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Above all things, know thyself!

"...the fulfillment of the Will of Love in abounding joy. It is the spiritual basis of fertility"

- [Crowley-Book of Thoth, pg.,196]

#3. Filled with understanding of its perfect law, I am guided, moment by moment, along the path of liberation.

The Thoth 3 of Cups, titled the Lord of Abundance, radiates the overflowing vitality of love, communion, and creative flow. Astrologically, this card embodies Mercury in Cancer, with its decanic angels Rachael and Yehomayah presiding. In this placement, Mercury—the swift messenger of the gods—moves through the nurturing waters of Cancer, creating an abundant exchange of emotional energy. Thoughts become feelings, and feelings become words; there is harmony in expression, a deep resonance where heart and mind are entwined.

Qabalistically, the 3 of Cups reflects the influence of Binah (Understanding) operating in Briah, the Mental or Creative World. Here, the Great Mother’s comprehension permeates the formative realm, nurturing ideas into vibrant emotional structures. Binah in Briah is the moment where the blueprint of abundance begins to crystallize, yet remains fluid enough to nurture future manifestation. It is love and understanding multiplying itself, a trinity of emotional creativity (3 = synthesis).

On a biological and Hermetic level, this triadic abundance echoes within us: our DNA carries RNA, the messenger molecule—a perfect microcosmic parallel to Mercury. Just as Mercury carries divine messages between worlds, RNA translates the code of life, carrying the instructions that birth and sustain the body. Thus, the 3 of Cups is not only a celebration of emotional joy but a reminder that the same divine communication flows in the very spiral of our being. In this sense, abundance is not merely external; it is written into our cells, echoing the universal principle of “As Above, So Below.”

The initials DNA stand for Deoxyribonucleic Acid, and RNA stands for Ribonucleic Acid. Both are crucial biomolecules in genetics and cellular function, but they differ in structure and function.

Relation of RNA to DNA (the Tree of Life):

• DNA is a double-stranded molecule that serves as the primary storage of genetic information.
• RNA is a single-stranded molecule that is synthesized from DNA in a process called transcription.

Parts of DNA and Corresponding RNA:

RNA is transcribed from the DNA molecule, specifically from one of its strands. The regions of DNA that are transcribed into RNA are called genes. RNA corresponds to:

1. Coding Strand (Sense Strand): RNA has a sequence complementary to the DNA template strand but is nearly identical to the coding strand (except RNA uses uracil (U) instead of thymine (T)).
2. Nucleotides: RNA is made of nucleotides similar to DNA, but DNA's deoxyribose sugar is replaced by ribose sugar in RNA.

Key Differences Between DNA and RNA:

1. Sugar: DNA has deoxyribose; RNA has ribose.
2. Bases: DNA uses thymine (T); RNA uses uracil (U).
3. Strands: DNA is double-stranded; RNA is single-stranded.

Types of RNA:

RNA transcribed from DNA serves different functions:

• mRNA (Messenger RNA): Encodes the instructions for making proteins.
• tRNA (Transfer RNA): Helps assemble proteins by bringing amino acids during translation.
• rRNA (Ribosomal RNA): Forms the core of ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized.

In summary, RNA originates from DNA and functions as the intermediary between genetic information and protein synthesis. The Gods dance within all of us.

Thoth Tarot – 3 of Cups: The Lord of Abundance

The 3 of Cups in the Thoth Tarot, also titled the Lord of Abundance, is a vibrant depiction of overflowing joy, fertility, and divine communion. This card resonates with the energy of Mercury in Cancer, under the guidance of the angels Rachael and Yehomayah, rulers of this decan. Here, the swift, mercurial power of thought and communication is immersed in the nurturing, watery depths of Cancer—mind and emotion harmonize to create a fertile abundance of love and hospitality.

The Scene of Abundance

On the card, rushing waters pour extravagantly into three pomegranate-shaped cups, their flow swift, lively, and seemingly unending. This imagery captures the gifts of Mercury, whose nature is to move, connect, and communicate. The choice of pomegranates is deeply symbolic: this fruit is sacred to Persephone, the Goddess of Spring and Queen of the Underworld. In myth, her consumption of the pomegranate seeds bound her to the cycles of descent (winter) and return (spring)—a rhythm of death and rebirth reflected in the overflowing cups of life-giving water.

