbols a Ceremonial Magician will have on his altar, a sword (or dagger), a cup, a wand and a disc. Astrologically, there are also patterns of correspondence that progress through the zodiac. In short, the Tarot is an expression of a Magical cosmology. There is a legend that ancient priests and priestesses coded their great magical tradition into the playing cards as a way to save it from destruction. I don’t believe that is true, but it is a good story. If you are interested in the many occult and ceremonial magic connections with the Tarot, I suggest the work of Brother Lon Milo DuQuette, 320.
So, with each Tarot card being a hyper-symbol (called an arcanum), containing many corresponding facts, integrated in such a way as to create a harmonious meaning, they can become a developmental milepost, a system of initiation. Just like Freemasonry. Using the idea that the Tarot corresponds to the Kabbalah, expressed in the Tree of Life as a glyph that illustrates the decent of the divine into the material, then the ceremonial magician can retrace that path, as a path of spiritual development. Each of the correspondences listed above becomes an element of the magician’s ritual or meditation. The harmonies created by the ceremony, activate unconscious elements within the magician’s consciousness and unlock meaning and experience that can lead to spiritual advancement.
There are two authors you might enjoy on these issues along with Brother DuQuette. Meditations on the Tarot: A Journey into Christian Hermeticism, authored by an unknown author (though you can figure it out) with an afterward by, Cardinal Hans Urs von Balthasar (Roman Catholic). The other author is John Michael Greer, who has several books on pathworking (a term used to describe meditations on the tree of life, using the correspondent symbols lightly touched on above.)
There is nothing inconsistent with a Mason using the Tarot, based on the tenets of Freemasonry. Since there are Kabbalistic correspondence in Masonry and concordant bodies and the same correspondences in the Tarot, it’s natural that some Masons have used the Tarot to enhance their spiritual progress. The religion’s and spiritual beliefs of some Masons might prohibit the use of the Tarot, and I respect that, but for me it’s a useful tool.
Thank you VW. I appreciate you providing this detailed information on the Correspondences very much. You have summarized it extremely well.
I also find that by using different versions of the Tarot, different Correspondences are highlighted, so the emphasis, and even the feeling of it can change. If one can learn Y from studying a single deck, then he can learn Yx3 by studying two. Provided that they are decks created for serious study. For example, I have found that studying Rider-Waite alongside the Thoth deck offers tremendous insights.
Lastly, I find that I can appreciate many decks for their artistic value as well. Certainly the Thoth deck is composed of quite superb artwork, and another favorite is the Russian Tarot of St. Petersberg. Collecting decks for their artistic value can be a fun, and very inexpensive pursuit.
Agreed, I have dozens of decks. I have found studying the subtle distinctions between the Waite deck and the Thoth deck illuminating. Brother Lon has some online lectures that are quite affordable, that walk thru his theories. Any brother who needs to see how a Freemason can start on this path might look closely at the High Priestess card.
Last week I posted a question about the Pillars utilized in the FC Degree. It is my view that there are three pillars, not two. The HP card illustrates my thinking about that quite well. The never ending interaction between the generative force and the active force result in the continual process of creation, or in other words, and taken down to the individual level, the 'B' pillar interacting with the 'J' pillar results in the man, in this case the new FC Mason.
Roaming a bit far afield, I think it points as well to modern tantra practices, and the western esoteric tradition's practices that are parallel to tantra. But I don't want to scare anyone! ;-)
Different paths and traditions, pointing towards the same destination.
