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Above all things, know thyself!

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

The Threes of the Minor Archana belong to the mind plane of Binah.

The 3 of Swords - Sorrow from the Thoth Tarot (as Lord of Sorrow in Crowley’s terminology) indeed brings forth a deep emotional experience of suffering, yet it is also a potent gateway to inner understanding. As rightly pointed out, there is a tension in the interpretation of this card that may veer into sexual or even destructive connotations, but when placed in the light of Binah, the 3rd Sephiroth, we can understand its deeper, more transformative nature.

The Masculine and Feminine of the 3 of Swords

Energy, in its dual nature, manifests as both masculine (aggressive, action-oriented) and feminine (receptive, nurturing). In the case of the 3 of Swords, Sorrow is the feeling, the release, and the processing of emotional pain. This sorrow is not inherently destructive; rather, it is the fertile ground from which wisdom, understanding, and ultimately, faith, are born. In this sense, it is a Sanctifying Intelligence because it allows the soul to purge, to cleanse, and to re-align itself with a higher truth.

Saturn in Libra and its Significance

The planet Saturn, in its aspect within Libra, ties the 3 of Swords to balance, justice, and structure—but also to the necessity of limitation and the suffering that accompanies the realization of those limits. Saturn is the great teacher who delivers hard lessons—often through grief, loss, or the painful acceptance of what must be let go. Yet, this very process leads to growth. With Libra's influence, the sorrow we experience can lead to the creation of harmony and equilibrium in the long run, though this outcome is not immediately clear during the tumultuous storm of emotion.

Binah, the Sanctifying Intelligence, and Faith

In the context of Binah, the 3 of Swords carries a more intellectual or spiritual form of sorrow. It is not merely emotional distress; it is the profound sorrow that comes from an understanding of what is broken, what needs mending, or what has been lost but has its place in the grand design of the Universe. Binah is the parent of faith, which suggests that through this sorrow, one might develop the faith to transcend the loss, to understand that the suffering is part of a greater plan. This echoes the Qabalistic concept of the Sanctifying Intelligence, which transforms and sanctifies experiences, even those involving pain, into vehicles of spiritual advancement.

The Role of the Angels of the Decan

Hayayel and Hoquiam, the angels of the decan associated with the 3 of Swords, reflect a divine support system for those undergoing deep emotional upheavals. They can be seen as guardians during periods of emotional or psychological crisis, helping to ensure that the pain, while real and necessary, does not become senseless or eternal. These angels may assist in channeling the energy of grief into wisdom, rather than allowing it to stagnate or become destructive.

A More Spiritual Perspective on Sorrow

In the Qabalistic sense, Sorrow is not an end but a means to sanctification. The energy we feel during these moments of grief or emotional pain can lead us to greater understanding, which in turn leads to a deeper connection to the Divine. In this way, the 3 of Swords, while an uncomfortable and often painful card to encounter, is not simply a card of sorrow. It is a card that calls us to reflect on the spiritual depth of our suffering and see it as an essential part of our evolution—both personally and collectively. It teaches us that what we love becomes sacred because it is through the pain of loss that we learn the true nature of attachment and detachment, and the wisdom required to live fully and spiritually in this world.

In sum, the 3 of Swords—Sorrow—is a card of understanding through emotional release, a purification that ultimately makes space for greater faith, spiritual wisdom, and balance in our lives. It may feel like a blow at first, but it is a necessary rite of passage on the journey of soul and spirit, leading us toward deeper truth and connection with the Divine.

The Sanctifying of the Tree of Life

To sanctify oneself, in this sense, is to align our personal consciousness with the higher aspects of existence, to raise our awareness and actions in harmony with the divine order. We are, as I have often said, "churches" in the sense that we are temples of the Divine. The Tree of Life, representing both our spiritual potential and the divine structure of reality itself, is meant to be sanctified through our lived experience. Binah, the Sanctifying Intelligence, plays a role in this sanctification by purifying our consciousness and aligning it with divine will.