The waters arise from a single higher cup, symbolizing the “dark, calm Sea of Binah”—the Great Mother on the Qabalistic Tree of Life, representing Understanding and the Universal Collective Unconscious. From this silent sea flows the abundance of all consciousness, cascading down into the triadic forms below. Each drop can be seen as a soul-seed, Persephone’s pomegranate seeds, descending into incarnation and rising again in renewal.

Qabalistic Significance

Qabalistically, this card represents Binah (Understanding) operating in Briah, the Mental-Creative World. Binah, the Great Sea, is the matrix from which all forms arise. In Briah, her creative understanding becomes the blueprint of mental and emotional abundance, preparing the soul for manifestation in the lower worlds. The number 3 itself signifies synthesis—the harmonious union of force (1) and form (2), producing a third principle of creative expression...Me.

Mercury, Cancer, and DNA

Mercury, the divine messenger, translates the ineffable into language and symbol. In Cancer, the sign of the nurturing waters and the womb, Mercury facilitates the communication of deep emotional truths—a union of intellect and intuition.

This archetype extends into the microcosm of the human body: within every strand of DNA lies RNA, the messenger molecule. RNA functions as Mercury does, translating the genetic code into living action. The same divine principle that bridges the worlds in Qabalah is written into our very cells, a living testament to the Hermetic axiom: “As Above, So Below.”

The Gifts of Persephone

The pomegranates symbolize more than fertility; they evoke the mystery of hospitality and sacred abundance. In Persephone’s myth, the seeds both bind and liberate: they tie her to the underworld and yet promise her return to the upper world each spring. Likewise, the 3 of Cups calls us to embrace the cycles of plenty and withdrawal, knowing that abundance flows in rhythms, not static possession. Love and joy are meant to circulate—like water, they stagnate only when withheld.

Divinatory Meaning

In readings, the 3 of Cups heralds:

• Abundance of Love and Joy – Celebrations, emotional communion, friendships, and hospitality.

• Creative Fertility – Projects and ideas flowing freely, often in harmony with others.

• Spiritual Communion – A sense of connection to the greater Whole; joy found in sharing.

• Cycles of Renewal – Recognition that every joy is born of deeper unseen currents.

Those who have followed this blog for some time will recognize Binah as the “Will-to-Form”—that profound, underlying impulse that shapes imagination into a “womb with a view.” Binah is not the material womb itself; rather, she is the cosmic intention to conceive, the archetypal Mother whose silent depth provides the blueprint from which all forms arise; hence abundance. The actual materialization of this will belongs to Chesed, the Sphere of Mercy, which embodies the expansive generosity of form made manifest.

It is important to remember that in Qabalah, assigning gender to these forces is symbolic, not literal. To call Binah “feminine” or Chesed “masculine” is to describe modes of action, not fixed identities. In truth, each Sephirah contains both polarities. Chesed, though often described as masculine in its outward, expansive force, is also feminine in that it receives the Will of Binah and nurtures it into structured creation. Thus, these archetypes interpenetrate rather than oppose; the dance of force and form is far more nuanced than simple gendered dichotomies.

On the Thoth 3 of Cups, we behold not only an abundance of joy but the Trinity Goddess expressed through the threefold nature of love. These correspond to the Maiden, Mother, and Crone—the eternal feminine archetypes that flow through all cycles of creation:

• Eros (Maiden) – The passionate love of flesh and desire, representing renewal and vitality.

• Philos (Mother) – The nurturing, familial love that binds kin and community, embodying compassion and care.

• Agapé (Crone) – The unconditional, spiritual love that transcends form, rooted in wisdom and unity with the Divine.

Within this card, these three states of love are symbolized by the overflowing pomegranate cups—fertility, hospitality, and the perpetual cycle of death and rebirth. Interestingly, the only masculine force present is Mercury, the divine messenger. He moves among the three feminine states, harmonizing them through communication and flow, enabling their abundance to pour forth into all worlds.

Thus, the 3 of Cups may be seen as a sacred ménage à trois—literally “three in one house (body).” It represents the overflowing communion of love in all its forms, integrated within the human soul. When aligned, these three expressions of love create not conflict but a house of harmony, a chalice through which the Divine pours itself into life.

Side Note:
What may surprise many is that none of us are the sex of our bodies. At the level of the Soul, we are fundamentally androgynous beings—possessing both receptive (feminine) and expressive (masculine) qualities, both magnetic and electric currents. We are not seeking union as one fixed gender, but rather as whole entities integrating polarities within ourselves.