Yes, the eastern Tantric traditions share many aspects with western mysticism. Not surprising really when you understand that there are genetic and cultural links between the Indus Valley and Europe. Sometime ago a cauldron was found in Denmark, i think, that had the imprsssion of the European God Cernnunoes on it. The god was seated in a yogic posture surrounded by animals. Typically Cernunnoes is depicted with antlers, proibably a nod to the primary game animal of the era. In the Indus valley there are numerous depictions of the Hindu god Shiva, in which he is depeicted with horns, emblemmatic of the prinary game animal of that era, and the god is depicted surrounded by animals, and Shiva is seated in a yogic posture. The two gods, Cernnunoes and Shiva are very clearly related in the minds of those who created them. There are other similarities, and as both the people of India and Europe are descended from the original Indo-European culture, its not surprising. Many people donlt realize that the Tantric school is NOT just about sexual practices, but encompasses a wide variety of mystical practices, and even the sexual practices are focused on the polarities of the divine expressed through creation.
"This isn’t to say that a bit of crazy fortune telling can’t be fun. One of the most mirthful Lodge experiences I ever had was when one of our Brothers sat down with his cards and his beer to give us all our fortunes. His performance was, without a doubt, one of the funniest things I’ve ever experienced, and he kept the room laughing for quite literally hours. "
Yep, I was there for that evening as well. The Brother did a very good job, and while he worked for a lumber company, he could very well do that for entertainment as a side hack.
He was one of the 6 brothers who were the first to receive the Torchlight degree 5 years ago, and he did mention how much it meant to him. He was one of the Tylers for the next Torchlight degree.
There are many out there who shy away from any talk about the Tarot or similar items associated with what is referred to as "the Occult." And that's too bad.
I recall that a number of us suggested to him that he start a You Tube channel, posting videos of his readings. I am still convinced that he could make a fortune doing so!
I was also at there. We were at Pots O Gold.......that brother did a fine job. My mother wouldn't allow the cards in the house when we were young. But as we got older she started to study then but I never got the chance to join in with her.
There is two magazines I have from the Southern California Research Lodge, Fraternal Review, September 2019 and November 2020, that are wholly dedicated to Freemasonry and the Tarot. Like in your opening, my interest in the tarot started before my initiation into Freemasonry as well. There is no denying there is a single thread that runs through the Tarot and Freemasonry and is very obvious to those who have studied the symbolism.
The card mentioned on this thread was the High Priestess. She represents the guardian of the subconscious mind and the teacher of sacred knowledge and hidden mysteries. On her lap she holds a scroll partially hidden with the letters TORA exposed. It is said there are various keys to unlock this mystery; the outer teaching is tora(h), the Hebrew word for instruction or law, as in the first five books of the Bible (exoteric). The other is spelled backwards; taro(t), the Book of Thoth or the inner teachings (esoteric). The other words are Rota, which means wheel or cycle, Orat; teach, and Ator; the goddess of love. Hence the phrase in order; Rota, Taro, Orat, Tora, Ator; The wheel of Tarot speaks the law of Hathor.
Symbols of the High Priestess:
On the most obvious symbol to Masonry are the two pillars with the letters B and J. The black and white colour symbolize duality (yin and yang), perhaps alluding to the balanced duality and entrance to the Great Renewal or Baptism of water.
Further in the background of the card, you can see that the pomegranates aligns with the cabbalistic Tree of Life, as well, and the pomegranate representing the spheres or Divine Knowledge. Behind that is the presumably the sea and a shore. In the Zohar there is a pathway called “Yam Suf”, which translates as “Sea of the End.” Representing the egos final frontier. Beyond Yam Suf begins the spiritual consciousness.
I believe studding the Tarot is a great tool for all Masons to become acquainted with, and offers further insights.
Thank you for adding these further explanations to the discussion, I really appreciate it. I agree with you 100% that Masons can find great insights through a study of tarot, and I am very pleased to recommend it.
Although, as VW Clayton points out, some will not due to misconceptions. That is unfortunate, but not surprising as I think we are all aware of men who would make great Masons, but will not become so because of their misconceptions about Freemasonry.
