The phrase "As Above, So Below" originates from Hermeticism, an ancient occult tradition that emphasizes the profound unity between the macrocosm (the universe) and the microcosm (the individual). In the context of Tarot, this concept serves as a fundamental framework for understanding the deep connections between the spiritual and physical worlds. It suggests that the events, energies, and archetypes present in the universe are mirrored in the personal experiences of human life. By applying this principle, Tarot readers can gain deeper insights into the symbolism of the cards, interpreting them not merely as static images but as reflections of universal forces manifesting in the querent's reality. This approach allows for a holistic understanding of how cosmic patterns influence individual journeys, providing clarity and purpose in navigating life's challenges.
Tarot cards, ranging across the Major and Minor Arcana, represent specific energies and archetypes that resonate with universal truths. The "As Above, So Below" principle posits that what occurs on a grand scale in the cosmos is reflected on a smaller, personal scale. Consequently, the meaning of a Tarot card is understood through a dual lens: its relation to broader cosmic forces and its reflection of the querent's personal emotions, situations, and inner world. This interconnectedness transforms Tarot reading from a simple divination tool into a method for exploring the harmony between the self and the universe. It invites the seeker to recognize that their inner state is inextricably linked to the outer world, and that understanding this relationship can lead to greater self-awareness and spiritual alignment.
The Hermetic Roots and Philosophical Foundation
The concept of "As Above, So Below" is deeply embedded in Hermetic philosophy, which teaches that the universe operates on interconnected principles. This ancient wisdom asserts that the same laws governing the stars and planets also govern human life. In Tarot, this philosophy is visually represented in certain cards, most notably in The Magician, where the figure often points one hand toward the sky and the other toward the ground, symbolizing the channeling of divine energy into the material plane. This gesture encapsulates the essence of the principle: the spiritual (above) is made manifest in the physical (below).
This philosophical foundation provides Tarot readers with a robust tool for interpretation. It encourages a view of the Tarot deck as a map of consciousness, where each card corresponds to a specific aspect of the human experience as it mirrors the divine. By recognizing these correspondences, readers can move beyond literal interpretations and explore the symbolic layers that connect the querent's personal story to the larger narrative of existence. This approach emphasizes that the Tarot is not merely about predicting the future, but about understanding the present moment as a reflection of deeper, universal dynamics.
Application in Tarot Interpretation
Integrating the "As Above, So Below" principle into Tarot readings involves examining the symbolic correspondences within the cards and their relationships to one another. The Tarot deck is rich with symbols—animals, elements, numbers, and colors—that hold archetypal significance. By analyzing these symbols, readers can draw connections between the card's imagery and broader patterns in the universe, as well as the querent's personal life.
For example, consider the Major Arcana card of The Fool. On a cosmic level, The Fool represents the spirit of pure potential, the beginning of a cosmic cycle, and the energy of new creation. On a personal level, "as above, so below" suggests that this card can reflect the querent's own journey into the unknown, a leap of faith in their personal life, or the start of a new personal project. The card's meaning is not limited to one interpretation; it encompasses both the universal archetype and its specific manifestation in the individual's experience.
Furthermore, the principle applies to the analysis of Tarot spreads. In a spread, the placement and relationship of cards provide additional layers of insight. If a card representing a universal energy (such as The Wheel of Fortune, symbolizing destiny and cycles) appears alongside a card representing a personal state (such as the Three of Swords, symbolizing heartbreak), the "As Above, So Below" concept suggests that the querent's personal experience of loss is part of a larger, inevitable cycle of change. This interpretation helps the querent see their personal struggle within a broader, meaningful context, potentially offering comfort and perspective.
Specific Tarot Decks and the Principle
While the "As Above, So Below" concept is a universal principle, certain Tarot decks are particularly aligned with its Hermetic and esoteric roots. Decks such as the Thoth Tarot, the Hermetic Tarot, and the Rider-Waite Tarot incorporate imagery and symbolism that explicitly reflect the interconnectedness of different realms and the mirroring of the macrocosm and microcosm.
The Thoth Tarot, designed by Aleister Crowley, is steeped in Hermetic Qabalah and astrological correspondences, making it a powerful tool for exploring the "As Above, So Below" principle. Its complex symbolism is designed to map the cosmos onto the human psyche. Similarly, the Hermetic Tarot is filled with alchemical and Kabbalistic symbols that directly illustrate the Hermetic maxim. The Rider-Waite Tarot, while more accessible, also contains layers of symbolism that reflect this interconnectedness, particularly in its Major Arcana, which charts a path of spiritual development that mirrors the soul's journey.
However, it is important to note that the interpretation of Tarot is subjective. A reader can apply the "As Above, So Below" principle to any deck, regardless of its specific tradition. The key is the reader's intention to look for connections between the universal and the personal within the cards' imagery and structure.
Practical Techniques for Tarot Readers
Tarot readers can incorporate the "As Above, So Below" principle into their practice through several techniques:
- Symbolic Correspondences: Readers can consciously analyze the symbols in each card and contemplate their dual meanings—both as universal archetypes and as personal reflections. For instance, the element of Water can represent the cosmic ocean of emotion and intuition, as well as the querent's personal feelings and subconscious mind.
- Card Relationships: In a spread, readers can examine how the energies of different cards interact. A card representing a cosmic force (e.g., The Sun, representing universal vitality and success) influencing a card representing a personal challenge (e.g., the Five of Pentacles, representing personal hardship) suggests that universal light and clarity are available to overcome the personal struggle.
- Macrocosm-Microcosm Analysis: Readers can frame their interpretations by explicitly connecting the larger themes of a card to the querent's life. For example, when The High Priestess appears, the reader might explain that her connection to universal secrets and intuition (macrocosm) reflects the querent's need to trust their own inner voice and intuition (microcosm) in their current situation.
- Holistic Perspective: This principle encourages readers to view a reading as a whole system, where each card is a part that reflects the whole. It moves the interpretation away from isolated card meanings and toward an integrated understanding of how the querent's life reflects and is reflected by the universe.
The Subjective Nature of Tarot Practice
It is essential to acknowledge that Tarot is a deeply personal and subjective practice. There are no rigid rules or formulas for interpreting the "As Above, So Below" principle. Each reader brings their own unique understanding, shaped by personal beliefs and experiences. This subjectivity is not a weakness but a strength, allowing for a rich diversity of interpretations.
The principle serves as a guiding light rather than a strict doctrine. It encourages an open-minded approach, fostering a willingness to explore the profound connections between the universal and the personal. This exploration can lead to insights that are both spiritually expansive and deeply relevant to the querent's daily life. By embracing this concept, Tarot readers can offer more nuanced, holistic, and meaningful readings that honor the interconnectedness of all things.
Conclusion
The "As Above, So Below" principle is a cornerstone of esoteric wisdom that enriches Tarot practice with profound depth and dimension. It bridges the gap between the cosmic and the personal, allowing both readers and querents to see the reflection of universal truths in individual experiences. By understanding that the Tarot cards mirror the interconnectedness of the macrocosm and microcosm, one can unlock deeper layers of meaning within the readings. This principle transforms Tarot from a simple predictive tool into a sophisticated system for exploring the harmony and unity that pervade the universe and the human spirit. Ultimately, it reminds us that our lives are not isolated events but are integral parts of a vast, interconnected cosmic tapestry.