General Book of the Tarot

General Book of the Tarot: Astrology of the Tarot

by

A. E. Thierens

The following is excerpted from the General Book of the Tarot at Sacred-Texts.com:

"There have been numerous attempts to construct systems of correspondence between the Tarot and the Sephiroth of the Kabbalah. Another fertile ground for this activity is to try to match the Tarot cards with astrology. This book was one of the first to try to make this connection. Beginning with a theoretical section, it then discusses each card. Another feature of this book is a comparison of characteristics attributed to each card by some of the previous writers such as Waite and Papus.

Originally published in 1930 under the title General Book of the Tarot, it was reprinted in paperback by Newcastle in 1975 under the much more germane title Astrology of the Tarot. The Newcastle edition is long out of print but not hard to find used. More recently Kessinger has added it to their print on demand inventory under the original title."

Cosmic Planetary Spheres

Cosmic Planetary Spheres
Below are just some of the components which make up the Cosmic Planetary Spheres according to the spiritualistic and ritualistic workings of the Temple of Kemetic Wicca:

Avenging Angels & Spirits
Avenging & Warlike Divinities
God/dess-forms (which are present in each of the planets)
Great Mother Goddesses & Great Father Gods
Healing Deities, Spirits & Angels
Holy (Indigo Rainbow Spirited) Children
Illuminous, Illuminator, Illuminati Deities & Spirits
Love Deities
Lunar Deities - The Moon
Messengers & Minions of the Spirit Realm
Sacrificial Deities & Sacrificed Divinities
Solar Deities - The Sun
Underworld God/desses

Numbers, Their Occult Power and Mystic Virtues

"This is a review of number lore by W. Wynn Westcott, an esoteric author of the 19th century. Westcott includes information on the Pythagoreans and the Kabbalah. The main portion of this book includes a series of chapters dealing with every-larger numbers, starting with the 'monad', 1. Westcott had a grasp a wide range of occult correspondences, and this short book includes many rare snippets of information..."

Of particular interest here at the ILMJ:

Part I. Pythagoras, his Tenets and his Followers

Part II. Pythagorean Views on Numbers

Part III. The Kabalah On Numbers

Full Text

Qabalah Mysteries

Mysteries of the Qabalah

by Elias Gewurz

[1922]

CHAPTER III.
EXAMPLES OF PERMUTATION AND NUMERICAL VALUATION.

In ancient times the world was not so overburdened with literature as in the unfortunate present, when millions of books which all treat of the same unimportant matters, things which come and go, mere illusions of the moment, are produced in such numbers. In those days man depended more upon the oral teachings and when ready received his due from a teacher to whom he was led often seemingly by chance. The method of teaching followed was generally the Qabalistic one of using the sacred scrolls, upon which were written glyphs and symbols, and upon this foundation building up a solid structure of knowledge which there is nothing in the modern world to excel. The teachings related to the Macrocosmos, the large world or the Universe, and to the Microcosmos, the reflection of that larger world, called Man. From the teachings hidden in these glyphs and symbols a universal science may be obtained, as is agreed by all who have studied these things, notably by H. P. Blavatsky, a science which treats of the Becoming of the Universe, of flux and efflux of Manvantara and Pralaya, from the generation of the "Gods" to the perfection of man.

One of the methods used to unravel the mysteries hidden in these sacred writings or scrolls is that of Temura or permutation, the anagrammatical method of changing the position of the letters forming a word to create a new word which explains the original. A striking example of this method, which should be of interest to all who are concerned with occult development and to those who are interested in the writings of the Alchemists, is the following:

The writers on Alchemy speak of a mysterious substance to which no name is given. It is said to be the cheapest thing in the world and costs nothing, it cannot be bought, but is actually given "for nothing" to all who are entitled to it. What is this mysterious thing? Let the Qabalist answer. It is grace.

This strange teaching was known ages before the Alchemists gave it out to their disciples, being hidden in the sacred writings of old, to be discovered by this method of Temura or permutation. Let us endeavour to gain some idea as to the method of giving out the hidden wisdom in the days of old.

The Hebrew word MChN, Mechein, meaning literally "from grace," has six permutations of great significance, viz., MChN, "from grace," MNCh, "from the one who rests," CHMn, meaning "rich oil," NChM, "to comfort," NMCh, "to obliterate," and finally, ChNM, "for nothing."

In these permutations is hidden a teaching of the deepest significance.

