The Pythagorean Tarot: An Interpretation Based on Pythagorean and Alchemical Principles

Twenty-seven hundred years ago the Pythagoreans formed an esoteric society, built upon the traditions of the Orphics, Babylonians, Phoenicians and Egyptians, among others. Their teaching and practices made a major contribution to other esoteric traditions, including Alchemy, Qabalah, Hermeticism and Gnosticism. The Pythagorean Tarot reconstructs a tarot such as the Pythagoreans might have used, had they known the tarot. It is based primarily on the archetypal numbers, which are central to Pythagorean philosophy, as well as on classical Pagan religion, mythology, magic and philosophy. In all cases the Pythagorean Tarot looks to the oldest historical records in an attempt to separate the archetypal numerological structure of the tarot from the accidents of its more recent history. In this way we can reconstruct a tarot compatible with ancient Pythagoreanism. The resulting Pythagorean Tarot illuminates deep patterns in mythology, the archetypes, Paganism, alchemy and numerology. Some of the specific features of the Pythagorean Tarot include: analysis of Major and Minor Arcana based on authentic Pythagorean principles (i.e. Pythagorean philosophy as attested in ancient texts); analysis of the Majors and Minors through the symbolism of the numbers as understood through archetypal (Jungian) psychology; presentation of the roots of tarot symbolism in classical and renaissance iconography; exploration of related symbols and themes from classical mythology (Greek, Roman, Mesopotamian, Hindu); use of the earliest documented order of the trumps; citation of the sources or reasons for all interpretations, so the reader can make their own informed decisions; clear explanation of the logic of the Minor Arcana; practical suggestions for the use of the tarot for divination, meditation and personal development; exploration of the relation of tarot to dice divination.