Some More Notes On The Tarot Trumps
March 5, 2010
A further consideration of the Tarot Trumps (of the Marseilles Configuration) .
Considered in the light of Renaissance philosophy and theology.
The Mundane Trumps – 0 to V
0. The Fool – Luna. The common people, fools, and madmen
I. The Magician – Mercury. The entertainers, artisans, and merchants.
II. The Papess – Venus. The minor clergy and religious figures, both orthodox and heretical.
The Trinity of Luna – The ordinary people of the Renaissance world.
III. The Empress – The Sun. The nobility as concerned the welfare of their subjects.
IV. The Emperor – Mars. The nobility as concerned with war.
V. The Pope – Jupiter. The great clergy and ultimate spiritual potentate.
The Trinity of Mercury – The people whose words were important in the Renaissance world.
The Moral Trumps – VI to XVII
VI. The Lovers – Pisces. Moral: Do not be seduced by foolish dreams of love.
VII. The Victorious Chariot – Aries. Moral: Be careful to control your impulse and ambition to conquer.
VIII. Justice – Taurus. Moral: Deal justly with all, relying on the precedent of morality and law. One of the Cardinal Virtues.
The Trinity of Venus – Conduct in Love and Victory.
IX. The Old Man (Hermit) – Gemini. Moral: Patiently and reasonably consider before acting.
X. The Wheel of Fortune – Cancer. Moral: Be content, and know that those who rise also fall.
XI. Fortitude – Leo. Moral: Persevere in the face of adversity, and you will rule your world. One of the Cardinal Virtues.
The Trinity of the Sun – Conduct with regard to Wealth and Fortune.
XII. The Hanged Man – Virgo. Moral: Accept that you may be accused, cast out, and made to suffer alone.
XIII. Death – Libra. Moral: We are all made equal by death, and will be judged thereafter.
XIV. Temperance – Scorpio. Moral: Control your desires and temper your passions to achieve peace of mind. One of the Cardinal Virtues.
The Trinity of Mars – Conduct in the face of Persecution, Violence, and Destruction.
XV. The Devil – Sagittarius. Moral: Rule your wild animal nature, or it will rule you.
XVI. The Tower – Capricorn. Moral: The proud and greedy will be cast down by Heaven’s wrath.
XVII. The Star – Aquarius. Moral: Service to others creates light in the darkness.
The Trinity of Jupiter – Conduct with regard to Religion.
The Revelatory Trumps – XVIII – XX
XVIII. The Moon – Water. The dark, feminine, and sorrowful power in the Universe.
XIX. The Sun – Fire. The light, masculine, and happy power in the Universe.
XX. The Last Judgement – Air. The balance between all things attained at the end of times.
The Trinity of Saturn – The forces that give essential structure to Creation.
The Final Trump – XXI
XXI. The World – Saturn and Earth. The first and last, the lowest and highest, a new Creation.
The Ogdoad – That which exists beyond ordinary experience.