He who has passed through the fires of life and seen the emptiness of carnal things, of things transitory, those things which at the utmost last but for a life-time, even if that limit be reached, he who has reached this stage becomes MNCh, the one who rests from action. He has discovered after bitter lessons, after repeated trials and tests, that all mundane things are useful only because of the lessons which they teach the Soul. Having thus learned from long experience that nothing in the world of man may bind him, he becomes MNCh. He goes out into the world a disciple doing the work of his Master, doing his Master's will, seeking to bring anew to earth the mighty truths so long hidden from a materialistic world, seeking ever to serve his brethren unto whom the same light has not yet been vouchsafed, ever in the midst of great activity, yet himself inactive within. Whatever storm there may be without, however much it may pour with hailstones, however fearful the lightning and thunder in the world of man, he stands calmly by, ready to serve those who are sent to him, ready to do the will of God, for he has learned from the Silence and become MNCh.

Thus, he acquires GRACE, MChN, that grace which is his due through resting from effort, whilst ever in the midst of the fight.

This grace, or MChN, is like unto "rich oil," which is ChMN, pouring down upon him, anointing him and opening up a wider field of consciousness to him, which tells of perfect unity and at-one-ment, that plane or condition of being known in the East as the Buddhic and spoken of in the West as Cosmic Consciousness. Entering into this condition of Buddhic consciousness through the anointing, all his doubts and fears are dispelled. Never again can he complain that there is no purpose in life, nevermore will he rail at the gods for the faults of man, for now he knows, he realises and understands the reason, and sees the Purpose shining even in the darkest night of misery. Thus knowing much he is enabled to forgive all, and sets his feet firmly upon the path of Attainment.

Henceforth, as the looks around him and studies the Sacred Scriptures written in the hearts of men, he sees nothing evil, except in a relative sense. There are only lessons to be learned and a something beyond all forms which is Real and Everlasting. Nothing that is human is evil in his sight, nothing that is human is wrong, there is no sin but what he might himself have committed, no stage but what he himself has passed in his upward climb and knowing the effect of these lessons upon himself he realises that all is for the best and that God in truth, is indeed in his heaven, and that all is, as the poet says, right with the world.

The word NChM, "to comfort," shews us that after arriving at this stage the man is comforted with the knowledge gained, comforted by the Divine Grace which through resting he has attained. And now a new stage has been reached shewn in the word NMCh, meaning "to obliterate," the lower man is obliterated and the god appears in all his glory. It is now that the disciple attains to perfection and receives the great Arcanum, the true Philosopher's Stone which is given him literally "for nothing" (CHNM). He brings with him only grace (MChN), which permuted is ChNM, meaning literally "for nothing."

This then is the meaning of the Alchemists when they assert that the, sacred fire cannot be bought but is to be had "for nothing," but this "nothing" is a very precious "something," for it is grace without which no man can safely be entrusted with the Grand Secret.

We may read the lessons contained in these Temuras in a shorter way thus:—

The grace of God is like unto rich oil pouring out from the Heavens, coming "to comfort" the "one who rests" from strife and serving "to obliterate" all evil, so that nothing is left but the Perfected One, the Tahar or Arhat.

This is an illustration of the method called Temura. Let us now study that of Gematria or numerical valuation and incidentally learn the secret of the wonderful number thirty-three, a secret especially interesting to Freemasons.

The struggler, the disciple, it is well known, has to be thrown down into the Pit into the depths of matter, to learn the lessons which only can be learned through bitter experience. In the midst of his trials when for a time the Light is shut out from him he cries aloud: "Woe is me, my pain is greater than I can bear."

This pain is felt only by the lower man who is being crushed and the teacher reminds the disciple of this and instructs him by means of the perfect number thirty-three.

The value of the Hebrew word KABI which means "my pain" is exactly thirty-three, the number well-known to Occultists and Free-Masons. Why is this called the perfect number? How many Free-masons can answer? Few indeed of those who specialise in the "fourth degree," the banqueting degree, in any case, can throw even a faint glimmer of light upon the subject. Oh! that we might be permitted to pour the "Chochmah Nistorah" into the empty Masonic vessels and purify the Craft of its defilements. Idol with feet of clay! Let us leave the proud holders of this degree in the hands of the earth-spirit who will awaken them all in good time.

KABI then, which means "my pain" is numerically thirty-three and contains a teaching well worth of study. When the teacher hears this cry and recognises the man as an aspirant, when the disciple thinks that his pain is too great to be borne then is help vouchsafed him. He is instructed to centre himself in God to rise from the Pit into which he has been thrown.

