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The Tarot of the Bohemians (Papus) · 83 of 134 · tr. A.P. Morton

Chapter XVI (part 2)

Creative Decan . Yod . TWO. 2nd Decan or Passive Decan of the Month. Forming or Preserving Decan . He . THREE. 3rd Decan or Equilibrist Decan . Vau . FOUR. Transition between the third Decan of the actual series, to the first Decan of the following series, which it forms. The thirty-six decani are therefore represented in the Tarot in the following series-- Ace of Sceptres 1st Decan King 2 --- 2nd --- of the Ram 3 --- 3rd --- 4 --- 1st Decan Queen 5 --- 2nd --- of the Bull 6 --- 3rd --- 7 --- 1st Decan Knight 8 --- 2nd --- of the Twins 9 --- 3rd --- Knave 10 Transition Epagomene Ace of Cups 1st Decan King 2 --- 2nd --- of Cancer 3 --- 3rd --- 4 --- 1st Decan Queen 5 --- 2nd --- of the Lion 6 --- 3rd --- 7 --- 1st Decan Knight 8 --- 2nd --- of the Virgin 9 --- 3rd --- Knave 10 Transition Epagomene Ace of Swords 1st Decan King 2 --- 2nd --- of the Balance 3 --- 3rd --- 4 --- 1st Decan Queen 5 --- 2nd --- of the Scorpion 6 --- 3rd --- 7 --- 1st Decan Knight 8 --- 2nd --- of Sagittarius 9 --- 3rd --- Knave 10 Transition Epagomene Ace of Pentacles 1st Decan King 2 --- 2nd --- of Capricornus 3 --- 3rd --- 4 --- 1st Decan Queen 5 --- 2nd --- of Aquarius 6 --- 3rd --- 7 --- 1st Decan Knight 8 --- 2nd --- of the Fishes 9 --- 3rd --- Knave 10 Transition Epagomene Each decan, governing ten degrees of the zodiacal circle, corresponds to a certain number of days in the month. Consequently each card in the minor arcana, corresponding to a decan, represents a certain fraction of the year-- Ace of Sceptres 21st to 30th of March. 2 --- 31st of March to 9th of April. 3 --- 10th to 19th of April, etc. We need only consult the figure at the end of this study of the astronomical Tarot to see which days correspond to each decan. This is the basis of the astrological Tarot, and by its cards a horoscope can be drawn out; but since this application lies beyond the purely scientific field to which we have limited ourselves, we must not dwell upon it here. In short, our minor arcana are fully represented in the astronomical Tarot, and they exactly determine the limits in which move the planets, that we have still to consider. The Planets . The major arcana are represented in this application of the Tarot by the septenary of the planets acting upon the three worlds (3 x 7 = 21). Each zodiacal sign and each decan is governed by a planet, and the connection between the planets and these different signs is indicated upon the tableau which follows. This tableau enables us to comprehend all the work that Christian and Ely Star accomplished upon Astrology. Moreover it indicates the astronomical correspondence of every card in the Tarot. Here is an explanation of its construction-- Here the four figures of the twenty-first card of the Tarot represent the four seasons of the year and the four colours of the Tarot.
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Themes
Correspondencecosmology

The Hermetic axiom that the structure of the cosmos is reflected at every scale — 'as above, so below; as within, so without' — making each level a legible map of the others.

The passage explicitly details the astrological correspondence between Tarot cards, decans, zodiac signs, planets, and specific dates, embodying the 'as above, so below' principle.

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Gendercosmology

The Hermetic doctrine that a masculine-feminine generative principle operates on every plane of being, not only the biological — present at all times as a structural feature of creation itself. Distinct from divine_marriage (a specific reunification event or symbol) and aeons (paired divine beings arranged in syzygies, not a universal structural claim).

The Tarot structure includes King (male) and Queen (female) cards assigned to specific decans, reflecting a masculine-feminine generative principle in the system.

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Letters Of Creationcosmology

The twenty-two Hebrew letters as the building blocks through which God creates and sustains all existence.

The text mentions Hebrew letters (Yod, He, Vau) associated with the Decans, hinting at their creative or structural role in the system.

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Magical Equilibriumcosmology

The balance of two contrary forces as the structural law of cosmos and operation — Lévi's equilibrium, expressed in Kabbalah by the senary: the will of God in its first cause, liberty in man, mathematical equilibrium in matter; the twofold vibration required to direct the Astral Light safely.

The text mentions an 'Equilibrist Decan' (3rd Decan), suggesting a structural balance within the astrological framework.

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Numerical Mysticismtheology

Numbers, proportions, and mathematical relationships as the underlying structure of divine reality.

The text relies heavily on numerical structures (36 decani, 4 suits, 21 Major Arcana, septenary of planets) to map cosmic and temporal realities.

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Stellar Determinismcosmology

The rule of the stars and planetary powers over mortal destiny — the astrological governors whose spheres bind souls to birth, error, and death; in Sethian gnosis the 'error of the stars' that the savior exposes, and from which the incorruptible generation alone is free. Distinct from cosmic_sympathy (a doctrine of universal affinity) in being a bondage-to-powers claim, and from archons (the rulers as personal beings) in concerning the astral machinery itself.

The passage describes how planets govern zodiacal signs and decans, and notes that a horoscope can be drawn from the cards, implying planetary influence over time and events.

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Related passages · 9 parallels
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Shared concept: Stellar Determinism — The rule of the stars and planetary powers over mortal destiny — the astrological governors whose spheres bind souls to birth, error, and death; in Sethian gnosis the 'error of the stars' that the savior exposes, and from which the incorruptible generation alone is free. (derived)