Pathways with Joseph Campbell Bonus: Symbology of the Tarot
Nov 19, 2024
In this engaging lecture, Joseph Campbell, renowned mythologist and writer, dives into the rich symbology of the Tarot. He connects the Marseille Tarot deck to spiritual growth and societal roles, using Dante’s teachings as a backdrop. Campbell discusses the balance between worldly engagement and spiritual wisdom, highlighted through the Wheel of Fortune. He also explores the stages of spiritual awakening, tying Irish imagery and medieval symbols to deeper meanings, thus showcasing the Tarot as a profound journey of self-discovery.
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Tarot Reflects Dante's Themes
- Joseph Campbell relates the tarot to Dante's themes, noting its origins in the 14th century.
- He identifies sets of four cards symbolizing Dante's vision, revealing a medieval spiritual journey.
Medieval Social Estates in Tarot
- The tarot suits represent medieval social estates: swords for nobility, cups for clergy, coins for the third estate, and clubs for peasants.
- This structure grounds tarot symbolism firmly in medieval society, not Egypt as popularly believed.
Tarot Honors Map Life's Spiritual Journey
- The 22 tarot honors cards represent the spiritual journey aligned with Dante's hell, purgatory, and heaven.
- They also reflect the four life ages: youth, maturity, age, and old age, mapped to social and spiritual stages.
