Tarot Time Traveller

by Marcus Katz

  In this method, we will draw on the plan that F. Ch. and Papus lay out for us and recreate a modern form of initiation with our twenty-two major arcana. This method is suitable for both individual and group work.

  We will see that Papus believed that because we are in a state of devolution, the first steps on our initiatory path are to “re-descend” and become re-acquainted with all the “degrees and forces” through which we have already passed (and forgotten) on our journey. Not only that, but we should master each so we become free of our former state and can ascend to our higher state.

  The Twelve Hours of Initiation

  The twelve hours of initiation, illustrated by the tarot major arcana, allow us to re-experience all the forces that create our instincts, desires, and passions. In observing them, we become more aware. As we become aware, we can formulate our next experiences with more insight, gaining a little illumination on our path. This is the process of initiation—changing our state of awareness in progressive steps.

  Papus and F. Ch. teach that the tarot can be compared with the “twelve hours of Apollonius,” a series of teachings by a Greek philosopher of Tyana. Our time-travel machine may one day take us all the way back to see if Apollonius was born at the same time as Christ as is said, but for now we will simply take his writings as seen by Papus. These twelve sentences are also referred to as the nychthemeron, a word composed of the two Greek words for “night” and “day.”

  The sequence starts with the Wheel card, Atu X, and because it uses the Marseilles Tarot, has Strength for card XI, not Justice. It is seen that the previous cards 1 through 9 show the descent stage, here we are only interested in making our ascent.

  The First Hour [The Wheel]

  Here the Neophyte praises God, utters no injurious words, inflicts no more pain.

  This whole experience will take twelve hours, so we recommend commencing it in the morning, at 8:00 am or sunrise, whichever may be convenient. The sentences and activity appropriate to each hour can be written on index or reminder cards, or created as reminders on your mobile phone or other device.

  Each activity is cumulative and should be completed before commencing the next. If you cannot complete a particular activity within the given hour, abandon the exercise and restart it another day. As all initiatory work, it should prove a challenge; the gates of heaven are not stormed easily.

  You may find surprising coincidences or experiences arise during this type of work, which is a specific example of a “gated spread” where a sequence of tarot activities is engineered to create challenge and change in your life. If you journal the experience, you may also discover that some things happened or you changed as a result without noticing at the time because the experience is immersive.

  The first hour is called by Papus an “hour of preparation.” If you would like to perform a visualisation for each hour, we have provided text at the end of each section. However, the main activity for this first hour is silence. Whether you wish to offer silent praise to a deity is an individual choice but the main requirement in this hour is absolute silence. If you speak during the first hour, you must recommence the whole practice on a different day.

  You can also practice any form of mindfulness, contemplation, or meditation during this first hour, whether you are to spend the remainder of the day in work, with family at the weekend, by yourself, or on vacation.

  If possible, attempt to clear your mind of any negative thoughts towards other people or situations in your life. If these arise, let them pass through your mind and continue the silent contemplation of the world.

  Your attention should be brought to the simple experience of being in the world itself, aware of time passing and all the changes and transitions the Wheel brings to us. Every moment is a revolution.

  This is the preparatory experience of the first hour. Once completed, you can move on to the next hour.

  Visualisation of the First Hour

  The visualisation for the first hour is of approaching a vast gate or portal at which sits a sphinx, guardian of the mysteries of initiation. As we gaze upon it, we consider that its head says to us, the neophyte: “First acquire the knowledge which shows the goal and lights the way to it.”

  The heavy thighs of the sphinx, like a bull, are the image of the rough, persevering labour of the farmer and worker, and we consider the words that arise in us: “Be strong and patient in thy work.”

  The paws of the lion say to us, “Thou must brave all, and defend thyself against every inferior force.”

  Finally, as we prepare to pass by the sphinx, wondering at its teaching, its eagle’s wings say to us: “Thou must will to raise thyself towards the transcendent regions, which thy soul already approaches.”

  We pass by the sphinx as a neophyte through the first portal of dawn and into the second hour of everlasting day.

  The Second Hour [Strength]

  The abyss of fire—the virtues of the stars close as a crown through the dragons and the fire.

  Immediately switch off the silence of the first hour and enter fully into the practice of the second hour. It is rare in life that we undertake such a deliberate re-visioning of our daily life, so throw yourself into this experience and you may experience marvellous results. At the very least, you will have an interesting day if you give yourself to it completely.

  In this second hour, you must do something brave, something that requires a little strength to do. It can be one little action or a big one, but it must be done. Take something that you may have been putting off for a while—say, a difficult conversation or a risky proposal—and just do it.

  If you would like a magical suggestion, take the following seven cards corresponding to the planets and their virtues, from your tarot deck, shuffle them, and then select one to suggest a relevant action.

  Sun [Sun]: Perform an action that is true to yourself, despite fearing the outcome of expression.

  High Priestess [Moon]: Act according to a deep feeling about something you have put to one side.

