Table Of ContentThe Tarot
Introduction
Our Venerable Master wrote a Preface, dated 7/10/1914, to the following
collection of Arcanes1. In it, He explained the basis of the work that He was about to
give to His disciples.
After quite a number of years spent next to Him, and after many conversations
with Him on the subject of the Tarot, that are still vivid in my memory, I thought of
remodelling this preface. I have also added what He taught me after the publication
of these few issues and photocopies. Most of these copies have been lost. The
present text is a copy of the original manuscript, which is still in my possession.
Ever since Court de Gébelin rediscovered the Tarot as a card-game or one of
fortune telling, it has been widely spoken about in the Occident. Still, it is a collection
of arcanes expressing the great Laws of the Being and of the Universe. It was
preserved by the Brethren of the Orient and was always given to the disciples of a
certain grade as a key to the Teaching.
In the Occident, where initiatic Tradition was corrupted, it was conserved in a
secular (profane) manner. Court de Gébelin saw its superior symbolism and found its
analogy with the principles of numbers as interpreted by the Kabbalah. Later on,
Eliphas Levi consecrated numerous pages to the Tarot; Papus wrote two works on it,
and still other seekers of the occult were interested in it, though unfortunately they
were not Initiates.
The plate at the end of the collection is a copy of the first arcane of the orthodox
Tarot of the Brethren of the Orient. There are two symbols that serve as an exergue:
The one on the right is the Labarum of Constantine and the one on the left is the
Universal Key. The Labarum identifies the arcane and clearly expresses its origin:
‘The Brethren of the Orient’. The Universal Key refers to the basis, the principle that
is fixed on it, and serves to explain, interpret and adapt the arcane.
Our Master condensed each orthodox arcane into a revealing schematic one.
Instead of commenting on the orthodox arcane, He transcribed it, thus sparing the
disciple long nights of research. Later on I, in turn, will complement the above.
Now I shall cite those passages of the Preface that can give the disciple the
elucidation that is necessary for his studies.
“The indecipherable Secret hidden under the symbolism of the 22 illustrations of
the Tarot is due to its obscurity and silence through its adaptation on the Universal
Key of human Wisdom.
1 Vide images in the French manuscript at the following net page:
"http://martinismos.ifrance.com/Semelas_TAROT.html" or
"http://membres.lycos.fr/martinism/Semelas_TAROT.html" (mirror site)
1
“The Universal Key of human Wisdom is the synthesis, in the greatest possible
simplicity, of the real, certain and stable truth that human thought has so far been
able to conceive.
“This Key is a symbol that speaks to all mentalities, whatever their degree of
evolution. It pleases the secular; it speaks to the disciple; it enlightens the adept, and
to the Master, it lifts the folds of the veil of Truth.
“This Key is not a modern invention. It comes to us from Pythagoras. I know this
from my Master, a Sage of the Orient, a perfect and pure being, a native of Crete,
whose mystical name was Hinarius.
“His last advice to me before he died, his last wish, was that this Key be reinstated
on the level of action and of reality. By adapting it to the Tarot, I therefore do nothing
but fulfil the last wishes of my Master.
“I have drawn conclusions from this, which will provide great satisfaction to the
disciple.
“The Key is not the exclusive property of the Oriental Schools of Attica and
Ephesus. It was known in all the Philosophical Schools of the Orient and the
Occident.2
“Thanks to the spirit of conservation of the School of Attica, this Key has come
down to us intact, whereas in the Occident it has unfortunately been conserved only
in the spirit of certain Masters and in a state of analysis, not synthesis.
“What is this Universal Key of human Wisdom?
“This Key is a simple symbol composed of a circle enclosing a triangle in which
there is a square divided into 9 small equal squares that contain the Unitary numbers
1 to 9.(Numbers of the Monad). The whole figure is divided by a vertical diameter.
“Let us now analyse its elements:
“1) The Circle represents infinite Unity and the eternal synthesis of the ternary,
symbol of the conscious intellect of Mens, of the Ego, of the Spirit.
