18d • General discussion
Polarity and the Tarot
At the core of almost all mystical teachings there is the idea of polarity. The interplay of active and receptive principles can be found most famously in Taoism as Yin and Yang. But also plays an important role in most spiritual traditions and especially mystical traditions.
“The Principle of Polarity embodies the truth that all manifested things have “two sides”; “two aspects”; “two poles”; a “pair of opposites,” with manifold degrees between the two extremes.”
~ The Kybalion
Polarity of opposites runs through the entire structure of the deck and thus a philosophy of balance underpins the cards.
Just as in Taoism or Kabbalah we have a non-dual wholeness that is the unity of all in existence (Wu Chi and Kether at the top of the Tree of Life). In Tarot we see this in The Fool, the undefined that can become
We then see a split into opposing active and receptive forces in Yin and Yang or the Pillars of Mercy (expansion) and Severity (contraction) on the Tree of Life.
In the Major Arcana we see these opposites clearly portrayed in the masculine and feminine pairs of Magician and High Priestess and Empress and Emperor. These same energies flow all the way through the Minor Arcana as well with two active elements in Fire (wands) and Air (Swords) and two receptive elements of Water (Cups) and Earth (Pentacles).
I don’t think it is a coincidence that we see the four suit icons on the Magicians table. The Magician himself is the active principle and represents our ability to create in the world. In order to do this a masterful balance of the four elements is needed.
Likewise, in the High Priestess card we see her seated between Boaz and Jachin, the pillars of Solomon’s temple. Polarity is indicated here on a more abstract level by the black and white pillars. The High Priestess herself is receptive and point us toward being fully present and receptive.
Tarot is always guiding us to balance between polarity of opposites, and between the four elements in our lives.
#tarot #astrology #learntarot
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Polarity and the Tarot
