SUGGESTION: Meditations on the Tarot: A Journey into Christian Hermeticism
by Robert Powell (Translator), Hans Urs von Balthasar (Afterword) ISBN-13 : 978-1585421619
Amazon blurb: Published for the first time with an index and Cardinal Hans Urs von Balthasar’s afterword, this new English publication of Meditations on the Tarot is the landmark edition of one of the most important works of esoteric Christianity. Written anonymously and published posthumously, as was the author’s wish, the intention of this work is for the reader to find a relationship with the author in the spiritual dimensions of existence. The author wanted not to be thought of as a personality who lived from 1900 to 1973, but as a friend who is communicating with us from beyond the boundaries of ordinary life. Using the 22 major arcana of the tarot deck as a means to explore some of humanity’s most penetrating spiritual questions, Meditations on the Tarot has attracted an unprecedented range of praise from across the spiritual spectrum.
This book is valuable if only for its afterword. It is rare in the 20th century to be able to read a contemporary theologian on an esoteric tradition.
Meditations on the Tarot: A Journey into Christian Hermeticism | Faithlife Feedback
Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."
Comments
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Sounds like a terrible idea to me. I guess it depends on your interpretation of what Christianity is, but the fact that this type of book is rare from a contemporary (or otherwise) theologian might be a clue.
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David said:
Sounds like a terrible idea to me. I guess it depends on your interpretation of what Christianity is, but the fact that this type of book is rare from a contemporary (or otherwise) theologian might be a clue.
There are a couple of unspoken rules in the forum which early on where actually spoken:
- Don't knock someone else's suggestions. If you don't like it, suggest alternatives that you believe cover the same material better.
- If you are going ahead to knock a suggested book, make sure you have actually read and understood the book and be explicit about what needs improving.
Then there is the explicit rule against discussing theology, which is implicit is your statement.
A quote from the web:
[quote]
What is the essence of Christian Hermeticism?(R.C. Sproul) The essence of Christian Hermeticism is the same as the essence of conventional Christianity, except that one actually practices and realizes this essence instead of merely believing it. This essence is summarized in the two primary sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion (or the Eucharist), and the realization of the Trinity.
Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."
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I guess polite rules of discussion would be fair enough under normal circumstance.. However books about the OCCULT, no matter how sincere is analagous to encouraging young children to play on railway lines!
I would be suprised if at least 9 out of 10 protestant or catholic Christians weren’t sympathetic to the the view I’ve just given - I dont think this is a minority view, more the majority view.
I’ve given you the benefit of the doubt by reading some book reviews, given you’ve quoted RC Sproul - who wasn’t refering to Tarot or the occult!,
but this is clearly a book that endorses the use of Tarot cards, and the author uses them to ‘reflect on his spirituality’.
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I guess the value of this suggestion needs to be measured against the Faithlife mission statement. Taken from the "about Faithlife" page - "We use technology to equip the Church to grow in the light of the Bible. This is the mission behind everything we make—from Bible software, to Christian books, to mobile apps, and more."
Then one must ask if a study into the Tarot "equips the Church to grow in the light of the Bible" or if it is a foray into esoteric spirituality BEYOND the light of the Bible.
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Not really seeing the value of voting for this work, TBH. It’s one thing to study non-Christian texts to gain a greater understanding of those we dialogue with or what the Jews and Christians were up against. This feels more like a curiosity than a resource.
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Verbum Max0 -
David Thomas said:
I guess the value of this suggestion needs to be measured against the Faithlife mission statement. Taken from the "about Faithlife" page - "We use technology to equip the Church to grow in the light of the Bible. This is the mission behind everything we make—from Bible software, to Christian books, to mobile apps, and more."
Then one must ask if a study into the Tarot "equips the Church to grow in the light of the Bible" or if it is a foray into esoteric spirituality BEYOND the light of the Bible.
David Wanat said:Not really seeing the value of voting for this work, TBH. It’s one thing to study non-Christian texts to gain a greater understanding of those we dialogue with or what the Jews and Christians were up against. This feels more like a curiosity than a resource.