  Magician [Mercury]: Create something or start something new despite not knowing where it will lead.

  Empress [Venus]: Take time to care about something in a practical way which you have previously seen as an unwelcome obligation.

  Tower [Mars]: Something very out-of-character or unusual for you that will take someone by surprise or shock others in your direct action.

  Wheel of Fortune [Jupiter]: Take a moment to gamble on something without concern of the outcome.

  World [Saturn]: Do something that starts to relieve a heavy burden upon you, even if you cannot tackle it all or resolve it completely.

  Visualisation of the Second Hour

  The visualisation for the second hour is that of an open hand over which is the symbol of infinity. As we approach the hand with its open palm, we realise that the symbol of infinity contains all space and time in an endless loop.

  A voice says to us: “Behold, that which receives and restores every variety of form.” We begin to hear the mighty roar of a lion as the symbol spins and loops in endless waves.

  The Third Hour [Hanged Man/The Great Work]

  The serpents, the dogs, and fire.

  After performing an act of minor or major bravery in the second hour of this magical day, the third hour requires you to release a habit. This could be a habit of speech or a bad habit such as biting your nails. If you do not think you have any habits, ask your friends and family in the week prior to performing this gated spread if they can point out any.

  You may also choose to avoid doing something inconsequential such as raising your right hand above your head at any time during the hour. This exercise promotes a certain watchfulness as we try and suspend ourselves in our action.

  We may also consider our habits and unquestioned viewpoints in the symbol of the Hanged Man and the serpents, dogs, and fire Pa
pus assigns to this hour.

  Visualisation of the Third Hour

  The visualisation for the third hour is a simple geometric shape: an equal-armed cross under which is attached an equilateral triangle pointing downwards. This is a simple glyph of the Hanged Man yet also the reversed alchemical symbol of sulphur, the symbol of the soul.

  As we gaze upon this symbol, we hear a voice: “This is the absolute submission of all to the divine fire.”

  The Fourth Hour [Death]

  The Neophyte wanders in the sepulchre, and it will injure him; he will experience horror and fear of visions; he should devote himself to magic.

  Having successfully avoided a habit or other chosen action in the prior hour, we now take a big step and spend the next hour imagining that we are a spirit in human form and that all others are likewise. During this hour, avoid material activities such as eating or sensual pleasures. We act as if we are in the world but not part of it. Imagine you are a time traveller visiting this time and place, yet with no real connection to it. This can be an unsettling experience if done correctly, and you must hold the state for the entire hour without forgetfulness before continuing to the next gate.

  Visualisation of the Fourth Hour

  The visualisation for the fourth hour is that of an endless field from which arise parts of the body, many arms and hands, legs and feet, and heads. This macabre scene is suspended under a dark night sky, without stars. We realise as we see this scene that it is one of endless generation and not death.

  A voice whispers in our ear, “This is the place of all regeneration and all transformation, of one thing into the other.”

  The Fifth Hour [Temperance]

  The waters above the heavens.

  Having released ourselves, albeit briefly from personal habit and then our habitual engagement with the world, in the previous gate, we now spend an hour along with Temperance. In this hour, we simply go with the flow with no disagreements or resistance to anything that takes place in this time.

  During this hour look for signs and symbols as if the universe was guiding you. Take the path of least resistance in all cases.

  Visualisation of the Fifth Hour

  The visualisation for the fifth hour is a scorpion eating fruit between two rivers that flow into each other. Above is a golden sun in a clear blue sky. There is a sense of peace and power in the scene and that all is a combination of danger and peace, of poison and passion. A voice informs us as we gaze upon this strange image, that “the genius of the Sun pours the fluid of life from a golden vase into one of silver.” We take time to wonder what this enigmatic statement might mean to us.

  The Sixth Hour [Devil]

  Here one must remain quiet, immovable through fear.

  Having gone through the previous hour, we now reverse tracks. During this hour, do not be swayed by anyone or anything for any reason. This is absolutely the opposite state of the previous hour and may come as a shock in contrast. Do not fall for marketing, adverts, persuasion, or subtle suggestions of any kind.

  Notice any fear that arises during this hour as you hold your ground, particularly in cases where you may have usually not done so. Papus sees the Tower of hour seven as the result of the work of this hour and the Devil card.

  Visualisation of the Sixth Hour

  The visualisation for the sixth hour is that of a cube inside a circle created by a serpent eating its own tail. Upon the cube is an arrow, spinning restlessly in an endless spiral motion. It signifies the constraints of time and space upon the soul that resides in matter.

  A voice speaks clearly to us and says: “This is destiny, which circles the world in its embrace.”

  The Seventh Hour [The Tower]

  Fire comforts every living creature, and if some priest, himself a pure man, purloins and uses it, if he blends it with holy oil, consecrates it, and then anoints some ailing limb with it, the malady will be cured.

