The Tarot of Eli, LLC-Major Arcana: Thoth Tarot-ATU XIV-Art & The Lost Soul Tarot - Key 14-Temperance.

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Above all things, know thyself!

"Visit the interior parts of the earth: by rectification thou shalt find the hidden stone."

Pour thine all freely from the Vase in thy

right hand and lose no drop! Hath not thy left

hand a Vase?

Transmute all wholly into the Image of thy

Will, bringing each to its token of

Perfection!

Dissolve the Pearl in the Wine-cup: drink, and

make manifest the Virtue of that Pearl.

- [Book of Thoth, Pg. 253-260]

In many other more Traditional Tarot Decks, ATU/Key 14 is called Temperance rather than Art, which implies the heating and cooling of forged steel to make a keen, flexible blade or the slow cooling down process of tempering glass.

The Thoth Tarot-ATU 14- is called Art, which is indeed what this card is about as it is the tempering and alchemical process that is known as practicing "The Art" which is what alchemy is called in Western Magic circles. The Hebrew letter Samekh, meaning "prop", is assigned to this Tree of Life- Path of Tarot, (shown at the bottom of the Thoth card). Attributed to Samekh is the restriction and control over the forces of existence. Master Theron (Crowley), in his book, 777, made this comment on the letter Samekh: It is "The Womb preserving Life. Self-control and Self-sacrifice govern the Wheel." This action of "womb preserving Life", is easily seen illustrated on the Thoth Tarot-ATU 14 card, as the Alchemist/Being is shown pouring elixirs from "will-to-force" (masculine) and "will-to-form" (feminine) into a caldron while being surrounded by geometric designs.

Leading from Yesod (foundation)to Tiphareth (beauty), the Path of Samekh/ Art is as from Moon (Self-reflection) to Sun (Solar-Soul Source) and/or from Personality to the Higher Self. On this exceedingly difficult Path where opposites are combined, in equal measure, the very enormity of the Great Work (As above, so below) will be experienced as the aspirant may see themselves going through a long dark tunnel, believing (not knowing) there is Light at the end of it.

This Path of Samekh, the Art card, has been called one of the Paths of "the dark night of the Soul", verifying that this is a Path of trial and temptation. Samekh, is the Intelligence of Probation, as the well-known Western Master of Hermetic Qabalah, Dr. Paul Foster Case labels it in his text, THIRTY-TWO PATHS OF WISDOM. In various Gnostic texts, it is also called, "Daughter of the Reconcilers, the Bringer Forth of Life." All these phrases lead us right to the very idea behind this card, The Great Mother/Creatrix Binah. Hence, the central figure of the Thoth card, is depicted as a multi-breasted androgyny who is both "shadow and Light". Also, the ruling sign of the Path of Samekh, is Sagittarius, the Archer who is also the feminine Diana the Huntress, goddess of the Moon. All of which repeats and expands the feminine principle.

Except for the FOOL (0), all the figures of the Tarot are Mother Binah (Understanding) and Father Chokmah (Wisdom) in different states of Force and Form. As Diana of the Moon, she governs the tides of Earth, and the fluctuations of the Astral Current (unconsciousness). Therefore, the Creatrix is the Natural framework and support for the waxing and waning of the Energy of Existence. There is only One Energy (the Eternal He), from which the Universe is constructed and She/Creatrix (The eternal Magnetic) represents the control and manipulation within specific bounds and restrictions and/or measurement of that energy in manifestation; Hence she is the authority over form, and she authorizes the emperor to act as architect and/or measurer.

Another helpful reference book, VOICE OF ISIS- by Hariette and Homer Curtis describes the Universal Mother (The Womb with a View) as the "power of bringing forth in humanity the Divine Child or the Christ." This bearing of the Child is our Primary Solar Self reborn and achieved by conquering the Path of Samekh or The Art of Alchemy, in which is done the most challenging task of blending water (emotion, intuition, imagination-subconscious) and fire (Will, Energy, Spirit, awake consciousness). We are not only to be the Moon’s reflections of personality/ego, (Subconscious/Brain) but also the Solar (Soul) Celestial Personality, which is the Divine Child of Light.

