Concept and Inspiration:
The etymology of Tarot comes from Latin, where the letters T-A-R-O (clockwise) or T-O-R-A (counterclockwise) can often be found aligned against four of the spokes, which can also be interpreted as R-O-T-A, the Latin word meaning "wheel." The Tarot of the Kabbalistic Elements is a fusion of ancient mysticism and modern spirituality, merging the profound wisdom of Kabbalah with the timeless symbolism of the tarot. This deck is a journey through the Tree of Life, incorporating the intricate connections between the Sefirot and the four elements—Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. Each card is designed to offer a deeper understanding of the self and the universe, guiding the seeker towards enlightenment and inner balance.
In addition to Kabbalistic symbolism, the deck integrates Hermetic and Kemetic (ancient Egyptian) philosophies, enhancing the depth and richness of each card. Hermetic principles such as "As above, so below" and Kemetic concepts of Ma'at (balance and harmony) are woven into the imagery and meanings, creating a multidimensional tool for spiritual exploration.
Design and Symbolism:
The major arcana cards are aligned with the Kabbalah Tree of Life, each representing a specific Sefirah and its associated attributes. The cards are richly illustrated with vibrant colors and detailed symbols to evoke the essence of each Sefirah, incorporating Hermetic and Kemetic elements to enhance their meaning:
AI Generated Hermetic Tarot Deck of Major Arcana (the unseen) using DALL-E
Major Arcana
The Fool (0)
Sefirah: Daath (dissolution of self, beginning the tarot wheel)
Imagery: A carefree figure stepping into the unknown, symbolizing new beginnings and potential. Air. Pluto (alternative Uranus). Incorporates Hermetic symbolism of innocence and infinite potential.
The Magician (1)
Sefirah: Kether (fixed stars, source of power, I am, infinity)
Imagery: A figure with one hand raised to Binah and the other pointing to Netzach, symbolizing the connection between the divine and the material. The infinity sign represents being in Daath. Mercury. Features the Hermetic principle "As above, so below."
The High Priestess (2)
Sefirah: Chokmah (wisdom, zodiac, divine wisdom)
Imagery: A wise figure with a starry crown, symbolizing cosmic wisdom and intuition. Moon. Reflects Kemetic wisdom and the mysteries of the goddess Isis.
The Empress (3)
Sefirah: Binah (black, Saturn, discipline, karma, death and life)
Imagery: A maternal figure in black, surrounded by symbols of Saturn and nature, symbolizing creation and nurturing. Venus. Incorporates the nurturing aspect of the Kemetic goddess Hathor.
The Emperor (4)
Sefirah: Chesed (blue, Jupiter, expansion, vision)
Imagery: A regal figure in blue, holding a scepter, symbolizing authority and vision. Aries. Features Kemetic symbols of pharaonic authority and stability.
The Hierophant (5)
Sefirah: Geburah (Mars, red, communication)
Imagery: A wise figure in red robes, holding a staff and teaching, symbolizing spiritual authority and discipline. Taurus. Embodies the Kemetic concept of Ma'at, with scales symbolizing balance and justice.
The Lovers (6)
Sefirah: Tiphareth (yellow, sun, consciousness, will/action)
Imagery: Two figures united under a radiant sun, symbolizing unity and love. Gemini. Reflects Hermetic duality and balance, and the Kemetic myth of Isis and Osiris.
The Chariot (7)
Sefirah: Netzach (victory)
Imagery: A charioteer riding forward with balanced strength, symbolizing determination and triumph. Cancer. Incorporates Hermetic symbolism of willpower and control.
Strength (8)
Sefirah: Hod (Mercury, orange, knowledge)
Imagery: A figure gently taming a lion, surrounded by symbols of Mercury, symbolizing courage and inner strength. Leo. Reflects Kemetic imagery of Sekhmet, the lioness goddess of strength and healing.
The Hermit (9)
Sefirah: Yesod (foundation, moon, purple, astral energies)
Imagery: A cloaked figure holding a lantern, standing on a purple path under the moon, symbolizing introspection and spiritual insight. Virgo. Incorporates Hermetic principles of inner knowledge and enlightenment.
