Surrealist Fantasies: Lamps

Paul Eluard, who was the first husband of the Dalí Gala and one of the parents of Surrealism, affirmed that "there are other worlds, but they are in this one."

Juan Eduardo Cirlot (1) and José Antonio Pérez-Rioja (2) agree, in the character of intelligence and spirit symbol, with which the lamp is highlighted.

It is not surprising, therefore, that one of the most mysterious Arcana of the no less mysterious deck of cards known as the Tarot, the Hermit, also appears holding a lamp in one of his hands, as a symbol of mastery and guidance, for all those who, restless, seek Knowledge or simply need the help of a light in the confusion that is their own way.

Without the need, on the other hand, to emulate the famous Aladdin of a Thousand and One Nights, we can avoid the curious and at the same time embarrassing ritual of rubbing a lamp, no longer waiting for a wonderful genius to come forward to satisfy our mundane whims, but to introduce us, as Eluard rightly said, in those other worlds, which, after all, is in this one.

It is enough to get carried away by the magic of its light, observing how amazing details are outlined about the halls and rooms where they also fulfill the same ritual as the Hermit of the Tarot, and feel, at least metaphorically, that the spirit unfolds and that For a moment, he wanders fully amazed by succulent corners endowed with a nostalgic atmosphere, but extremely romantic and charming.

Notes, References and Bibliography:

(1) Juan Eduardo Cirlot: ‘Dictionary of symbols’, Ediciones Siruela, S.A., Madrid, 1997.
(2) José Antonio Pérez-Rioja: ‘Dictionary of symbols and myths’, Editorial Tecnos, S.A., Reprint, Madrid, 1980.

NOTICE: Both the text and the accompanying photographs are my exclusive intellectual property.