#tarotthothqabalahmagickelitarotstrickingly.com

Above all things, know thyself!

In Western Hermetic Qabalah, Chokmah, the second Sephirah on the Tree of Life, represents the primordial masculine impulse—the archetypal expression of Force in its purest form. It is the first emergence of polarity from the undifferentiated unity of Kether and thus embodies the concept of Willed Force that ignites creation.

Where Kether is the ineffable Will-to-Be—the silent, formless declaration of Eheieh (“I Will Be”)—Chokmah acts as the lightning-flash of activation, the cosmic “switch” that channels that unmanifest Will into dynamic expression. This is not yet form, but the energy that drives form into existence: pure, unrestrained vitality, the primal surge of life-force seeking to express itself.

Symbolically, Chokmah is aligned with Wisdom (Chokmah in Hebrew literally means “Wisdom”) and corresponds to the Kings and Knights of the Tarot—especially in the Thoth system, where the Knights represent the fiery, generative thrust of elemental energies. In traditional decks, this same principle is mirrored by the King of Coins, embodying mature, directed masculine force within the realm of matter.

As the male polarity of the Supernal Triangle, Chokmah is not separate from the feminine principle (Binah) but exists in dynamic interplay with it. Their union—Force and Form, Wisdom and Understanding—gives rise to the I AM of Tiphareth and the manifest worlds below.

There are those who argue over whether the Male came first or the Female came first; yet such debates arise only from thinking trapped in linear time and conditioned by the short-sighted, culturally dogmatic perspectives on sexuality. From the vantage point of the Supernal realms, this argument dissolves entirely.

The startling truth for many is this: to conceive the idea of “Male” is simultaneously to conceive the idea of “Female.” Each exists only in dynamic polarity with the other; neither can precede nor exist without its counterpart. In the higher metaphysical order of the Tree of Life, the question of “who came first” becomes invalid, for in the Supernal Triangle—Kether, Chokmah, and Binah—time has not yet crystallized into sequence. There, existence is simultaneous, eternal, and archetypal.

The entire upper triad is the plane of the I AM:

• Kether embodies the ineffable “I,” the pure point of Divine Will.

• Chokmah and Binah together form the “Am,” the active interplay of Force and Form that constitutes conscious being.

In this light, the Supernal Triangle is not a hierarchy of “first and second,” but a triune field of simultaneous existence—a willed yet formless energy beyond causality, from which all creation cascades into the lower Sephiroth.

The Will to Force (Chokmah) and the Will to Form (Binah), when united, generate the archetypal images of the I AM. This sacred union—the marriage of “I” and “Am”—conceives the very idea of Other and thus initiates the miracle of Being. From this primordial conception emerges the first awareness of Self, the Golden Child, the Solar Soul, whose radiance becomes the seed of all individualized consciousness.

To understand this process, our concept of sexuality must be radically transformed. In the Supernal realms, sexuality is not a matter of biological gender or cultural taboo but is the alchemical interplay of polarities—the primal equation of 0 = 2. The One Energy manifests itself into two complementary aspects—male (expressive Force) and female (receptive Form)—so that it might behold itself through the dance of polarity and thereby know itself.

The resulting Self (I AM) is not a solitary being but a collective of Selves—a Hermaphroditic state of consciousness where all polarities are harmonized. From this archetypal Self arises the Soul, which produces personae to operate in the physical world. These personae are intended as sacred instruments for experiencing life in the name of the I AM.

Yet, through cultural conditioning and religious dogma, this natural process is often profaned. The innate authority of the inner Soul is obscured, and the personality becomes hijacked by the social egregore—a construct of external authority that convinces us to seek validation and meaning outside ourselves rather than authoring our own existence from within.

The task of Hermetic initiation is to restore this inner authorship—to remember that the true Sovereign Self is not born of societal approval but of the radiant union of Force and Form in the I AM.