This truth is mirrored in our very biology: the human brain, reflecting the psyche, is Hermaphroditic—a living synthesis of Hermes (male) and Aphrodite (female). The left hemisphere aligns with the active, rational, “masculine” qualities, while the right hemisphere resonates with intuitive, receptive, “feminine” qualities.

As Solar-Psyche entities—Golden Suns of the Divine—we inherit the profound freedom and power “to be or not to be” any gender at all. Yet the physical body, born of DNA’s polarity, compels us toward attraction, seeking completion through its opposite. This tension between the androgynous Soul and gendered body is part of the soul’s education—an alchemical process of learning harmony through polarity.

The body and soul operate in distinct dimensions of the Qabalistic Tree of Life. The physical body resides in Malkuth (10th Sephirah)—the Kingdom, the material plane—while the Solar-Self or Psyche resides in Tiphareth (6th Sephirah), the radiant heart-center of divine harmony and the seat of the Higher Self.

The physical body itself is a holographic avatar—a projection meditated or dreamed into existence by the Solar Self. It is the coagulated self-awareness of the higher consciousness, a crystallized image through which the I AM experiences and acts in the material world. This avatar, though seemingly solid, is a condensation of light and thought, shaped by the electro-magnetic field of the Soul—electric (masculine) and magnetic (feminine) currents unified in the living name of the Divine.

This avatar is powered by the DNA/RNA helix, a code that carries both terrestrial and extraterrestrial signatures. While Earth herself is approximately 4.6 billion years old, scientific and esoteric perspectives suggest that DNA—and particularly its RNA precursor—bears markers of cosmic antiquity, potentially trillions of years old. This implies that the template of life predates Earth, seeded from beyond our planet, and affirms the Hermetic axiom: “As Above, So Below; As Within, So Without.”

Sexual dimorphism—the division of species into male and female—is one of the design mechanisms of this code, created to diversify consciousness through union and separation. The drive for attraction and reproduction ensures the continual blending of energies and experiences, propelling evolution and the soul’s awakening.

Ancient cultures understood this stellar origin of humanity. The Sumerians spoke of the Anunnaki; the Dogon of Mali revered the Nomo; Native Americans told of the Star People; the Maya, Aztecs, Hindus, Egyptians, Hebrews, Babylonians, and even the Japanese and Chinese traditions preserved stories of divine visitors from the heavens. Though their languages and symbols differed, they all described these beings as gods—architects of life, bringers of knowledge, and genetic sculptors of our species.

On Earth, diversity must be made manifest for life to evolve and move forward. This process necessitates the primordial “splitting” of the Soul into complementary polarities: Anima (feminine) and Animus (masculine)—a mystery expressed in Hermetic Qabalah as 0 = 2. In its pure state, the Soul is androgynous, but when it incarnates into matter, it is divided into polar expressions to generate movement, experience, and growth.

This splitting is both creative. abundant, and traumatic. The human body—an exquisitely sophisticated, DNA/RNA-driven tool animated by the Solar Psyche—is unexcelled in its instinctive drive to seek union. Yet this quest is rarely seamless. The psyche’s Will-to-Wholeness—the deep yearning to reunite the divided Anima and Animus (the forces of Binah and Chokmah)—becomes entangled with the body’s instinctive desire for physical union. Thus arises the archetypal longing for a “soul mate”—not merely another person, but the reconciliation of our own inner polarities projected outward into relationship.

However, the notion that there are only two genders—male and female—is a distortion born of patriarchal dogma. Ancient and modern wisdom traditions alike have acknowledged multiple states of gender, often enumerating five primary states or more, recognizing gender as a spectrum of consciousness rather than a fixed binary. The denial of these states, and the enforcement of rigid gender constructs, has inflicted profound trauma on those whose souls express beyond the binary. In truth, the psyche is far more fluid than the body’s outward form, and reclaiming this multidimensional understanding of gender is key to restoring wholeness.

Many Native American cultures historically recognized and honored a diversity of genders beyond the binary male and female, often acknowledging up to five genders. These genders were often tied to spiritual beliefs, social roles, and cultural practices. Although each tribe had its unique perspective and terminology, there are common themes in how these genders were understood.

