The Spiritual Roots of the Tarot

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Spiritual Roots of the Tarot - The Cathar Code Hidden in the Cards by Russell A Sturgess. Published by Inner Traditions. US $24.99 : CAN $31.50 Quality paperback 339 pages. 

Many photos are included including full colour glossy images to illustrate the text which covers what is described as the Western Tradition of Mindfulness that has its roots in Christian Gnosticism, and includes the Medieval Theology of Love - sacred knowledge of the holy grail that leads to inner peace and enlightenment. The author, Russell Sturgess was conducting research into the Tarot when he realised that the Cathars, when accused of heresy, had hidden their Gnostic Christian wisdom teachings within the Major Arcana of the Marseilles Tarot card images. The Magician and the Strength cards hold keys to recalibrating Christ consciousness alongside particular cards within the deck that act as pivotal energies to take us from ignorance to awareness, and through to what the Cathars referred to as the ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ which is presented within these cards. These are medieval mysteries for our modern day. 

Brought up as a Mormon, the author, Russell Sturgess, has developed a system to heal through the Marseilles Tarot Majors. He suggests that a society of papermakers became custodians of the Grail mysteries and Cathar Mysticism and that this is the key to the Rosegarden. The Cathars believed in reincarnation, and were against owned property. They would not have valued goods in the form of treasure. Their treasure was spiritual, and transmitting that knowledge would have been imperative to them as they faced death for heresy. Their bible was the Beatitudes (Sermon on the Mount) and this sacred knowledge provided their path to enlightenment, as they gave love to their enemies and cared for the sick and poor.  Women occupied knowledgeable positions and were attracted to the movement at a time when women mystics across Western Europe were being sought out for their spiritual advice. Tarot experts now follow the major arcana as concepts towards enlightenment, however, for the ancient Cathars, the concepts of these cards depicted temptations to be avoided and a method leading to maturity of spiritual wisdom. 

The Creatrix, the Rose Key, the Mandalora, and more intriguing aspects of medieval lore are explained. There is a thorough explanation of Philip the Fair’s manipulation of the Papacy, removing it from Rome to Avignon. Clement V was Philip’s old friend and many of the cardinals were Philip’s family members. The author suggests the images in the Marseilles Tarot reflect these specific characters and the spiritual corruption of the time, including the suppression of the Knights Templar Order. 

Each Major Arcana card is researched and explained as per Cathar understanding. There is a strong emphasis on the need to lead a spiritual life for personal and spiritual progress. 

I liked this content and am recommending it. Enjoyable and interesting! This knowledge is referred to as The Cathar Code and it takes the reader on a pilgrimage of a soul journey of self development towards a meaningful lifestyle, health and well-being. Lots of good stuff here! Russell Sturgess is the founder of the ‘Enhances Awareness Program’. An excellent book, full of life wisdom! Excellent value, full price U.K.: £18.99 Also see ‘Get Out of Jail Card’ and ‘Metanoia’! 

Review: Wendy Stokes. https://wendystokes.co.uk