H
Halo
The spirit , chakras, aura. A symbol of Divinity, supreme power and sacredness.
Hand
Demonstration od power, dominion and transference.
Heart
Traditionally considered the seat of feelings, emotions and passions.
Hebrew Alphabet
The 22 letters used in the Hebrew language, which can also be connected to the 22 cards of the Major Arcana.
Heraldic Devices
Coats of arms and symbols conveying genealogy, rank and power.
Heresy
Religious ideas that conflict with the official teachings of the Christian church.
Hermes Trismegistus, Hermes
The archetypal combination of Egyptian deity Thoth and the Greek Hermes, this is the god of writing, magic, astrology, alchemy and knowledge. As a divine source of wisdom, Hermes Trismegistus was credited with tens of thousands of highly esteemed writings.
Hermeticism
A religious, philosophical and esoteric tradition. A path of spiritual growth based primarily upon the writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus.
Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
The most influential magical group to spring from the 19th century. The Golden Dawn used Tarot as the symbolic key within their esoteric and magical workings.
Hero's Journey
The common narrative template of stories that involve a hero who goes on an adventure, is victorious in a decisive crisis and comes home transformed. The Hero's Journey may be seen in the context of the progression through the Major Arcana.
Historical Decks
Reproductions, reconstructions or reinterpretations of the great Tarot decks of the past.
Hod
Hebrew word meaning splendour and numbered eight on the Kabbalistic Tree of Life.
Holy Grail
A sacred object in literature and certain Christian traditions identified as the dish, plate or cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper. The Grail symbolises perfection. Some consider Grail imagery the source of Tarot and its four suits. Grail stories are said to have influenced the design of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck.
Horn
The connection between the divine and the earthly worlds.
Horse
Power, speed and assistance. Often indicates the pace at which something will happen.
Human Remains
Symbolise the memory of life and the abandonment of all things that are not essential.