The Spatial Positions of the Hebrew Letters Corresponding to the Tarot

The spatial positions of the Hebrew letters corresponding to the Tarot

This diagram presents a synthesis of Tarot, the Hebrew alphabet, Kabbalah, the Sefer Yetzirah (Book of Formation), and astrology within a three-dimensional spatial model.

At its core, the diagram attempts to answer the question:

If the 22 Hebrew letters correspond to the 22 Major Arcana of the Tarot, where are these archetypal forces situated within the structure of the cosmos?

The Cosmic Cube

The central structure is a cube representing the ordered universe.

Within it are three primary axes:

1. The Vertical Axis: Above and Below

This axis connects Heaven and Earth.

It is associated with:

• The Fool (0)
• Aleph (א)
• Air

The diagram labels it:

Vertical Axis = Air Vertical Axis Linking Heaven and Earth

In Kabbalistic symbolism, Aleph represents the breath of life, the invisible medium connecting the spiritual and material worlds. The Fool embodies this unbounded potential.

2. The North–South Axis

This axis represents depth and spiritual transformation.

It is associated with:

• Judgement (20)
• Shin (ש)
• Fire

The diagram describes it as:

Depth Axis of Spiritual Rebirth

Fire symbolizes purification, awakening, and resurrection. Judgement expresses the transformative power of spiritual renewal.

3. The East–West Axis

This horizontal axis is linked to cycles of life, death, and rebirth.

It is associated with:

• The Hanged Man (12)
• Mem (מ)
• Water

The diagram labels it:

Horizontal Axis of Birth and Rebirth

Water symbolizes gestation, dissolution, and renewal. The Hanged Man represents surrender and transformation through altered perspective.

The Three Mother Letters

According to the Sefer Yetzirah, three Hebrew letters are known as the Mother Letters:

LetterElementTarot CardAleph (א)AirThe FoolMem (מ)WaterThe Hanged ManShin (ש)FireJudgement

These three letters form the fundamental structure of creation.

In the diagram they appear as the three internal axes of the cube.

As noted in the lower-right corner:

Three Mother Letters: Internal Axes

The entire cosmic framework is built upon these three elemental principles.

The Seven Double Letters

The Sefer Yetzirah also identifies seven Double Letters, traditionally associated with the seven classical planets.

These occupy the central region of the cube.

Examples include:

The Magician — Beth (ב)

• Planet: Mercury
• Principle: Wisdom and Folly

The High Priestess — Gimel (ג)

• Planet: Moon
• Principle: Peace and Conflict

The Empress — Daleth (ד)

• Planet: Venus
• Principle: Abundance and Depletion

The Emperor — Heh (ה)

• Planet: Mars
• Principle: Grace and Ugliness

Wheel of Fortune — Kaph (כ)

• Planet: Jupiter
• Principle: Wealth and Poverty

The Sun — Resh (ר)

• Planet: Sun
• Principle: Fertility and Barrenness

The World — Tav (ת)

• Planet: Saturn
• Principle: Dominion and Servitude

The seven planetary forces function as intermediaries between the elemental foundations and the manifest world.

Their placement near the center reflects their role as organizing principles within the cosmos.

The Twelve Single Letters

The remaining twelve Hebrew letters correspond to the twelve signs of the zodiac.

They are positioned along the edges of the cube.

Examples include:

Tarot CardHebrew LetterZodiac Sign

The LoversZayin (ז)Gemini

The ChariotCheth (ח)Cancer

StrengthTeth (ט)Leo

The HermitYod (י)Virgo

JusticeLamed (ל)Libra

DeathNun (נ)Scorpio

TemperanceSamekh (ס)Sagittarius

The DevilAyin (ע)Capricorn

The StarTzaddi (צ)Aquarius

The MoonQoph (ק)Pisces

The HierophantVav (ו)Taurus

The Emperor*Heh (ה)Aries

*This diagram appears to follow a traditional Golden Dawn correspondence system.

As the diagram notes:

Twelve Single Letters: Edges

The twelve zodiacal forces define the outer structure of cosmic space, much as the twelve signs define the cyclical structure of time.

The Underlying Kabbalistic Framework

The diagram is based on one of the central teachings of the Sefer Yetzirah:

The universe is structured through:

• 3 Mother Letters
• 7 Double Letters
• 12 Single Letters

Together they form:

3 + 7 + 12 = 22

These correspond directly to:

• 22 Hebrew letters
• 22 Major Arcana cards

The author maps these into a spatial geometry:

• 3 axes
• 7 interior centers
• 12 edges

forming a complete symbolic model of the universe.

A Symbolic Cosmology

From an esoteric perspective, this cube can be understood as a map of consciousness and cosmic order.

The Three Axes

Represent the primordial elements:

• Air
• Water
• Fire

The Seven Centers

Represent the planetary intelligences:

• Moon
• Mercury
• Venus
• Sun
• Mars
• Jupiter
• Saturn

The Twelve Edges

Represent cyclical manifestation:

• The twelve zodiac signs
• The annual cycle
• Twelve archetypal modes of human experience

Taken as a whole, the cube becomes a Tarot-Kabbalistic cosmogram — a symbolic model that unifies the Hebrew alphabet, the Major Arcana, astrology, elemental forces, and the structure of creation into a single three-dimensional framework.

It is important to note that this is not intended as a scientific model of the physical universe. Rather, it belongs to the tradition of symbolic cosmology, where spatial relationships are used to express metaphysical principles, psychological development, and the relationship between humanity and the cosmos.