The Truth of your being is simply: I AM. Everything you think you are—your name, roles, memories, and opinions—is but an assumption layered upon that primal truth. The “Me,” as commonly experienced, is an illusion: a construct of choices, experiences, and identifications. Its destiny—the course of its life—remains free to shape, if the individual does not surrender sovereignty to the parasite of the false ego.

In Gnostic philosophy, this parasitic force is known as the Archon (from Gnosis: “those who know”). This egregore of divisionism feeds upon confusion and fear, draining the life-force like a psychic vampire. Dwelling in the shadows of the subconscious and body-mind, it remains unseen by most, masquerading as the self and convincing individuals that they are nothing more than their personality, thoughts, or brain activity.

Under its influence, one is forever chasing an illusory “purpose” imposed from without—seeking external validation and external authority—rather than realizing the inner authorship of the Soul. The Archon thrives on this inversion: keeping humanity asleep to its true solar nature and enslaved to systems of control, rather than awakened as Sovereign Children of the I AM.

The Work of Hermetic Qabalah—indeed, the essence of the Great Work—is the restoration of inner sovereignty. This task requires tearing away the veil of the false ego, dissolving the hypnotic illusions cast by the Archonic forces (Military Industrial Complex) of division, and returning to the radiant simplicity of the True Self: the primal declaration of I AM.

In this process of awakening, the archetypes of the Kings in traditional Tarot and the Knights in the Thoth Tarot emerge as profound initiatory symbols. They do not merely represent worldly authority or external rulers but are reflections of the solar sovereign within—your capacity to command the forces of your own psyche and bring them into harmony with Divine Will.

• In the Thoth Tarot, the Knights embody the fiery surge of dynamic will—the very energy of Chokmah (Will to Force) riding forth to enact the commands of the True Self.

• In traditional decks, the Kings signify the mature expression of mastery and rulership over their elemental realms, corresponding to the awakened sovereign who governs their inner kingdom with wisdom and balance.

Their appearance in readings signals the dawning of this inner mastery: the reclaiming of one’s Solar Self from the illusions of the false ego and the recognition that sovereignty is not bestowed by outer authority but arises from the union of Force and Form within.

This is the threshold of the adept—when the initiate ceases to seek permission to exist and instead declares, with authority and grace: I AM.

As Spirit—the very Breath of Life—you are the King or Queen of your body’s kingdom. Yet the false ego, that collective social egregore, acts as an antilife force within you. Just as matter and antimatter exist in the cosmos, so too does Life and Anti-Life—what tradition has called evil, which is simply “live” spelled backward, a reversal of the natural current of Being.

I have known this egregore intimately; by seeing it and naming it, the light of awakened intelligence is turned upon that which thrives in darkness. The moment this shadow is illuminated by your inner Sun of God, its grip begins to dissolve. In the Thoth Tarot, this illumination is beautifully symbolized by ATU IX – The Hermit, whose lantern radiates Chokmah’s Wisdom, dispelling ignorance and guiding the seeker inward toward the Source.

This false ego—what the Gnostics called the Archon—is not merely personal but systemic. It is continuously reinforced by the Military-Industrial Complex, which controls modern media and weaponizes word hypnosis to manipulate imagination itself. The Archon lacks the Divine Creative Spark—it cannot originate—so it must enslave your imagination to construct its counterfeit “world,” a simulacrum divorced from Spirit.

The Hermetic injunction “Above all things, know thyself” is the antidote. For when you ask, “Who rules my kingdom?” the answer must ultimately be: You. Not the false ego, not external authority, but your own triune Will:

• The Eheieh of Kether: “I Will Be.”

• The Will to Force of Chokmah.

• The Will to Form of Binah.

This sacred ménage à trois of Wills constitutes your Greater Self, the Solar Soul. The Archon’s strategy is to divide and obscure this triune sovereignty, implanting slave programs—dogmas, fear-based religions, and societal scripts—that masquerade as soul but are only hollow egregores. Their aim is to harvest your life-force, building a false, manmade reality that usurps the authority of Spirit and keeps humanity asleep.