The Five Genders Recognized in Some Tribes:

1. Feminine Woman:

   • Individuals assigned female at birth who identify and live as women.
   • They often followed traditional roles associated with women in their communities.

2. Masculine Man:

   • Individuals assigned male at birth who identify and live as men.
   • They typically adhered to roles associated with men, such as hunting or warrior responsibilities.

3. Two-Spirit (or Third Gender):

   • The term "Two-Spirit" is a modern, pan-tribal term introduced in 1990 to describe individuals who embody both masculine and feminine spirits.
   • Two-Spirit people often performed specialized social, spiritual, or ceremonial roles, such as healers, matchmakers, or mediators.
   • Their gender expression could involve wearing clothing or taking on roles traditionally associated with the opposite gender or a blend of both.

4. Feminine Male:

   • These individuals were assigned male at birth but identified with or took on roles traditionally associated with women.
   • In some tribes, they might have specialized skills in crafts, storytelling, or caregiving.

5. Masculine Female:

   • These individuals were assigned female at birth but identified with or took on roles traditionally associated with men.
   • They often engaged in activities like hunting, warfare, or leadership roles.

Cultural Context:

• Gender diversity was not seen as "unusual" or stigmatized; instead, it was considered a gift or a sacred balance of energies.
• Roles and contributions were often tied to abilities, spiritual gifts, or societal needs rather than strictly to biological sex.
• These roles varied widely between tribes, such as the Lakota, Navajo (Diné), and Zuni, who each had their own terminology and cultural practices surrounding gender diversity.

Spiritual and Social Importance:

• Two-Spirit individuals were often considered to have a closer connection to the spirit world, as they embodied dual or multiple energies.
• Their roles might include acting as spiritual leaders, healers, or ceremonial guides due to their perceived unique insights and connection to the divine.

This understanding of gender diversity highlights the respect and recognition of human complexity and abundance that many Native American cultures upheld before the influence of European colonialism, which often imposed rigid binary gender norms.

Yes, the concept of multiple genders was not unique to Native American cultures but has been present in various societies worldwide. Many cultures have recognized more than the binary male and female genders, often embedding these identities in their spiritual, social, or cultural frameworks. While the specific number and roles of genders vary, the idea of a spectrum of gender identities is a recurring theme in human history.

Examples of Multigender Beliefs in Other Cultures:

1. Hindu and South Asian Traditions:

   • The Hijra community in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal) has been recognized for centuries. Hijras are typically transgender, intersex, or eunuchs, and they often hold ceremonial roles, particularly at births and weddings.
   • Hindu mythology and sacred texts frequently describe deities and figures who embody dual or fluid genders, such as:
     • Ardhanarishvara: A composite form of the god Shiva and the goddess Parvati, representing a perfect balance of masculine and feminine energies.
     • Shikhandi: A character in the Mahabharata, born female but identified as male.

2. Polynesian and Pacific Cultures:

   • Many Polynesian societies have long recognized third genders:
     • Fa'afafine in Samoa: Individuals assigned male at birth but embody both masculine and feminine traits, often taking on caregiving and artistic roles.
     • Māhū in Hawaii and Tahiti: Considered sacred and embodying both male and female energies, they often serve as healers, teachers, or spiritual guides.

3. Indigenous Cultures in Africa:

   • The Buganda Kingdom in Uganda traditionally recognized mukodo dako, a term describing men who take on female roles or exhibit feminine traits.
   • The Dagara people of Burkina Faso believe that some individuals are born with dual-gender spirits, which is seen as a unique spiritual gift.

4. Southeast Asia:

   • In Thailand, the term kathoey refers to individuals who are assigned male at birth but identify or express themselves as female or as a third gender.
   • The Bugis people of Indonesia traditionally recognize five genders:
     • Male
     • Female
     • Calabai (feminine males)
     • Calalai (masculine females)
     • Bissu (androgynous or gender-transcendent individuals who are considered spiritual leaders).

5. Ancient Mesopotamian and Middle Eastern Cultures:

   • In ancient Sumerian and Akkadian societies, priests and priestesses of the goddess Inanna/Ishtar often embodied gender fluidity or androgyny, seen as sacred figures mediating between the human and divine realms.

