NOSTRADAMUS AND THE TAROT CODE

Nostradamus & The Tarot Code
By Philip F. Harris

I hope to shed some light on the current popular interpretations of the symbols presented on the History Channel television documentary "Lost Book of Nostradamus" as sadly lacking in efficacy. In doing so, the current buzz around this book will have done Nostradamus and humanity a great disservice. It is important to keep in mind that current interpretations are geared to a comparison of the text to Christian ideology, myths, and scriptures. Most of the analysis is focused upon comparing Nostradamus, prophecies of the Bible, and to a larger extent, revelations in the Bible. These efforts appear self-serving and self-fulfilling.

Nostradamus was a mystic with ties to several secret societies, most notably the Rose Cross. In this context, new levels of observation come to light when viewing the images contained in the text. As a matter of fact, if one examines The Secret Symbols of the Rosicrucians, it will be clear that there is more than meets the eye with respect to the intent and meaning of the Nostradamus prophecies. Many interpretations today of Tarot symbols make it clear that their understanding is not at the esoteric levels.

In my co-authored novel "Waking God," the concept of a Tarot Code was introduced. The book is a mystical treatise in the guise of a spiritual thriller, and states that the Tarot has its roots in imagery that preceded the Assyrian Empire and has been carried forth into the modern era. These symbols provide a pictorial history of human evolution as well as clues or prophecies regarding our future. These symbols are found in almost every civilization, and yet are understood by only a few.
The symbols of Nostradamus transcend those images often touted by biblical scholars as messages of doom and world's end; however, the only real accurate statement with these interpretations is that the prophecies give clues as to the Apocalypse. But even here, it is important to remember that the term "apocalypse" does not mean the end of the world. The word means "revelation, to uncover, knowledge revealed" and not Armageddon or the destruction of the physical world. The term apocalypse has been hijacked by religious dogma to frighten unsuspecting followers into believing that all prophecies that deal with the word apocalypse support their notion that one day, deity will destroy its creation and only the faithful will survive. The "apocalypse" of Nostradamus deals with the "end of lies," not the "end of times."

It should be understood that the true and inner meaning behind the words of Nostradamus concerns humanity's spiritual awakening. The prophecies are a light post aimed at leading humanity into a new era of spirituality that is devoid of dogma and founded upon the notion of personal spiritual enlightenment. The symbols of Nostradamus and the Tarot are not about an anti-Christ. Throughout religious history biblical texts, taken out of context, have been used to justify all manner of crime and injustice. The prophecies of Nostradamus are another voice crying out in the wilderness of human history urging us to change our ways and enter a period of great enlightenment. It is incumbent upon modern interpreters of these messages not to fall into the age-old religious trap of using these words of wisdom to frighten humanity into a set of self-fulfilling prophecies.

One thing must be clear from the outset. Nostradamus is not a purveyor of doom and gloom. He does not predict the end of the world, nor does he foretell of the "second coming" of anyone. Regardless of the words, he does not believe in an anti-Christ. Nostradamus does not tell "all" in the quatrains, rather he reveals his mysteries in his symbols.

The quatrains are like the parables that are understood by the few. They are inner truths reserved for the initiates. While many quibble over the meaning of the words, they fail to see the heart that lies beneath. The Universe speaks in images and symbols, and Nostradamus was a tool of the Universe. He was an initiate of the highest order and it is to his symbols one must turn to grasp the rudiments of the words. They go hand in hand. They are the duality that shapes these symbols and became what are commonly called the Tarot. That Nostradamus used that symbology is indisputable. His real story is in the picture and not the text.
To begin to understand the inner message of Nostradamus, all religious connotations must be cast aside. Do not think of the images of the Pope as necessarily being the literal Pope. Do not see the serpent as evil, see it as wisdom. Contrary to very popular belief and error, the burning tower does not represent the end of the world. The tower is man's dogma undergoing purification of the spiritual fire. Even Jesus said he came to "baptize by fire." I doubt he meant he wanted to burn everyone in the flames of Inquisition.
What is Nostradamus telling us? He speaks to our current time in history. He tells us that the world is in chaos. Our leaders are ineffectual, religion has lost its purpose, and that a great transformation is nearing. He indicates that the transformation is not the result of a mythical "second coming" but rather, must stem from the higher thoughts of man, a man that reconnects mentally with the center of All That Is in order to break our cycle of destruction and ignorance. The time is getting close. And as the Hopi have said, "it is we who we have been waiting for."
Featured Article in the Spring 2009 Issue of Voice of the Angels.com Magazine which will be published on March 1st, 2009: www.voiceoftheangelsmagazine.com. All online subscribers receive a free copy of the hard copy glossy with their subscription.