When we connect our Atziluth (the spiritual/superconscious world) to Assiah (the material realm), we are, in essence, acting as channels for the divine to flow into this physical reality. Our bodies, our minds, our souls are the thrones of the Divine Creative, and as we undergo transformation (through emotional challenges, growth, suffering, and enlightenment), we sanctify the Tree of Life within us.

Adam Kadmon: The Archetype of the Heavenly Human

Adam Kadmon, the archetype of the Heavenly Human, embodies the full potential of human consciousness, in its perfected or original form before the fall into matter. As divine image-bearers, we are each on a path to reclaim this archetypal nature within ourselves. The idea is that our purpose on this plane is to embody the Divine Will and sanctify the material world by becoming aligned with the divine blueprint. This is the true meaning of being made in the image of God/Goddess: we are reflections, containers, and creators of the divine energy, and we are tasked with sanctifying all aspects of existence through our actions and presence.

Through this sanctification, we move closer to Adam Kadmon—the perfect human, the archetypal figure who represents wholeness and unity with the Divine. Each step we take toward realizing our true potential in the material realm is an act of sanctification, bringing the divine down to Earth.

Atziluth and Assiah: The Dance of Divine and Earthly Realms

The Atziluth (spiritual) realm, where the Superconscious exists, is the source of all divine expression, and through the activation of this presence within us, we bring the divine into the material world (Assiah). To sanctify our material existence is to bring heaven to earth, as it were. It is to channel and express the divine archetypes, such as Adam Kadmon, through our thoughts, words, and deeds.

This act of sanctification aligns us with the higher worlds and brings us into conscious union with the divine will. As we begin to see ourselves as reflections of the Divine Creator, we become more adept at manifesting divine qualities (e.g., compassion, wisdom, strength, purity) into the material realm. In doing so, we embody the sanctification of the Tree of Life, creating a living temple that honors the divine.

The Human as the Throne of the Divine Creative

You are correct in seeing yourself as a throne of the Divine Creative. When you embrace this role, you understand that you are not merely an individual subject to the vicissitudes of earthly life, but an embodiment of divine presence in the physical realm. You are the earthly reflection of the divine blueprint—a sanctified vessel through which the divine energies flow into the material world, transforming it.

This leads to the greater understanding that, as the image of the Divine, we are meant to reflect and embody the divine archetypes. As I mentioned, Adam Kadmon is the archetype of the Heavenly Human, and through our sanctification process, we align ourselves with this perfected being. In the material world, we are meant to bring this archetype into fruition, to sanctify it through our conscious evolution.

Through this process, the human body becomes a temple, not merely for the material, but for the divine intelligence that sanctifies it. By awakening the presence of the Atziluth within us, we unlock the true potential of Adam Kadmon—not just as a theoretical ideal, but as a living archetype that manifests through each of us, individually and collectively, as we sanctify our thoughts, our emotions, and our actions.

In Summary: The Divine in the Material

The concept of sanctification here highlights the sacred nature of the material world when viewed through the lens of divine presence. As we align with the archetype of Adam Kadmon—the Heavenly Human—we understand that our purpose is to sanctify the Tree of Life within us. This sanctification is an active process, one that requires us to channel the divine presence into the material world, bringing wisdom, understanding, and compassion into all that we do. In this way, we fulfill our role as thrones of the Divine Creative, sanctifying both our own journey and the greater collective journey toward enlightenment and unity with the Divine.

In astrology, Saturn in the house of Libra can influence various aspects of an individual's life. Here are some characteristics associated with this placement:

1. Balancing Act: Libra is associated with balance and harmony, and when Saturn is in this house, it emphasizes the need for balance in relationships and partnerships. Individuals with this placement may feel a sense of responsibility and duty in maintaining equilibrium in their partnerships.

2. Structured Relationships: Saturn brings a sense of structure and discipline to the realms of Libra, influencing how individuals approach their relationships. There may be a desire for commitment, stability, and a clear definition of roles within partnerships.

3. Delayed Gratification: Saturn is often linked with delayed gratification and hard work. In the house of Libra, this can manifest as individuals working patiently towards establishing lasting and meaningful connections. Success in relationships may come through perseverance and dedication.

