Goetic Tarot Correspondences - part.1 - Major Arcana

Tarot is far more than a deck of cards — it is a symbolic system of 78 archetypes that map the entire spectrum of the human experience, from the innocence of beginnings to the fulfillment of spiritual mastery. The Goetia, on the other hand, is part of the Lesser Key of Solomon and describes 72 Demons, each with their own distinct powers, lessons, and domains. When these two systems are placed side by side, something fascinating happens: the 22 Major Arcana become not only psychological milestones, but gateways to living forces that actively influence the seeker’s path.

Because there are 78 cards but only 72 spirits, six cards receive “extra” correspondences, often paired with figures outside the classical Goetic hierarchy — such as Lucifer or Baphomet — giving them a particularly potent and esoteric significance.

Tarot has always been seen as a mirror of the soul’s journey — a map of consciousness that begins with the leap of the Fool and ends with the mastery and unity of the World. Each card carries its own symbolism, psychology, and spiritual teaching, but when we overlay several systems, a deeper picture emerges.

In this article, we explore the first 22 cards of the Major Arcana through four powerful lenses: the Golden Dawn’s esoteric attributions, Aleister Crowley’s Thelemic interpretations from The Book of Thoth, the iconic imagery of the Rider–Waite–Smith deck, and the correspondences with the Goetic spirits — the 72 demons of the Lesser Key of Solomon. This synthesis allows us to uncover not just abstract archetypes but active forces — both divine and infernal — that challenge, guide, and transform the seeker on their initiatory path.

0. The Fool Tarot Card & 53. Camio Demon

The Fool represents pure potential, innocence, and the courage to step into the unknown. It is the card of beginnings and limitless possibilities — the soul’s first leap into the journey of life. In the Golden Dawn tradition, the Fool is associated with the Breath of Life and Spirit, symbolizing the vital spark that sets creation into motion and the openness required to embark on a new path. Aleister Crowley called it the Shining Intelligence, suggesting that the Fool carries divine light and represents the unformed, unlimited potential of the soul before experience shapes it. In the Rider–Waite–Smith system, the Fool is linked to beginnings, possibilities, pleasure, thoughtlessness, adventure, and opportunity, reminding the seeker to embrace risk and trust in the unfolding of the journey. Its Goetic correspondence is Camio, a president who gives understanding of the voices of animals and of the waters and answers about the future, hinting that even the Fool’s naïve steps are guided by hidden wisdom and subtle messages from the natural world. Together, these layers present the Fool as both innocent wanderer and inspired initiate, showing that every great journey begins with a leap of faith and a willingness to listen to the signs that point the way forward.

1. The Magician Tarot Card & Baphomet 

The Magician represents focused will, mastery, and the power to shape reality through intention. He stands at the threshold between spirit and matter, channeling divine energy into the world of form. In the Golden Dawn tradition, the Magician is associated with Attention, Life and Death, symbolizing the ability to direct energy consciously and wield the forces of creation and transformation. Aleister Crowley referred to it as the Intelligence of Transparency, pointing to the clarity and purity of purpose required to manifest one’s desires. In the Rider–Waite–Smith system, the Magician is tied to creativity, self-confidence, dexterity, sleight of hand, will-power, and skill, holding the tools of all four suits to demonstrate mastery over the elements. Its Goetic correspondence is Baphomet, a symbolic figure who grants health, financial prosperity, and a connection to the divine, reinforcing the Magician’s role as a bridge between heaven and earth. Together, these layers reveal the Magician as the archetype of conscious creation, teaching that when will, knowledge, and action are aligned, anything can be brought into being.

2. The High Priestess Tarot Card & 71. Dantalion Demon

The High Priestess is the guardian of hidden wisdom, seated between the pillars of duality and holding the keys to the unseen. In the Golden Dawn tradition, she represents Memory, Peace and Strife, suggesting that true wisdom comes from balancing inner stillness with life’s conflicts. Aleister Crowley named her the Uniting Intelligence, seeing her as the force that reconciles opposites and reveals hidden truths. In the Rider–Waite–Smith deck, she embodies development, accomplishment, action, and evolution, standing as a symbol of spiritual maturity and the inner journey toward self-knowledge. Her Goetic correspondence is Dantalion, a great duke who teaches all arts and sciences, knows and can change the thoughts of men, causes love, and shows visions of the world. Together, these layers reveal the High Priestess as the archetype of intuition and inner guidance — the mystical bridge between the conscious mind and the deepest mysteries of existence.

