The camel, an animal renowned for its endurance and ability to traverse vast, arid landscapes, holds a significant place within the symbolism of Tarot. This creature is not merely depicted as a passive figure but is deeply interwoven with the esoteric teachings of the cards, particularly regarding the subconscious mind and the journey of the soul. The presence of the camel in Tarot readings and its broader spiritual symbolism offers profound insights into resilience, resource management, and the pursuit of inner knowledge. By examining the historical connections between the camel and the High Priestess card, alongside the animal’s totemic meanings, individuals can gain a clearer understanding of how to navigate the "deserts" of life—periods of scarcity, challenge, or uncertainty—with wisdom and perseverance.
The Camel and the High Priestess: A Qabalistic Connection
The connection between the camel and Tarot is rooted deeply in Qabalistic traditions, specifically through the Hebrew letter Gimel. In the structure of the Tarot, the High Priestess card is traditionally associated with the Hebrew letter Gimel, which translates directly to "Camel." This linguistic and symbolic link is significant because it bridges the physical attributes of the animal with the spiritual authority of the card.
Paul Foster, an American occultist active in the 1920s, provided extensive commentary on this association. He viewed the camel as a symbol of a journey, specifically one that strikes across margins and boundaries. In his analysis, the High Priestess, who sits between two pillars, represents the fundamental power of the subconscious mind. She is the "ship of the desert," guiding the seeker through a landscape of illusion and ignorance. The camel, therefore, serves as the vehicle for this journey. It is the "eye" of the storm, providing the necessary teachings and healing to balance one's life.
The High Priestess is responsible for the transfer of knowledge within this metaphorical desert. She stands for the understanding and power held within the mind, accessible only to those who can endure the journey. The camel’s role in this context is to facilitate the movement across the "desert of death" or spiritual dryness, allowing the seeker to reach the "island of bounty" that the High Priestess represents. This connection emphasizes that the camel is not just a beast of burden but a profound symbol of the wisdom required to traverse abstract wonders and tune into the psychic plane.
Symbolic Characteristics of the Camel
Beyond its specific association with the High Priestess, the camel possesses general symbolic traits that are highly relevant to spiritual and personal growth. The animal is known for its high intelligence; it is estimated to possess an IQ comparable to that of an eight-year-old child. This intelligence translates symbolically to wisdom and the capacity for teachings. Camels are described as witty, playful, patient, and hardworking, with a singular focus on reaching the end of the journey.
Physiologically, the camel’s unique adaptations offer further layers of symbolic meaning. Camels are even-toed ungulates (artiodactyls) and have five stomachs, which function differently than human digestive systems. They regurgitate food to digest it later and can store large amounts of water in their bloodstream rather than their stomachs. From a totemic perspective, these characteristics suggest a need to review one’s own health and resource management. The act of regurgitating food implies a need to "chew over" past experiences or emotions. The female camel, which lacks a mane, is connected to the un-hiding of emotions, while the camel’s shaggy coat relates to how we affectionately connect with others.
Furthermore, the camel’s habit of spending up to ten hours a day grazing and moving at a slow pace serves as a spiritual reminder to slow down. In a fast-paced world, the camel encourages one to consider how life might pass by if not appreciated. It suggests that steady, deliberate movement is often more effective than rushing.
Camel Symbolism in Spiritual and Dream Interpretation
When the camel appears as a spirit animal or in dreams, it carries specific messages regarding the dreamer's current life path. The appearance of a dromedary (one-humped) camel is often interpreted as a "thumbs up" from the universe—a sign that the individual is on the right path. It indicates that current efforts are leading toward prosperity, affluence, love, and success. However, it also carries a warning: while dedication to goals is admirable, one must balance this with self-love, family, and the need to find an "oasis" to restock and replenish the soul.
In contrast, the Bactrian (two-humped) camel symbolizes extreme adaptability. Its appearance suggests that the individual has the capacity to navigate whatever difficulties they are currently encountering. It directs the dreamer to focus on desired outcomes with gratitude, promising that the best direction will be revealed when the time is right. The double hump often indicates that determination has born fruit and that a migration to a new location or phase of life is within sight.
In the realm of dream interpretation, a camel can point toward impending struggles or serve as a testament to inner resilience. Historically, camels are travelers and carriers across vast deserts; their appearance may signify an ongoing or impending journey—physical, emotional, or spiritual. Given their adeptness at resource management, a camel in a dream might suggest the need for prudence regarding expenditures of money, time, or emotional energy. A camel bearing heavy loads may reflect feelings of being inundated with responsibilities, whereas a guiding camel might indicate a quest for direction or wisdom. The solitary terrains camels traverse can also symbolize feelings of isolation or the necessity of an individual journey.
The Camel as an Animal Totem
Individuals who identify with the camel as an animal totem possess distinct characteristics. Those with a dromedary Camel totem are adept at using resources frugally when necessary. They typically have something "hidden away" to tide them through rough patches. Their survival relies on inner resources, internal fuel, a strong work ethic, and positivity. These individuals often possess a dry sense of humor, are self-sufficient, and love traveling to remote places. They can carry heavy burdens with stability, focus, and sheer willfulness.
Those with the Bactrian Camel totem are highly adaptable to extreme weather, terrain, and change. They are fearless in the face of constant movement and sudden losses. Their determination to win often brings prosperity to those close to them, and they possess a strong desire to serve others.
Conclusion
The camel in Tarot and spiritual symbolism stands as a powerful emblem of endurance, wisdom, and the journey through the unknown. Whether viewed through the lens of the High Priestess and the letter Gimel, or as a spirit animal guiding one through life’s deserts, the camel teaches the value of patience, resource conservation, and emotional resilience. It reminds the seeker that while the journey may be long and the landscape harsh, the inner resources required to reach the oasis of knowledge and success are already present within. By embracing the lessons of the camel, individuals can learn to navigate their paths with greater balance, humor, and unwavering focus.