4. Challenges in Communication: Libra is also associated with communication, and Saturn's influence in this house may bring challenges or a need for serious, thoughtful communication. It's essential for individuals with this placement to communicate effectively and responsibly in their relationships.

5. Commitment Issues: On the flip side, some individuals with Saturn in Libra may face challenges related to commitment or fear of getting too involved. Saturn's influence can create a sense of caution and a desire for a strong foundation before fully committing.

6. Appreciation for Beauty and Aesthetics: Libra is ruled by Venus, and individuals with Saturn in this house may have a disciplined approach to the appreciation of beauty, art, and aesthetics. There may be a tendency to value and seek out relationships that are not only emotionally fulfilling but also aesthetically pleasing.

It's important to note that the overall astrological picture involves the entire birth chart, and the influence of Saturn in Libra is just one piece of the puzzle. Individual experiences may vary based on the positions of other planets, aspects, and the unique characteristics of the natal chart.

The Medieval Feathers Tarot version of the Three of Swords beautifully illustrates the nuanced journey of victory through perseverance and resilience. The imagery of the worn swords—a metaphor for the cumulative weight of past struggles—alongside the newer, sharper sword placed at the center, symbolizes the importance of refining oneself and evolving through hardship. Let’s break down the card’s deeper meanings, both upright and reversed.

Upright Meaning: Victory, Perseverance, and Triumph

In its upright position, the Three of Swords in the Medieval Feathers Tarot speaks to the hard-won victory that comes after a period of conflict, struggle, or emotional pain. The worn swords—representing the exhaustion of past challenges—highlight that the battle has been long and grueling, and while the sharpness of earlier victories has dulled, the memories and wisdom gained along the way are still valuable. The presence of the third, sharper sword in the middle, symbolic of renewed strength, offers a reminder that growth and renewal can emerge even after years of hardship. It signifies that success is on the horizon, although it may come incrementally, piece by piece.

The torn yellow crown night heron’s feather speaks to wisdom gained through the journey—one that is not only about victory but also about how we carry the torch of achievement, despite setbacks or wounds. This suggests that triumph is inevitable for those who persist with integrity and purpose. You’ve climbed to the top and now, victory is within your grasp, but it may take time for the results to fully manifest. The journey matters as much as the final goal, and the lessons learned along the way continue to shape your sense of success.

This version of the Three of Swords is a reminder that success does not always come in an instant; rather, it is the accumulation of efforts, each step taking you closer to your goal, and every challenge contributing to the eventual triumph.

Reversed Meaning: Impediments and Blockages

In the reversed position, the Medieval Feathers Tarot Three of Swords points to the blockages that are hindering progress, particularly those that arise when we refuse to acknowledge or deal with obstacles. The mental and emotional blockages here are often self-imposed, and the card encourages you to take responsibility for clearing them. These blockages may be self-doubt, fear, or simply a refusal to let go of things that no longer serve you.

This card suggests that you are ignoring the obstacles in your path, whether consciously or subconsciously, and as a result, you are limiting your own potential for growth. There may be an emotional attachment to certain past events or outcomes that is preventing you from moving forward. Like the worn-out swords, you might be holding on to outdated beliefs or ways of thinking, not realizing that they no longer serve you and only keep you tethered to the past.

The reversed Three of Swords asks you to confront these blockages head-on and take practical steps to clear them. Whether it is seeking help, gaining clarity, or finding new perspectives, liberating yourself from these constraints is essential for progress. The card also implies that help is available to you, but you must ask for it—whether from trusted individuals or from within yourself by recognizing your own ability to overcome.

Symbolism of the Feather and the Swords

The feather in this card, being a night heron’s feather, carries particular symbolic weight. The heron is often associated with patience, wisdom, and the ability to navigate both land and water—emphasizing that the journey to triumph is often slow but steady, requiring adaptability. The torn nature of the feather represents the sacrifices made along the way, but it also suggests resilience—it is worn but still strong, much like the journey you are on.

