The image of two pillars, one black and one white, flanking a serene figure is one of the most recognizable symbols in Tarot. These pillars, often labeled with the letters B and J, appear prominently on the High Priestess card, drawing the eye and inviting curiosity. While they serve as a striking visual element, their roots run deep into ancient history and mystical philosophy. The presence of these structures in Tarot is not merely decorative; it is a deliberate invocation of a threshold between the known and the unknown, the material and the spiritual. Understanding their origins and the duality they represent can provide a richer context for spiritual practice and the interpretation of personal challenges.
The biblical foundation of these pillars is found in the First Book of Kings, describing the construction of King Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem. At the entrance stood two massive bronze pillars: Jachin on the right and Boaz on the left. Historical and linguistic analysis offers insight into their names. Jachin is frequently interpreted as "he establishes" or "he will establish," suggesting concepts of stability and divine foundation. Boaz, conversely, translates to "in strength" or "in him is strength," pointing toward power and resilience.
Interestingly, these pillars were not structural supports for the roof. They stood independently at the temple entrance, serving a purely symbolic function. Some historians suggest they evoked the pillars of fire and cloud that guided the Israelites through the wilderness, while others believe they represented concepts like stability and divine presence. Their primary role was to mark a threshold. They did not hold up the building; they announced it. They signaled to the visitor, "This is a sacred space you are about to enter." This threshold quality is essential when examining their use in Tarot imagery.
In the context of Tarot, the two pillars appear most famously on the High Priestess card, where she sits between them, holding ancient wisdom. The pillars are often depicted in contrasting colors, typically black and white, reinforcing the concept of duality. However, the High Priestess is not the only card featuring this motif. The Hierophant often shows similar pillars, representing structured spiritual authority, and Justice sometimes includes them in the background, symbolizing the balance required for fair judgment. In these contexts, the pillars frame the figure, creating a visual boundary that separates the sacred wisdom they guard from the outer world.
The specific assignment of attributes to Boaz and Jachin varies across different esoteric traditions, leading to some confusion regarding their masculine and feminine associations. Some sources describe Boaz as the receptive, inward, feminine principle associated with strength, while Jachin represents the masculine, outward principle of establishment. Other interpretations reverse this, associating Boaz with feminine qualities like water and earth, and Jachin with masculine qualities like fire and air. Rather than focusing on which assignment is "correct," the essential teaching lies in the duality itself. Both masculine and feminine energies exist within each individual, and the pillars invite reflection on how these opposing forces manifest in one's life.
Linguistic analysis of the name Boaz provides further depth to its meaning. The name literally translates to "By Strength" or "In Strength," derived from the Hebrew root meaning to be strong or mighty. It celebrates personal vigor and fortitude. However, ancient wisdom cautions that personal strength should not be revered above all else, nor held solely responsible for achievements that may be attributed to divine will. This nuance suggests that while Boaz represents strength, it is a strength that exists within a larger framework of spiritual establishment. The concept of strength is balanced by the concept of establishment found in Jachin.
The positioning of the pillars in various Tarot decks has been a subject of historical debate. In most Rider-Waite-Smith decks, the viewer sees Jachin on the right and Boaz on the left. However, scholars have noted that if the High Priestess is facing west (toward the viewer), and the biblical temple faced east, she might actually be positioned inside the Holy of Holies rather than at the entrance. This subtle distinction changes the interpretation of the space she occupies. If she is inside the sanctuary, she is not merely guarding the threshold but embodies the wisdom found within the sacred center.
The enduring presence of Boaz and Jachin in spiritual imagery—from temple architecture to mystical diagrams and modern Tarot decks—speaks to their powerful symbolic resonance. They guard hidden knowledge and stand at thresholds that are often difficult to cross. They are simple enough to grasp immediately but offer layers of complexity for deep contemplation. For those engaging in spiritual practice, pausing to consider what these pillars frame can be a powerful exercise. What dualities are being presented? What balance is being asked for? The steady, patient presence of these symbols across thousands of years offers a lesson in stability and the constant interplay between opposing forces in the human experience.
Conclusion
The two pillars, Boaz and Jachin, serve as profound symbols of duality, threshold, and balance. Originating in the biblical description of Solomon’s temple, they marked the entrance to a sacred space. In Tarot, they frame figures of wisdom and judgment, representing the opposing forces of masculine and feminine, strength and establishment, or light and darkness. While specific assignments of these qualities may vary, the core teaching remains consistent: life is a journey of navigating between dualities. By contemplating the space between these pillars, individuals can gain insight into their own inner landscapes and the balance required for spiritual growth.