Tarot & Alchemy

The ancient art of alchemy is lush with symbolic images of transformation that spontaneously arose as practitioners sought to transmute base material into its highest form. This phenomenon is typical anytime we peer into the veil of the unconscious. We are met with the language and expression of the deep psyche - image, metaphor and symbolism. Tarot mirrors this same pattern. Each card explores archetypal themes of transformation and human experience via rich symbolic imagery.

This makes tarot and alchemy a natural pairing as they both reveal the structure and dynamics of the psyche. In this class, alchemical concepts that are often difficult to understand will be amplified and elucidated using the imagery of the Rider Waite Smith Tarot. We will shine new light on ways to interpret the cards while revealing the archetypal patterns that connect tarot and alchemy together.

Topics include:

• An introduction to alchemy from a Jungian perspective.
• The 3 stages of alchemy: nigredo, albedo, and rubedo.
• Corresponding Major and Minor Arcana that represent the 3 stages.
• Symbolism and archetypal themes of each stage.
• How to apply these archetypal themes to your own life.