Tarot Symbolism

Welcome to the Dr. Robert V. O'Neill Tarot Library. Included here are research excerpts focusing on Tarot symbolism, iconology and influences.

Iconology of the early Tarot

Introduction

Iconology of the Fool Cards

Iconology of the Bagatto cards

Iconology of the Empress Cards

Iconology of the Emperor Cards

Iconology of the Papess Cards

Iconology of the Pope Cards

Iconology of the Virtue Cards

Iconology of the Temperance Cards

Iconology of the Lovers Cards

Iconology of the Chariot Cards

Iconology of the Fortitude Cards

Iconology of the Wheel Cards

Iconology of the Hermit Cards

Iconology of the Hanged Man Cards

Iconology of the Death Cards

Iconology of the Devil Cards

Iconology of the Tower Cards

Iconology of the Heavens

Iconology of the Star Cards

Iconology of the Moon Cards

Iconology of the Sun Cards

Iconology of the Angel Cards (15th Century name for the Judgement Card)

Iconology of the Justice Cards

Iconology of the World Cards

Conclusion

References

Catharism and the Tarot

Introduction 

Origins of Catharism

Doctrines of Catharism

Catharism and the Trumps

Albigensian Crusade

Joachim of Fiore

Franciscans

Confraternities

Tarot Imagery

Dante

Conclusions

Magic and the early Tarot

Introduction 

Universal Belief in Magic

Christian Magic

Magic: a Dilemma for Christianity

Defining Magic

Transmission of Magical Knowledge to the 15th Century

Ramon Llull

Numerology

Art of Memory

Religious Art and Magic

Tarot influences

Dante's Commedia and the Tarot 

The Major Arcana: Fool's Journey

About the author

Dr. Robert V. O'Neill