Toccata in F Major by J.S.Bach, Schmeider # 540, performed by Michel Chapuis. Compared to the Major Arcana Tarot trumps showing The Fools' Journey.
Text of the video for each card in the order presented
Intro: Toccata in F Major S.540, matched up with the Hero’s Journey as presented in the sequence of the 22 tarot trumps
0. The Fool
It’s called the Fool’s Journey
4. Emperor
Each card trumps the one before, thus telling the story. The Emperor is the founder and leader, so he comes first.
The Toccata’s snake-like theme, with two voices in canon (imitation).
The right hand leads the left hand, representing male power.
The symbol of mastery and thinking
5. The Hierophant
The theme starts over again; the journey’s next phase
Hierophant means High Priest. Actually it’s the Pope!
He is a male ruler, the sacred counterpart of the secular Emperor.
The "imperial rulers" represent temptations of worldly power, and authority figures that advise or obstruct the seeker
The symbol of intuition, or knowledge of first principles and eternal moral values.
1. The Magician
The Toccata’s "snake" theme is played by the pedals only.
The magician is our guide. He uses ritual.
Originally he was a money-grubbing trickster.
His hands are saying "as above, so below"
The last 4 notes of this section are the same as the last 4 notes of the whole piece. As above, so below
0. The Fool
The 3 chords represent The Fool
3. The Empress
The canon "snake" theme returns, but this time the left hand leads the right!
The left hand represents the feminine. In Bach’s order, the feminine rulers trump the males!
The symbol of sensation, its alluring delight and power! Life is growing all around us. Awake; participate!
2. The High Priestess
The theme starts over, left-hand still leading.
Originally the priestess of Venus, and keeper of secrets. She’s "Mother Superior" too.
She’s also the Female Pope! Leader of a heretical "new age" papacy.
In the New Age order, women rule religion & the "esoteric" Priestess trumps the exoteric Pope.
Symbol of intuitive feeling.
6. The Lovers
The second pedal solo.
Like the first, it grounds us to the earth. This first section of cards are about mastering our worldly appetites.
This card represents sensuous love & romance.
It’s also a choice whether to follow a higher love. This is shown by the pedal notes jumping between high and low.
7. The Chariot
The seeker chooses the path!
Two chords with pedal alternating between high and low represents the chariot.
8. Strength
The Toccata’s second theme; uplifting, strong and aspiring.
It represents the cardinal virtues, from Plato’s "Republic"
We need Strength to make this Hero’s journey!
7. The Chariot
Pedal note and 2 chords form a triangle, like the charioteer and his horses.
9. The Hermit
The Toccata’s climbing theme; sounds like a difficult ascent.
Spiritual practice is hard, but he also guides others.
10. Wheel of Fortune
The seeker confronts the awesome power of fate, represented by powerful chords!
The original snake theme returns, now played by feet and pedals together.
11. Justice
The powerful uplifting theme returns, representing the second cardinal virtue.
Knowing what is fair for ourselves and others. Wholeness and integrity.
Our calm inner heart center.
7. The Chariot
The seeker learns to direct his two horses, one more obedient than the other.
12. The Hanged Man
The "snake" canon is hung from high, passionate chords!
Turning convention on its head. Letting go of the social ego. Sacrifice and compassion.
14. Temperance
The 3rd cardinal virtue. Being adaptable and of good temper.
Much needed to master these challenges!
Chords alternate between high and low, symbolizing liquid pouring between the 2 cups.
7. The Chariot
We climb ever higher on our path, and the view is scenic!
13. Death
Climbing and struggle theme. The suspense is great!
We need to let go of the old to grow.
15. The Devil
The ultimate adversary; the dark night of the soul
We get stronger battling our demons!
Hands play the "tempting" snake theme, accompanied by the pedal.
16. The Tower
The uplifting theme enters again 3 times: our 3 developed virtues!
We can now overthrow the devil from power!
17. The Star
Breakthrough! New vision. Themes combined.
18. The Moon
The chariot is now our vehicle of ascension. Light is increasing!
19. The Sun
The uplifting theme is now a theme of victory. We are ready for enlightenment.
20. Judgement
The trumpet calls us to new life. Bliss and rebirth.
The organ is nature’s most finely crafted set of divine trumpets!
7. Chariot
The chariot theme descends from the heavens. We see the throne of God.
21. The World
An amazing stroke! Bach brings back the struggle theme at the end.
The seeker is now a master returning to the world to help others.
The vision of revelation. The final 4 notes are the 4 figures.
0. The Fool
These 3 chords also introduced the 2nd canon. Hit replay, & they introduce the first! The end is a new beginning!
Toccata in F BWV 540 matched to tarot trumps on youtube