It is to be understood, the Art/Temperance card demonstrates how the experience of rebirth is brought about, which is to say, through the exchange and equilibrium of opposites which can only be symbolically described, but it does not demonstrate the birth itself. Therefore, the symbolism here is not to demonstrate a "deep Mystery", rather this symbolism demonstrates how limited and inadequate our language is to describe the process. That is why the Western Hermetic Qabalistic Tarot Reader is not one who thinks that by memorizing descriptions and numbers of the cards they are a Tarot Reader. Rather, it is by scrying the individual Cards and subjectively "walking the Paths", turning subjective into objective sensation, i.e. the process of actual experience ....one begins to understand the Tarot. If one reads the Tarot, a certain amount of an inner-Alchemical process is also required, as well as begins, and one should set up a special space for their Tarot work. One should also make a scrying mirror, which is a dark mirror.

*To make a dark-scrying mirror one just buys an inexpensive small- framed mirror. Take the glass out of the frame and paint the back of the mirror glass black (traditionally they used soot) after the paint dries then reframe it. Place it on a table where you can sit and comfortably look into the mirror. Place 2 candles by its sides, and prop the Tarot Card you wish to scry, face forward to mirror so that it reflects in the mirror. Stare at this reflection observing the image as it flickers in the candlelight. Begin imagining yourself as the being in the card. After a time, this image will change, revealing even more arcane secrets to the observer.

(Highly recommended!).

The Art Card is not as overly symbolic as some believe, it symbolizes the Alchemical Art where Fire becomes Water and Water becomes Fire (…"When the male is no longer male and the female, female.”- Gnostic Gospel of Didymus Judas Thomas-Nag Hamdi Library). This is an androgynous process, describing an actual event/process that happens in the aspirant's material body, i.e., an actual physical transformation where the Anima and Animus become/return to the One and become present in a Personality of Oneness. Thereby returning the original 0=2 back to 2=1. Hence, we have illustrated on this card an androgynous figure, combining the Water (consciousness with Lightning -Fiery-Energy) creating in the Golden Cistern (the Human body) what is known as the Living Water and/or consciousness vivified by merging with Fiery Spirit.

By bringing Spirit into the body, Spirit's fiery nature not only tempers the consciousness, (blending left side and right side of the brain) one also tempers the subconscious with consciousness, thus forming "something more than the sum of its parts." A union of the Androgynous Master and Masterpiece!

Therefore, overall, the Art Card- ATU/Key14, is the consummation of the Divine Marriage, depicted on the Lovers card ATU/ Key 6, here the " Fiery Orgasm of Spiritual He and She intertwine as one flow" has been reached. There is a perfect interchange of forces, as the Red Lion has become white, and the White lion has become Red. The Art card shows Water being poured on Fire, and Fire is merged with Water, all within the purified physical vehicle, shown as the Golden Cauldron, i.e. the master's body.

We know that this cauldron is the physical body by the equal armed cross of the 4 Universal elements and the Raven and Skull sign of Caput Mortem, (death) implying the mortal form. Also Get and read the Textbook, The Qabalistic Tarot by Robert Wang, and The Book of Thoth by Aleister Crowley for further in-depth explanation of this coded process of returning to the Divine Hermaphrodite (combination of Hermes and Aphrodite)/Divine Androgyny. In Alchemy, "the Art", combining water and fire in perfect weight and balance, is considered the most difficult of processes.

Around the central figure, in questionable penmanship, is a golden solar aura, bearing the inscription of: Vista Interiora Terrae Rectificando Invenies Occultum Lapidem-"Visit the interior parts of the earth: by rectification thou shalt find the hidden stone." Hence, describing the Alchemical mystery of the "Philosopher's stone, which as the fiery (often shown as "inner fire") kundalini infused human body becomes a physical transformation.

Caution: Premature Kundalini awakening can lead to a range of challenges and difficulties. Kundalini energy is a powerful force, and when it rises unexpectedly or prematurely without proper guidance, it can result in various physical, emotional, and psychological issues called Kriya. Here are some potential problems associated with premature Kundalini awakening:

1. Physical Discomfort: Individuals may experience physical discomfort such as intense heat, vibrations, or electrical sensations along the spine and throughout the body. This can be overwhelming and may lead to health concerns if not managed properly.

2. Emotional Instability: Kundalini awakening can bring up intense and unresolved emotions. Individuals may experience mood swings, anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges. Unpredictable emotional states can impact personal relationships and daily functioning.

3. Psychological Disturbances: Premature Kundalini awakening may trigger psychological disturbances, including hallucinations, paranoia, or a sense of losing touch with reality. This can be particularly challenging for those who are not prepared for such experiences.

4. Sleep Disruption: Changes in energy flow and heightened awareness can disrupt sleep patterns. Insomnia or vivid and unusual dreams may occur, leading to fatigue and decreased overall well-being.