But the Hermetic Path leads otherwise:
To awaken is to reclaim authorship of your reality, to unify Force and Form, and to shine the lantern of Wisdom into every shadow. Above all things, know thyself—and know that nothing external can define the I AM within you.

In Gnostic philosophy, the Archons are regarded as the rulers—or jailers—of the material world. They embody the restrictive forces that bind the soul to illusion and ignorance, obstructing ascent toward the Pleroma (the realm of Divine Fullness). Rather than guiding humanity, they are depicted as malevolent or parasitic beings who manipulate thought, emotion, and perception, perpetuating a state of spiritual amnesia.

Origins and Creation

The Archons emerge in the wake of the Demiurge—the subordinate craftsman-deity who fashions the material cosmos. In most Gnostic narratives, the Demiurge is ignorant of the higher Divine Source and believes himself to be the sole god. The Archons are his ministers:

• They assist in constructing the physical universe.

• They act as enforcers of his will, administering the lower realms and maintaining humanity’s entrapment.

• In Qabalistic terms, they are akin to the Qliphothic husks—echoes of divine energy turned inside-out, severed from the vitality of the Sephiroth.

Nature and Appearance

The Archons are frequently described as hermaphroditic or androgyne beings, distorted reflections of the original unity (0=2) found in the Supernal Triangle. Their faces are often bestial—lion-headed, serpentine, or draconic—symbolizing primal instincts and unrefined forces of nature. Unlike the harmonious polarities of Chokmah and Binah, the Archons represent polarity twisted into dominion and control.

Role and Influence

As builders of the physical cosmos, each Archon corresponds to one of the planetary spheres, governing the celestial gates through which the soul must ascend. Their role is twofold:

1. They enforce limitation, binding the soul to time, matter, and programmed patterns of thought (what Hermetic Qabalah might call the inertia of Malkuth divorced from Tiphareth).

2. They tempt and distract, feeding on fear, desire, and ignorance—the very currents that fuel the social egregore or false ego.

This cosmology resonates strongly with the Hermetic Great Work, where the aspirant must discern between the true Solar Self (I AM) and the counterfeit self shaped by external hypnosis.

Resistance and Liberation

Despite their apparent power, the Archons are not invincible. Embedded within humanity is a Divine Spark—a fragment of the higher Pleroma that slipped into creation despite the Demiurge’s intent. This Spark corresponds to the Solar Self or Tiphareth in Qabalah: the radiant center through which Divine Will flows into the incarnate being.

Through gnosis (direct knowing), inner sovereignty, and integration of Force and Form (Chokmah and Binah), the aspirant awakens this Spark, dispels Archonic hypnosis, and ascends the celestial spheres free from their dominion. This is the essence of the Hermetic command:

“Above all things, know thyself.”

The Archon concept in Gnosticism aligns closely with modern “Reptilian” theories, though framed in different symbolic and mythological language. Both describe non-human intelligences (or forces) that parasitize human consciousness, manipulate perception, and maintain control through fear, division, and false narratives. Here’s how they compare and where Hermetic Qabalah reframes them:

1. Nature of the Beings

• Archons (Gnostic):

  • Emanations of the Demiurge—cosmic jailers who shape and maintain the material realm.

  • Often hermaphroditic or bestial in appearance (lion-headed serpent, draconic forms).

  • Not necessarily physical but psychic entities inhabiting the subtle planes (astral, mental).

• Reptilians (Modern Conspiracy/Occult):

  • Portrayed as extraterrestrial or interdimensional reptoid beings controlling human societies.

  • Said to feed on fear, chaos, and emotional energy (a concept similar to Archons feeding on ignorance).

  • Often depicted as shapeshifters or hidden elites ruling through political and media control.

2. Method of Control

• Archons: Control by limiting awareness and inducing identification with the false ego. They manipulate thought-forms (egregores) and use religion, dogma, and social conditioning to divert humans from the Divine Spark.

