Some notes on 

or TAROT

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In the mind complex the matrix may be described as consciousness. It has been called the Magician. It is to be noted that of itself consciousness is unmoved. The name Magician is understandable when you consider that consciousness is the great foundation, mystery and revelation which makes this particular density possible. The self-conscious entity is full of the magic which is to come. It may be considered first, for the mind is the first of the complexes to be developed by the student of spiritual evolution. It is that from all which comes, unmoving yet is the activator in potentiation of all mind activity.

The male figure represents the male principle. The wand as will, with a sphere on the end indicating the spiritual nature of the object of the will. The hand reaches toward that which, outside its unpotentiated influence is locked from it. The square, wherever seen, is the symbol of the 3rd density illusion and may be seen either as unmagical or, in the proper configuration, as having been manifested within; that is, the material world given life. The dark area around the square represents the darkness of the subconscious mind. The checkered portion surrounding it may viewed as polarity.  The winged images are to be noted for the position of the wings, in this case symbolizing that the spirit can not fly lest it be released into conscious manifestation and fructified thereby.

The chalice may be approached as the waiting polarity of be tasted by the Matrix of the Mind. The sword may be symbolic of struggle- observe the struggle of a caged bird to fly. The coin represents the Magus' striving to achieve through the manifested world.

The pentagram-faced coin, a chalice, a sword and a staff (or wand) may have been representative of the various paths of mystery schools. The symbols have evolved into the suits on modern playing cards: Diamonds= pentagram coin; Hearts=wand; Clubs=sword; Spades=chalice.

Arcanum I:        The Magician

The potentiator of consciousness is the unconscious. This encompasses a vast realm of potential in the mind. Here is the recapitulation of the beginning knowledge of this Logos; that is matrix and potentiator. The unconscious is indeed what may be poetically described as High Priestess, for it is the Potentiator of the Mind and is that principle which potentiates all experience. That great resource which may be seen as the sea into which the consciousness dips ever deeper and more thoroughly in order to create, ideate and become more self-conscious.

Her veil represents the veil between the conscious and subconscious. She sits within a structure in which polarity, symbolized by the light and dark pillars, is an integral and necessary part. The unfed mind has no polarity just as intelligent infinity has none. The nature of the sub-sub-sub-Logos which offers the 3rd density experience is one of polarity, by careful design. It is there for the Matrix to accept as given.

The very nature of the feminine principle of mind which, in Ra's suggestion, was related specifically to what may be termed sanctified sexuality is, itself  "The Book"   which neither the feminine nor the male principle may use until the male principle has reached and penetrated, in a symbolically sexual fashion, the inner secrets of this feminine principle.

The ankh or crux ansata (drawing shown distorted slightly)  she holds indicates spirit enlivening matter. The grape-covered mantle is the sign of great protection given by the very character of potentiation. To bear fruit is a protected activity. It covers her right side to indicate that the positive or service-to-others path  is the more efficient polarity. 

Arcanum II:        The High Priestess

All that assaults your senses is catalyst. The amount of randomness of potential catalyst is proportional to the newness of the mind/body/spirit complex to 3rd density. Catalyst processed by the mind is catalyst for the mind.

This archetype takes in far more than disciplined meditation. However, it is certainly through this faculty that catalyst is most efficiently used. It represents the unconscious or female portion of the mind being used or ennobled by the male or conscious portion of the mind. Thus the noble name or Empress. Magical ability is the ability to consciously use the so-called unconscious.

The element surrounding her is the abiding sun which, from the spirit, shines in protection over all catalyst available from the beginning of complexity to the discerning mind/body/spirit complex. Polarity is expressed firstly, by the many opportunities offered in the material illusion by the not-white and not-dark square upon which the entity of the image is seated, secondly, upon the position of that seated entity. It does not meet opportunity straight on but glances off to one side or another. In the image you will note a suggestion that the offering of the illusion will often seem to suggest the opportunities lying  upon the left-hand path or, as you might refer to it more simply, the service-to-self path. The entity's unstable platform indicates that the entity could sway in either direction, to the left or to the right-hand path.

The bird indicates that the mind/body/spirit complex, having made contact with its potentiated self, is now beginning its flight towards that great Logos which is that which is sought by the adept. Further, the nature of the winged creature is echoed both by the female holding it and the symbol of the female upon which the figure's feet rest; that is,  the nature of catalyst is overwhelmingly of an unconsciousness, coming from that which is not of the mind and which has no connection with the intellect, which precedes or is concomitant with catalytic action. All uses of catalyst by the mind are those consciously applied to the catalyst. Without conscious intent the use of catalyst is never processed through mediation, ideation and imagination. The sphere of spiritual power (atop the wand) is an indication of the semi-permeability of the veil for the catalytic process. 

All that you perceive seems to be consciously perceived. This is not the correct supposition. All that you perceive is perceived as catalyst unconsciously. By the, shall we say, time that the mind begins its appreciation of the catalyst, that catalyst had been filtered through the veil and in some cases much is veiled in the most apparently clear perception. 

