Death (archetype)

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Death is an Old Energy Archetype from the Masonic Tarot Deck. In the Book of Slavery and Book of Power, the archetype is used to

Death Tarot Card Freemason's Deck

List of Old Energy Archetypes from the Masonic Tarot

Chariot, Death (archetype), Duality, Hermit, Hierophant, High Priestess, Judgement, Justice, Star, Strength, Sun (archetype), Temperance, The Devil, The Emperor, The Empress, The Fool, The Hanged Man, The Lovers, The Magician, The Moon, The Tower, The Wheel of Fortune, The World (old energy)

Related LP Terms

Old Energy Archetypes > Archetype Deck, Archetypes, Creation Template

Non-LP Related Terms

Old Energy Archetypes > Book of Slavery

Notes

Book of Power

Symbolizes initiation/initiation ceremony, the goal of which is to "die" to your old self and be reborn as a loyal peon of power.

Submission

"(Initiating Death leading to Mastership.) Whatever is dreamed to some purpose is set out on the 'Drawing Board' which no one approaches before he has entered the Middle Chamber. In the darkness where the whiteness of skulls and bones stands out, there all illusion vanishes and judgement is moulded. The Initiate dies to all that is factitious and prepares himself to receive Mastership."[1] Advice to not be factitious. Seems to be saying, if you want to be successful, don't be a squeaky wheel.

A euphemism for brainwashing. "The ideas expressed by this arcanum are those of destruction preceding or following regeneration."[2] Meaning destruction of an ego and identity external to the organization, and that might provide an anchor, and reconstruction of one that is loyal.

Book of Slavery

The "inevitability" of change and transformation. Just accept things, even death, no matter what because it's all a "beautiful" part of life. [3] If you "accept" you are much less likey to resist

Recovery

“After a period of pause and reflection with the Hanged Man, the Death card symbolises the end of a major phase or aspect of your life that you realise is no longer serving you, opening up the possibility of something far more valuable and essential. You must close one door to open another. You need to put the past behind you and part ways, ready to embrace new opportunities and possibilities. It may be difficult to let go of the past, but you will soon see its importance and the promise of renewal and transformation.” (Biddy 2020)

Recovery

Individuation: "Contrary to what many people believe the card of Death does not actually refer to transformation. Rather, it shows us the precise moment at which we give up the old masks and allow the transfor­mation to take place." Overcoming fear. [4]

Footnotes

  1. Wirth, Oswald. Tarot of the Magicians: The Occult Symbols of the Major Arcana That Inspired Modern Tarot. San Francisco. CA: Weiser Books, 1990. p. 171,
  2. Papus. The Tarot of the Bohemians. Wilshire Book Co, 1978. https://sacred-texts.com/tarot/tob/index.htm. p. 130.
  3. Biddy, Bridget. “Death Tarot Card Meanings.” Biddy Tarot (blog), 2020. https://www.biddytarot.com/tarot-card-meanings/major-arcana/death/.
  4. Pollack, Rachel. Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom. Harper Collins, 1980 p. 102.

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