Is There a Link?

[Rosanne]

Consolation of Philosophy (Latin: Consolatio Philosophiae) is a philosophical work by Boethius written in about the year 524 AD. It has been described as the single most important and influential work in the West in medieval and early Renaissance Christianity, and is also the last great work that can be called Classical.

I have read that this work was read more than the Bible, and I was wondering does anyone know if there are any essays or works that that link Tarot images to this Classic?
I was reading it last night and was struck by

While I was pondering thus in silence, and using my pen to set down so tearful a complaint, there appeared standing over my head a woman's form, whose countenance was full of majesty, whose eyes shone as with fire and in power of insight surpassed the eyes of men, whose colour was full of life, whose strength was yet intact though she was so full of years that none would ever think that she was subject to such age as ours. One could but doubt her varying stature, for at one moment she repressed it to the common measure of a man, at another she seemed to touch with her crown the very heavens: and when she had raised higher her head, it pierced even the sky and baffled the sight of those who would look upon it. Her clothing was wrought of the finest thread by subtle workmanship brought to an indivisible piece. This had she woven with her own hands, as I afterwards did learn by her own shewing. Their beauty was somewhat dimmed by the dulness of long neglect, as is seen in the smoke-grimed masks of our ancestors. On the border below was inwoven the symbol II, that above was to be read And between the two letters there could be marked degrees, by which, as by the rungs of a ladder, ascent might be made from the lower principle to the higher. Yet the hands of rough men had torn this garment and snatched such morsels as they could therefrom. In her right hand she carried books, in her left was a sceptre brandished.

She is Sophia by the way and sounds like La Papesse
~Rosanne

[jmd]

There are links to the book online, one of these is to the James version.

The figure you describe is of Philosophia, as represented on some Gothic Cathedrals. On a Masonic discussion area, I reply to such an enquiry some time back about this image:



Personally, I suspect there are too many clear and distinct differences for an indentification to be made between the figures of Philosofia and with the Papesse.

If anything, it is more likely to be a representation of from the religious tradition such as someone like Mechtild of Magdeburg:

[Rosanne]

Thanks jmd- That image does look like La Papesse! The only thing I question is that was she enough known as an image to be depicted in cards? - For example unlike Hildegarde Von Bingam or Mary Magdalene? It seems to me that the images would have to be recognizable. ~Rosanne
PS The Masonic Forum is a great resource- thank you

[jmd]

Mechtild of Magdeburg was certainly well known and her works circulated. 'Problem' is that her image does not appear to have been so - at least to my relative ignorance on the same.

[mac22]

Originally Posted by jmd

There are links to the book online, one of these is to the James version.

The figure you describe is of Philosophia, as represented on some Gothic Cathedrals. On a Masonic discussion area, I reply to such an enquiry some time back about this image:



Personally, I suspect there are too many clear and distinct differences for an indentification to be made between the figures of Philosofia and with the Papesse.

If anything, it is more likely to be a representation of from the religious tradition such as someone like Mechtild of Magdeburg:

As always, I'm impressed with your sagacity .... thanks

Mac22