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William Blake Tarot
Man of ScienceThis is from Blake's famous painting, Newton, depicting the arch-scientist Isaac Newton. Seated on the floor of the ocean of materialism, he bends forward to make measurements with a compass. Blake respected Newton's genius, but saw him as embodying the Urizenic principles of scientific rationality that denied the imagination and spiritual reality. Dangling over Newton's left shoulder is his rational cloak woven on "the loom of Locke." On the rock beneath Newton's thigh is a squid, "polypus of death...that vegetates beneath the deep," symbolizing the evils of human society, whose tentacles reach into every man's life, bringing doubt and despair. In Blake's view, Newton and his sciences serve a useful purpose by giving visible form to error, making it vulnerable to eradication. Although surrounded by intellectual darkness, Newton himself in his naked beauty, and his work, are brilliantly illuminated by an inner light.The William Blake Tarot explores the mystical vision and artistry of the renowned English painter and poet. Through rich interpretations focused on creative undertakings, it has long been the deck of choice for artists, writers, musicians, and thinkers. For more information about this deck, or to buy your own personal copy, go to www.blaketarot.com.
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