Hebrew Letters and the Major Arcana: Traditional Correspondences and Their Influence on Tarot Interpretation
Hebrew Letters and the Major Arcana: Traditional Correspondences and Their Influence on Tarot Interpretation
The intricate relationship between the 22 Hebrew letters and the 22 Major Arcana cards in Tarot has been a subject of profound study in esoteric traditions. One of the most influential figures in establishing these correspondences was Eliphas Lévi, a 19th-century French occultist. His system has significantly shaped modern Tarot interpretation, offering deeper layers of meaning to each card.
Eliphas Lévi's System of Correspondences
Eliphas Lévi proposed a direct correlation between the Hebrew alphabet and the Major Arcana, aligning each letter sequentially with the cards. This method assigns the first letter, Aleph (א), to the first card, The Magician, and continues in order through the alphabet and the Tarot deck. Notably, Lévi placed The Fool card at the end, associating it with the letter Tav (ת). This arrangement contrasts with other systems, such as that of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, which assigns Aleph to The Fool and follows a different sequence.WikipediaTarot ForumReddit
Lévi's Correspondences:
- Aleph (א) – The Magician (I): Aleph, symbolizing the breath of life and the element of air, corresponds to The Magician, representing beginnings, potential, and the power of manifestation.
- Beth (ב) – The High Priestess (II): Beth, meaning "house," aligns with The High Priestess, symbolizing inner wisdom, mystery, and the subconscious.
- Gimel (ג) – The Empress (III): Gimel, associated with the camel and the idea of movement or nurturing, corresponds to The Empress, embodying fertility, creativity, and abundance.Wikipedia
- Daleth (ד) – The Emperor (IV): Daleth, meaning "door," aligns with The Emperor, representing authority, structure, and leadership.
- He (ה) – The Hierophant (V): He, symbolizing revelation or breath, corresponds to The Hierophant, embodying tradition, spirituality, and teaching.
- Vav (ו) – The Lovers (VI): Vav, meaning "hook" or "connection," aligns with The Lovers, symbolizing relationships, choices, and unity.
- Zayin (ז) – The Chariot (VII): Zayin, associated with a sword or weapon, corresponds to The Chariot, representing control, willpower, and victory.Reddit
- Chet (ח) – Strength (VIII): Chet, symbolizing a fence or enclosure, aligns with Strength, embodying courage, inner strength, and compassion.
- Tet (ט) – The Hermit (IX): Tet, associated with a serpent or coiling, corresponds to The Hermit, representing introspection, wisdom, and solitude.
- Yod (י) – The Wheel of Fortune (X): Yod, symbolizing a hand or point, aligns with The Wheel of Fortune, embodying cycles, change, and destiny.
- Kaph (כ) – Justice (XI): Kaph, meaning "palm" or "grip," corresponds to Justice, representing balance, fairness, and truth.
- Lamed (ל) – The Hanged Man (XII): Lamed, symbolizing a goad or teaching, aligns with The Hanged Man, embodying surrender, perspective, and sacrifice.
- Mem (מ) – Death (XIII): Mem, associated with water, corresponds to Death, representing transformation, endings, and new beginnings.
- Nun (נ) – Temperance (XIV): Nun, symbolizing a fish or sprouting, aligns with Temperance, embodying moderation, harmony, and balance.Labyrinthos
- Samekh (ס) – The Devil (XV): Samekh, meaning "support" or "prop," corresponds to The Devil, representing materialism, bondage, and temptation.
- Ayin (ע) – The Tower (XVI): Ayin, associated with the eye, aligns with The Tower, embodying upheaval, revelation, and sudden change.
- Pe (פ) – The Star (XVII): Pe, meaning "mouth," corresponds to The Star, representing hope, inspiration, and serenity.
- Tzaddi (צ) – The Moon (XVIII): Tzaddi, symbolizing a hook or righteousness, aligns with The Moon, embodying illusion, intuition, and the subconscious.
- Qoph (ק) – The Sun (XIX): Qoph, associated with the back of the head or the eye of a needle, corresponds to The Sun, representing clarity, joy, and vitality.
- Resh (ר) – Judgement (XX): Resh, meaning "head" or "beginning," aligns with Judgement, embodying rebirth, evaluation, and awakening.
- Shin (ש) – The World (XXI): Shin, symbolizing a tooth or flame, corresponds to The World, representing completion, integration, and accomplishment.
- Tav (ת) – The Fool (XXII): Tav, meaning "mark" or "cross," aligns with The Fool, embodying potential, beginnings, and the journey of the soul.
