The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Cosmos

Cosmos, a concept deeply rooted in ancient philosophical and religious thought, signifies the orderly and harmonious state of the universe. Originating from the idea of order prevailing over chaos, the Cosmos represents the perfect and ultimate order of the universe. This concept is symbolized by The World in esoteric traditions, signifying the culmination of the cosmic order. The Cosmos embodies the principles of cosmic cycles and the systematic arrangement of celestial bodies, as observed in the vaulted canopy of the sky and the planets' movements.

Ancient symbolism and mystical practices often attributed the cosmos with a hierarchical structure, exemplified by the twelve jewels of the Breastplate corresponding to the twelve constellations of the zodiac. This celestial hierarchy adorned the Macroprosophus, an important symbol in these practices. The Sun Man, a significant figure in the cosmos, serves as a representation of the cosmic order, acting as a scapegoat for sins, symbolizing the purging of moral or spiritual impurities within the cosmos.

The concept of the cosmos integrates various elements, from the harmonious order seen in the universe's structure to the intricate cosmic cycles and the celestial hierarchies embodied in ancient symbolism. This comprehensive understanding of the cosmos reflects the deep philosophical and spiritual interpretations of the universe in ancient times, highlighting the enduring influence of the order and harmony within the cosmos as a central theme.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Chaos→Concept

Chaos and Cosmos are depicted as superlative antitheses, fundamental to the process of progress and understanding. Chaos serves as the initial state before evolving into the structured order of Cosmos, illustrating the progression from disarray to order through an evolutionary process. This duality underpins the development from the unstructured to the organized, highlighting the essential roles each plays in the broader context of existence.

Matter→Concept

Matter is often seen as a reflection of the cosmos in alchemy, leading to the creation of perfect, harmonious substances Matter is often seen as a part of the cosmos, leading to the creation of perfect, harmonious substances in alchemy

TimeConcept

Cosmos arises out of the passage of time during which the Word of God forms the world from the primordial substance

WordConcept

The segregated forms of the cosmos arise from the Word, the first principle of creation

World→Substance

The world as it exists is a manifestation of the order in the cosmos, which itself arose from the chaos of the heart

Heaven→Concept

Cosmos is the foundation for Heaven, and both are essential for progress and understanding of truth

Earth→Substance

The earth experiences the truths of Heaven through the illusion of matter

Essen Or Breastplate Of Righteousness And ProphecyConcept

The twelve jewels of the Breastplate symbolize the twelve constellations, analogous to the celestial hierarchies in the universe.

Sacred Number NineConcept

The number nine symbolizes cosmic cycles in Masonic teachings.

Twelve ApostlesLineage

Just as the twelve stones in the Breastplate represent the twelve tribes, the Twelve Apostles represent the twelve channels of the Deity in Christianity.

DogmenRitual

The Cosmology reflects the allegory of the Sun Man who carries the sins of the world

UnicornConcept

Both symbolize eternal life and the cyclic nature of existence

The Mysteries, based on both the Macrocosm and Microcosm, taught about the universe and its workings

MicrocosmConcept

The Microcosm is considered man, a representative of the greater universe, the Macrocosm

MacrocosmConcept

The Macrocosm is considered the greater universe, with the Microcosm as its representative in man

Apopsis (sor-apis)Concept

Both concepts involve the cycles of life and rebirth

Twelve ProphetsLineage

The twelve jewels in the Breastplate mirror the twelve prophets, both channels of divine prophecy.

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

CosmosthroughWorldilluminatesSun →
I. Cosmos & World

The world as it exists is a manifestation of the order in the cosmos, which itself arose from the chaos of the heart

II. World & Sun

The Sun and The World are interconnected entities with deep spiritual significance. The Sun, often symbolized in tarot as the "Sun" card, embodies the vitality and energy of every aspect of life, representing renewal, growth, and well-being. This card is typically associated with positivity, health, and joy. On the other hand, The World card is a representation of the totality of cosmic life and signifies completion, unity, and the culmination of one's journey towards enlightenment and fullness. Together, these figures and symbols symbolize the journey of spiritual light and transformation, illustrating how individual vitality and the collective existence of all living things are intertwined in a broader cosmic framework. This interplay emphasizes the sympathy and completeness of the universe, suggesting that the health and vitality of each component contribute to the overall harmony and balance of the world. The sun symbolizes Christ, raising the world from the dead and restoring life

CosmosthroughWorldilluminatesTarot →
I. Cosmos & World

The world as it exists is a manifestation of the order in the cosmos, which itself arose from the chaos of the heart

II. World & Tarot

The Tarot includes The World card representing unity with all creation and the realization of the divine

CosmosthroughMatterilluminatesSpirit →
I. Cosmos & Matter

Matter is often seen as a reflection of the cosmos in alchemy, leading to the creation of perfect, harmonious substances Matter is often seen as a part of the cosmos, leading to the creation of perfect, harmonious substances in alchemy

II. Matter & Spirit

Matter and spirit are described as opposing forces in the process of life and death, showing a conceptual relationship between the two.

CosmosthroughChaosilluminatesFire →
I. Cosmos & Chaos

Chaos and Cosmos are depicted as superlative antitheses, fundamental to the process of progress and understanding. Chaos serves as the initial state before evolving into the structured order of Cosmos, illustrating the progression from disarray to order through an evolutionary process. This duality underpins the development from the unstructured to the organized, highlighting the essential roles each plays in the broader context of existence.

II. Chaos & Fire

Fire formed the basis of the chaos state in the region of Schamayim

CosmosthroughEarthilluminatesAstrology →
I. Cosmos & Earth

The earth experiences the truths of Heaven through the illusion of matter

II. Earth & Astrology

The science of ASTROLOGY helps understand the tendencies in a child based on Earth, a planet, and the guidance provided by parents ASTROLOGY, as a celestial influence, relates to planets on Earth which affect the development of a child based on their alignment and position

CosmosthroughMatterilluminatesDuad →
I. Cosmos & Matter

Matter is often seen as a reflection of the cosmos in alchemy, leading to the creation of perfect, harmonious substances Matter is often seen as a part of the cosmos, leading to the creation of perfect, harmonious substances in alchemy

II. Matter & Duad

Matter is a symbolic attribute of the Duad, representing the physical and substantial nature

CosmosthroughMatterilluminatesAll →
I. Cosmos & Matter

Matter is often seen as a reflection of the cosmos in alchemy, leading to the creation of perfect, harmonious substances Matter is often seen as a part of the cosmos, leading to the creation of perfect, harmonious substances in alchemy

II. Matter & All

THE ALL cannot be merely Matter as the universe manifests Life and Mind, and Matter cannot manifest these concepts. Matter is thus seen as an effect, not a cause of THE ALL.

CosmosthroughWordilluminatesGod →
I. Cosmos & Word

The segregated forms of the cosmos arise from the Word, the first principle of creation

II. Word & God

The Word is spoken by God, and the Divine Reason embodies both the creative thought and its expression as a word

CosmosthroughWorldilluminatesChrist →
I. Cosmos & World

The world as it exists is a manifestation of the order in the cosmos, which itself arose from the chaos of the heart

II. World & Christ

The world awaited Christ's coming, prepared by divine forces and philosophical belief

CosmosthroughWorldilluminatesMan →
I. Cosmos & World

The world as it exists is a manifestation of the order in the cosmos, which itself arose from the chaos of the heart

II. World & Man

The man, as an apocalyptic beast, accompanies the World card and adds the element of intellect to the full circle symbolism.