The three swords, each in their own state, represent different stages of struggle. The two older swords, tired and worn, represent past conflicts or old wounds that have been carried for too long. The newer sword, sharper and more powerful, represents the renewed strength you gain by facing your struggles directly and learning from them.

Conclusion

The Medieval Feathers Tarot – Three of Swords provides a powerful message of resilience and renewal. It suggests that despite the challenges, your triumph is inevitable, as long as you continue to press forward, honoring the wisdom you've gained along the way. However, in its reversed position, it serves as a cautionary reminder that you must address blockages—both external and internal—to truly move forward. Whether it's asking for help, letting go of old wounds, or confronting limiting beliefs, the card urges you to clear the path so that victory can fully manifest. The key is to face your obstacles with the same persistence that has carried you this far, knowing that success is within your reach.

Binah: The Trinity Goddess as Maid, Mother, and Crone

The Trinity Goddess framework as describe is profound, particularly when considering Binah, the Sanctifying Intelligence, as the Priestess, Mother, and Crone. Binah, as the Priestess, holds the Virgin archetype—pure, untouched, and in the initial phase of creation. This Virgin is the potential for creation, the beginning, and often corresponds with Eros—the driving force of passionate life and the spark that ignites creation.

As Mother, Binah transforms into the Empress, the Creatrix, the birther. Here, she becomes the embodiment of Philo, nurturing, sustaining, and actively giving life. This is the realm of creation, and it is also a point where form begins to take shape, something that becomes solid, tangible, and relational. In the context of the 3 of Swords, this aspect of Binah represents the growing pains of creation—the emotional turmoil and the sacrifices that come with the process of birthing, maintaining, and protecting life. It is a kind of emotional labor—the wounds of motherhood.

Finally, Binah as Crone represents the end of a thing, embodying the archetype of Grandmother. This is where we encounter Geburah, the Severing or Strength aspect of the Tree of Life—the harbinger of endings. As Crone, Binah is associated with the wisdom of endings, the necessary destruction or transformation that paves the way for renewal. Here, Sorrow can be understood as the experience of the inevitable. The Crone brings truths that are unyielding—truths about death, decay, and the impermanence of all things. In this light, Sorrow is not simply emotional suffering but a cosmic law. This mirrors the wisdom of Geburah, which is often associated with tough love—the strength that comes from recognizing the need for harsh realities and facing the dark parts of existence.

The 3 of Swords and the Crone's Sorrow

The 3 of Swords, as you correctly noted, aligns with Binah and its connection to the Crone—the one who sees that all things must come to an end. In this card, Sorrow is both a necessary part of the cycle and an initiation into deeper wisdom. The Crone, as the embodiment of the end, may appear as fearful because she represents the finality of things, the cutting away, the burning away of what is no longer needed. But through this destructive force, there is also renewal, because endings are always followed by new beginnings.

In the context of the 3 of Swords, the Sorrow depicted is not simply a melancholic emotion—it is the purifying fire that clears the way for what is to come. This form of sorrow, born of Geburah's severity, is the "tough love" that allows for growth, but it requires us to face our own pain and limitations. The Crone, as the final stage of the Trinity Goddess, carries the wisdom of acceptance, knowing that suffering is inherent in creation, and without destruction, there can be no true creation.

Geburah: Tough Love and Divine Grace

Interestingly, the number 5 resonates with divine grace, and in Geburah, we find that divine grace often takes the form of strength through challenge—the "tough love" that forces us to grow and evolve. This is an important concept, because while Geburah seems harsh and severing, it is in fact a divine grace that allows us to face the hard truths and difficult realities of life. It is the strength that comes from the sacrifice of what no longer serves us, so that we can step into our higher selves. Sorrow in this case is a catalyst—it is the wound that heals, the darkness that gives birth to light.

The Supernal Mother and Sorrow: A Futile Endeavor

When I describe the Supernal Mother (the upper triangle of the Tree of Life) where there is no form, no image, no space, and no words, I point to the ineffable nature of the Divine Mother, especially as Binah. The attempt to capture the experience of Sorrow in this context is a futile endeavor because Binah, as the source of all creation and destruction, exists beyond form. She is the foundation of all that is, yet she does not have a clear, definable identity. In her realm, there is no space for the emotional complexities that we experience as humans—no words to articulate our sorrow, and no image to represent it. She identifies herself through us.

