Blog #5: Beauty in Tarot

 As I may or may not have mentioned in previous journals, I am a practicing Hellenistic pagan. With that practice comes a load of ritual practices each with their own beauty. Though I could talk about this forever I will just focus on the art of tarot for the time being. In Van der Leeuw’s work, “Sacred and Profane Beauty: The Holy in Art,” he explores the profound connection between the sacred and the aesthetic, suggesting that the experience of beauty is intrinsically linked to the experience of the holy. This relationship is vividly embodied in the ritualistic practice of tarot reading, which, through its rich symbolism and ceremonial structure, bridges the gap between the mundane and the divine. As the cards are shuffled and laid out, the reader and the deck engage in a dance of discovery, where each card’s placement and relation to others reveal a narrative far greater than the sum of its parts. This ritualistic process mirrors Van der Leeuw’s concept of art as a holy act, where the beauty of the tarot becomes a method of unveiling the sacred, offering a glimpse into the mysteries of existence. The beauty of the tarot lies not only in its aesthetic appeal but also in its ability to evoke a sense of wonder and transcendence. It is a tool for meditation, reflection, and, ultimately, a quest for understanding the sacred within and around us. In this way, tarot reading can be seen as a modern continuation of the age-old human pursuit of connecting with the holy through the beauty of art as described by Van der Leeuw. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Lillian Young: Narcissus and Beauty

 The myth of Narcissus invites us to contemplate the deeper connection between external beauty and the inner self. In our society, where physical appearance often takes center stage, the story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of balance and self-awareness. Beauty, when appreciated in moderation, can be a source of confidence and positive self-esteem. However, when taken to extremes, it can lead to a distorted sense of self-worth and a detachment from reality. The myth prompts us to reconsider the definition of beauty itself. Bueaty is multifacited, with countless variables. The story of Narcissus encourages us to delve beyond the surface and appreciate the profound beauty that originates from the depth of our character.
Read more

Art and Ritual- Reading Reflection

 I decided to use this material for my final paper as I find this particular reading incredibly interesting. Both Ancient Greece and ancient human behavior fascinate me and I believe that Jane Allen Harrison does a fantastic job at lacing together history with philosophy. What is interesting about viewing art with participation as ritual, is that it can be utilized in different ways. First and foremost, the author's main argument is that the Dionysiac rituals that involved choir and playwriting eventually turned into the plays, dramas, and television that we see today. Over time, the ancient ritual became modern art. We can also look at her argument from a modern standpoint, where activities like tourism and the greater phenomenon of globalization can lead people from one country or ethnicity to experience the rituals of another. To the tourist or the foreigner, it is a piece of art, while to the native is it a ritual.  I do disagree with the author on a few points. Jane Allen...
Read more

Sara Rice: guest lecture reflection- beauty in life

  After this guest lecture, I really reflected on this person’s point of view in life. I have always thought that it is so unique how people can go through really terrible things in life, but still have a positive outlook on life. Although this example is much less extreme, I thought about all the beautiful things I have also taken for granted during my life. It reminded me of the saying “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side”. I think in a lot of ways people continuously search for the next best thing without appreciating the current beauty. I know in my life I’ve done the same thing where I’ve been more interested in taking a picture of something beautiful rather than really taking it in and being present with the moment. However, other times in my life when I’ve been able to truly take in a moment for what it is, I have a better memory of it even without taking a picture of it. I took this lecture in a different way than what it was probably intended for, but I have b...
Read more