The word BAL which means "in God" has the same numerical value (33) as KABI (my pain). We see that the symbol of the Higher Self (A) is centered in this word pointing out to the disciples the goal to which he must attain.

When this centring has been effected the disciple is told that now he will have to meet his real Self and become one with his Father, the Master within. "In God" says the Teacher, "shalt thou find thy Father, through pain and by the destruction of pain shalt thou rise from the Pit."

The word pain as we have seen it is numerically 33. From this we get the word BAL in God, also 33. In God the Father is to be found, by union the Self is to be known, as we see by changing the letters to those of the same numerical value, viz., ABIKh, literally thy Father (33).

These lessons learned, the disciple rises from the Pit and having become one with God returns to the Mount from whence he came and receives the Law as all true Initiates have to do. Then it is said that he will live for ever.

These teachings are also found in studying the perfect number 33, for not only does it refer to the Pain of the Disciple, the Father, the centring of the self in God but it shows us that the man returns to the heights after these struggles and really begins to live in the eternal. The word GL means Mountain and has the numerical value of 33, whilst YChIH has the same value and means he will live (in the eternal).

Thus in this number 33 is hidden the secret which tells how the risen one escapes for ever from the connection which he has been forced to make with Asmodeus and enters into that state in which Goodness and Light are predominating characteristics. Anything the treader of the Path possesses of these qualities is owing to individual advancement, but the popular or uninstructed world is not yet out of the hands of Asmodeus nor likely to be for ages to come. From all these teachings we should learn infinite patience and tolerance with our less progressed brothers, remembering the jewels from the Hall of Wisdom as set down in Light on the Path.

Source and Full Text: http://www.sacred-texts.com/eso/moq/moq10.htm

Dr. Israel Regardie

According to Wikipedia:

Israel Regardie, born Francis Israel Regudy(November 17, 1907–March 10, 1985) was one of the 20th century's most significant popularizers of the occult, specifically the legacies of Aleister Crowley and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.

Israel Regardie was born Israel Regudy in London to Barnet Regudy, a cigarette maker, and his wife, Phoebe Perry, poor orthodox Jewish immigrants from Zhitomir, Russia. His family changed their surname to "Regardie" after a clerical mixup resulted in Israel's brother being enrolled in the British Army under that name. Regardie emigrated with his parents to the United States in August 1921 and settled in Washington, DC. He studied art in Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA. With a Hebrew tutor he gained a linguistic knowledge which would prove invaluable in his later studies of Hermetic Qabalah. With easy access to the Library of Congress, he read widely and became interested in theosophy, Hindu philosophy and yoga; he also joined the Rosicrucians at around this time.

After reading Part I of Magick (Book 4) by the occultist Aleister Crowley, he initiated a correspondence which led to his return at 21 to the UK at Crowley's invitation to become the latter's secretary in 1928. When the two parted company four years later in 1932, Regardie distanced himself from Crowley personally, but still retained a great deal of respect for his writings.[4] Shortly after this period he published The Tree of Life, a guide to magick, largely derived from Crowley's work, and A Garden of Pomegranates, a primer on Qabalah based on notes he had taken while working for Crowley. Regardie would later write a biography of Crowley, The Eye in the Triangle, and continue to edit and republish Crowley's works up until the 1970s.

Source:
"Israel Regardie." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 4 Aug 2009, 20:18 UTC. 4 Aug 2009 [ http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Israel_Regardie&oldid=306074879 ].

According to Llewellyn Publications:

Francis I. Regardie, born in London, England, November 17, 1907; died in Sedona, Arizona, March 10, 1985. Came to the United States in August 1921, educated in Washington D.C. and studied art in school in Washington and Philadelphia. Returned to Europe in 1928 at the invitation of Aleister Crowley to work as his secretary and study with him. Returned to London as secretary to Thomas Burke 1932-34, and during that time wrote A Garden of Pomegranates and The Tree of Life.

In 1934 he was invited to join the Order of the Golden Dawn, Stella Matutina Temple, during which time he wrote The Middle Pillar and The Art of True Healing, and did the basic work for The Philosopher's Stone.

Returning to the United States in 1937 he entered Chiropractic College in New York, Graduating in 1941, and published The Golden Dawn. Served in the U.S. Army 1942-1945, and then moved to Los Angeles where he opened a chiropractic practice and taught psychiatry. Upon retirement in 1981, he moved to Sedona.