6. European and Mediterranean Cultures:

   • In ancient Greece, some myths and practices celebrated non-binary or dual-gendered figures. For example:
     • Hermaphroditus, a deity born from Hermes and Aphrodite, embodies both male and female characteristics.
   • Among the Scythians (ancient nomads of the Eurasian steppes), individuals known as Enarees were considered shamans with a distinct gender identity.

Common Themes Across Cultures:

• Spiritual Roles: Non-binary or third-gender individuals often held spiritual or ceremonial roles, as they were believed to possess unique insights or connections to the divine.
• Social Fluidity: Their roles in society were not strictly tied to their biological sex but rather to their abilities, contributions, and spiritual significance.
• Sacred Balance: Many cultures viewed gender-diverse individuals as embodying a balance of masculine and feminine energies, representing harmony and wholeness.

The concept of multiple genders highlights humanity’s recognition of the diversity in gender expression and identity, often seen as sacred or integral to the community. The imposition of rigid binary gender norms is a relatively modern construct that often replaced or suppressed these longstanding traditions.

The 3 of Cups teaches that abundance is not about external accumulation but an inner state of being. It reflects the overflow of love, creativity, and communion that arises when the psyche aligns with its own truth. At its core, you are a “Will-to-Be”—the primal declaration of existence: I AM ME.

This “I AM” is forged from the dynamic interplay of Will-to-Force (Chokmah) and Will-to-Form (Binah), harmonized by Knowledge (Da’ath). To proclaim “I AM” is the eternal truth of existence; yet, what you declare yourself to be—your identity, form, and even gender—is always an assumption of the imagination.

And here lies the Hermetic revelation: YOU are the Imagination itself—an I-Magi-Nation. The imagined identity of your sexuality, like any other self-concept, is yours to create, explore, and transform. The psyche is not confined by the physical body’s binary expression; it is inherently bi-sexual and androgynous by inheritance. Even the human brain reflects this truth, being hermaphroditic in function—its left hemisphere expressing “masculine” activity and its right hemisphere embodying “feminine” receptivity.

Thus, all sexual expressions arise from the same universal Mind. The body may be gendered by DNA, but the consciousness that animates it is fluid, electric and magnetic, force and form—capable of becoming whatever it imagines itself to be, or whatever it has been conditioned to believe it is.

Ultimately, All is Mind—and in this truth lies the freedom to reclaim your wholeness beyond the illusions of separation and dogma.

In this world of manifestation—where manifestation itself is illusion and, as quantum physics now echoes, a hologram—the splitting of the Soul into Anima and Animus introduces profound complexity. This division generates a fantasy of identity that often does not align with the physical sex of the body. Compounding this, the body’s genetic design and the indoctrinated conditioning of cultural dogma can cause one to over-identify with either the rational (Animus) or imaginative (Anima) aspects of the psyche. Such imbalances can distort life’s natural rhythms, creating unnecessary tension and dissonance in our lived experience.

The Magus, however, sees through the holographic illusion. Standing in the current of Abundance, they recognize that all forms—whether body, identity, or experience—are valid expressions of the One Mind. In Hermetic understanding, if it exists, it is supposed to exist. This is the highest acceptance: the realization that every facet of creation, from the subatomic to the cosmic, is part of a single dream the Soul is dreaming. In this awareness, harmony is restored—not by changing reality, but by seeing it as it truly is: a holographic dance of Force and Form within the infinite I AM.

“Image-maker”—this is the true meaning of Imagination, and it is both the Divine’s and your inherited power. Cast off the identity straight-jacket of words, labels, and controlled definitions, and proclaim with full authority: “I AM Me!” This declaration is not egoic—it is the pure recognition of your role as co-creator with the Divine. You are here not to conform to illusions, but to embody self-impeccability—the sacred work of living your truth with precision and integrity.

In this Universe, what we truly command is our own image—the inner story we tell ourselves about who we are. Self-identity is an assumption, and that assumption becomes the lens through which we experience the multidimensional world. Take charge of this power. Cease blaming the environment, other people, or circumstances; such forces only hold the fantasy power you grant them.

You are not merely acted upon—you are the Will and the Way of your Will. Life’s motion and manifestation arise from your own passionate use of Will, Imagination, and Boundary (the sacred measure of force and form). Influences will come, but they do not define you unless you consent to them.

Ultimately, you are an abundance of three states of Will—force, form, and knowledge—woven together in the act of dreaming yourself into being. The Divine Creative dreams it is you; through you, the Infinite tastes its own reflection.

