Occultist and writer John Michael Greer discusses 'The Tree of Spirit' book by John Gilbert, exploring tarot card origins, debunking myths, and discussing the symbolic meanings of cards like Death and the Devil. They also discuss the concept of new thought, the power of will, exploring restriction, comfort zones, and seeking a third option in life's choices.
Tarot's origins are not ancient but were created during the Italian Renaissance as a card game, later associated with divination and symbolism.
Understanding the cultural and historical context of tarot is essential for appreciating its symbolism and potential for personal growth.
A balanced and grounded approach to new thought is essential, recognizing the power of beliefs while aligning them with reality and reasonable expectations.
Deep dives
John Gilbert: A Significant Teacher in American Occultism
John Michael Greer discusses the life and teachings of John Gilbert, an important American occultist. Gilbert had a rich background in American alternative spirituality and was deeply influenced by various occult orders and teachers. He absorbed a vast amount of material from these sources and developed his own spiritual practices. Greer became acquainted with Gilbert in 2001 and studied with him for about a decade. After Gilbert's passing, Greer worked with his widow to publish some of his unpublished material, resulting in the books 'The Tree of Spirit' and 'The Doors of Tarot.' Gilbert's teachings emphasized old-fashioned American occultism, highlighting the overlooked and unique contributions of the American spiritual tradition.
The Tarot: Dispelling Misconceptions and Exploring Symbolism
The podcast delves into the world of tarot and challenges common misconceptions surrounding its origins. Contrary to popular belief, the tarot does not date back to ancient civilizations like Egypt or Atlantis. Instead, it was created during the Italian Renaissance as a card game. Over time, it became associated with divination and acquired symbolic meanings. Different tarot decks, such as the Rider-Waite deck, have been reworked to fit specific esoteric traditions. The interpretation of tarot cards varies among readers, but they often serve as prompts for deep introspection and exploration of personal beliefs, limitations, and possibilities. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the cultural and historical context of tarot to fully appreciate its symbolism and potential for personal growth.
New Thought and the Power of Imagination
The podcast touches on the new thought movement and its influence on Gilbert's work. New thought emphasizes the power of the mind and belief in shaping one's reality. It promotes the idea that many of our limits are self-imposed and can be overcome through mental transformation. However, there is a distinction between the pragmatic and the more extreme versions of new thought. The pragmatic approach recognizes that our beliefs can empower us within reasonable limits, allowing us to transform our lives for the better. On the other hand, the extreme or psychotic version suggests that anything we believe in will manifest, regardless of feasibility. The discussion emphasizes the importance of a balanced and grounded approach to new thought, understanding that while our imagination and beliefs can be powerful, they must align with reality and reasonable expectations.
Using tarot cards as a tool for perception and knowledge
Tarot cards can serve as a tool for perception and accessing information beyond our conscious awareness. They can reveal insights and perceptions that go beyond our ordinary senses. Tarot cards act as an anchor for our intuition, allowing us to tap into subtle perceptions and knowledge that we may not be consciously aware of. The specific images on tarot cards are not crucial; what matters is that they are familiar and serve as a conduit for our thoughts and perceptions.
The middle path and the importance of will
The middle path is significant in the tarot as well as in various occult teachings. It represents a balance between extremes and the ability to navigate between them. A divided will and staying within comfortable emotional zones can keep individuals stuck and prevent progress. Unifying one's will and being willing to step out of comfort zones are crucial for personal growth and change. The tarot encourages finding a third option between binary choices and emphasizes the importance of focus, willpower, and self-discovery.
This episode I'm joined once again by writer and occultist John Michael Greer, to discuss John Gilbert's book The Tree of Spirit: Lessons on Tarot, Cabala, and the Spiritual Path.
Book link: https://spirit.aeonbooks.co.uk/product/tree-of-spirit/95193
---
Become part of the Hermitix community:
Hermitix Twitter - https://twitter.com/Hermitixpodcast
Support Hermitix:
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/hermitix