5. Uncontrolled Psychic Experiences: Some individuals may report heightened psychic abilities or experiences of expanded consciousness. While these can be seen as positive, they can be overwhelming and disorienting when not properly understood or integrated.

6. Lack of Grounding: Kundalini awakening can lead to a sense of being ungrounded or disconnected from everyday reality. This lack of grounding can make it challenging to navigate daily life and responsibilities.

7. Spiritual Crisis: Premature Kundalini awakening can trigger a spiritual crisis, where individuals may question their beliefs, values, and the nature of reality. This can be a profound and unsettling experience that requires careful navigation.

8. Physical and Energetic Imbalances: The sudden release of Kundalini energy can lead to imbalances in the body's energy system. This may manifest as physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive issues, or heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli.

Given the potential challenges associated with premature Kundalini awakening, it's crucial for individuals to approach spiritual/Energy practices with caution and seek guidance from experienced teachers or practitioners. Proper preparation, a gradual approach to spiritual development, and a supportive community can help mitigate the risks associated with Kundalini awakening.

The Lost Soul Tarot-Key 14-Temperance -depicts an Creatrix Angelic Being with her hands on two golden colored chalices: one male and one female both being warmed over flame. No water is shown; However, the feminine figure is associated with the universal element of water. This image is about stabilization of energy, as shown by her equalized stylistic balance scale headdress. Therefore, it implies it's time to integrate opposites, such as, work and play, Spirit and Mind, Mind and Body, Shadow and Light, and Feminine-Anima and Masculine-Animus. There is no deep occult imagery supplied here so this card is pretty picture associated with balancing forces that cause ascension; Hence, the angelic wings.

The Lost Souls card doesn't use traditional art in its illustration. So instead of the Divine Androgyne pouring the fire and water combination into the cauldron we have the Angel supporting the alchemical agents the small cauldrons.

The Art Card golden Cauldron is shown, with the Eagle and Lion images shown on both sides. From this heated cauldron rises energy in the form of an arrow and bow. This implies the sign of Sagittarius that is assigned to this card.

Sagittarius is the ninth astrological sign in the zodiac, symbolized by the Archer. Here are some key attributes and characteristics often associated with Sagittarius:

Positive Traits

1. Adventurous: Sagittarians have a love for exploration and adventure. They are always eager to experience new things and travel to new places.
2. Optimistic: They are known for their positive outlook on life. Even in challenging situations, Sagittarians tend to see the silver lining and remain hopeful.
3. Honest: Sagittarians value truth and honesty. They are straightforward and prefer to speak their minds, sometimes to a fault.
4. Independent: Freedom is crucial for Sagittarians. They thrive when they have the space to pursue their interests and goals.
5. Philosophical: They often have a deep interest in philosophical and spiritual matters. Sagittarians love to ponder the bigger questions in life.

Negative Traits

1. Impatient: Their desire for constant activity and movement can make them impatient and restless, especially when things move too slowly for their liking.
2. Blunt: While their honesty is appreciated, it can sometimes come across as tactlessness. Sagittarians might hurt others' feelings without intending to.
3. Overconfident: Their optimistic nature can sometimes lead to overconfidence and taking unnecessary risks.
4. Irresponsible: Their quest for freedom can sometimes make them appear irresponsible, as they may neglect duties or commitments.
5. Inconsistent: Sagittarians' love for new experiences can make them fickle and inconsistent, often leaving projects unfinished.

Element and Ruling Planet

• Element: Fire. Sagittarius is a fire sign, which contributes to their passionate, enthusiastic, and dynamic nature.
• Ruling Planet: Jupiter. This planet is associated with growth, expansion, and abundance, enhancing Sagittarians' love for adventure and learning.

Symbolism and Mythology

• Symbol: The Archer (centaur with a bow and arrow). This represents the Sagittarian quest for knowledge and truth, as well as their desire to aim high and achieve their goals.
• Mythology: In Greek mythology, Sagittarius is often associated with the centaur Chiron, known for his wisdom, teaching abilities, and healing skills.

Compatibility

Sagittarius is typically considered most compatible with Aries, Leo, and other Sagittarians. They tend to connect well with fellow fire signs who share their enthusiasm and love for adventure.

Career and Interests

Sagittarians excel in careers that offer variety and opportunities for growth, such as travel, teaching, writing, and entrepreneurship. They are often drawn to professions that allow them to explore new ideas and places.

Health

Sagittarians generally have a robust constitution, but their active lifestyle can sometimes lead to accidents or injuries. They need to ensure they balance their energetic pursuits with rest and self-care.