“2) The Triangle is a mediator, expressing the ternary unity, the ternary.
Schematically it is the intermediate, uniting the square to the circle.
“The simplest figure that can be inscribed within the circle is the triangle, and any
two lines radiating from some point of the circumference always form a triangle with a
curved base. Again, a square crossed by a diagonal line produces two triangles.
“From the above, it follows that the triangle is the mediating figure between the
circle and the square. It is the symbol of the intermediate essence, or hypo-essence,
that unites the Spirit to Matter. We call this subtle hypo-essence the Soul.
“3) The Square represents the quaternary. It is a figure that is totally opposed to
the circle in both constitution and form. It is the symbol of Matter.
“In brief, the Circle is the symbol of the Spirit, the Triangle is that of the Soul, and
the Square is that of Matter.
2 In the Occident, the regular depositaries of initiatic orthodoxy (the Brethren of the Orient)
used to give this Key in a form of a somewhat different disposition of the figures (see
Khunrath, Edward Kelly and others). It is the mark, the seal of initiatic reality. It is the sign of
recognition of the true adepts (Brethren of the Orient), whether of the Orient or of the
Occident.
2
“To the Initiate, the combined formation of these three figures reveals secrets that
we cannot expose. We simply draw the attention of the seeker to their value.
“There are 9 numbers inscribed within the square. This represents the association
of the three principles of creation in Matter.
Numbers 1,4,7 relate to the Spirit,
numbers 2,5,8 to the Soul,
and numbers 3,6,9 to Matter.
“Number 1 represents the beginning, the Absolute, the Principle, the Unique, the
Unity, that which is eternal. It therefore represents the basic principle of the Spirit,
IMAGINATION.
“Number 2 hints at number 3, for 2 is a term of comparison. Since it depends on 1,
it must necessarily link it to a number that comes later in the series. 2 is the
mediating number between 1 and 3. It represents the principle Soul, whose basis is
WILL.
“Number 3 complements this equilibrium. It is the second scale of the Balance,
whose first scale is number 1, and it thus forms the ternary cycle. It represents the
principle Matter, whose basis is POWER.
“Number 4 is obtained by the association of the previous (ternary) cycle plus the
Unity. Thus the second cycle is begun. We therefore have: primary cycle 3 + the 1st
part of the secondary cycle = 4, or Power 3 + Imagination 1 = Power of Imagination
or THOUGHT.
“Number 5 is the association of the 1st cycle Power 3 + Will 2, which makes 5 =
Power of Will or AFFIRMATION, rendered effective by the WORD, which is the
affirmation of Will.
“Number 6 is the complement of the second cycle. It is the result of the sum of
Power 3 + the second secondary Power 3, and is transcribed by Power or the energy
of Power, which is the manifestation of Power or ACTION.
“Number 7 is the total of the two preceding cycles + a unity, 3+3+1=7. Action or
energy, or manifestation of Power in Imagination = Action of Imagination =
CONCEPTION.
“Number 8 is produced from 3+3+2=8, which is the energy of the Power of Will, or
the action of Will = DETERMINATION.
“Finally, number 9 is the total of these three cycles 6+3=9. Externalized Power, or
the action of manifested Power = EXECUTION.
“This can be summed up in a Table:
PRINCIPLES MANIFESTATIONS RESULTS
Mental 1 IMAGINATION manifested as creates CONCEPTION 7
Plane: THOUGHT 4
Psychical 2 WILL manifested as creates DETERMINATION 8
Plane: AFFIRMATION 5
Physical 3 POWER manifested as creates EXECUTION 9
Plane: ACTION 6
1,2,3, form the major cycle,
4,5,6, form the median cycle,
3
7,8,9, form the minor cycle.
“The three cycles united form a synthesis called the Great Universal Cycle:
1,4,7, form the mental or Conscious Cycle,
2,5,8, form the latent mental or Subconscious Cycle,
3,6,9, form the mental Unconscious Cycle.
“These three cycles form another synthesis called the Great Cycle of Universal
Energy.