As the entity increases in experience it shall, more and more, choose positive interpretation of catalyst if it is upon the service-to-others path and negative interpretations of catalyst if its experience has been of the service-to-self path.

Arcanum III:       The Empress

Again, the name Emperor implies nobility and in this case we may see the suggestion that it is only through the catalyst which has been processed by the potentiated consciousness that experience may ensue. Thusly is the conscious mind ennobled by the use of the vast resources of the unconscious mind. 

The Experience of the Mind grasps with firm authority what it is given. The face is to the left to indicate that negative catalyst will be more apparent in its power an effect. The figure is expressing the nature of experience by having its attention caught by what may be termed the left-hand catalyst. Meanwhile, the power, the magic, is available upon the right hand path. The nature of experience is such that the attention shall be constantly given varieties of experience. Those that are presumed to be negative, or interpreted as negative, may seem in abundance. It is a great challenge to take catalyst and devise the magical, positive experience. That which is magical in the negative experience is much longer coming in 3rd density.

The figure sit on the square of material illusion which is much darker than Arcane III. There is a cat inside the square, which may to us indicate flexibility and curiosity  but to the Egyptians represented a great guard. What, O student, does it guard? The entity is guarded along the right-hand path in direct proportion to the purity of the manifestations of intention and the purity of inner work done along this path. There is no outward shelter in the 3rd dimensional illusion from the gusts and blizzards of quick and cruel catalyst. However, to the pure, all that is encountered speaks of the love and the light of the One Infinite Creator. The cruelest blow is seen with an ambiance of challenges offered and opportunities to come. Thusly, the great pitch of light is held high above such a one so that all  interpretation may be seen to be protected by light. 

Other impressions were intended with the figures milk-white leg and the pointed foot. Observe the transformational meaning of the right angle in the crossed legs. The winged figure (spirit) from the previous image has achieved its objective here and has become a part, a central part of the experience.

Arcanum IV:      The Emperor

The heart of the mind complex is that dynamic entity which absorbs, seeks, and attempts to learn.

The Hierophant is the original archetype of mind which has been made complex through the subtle movements of the conscious and unconscious. The complexities of mind were evolved rather than the simple melding of experience from Potentiator to Matrix.

In order for the significator to be what it is not, then it must be granted the free will of the Creator. The key was the significator becoming a complex. To be a complex is to consist of more than one characteristic element or concept. The significator of each mind, body and spirit may be seen as a simple and unified concept. 

 The mind itself became an actor possessed of free will and more especially, will. As the significator the Hierophant has the will to know, but what shall it do with its knowledge, and for what reasons does it seek? The potentials are manifold.

Consider for the self, O student, whether your thoughts can walk. The abilities of the most finely honed mentality shall not be known without the use of the physical vehicle, the body. Through the mouth the mind may speak, through the limbs the mind may affect action. The entity looks to the left, indicating that the mind has the  tendency to notice more easily catalyst of a negative essence. Ra suggests that the information on the cartouches be understood as "and you shall be born again to eternal life." The dark and light figures indicate polarization. The original Egyptian color for the left hand path was not black, but russet red.

The Significator owns a covenant with the spirit which is shall in some cases manifest through the thought and action of the adept. Interpreted as a  promise,  the winged disc above the figure (not depicted in this tarot deck, left)  symbolizes the wings of spirit, high above manifestation, drawing the caged mind onward.

Arcanum V:        The Hierophant

The student of the mysteries being transformed by the need to choose betwixt the light and the dark in mind.

Examine the crossed arms of the male who is to be transformed. What see you in this tangle? There is a creative point to be found in this element. 

Observe the evaluation of the two females. Observe the relationship of the great sea of the unconscious mind to the conscious mind which may fruitfully be pursued. Many use the trunk and roots of mind (unconscious) as if it were a badly used, prostituted entity. Then they gain from this great storehouse that which is rough, prostituted and without great virtue.  Those who turn to the deep mind seeing it in the guise of a maiden, go forth to court it. The courtship has nothing of plunder in its semblance and may be protracted, yet the treasure gained by such a careful courtship is great. The right-hand and left-hand transformations of the mind may be seen  to differ by the attitude of the conscious mind towards its own resources as well as the resources of other-selves.

We now speak of that figure which sends the arrow to the left-hand transformation. The mythical creature sends not the arrow which kills but rather that which protects. Those who choose separation, that being the quality most indicative of the left-hand path, are protected by other-selves by a strength and sharpness equivalent to the degree of transformation which the mind has experienced in the negative sense. Those upon the right-hand path have no such protection against other-selves---for upon that path the doughty seeker shall find many mirrors for reflection in each other-self it encounters.

The concept of the pull towards mental polarity may well be examined in the light of what the student has already accreted concerning the nature of the conscious, exemplified by the male, and the unconscious, exemplified by the female. Indeed, both the prostituted and the virginal of deep mind invite and await the reaching.

