Recursive Humor
Ahhh, but the quirk in this line of inquiry zeroes in on a curious graft between the ‘Book of Formations’ (Sepher Yetzirah), Tarot, and certain legends concerning the mathematician-philosopher Pythagoras. Though the ‘occult’ doctrine embedded within the Hebrew tablature of 22 letter-symbols (numbered 0-21), and the figurate forms derived from their typology, presents a system unto itself, with or without the ‘Book of Thoth’, the utility of a 22 card deck ought be apparent for practicing its’ ars memoriae, however arcane.
What plagues this ‘sandbox’, whichever its intentions, is the lack of a coherent reckoning, plainly stated, of how this hidden cipher for constructing mandalas from ancient alphabets functions as a mnemonic device; and, by extension, when (not if) this practice influenced the design of Tarot.
In past postings I’ve erupted frustration from the suspicion that most “serious historians” are aware of that occult doctrine, but choose not to discuss it - either from some misplaced academic pride in debunking the mystics, a stigma associated with decrypting alphabets, allegiance to a fraternal oath of secrecy, or, at best, adherence to the strict acid test for determining historiographic legitimacy. Whatever your reasons, the gig is up, so ease up already.
Comically, though trying to prove any of this is akin to demonstrating ancient Egyptian knowledge of pi or phi, there is that devious streak of humor running through its allegorical connivance, recursively echoed in alchemical emblem, mythopoetic heraldry, or calendrical numerology. “Naturally”, whether you are led to believe any of this or not, there remains that ‘hidden doctrine’ - of which only fools dare speak - carefully concealed within our recursive vaults of “immortal truth”, enciphering forbidden secrets.
May providence grace you...