Arcane 17
“Arcane 17” is a poetic work by French writer and poet André Breton. It was written during his exile in Quebec, Canada, from August 20th to October 20th, 1944, amidst the backdrop of World War II. The title refers to the 17th card in the Tarot’s Major Arcana, which features the emblem of a star. Additionally, it alludes to the 17th letter of the Hebrew alphabet, symbolizing language within the mouth.
“Arcane 17” is both an essay and a narrative, intricately woven with literary, poetic, political, and esoteric influences. At its core, the work celebrates the feminine, representing the source of life. The original edition, published in March 1945 by Brentano’s, includes illustrations by Sebastián Matta, inspired by conventional tarot cards: The Lover, The Moon, The Chariot, and The Star.