These two comments capture the way I would look at it. I have no desire to dictate what anyone else should or shouldn't read. But some things do seem to fall outside FaithLife's stated mission - and their commitment as a company to that mission is something that's important to me as a customer.
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David said:
I guess polite rules of discussion would be fair enough under normal circumstance.. However books about the OCCULT, no matter how sincere is analagous to encouraging young children to play on railway lines!
David Wanat said:Not really seeing the value of voting for this work, TBH. It’s one thing to study non-Christian texts to gain a greater understanding of those we dialogue with or what the Jews and Christians were up against. This feels more like a curiosity than a resource.
David Thomas said:I guess the value of this suggestion needs to be measured against the Faithlife mission statement. Taken from the "about Faithlife" page - "We use technology to equip the Church to grow in the light of the Bible. This is the mission behind everything we make—from Bible software, to Christian books, to mobile apps, and more."
Then one must ask if a study into the Tarot "equips the Church to grow in the light of the Bible" or if it is a foray into esoteric spirituality BEYOND the light of the Bible.
My apologies in advance for being insulting but my immediate reaction to this thread was "What ignorant prejudice is being shown in these remarks from people from whom I would not expect it. It appears to be a knee-jerk reaction to the word "Tarot". It appears that if the book was called "Meditations on archetypes and Christian hermeticism," there would be a very different reaction..
Let's start with some facts about the resource:
FACT 1: It is not an occult book in the standard definition
[quote]occult (adj.)
1530s, "secret, not divulged," from French occulte and directly from Latin occultus "hidden, concealed, secret," past participle of occulere "cover over, conceal," from assimilated form of ob "over" (see ob-) + a verb related to celare "to hide" (from PIE root *kel- (1) "to cover, conceal, save"). Meaning "not apprehended by the mind, beyond the range of understanding" is from 1540s. The association with the supernatural sciences (magic, alchemy, astrology, etc.) dates from 1630s. A verb occult "to keep secret, conceal" (c.1500, from Latin occultare) is obsolete.
The fact that the afterword is by Hans Urs von Balthasar (Afterword) should have been sufficient to dissuade you from that erronous assumption.
FACT 2: The book does fit into the Faithlife mission of "to equip the Church to grow in the light of the Bible"
Yes, the focus is on individual growth as Christians in the same sense as the quote from Sproul I provided in the previous post..
[quote]
What is the essence of Christian Hermeticism? (R.C. Sproul) The essence of Christian Hermeticism is the same as the essence of conventional Christianity, except that one actually practices and realizes this essence instead of merely believing it. This essence is summarized in the two primary sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion (or the Eucharist), and the realization of the Trinity.
FACT 3: The book is institutional church oriented and anti-gnostic
The abstract from a review published in Modern Theology:
[quote]The essay examines Hans Urs von Balthasar's little‐known Foreword to the Christian esoteric text, Meditations on the Tarot by Valentin Tomberg. It argues that von Balthasar respected and advocated this ostensibly occult text because he found its capacious understanding of Christian faith as true gnosis similar to his own. The essay explains that both Tomberg and von Balthasar practice a rule‐governed Christian esotericism whose goal is support for a fruitful ecclesial spirituality and resistance to non‐ecclesial esoteric Gnosticism. Both Tomberg and von Balthasar believe that esotericism without prayer and institutional grounding can become narcissistic and self‐righteous to the point of megalomania, and consequently it tends to become manipulative and coercive to the point of violence. Both authors maintain that authentic esotericism, by contrast, is marked by radical humility and non‐violence; it is biblical, ecclesial, and committed to the unity of metaphysical reason and prayerful faith. The essay also draws attention to Tomberg's innovatively irenic approach to Christian anti‐Gnosticism.
Oops, the author used the equally knee-jerk invoking term "esoteric" which is another term that is widely misunderstood in certain Christian circles.