Misconceptions or taught preconceived notions? The article you posted below is a good glimps into the symbolism similarities to freemasonry and the tarot. Most people are unaware of Carl Jung's influence and wisdom of the occult (very different meaning than cult). The Gnostic Book refereed to as the Nag Hammadi, owes a great deal to him. In fact the first five books are called the Jung Codex. Jung was also very much into predicting human fate, as in cosmic rhythms and cycles of life from a phenomenon called the I Ching. Some people have a stigma because they are warned that it is black magic. Here I will quote what he says about that. "The I Ching insists upon self-knowledge throughout. The method by which this is to be achieved is open to every kind of misuse, and therefore not for the frivolous-minded and immature; nor is it for the intellectualists and rationalists. It is appropriate only for thoughtful and reflective people who like to think about what they do and what happens to them – a predilection not to be confused with the morbid brooding of the hypochondriac… If by means of this demonstration I have succeeded in elucidating the psychological phenomenology of the I Ching, I shall have carried out my purpose… He who is not pleased by it does not have to use it, and he who is against it is not obliged to find it true. Let it go forth into the world for the benefit of those who can discern its meaning.” – Carl Jung, I Ching or the Book of Change (1950)
I should have mentioned, even though Carl Jung is talking about the I Ching, its very fitting to other occult subjects such as tarot, astrology or even Masonry, as well.
If you received this post late, or twice, I am sorry.
It was scheduled to go out, like all the essays, at 3:00 AM. I noticed however that I didn't receive it in my email, and it doesn't look like anyone else did either, so I re-sent it at 10:30 AM.
A very interesting read. My experience with Tarot has only been what I’ve seen in New Orleans. The “connection” or similarities between Tarot and Freemasonry sounds intriguing. Thank you for expanding my curiosity.
I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Some of the works by Arthur Edward Waite are quite interesting. His writing style is looooong, and sometimes strange, but I've always kind of enjoyed his books.
Most people think it is a system of divination, and to be fair it is used that way, but so is the Bible (bibliomancy using the Bible). The Tarot has much more value as an illustrated guide to spiritual evolution, and as a catalogue of magical correspondence. For example, the modern Tarot corresponds perfectly to magical Kabbalah. Considering the trump cards, there are 22 of them. Each card corresponds to one of the paths of the tree of life, and to each Hebrew letter. Each numbered card corresponds to one of the spheres, or sephirot. The court cards correspond to specific sephirot. The Tarot also captures Alchemical information as each suit corresponds to one of the classical elements, swords-air, wands-fire, cups-water, discs-earth. These are also the symbols a Ceremonial Magician will have on his altar, a sword (or dagger), a cup, a wand and a disc. Astrologically, there are also patterns of correspondence that progress through the zodiac. In short, the Tarot is an expression of a Magical cosmology. There is a legend that ancient priests and priestesses coded their great magical tradition into the playing cards as a way to save it from destruction. I don’t believe that is true, but it is a good story. If you are interested in the many occult and ceremonial magic connections with the Tarot, I suggest the work of Brother Lon Milo DuQuette, 320.
So, with each Tarot card being a hyper-symbol (called an arcanum), containing many corresponding facts, integrated in such a way as to create a harmonious meaning, they can become a developmental milepost, a system of initiation. Just like Freemasonry. Using the idea that the Tarot corresponds to the Kabbalah, expressed in the Tree of Life as a glyph that illustrates the decent of the divine into the material, then the ceremonial magician can retrace that path, as a path of spiritual development. Each of the correspondences listed above becomes an element of the magician’s ritual or meditation. The harmonies created by the ceremony, activate unconscious elements within the magician’s consciousness and unlock meaning and experience that can lead to spiritual advancement.
There are two authors you might enjoy on these issues along with Brother DuQuette. Meditations on the Tarot: A Journey into Christian Hermeticism, authored by an unknown author (though you can figure it out) with an afterward by, Cardinal Hans Urs von Balthasar (Roman Catholic). The other author is John Michael Greer, who has several books on pathworking (a term used to describe meditations on the tree of life, using the correspondent symbols lightly touched on above.)