During his lifetime, he studied psychoanalysis with Dr. E. Clegg and Dr. J. L. Bendit, and later studied psychotherapy under Dr. Nandor Fodor. His training encompassed Freudian, Jungian and Reichian methods.

Source:
Republished courtesy of Llewellyn.com. Copyright © 2009, Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd.

____________________

ILMJ Editor's note:

Dr. Regardie's tome of esotericum mysticum, The Golden Dawn, is a significant masterpiece within the realm of Applied Occult Metaphysics, Ceremonial Magick, Qabalistic (Kabbalistic) studies, and alternative spiritual practices. Not only does one need to be well read but you will want to be "well-practiced" in several esoteric mysticism systems. As an ordained minister and spiritual occultist, I highly recommend the writings of Dr. Israel Regardie. ~ Rev. Kheti A. Sahure, DD, MscD, ThD ▪ Temple of Kemetic Wicca

Kabbalah - Ancient Hebrew Mysticism

Introduction to Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah

Author: Dr. Rita Louise

When non-Jews ask about Judaism, they commonly ask questions like: What is the nature of God? Do you believe in heaven and hell? What happens to us after death? The answers to questions like these characterize most religions. While Jewish law (Talmud) focuses on what it is God wants from man, the area of Judaism and Jewish thought that discusses these issues falls under the realm of Jewish mysticism and the Kabbalah.

Kabbalah is the name applied to the whole range of Jewish mystical activity.

The word Kabbalah comes from the Hebrew root Qof-Beit-Lamed, which means "to receive, to accept." If you have spent any time studying or reading about the Kabbalah, you can not help but to notice that there are many alternative spellings of this word. The reason for this is that some letters in the Hebrew alphabet have more than one representation in the English alphabet. For example, the letter “Qof” can be written either as K or Q or even as a C. This has led some authors choose one spelling for the word Kabbalah while others select another. In the end, they are all talking about the rich mystical tradition that has been a part of Judaism since its earliest days[.]

According to its supporters, intimate understanding and mastery of the Kabbalah brings man spiritually closer to God and as a result man can gain insight into the inner-workings of God’s creation. Since it deals with universal principles, i t works to explain not only the way our inner and outer worlds are constructed, but why. It teaches a method which allows the spiritual seeker to live in accord with the guiding force behind the whole of reality.

The History of Kabbalah

While it is not clear exactly where the mystical traditions of the Kabbalah originated, some texts claim this mystical system originated with Moses on Mount Sinai while others say it was provided by the angels to Adam as a means of returning to grace after the fall of man. According to Kabbalistic tradition, the concealed dimension of the Torah – the Kabbalah - was transmitted orally by the Jewish patriarchs, prophets, and sages of ancient times. However, after prophecy ceased and the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, a new era dawned for Kabbalah. Teaching of the Kabbalah began to emerge and around the second century A.D. Since that time and even today it is used by many as a guide for exploring our inner truths.

The most famous work of Kabbalah, the Zohar, was revealed to the Jewish world in the thirteenth century by Moses De Leon. The Zohar was in the form of a commentary or interpretation on the five books of the Torah (the first 5 books of the Old Testament). Whereas most commentaries interpret the Torah as a storyline and legal work, mystics, such as Moses De Leon, tend to interpret it as a system of symbols which reveals the secret laws of the universe.

Scholars have identified the study of the Kabbalah as being the Yoga of the West. Its foundation, beliefs and tenets echo those of the yogic system including the chakras. It has been theorized that the ideas and methodology used in the chakra system represent abstract ideals that are to be achieved. The Kabbalistic system, on the other hand expresses itself through the use of specific notions and concrete symbols, which bring unconscious thoughts, ideas and behaviors into our conscious awareness.

Prohibitions Surrounding the Study of Kabbalah

Over the years, prohibitions arouse around the study of Kabbalah. The rabbis of the Talmud regarded the mystical study of God as being important yet warned that it could be dangerous. There’s a famous story in the Talmud where four great sages entered a garden. They went into an ecstatic state, a state of mystical and spiritual ecstasy, and three of them did not survive. One came out insane, one died and one renounced his faith. It was only Rabbi Akiva who entered in peace, and exited in peace.

It was this episode, later experiences of individuals who became mentally unbalanced while engaging in mystical activities and the disaster of the false Messiah Shabbetai Zevi that caused seventeenth-century rabbis to legislate that kabbalah should be studied only by married men over forty who were also scholars of Torah and Talmud. In recent times, the prohibitions regarding the study of Kabbalah, even in Orthodox communities have been relaxed.