Wheel of Fortune (10)
Sefirah: Malkuth (3D physical reality)
Imagery: A wheel with symbols of the four elements at its corners, grounded in the material world, symbolizing change and cycles. Jupiter. Reflects Hermetic principles of cyclical nature and the Kemetic concept of divine order.
Justice (11)
Sefirah: Gevurah (severity)
Imagery: A figure holding scales and a sword, symbolizing fairness and law. Libra. Ma'at. Embodies the Kemetic principle of Ma'at, representing truth, balance, and cosmic order.
The Hanged Man (12)
Sefirah: Hod (glory)
Imagery: A figure hanging upside down, symbolizing a new perspective and surrender. Water. Neptune. Reflects Hermetic teachings of sacrifice and enlightenment.
Death (13)
Sefirah: Netzach (victory)
Imagery: A skeletal figure with a scythe, symbolizing the end of a cycle and transformation. Scorpio. Incorporates Kemetic symbolism of transformation and rebirth.
Temperance (14)
Sefirah: Yesod (foundation)
Imagery: An angelic figure mixing two cups, symbolizing balance and harmony. Sagittarius. Reflects Hermetic principles of alchemy and balance.
The Devil (15)
Sefirah: Hod (glory)
Imagery: A figure with chains, symbolizing temptation and material bondage. Capricorn. Reflects Hermetic teachings on the material world and spiritual bondage.
The Tower (16)
Sefirah: Netzach (victory)
Imagery: A tower being struck by lightning, symbolizing upheaval and sudden change. Mars. Reflects Hermetic principles of destruction and renewal.
The Star (17)
Sefirah: Netzach (victory)
Imagery: A figure pouring water under the stars, symbolizing hope and spiritual renewal. Aquarius. Reflects Kemetic symbolism of the goddess Nut, representing the sky and stars.
The Moon (18)
Sefirah: Yesod (foundation)
Imagery: A moonlit scene with two towers and a path, symbolizing mystery and intuition. Pisces. Reflects Hermetic principles of illusion and subconscious.
The Sun (19)
Sefirah: Tiphareth (beauty)
Imagery: A radiant sun with joyful children, symbolizing success and happiness. Sun. Reflects Kemetic symbolism of Ra, the sun god and source of life.
Judgment (20)
Sefirah: Hod (glory)
Imagery: Figures rising from their graves, responding to a divine call, symbolizing rebirth and judgment. Fire, Uranus (alternately, Pluto). Reflects Hermetic principles of resurrection and Kemetic concepts of afterlife judgment.
The World (21)
Sefirah: Malkuth (kingdom)
Imagery: A figure surrounded by a wreath, symbolizing completion and wholeness. Universe. Saturn. Reflects Hermetic principles of unity and Kemetic symbolism of universal harmony.
Minor Arcana
The minor arcana are divided into four suits, each corresponding to one of the Four Worlds of Kabbalah and the elemental forces:
Wands/Clubs (Fire - Atziluth): The Archetypal World, representing inspiration and willpower.
Cups/Hearts (Water - Briah): The Creative World, symbolizing emotions and relationships.
Swords/Spades (Air - Yetzirah): The Formative World, reflecting intellect and challenges.
Pentacles/Diamonds (Earth - Assiah): The Manifest World, representing material aspects and physical reality.
Number Cards
Aces (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles): Refer to Kether on the Tree of Life and are the roots of the four elements. Rule the North Pole.
Ace of Wands: New beginnings, inspiration, and potential.
Ace of Cups: New beginnings, emotional fulfillment, and love.
Ace of Swords: Clarity, truth, and new ideas.
Ace of Pentacles: New opportunities, prosperity, and abundance.
Twos (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles): Refer to Chokmah on the Tree of Life and rule the first decans of the cardinal signs, zodiacal points where the four seasons begin.
Two of Wands: Planning, making decisions, and looking ahead.
Two of Cups: Partnership, unity, and mutual respect.
Two of Swords: Indecision, stalemate, and balance.
Two of Pentacles: Balance, adaptability, and juggling responsibilities.
Threes (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles): Refer to Binah on the Tree of Life.
Three of Wands: Progress, expansion, and foresight.
Three of Cups: Celebration, friendship, and community.
Three of Swords: Heartbreak, sorrow, and grief.
Three of Pentacles: Teamwork, collaboration, and craftsmanship.