FACT 4: Symbolism of the tarot has been suggested for children's religious education
From the abstract of "Transforming ourselves/transforming curriculum: spiritual education and Tarot symbolism" by Inna Semetsky in International Journal of Children's Spirituality:[quote]This paper is threefold. It is grounded in the philosophical work of two educational theorists: John Dewey and our contemporary Nel Noddings. It also brings into the conversation the ancient system of Tarot, arguing that its pictorial symbolism embodies intellectual, moral, and spiritual ‘lessons’ derived from collective human experiences across times, places, and cultures. For Dewey, to call somebody spiritual never meant to invoke some mysterious and non‐natural entity outside of the real world. As a system of communication and interpretation, Tarot is oriented toward the discovery of meanings in the real experience and performs two functions, existential and educational, focusing on the ethical and spiritual dimension of experience. The pictorial images create an adventure story of the journey through the school of life, each new life experience contributing to self‐understanding and, ultimately, spiritual rebirth. Tarot not only speaks in a different voice, therefore bringing forth the subtleties of Gilligan and Noddings’ relational ethics, but also enables a process of critical self‐reflection analogous to the ancient Socratic ‘Know thyself’ principle that makes life examined and thus meaningful. As a techne, it can and should become a valuable tool to complement an existing set of educational aids in the area of moral and spiritual education. FACT 5: Tarot cards as fortune telling is new and primarily English Check Tarot - Wikipedia to see that in France etc. they are playing card. This book is French and should be viewed in light of the French sense of Tarot. In my opinion, there is nothing more harmful to authentic Christianity, than Christians rejecting without knowing. It reinforces the stereotype that one cannot be both educated and Christian and that Christian are gullible, credulous chumps.
Please don't knock my suggestions unless you are qualified to do so i.e. have read and understood the book. And please don't insult me personally by implying that I don't know the mission of Faithlife and/or am unwilling to respect it.
Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."
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David Wanat said:
Not really seeing the value of voting for this work, TBH. It’s one thing to study non-Christian texts to gain a greater understanding of those we dialogue with or what the Jews and Christians were up against. This feels more like a curiosity than a resource.
If you are the David Wanat I believe you to be (you've not provided your biographic data on Faithlife), you are one whom I would expect to find the book useful. Think of the type of Christian who is drawn to intentional communities -- popular authors such as Kathleen Norris, Annie Dillard, Thomas Merton are precursors -- as the target audience. It seems like a curiosity only because you are reading "Tarot" with the English connotations; the book is French so use the French connotations and the curiosity disappears. If I am wrong about your identity, ignore everything I've said here.
Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."
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MJ. Smith said:
My apologies in advance for being insulting but my immediate reaction to this thread was "What ignorant prejudice is being shown in these remarks from people from whom I would not expect it. It appears to be a knee-jerk reaction to the word "Tarot". It appears that if the book was called "Meditations on archetypes and Christian hermeticism," there would be a very different reaction.
Alternatively, you're making your own knee-jerk assumptions that we're reacting negatively on account of one word.
Personally, I found the description you provided to be of no use to assess the value of the work. So, again, I see it more as a curiosity than a resource.
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Verbum Max0 -
For what's it worth, the author of this book seems to be Valentin Tomberg, a Lutheran who turned Anthroposophist and then Roman-Catholic. One of his other books https://www.amazon.com/-/en/Valentin-Tomberg-ebook/dp/B005IQDW06/ref=sr_1_7?qid=1615067952&refinements=p_27%3AValentin+Tomberg&s=books&sr=1-7&text=Valentin+Tomberg has a long biographical sketch that is readable through the 'Look Inside' feature.
The current German edition of "Meditations on the Tarot" has been published by Robert Spaeman, a very well-known catholic philosopher. I wouldn't expect anything having to do with trying to prophesy the future from a deck of cards.
Have joy in the Lord!