  Arising from the challenges of the previous hours, we now turn outwards to consider others. In this hour, we look to help or heal the concerns or worries of another person in our life. We can conduct a random act of kindness, aid, donation, or any similar help. We should consider in this hour that our own suffering and challenge reflects that undergone by all people, and we have due consideration for others in our own work.

  Visualisation of the Seventh Hour

  The visualisation for the seventh hour is that of the actual tarot card that corresponds to the hour—that of the Tower, or the “Fire of Heaven.” Visualise the image with note of the crown being struck by lightning. Consider what this might indicate in terms of initiation and your experiences so far during this day. Then consider what the two figures falling from the Tower may represent.

  A voice informs you, “As this is the Materialisation of the Divine, so it is our own Condition.”

  The Eighth Hour [The Star]

  The astral virtues of the elements, of seed of every kind.

  Having assisted someone else in the previous hour, we now return to our own centre (if we have continued to abide by the conditions of each gate). During this hour, attempt to rest within yourself and get a true sense of what it is you seek in life. Make of yourself the centre of the universe and presume that everything else is in your orbit. Consult your astrological chart if you have one, or take a psychological profile test or similar self-assessment online.

  Consider that your own will is the seed from which all is formed in your world. This hour should feel slightly “trippy” as it does not require any outwardly directed action. We are now two-thirds of the way through this initiatory challenge; if you’ve come this far, you can congratulate yourself briefly.

  Visualisation of the Eighth Hour

  The visualisation for the eighth hour is a butterfly hovering over two jars suspended in the heavens underneath a single bright star. They pour their waters endlessly into two streams upon the earth, forming the symbol of Aquarius. The butterfly is a symbol of the soul.

  A voice whispers kindly to us, “There is hope; the fall is not irreparable.”

  The Ninth Hour [The Moon/Twilight]

  Nothing is finished here.

  Continuing our contemplative gates, imagine for this single hour that all reality is based on a hidden pattern just beyond our view. Observe for this hour what this hidden reality might be trying to teach you through the day’s events. Take every situation as a symbol, lesson, or example of a divine pattern. This hour may be extremely significant and powerful if you have fully engaged with the previous gates and experiences, giving an indication of what initiatory experience within a magical order can truly bring to your daily life. 128

  Visualisation of the Ninth Hour

  The visualisation for the ninth hour is that of an endless field of poppies over which shines the full moon. There is no direct light in this place, rather it is reflected. Everything conspires to forgetfulness. We feel as if we could become lost in this endless field without horizon.

  Somewhere, we hear a voice say, “Nothing is finished here.”

  The Tenth Hour [The Sun/Resplendent Light]

  The gates of heaven are open, and man is born again, docile in the lethargic sleep.

  Following all your previous experiences of the day, imagine for this hour that you are eternal, that your light will never die. How might you act if you knew this were the case? Spend the hour as if it were. If practical, light a candle for this hour.

  Papus points out the initiate now only has two steps to go.

  Visualisation of the Tenth Hour

  The visualisation for the tenth hour is that of the glorious sun. Imagine to yourself a light that is endless and infinitely radiant. Visualise being absorbed into that light until it becomes every bit of you.

  See the words in the light simply writing, “The spirit is awakened in this light.”

  The Elev
enth Hour [Judgment/Awakening

  of the Dead]

  The angels, the cherubim and the seraphim fly with rustling wings, there is joy in heaven, the earth rises, and the Sun, which issues from Adam.

  In this penultimate hour, we begin to perhaps realise our sacred responsibilities and profound depth of this experience. We might wonder how our everyday life compares to the ways in which we have conducted ourselves through this initiatory experience. During this hour, seek to bless others. Treat them as fellow eternal beings. Become a priest of the universe, even if just for an hour. If you have performed all the previous tasks and passed through the gates, you will find that there is a movement towards such expression as you now begin to conclude the experience.

  Visualisation of the Eleventh Hour

  The visualisation for the eleventh hour is of an empty tomb.

  A divine voice above says, “Life renews itself by its own motion.” We realise that this applies to our experience of this day in full.

  The Twelfth Hour [The World/The Crown of the Magi]

  The cohorts of fire rest.

  In this final hour, take time to rest and recover from your experiences of the day. You may choose to write about them, make notes, listen to music, or otherwise conclude the day normally.

  Visualisation of the Twelfth Hour

  The visualisation for the twelfth hour is that of a cross within a circle. It is a complete emblem of our gated spread for the twelve hours of initiation.

  The Tarot of the Holy Kingdom

  “To attain the Sanctum Regnum, in other words, the knowledge and power of the Magi, there are four indispensable conditions—an intelligence illuminated by study, an intrepidity which nothing can check, a will which cannot be broken, and a prudence which nothing can corrupt and nothing intoxicate. To Know, To Dare, To Will, To Keep Silence—such are the four words of the Magus, inscribed upon the four symbolical forms of the sphinx.”