There is nothing inconsistent with a Mason using the Tarot, based on the tenets of Freemasonry. Since there are Kabbalistic correspondence in Masonry and concordant bodies and the same correspondences in the Tarot, it’s natural that some Masons have used the Tarot to enhance their spiritual progress. The religion’s and spiritual beliefs of some Masons might prohibit the use of the Tarot, and I respect that, but for me it’s a useful tool.
Thank you VW. I appreciate you providing this detailed information on the Correspondences very much. You have summarized it extremely well.
I also find that by using different versions of the Tarot, different Correspondences are highlighted, so the emphasis, and even the feeling of it can change. If one can learn Y from studying a single deck, then he can learn Yx3 by studying two. Provided that they are decks created for serious study. For example, I have found that studying Rider-Waite alongside the Thoth deck offers tremendous insights.
Lastly, I find that I can appreciate many decks for their artistic value as well. Certainly the Thoth deck is composed of quite superb artwork, and another favorite is the Russian Tarot of St. Petersberg. Collecting decks for their artistic value can be a fun, and very inexpensive pursuit.
Agreed, I have dozens of decks. I have found studying the subtle distinctions between the Waite deck and the Thoth deck illuminating. Brother Lon has some online lectures that are quite affordable, that walk thru his theories. Any brother who needs to see how a Freemason can start on this path might look closely at the High Priestess card.
I agree completely re: The High Priestess.
Last week I posted a question about the Pillars utilized in the FC Degree. It is my view that there are three pillars, not two. The HP card illustrates my thinking about that quite well. The never ending interaction between the generative force and the active force result in the continual process of creation, or in other words, and taken down to the individual level, the 'B' pillar interacting with the 'J' pillar results in the man, in this case the new FC Mason.
That sounds remoarkable like the description of the "supernal triad" of the Tree of Life..... :)
Roaming a bit far afield, I think it points as well to modern tantra practices, and the western esoteric tradition's practices that are parallel to tantra. But I don't want to scare anyone! ;-)
Different paths and traditions, pointing towards the same destination.
Yes, the eastern Tantric traditions share many aspects with western mysticism. Not surprising really when you understand that there are genetic and cultural links between the Indus Valley and Europe. Sometime ago a cauldron was found in Denmark, i think, that had the imprsssion of the European God Cernnunoes on it. The god was seated in a yogic posture surrounded by animals. Typically Cernunnoes is depicted with antlers, proibably a nod to the primary game animal of the era. In the Indus valley there are numerous depictions of the Hindu god Shiva, in which he is depeicted with horns, emblemmatic of the prinary game animal of that era, and the god is depicted surrounded by animals, and Shiva is seated in a yogic posture. The two gods, Cernnunoes and Shiva are very clearly related in the minds of those who created them. There are other similarities, and as both the people of India and Europe are descended from the original Indo-European culture, its not surprising. Many people donlt realize that the Tantric school is NOT just about sexual practices, but encompasses a wide variety of mystical practices, and even the sexual practices are focused on the polarities of the divine expressed through creation.
"This isn’t to say that a bit of crazy fortune telling can’t be fun. One of the most mirthful Lodge experiences I ever had was when one of our Brothers sat down with his cards and his beer to give us all our fortunes. His performance was, without a doubt, one of the funniest things I’ve ever experienced, and he kept the room laughing for quite literally hours. "
Yep, I was there for that evening as well. The Brother did a very good job, and while he worked for a lumber company, he could very well do that for entertainment as a side hack.
He was one of the 6 brothers who were the first to receive the Torchlight degree 5 years ago, and he did mention how much it meant to him. He was one of the Tylers for the next Torchlight degree.
There are many out there who shy away from any talk about the Tarot or similar items associated with what is referred to as "the Occult." And that's too bad.
I recall that a number of us suggested to him that he start a You Tube channel, posting videos of his readings. I am still convinced that he could make a fortune doing so!