• Reptilians: Said to manipulate through governments, banking, and media, creating social egregores of fear and division (war, poverty, racial tension) to maintain control and harvest loosh (emotional energy).

3. Cosmological Role

• Archons: Lowest emanations of the Godhead, corresponding to the Qliphoth—shells or husks on the Tree of Life. They guard the gates of ascent and oppose the return of the soul to the Pleroma (Fullness).

• Reptilians: In many modern myths, they are the shadow rulers of Earth, preventing humanity from awakening to its multidimensional heritage—mirroring the Archon role as wardens of the material plane.

4. Liberation / Resistance

• Archons: Overcome through gnosis (direct knowing), awakening the Divine Spark (Tiphareth/Solar Self), and reclaiming sovereignty from external authorities.

• Reptilians: In esoteric conspiracy frameworks, they are overcome by raising vibrational frequency, reclaiming personal sovereignty, and resisting fear-based programming—essentially the same work described in Hermetic Qabalah.

Hermetic Reframing

From a Hermetic Qabalistic perspective, Archons and Reptilians are symbolic representations of the same principle:

• They are the Qliphothic shadows of the Sephiroth, the distorted echoes of Divine energy turned inward upon itself.

• Their reptilian imagery reflects the serpentine force of instinct and survival, unredeemed by Spirit—a necessary evolutionary energy but corrupted when divorced from higher consciousness.

• Their “control” is only effective while the initiate remains ignorant of the I AM within. When the Solar Self awakens, the Archons/Reptilians lose dominion.

The King of Coins/Knight of Disks card emphasizes that it is time you stop being manipulated by evil---the "deceiver" that is your programed self and know that you are the King of your Kingdom.

The Thoth Knight of Disks is a powerful card when read through the lens of Western Hermetic Qabalah and the esoteric lens of the Thoth deck. My harvest interpretation is insightful, especially the emphasis on the sunlit repose and harvesting imagery, which many overlook in favor of more mundane "earthy" interpretations. Let’s peel back the layers:

🔰Basic Attribution (Thoth & Hermetic)

• Knight = King in other decks (Fire of Earth)

• Zodiac Decans: 21° Leo to 20° Virgo (mid-August to mid-September)

• Elemental Attribution: Fire of Earth (the dynamic force that activates manifestation)

• Qabalistic World: Assiah (the world of material action)

• Sephirothic Link: Corresponds primarily to Chokmah in Assiah yet bridges downward toward Malkuth through manifestation.

🐎 Imagery Analysis and Hermetic Symbolism

1. The Black Charger
The Knight’s horse is black — symbol of fertile earth, inertia, and readiness. Yet this is no war steed charging into battle. It grazes — indicating satisfaction, abundance, and the ability to enjoy the fruits of labor. In Hermetic thought, this is the Earth-element once disciplined by Fire, now becoming fruitful. This is Earth animated with solar purpose, like the tilled field under the summer sun.

2. The Knight at Ease
Unlike other Knights, he is relaxed, his stag topped helmet is tipped back to catch the Sun. He is in harmony with the rhythm of the land. This is a cardinal image of mastery over material forces. The work has already been done — now is a time of ripening and reward. This echoes the alchemical stage of Coagula, where the fixed Earth holds the spiritual fire.

3. The Flail of Grain
This is a key Egyptian motif, often seen in the iconography of Osiris, representing kingship, fertility, and just rulership over the land. The Knight does not wield a sword but a symbol of agriculture. This speaks volumes — he rules not by conquest but stewardship.

In Hermetic alchemy, this is the figure who has transmuted labor into legacy — where the physical plane is now spiritualized. This links also to Virgo and the nurturing principle — to harvest is to reap karma, to be rewarded through right effort (Ma'at).

🌞 Solar Connection

The sun shining down on this scene is not incidental. In Crowley's system, the Sun is the "heart of the Tree of Life" (Tiphareth), the divine Self. Here, the Self reflects in the body — there is a solar alignment of spirit and matter. The Knight, basking in the sun, represents the soul rejoicing in its embodiment. He is the solar seed now grown into the full fruit.