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

-Eli

Abundant love is indeed a wondrous gift—but every radiance casts a shadow. In Hermetic terms, this shadow is the false ego, the illusionary self that clings, fears loss, and seeks to possess what is meant to flow. The 3 of Cups, though a celebration of joy and communion, carries within it this subtle warning.

The legend of Persephone—Maiden aspect of the Trinity Goddess (Maid, Mother, Crone)—embodies this truth. Her sacred fruit, the pomegranate, symbolizes both fertility and entrapment. By swallowing a few of its seeds, Persephone was bound to spend part of the year in the underworld with her husband Pluto (Hades), Lord of the Dead. Only through a compromise brokered with her mother, Demeter (or Artemis), was she allowed to ascend for part of the year, bringing with her the renewal of spring’s abundance.

This myth offers a profound Hermetic teaching: even the sweetest joys—love, passion, celebration—carry within them the potential for attachment and descent. To enjoy abundance is divine; to cling to it is delusion. The waters of the 3 of Cups overflow, but they are meant to flow onward, not stagnate in grasping. Too much of a good thing, when clutched, becomes its own poison.

The caveat, then, is simple yet profound: celebrate the overflow, but do not attempt to possess it. Love freely, give joyfully, and when the season changes, allow the waters to return to the Sea of Binah. In doing so, you remain in harmony with the cycles of creation, trusting that abundance, like Persephone herself, always returns.

The myth of Hades and Persephone is one of the most enduring allegories of soul descent and rebirth, mirroring the seasonal cycles and the spiritual process of incarnation. In Greek mythology, Persephone—daughter of Demeter, goddess of the harvest—was abducted by Hades and taken into the underworld to be his queen. Demeter’s grief brought famine to the world, halting growth and fertility. Only after Zeus intervened was Persephone allowed to return to the surface for part of the year, bringing with her the renewal of spring and the abundance of the harvest.

In the Hermetic view, this tale is more than seasonal—it is Qabalistic allegory. Persephone represents the soul itself, which descends from the higher realms (Tiphareth and above) into the underworld of manifestation (Malkuth). Here, the soul is “abducted” into form, bound by the pomegranate seeds of incarnation and karma. The human experience—joys, sorrows, attachments—is this winter of the soul, a necessary phase of descent and forgetting.

Yet, just as Persephone ascends each spring, the soul also undergoes periodic regeneration and awakening. Through initiatory processes—represented by the 3 of Cups’ abundant waters—the soul reclaims memory of its divine origin, integrating the wisdom gained in the underworld of form. Each cycle of incarnation leads toward greater wholeness, uniting the divided Anima and Animus (Binah and Chokmah) in the solar harmony of Tiphareth.

Thus, the 3 of Cups is not merely a celebration of outward joy but a recognition of the soul’s regenerative cycle: descent into illusion, transformation through experience, and ascent into abundance and spiritual springtime. To understand this is to see life’s challenges not as punishment but as the mythic journey of Persephone living through us—each descent preparing the way for a more radiant ascent.

The Medieval Feathers Tarot – 3 of Cups follows the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition while adding its own symbolic richness. In this imagery, two cups stand together, celebrating the arrival of a third cup, newly formed from their union. This third cup represents birth—whether literal (a child) or symbolic (a new idea, creative project, or inner transformation). The two standing cups, joyful and supportive, now tend to this emerging vessel so that it may grow strong enough to receive the abundance soon to be poured into it.

Above this scene hovers the swallow’s feather, a symbol of guidance, care, and safe passage. In many traditions, swallows are omens of new beginnings and the return of spring—perfectly echoing the regenerative theme of this card. The feather suggests that unseen forces, perhaps ancestral or divine, oversee this new birth and help shepherd it toward fruition.

The message is one of celebratory responsibility: rejoice in what has been born, but also nurture it patiently. The mind creates instantaneously, but the body and material world move within the boundaries of time and space. To force growth is to risk imbalance; instead, allow the new creation—child, idea, or self—to unfold according to its own natural rhythm.

There is also a subtle caution: while this birth promises delight and shared joy, it also asks for discernment. Abundance must flow in harmony; attempting to pour the entire ocean of mind into the fish of manifestation risks overwhelming the vessel. Honor the sacred pacing of growth, and the abundance symbolized by this third cup will become a sustainable blessing.