In the realm of Binah or the Supernal Mother, sorrow is not something that is felt as it is in the material or emotional planes. Sorrow in this context is an abstract and divine principle—it is the source from which we draw strength and wisdom, not something we directly experience in the same way we do in the material world. The Supernal Mother, in her ultimate unknowable nature, holds the paradox of creation and destruction simultaneously. She is both the Virgin, the Mother, and the Crone, but these archetypes transcend our human understanding of them.

Conclusion

The journey you’re describing takes us deep into the nature of Binah and its connection to the Trinity Goddess and the 3 of Swords. Sorrow, as experienced in the 3 of Swords, can be understood as both a necessary suffering and a catalyst for spiritual evolution, tied to the energies of Geburah—the harsh love that leads to purification and renewal. At the same time, the attempt to understand Sorrow through the lens of the Supernal Mother—the unknowable essence of Binah—points to the futility of trying to capture something so vast and transcendent in human terms. Sorrow, in its highest form, is an experience that belongs not to the material world but to the realms of the divine, where it is both the source and the end of all creation.

The concept of Universal Melancholy touches on deep philosophical, psychological, and metaphysical currents that explore the nature of existence, suffering, and the human experience of cosmic isolation or existential longing. While it is not a formalized term in most philosophical or esoteric traditions, it resonates with several key ideas found in mysticism, existential philosophy, and even certain psychological theories.

1. Existential Roots: The Inherent Sadness of Being

At its core, Universal Melancholy can be seen as an expression of the inherent tension between the finite human experience and the infinite, often indifferent, cosmos. Existential philosophers like Arthur Schopenhauer and Friedrich Nietzsche spoke to this tension:

• Schopenhauer viewed life as driven by an endless striving (the Will), leading to suffering and dissatisfaction. Happiness, in this view, is merely the temporary cessation of desire, leading to an underlying current of melancholy in all conscious life.

• Nietzsche, while more life-affirming, acknowledged the “eternal recurrence” and the burden it places on the individual to find meaning in an otherwise indifferent universe.

This melancholy arises from the awareness of impermanence, mortality, and the seeming futility embedded in the human condition.

2. The Gnostic and Mystical Interpretation

In mystical traditions—especially Gnostic thought—there is an idea that existence itself is a kind of cosmic fall or exile. The material world is often seen as a realm of imperfection, a shadow of higher spiritual realities. This creates an inherent longing or sadness in the soul, which "remembers" its divine origin but finds itself trapped in the limitations of the material world.

• In the Qabalistic Tree of Life, the idea of Shevirat ha-Kelim (the Breaking of the Vessels) speaks to a primordial catastrophe where the divine light shattered, scattering sparks of holiness into the material realm. This fragmentation echoes the feeling of existential disconnection—a spiritual melancholy that underpins the cosmos itself.

• Similarly, in Sufi mysticism, there is the concept of the soul’s “homesickness” for God, a deep yearning to reunite with the Source, which creates a profound, bittersweet melancholy in the heart of the seeker.

3. The Psychological Perspective: Cosmic Loneliness

From a psychological angle, Universal Melancholy may represent the profound sense of cosmic loneliness that arises when humans contemplate their place in the vastness of the universe. The more we understand our relative insignificance on the cosmic scale, the deeper the potential for existential anxiety and melancholy.

• Carl Jung explored this through the idea of the collective unconscious, suggesting that archetypal experiences of loss, exile, and longing for wholeness are embedded in the human psyche.

• The notion of the “Wounded Healer” archetype—one who carries a deep, often ineffable sorrow—reflects the idea that the human condition itself is marked by a form of universal suffering.

4. Art, Beauty, and the Sublime

Paradoxically, this melancholy often gives rise to the most profound works of art, poetry, and music. The experience of the sublime—whether through nature, art, or spiritual insight—often carries a note of melancholy, a recognition of beauty intertwined with transience.