These characteristics make Sagittarians vibrant and engaging individuals, always on the lookout for their next big adventure.

The stylized sacred geometry surrounding the Androgynous Alchemist, who is Two equaling One, implies the fertile success of such an action of water and fire balance. This is not a balance achieved overnight, it requires persistence, diligence, much like the Macrocosmic stirring of energy frequencies in a measure space, in this case a golden chalice under the supervision of a macrocosmic alchemist, where alchemical elixirs and tempered fire is slowly applied to create a golden androgyne that becomes something new, expanded, and wonderous.

The imagery of this vibrant Thoth card describes what it is to be a Master of your Alchemy of Life. When Present, we are Life, who builds "lifetimes" under an alchemical process of combining Imagination and Measurement (rationale) in the body cauldron of "light and magnetism", i.e., Fire and Water. Deep within this cauldron or chalice of combined "star and planet stuff", lies a fire that is banked in most people, but is reignited by the enlightened. This fiery source is called the Kundalini. This should only be ignited by the Divine Alchemist, the Sun of God and Goddess, the beauty of Tiphareth-the sixth Sephiroth, and/or the Solar Self. Premature firing without the proper amount of Water (intuitive/emotional consciousness) and Fire (Spiritual Psyche) swirling in a combining dance of joy within the body, will cause a calamity that will melt down the personality. Therefore, never let the microcosm ignite this alchemical process, only the Supreme Being, of the Macrocosm should handle such a delicate balance process.

This wonderful card is an encouragement to become a master of vibrant alchemy which will challenge the physical sense of self. When we walk hand in hand with our inner Hierophant, and learn by a process of perseverance, diligence, and wisdom, how to perform this wonderful union of the Macrocosm with the Microcosm; only then will we be truly present.

The Spiritual Fire of the Solar Self, when focused with the intent of "Above all things, Know thyself", turns the Fire, Air, Water, Earth, of the body into the "Philosopher's stone" (The brain looks like a Peach "stone", and is transformed in this heated-bright-warm process of physiological transformation "from above to the below") as it welds together the male and female aspect of the Brain into one magnificent copy of the "Above Mind" of the Divine Creative. The Intent and perfect functional balance of the 2 returning to 1, makes the Magus/Philosopher. The white clothing on the Lost Soul Angel are the symbols both for peace and the pure soul.

This inner alchemical process is often described by Qabalists as a personal application of the Yod (fire) and Heh (water) uniting in the body to produce Vau (Air) within the individual crucible of form which is Heh-final and Earth. This is described as a "Spiritual Orgasm", "The Rapture", or "The Ecstasy" which is a process demanding inner manipulation of sexual forces known as serpent forces and or Vital Life Force (Tantric Kundalini exercise) and is shown in the imagery of the Thoth Card as a golden energy (in the shape of a stylized arrow) firing upward and across the shoulders of the Divine figure in the Art Card.

Even the often flesh-o-phobic Christian iconography, has accepted this Spiritual/Solar Orgasm. For instance, the ecstasy of the 16th century mystic, Saint Theresa, who was described as having an angel thrusting a flaming arrow into her heart. She was noted for "marrying the inner Christ" and/or the completed union of Anima and Animus within her body.

The 12th Century Sufi Mystic and Poet Jelaluddin Rumi, refers to this orgasmic fire in his ecstatic, in his ecstatic poetry, Hafiz, and Lalla, when he stated: "Give me the Burning!"

Hafiz, the most popular poet in the Persian world marveled audiences with his unparalleled illuminations on love in all its guises.

Lalla- the ecstatic and often astonishing Kshmiri Poet who sang and danced her verses with such passion, she was known to tear her garments in a frenzy of ecstasy.

I would recommend the Coleman Barks CD of- The ecstatic world of Rumi, Hafiz, and Lalla-I Want the Burning. It can be purchased on Amazon.

The symbolical of the piecing arrow that brings ecstatic enlightenment is an archetypal, and mufti-cultural accepted description of a real process of physiological transformation! What happens is a rhythmic, pleasuring motion of inner energy, in a spiral ebb and flow that is confined (shown as the horizonal figure eight associated with the Magus) in extremely specific perimeters (chakras along the spine) but which is taken in either direction of Up or Down, at will. The Magus-Alchemist knows that by changing the vibration of inner energy, a "dancing", one raises or lowers the level of consciousness, moving from Chakra to Chakra or Path to Path. Simply stated: the Kundalini (sexual/vital life energy/Lust of Will to Be) acting upon consciousness produces intuitional and/or astral images; the pictures that form our minds.