“ The diameter is the measure of the circle and consequently the gradation in the
series of numbers from 1 to 9.
“The numbers in the square express the Principles, the manifestations, and the
creative qualities of Universal Spirit in Matter.”
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This is the tenor of the Preface that our Master had written in order to explain the
value of the Universal Key, so as to enable the reader to study the 22 arcanes
successfully.
The Universal Key of Eternal Wisdom is presented in the first plate under three
different aspects. It thus shows the 3 special keys:
the first refers to the Being,
the second to the Universe, and
the third to Man.
In the present edition, every arcane is presented under 2 forms:
The first was derived from the adaptation that our Master made of it on the
Universal Key, according to the orthodox Tarot of the Brethren of the Orient, of which
He was one of the Superior Masters (Master of the Orient).
The second form was the secular one, under which the Tarot circulated for
centuries in the Occident.
For this depiction, I have chosen ‘the Tarot of Marseilles’, which has not been
subject to any ‘perfecting’ from occultists, and which is the most ‘native’ (nearest to
the original one).
The last plate of the collection is a copy that confirms and delineates the 1st
Arcane of the orthodox Tarot of the Brethren of the Orient. It has been given as proof
and purely as documentation.
May every Brother and Sister who has this collection in their possession study and
meditate deeply the inestimable treasure transmitted to them.
1932
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I
The Tarot of the Magician: “The Disciple”.
Adapted to the Universal Key of human Wisdom, the Tarot of the Magician is
revealed by the arcane entitled, “The Tarot of the Disciple”.
The disciple represents the triple constitution of the Spirit of the being, filled with
wisdom in its initiatic evolution. Or again, it reveals Man’s progression into the secret
knowledge of the causes that brought about Creation, through the Key of universal
sapience. In this arcane, the Initiate, who has by now reached this grade, is
represented reigning well-balanced over the three first effects of Creation. These are
the domain of Sens (Intellect) represented by the circle, the domain of Form
represented by the triangle, and the domain of the Hump (bosse) represented by the
cube.
The sword is the symbol of Justice and divides these three domains into two equal
parts, as well as the disciple himself, who dominates over them. This division – which
we shall moreover see in the following arcanes – reveals the measure and
computation that human reason must be tied down to. All philosophy without the
measure and computation of reason is an exaltation of Imagination that always leads
Man adrift.
Now that the disciple is in possession of the triple arcane of the effects of
Creation, he has learned to rule in an irreproachable manner over the secret
knowledge that emanates from it. Moreover, the equal division of the 3 domains
represents the unique and unitary agent that dominates everything throughout, with a
uniform impulse. This agent is the Universal Spirit and Its mental derivatives: God,
the Celestial Worlds, Man. This same division reveals the possibility of the finite in
the infinite, of that which is determined in that which is undetermined. In its absolute
sense, this axiom concerns the Divine Spirit, and in its relative sense, it concerns the
human Spirit.
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Note: The sign that covers the disciple’s head is the symbol of the
triple evolution of the creation of the Spirit.
The hand that points to numbers 1,2,3 on the cube is the expression of the
reflection of the constituent principles of the Spirit on the domain of the hump.
The circle is the symbol of the domain of Sens (Intellect).
The triangle is the symbol of the domain of Form.
The Initiate leans on and is manifest on all 3 domains.
The sword – the balancing point, the measure and computation of reason, that
which determines the domains – is also the symbol of human reason.
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2nd Version
This youth is within a circle and his head is covered by the sign of the triple
evolution of the creation of his Spirit. His upright body is seen only down to his knees.
His arms, slightly parted, together with his head, form a triangle. The disciple’s trunk
is the Bowl from which the head appears. (Certain Masters draw a bowl from which
vapour emanates, and place the head among clouds).
5
In front of the disciple there is a cube divided into 9 equal parts. His right hand
points to the number 3. His left hand holds the second part of the circle (Will) from
the middle.
The sword stands on the basis and points to the top of the triangle. It is the
diameter of the Circle.