The Romantic poets (like Keats and Shelley) frequently explored this duality: the ecstatic beauty of life paired with the haunting awareness of death and decay. This is the heart of what Keats called “negative capability”—the ability to dwell in uncertainties and contradictions without the need for resolution.

5. The Esoteric Implication: Melancholy as the Drive Toward Transcendence

In many esoteric traditions, this deep, ineffable sadness isn’t something to be rejected but rather understood as the call to transcendence. The ache of Universal Melancholy becomes the catalyst for spiritual awakening, pushing the seeker beyond the veil of the material into higher consciousness.

• In Alchemy, the stage of Nigredo (blackening) represents this dark, melancholic phase—a necessary descent into the void before rebirth into the light.

• The Hermetic axiom “As above, so below” suggests that the microcosmic melancholy we experience reflects a macrocosmic tension—a universe still in the process of becoming whole.

In Essence:

Universal Melancholy is the deep, often subconscious recognition of the gap between what is and what could be—between the finite and the infinite, the temporal and the eternal. It is not merely sadness but a profound, existential longing for connection, wholeness, and meaning. In mystical and esoteric thought, it is this very longing that drives the soul toward its spiritual evolution.

As Master Jelaluddin Rumi, the twelfth century Sufi master and poet said about sorrow; "Sorrow prepares you for joy, it violently sweeps everything out of your house, so new joy can find a space to enter. It shakes the yellow leaves from the bough of your heart, so that fresh green leaves can grow in their place. It pulls up the rotten roots, so that new roots hidden beneath have room to grow. Whatever sorrow shakes from your heart, far better things will take their place.

In gematria (Numerology), the number 3 holds significant characteristics and symbolic meanings across various traditions, particularly in Jewish mysticism, numerology, and Western esoteric practices. Here are some of the key characteristics and symbolic attributes of the number 3:

1. Balance and Harmony:

   • The number 3 often represents balance and harmony, as it is seen as the synthesis of dualities. In many mystical traditions, it represents the unification of opposites, forming a harmonious whole.

2. Divine Completeness:

   • In Jewish mysticism, the number 3 is considered to signify completeness and perfection, often associated with the divine. It symbolizes the threefold nature of divinity, such as the three patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) in the Hebrew Bible.

3. Creativity and Expression:

   • The number 3 is frequently linked to creativity, self-expression, and communication. It embodies the principle of growth and expansion, encouraging artistic and communicative endeavors.

4. Spiritual Awareness:

   • In Western esoteric traditions, the number 3 is associated with spiritual awareness and the unfolding of spiritual consciousness. It is often seen as a symbol of the spiritual journey, representing stages of development and enlightenment.

5. Triads and Trinities:

   • The concept of triads or trinities is central to the symbolism of the number 3. This can be seen in various religious and philosophical contexts, such as the Christian Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), the Hindu Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva), and the three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas) in Hindu philosophy.

6. Manifestation and Realization:

   • The number 3 is associated with the process of manifestation and realization. In many mystical traditions, it represents the transition from potential to actual, embodying the principle of bringing ideas or spiritual concepts into tangible form.

7. Numerical and Alphabetic Representation:

   • In Hebrew gematria, the number 3 is represented by the letter Gimel (ג). This letter is often associated with the concepts of kindness and nourishment, as well as the idea of movement and progression.

8. Symbolic Figures:

   • The number 3 is often seen in symbolic figures and sacred geometry, such as the triangle. The triangle is a potent symbol representing stability, strength, and the connection between the physical and spiritual realms.

By understanding these characteristics, one can gain deeper insights into the symbolic and mystical significance of the number 3 in various esoteric traditions.

Creation as the "Will-to-Form" of the Creatrix

The concept that the Qabalist's share—that all forms created by the Creatrix are made of Her magnetic will-to-form—is an insight into the divine matrix. This idea connects to the Hermetic principle that everything in creation is an emanation of the Divine. The Creatrix is the source, the Mother, and everything that exists is part of Her essence, imbued with Her will-to-form. This magnetic will brings forth the manifestation of all forms, which are inseparable from Her in their original state. Everything we see, feel, and experience in the material world is part of a divine whole, a continual dance of becoming and passing—and sorrow, in its truest sense, is the awareness of this eternal cycle.