Types of Kabbalistic Practices

There are two types of Kabbalah: contemplative and practical.

Practical Kabbalah seeks to alter the nature of existence and change the course of events via ritualistic techniques. It can be seen as a kind of white magic, dealing with the use of techniques that could evoke supernatural powers. Its goal is to bring about practical changes, through the intervention of God. Examples can be found in the Bible with stories such as Moses drawing forth water from the rock, or of Aaron's staff being turned into a snake. It utilizes the utterance of divine names and incantations, amulets and talismans, as well as chiromancy, physiognomy and astrology. In recent times, this is form of Kabbalah is often practiced by non-Judaic Magical or practitioners ofHermetic Kabbalah.

The other form of Kabbalah, Contemplative Kabbalah, seeks to explain the nature of God and the nature of our existence via intellectual and meditative techniques.

This form of Kabbalah is what is often found when reading most written works on Kabbalah. Much of this branch grew out of the study of the Holy Scriptures. Various techniques for revealing the underlying meaning of the Holy texts include: Gematria, Notariqon and Temurah, which explore into the relationships and hidden meaning of numbers, letters and phrases of words. In turn, theories of how the universe was created and the essential nature of God and man, are explore and summarized through the symbol or glyph we know as the Tree of Life.

To a Kabbalist, the representation of the Tree of Life is often seen as visual road map which we can follow as we venture into the realm of the unconscious and the unknown. It is made up of 10 spheres or sephirah that symbolize the emanations or qualities of God. According to Kabbalistic tradition, the Ten Sefirot correspond to ten levels of creation or the ten different ways God reveals himself to us.

They can also be thought of as objective energy centers and discrete states of consciousness that are available to us or as a description of the unfolding energetic transition from God to Man. They constitute the inner structure of reality and account for the dynamic relationships that take place both physically and spiritually where they provide us with a model of personal growth and development. This is because hidden within each sephirot is a concealed motivational force that corresponds to distinct psycho-spiritual states of the human soul.

There is so much more that can be discussed when talking about the Kabbalah, but this should get you started along this exciting path of self-discovery.

The Kabbalah gives us tools that enable us to explore all aspects of our inner and outer selves and help us to know ourselves better and understand our relationship with the world around us. It can also be used as a tool to open ourselves up spiritually and become better acquainted with God. Regardless of how you choose to utilize the wisdom the Kabbalah, find gratitude in all your work and learning’s and be open to receiving its blessings.

© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer – http://www.soulhealer.com 2007. All rights reserved.

About the Author:

Dr. Rita Louise, Ph D is a Naturopathic Physician, founder of the Institute Of Applied Energetics and the host of Just Energy Radio. Author of the books “Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4” and “The Power Within”, it is her unique gift as a medical intuitive and professional clairvoyant that enlivens her work. Let Dr. Rita assist you bringing health, healing and wholeness back into your life. Visit http://www.soulhealer.com/ or listen live online to Dr. Rita on http://www.soulhealer.com/Just_Energy/just_energy_radio.htm.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Introduction to Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah

Temple of Kemetic Wicca - Resources 2009 C.E.

History of Witchcraft

This discussion eGroup is devoted to researching and tracing the historical roots and panoramic history of Witchcraft as well as the Universality of Witchcraft (Global Magick and Witchcraft). The beliefs, traditions, customs, and practices of an earlier time throughout social history will be examined. A concrete study of the evolution of the words, for example, "Witchcraft, Witch, Wicca, and Magic(k)" will be conducted from the insights and perspectives of Alternative Religion Spiritualists. Our endeavors also include the origins (etymologies) of the words "Pagan, Paganism, and Neo-Paganism". From an independent and alternative research approach, topic and subject matter include: The Salem Witch Hunts and Witch Trials; Witchcraft Persecutions and Religious Zealotry; Medieval Magick; Renaissance Mages; Astrology in Antiquity; Religion and Magick During the Middle Ages; the Influence of Alchemy and Esoteric Mysticism on Early Witchcraft practices; Folklore; Grimoires and Book of Shadows (BoS); Spellwork, Incantations, and Rituals; Daemonology (Demonology); and human motivation as it relates to and influences spiritual consciousness.

Hex Witch

Hex Witch is a place where you will find hexes, curses, incantations, and all kinds of spells, rituals, and ceremonies of malcontent. The Art of Hexing and Hexwork from around the world and throughout history, from ancient to modern times, will be discussed as well as how to go about the Transference & Transformation of Energy in your Occult, Magickal workings.

