Tarot & Alchemy
Cabaret Bizarre and the Alchemical Magnum Opus, 2019–ongoing
The Great Work (Latin: Magnum opus) is an alchemical term for the process of working with the prima materia to create the philosopher's stone. It has been used to describe personal and spiritual transmutation in the Hermetic tradition, attached to laboratory processes and chemical color changes, used as a model for the individuation process, and as a device in art and literature.
What exactly were the alchemists turning into gold? The answer lies in the context of transmutation: turning the Moon (unconscious mind) into silver and the Sun (conscious mind) into gold in a figurative sense, or in the language of the alchemist; perfecting the contents of consciousness through transfiguration; or bringing the “prima materia”, the purest desire or spirit itself, into conscious reality through the following steps:
- Calcination
- Dissolution
- Separation
- Conjunction
- Putrefaction
- Distillation
- Coagulation
After completing the Major Arcana of the Tarot in 2018, Cabaret Bizarre decided to take its inspiration for future events from the alchemical magnum opus, reflecting the purpose of our cultural great work: the transmutation of society into a more diverse and open-minded future, away from the shadow of prejudice and hate and into the light of love. The series is illustrated by Alexander Irrwisch, one of the most influential illustrators in the European dark arts movement.
Cabaret Bizarre and the Tarot, 2014–2018
The origins of Tarot are hidden in time and mystery. Some believe its origins lie in Egypt, others say Gypsies brought it to Europe, and still others think the Tarot was a creation of Kabbalists in the Middle Ages or was created by magicians of the legendary continent of Atlantis.
Tarot is more than a simple deck of cards. Its 78 images synthesize the occult wisdom of Magick, Masonry, Hermeticism, Kabbalah, Astrology and Western Mystery Schools.
The Tarot can be an incredible source of wisdom and inspiration, a tool for divination and for understanding the mysteries of life itself.
In 2014 Cabaret Bizarre decided to take its inspiration for future events from the large variety of Tarot, reflecting the diversity of themes, moods and performers influencing the show. Each Cabaret Bizarre is another adventure, another form of divination and celebration of life itself. From 2014 until 2017 we completed the Major Arcana, the trump cards of a Tarot pack.
Each card is interpreted and designed by a different artist, reflecting the unique experience of each Cabaret Bizarre.