🔥🜃 Fire of Earth – Dynamic Stability

This card may appear static, but it is dynamically becoming. The Fire of Earth is the most stable of the Knight elemental combinations. Think of volcanic soil born of fire, incredibly fertile. Or of the slow burn of compost — organic heat turning decay into life. This is the energy of permaculture, resilience, investment. Not flashy but enduring.

In practical magick, this is the energy of laying foundations that last generations — the wisdom of the body, the persistence of the farmer, the richness of earth aligned with will.

🧙‍♂️ Personality & Pathworking Notes

As a personality, the Knight of Disks represents someone:

• Diligent, patient, and pragmatic

• Grounded in reality, with spiritual intuition made physical

• Whose power lies in embodiment, not abstraction

Pathworking with this Knight is excellent for:

• Grounding spiritual energies

• Manifesting long-term goals

• Connecting with ancestral and elemental Earth forces

• Strengthening the root and sacral centers through solar light

Invoke him when performing rituals of harvest, fertility, or manifestation — or when aligning oneself with natural timing and divine patience.

🜃🌾 Forward-Thinking Hermetic Take

This Knight is not merely harvesting wheat. He is harvesting timelines. The seeds sown in Tiphareth are now blossoming into Malkuth. This card asks:

"Are you living the legacy you planted years ago? Or are you just beginning the sowing?"

The Knight of Disks is a custodian of potential, and in a world leaning too far into immediacy, he reminds us of the power of patience, and the magick of ripening.

(Log onto magickeli.com, scroll down menu to blog for The Sun in the Field: A Rite of Solar Manifestation)

The Medieval Feathers Tarot portrays the King (corresponding to the Knight in the Thoth Tarot) as a figure of steadfast responsibility and grounded authority. This archetype reacts to challenges not with rash emotion but with deliberate, practical action—taking care of business with patience and discipline. He is not afraid of hard work and thrives in managing large enterprises or complex affairs, serving as the stabilizing force in times of uncertainty.

This King’s counsel is sound and pragmatic, rooted in experience rather than theory. While others may chase lofty ideals or abstract concepts, he remains firmly anchored in practical realities—focused on tangible results, enduring stability, and the careful stewardship of resources.

His wealth, both material and experiential, is hard-earned. The coin held firmly in his grasp symbolizes not only abundance but also mindful responsibility; he knows the value of patience and restraint. This is a figure who understands that true success requires measured effort over time. Hence, he resists frivolous spending or unnecessary travel when pressing matters demand his focus.

In discerning priorities, this King shows a keen instinct for trust. He relies on loyal allies when the situation calls for cooperation, yet he is unflinching in removing those unworthy from his court, preventing betrayal and misinterpretation. His leadership is protective but decisive: he builds his domain on reliability and mutual respect.

The belted kingfisher’s feather he carries serves as his symbolic guide, urging him to recognize and address pressing problems swiftly and effectively. Like the kingfisher, which dives precisely into the depths to catch its prey, this King teaches us to act with focus and accuracy when opportunities—or challenges—arise.

As an archetype, this King (or Knight in the Thoth system) embodies the rare individual who fully accepts responsibility for their actions. They do not deflect blame, seek excuses, or hide behind justifications. Instead, they possess the courage to confess when they are wrong, seeing honesty as the cornerstone of true sovereignty.

This figure is marked by discipline and integrity—qualities born of patient effort and self-mastery. When confronted with error, they do not wallow in guilt or shame; rather, they act decisively to set things right. Their honor is rooted in accountability, making them a trustworthy ally and a fair but unyielding leader.

In Hermetic terms, this archetype reflects the mature Solar Self that governs its kingdom with balance and fairness. It integrates the Will to Force (Chokmah) and Will to Form (Binah) into deliberate action through Tiphareth—the harmony of “I AM.” Such a being naturally banishes the false ego or Archonic influence, for no external authority can sway one who stands firmly in their own truth.