Topics of discussion include but are not limited to:

▪Aboriginal Witchcraft
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▪Magick (General)
▪Minions (Fawning, Servile Spirit Entities & Mundane Human Assistants)
▪Native American Witchcraft
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▪Occultism
▪Polarity Magick (Yin-Yang, Gender, etc.)
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This forum is not for the squeamish, faint of heart, or those who are easily offended. You must be age 18+ to join. This eGroup is overseen, facilitated, guided, and moderated by the ordained Priests & Priestesses of the Temple of Kemetic Wicca.

Antiquus Research Group

The Antiquus Research Group (ARGroup) is an independent, non-profit organization and project devoted to the research, study, teaching, and cogent analysis of the ancient, ancestral, historical, cultural-anthropological, sociological, religio-spiritual, and metaphysical practices of humankind who engaged in the vastness of Alternative Religions  and Spiritualities (ARS) through modern times. The scope and focus involve conducting purposeful independent, original research utilizing technology, innovative qualitative and quantitative (statistical) research design methods. We offer a knowledge base where one can learn the rudiments of social science and humanities research from the basic (simple) through the advanced (complex). Our research projects focus on Afrikan (African) Traditional Religions (e.g., Ifá, Santería, Vodou-Voodoo), Ancient Theology, Archaeology, Divination, Egyptology, Esoteric Mysticism, Geology (crystals, minerals, rocks, and stones), Herbalism, Hoodoo (an African-centric, ethnocultural spirituality and practice of Rootwork - Conjure), Kemeticism (a modern reconstruction and interpretation of Ancient Egyptian religion), Magick, Native American Spirituality, Paganism, Rituals, Shamanism, Spellwork, Wicca (the religion), and Witchcraft (the practice).

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Applicatus Occultus Metaphysicus

Applied Occult Metaphysics is for those seekers who are interested in the diverse applications of Witchcraft, Afrikan Traditional Religions (Santería, Vodou, Yoruba Ifá), Kemeticism, Kemetic (Egyptian) Wicca, Hoodoo Rootwork, Traditional Paganism & Neo-Paganism, Pagan Theology, Magick (Heka), Spellwork, Rituals, Divination, Holistic Healing, Esoteric Mysticism & Mystickal Systems, Kinesis, Mythology, Herbalism & Botanicals, Astrology, Tarot, Zoomorphism, Native American Spirituality, Shamanism, Cosomology, I Ching, Thelema (Crowley), Ontology, Sacred Geometry, Psionics, Kabbalah (Qabala), Enochian Magick, Celtic Witchcraft, Philosophy, Theosophy, Hermeticism, Energy Work (e.g., Reiki, Chakra Attunement, Radionics, Auras, Hypnosis (NLP), Radiesthesia, Orgonomy & Orgone Energy) and so much more from the learned perspectives and experientials of practitioners of Alternative Religions & Spiritualities (ARS) worldwide. Newcomers and Seekers of spiritual enlightenment are welcome to apply for membership.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Applied_Occult_Metaphysics

Migration of Symbols

The Migration of Symbols
By

Count Goblet d'Alviella
[1894]

"This is a study of the migration and mutation of symbols by a late 19th century Belgian lawyer and Masonic scholar, Count Goblet d'Alviella (b. 1846, d. 1925). Originally published in 1891 in French, this book covers a huge web of interchangeable symbols, which are found over a wide range of cultures through the Near East, India, Europe, and further abroad, notably in Mesoamerica. He attempts to explain the widespread use of symbols such as the Swastika, the Tree of Life, the Winged Globe, the Trident and the Caduceus. Despite the title, d'Alviella does not adhere to one theory; instead he has a whole toolkit, including diffusion, mutation, independent origins and appropriation, as well as psychological, historical and sociological explanations.

He demonstrates that the same symbol can have different interpretations in different cultures and at different times. Such is the case with the swastika, which today is obviously associated with absolute evil, but which has been used historically as a symbol of the Sun's yearly path, and regarded as a good-luck symbol, even to this day, in the far East. With over 150 line illustrations, this book is an invaluable source book for symbologists, and makes fascinating reading for readers interested in the development of religion..."

Source & Complete Text -
http://www.sacred-texts.com/sym/mosy/index.htm

Free PDF Download -
http://books.google.com/books?id=s6sTAAAAYAAJ&dq=The+Migration+of+Symbols

Citation -
Goblet d'Alviella, Eugène. The Migration of Symbols. [London]: A. Constable and Co, 1894.