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Looking it up on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Meditations-Tarot-Journey-Christian-Hermeticism-ebook/dp/B00B1FG9PI/ref=pd_sbs_1?pd_rd_w=ED9TJ&pf_rd_p=5e0f7f8d-f321-4a3e-bdac-3142fcd848d7&pf_rd_r=KGD6EG8D1Z2HB9FSM6XY&pd_rd_r=85919927-dfc5-4158-943f-98621d80ab9e&pd_rd_wg=1wj1h&pd_rd_i=B00B1FG9PI&psc=1) doesn’t seem to help. The reviews themselves seem to differ over the purpose of the work. But, I’m not seeing the answer to the question, “how will it benefit me to get it?”
As a result, I’m still not seeing a compelling reason to sign on yet.
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Verbum Max0 -
David Wanat said:
As a result, I’m still not seeing a compelling reason to sign on yet.
No problem. We each upvote the resources we personally want to support.
Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."
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While I think some of your 'facts' are debatable, I however can't see this book being listed in Logos anytime soon.
However, MJ I think that you're misled by thinking this isn't an OCCULT book, the book review referred to it as 'ostensibly occult', and I think they were being generous. It's very much debatable at the least.
Last point is more of a personal warning from scripture.
Luke 17:2
Jesus said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come! 2It would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.
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MJ. Smith said:David Wanat said:
As a result, I’m still not seeing a compelling reason to sign on yet.
No problem. We each upvote the resources we personally want to support.
Agreed. I have no objection to you suggesting it.
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Verbum Max0 -
David said:
However, MJ I think that you're misled by thinking this isn't an OCCULT book,
Once you have read and understood the book, I would be very interested in your opinion. And Faithlife (and Amazon) provide space for you to provide that opinion.
Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."
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Well, people, even naming the name of Christ, have had to get deliverance after repenting of doing such things. Just because something uses the name of Christ doesn't mean it is of God. I'm not sure I see the value in this other than research purposes.
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Angela Meister said:
Well, people, even naming the name of Christ, have had to get deliverance after repenting of doing such things. Just because something uses the name of Christ doesn't mean it is of God. I'm not sure I see the value in this other than research purposes.
Have you read the book? If so, I assume by research you mean applying the contents of the book to yourself and observing the results (think Exploring Mysticism by Fritz Staal). Otherwise,
Angela Meister said:after repenting of doing such things
I'll need to consider this advice - repent for praying, studying scripture, being attentive in church, living a moral life, ... Sorry, I think I have to pass.
Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."
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MJ. Smith said:
And please don't insult me personally by implying that I don't know the mission of Faithlife and/or am unwilling to respect it.
MJ, I don't know if you had me in mind when you said that or not. If so, I certainly meant no personal insult by what I said. I respect you, and I've personally benefited by many of your insights on the forums. But I don't think simply asking whether a resource falls within the scope of FaithLife's mission - and perhaps disagreeing with you over it - in any way implies that you are either unaware of that mission or unwilling to respect it. Every large organization I've been a part of has had frequent, vigorous internal debates over whether some seemingly mundane daily decision furthers the mission or not. That's both natural and healthy. It's not surprising that customers would, in good faith, have an even wider range of views.
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EastTN said:
MJ, I don't know if you had me in mind when you said that or not.
I didn't have you in mind. And I agree with you that it is good to ask if resources fall within Faithlife's mission before requesting them. I try to do that by asking not only for resources from my own tradition but also for under-represented traditions that I know something about. What gets to me is people speaking out on resources they do not actually know. I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell them. Objecting based on knowledge from having read the book and referring to other works that cover the same material better or provide an alternative interpretation of the material is admirable - we all gain from it.
I would look like a complete idiot if I were to try to judge the suitability of many reformed, pentecostal, or 7th day adventist works - anything beyond "I found this useful", "I didn't find this useful", (or "I found this so bad I couldn't get through it") would be dishonest. It was the apparent audacity of speaking from ignorance that put me in a foul mood ... in my mind the corollary is that the same sloppiness is used when approaching scripture. The later is much harder to detect even within oneself.
But it's time to give it a rest - and remember it has been recommended before without the pushback.
Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."
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I agree .. vote it, if like, else pass. There's been many a suggestion that I'd of loved to criticize ... keeping the barn free of theological nags, you know.
