Corresponding Systems

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 01 Nov 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

scheherazade	01 Nov 2003
I've been studying the Quest Tarot and the deck that it was modeled after - the Thoth. During my research I've found that both decks use correspondences with other metaphysical systems that come from completely different cultures. These include western astrology, kabbala, I-Ching, runes, numerology and gemstones. There must be a universal rhythm in the way our lives are patterned, no matter where we come from or how our cultures shape us. This is proven by the corresponding similarities between all these systems. No one traveled across the seas to give people of these cultures the idea of how to guide themselves using the rules of any one system - the people of these cultures saw the patterns themselves. From the elements to the numbers of the symbols used, these completely separate cultures created these truth-systems without the interference of idea exchange. It's so amazing, and so inspiring to me. No one was shooting in the dark when they created these tools of guidance. And so I was wondering... what other systems are there that you know of, that correspond to the Tarot? And... one thing I was wondering... where does eastern astrology factor into all of this? Is it part of the I-Ching?

DesertHowler	04 Nov 2003
Quote: Originally posted by scheherazade It's so amazing, and so inspiring to me. No one was shooting in the dark when they created these tools of guidance. The more I've studied systems such as tarot, runes, Reiki, shamanism the more I've come to the conclusion that what is really required is to have no preconcieved notions and to really let go and trust. DH

scheherazade	04 Nov 2003
I found this page on the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn site. I always knew there were four Archangels. I should have realized that they each also correspond to one of the four elements. They don't talk about the elements and their symbolism in Christianity. I suppose they think it's witchy. But their own angels are elemental. The very angel who asked Mary to give birth to Jesus, Gabriel, was the Archangel of Water. http://www.hermeticgoldendawn.org/art.htm

dadsnook2000	07 Nov 2003
I would suggest that this question about a core of universal similarity among various insight-knowledge-divination systems has to be addressed at two levels. At the first or core level there are indeed some common symbols or archetypes --- fire-earth-air-water, shapes such as squares- circles-triangles-crescents, and applied meanings for water and rivers, for clouds and sky, etc. At the system-specific level commonality is found especially where the system's early or most-active practitioners have sought out and adopted symbolism from other cultures-systems-times. This can be seen in the adoption of the Kabala into many tarot cards or the association of older Egyption symbols and pictures. At the system-specific level where these "adopted" appendages are NOT evident there is often little correspondance to other systems! Some have made a point out of trying to associate Astrology with Tarot; there are many varied approaches taken by older and current writers and students. BUT, they are partial attempts at best. There are distinct differences between Tarot and Astrology. ASTROLOGY yields a specific chart no matter who casts it or when it is cast -- a birth chart is the birth chart and doesn't change. Astrology is very good at "timing". Events and predictions are based on charts and techniques that extend from the birth chart. Planets, signs, houses, aspects, rulerships -- these all contribute to the typical components that make up a chart reading. TAROT yields a differing set of cards each time a question is asked about a subject. Tarot is not typically good a timing. The primary components of the tarot reading is based upon the selection of some cards from 78 cards as they are placed in a given spread. It is difficult to find a significant link-up between these two systems. Before you heartily disagree, think for a moment about how you might start linking Runes to Tarot cards or to the I-ching. Dave.

The Corresponding Systems thread was originally posted on 01 Nov 2003 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.