3. The Empress Tarot Card & 56. Gremory Demon

The Empress represents the flowering of creativity and the nurturing power that brings ideas into reality. In the Golden Dawn system, she is connected to Imagination and Wisdom, guiding the seeker to trust their inner vision. Aleister Crowley called her the Illuminating Intelligence, the light that awakens dormant potential and harmonizes life’s natural cycles. In the Rider–Waite–Smith tradition, she embodies knowledge, wisdom, learning, intuition, impatience, virtue, and purity, showing that true abundance is cultivated through insight, virtue, and inner clarity. Her Goetic correspondence is Gremory, a duchess who procures the love of a woman, tells where treasures are hidden, and reveals past, present, and future. Taken together, these influences present the Empress as a figure of fertile wisdom — one who nourishes growth while offering access to secret knowledge and the guidance of destiny.

4. The Emperor Tarot Card & 1. Bael Demon

The Emperor is the archetype of structure, discipline, and authority — the force that brings order to chaos and establishes lasting foundations. In the Golden Dawn tradition, he is associated with Reason and Sight, emphasizing the importance of clarity and rationality in leadership. Aleister Crowley referred to him as the Constituting Intelligence, the power that shapes, sustains, and governs the material world. In the Rider–Waite–Smith tradition, the Emperor represents stability, unyielding power, a great person, and masculine force, symbolizing responsibility, protection, and the building of systems that endure. His Goetic correspondence is Bael, a king who controls weather, commands rain and lightning, and both causes and cures disease. These combined layers present the Emperor as the ultimate guardian of order — the ruler who can wield both destructive and healing power to maintain balance. He reminds the seeker that authority must be tempered with vision, and that true rulership is the ability to create structure that allows others to flourish.

5. The Hierophant Tarot Card & 59. Orias Demon

The Hierophant represents tradition, spiritual guidance, and the transmission of sacred knowledge. In the Golden Dawn system, he is connected with Intuition and Hearing, showing that true wisdom is received by listening to higher truths and inner guidance. Aleister Crowley called him the Triumphal or Eternal Intelligence, representing the eternal principle that links the divine to the human through ritual and teaching. In the Rider–Waite–Smith tradition, the Hierophant embodies mercy, conformity, forgiveness, social approval, bonded inspiration, guiding the seeker to align with spiritual law and collective values. His Goetic correspondence is Orias, a marquis who transforms men with dignities, teaches astrology, and gains favor with friends and foes. These layers combine to present the Hierophant as the bridge between heaven and earth — a spiritual teacher who opens the way to wisdom while reminding us that initiation requires humility, discipline, and the willingness to learn.

6. The Lovers Tarot Card & 16. Zepar Demon

The Lovers card is the archetype of harmony, choice, and the uniting of opposites. In the Golden Dawn tradition, it is associated with Discrimination and Smell, symbolizing the ability to discern and choose what is truly aligned with the soul’s path. Aleister Crowley called it the Disposing Intelligence, the force that directs and arranges relationships and decisions. In the Rider–Waite–Smith tradition, the Lovers stand for harmony, trust, romance, optimism, honor, love, and union, reflecting both the ecstasy and the responsibility that come with partnership and choice. Its Goetic correspondence is Zepar, a demon who causes women to love men but can also make women barren, emphasizing the card’s dual nature — creation and consequence, passion and potential loss. Together, these interpretations frame the Lovers not just as a card of romantic bliss but as a symbol of sacred decision-making, urging the seeker to choose with clarity and to embrace love as a transformative, and sometimes dangerous, force.

7. The Chariot Tarot Card & 63. Andras Demon

The Chariot is the archetype of determination, victory, and disciplined control. It represents the ability to harness opposing forces and move forward with purpose. In the Golden Dawn tradition, the Chariot is associated with Receptive Will and Speech, symbolizing the conscious direction of power and the mastery of communication in pursuit of destiny. Aleister Crowley named it the Intelligence of the House of Influence, suggesting that it is not just a vehicle of will but a channel through which divine energy manifests in the world. In the Rider–Waite–Smith tradition, the Chariot represents perseverance, rushed decision, turmoil, vengeance, adversity, but also courage and triumph through adversity — a reminder that victory is hard-won. Its Goetic correspondence is Andras, a dangerous marquis described as a sower of discord and slayer of men, warning that misused willpower can lead to destruction. Together, these layers reveal the Chariot as both a symbol of triumph and a cautionary force — urging the seeker to align their drive with higher purpose, lest their strength turn to chaos.