Fours (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles): Refer to Chesed on the Tree of Life and rule the first third decans of the cardinal signs.
Four of Wands: Celebration, harmony, and homecoming.
Four of Cups: Contemplation, reevaluation, and apathy.
Four of Swords: Rest, recuperation, and contemplation.
Four of Pentacles: Stability, security, and materialism.
Fives (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles): Refer to Geburah on the Tree of Life and rule the first decans of the fixed signs.
Five of Wands: Conflict, competition, and struggle.
Five of Cups: Loss, grief, and disappointment.
Five of Swords: Conflict, defeat, and betrayal.
Five of Pentacles: Hardship, poverty, and insecurity.
Sixes (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles): Refer to Tiphareth on the Tree of Life and rule the second decans of the fixed signs.
Six of Wands: Victory, recognition, and success.
Six of Cups: Nostalgia, memories, and innocence.
Six of Swords: Transition, moving on, and recovery.
Six of Pentacles: Generosity, charity, and balance.
Sevens (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles): Refer to Netzach on the Tree of Life and rule the last decans of the fixed signs.
Seven of Wands: Defense, perseverance, and standing your ground.
Seven of Cups: Choices, illusions, and wishful thinking.
Seven of Swords: Deception, strategy, and cunning.
Seven of Pentacles: Patience, investment, and long-term planning.
Eights (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles): Refer to Hod on the Tree of Life and rule the first decans of the mutable signs.
Eight of Wands: Rapid action, movement, and communication.
Eight of Cups: Walking away, seeking truth, and leaving behind.
Eight of Swords: Restriction, imprisonment, and limitation.
Eight of Pentacles: Diligence, skill development, and hard work.
Nines (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles): Refer to Yesod on the Tree of Life and rule the second decans of the mutable signs.
Nine of Wands: Resilience, persistence, and nearing completion.
Nine of Cups: Satisfaction, contentment, and wishes fulfilled.
Nine of Swords: Anxiety, nightmares, and despair.
Nine of Pentacles: Self-sufficiency, luxury, and independence.
Tens (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles): Refer to Malkuth on the Tree of Life and rule the last decans of the mutable signs.
Ten of Wands: Burden, responsibility, and hard work.
Ten of Cups: Happiness, harmony, and family.
Ten of Swords: Betrayal, loss, and endings.
Ten of Pentacles: Legacy, inheritance, and culmination.
Court Cards
Knights (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles): Refer to Chokmah and are mounted on steeds representing the Yod force of Tetragrammaton.
Knight of Wands: Energy, passion, and adventure.
Knight of Cups: Romance, charm, and idealism.
Knight of Swords: Ambition, action, and decisiveness.
Knight of Pentacles: Hard work, efficiency, and routine.
Queens (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles): Refer to Binah representing the Heh force of Tetragrammaton.
Queen of Wands: Confidence, determination, and independence.
Queen of Cups: Compassion, calm, and intuition.
Queen of Swords: Perception, intellect, and clarity.
Queen of Pentacles: Practicality, security, and nurturing.
Kings (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles): Refer to Tiphareth, representing the Vau force of Tetragrammaton.
King of Wands: Leadership, vision, and honor.
King of Cups: Emotional balance, generosity, and control.
King of Swords: Authority, integrity, and strategic thinking.
King of Pentacles: Wealth, discipline, and reliability.
Princesses (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles): Refer to Malkuth, they stand alone and represent the final Heh force of Tetragrammaton.
Princess of Wands: Enthusiasm, exploration, and discovery.
Princess of Cups: Creativity, intuition, and new beginnings.
Princess of Swords: Curiosity, vigilance, and new ideas.
Princess of Pentacles: Opportunity, growth, and manifestation.
Purpose and Vision:
This deck is not just a tool for divination but a sacred guide for personal growth and spiritual exploration. It invites users to delve into the mysteries of Kabbalah, Hermetic principles, and Kemetic wisdom, fostering a deeper connection with the divine and the elemental forces that shape our lives. Each card is a portal to understanding the interconnectedness of all things, encouraging introspection, enlightenment, and transformation.
Conclusion:
The Tarot of the Kabbalistic Elements is a labor of love and devotion, created to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary spirituality. It is my hope that this deck will inspire, heal, and guide those who seek its insights, illuminating the path to self-discovery and universal harmony.