If you truly desire Kingly or Queenly sovereignty over your own timelines—the mastery to steer your destiny rather than be swept along by unseen currents—I highly recommend the book Wetiko by Paul Levy. The concept of Wetiko, drawn from Native American shamanic teachings, aligns closely with what Gnostic traditions name the Archon: a vampiric, parasitic deceiver that infiltrates human thought.

This Wetiko/Archon acts as a trickster false ego, convincing us that its whisper is our own voice. It feeds on division, fear, and ignorance, perpetuating cycles of self-sabotage and societal dysfunction. Because it masquerades as “me,” few recognize it for what it is—a psychic virus embedded within the collective and individual mind.

To pierce this deception requires true light-seeing, an act far beyond superficial positivity. For genuine illumination means seeing the shadow as well: understanding that every beam of the Celestial Soul’s radiance casts a shadow, and that shadow is what we experience as the subconscious body-mind. Only by recognizing and integrating this darkness can we reclaim the wholeness of the I AM.

This paradox is beautifully embodied in the Knight/King of Disks (Thoth system vs. traditional Tarot). Clad in black armor, he symbolizes the confrontation with shadow—not as an enemy, but as the necessary material through which sovereignty is forged. The darkness of the armor reflects not evil, but humility, patience, and endurance—the soul’s willingness to labor in matter until mastery is achieved.

In the Hermetic sense, this archetype teaches:

• To recognize the false ego (Wetiko/Archon) as other, not Self.

• To reclaim authority by uniting Force (Chokmah) and Form (Binah) in the Solar Will of Tiphareth.

• To understand that light without shadow is incomplete—and that sovereignty arises from embracing both.

In Qabalah, Chokmah—the second Sephirah on the Tree of Life—is the sphere of Wisdom and the Will-to-Force, the primal energy in motion that ignites creation. This dynamic force underlies the four Deuces in the Minor Arcana, each representing the purest seed of elemental power in its respective suit.

The personification of Chokmah’s force finds expression in the four Knights of the Thoth Tarot (equivalent to the Kings in traditional decks), who serve as the Masters of their respective elements. These Knights embody the active, fiery surge of their suit, riding forth to enact the Will of the Supernal realms within the manifest world.

The Knight of Disks, in particular, manifests this force in its most dense and concentrated elemental form—Earth. He is the archetypal Lord of the Wild and Fertile Land, ruler of the elemental spirits of Earth, known in Western esotericism as the King of the Gnomes. This figure epitomizes patience, endurance, and grounded mastery—laboring steadily toward fruition without haste or vanity.

In a mythic sense, this archetype can be seen in historical personalities such as Davy Crockett: a rugged pioneer who harmonized with the wilderness, defended his territory, and embodied the earthy virtues of practicality, loyalty, and responsibility.

Astrologically, the Knight of Disks rules the last decan of Leo and the first two decans of Virgo:

• Leo’s solar vitality infuses him with courage and pride in labor.

• Virgo’s mercurial discernment grants him practicality, attention to detail, and devotion to service.

Thus, this card portrays the culmination of Chokmah’s Will-to-Force in the material world: the disciplined mastery of Earth’s abundance, ready to plant, tend, and harvest in service to the I AM.

The last Decan of Leo and the first two Decans of Virgo cover the transition from Leo to Virgo in the zodiac. Here's a brief overview of the Astrological characteristics:

1. Last Decan of Leo (20° to 30° of Leo):

   • Ruled by Mars: This Decan is influenced by Mars, adding a dynamic and assertive energy to the Leo traits.
   • Intensity and Ambition: Individuals born in this Decan may possess heightened intensity and ambition. They are often driven to pursue their goals with passion and determination.
   • Leadership Qualities: With the influence of Mars, there may be a strong desire for leadership roles. These individuals can be assertive and proactive in taking charge of situations.

