The Tarot of Eli, LLC-Minor Arcana: Thoth Tarot- 10 of Wands-Oppression & The Astromatrix Tarot-10 of Wands

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Above all things, know yourself!

#10. The Kingdom of Spirit is embodied in my flesh.

The Thoth Tarot, the 10 of Wands, is also called Lord of Oppression, and is Saturn in Sagittarius. The Angels attributed to the Decan are Reyayel and Avamel. The 10 OF WANDS-Oppression; is Malkuth in Atziluth, the world of Archetypes and is the influence of Malkuth in the world of Pure Spirit. In the Book of Thoth, on page 194, Crowley writes:

" The number 10 refers to Malkuth which depends on the other nine Sephiroth but is not directly in communication with them. It shows the Force detached from its Spiritual forces. It has become a blind Force; so, the most violent form of that energy, without modifying influences.".

The destructive powers of Saturn's lead-jackboots are amplified on the neck of the ethereal-Sagittarius, leading to selfishly applied material force, and often cruelly. On the Thoth, 10 of Wands, the suggestion of the 8 crude leaded bar-like wands, and 2 in the form of Dorjes (Tibetan spear- symbols of Thunderbolts) suggests, cruelty, malice, overbearing force, and energy that can be unjust.

However, the word oppression may also have a lighter side as one must understand that a certain amount of energy must be always oppressed, for form to exist. Energy must be contained in a "Thought Form" before it can become emoted in solution (liquid light of the Astral-Yesodic Plane) and coagulated into manifestation in Malkuth. This "vital life force" that we know as "sexual energy", because it must flow from one pole to another (male to female), can also be oppressed in a Tantric Sexual ritual of Energy Magic, to build up to an extreme concentration, much like a "big bang", where upon it is released as a cleansing fire, which completely overwhelms any barriers to Spiritual Manifestation and reestablishes equalized energetic health in both participants.

Then again, too much oppression of energy-in-motion (emotion) can lead to disaster. Like electricity, Water or Fire, energy resists this oppression, and will "slip its bonds" at any sign of weakening--- sometimes destructively so. There really are no negative cards in Thoth Tarot, as it is all about "Above all things, know thyself" and/or Self-knowledge. Hence, it is about knowledge, in which there is no "good" or "bad". In knowledge there is only experience that creates "KNOWING"/Self-Awareness.

Often, due to cultural indoctrination, we suppress our own ability to act, a hindrance brought on by our socially manipulated self-perspective that assigns a certain "value" to others. Consequently, we tend to be harsher on ourselves than on others because we fear our own mistakes more than those of others. Breaking free from this destructive cycle involves recognizing that the oppression we feel is often the result of the mind being influenced by the "false ego" to shift perspectives, thus reinforcing a non-solution of fearing the problem rather than addressing it. The "false ego" is primarily concerned with survival and is apprehensive about change, rejection, and most importantly, risk. However, we can identify oppression as the programmed indoctrination and dogma and choose to act with willpower rather than react based on subconscious programming. By recognizing the "false ego's" manipulative tactics, we can avoid being emotionally imprisoned by serving the body's limitations at the expense of our spirit.

In this context, one's soul—the True Ego—is urged to acknowledge the body's fear-based limitations and consciously surpass them. It's crucial to understand that it's more advantageous to release pressure gradually, like popping a small balloon, than waiting for it to build up like an over-pressurized steam boiler. Therefore, it's imperative to cease oppressing our emotional energy and establish a safety valve, such as yoga, meditation, or physical exercise. Additionally, integrating the daily repetition of the "Truth about Self—the Trestle Board" helps release emotional attachments and maintains a harmonious balance between Spirit, Mind, and Body.

Often, by taking things too seriously, we fail to use the power of mirth that cracks the veneer of perspective, so that we can see beyond our self-made prison of "I can't". Truth being, "I can’t", usually means "I am afraid to" and/or "I don't want to”; However, "I Can't" becomes a statement of low self-value as we know that often repeated lies become belief and, in the subconscious, they become automatic response. So just say," I don't want to" and get on with your motion. For as we all know, with impassioned focus, we can accomplish anything. Always be true to your own Self!

The only thing important about importance is that it isn't important. 

Therefore, it sometimes helps to laugh at one's fears. That's the beautiful side of Will and "freedom of choice". So, remember this: we use "thought" to oppress energy into form, for creation's sake----including our own identity, but eventually, because change is the only constant in this energy Universe, that oppression will end whether voluntarily or by emotional-explosion, unrestrained passion, or rage. Energy will free itself and continue transformative motion.

Those who are freely changing their perspectives, by doing, and seeing error and then correcting it in themselves, will find that the once feared false- end we call death is merely a movement towards another perspective and will experience what the Tibetans' call "reincarnation"; reincarnation is simply expanding and liberating one's personality by the addition of experienced knowledge that is always able to change perspective and by knowing everything is error until it isn't. It is a grievous error of ignorance to believe that the Universal-Self created you as Itself, only for you to return to nothing! By fearing an end, you seem to have one, by not fearing and end, you consciously experience transformation. All is Mind, and Mind is Self, and the Universe is created by the I AM for the purpose of "Above all things, know thyself"! And you are how it accomplishes this task!