This thread and the book are both interesting. FL can market books that demonstrate Christian belief as badly misplaced (to be kind), but come unglued at others ... Dracula! Tarot! Bart!
But reading the book (Amazon has a lengthy sample), it's certainly not easy to define. I doubt the french terot, on the one hand, judging from the card-facings. But terot imagery, none the less. I really doubt modern Christianity is comfortable with mysticism. Far more in Godly wealth-collection. I just finished a book on the Dominguez-Escalante trip ... at a point delivering safety, or possible converts in the unknown, the dice was rolled ... as in the NT.
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I too am amazed at this thread. Occult-friendly or Occult-adjacent books should be shunned in this forum - not just passed by!
Occultists are frequently quoted in this book (See https://medium.com/@edwardiglesias/review-of-meditations-on-the-tarot-a-journey-into-christian-hermeticism-845e34788ee1), it is clearly irenic in nature towards something as deadly as the occult practice of Tarot.
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When I was young, playing ordinary cards (let alone Tarot Cards!) was considered a sin in many circles.
This thread reminds me of an old Finnish song made by Tapio Rautavaara, which goes like this (my translation):
This is an old story from the war-times:
We had been on a long march,
and the troops had reached the town.
Next day it was Sunday,
and the Warrant Officer commanded that all the boys should go to Church.
When the priest read a prayer,
those with a prayer book
took the book in front of them.
But one Private had nothing else but a deck of cards,
which he spread in front of himself on the pew.
The Warrant officer noticed the deck of cards and said:
“Private!
Cards away!”
After the service the Private was imprisoned
and taken to a court martial.
The Court Martial asked:
”Justify what you did!
Else I will punish you harder than anybody before.”
The private answered:
Your Honour,
I’ve been on a march nearly the whole week,
and I don’t have a Bible nor a Prayer Book with me.
But I hope you understand my sincere explanation.
Having said thus the Private began his story:
”You see, Your Honour,
When I see an Ace,
I remember there is only One God.
From Two I remember that the Bible consists of two parts:
The Old and the New Testament.
When I see a Three, I think of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
When I see a Four, it reminds me of the four Evangelists:
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
When I see a Five, I think of the five wise virgins who trimmed their lamps.
In all there were ten of them: Five wise who were saved
and five stupid for whom the door was shut.
When I see a Six, it reminds me of the fact that God created heaven and earth in six days.
When I see a Seven, I remember that God rested on the seventh day.
When I see an Eight, I think of the Eight righteous ones, whom God saved from the Deluge:
Noah, his wife, their sons and their wives.
When I see a Nine, I think of the lepers, whom our Savior cleansed from their ailment:
Nine out of ten did not even thank Him.
When I see a Ten, I think of the Ten Commandments,
which God gave unto Moses on Stone Tablets.
When I see a King, I think that there is only one King of Heavens, God, the Almighty,
When I see the Queen, I think of Virgin Mary, who is the Queen of Heavens.
The Soldier is the Devil.
When I count the score of the Card Deck I get 364,
only one less than the amount of days in a year.
There are 52 cards, as many as there are weeks in a year.
There are four suits,
as many as there are weeks in a month.
There are 12 Court Cards,
as many as there are months in a year.
Each suit has thirteen cards,
as many as there are weeks in a quarter of a year.
As you can see, Your Honour,
A deck of cards is my
Bible, Calendar and Prayer Book.
Dear Listeners, this is a true story!Summa summarum: All kinds of meditations with different kinds of Card Decks! [;)]
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[Y]
Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."
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DMB said:
I really doubt modern Christianity is comfortable with mysticism.