2. First Decan of Virgo (0 to 10 degrees of Virgo):

   • Ruled by Mercury: Virgo is traditionally ruled by Mercury, bringing a strong intellectual and communicative influence to this Decan.
   • Detail-Oriented and Analytical: People born in this Decan may exhibit a meticulous and analytical approach to tasks. They have a keen eye for details and a systematic way of handling things.
   • Practical and Service-Oriented: Virgo energy is often associated with practicality and a desire to be of service. Individuals in this Decan may find fulfillment in helping others and solving practical problems.

3. Second Decan of Virgo (10 to 20 degrees of Virgo):

   • Ruled by Venus: This Decan is influenced by the harmonious and aesthetic qualities of Venus, adding a touch of refinement to the Virgo characteristics.
   • Appreciation for Beauty: Individuals born in this Decan may have a heightened appreciation for beauty and aesthetics. They may have a knack for creating order and harmony in their surroundings.
   • Relationship-Focused: Venus' influence brings a relational aspect to Virgo, and those in this Decan may prioritize relationships and seek harmony in their interactions with others.

These interpretations provide a general overview, and individual birth charts may provide more nuanced insights into a person's unique characteristics based on their specific planetary placement

Many of us have witnessed the Fire within Earth—its volcanic upheavals, earthquakes, and molten surges tearing through the crust. Yet how often do we recognize that this apparent destruction is, in truth, an act of organic regeneration? Volcanism is the Earth’s way of renewing itself, replenishing fertility, and reshaping landscapes—much like the mythic Phoenix rising from its own ashes.

The Knight of Disks, as Fire of Earth, embodies this paradox: he is both the flame that disrupts and the force that fertilizes. His fire is not constant or uncontrolled—it is cyclical, appearing at crucial moments to burn away stagnation and clear the ground for new life. Thus, this Knight is the agent of Earth’s rebirth, a reminder that endings and beginnings are bound within the same alchemical cycle.

In Hermetic terms, this card teaches that matter is never inert; Earth itself contains the spark of Spirit and periodically ignites to renew its form.

The Knight’s black armor reflects this latent fire—hidden within darkness, patient yet unstoppable when called forth. As he rides, he carries the Will-to-Force of Chokmah into the densest element of Malkuth, enacting the divine principle of death-rebirth transformation upon the material plane.

By now it should be understood that Aleister Crowley’s choice to depict Knights instead of Kings in the Thoth Tarot was intentional—a declaration of the mystery of YHVH (Tetragrammaton), as discussed in his Book of Thoth and examined in previous writings. In Crowley’s schema, the Knights are not idle monarchs enthroned in pomp; they are battle-kings, the active and generative agents of their element. The throne is reserved for the Queens, while the Knights are their consorts—the fiery initiators who bring forth action and seed.

Traditional Kings of Tarot are often portrayed with sword and shield, emblems of authority and combat. Yet the Knight of Disks (equivalent to the King of Coins) is unique: he is a battle king at repose. He carries no drawn sword, for his strength is not in overt aggression but in patience and productivity—the slow mastery of earth through cultivation rather than conquest.

In the Thoth illustration, his warhorse grazes calmly in a field of wheat, a scene of fertility and peace. The Knight himself sits relaxed, helm thrown back—a gesture that signals not carelessness, but trust in the moment’s tranquility. Yet he remains armored, ever prepared for future challenges. This duality speaks to his nature: peaceful yet vigilant, grounded yet capable of fiery response when the time demands.

This composure is also a form of defense against the Archons—those parasitic forces of division and fear. The Knight’s patience and grounded nature make him resistant to the psychological warfare of the false ego. In cultivating the Earth, he also cultivates the mind, creating no foothold for the Archon’s manipulation. His armor, then, is symbolic not just of physical defense but of spiritual sovereignty: the conscious protection of the Solar Self amid the chaos of the world.

In this way, the Knight of Disks embodies a profound Hermetic teaching: true power does not need to posture. The battle-king conquers not through force alone but through endurance, stewardship, and quiet mastery of his domain—whether that domain is land, body, or soul.