The 3 maidens can also represent the trinity goddess of maid-mother-crone, celebrating the ecstatic life. *For the participants of the festivals of Dionysus, the god Dionysus was a liberator. Hence, the maidens have removed their masks of words and classification and act as if children in their first joyous play.

For those of you whose souls are unshackled from the Patriarchy and its fear of the human body. You may find that the similarities of the sign of Cancer and Tantric Yoga symbols enlightening.

The astrological symbol for Cancer (♋︎) indeed bears a resemblance to certain Tantric symbols that represent sexual congress or the interplay of masculine and feminine energies. This connection is rooted in symbolic interpretations of duality, balance, and cyclical energies that are central to both astrology and Tantra.

The Cancer Symbol: ♋︎

The glyph for Cancer consists of two interlocking spirals or a stylized depiction of two circles or crescents. This is often interpreted as:

1. Yin and Yang: The interlocked nature of the symbol reflects the dual forces of creation—masculine and feminine, active and receptive.
2. Breasts: Symbolizing nurturing, care, and motherhood, which are traits associated with Cancer.
3. Cycles: The circular nature represents the cyclical rhythm of life, the Moon’s phases, and the tides, all of which are ruled by Cancer.

Tantric Symbolism and Sexual Congress

In Tantra, symbols representing sexual congress are not just about physical union but also the spiritual merging of masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti) energies. Key concepts include:

1. Interplay of Dualities:

   • Tantric practices emphasize the unity of opposites. The masculine energy (active, solar, dynamic) and feminine energy (receptive, lunar, nurturing) merge to create a harmonious and transformative union.
   • This merging is sometimes depicted as intertwined forms, such as spirals, circles, or other symmetrical designs, similar to the Cancer glyph.

2. Sacred Geometry:

   • Tantric symbols often include spirals, loops, and circles that resemble the Cancer glyph, representing the cyclical and eternal nature of life and energy.

3. Union of Cosmic Forces:

   • The merging of energies in Tantra is often symbolized by circular or looping designs that echo the Cancer glyph’s imagery. These forms highlight the sacred interplay that leads to spiritual awakening or enlightenment.

Symbolic Parallels:

1. Receptivity and Nurturing:

   • Cancer is ruled by the Moon, associated with feminine energy, intuition, and emotional depth. In Tantra, the feminine energy (Shakti) is the nurturing and receptive force, a central element in balancing energies.

2. Cyclic Nature:

   • The Cancer symbol’s spiral design mirrors the cycles of creation and destruction in Tantric philosophy. These cycles are also mirrored in the Moon’s waxing and waning phases.

3. Sacred Union:

   • The glyph’s two interlocking shapes could symbolize the meeting of two energies—akin to the Tantric concept of sexual congress as a pathway to spiritual unity.

Historical and Esoteric Connections:

• Astrology and Tantra Share Roots: Both systems originate from ancient traditions that sought to understand the cosmos and humanity's connection to it. Astrology and Tantra use symbolic language to describe energetic relationships in the universe.
• Cancer and the Moon: The Moon’s influence on emotions, intuition, and cycles aligns closely with the Tantric understanding of energy flowing through cyclic paths (like the Kundalini).

While the resemblance may be coincidental, it speaks to the universal archetypes that appear across mystical and esoteric traditions. These systems often converge in their symbolic representations of cosmic forces, duality, and creation.

The number 3 holds profound Hermetic significance in both numerology and gematria, drawing from its symbolic associations with harmony, balance, and the creative processes of the cosmos. Its significance is deeply rooted in Hermetic principles, Western esotericism, and mystical traditions.

Hermetic Significance of the Number 3 in Numerology

1. The Trinity of Creation:

   • The number 3 symbolizes the triadic nature of creation, often represented as:
     • Father, Mother, and Child (masculine, feminine, and their union in creation).
     • Spirit, Soul, and Body in Hermetic and alchemical thought.
     • Mind, Emotions, and Actions, aligning with the Hermetic axiom: "As above, so below."
   • This reflects the process of manifestation: an idea (1) combines with a formative medium (2) to produce a tangible result (3).

2. The Hermetic Triad:

   • Hermetic philosophy often emphasizes the threefold nature of existence, such as:
     • The Three Alchemical Principles: Sulfur (soul), Mercury (spirit), and Salt (body).
     • The Three Planes of Reality: Mental, Astral (or Soul), and Physical.
   • This triad shows the interplay of forces that govern the macrocosm (the universe) and the microcosm (the individual).