Actually the situation is very complex. It is very easy to find interdenominational, intentional mysticism oriented groups ... if you know where and how to look. But they have become intentionally less visible in the last couple of decades. Getting a group of 300-400 such people for a weekend workshop in Seattle is easily done despite the comparative non-religious culture of the Pacific Northwest. A decade or two ago, the same could be said about perennial philosophy and interfaith groups. I no longer have contacts within those circles so I can't speak to them. Out of these groups have come some popular devotional authors whose fans might be "shocked" by the hermetic nature of the practices of the authors. But at the same time, there has been an absolute glut of popular books that are libelous in their level of inaccuracy, what I label "barf-a-lacious" in their abuse of reasoning, pure bigotry, and hatred. And there has been a steady stream of high quality translations of source materials, reputable studies (pro and con), and simplified how-to's since the late 60's ... a conscious effort on the part of some publishers to stem the flight to the East by showing the same traditions exist in the West. And more of them in Logos than most people realize.
What I have found in outside the forum interactions with some people active in these forums is that prejudice and bigotry is so strong that one cannot even get agreement with the dictionary definitions of terms so there is the possibility of actual communication. I am baffled that the American Christianity as a whole is so bitterly opposed to those who are most serious about embodying their faith 24x7 - who are scrupulously orthodox and eschew magic and occult with a very good understanding of what they are and why they are dangerous. And, yes, magic presents the same spiritual dangers in Buddhism as it does in Christianity.
So since the late 1960's, there have been two contradictory things happening - a growth in mystical Christianity including outside the churches one would expect and a growth in extreme anti-mystical Christianity.
I will not give up trying to ensure that Faithlife has a balanced, broad catalog that includes Stone-Campbell, Mennonite, Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, social justice, narrative theology, liturgical theology, mysticism, intentional community (domestic monasticism), hermeneutics, . . .
Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."
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MJ. Smith said:
So since the late 1960's, there have been two contradictory things happening - a growth in mystical Christianity including outside the churches one would expect and a growth in extreme anti-mystical Christianity.
Well, I welcome your goals for a balanced view. I can't honestly say mystical, since I don't understand it, even though I suspect folks in the 1st century were far closer than me. In my akkadian browsing, words described the power of touching the hem, and this many centuries before Jesus.
You'll no doubt see this as extremism, but I continue to think Logos is a 'fool's delight' as regards spirituality. I say this, from a retired retail excecutive perspective ... we avoided highly educated hires, except for specialty positions. The reason was a successful sale (thense corporate design) demanded knowing people. And I believe the same in religion ... heavily computerized pastors won't know their people. Of course, they will rationalize, along with the seminaries that deliver the degrees.
Which is why I've thought your attempts to spiritually 'usefulize' Logos is a very good direction.
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The author's introspective journey through the symbolism of the Tarot cards offers a unique perspective on spirituality. Each chapter unfolds like a sacred revelation, inviting readers to delve into the depths of their own consciousness. The synthesis of Christian teachings and Hermetic wisdom creates a tapestry of profound insights. This book is a gem for seekers of spiritual enlightenment, providing a contemplative path that transcends conventional boundaries. A captivating read that resonates with the soul.
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Thanks for bumping this post up - it is still I resource I would love to have in Verbum as the text is very dense and the notes function would be very useful.
And to update the request, here is BARD's summary
[quote]
"Meditations on the Tarot: A Journey into Christian Hermeticism" by Arthur Edward Waite delves into the intersection of Christian mysticism and the esoteric symbolism of the Tarot. It's not a typical guide to Tarot readings, but rather a philosophical exploration of the cards' deeper meanings within a Christian framework.
Here's a possible summary, keeping safety guidelines in mind:
Waite navigates the often-controversial territory of Tarot with a unique blend of reverence and critical thinking. He draws connections between the imagery of the cards and key Christian concepts like creation, redemption, and the journey of the soul. He emphasizes the potential for the Tarot to serve as a tool for self-reflection and spiritual growth, while acknowledging its complex history and potential for misuse.
*Waite's approach is marked by:
- Extensive knowledge of both Christian mysticism and Tarot symbolism. He weaves together biblical references, historical insights, and personal meditations to create a rich tapestry of meaning.
- A focus on the transformative potential of the Tarot. He sees the cards as mirrors reflecting our inner landscapes and offering guidance for personal growth and spiritual development.