8. The Strength Tarot Card & 45. Vine Demon

Strength represents courage, inner power, and the ability to tame primal instincts. It is the card of quiet mastery — the strength that comes not from force but from patience and self-control. In the Golden Dawn tradition, Strength is linked with Suggestion and Digestion, pointing to the subtle influence of mind over matter and the transformative power of endurance. Aleister Crowley referred to it as the Intelligence of All the Activities of the Spiritual Being, making it the energy that fuels the soul’s growth and spiritual evolution. In the Rider–Waite–Smith system, Strength is associated with courage, conviction, determination, action, heroism, virility, as well as perseverance in the face of adversity. Its Goetic correspondence is Vine, a king and earl who builds towers, destroys walls, causes rough waters, and reveals witches. These combined attributes show Strength as the channeling of raw, potentially destructive power into purposeful action, teaching that true mastery comes when we face our fears and turn raw energy into constructive force.

9. The Hermit Tarot Card & 50. Furcas Demon

The Hermit is the seeker of truth, withdrawing from the noise of the world to find the light within. He is the archetype of solitude, patience, and inner guidance. In the Golden Dawn tradition, the Hermit is connected with the Response and Union of Opposites, Touch, symbolizing the wisdom gained by integrating opposing forces and experiencing life directly. Aleister Crowley called him the Intelligence of Will, suggesting that this card represents the focused intent that leads to enlightenment. In the Rider–Waite–Smith tradition, the Hermit stands for inner strength, prudence, withdrawal, caution, and vigilance, reminding the seeker that introspection and discipline are the path to illumination. His Goetic correspondence is Furcas, a knight who teaches astrology, logic, rhetoric, philosophy, palmistry, and divination by fire, making this card an emblem of deep study and esoteric knowledge. Together, these layers reveal the Hermit as a guide who leads us into the dark to help us discover the lantern of our own wisdom, urging us to seek truth with patience and courage.

10. The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card & 62. Valac Demon

The Wheel of Fortune is the great turning point of the tarot, symbolizing fate, destiny, and the cycles of change. It is the card that reminds us that life is in constant motion — what is down must rise, and what is up must fall. In the Golden Dawn tradition, it is linked with Rotation, Wealth and Poverty, reflecting the endless alternation of fortune. Aleister Crowley called it the Intelligence of Conciliation, the principle that harmonizes opposites and reconciles conflict through the turning of the cosmic wheel. In the Rider–Waite–Smith system, the Wheel of Fortune represents unexpected events, advancement, destiny, fortune, and progress, marking moments of karmic shift and sudden opportunity. Its Goetic correspondence is Valac, a president who reveals hidden dangers and tells where treasures are hidden, reminding us that the turning of the wheel can uncover both risks and rewards. Taken together, these interpretations present the Wheel of Fortune as the engine of fate — a force that propels the seeker forward, challenges them to adapt, and offers hidden gifts for those ready to grasp them.

11. The Justice Tarot Card & 29. Astaroth Demon

Justice is the embodiment of balance, truth, and moral clarity. It calls the seeker to examine their actions and face the consequences with honesty. In the Golden Dawn tradition, this card is associated with Equilibrium and Action-work, representing the alignment of inner and outer worlds through fair and deliberate action. Aleister Crowley called it the Faithful Intelligence, the power that maintains cosmic harmony and ensures that every deed brings its rightful result. In the Rider–Waite–Smith tradition, Justice stands for equality, righteousness, virtue, honor, harmony, and balance, reminding us that truth cannot be escaped and that fairness is the foundation of wisdom. Its Goetic correspondence is Astaroth, a powerful duke who tells how the angels fell, reveals past, present, and future, and teaches the liberal sciences. This spirit lends Justice a deeper dimension — not just as a legal or moral force but as a cosmic reckoning, a reminder that all hidden truths eventually come to light. Together, these layers present Justice as the voice of universal law, guiding the seeker to act with integrity and to accept the lessons that come from every choice.

12. The Hanged Man Tarot Card & 46. Bifrons Demon

The Hanged Man is the card of surrender, perspective shift, and spiritual initiation. It invites the seeker to pause, let go, and view life from a new angle. In the Golden Dawn system, it is linked with Reversal and the Suspended Mind, pointing to the state of voluntary sacrifice that leads to transformation. Aleister Crowley called it the Stable Intelligence, the force that holds the soul steady while profound change takes place. In the Rider–Waite–Smith tradition, the Hanged Man signifies change, reversal, boredom, improvement, rebirth, and suspension, urging patience and trust in the process. Its Goetic correspondence is Bifrons, a demon who teaches natural and planetary sciences and moves bodies from graves to steal souls, adding a darker note of transformation and confrontation with mortality. These combined attributions show the Hanged Man as a threshold figure — the moment of stillness before rebirth, where the seeker must embrace discomfort, face the mysteries of death and change, and emerge with deeper wisdom.