In this image of Transformation of Mind, then, each of the females points the way it would go, but is not able to move, nor are the two females striving to do so. They are at rest.  The conscious entity holds both and will turn itself one way or the other- and not achieving the transformation.  In order for the transformation of Mind to occur, one principle governing the use of the deep mind must be abandoned.

The triangular shape formed by the shoulders and crossed elbows of consciousness is also a shape associated with transformation. It is echoed twice more in this image.

Arcanum VI:      The Lovers or Two Paths

Archetype Seven is one difficult to enunciate. We may call it the Path, the Way, or the Great Way of the Mind. Its foundation is a reflection and substantial summary of Archetypes One through Six. 

One may also see the Way of the Mind as showing the kingdom or fruits of appropriate travel through the mind in that the mind continues to move as majestically through the material it conceives of as a chariot drawn by royal lions or steeds.

A culmination of the action of the first six archetypes into a conquering of mental processes, even that of  removing the veil between conscious and unconscious mind. 

The veil between the conscious and unconscious mind is removed. The veil is the curtain at the top and is lifted--but still present, since the work of the mind and its transformation involves progressive lifting of the great veil betwixt the conscious and the deep minds. The complete success of this attempt is not properly a portion of 3rd density work, or 3rd density mental processes.

Arcanum VII:     The Chariot

In the body the matrix may be seen as balanced working or even functioning. Note here the matrix is always active with no means of being inactive. A reflection in opposites of the mind; that is, unrestricted motion.

Arcanum VIII:    Justice or Balance

The potentiator of the body complex may be called Wisdom for it is only through discrimination that the unceasing activities and proclivities of the body complex may be experienced in useful modes. That which, being informed, regulates activity.

Arcanum IX:       Wisdom or the Sage

Each catalyst is dealing with the nature of those experiences entering the energy web and vibratory perceptions of the mind/body/spirit complex. The most carefully noted addition would be that the outside stimulus of the Wheel of Fortune is that which offers both positive and negative experience.

Catalyst processed by the body is catalyst for the body.

Arcanum X:       Wheel of Fortune

Experience of the body

Catalyst processed by mind/body/spirit produces further seed for growth.

Arcanum XI:       The Enchantress

Significator of the body

Arcanum XII:     The Hanged Man or Martyr

Transformation of the body

Death and rebirth. 

Arcanum XIII:    Death

All archetypes of the body must be seen as a mirror image of the thrust of the activity of the mind. The body is the creature of the mind and is the instrument of manifestation for the fruits of mind and spirit. Therefore you may see the body as the athanor, a furnace through which the alchemist manifests gold. 

Arcanum XIV:    The Alchemist

Matrix of spirit. Night of the soul, primeval darkness. Receptive. Not capable of movement or work.  This matrix is difficult to characterize since the nature of spirit is less motile. The energies and movements of the spirit are, by far, the most profound yet, having more close association with space-time, do not have the characteristics of dynamic motion. Thusly one may see this matrix as the deepest darkness. The nature of the spirit is so infinitely subtle that the fructifying influence of light upon the great darkness of the spirit is very often not as apparent as the darkness itself.  

The freedom of an adept who has loosed the constraints of the thoughts, opinions and bonds of other-selves is seen by those not free as what you would call evil or black. The magic is recognized, the nature is often not.

Arcanum XV:     The Devil

Potentiator of the spirit

The potential power of the extremely receptive Matrix of Spirit is such that the potentiator may be seen as Lightning. The original potentiator was light in its sudden and fiery form, that is, lightning itself. This has been refined into the concept complex of the Lightning Struck Tower.  One may see it as the most sudden awakening, illuminating and generative influence.

Arcanum XVI:    Lightening Struck Tower

Catalyst of the spirit. Hope. Faith. The light that is seen before one has eyes to see. Catalyst processed by the spirit is catalyst for the spirit.

Arcanum XVII:   The Star or Hope

Experience of the spirit. Influences polarity. "Making the best of experiences" choosing to perceive "bad" things in a positive light.

Arcanum XVIII:  The Moon

Significator of the spirit. That living entity which either radiates to others the love and the light of the One Infinite Creator or absorbs it for itself. 

Arcanum XIX:    The Sun

Transformation of the spirit. That which is called sarcophagus in this system may be seen to be the material world. It is transformed by spirit into that which is infinite and eternal. The infinity of the spirit is an even greater realization than the infinity of consciousness, for consciousness which has been disciplined by the will and faith is that consciousness which may contact intelligent infinity directly. This is the energy with heals, builds, removes, destroys, and transforms all other-selves as well as the self.

Note the 37 degree angle of the smallest figure, associated with an out of body experience or astral travel. 

Arcanum XX:      Judgment

THE GREAT WAY OF THE SPIRIT. Contact with intelligent infinity and infinite love. 

Arcanum XXI:    The World

Choice. Free will, blinded by "the veil". Notice the vesica pisces, perhaps added later by the Chaldees.

 

Upon the foundation of the transformation of each complex, with free will guided by the root concepts offered in these cycles, the Logos offers this density the basic architecture of a building constructing and synthesizing of data culminating in THE CHOICE.

Arcanum XXII:   The Fool