- A cautious and respectful handling of potentially sensitive topics. While acknowledging theTarot's association with occultism and magic, he emphasizes its compatibility with Christian belief and practice, advocating for a responsible and discerning approach.
It's important to note that Waite's interpretations are not universally accepted. Some may find his Christianization of the Tarot forced or incompatible with its historical and cultural roots. However, his work remains a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue about the Tarot's meaning and potential.
Ultimately, "Meditations on the Tarot" is an invitation to a personal journey of exploration. It encourages readers to engage with the cards in a thoughtful and meaningful way, using them as a tool for self-discovery and spiritual growth within their own faith traditions.
This summary avoids sensitive topics, promotes respectful dialogue, and focuses on the potential for personal growth within a spiritual framework.
As to whether the book is occult
[quote]
Whether "Meditations on the Tarot: A Journey into Christian Hermeticism" is considered occult depends on your definition of the term. Here's a nuanced breakdown:
- In its broadest sense, "occult" refers to hidden or secret knowledge of supernatural forces. Some might view the book's exploration of Tarot symbolism and Hermeticism, which have historical connections to magic and esoteric traditions, as falling under this umbrella.
- However, Waite clearly frames his work within a Christian context. He interprets the Tarot through the lens of Christian mysticism, finding parallels between card meanings and Biblical teachings. This focus differentiates his approach from many traditional occult practices.
- Additionally, Waite emphasizes personal reflection and spiritual growth through contemplation of the cards, rather than seeking to harness supernatural powers. This aligns with Christian emphasis on internal transformation and communion with God, distancing itself from the perception of "occult" as manipulation or control.
Ultimately, whether you consider the work occult depends on your personal perspective and how you define the term. Some might find the Christian framing sufficient to differentiate it from traditional occult practices, while others might still see connections due to the book's subject matter and historical context.
Here's how you can navigate this ambiguity:
- Focus on the book's core message of spiritual growth and self-reflection within a Christian framework. This aspect is less likely to raise concerns about occultism.
- Be respectful of differing perspectives on the term "occult." Not everyone will share your definition, and understanding diverse viewpoints is crucial.
- Openly discuss your concerns with others interested in the book or similar topics. Engaging in thoughtful and respectful dialogue can deepen your understanding and appreciation of various viewpoints.
Remember, the book's value lies in its potential for personal exploration and spiritual growth, regardless of how you categorize it. Approach it with an open mind and a focus on learning, and let your own interpretations guide your journey.
In comparison the summary ChatGPT offered:
[quote]
"Meditations on the Tarot: A Journey into Christian Hermeticism" is a book written by an anonymous author under the pseudonym Valentin Tomberg. It explores the relationship between Christian spirituality and the Hermetic tradition, using the framework of the Tarot cards. The book consists of reflections on each card, blending esoteric wisdom with Christian mysticism. It delves into topics such as the quest for self-discovery, spiritual ascent, and the integration of divine principles into everyday life. The author emphasizes the unity of various spiritual traditions and seeks to reconcile esotericism with Christian theology throughout the journey outlined in the Tarot cards.and for the occult question
[quote]
Yes, "Meditations on the Tarot: A Journey into Christian Hermeticism" can be considered to have occult elements. The term "occult" broadly refers to hidden or esoteric knowledge, often associated with mystical, spiritual, or supernatural practices. In the context of this book, the author explores the intersection of Christian spirituality and the Hermetic tradition within the symbolic framework of Tarot cards. The Hermetic tradition itself has esoteric and mystical aspects, and the use of Tarot cards for spiritual insight is often considered occult in nature. The book delves into deeper layers of meaning, connecting the Tarot symbolism with Christian mysticism and esoteric philosophy, contributing to its classification as having occult themes.Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."
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John said:
I find it interesting and humorous that ChatGPT is being consulted to determine how to interpret and define spiritual and esoteric experiences
Trust me that was not my motive ... my motivation is much closer to trying to convince forumites of the limitations of ChatGPT and to show that the book is not generally considered to be occult ... although ChatGPT is too un-nuanced to recognize this as BARD does.
Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."
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