13. The Death Tarot Card & Lucifer 

Death is the card of profound transformation, the ending that clears the way for new beginnings. Far from symbolizing literal death, it represents the cycles of change that strip away what no longer serves us. In the Golden Dawn system, Death is associated with Transformation and Motion, pointing to the unstoppable force of change that moves life forward. Aleister Crowley called it the Imaginative Intelligence, the power that shapes rebirth by dissolving the old. In the Rider–Waite–Smith tradition, the Death card stands for unexpected change, loss, failure, transformation, death, and bad luck, reminding the seeker that growth often comes through endings and that renewal requires release. Its Goetic correspondence is Lucifer, the Light-Bringer, who provides liberations and illuminations but also incites envy and jealousy. This connection deepens the card’s meaning, suggesting that transformation can be both liberating and unsettling, forcing the seeker to confront hidden fears and attachments. Together, these interpretations reveal Death as the great initiator — the force that compels the soul to shed its old skin and step into a new phase of existence with greater awareness.

14. The Temperance Tarot Card & 49. Crocell Demon

Temperance is the archetype of balance, integration, and spiritual alchemy. It is the card of harmony that blends opposites into a new and greater whole. In the Golden Dawn tradition, Temperance is associated with Verification and Wrath, pointing to the testing of the soul and the refining of the spirit through trial and patience. Aleister Crowley called it the Intelligence of Probation or the Tentative One, showing that this card represents the process of experimentation and careful adjustment on the path toward equilibrium. In the Rider–Waite–Smith tradition, Temperance stands for temperance, patience, good influence, confidence, and moderation, encouraging the seeker to practice balance in every area of life. Its Goetic correspondence is Crocell, a duke who teaches geometry and the liberal sciences, can warm waters, and create great noises, reflecting the card’s theme of transformation and harmonization of elemental forces. Together, these layers reveal Temperance as the alchemist’s card — the reminder that spiritual progress is a gradual process of blending, purifying, and finding perfect harmony between body, mind, and spirit.

15. The Devil Tarot Card & Moloch Demon

The Devil is the archetype of bondage, temptation, and the confrontation with our own shadows. It represents the chains we forge through fear, desire, and ignorance — yet also the potential to break free. In the Golden Dawn tradition, the Devil is associated with Bondage and Mirth, symbolizing the seductive nature of materialism and the laughter of the trickster who dares us to face our attachments. Aleister Crowley called it the Renovating Intelligence, hinting that even this dark figure serves the purpose of renewal by forcing us to confront what enslaves us. In the Rider–Waite–Smith tradition, the Devil card warns of downfall, unexpected failure, controversy, ravage, disaster, and ill temper, showing that unchecked passion or obsession can bring ruin. Its Goetic correspondence is Moloch, a figure known for binding men and tricking them into becoming worse than before, perfectly matching the theme of entrapment and degradation. Together, these layers reveal the Devil not just as a tormentor, but as a teacher — the one who shows us our shadow so that we may reclaim our freedom and rise above what once held us captive.

16. The Tower Tarot Card & 3.Vassago Demon

The Tower is the card of sudden upheaval, revelation, and the destruction of illusions. It represents the moment when false structures collapse, leaving space for truth to emerge. In the Golden Dawn tradition, the Tower is associated with Awakening, Grace and Sin, reminding us that even catastrophe can be an act of divine grace, clearing away what no longer serves. Aleister Crowley called it the Exciting Intelligence, the spark that shatters stagnation and forces transformation. In the Rider–Waite–Smith tradition, the Tower signifies disruption, end of friendship, bankruptcy, downfall, and unexpected events, reflecting the chaos that often precedes renewal. Its Goetic correspondence is Vassago, a demon described as a promoter of war, destruction, and lies, intensifying the card’s message of dramatic, sometimes painful change. Together, these layers present the Tower as the great purifier — the lightning bolt that destroys illusions, forcing the seeker to confront reality and rebuild on a foundation of truth.