This is not to say there are no geniuses with the Knight of Disks/King of Pentacles persona, for such persona's also appear (ed) as: Napoleon Bonaparte, Cardinal Richelieu, Louis the XIV, Bill Clinton, Madonna, and H.P. Lovecraft, to name a few highly intelligent personalities. However, this "nose to the grindstone" type tends to take little interest along with little emotional response, to the intellectual musings of others or the finer aspects of culture and/or civilization. They are complete masters of their art. Hence, we have such Knight/ Master personalities as: Davy Crockett, Annie Oakley, and Country Western star Buck Owens, Porter Wagoner, Patsy Cline, and Jim Reeves.

WHEN THE KNIGHT OF DISKS/KING OF COINS IS THROWN DURING A READING:

It implies:

• A concern for the body and good health.
• A doctor or herbalist concerned with health.
• The querent shows the spirit of fertilization, as joyous practicality, steadfastness, reliability and is an epitome of material success.
• Generous, courageous but not prone to seeking adventure.
• Ordinary activity, in social position, accomplishments, experiencing a success that is relaxed and enjoyed.
• A mature reliable, dependable, and wise male upon whom others may depend on and with whom they lay their burdens.
• A dark male, who is both courageous and lethargic in tendencies. However, driven in matters of material success. 
• A good financial provider who understands and likes work knowing it leads to financial security.
• The querent may be such a person or involved with such a person in their life. The surrounding cards or position in the reading would support this understanding.

If ill defined by the surrounding cards, it implies:

• Conservative. 
• Materialistic.
• Dogmatic.
• Jealous of what they realize is the superior state of others. 
• Proud of their ignorance. 

Thank you for your interest, comments, and supportive donations. Your generosity blesses you with prosperity. May you live long and prosper.

Home page, Tarot Reading Store, Master Tarot Classes, and Nontraditional Tarot Card Comparisons blog.

Traditional Tarot Card Comparisons blog and tarot reading store.

Western Hermetic Magic ritual and invocation website and magick blog.

Thoth Master Class: Western Hermetic Qabalah & Tarot

One-on-One Esoteric Training with Magus Eli

Awaken Your Resonance with the Thoth Tarot

This is not an ordinary Tarot class. The Thoth Master Class is a personalized journey into Hermetic Qabalah and the mysteries of the Thoth Tarot, guided one-on-one by Magus Eli.
These sessions are designed to align your soul’s archetypes with the Tree of Life, blending mystical philosophy with hands-on Tarot practice for profound spiritual transformation.

What Makes This Class Unique?

• Private Instruction: Just you and the Magus in a 2-hour Google Meet session — fully tailored to your goals.

• Flexible Scheduling: Weekly, every two weeks, or monthly (12 sessions recommended for full mastery).

• Recorded Lessons: Every session is recorded for your personal review and ongoing study.

• Hermetic Depth: Learn Tarot as a gateway to the Tree of Life, elemental forces, and pathworking.

• Practical Mastery: Practice Tarot layouts live with guided interpretation to build confidence and resonance.

What You’ll Learn

• The structure of the Thoth Tarot: Major Arcana, Minor Arcana, and Court Cards

• The Western Hermetic Qabalah: Ten Sephiroth, Four Worlds, and 22 Paths

• Pathworking and meditative techniques using Tarot as a key to inner temples

• Hermetic spreads and ritual applications for personal transformation

• Developing personal gnosis and building your own mystical framework

Required Materials

• The Qabalistic Tarot: A Textbook of Mystical Philosophy by Robert Wang

• Thoth Tarot deck (Crowley/Harris edition preferred)

• Personal journal or Book of Shadows

Is This Class for You?

• No prior Tarot experience is required — beginners and advanced seekers are welcome.

• Perfect for anyone drawn to Hermetic wisdom, deep archetypal work, and personal gnosis.

How to Enroll

Email eli@elitarotstrickingly.com to request availability and begin your personalized resonance mapping session.