At first, many students find the symbolism of the Major Arcana complicated; However, the principle of the Path of Samekh or Art, is to produce a consciously controlled vision that is limited by will. The purpose of Hermetic, Qabalistic, Alchemical and Gnostic symbols is to furnish descriptions that most anyone can relate to. If you focus on one symbol at a time, they are not remote or really complicated. In fact, most of the symbolic language of the Mysteries, has been superseded by the language of Carl Jung and other parapsychologists. To Carl Jung, this ability to consciously control Visions would be called "lucid dreaming", which is known to help the individual correct personality disorders that hide in the subconsciousness and thereby make the subconscious more conscious which is a spiritual goal. Controlling the subconsiousness is a spiritual discipline.

Robert Wang goes on to explain, in his test book: THE QABALISTIC TAROT,"

It should be added that the Metals described in Alchemical literature are the same as the Seven Chakras of the Hindus, the Seven Planets and the Sephiroth of the Microprosopus [lower seven on the Tree of Life.]. These words have been used as codes over the centuries, meaning seven distinct levels of objective consciousness. Thus, when one speaks of a planet ruling a sign of the Zodiac, what is meant in the relationship of a Sign to a given center of energy both in the Greater Universe and in the Human body." (The brackets are my own explanation).

The Art of awakening these Paths in the Human Body, is the Qabalistic aspirant's goal. "To Know Thyself" is to know the "As above and so below" nature of our Whole Self for we are a microcosmic copy of the macrocosm. As stated, the Art Card is assigned the sign of Sagittarius, which is ruled by the planet Jupiter, meaning the 4th Sephiroth, Chesed (Wisdom). Here, we should remember that the fourth Sephiroth- Chesed (emperor) is the architect of all manifestation, working with the "will to form “and/or "potential to form" of Binah, the 3rd Sephiroth of Understanding. Understanding turns data into information: information becomes in-form-action and/or experience only when intimately experienced (measured by manifested senses) an alchemical process of water (subconscious/body emotions) and Fire (Spiritual and/or willed Soul observation) that produces wisdom.

As explained before, but not enough, the Art-Key 14- The Path of Samekh, is an actual physical process, known for centuries by the Western Hermetic Magick, Gnostic, Mystics, Tantric, Alchemists, and Qabalists. And is a willed process of directing the communion or interchange of opposite forces. The beginning of this process is begun by the Higher Self-; a process which is instituted in the 4th Sephiroth Chesed, the most refined, point of Microprosopus, to which the Higher Self is central. Chesed is the enacting force (phallus) of the Great Mother Binah's process of “will-to-form" (Womb). Until the aspirant accomplices this process of the Path of Samekh, the Higher Self (Shown as an androgynous figure on the card) cannot be known to the personality. Thus, the Art of "Spiritual Alchemy" describes this Card and the complete process as a preparation of the Personality, and its physical vehicle, to deal with the Solar Forces (influx of Light from the blazing furnace of the Kundalini) which would devastate a "normal" system.

This is an ongoing process of measuring and testing, instigated by the Higher Self, to see how much the physical body can bear. When properly tempered, the body can handle the stress of such energy as the arrow is released (Kundalini rises). Once contacted on the Path of Samekh, the Higher Self will regulate the flow, so the individual isn't harmed. A great jolt of energy will tell the individual to "back off" and relax. Because this is a Passion so overwhelming it is often described as Divine Anger, which is apt if we realize that anger is for self-motivation and also necessary to reclaim control of the subconscious from the "false ego"; to get off one's butt and do something. powerful. It could be said that Divine Anger is the motivation for Sagittarius to launch his arrow.

When the Art or Temperance Key 14- card is thrown during a reading:

• The querent is experiencing or will soon experience, a combination of forces affecting realization and action. 
• A blending of all circumstances to achieve balance.
• Trials and tribulations that lead to the "middle path", arriving at a profound realization.
• A balance of peace, achieved by care and healing.
• Measurement and combination.
• Do not allow setbacks to turn enthusiasm into its mirror image of dejection. 
• Take control.
• Moderation.
• Appropriate expression meets appropriate restraint.
• Merging of shadow self with light self.
• The combination of Spiritual Fire and physical Water in a harmonic balance.

If ill defined by surrounding cards, it implies:

• Going to extremes.
• Excessive behavior. 
• Conserve energy.
• A personality out of control.

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