Symbolic Tarot

"SYMBOLISM OF EACH OF THE KEYS"
By
S. L. MacGregor Mathers
[1888]

Description of the symbolism of each of these hieroglyphical keys.

1. The Juggler or Magician. Before a table covered with the appliances of his art stands the figure of a juggler, one hand upraised holding a wand (in some packs, a cup), the other pointing downwards. He wears a cap of maintenance like that of the kings, whose wide brim forms a sort of aureole round his head. His body and arms form the shape of the Hebrew letter Aleph, to which this card corresponds. He symbolises Will.

2. The High Priestess, or Female Pope. A woman crowned with a high mitre or tiara (her head encircled by a veil), a stole (or a solar cross) upon her breast, and the Book of Science open in her hand. She represents Science, Wisdom, or Knowledge.

3. The Empress. A winged and crowned woman seated upon a throne, having in one hand a sceptre bearing a globe surmounted by a cross, while she rests the other upon a shield with an eagle blazoned therein on whose breast is the cross. She is the Symbol of Action, the result of the union of Science and Will.

4. The Emperor. He is crowned (and leaning against a throne, his legs form a cross, and beside him, beneath his left hand, is a shield blazoned with an eagle). In his right hand he bears a sceptre similar to that of the Empress. His body and arms form a triangle, of which his head is the apex, so that the whole figure represents a triangle above a cross. He represents Realisation.

5. The Hierophant or Pope. He is crowned with the papal tiara, and seated between the two pillars of Hermes and of Solomon, with his right hand he makes the sign of esoterism, and with his left he leans upon a staff surmounted by a triple cross. (Before him kneel two ministers.) He is the symbol of Mercy and Beneficence.

6. The Lovers. This is usually described as representing Man between Vice and Virtue, while a winged genius threatens Vice with his dart. But I am rather inclined to the opinion that it represents the Qabalistical Microprosopus between Binah and Malkuth (see my Kabbalah Unveiled), while the figure above shows the Influence descending from Kether. It is usually considered to mean Proof or Trial; but I am inclined to suggest Wise Disposition as its signification.

7. The Chariot. This is a most complicated and important symbol, which has been restored by Eliphas Levi. It represents a Conqueror crowned and bearing a sceptre, riding in a cubical chariot, surmounted by four columns and a canopy, and drawn by two horses, one of which looks straight forward, while the other turns his head towards him. (Two wheels are shown in the complete single-headed figure.) It represents Triumph, and Victory of Justice and Judgment.

8. Justice. A woman crowned and seated on a throne (between two columns), holding in her right hand an upright sword, and in her left the scales. She symbolises Equilibrium and Justice.

9. The Hermit. An old and bearded man wrapped in a mantle, and with his head covered with a cowl, bearing in his right hand the lantern of occult science, while in his left he holds his magic wand half hidden beneath his cloak. He is Prudence.

10. The Wheel of Fortune. A wheel of seven spokes (the two halves of the double-headed cards make it eight spokes, which is incorrect) revolving (between two uprights), On the ascending side is an animal ascending, and on the descending side is a sort of monkey descending; both forms are bound to the wheel. Above it is the form of an angel (or a sphinx in some) holding a sword in one hand and a crown in the other. This very complicated symbol is much disfigured, and has been well restored by Levi. It symbolises Fortune, good or bad.

11. Strength or Fortitude. A woman crowned with crown and cap of maintenance, who calmly, and Without effort, closes the jaws of a furious lion. She represents Strength.

12. The Hanged Man. This extraordinary symbol is almost unintelligible in the double-headed cards. Properly, it represents a man hung head downwards from a sort of gibbet by one foot (his hands are bound behind his back in such a manner that his body forms a triangle with the point downwards), and his legs a cross above it. (Two sacks or weights are attached to his armpits.) He symbolises Sacrifice.

13. Death. A skeleton armed with a Scythe (wherewith he mows down heads in a meadow like grass). He signifies Transformation, or Change.

14. Temperance An angel with the sign of the Sun on her brow Pouring liquid from one vessel into another. She represents Combination.

15. The Devil. A horned and winged demon with eagle's claws (standing on an altar to which two smaller devils are bound by a collar and cord). In his left hand he bears a flame-headed sceptre. He is the image of Fate or Fatality, good or evil.

16. The Lightning-struck Tower. A Tower whose Upper part is like a crown, struck by a lightning-flash. (Two men fall headlong from it, One of whom is in such an attitude as to form a Hebrew letter Ayin.) Sparks and debris are falling. It shows Ruin, Disruption.