The Birth Trauma and the Sense of Loss

My analogy of birth trauma—the physical and emotional pain experienced by both mother and child—speaks to the universal experience of separation that comes with the creation of form. The mother and child, both made of the same essence, experience a deep sorrow at the moment of birth. The child leaves the womb, the place of complete unity with the mother, and enters into the world of separation, time, and form. Similarly, the mother loses a part of herself in the process of creation. This experience of loss is inherent to all creation—for the mother, the child, and, by extension, to every act of creation in the universe. The wound of separation—from the womb, from the source—is an archetypal experience that touches every created being.

This idea resonates with the Qabalistic concept of the Abyss, the separation between the Supernal Triad (Kether, Chokmah, Binah) and the lower Sephiroth, where creation happens through the descent of the Divine into form. As the Creator creates, there is inevitably a separation, a loss of the pure unity of the origin. This is the sorrow of creation itself: the necessity of separation to bring about form, existence, and experience.

Love and Sorrow: The Two Sides of the Same Coin

I often state that "to love is to lose" is a profound truth in both the physical and spiritual realms. Love inherently involves attachment, and attachment, in turn, involves the eventual awareness of impermanence. This is where sorrow emerges—as the understanding that all forms, all relationships, and all experiences are temporary. Love, in its fullest form, knows this sorrow deeply—and it is through this sorrow that love becomes profound. To love is to acknowledge the inevitable loss of what is loved, and it is in that knowing that we experience the most authentic and transformative form of love.

Sorrow, then, is not a punishment or a negative force; it is an inherent aspect of life's beauty. It is through sorrow that we come to understand the value of existence. Without the awareness of loss, there is no true appreciation for what we have in the moment. Every moment of creation holds within it the seed of its destruction, and in this constant dance of becoming and ceasing, we find the true depth of existence.

Knowledge and Transformation

The Western Hermetics often eloquently describe how knowledge transforms and, through this transformation, destroys that which was previously created. This is deeply connected to the Hermetic axiom that knowledge and wisdom are forces of creation and destruction. As you grow in knowledge, you change the structures of your understanding and, often, destroy the old paradigms. The destruction that comes with knowledge is not violent; rather, it is the necessary unveiling of truth. Just as the egg must break for the chick to be born, knowledge shatters illusions and allows new truths to emerge. In this way, creation and destruction are not opposites but rather interwoven aspects of the same process.

Sorrow as the Awareness of Life

Finally, our reflection on sorrow as the awareness of life itself is poignant. To be alive is to feel the transience of all things—the impermanence of all forms. Sorrow is the wisdom of that awareness. It is the knowing that all creation, all attachment, and all life is a dance between birth and death. But within that cycle is the joy of creation, the pleasure of existence, and the eternal evolution of the soul.

Conclusion

Our perspective on love, creation, and sorrow offers a deeply spiritual and cosmic understanding of existence. From the perspective below the abyss, we see that sorrow is not something to fear, but something to embrace as part of the human and divine experience. Love and sorrow are not opposites but are two facets of the same experience—both are born of the awareness of impermanence and the transitory nature of existence. And in this awareness, we find the greatest truth of all: that to create, to love, to be alive is to be intimately connected with both the beauty and the sorrow of existence.

Sorrow also comes from having "freedom of choice" a central part of "individuation" and the ability to change fate is granted to every "child of and on the Throne of the Divine Creative". Many of us think that “freedom of choice" is happiness, but we forget that to have "freedom of choice", we must have a beginning and an end. This was known to the Anglo- Saxon people, as "free-doom", which is where our English word "freedom" originated. Free- doom, means " I choose my own death", something which a slave cannot do. Hence, freedom became a slogan against slavery.