17. The Star Tarot Card & 33. Gaap Demon

The Star is the card of hope, inspiration, and spiritual renewal. It arrives after the destruction of the Tower as a moment of calm, reminding the seeker that guidance is always available if they are willing to look up and trust. In the Golden Dawn tradition, the Star is associated with Revelation and Meditation, suggesting quiet contemplation and the illumination of hidden truths. Aleister Crowley called it the Natural Intelligence, pointing to the card’s role as a channel of divine grace and cosmic order. In the Rider–Waite–Smith tradition, the Star represents balance, pleasure, optimism, insight, spiritual love, hope, and faith, offering reassurance that healing and clarity are near. Its Goetic correspondence is Gaap, a president and prince who causes love or hate, can make one ignorant, and has the power to move people from place to place. This demon deepens the Star’s message, suggesting that inspiration can redirect the path of one’s destiny, for good or ill. Together, these layers present the Star as a symbol of spiritual guidance and renewal — the light that leads the seeker out of darkness and back into harmony with the cosmos.

18. The Moon Tarot Card & Beelzebub Demon

The Moon is the card of mystery, illusion, and the shadowed path. It represents the realm of dreams, fears, and subconscious forces that shape our perception of reality. In the Golden Dawn tradition, the Moon is associated with Organization and Sleep, pointing to the inner processes that work beneath the surface and the dangers of confusion or self-deception. Aleister Crowley referred to it as the Corporeal Intelligence, the force that governs the physical body and its instincts but can also cloud the clarity of the mind. In the Rider–Waite–Smith tradition, the Moon is tied to deception, disillusionment, trickery, error, danger, and disgrace, warning of pitfalls hidden in the darkness. Its Goetic correspondence is Beelzebub, the lord of flies, who manifests demons and destroys men through vices, making this card a potent symbol of the dangers of succumbing to temptation or delusion. Together, these interpretations frame the Moon as both guide and trial — a night journey through uncertainty that demands intuition, courage, and discernment to emerge into the light.

19. The Sun Tarot Card & 26. Bune Demon

The Sun is the card of joy, vitality, and ultimate success. It represents clarity after darkness and the pure life force that animates all things. In the Golden Dawn tradition, the Sun is associated with Regeneration, Fertility and Sterility, pointing to its dual power to give life and to burn away what no longer serves growth. Aleister Crowley called it the Collecting Intelligence, suggesting that it gathers together the fruits of past efforts and illuminates the whole of the soul’s journey. In the Rider–Waite–Smith tradition, the Sun signifies accomplishment, success, love, joy, happy marriage, and satisfaction, marking a moment of triumph and harmony with the world. Its Goetic correspondence is Bune, a duke who makes one rich, smart, and well-spoken, and changes places of the dead, adding a fascinating dimension of material gain and hidden wisdom to the Sun’s bright energy. Together, these layers reveal the Sun as the culmination of the seeker’s efforts — a card that celebrates life’s blessings, prosperity, and the radiant truth that comes when the spirit stands fully in the light.

20. Judgment Tarot Card & 68. Belial Demon

Judgment is the card of awakening, atonement, and the call to a higher purpose. It heralds the moment when the seeker must rise, answer for past actions, and step into a new phase of existence. In the Golden Dawn tradition, it is associated with Realization and Decision, emphasizing the clarity and resolve that come when the soul hears its true calling. Aleister Crowley called it the Perpetual Intelligence, representing the eternal voice that summons us toward transformation and rebirth. In the Rider–Waite–Smith tradition, Judgment stands for awakening, rejuvenation, improvement, promotion, atonement, and judgment, marking a time of reckoning and renewal. Its Goetic correspondence is Belial, a powerful king who distributes high offices and promotions and causes one to be liked, suggesting that answering this call brings recognition, status, and a chance to rise. Together, these layers frame Judgment as the card of destiny’s trumpet — a moment of truth that invites the seeker to transcend the past and embrace their highest potential.

21. The World Tarot Card & 60. Vapula Demon

The World is the grand finale of the Major Arcana, representing completion, fulfillment, and the unity of all experiences. It is the card of mastery — the moment when the seeker has walked the entire journey and now stands at the center of wholeness. In the Golden Dawn tradition, the World is linked to Universal Consciousness, Dominion and Slavery, pointing to the paradox of freedom that comes through understanding the laws of existence. Aleister Crowley called it the Administrative Intelligence, suggesting the ability to govern, order, and harmonize all aspects of life. In the Rider–Waite–Smith tradition, the World symbolizes perfection, recognition, success, fulfillment, and eternal life, celebrating both personal victory and cosmic integration. Its Goetic correspondence is Vapula, a duke who makes one skilled with labor and crafts and increases knowledge of philosophy and science, reflecting the wisdom and competence gained after completing the soul’s work. Together, these influences reveal the World as the card of triumph and mastery — the point where the seeker becomes a co-creator with the universe, ready to begin the cycle anew on a higher level.