The disciple’s whole bearing indicates that he leans on and is manifest in all three
domains. His coif is the mysterious symbol of the creation of the abstract
domain. His head is the source of his Imagination.
The second domain is born in the triangle and is perpetuated in the circle, thus
revealing the triple operation of the creation of forms.
The cube is divided into 9 parts. This reveals the triple creation in the physical
domain, with the reflection of the other two triplicities
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The SYMBOLS are: The sign , the bowl, the sword and the two rods.
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II
The Tarot of the High Priestess: “Wisdom”.
Adapted to the Universal Key of human Wisdom, the Tarot of the High Priestess is
revealed by the arcane entitled, “The Tarot of Wisdom”.
Wisdom is the conscience and knowledge of one’s self and of everything this is
outside one’s self. It is the knowledge of what the Being is and of what the Being
creates.
Like the previous one and the following 8 arcanes, the principal aspect of the
present one is formed on the 3 domains divided by the diameter (line of reason,
eternal symbol, one that every Initiate must always have present before him).
Wisdom is represented by a woman, symbol of eternal fertility. In God, Wisdom,
which is a fecund principle, is infinite. In the Celestial Worlds, it is subtle and
determined, and among humans, it is progressive and develops according to
knowledge.
The primitive domain of the manifestation of Wisdom – apart from its natural
domain – is the domain of Form.
BEING: Symbol of the domain from which Wisdom springs; Wisdom is Spirit.
NON BEING: symbol of the domain on which it is realized: Creation, Matter.
Since Wisdom is Spirit, it is depicted in the arcane by the table of 9 numbers.
These are the symbols of the 9 constituent identities (faculties) of the Spirit.
Her triple crown reveals the seat of the 3 principles that create the Spirit. The open
book reveals the 3 manifestations of the Spirit, and the keys that she holds are the
effectuations of our spiritual principles.
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Note: From the domain of form (the triangle), we can see depicted an identity of the
Spirit. This identity is personified by a woman and is named Wisdom.
Her triple crown is the symbol of the three creative principles: Imagination, Will
and Power.
In her right hand she holds the manifestations: Thought, Word, Action.
In her left hand she holds the keys of effectuation: Conception, Determination,
Execution.
The numbered square on her breast expresses the mystery of her constitution.
Finally the veil spread behind her is the unknown horizon beyond Imagination.
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2nd Version
Here we see an austere woman wearing a triple crown. Her crowned head and
shoulders form the triangle at whose two lower angles the woman’s arms appear.
The right hand holds an open book that she reads. A seal numbered 5 hangs from it,
and numbers 4 and 6 are on either side of the covers of the book.
In her left hand she holds two keys crosswise. They form the Greek Cross, whose
numerical value is 8. Each key bears the number 7 and 9.
A veil starts from the crown on the woman’s head and falls on her shoulders on
each side. She wears a triple crown; its lowest part is a Royal Crown; it bears the
7
number 3 and has 3 small flowers. The second part is a Hieratic Mitre; it bears the
number 2 and has 5 small flowers. The top part is an Imperial Crown; it bears the
number 1 and has 3 small flowers. This tiara is within the circle.
On her breast there is the reflection of 9 numbers. They are depicted lengthwise
on a large embroidered ribbon-band that joins the two sides of her coat.
Behind this woman, always within the circle, there are two poles between which
there hangs a veil.
Analysis: We see the principles of the Spirit presented and depicted in the 3 domains
of the form. They are personified as a crowned woman, “Wisdom”. Wisdom
is Conscience. Conscience is the knowledge of one’s self, of what the Being
is and of what the Being creates.
The triple crown represents Imagination, Will, Power. In her right hand she
holds the manifestations: Thought, Word, Action, and in her left, she holds
the keys of effectuation.
On her breast she bears the mystery of her constitution.
Behind her there rises the Binary: Spirit and Matter. Spirit IS (EST), and
Matter IS NOT (NON EST). The veil between the 2 poles is the horizon of
the domain that lies beyond Imagination.
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The SYMBOLS are: A closed book on which lie 2 keys crosswise, with the crown on
top of them.
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