17. The Star. A nude female figure pours water upon the earth from two vases. In the heavens above her shines the Blazing Star of the Magi (surrounded by seven others), trees and plants grow beneath her magic influence (and on one the butterfly of Psyche alights). She is the star of Hope.

18. The Moon. The moon shining in the heavens, drops of dew falling, a wolf and a dog howling at the Moon, and halted at the foot of two towers, a path which loses itself in the horizon (and is sprinkled with drops of blood, a crayfish emblematic of the sign Cancer, ruled over by the Moon, crawls through water in the foreground towards the land). It symbolises Twilight, Deception, and Error.

19. The Sun. The Sun sending down his rays upon two children, who suggest the sign Gemini. (Behind them is a low wall.) It signifies Earthly Happiness.

20. The Last Judgment. An Angel in the heavens blowing a trumpet, to which a standard with a cross thereon is attached. The Dead rise from their tombs. It signifies Renewal, Result.

0. The Foolish Man. A man with a fool's cap, dressed like a jester, with a stick and bundle over his shoulder. Before him is the butterfly of pleasure luring him on (while in some packs a tiger, in others a dog, attacks him from behind). It signifies Folly, Expiation.

21. The Universe. Within a flowery wreath is a female figure nude save for a light scarf. She represents Nature and the Divine Presence therein. In each hand she should bear a wand. At the four angles of the card are the four cherubic animals of the Apocalypse. Above, the Eagle and the Man; below, the Lion and the Bull. It represents Completion, Reward.

Thus the whole series of the twenty-two trumps will give a connected sentence which is capable of being read thus:--The Human Will (1) enlightened by Science (2) and manifested by

Action (3) should find its Realisation (4) in deeds of Mercy and Beneficence (5). The Wise Disposition (6) of this will give him Victory (7) through Equilibrium (8) and Prudence (9), over the fluctuations of Fortune (10). Fortitude (11), sanctified by Sacrifice of Self (12), will triumph over Death itself (13), and thus a Wise Combination (14) will enable him to defy Fate (15). In each Misfortune (16) he will see the Star of Hope (17) shine through the twilight of Deception (18); and ultimate Happiness (19) will be the Result (20). Folly (0), on the other hand, will bring about an evil Reward (21).

To prepare the pack for Fortune-telling, write at the top of each card its number and signification when in its proper position, and at the bottom its meaning when reversed. To facilitate this, and to assist in reading them I here append a list of the cards with the meanings, which, I think, will be found to answer all practical purposes R. means Reversed.

Source:
http://www.sacred-texts.com/tarot/mathers/mtar02.htm

Occult Metaphysical Sciences Forum (OMSF)

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"Occult" derives from the Latin word occultus, meaning clandestine, hidden, or secret, and referring to the "knowledge of the secret, hidden, and supernatural". OMSF will focus on the esoteric, curio, arcane, and mysticism of Alchemy, Alternative Spiritualities, Astrology, Magic(k), Neo-Paganism, New Age, Philosophy, Theosophy, and Witchcraft (not Wicca) for the purpose of research, study, history, investigation, and discussion. Informational and discussion topics include: Ancient Egyptian Cartouche, Anthropology, Applied Metaphysics, Archaeology, Astral Projection, Astronomy, A.A. Bailey, H.P. Blavatsky, R. Buckland, C. Castaneda, E. Cayce, Chakras, Chakra Attunement, A. Crowley, Dr. J. Dee, Divination, Dr. Doreal (Atlantean and Lemurian), Eschatology, C. Fort, D. Fortune, G. Gardner, Geomancy, Hermes Mercurius Trismegistus, M.P. Hall, Hermeticism, H. Hesse, Hexagram, Holistic Healing Modalities, Hoodoo, Kabbalah, Kachinas, Kameas (Magickal Squares), E. Kelly, Ley Lines, Eliphas Lévi, Magnetism, M. Murray, Nostradamus, P.D. Ouspensky, Dr. Papus, Paracelsus, Parapsychology, Pentagram, Philosopher's Stone, Principia Discordia, Psychometry, Quantum Touch, Radiometry, H.S. Redgrove, Rosicrucianism, Silva UltraMind, Sociology, Sorcery, R. Steiner, Turba Philosophorum, Symbology, Tarot, Thelema, Theosis, Theurgy, D. Valiente, Voodoo, Wizardry, and so forth. This forum is open to all levels of knowledge and experience, from newcomer to the most advanced.