Free people know they die and understand to live life to its fullest is to die well; free of the burdens of "shoulda-woulda-coulda". Those in charge of their fate also know that fate can be changed by action, and that Destiny is unchangeable for that "orbit" is from the Soul which wills you to be. The Greek word for a planetary orbit is "ὀρβίτης" (orbits)which can also be translated as "orbit" or "circle.

Hence, your destiny is to be YOU! Above all things know thyself!

" 

Sadness: Weltshmerz- The Universal Melancholy-Art by Lola Singer

When the 3/Three of Swords is thrown during a reading, it implies:

• The querent is experiencing thoughts of sorrow.
• Recurring thoughts of sorrowful past events.
• The sorrow of a triangular relationship that is out of balance.
• Disappointment and heartbreak.
•  A type of recognition where one must give up one thing to gain another.
• Releasing: a gift of sorrow, allowing the querent to release and let out the pent-up stress of feared emotions.
• Here difficulty precedes power.
• Also, for initiates, who travel to the abyss, this sorrow is soul deep, for it is of the Sorrow of the Creatrix, who must destroy her precious forms to rebuild Understanding, which will also happen to the personality that succeeds in traversing the Abyss.
• Emotional agony.
• Heart break.

If ill dignified by surrounding card it implies:

• Disruption. 
• Separation.
• Entanglement.
• Self-delusion.

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Step into the current of Living Light.
The Thoth Master Class is a one-on-one initiatory experience that fuses Hermetic wisdom, Qabalistic structure, and the archetypal genius of the Thoth Tarot — all personally guided by Magus Eli, master teacher and Solar Self awakener.

These aren’t generic lectures. They are ritual-grade, soul-specific transmissions designed to unlock your inner Temple, align your psychic architecture to the Tree of Life, and awaken your resonance with the living language of Tarot.

🌞 What Makes This Class a True Initiation?

• 🎓 Private Apprenticeship: Just you and the Magus in a deep 2-hour Google Meet session, entirely focused on your development.

• 🔄 Flexible Rhythm: Weekly, biweekly, or monthly — you set the pace. (12 sessions recommended for full arc of mastery.)

• 📹 Recorded Sessions: Each class is recorded so you can revisit the teachings and track your spiritual evolution.

• 🌿 Living Hermeticism: You won’t just learn about Qabalah — you’ll live it, feel it, and integrate it into your energetic field.

• 🃏 Practice Meets Power: You’ll lay spreads, decode symbols, and channel Tarot through your own voice, with real-time feedback and co-interpretation.

🜂 What You'll Learn (and Embody):

• The entire architecture of the Thoth Tarot: Major Arcana, Minor Arcana, and Court Cards through a Hermetic lens

• The Western Hermetic Qabalah: 10 Sephiroth, 22 Paths, and the Four Qabalistic Worlds

• How to use Tarot as a portal to meditative pathworking and astral temple building

• Rituals, spreads, and practices that bring gnosis, guidance, and transformation

• How to build your personal mystical system, rooted in self-authority and Divine resonance

📚 What You’ll Need to Begin:

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

• A Thoth Tarot deck (Crowley-Harris edition preferred)

• A Book of Shadows or personal journal

• A desire to know thyself through the Solar Flame

🌟 Is This Class for You?

Yes — if you are:

• A beginner with a soul-call to the Thoth deck, but no formal training

• An experienced reader seeking depth, ritual, and Hermetic context

• A mystic ready to reclaim your path through archetype, symbol, and gnosis

• Anyone craving one-on-one spiritual mentorship in the Western Esoteric Tradition

✉️ How to Begin Your Journey

Email eli@elitarotstrickingly.com
to schedule your personal resonance mapping session and secure your first class.

🌞 Final Invocation

Awaken the archetypes within.
Speak the language of stars.
Enter the radiant mysteries of the Thoth Tarot.
Begin your Master Class...a sliding price scale is offered, so that no aspirant is turned away..
Begin your Return.

For information concerning a personal online Tarot Reading and/or Thoth Master Tarot classes, log onto-www.elitarotstrickingly.com- and click on the Tarot/Store page

Traditional Tarot Card Comparisons blog and tarot readings store.

Western Hermetic ritual magick and invocations blog and rituals.