The Tarot 10's are also and end of the cycle. From 10 to 1 again (up the down staircase) goes the cycle of transformation. Therefore, this will not last long, all you must do is change your perspective and not repeat the past. Our identities of the Psyche as a Spiritual Being, are suppressed by indoctrination and dogma and don't allow us to see the massive potential given us as Divine Images of SELF/I AM. and therefore, rob us of our freedom of choice. Hence, the search for self or its purpose is a constant preoccupation among the word hypnotised masses. This compounds oppression. For to be a Self, looking for Self, is a fish in the ocean looking for water. YOU ARE ALREADY HERE! Your purpose is To Be! What your fate is...well, that is up to you! I Am is your truth, what you "am" is an assumption.

If it is here; it is there. If it is there; it is here. If it is not here; it is not there and if it is not there it is not here.

- ZEN-Koen

The Astromatrix Tarot-10 of Wands depicts the traditional art interpretation of this card. The Ten sticks/wands are shown a bundle of 10 heavy staves being held by one struggling man. Here a person is shown trying to move an exceptionally large burden accumulated over time and there is suggested that this burden is from the past and has been carried for a long time. This image represents one who has taken on too much responsibility in business, career or relationship and their motion/life is oppressed by the burden. It is time to stop being a martyr and learn to delegate. This card also implies the recovery after a difficult period awaits the querent. Such as recovered money or health after illness. The fiery scene implies the universal fire element of this card.

The primary meaning of this card is to imply the weight of responsibilities and one's own ambition. Here is an image of a heavy load, cruelty, and self-sacrifice.

Saturn's placement in Sagittarius brings a blend of energies that can have both challenging and constructive effects. Here are some characteristics of Saturn in Sagittarius:

1. Restriction in Expansion: Sagittarius is a sign associated with expansion, exploration, and freedom. However, when Saturn, the planet of limitations and structure, enters Sagittarius, there can be a sense of restriction or constriction in these areas. Individuals with this placement may feel hindered in their pursuits for adventure or may encounter obstacles in their quest for knowledge and understanding.

2. Practical Idealism: Saturn in Sagittarius encourages a more grounded approach to Sagittarian themes such as belief systems, philosophy, and higher learning. There's a tendency to apply practicality and discipline to one's ideals and beliefs, making them more realistic and achievable.

3. Responsibility in Education: Education and learning become serious matters under this influence. Individuals may feel a strong sense of responsibility towards their educational pursuits, seeking to gain practical skills and knowledge that will serve them in the long term. There may be a focus on traditional or structured forms of education.

4. Challenges to Faith: Sagittarius is also associated with faith, spirituality, and belief systems. With Saturn here, there may be challenges or tests to one's faith and beliefs. Individuals may need to confront and reevaluate their philosophical or religious views, leading to a deeper understanding or a more mature approach to spirituality.

5. Long-Term Goals in Travel: Sagittarius rules travel and exploration, and Saturn's presence here can indicate a more cautious or methodical approach to these activities. Individuals may plan their travels meticulously, focusing on long-term goals and practical considerations rather than spontaneous adventures.

6. Discipline in Expression: Sagittarius is known for its outgoing and expansive nature, but Saturn can bring a more reserved or disciplined expression of these qualities. Individuals with this placement may be cautious in expressing themselves, preferring to communicate in a measured and thoughtful manner.

7. Authority in Publishing and Teaching: Saturn in Sagittarius can signify authority and responsibility in fields related to publishing, teaching, and dissemination of knowledge. Individuals may take on leadership roles in these areas, bringing a structured and organized approach to their work.

Overall, Saturn in Sagittarius encourages a blending of Sagittarian optimism and enthusiasm with Saturnian discipline and responsibility. It's a time for practical idealism, where individuals are challenged to ground their aspirations in reality and take a serious approach to their beliefs and pursuits.

One cannot carry this great burden of responsibility for each person- for long. This struggle is clearly shown in the Tarot Cards, like the Rider-Waite-Smith or the Astromatrix-10 of wands, where one is overburdened, and one can't go any further with such an emotional overload. Hence the term "the straw that broke the camel's back" is experienced and often in an explosion of rage; for example, "road rage", that often happens after reaching the end of one's endurance to contain the oppressed emotional energy of fear, often called "stress". The image of the many traditional tarot cards usually displays an overwhelming burden that has broken down the will to go on.

When the 10 of Wands is thrown in a divination and well dignified by the surrounding Cards, such as positive Major Arcana it implies:

• The querent is being generous or experiencing generosity from another.
• Self-Sacrifice is in the form of oppressing one's wants for another's.
• Disinterestedness in a situation.
• Emerging from a tough situation. 
• Wisdom gained from adversity.
• With holding sexual energy, under heavy stimulation, for the purpose of amassing a overwhelming amount for explosive healing/transforming purposes (Tantric). 

When the 10 of Wands is thrown during a Divination, but is ill dignified by the surrounding cards, the Querent may experience: 

• Cruelty and malice towards others.
• Oppression, Injustice, and over-bearing strength being applied for selfish and material ends.
• Sometimes failure in a matter, and opposition too strong to be controlled arising from the      person's too great selfishness at the beginning.
• Ill will, envy, slander, obstinacy, and swiftness in evil.
• Dogma.
• Fixation.
• Authority problems.
• The unresolved issues of the father relationship.

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