3. Balance and Harmony:

   • The number 3 signifies the resolution of opposites, as duality (2) is harmonized by a third force. It represents equilibrium, where opposites are synthesized into unity.
   • In numerology, 3 often reflects creativity, joy, and expression—qualities that emerge when balance is achieved.

Gematria and the Number 3

Gematria, the mystical interpretation of numbers in Hebrew letters, often ties numbers to spiritual concepts. In Hermetic Qabalah, 3 is deeply connected to both sephirothic wisdom and the unfolding of divine energy.

1. Sephirot in the Tree of Life:

   • The number 3 corresponds to Binah (Understanding) on the Tree of Life in Qabalah. Binah represents:
     • The Divine Mother and the receptive aspect of creation.
     • The formation and structuring of existence, where divine will (Chokmah, 2) takes form.
   • Binah is the first manifestation of limitation, symbolizing the birth of duality and form from the infinite (Kether, 1).

2. The Letter Gimel (ג):

   • In Hebrew gematria, the number 3 corresponds to the letter Gimel, which carries symbolic meanings:
     • Camel: A symbol of a journey through the desert, representing endurance and the path between spiritual realms (the middle pillar of the Tree of Life).
     • Gimel is linked to the Tarot card The High Priestess, symbolizing intuition, the balance of opposites, and the threshold between hidden and revealed knowledge.

3. Ternary Symbolism:

   • In gematria, 3 is often seen as a number of divine synthesis. It reflects the interplay of opposites (masculine and feminine, active and passive) resulting in a harmonious whole.

Hermetic Meanings Across Traditions

1. Sacred Geometry:

   • The number 3 is the basis of the triangle, one of the most sacred shapes in Hermetic thought. It represents:
     • Fire: The active, transformative principle.
     • Spirit: The essence of creation and balance.

2. The Hermetic Axiom:

   • The phrase “As above, so below” reflects a trinity of correspondence:
     • The macrocosm, microcosm, and the principle that connects them.

3. Tarot and 3:

   • In Tarot, the number 3 is associated with cards like:
     • The Empress (Major Arcana): Fertility, creativity, and manifestation.
     • Three of Cups (Minor Arcana): Celebration and emotional harmony.
     • Three of Swords: Pain and the synthesis of opposites through conflict and resolution.

Summary

The number 3 is a fundamental symbol in Hermetic philosophy, numerology, and gematria. It represents creation, balance, and understanding, often seen as the resolution of duality into a harmonious and creative synthesis. Its role in both mystical traditions and sacred systems highlights its universal importance as a cornerstone of cosmic and spiritual principles.

When the 3 of Cups is thrown during a reading, it implies:

• The querent may have an outpouring of love and positive emotion toward three incredibly significant people in their life.  With an overwhelming desire to communicate such to them happiness and a full life.
• May become clearer about what the querent's feelings and emotion are saying.
• Let the spirit come through and express the joy of being with others.
• A steady and timeless affection is being felt by the querent that is unconditional and thus more powerful and more deeply felt than romantic love.
• Feeling the dance of love, often called the Three Graces. 
• A very exuberant joyful feeling of being.
• Extreme joy that can turn to tears.
• Happiness.
• Joy.
• Harmony.

If ill defined by the surrounding cards in the layout:

• Lust.
• Hedonism.
• Raw Sensuality.
• Feelings damned up. 

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Awaken your resonance with the Thoth Tarot through one-on-one Hermetic training with Magus Eli.

Why This Class is Unique

• One-on-one, 2-hour sessions via Google Meet (recorded for your review)

• Flexible scheduling — weekly, biweekly, or monthly (12 sessions recommended)

• A curriculum that adapts to your spiritual goals and resonance

• A fusion of mystical philosophy and hands-on Tarot practice

• No prior Tarot knowledge required — beginners welcome

What You’ll Learn

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

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

• Tarot as a key to personal gnosis, meditation, and ritual magick

• Practice Hermetic Tarot spreads and interpret them live with the Magus

• Build your own ritual and inner temple framework for ongoing mastery

Required Materials

• The Qabalistic Tarot by Robert Wang

• Thoth Tarot deck (Crowley/Harris edition preferred)

• Personal journal or Book of Shadows

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