I was also at there. We were at Pots O Gold.......that brother did a fine job. My mother wouldn't allow the cards in the house when we were young. But as we got older she started to study then but I never got the chance to join in with her.
Yep. My mother would have been the same way. I didn't know about them until I was an adult.
There is two magazines I have from the Southern California Research Lodge, Fraternal Review, September 2019 and November 2020, that are wholly dedicated to Freemasonry and the Tarot. Like in your opening, my interest in the tarot started before my initiation into Freemasonry as well. There is no denying there is a single thread that runs through the Tarot and Freemasonry and is very obvious to those who have studied the symbolism.
The card mentioned on this thread was the High Priestess. She represents the guardian of the subconscious mind and the teacher of sacred knowledge and hidden mysteries. On her lap she holds a scroll partially hidden with the letters TORA exposed. It is said there are various keys to unlock this mystery; the outer teaching is tora(h), the Hebrew word for instruction or law, as in the first five books of the Bible (exoteric). The other is spelled backwards; taro(t), the Book of Thoth or the inner teachings (esoteric). The other words are Rota, which means wheel or cycle, Orat; teach, and Ator; the goddess of love. Hence the phrase in order; Rota, Taro, Orat, Tora, Ator; The wheel of Tarot speaks the law of Hathor.
Symbols of the High Priestess:
On the most obvious symbol to Masonry are the two pillars with the letters B and J. The black and white colour symbolize duality (yin and yang), perhaps alluding to the balanced duality and entrance to the Great Renewal or Baptism of water.
Further in the background of the card, you can see that the pomegranates aligns with the cabbalistic Tree of Life, as well, and the pomegranate representing the spheres or Divine Knowledge. Behind that is the presumably the sea and a shore. In the Zohar there is a pathway called “Yam Suf”, which translates as “Sea of the End.” Representing the egos final frontier. Beyond Yam Suf begins the spiritual consciousness.
I believe studding the Tarot is a great tool for all Masons to become acquainted with, and offers further insights.
Two of their articles are online:
https://www.theresearchlodge.com/further-light/the-esoteric-universality-of-tarot
https://www.theresearchlodge.com/further-light/freemasonry-amp-the-tarot
Thank you for adding these further explanations to the discussion, I really appreciate it. I agree with you 100% that Masons can find great insights through a study of tarot, and I am very pleased to recommend it.
Although, as VW Clayton points out, some will not due to misconceptions. That is unfortunate, but not surprising as I think we are all aware of men who would make great Masons, but will not become so because of their misconceptions about Freemasonry.
Here is a very detailed examination of Waite's interpretations of the Major Arcana:
http://www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/major_arcana_tarot.html
Misconceptions or taught preconceived notions? The article you posted below is a good glimps into the symbolism similarities to freemasonry and the tarot. Most people are unaware of Carl Jung's influence and wisdom of the occult (very different meaning than cult). The Gnostic Book refereed to as the Nag Hammadi, owes a great deal to him. In fact the first five books are called the Jung Codex. Jung was also very much into predicting human fate, as in cosmic rhythms and cycles of life from a phenomenon called the I Ching. Some people have a stigma because they are warned that it is black magic. Here I will quote what he says about that. "The I Ching insists upon self-knowledge throughout. The method by which this is to be achieved is open to every kind of misuse, and therefore not for the frivolous-minded and immature; nor is it for the intellectualists and rationalists. It is appropriate only for thoughtful and reflective people who like to think about what they do and what happens to them – a predilection not to be confused with the morbid brooding of the hypochondriac… If by means of this demonstration I have succeeded in elucidating the psychological phenomenology of the I Ching, I shall have carried out my purpose… He who is not pleased by it does not have to use it, and he who is against it is not obliged to find it true. Let it go forth into the world for the benefit of those who can discern its meaning.” – Carl Jung, I Ching or the Book of Change (1950)
I should have mentioned, even though Carl Jung is talking about the I Ching, its very fitting to other occult subjects such as tarot, astrology or even Masonry, as well.