The Tarot of Eli, LLC-Minor Arcana: Thoth Tarot- 7 of Disks-Failure & The Medieval Feathers Tarot-7 of Coins

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Above all things, Know thyself!

#7. Living from that Will, supported by its unfailing Wisdom and Understanding, mine is the Victorious Life.

The Thoth 7 of Disks, subtitled Failure, and the Medieval Feathers Tarot – 7 of Coins, both portray a moment of reckoning in the fertile garden of manifestation—whether that be wealth, health, or physical relationships. These cards do not merely signify material loss or stagnation; they speak to a deeper energetic disruption, a crisis in the psyche’s ability to flow will into form.

Here we encounter a pause, often pregnant with tension, where effort appears thwarted, progress feels stalled, and doubt creeps into the soul like a slow rot. Crowley’s rendering, with its decaying disks and sickly hue, bluntly warns of entropy—a collapse of structure when persistence wavers and will weakens under the pressure of fear.

But this card is more than just about external failure—it is about fear itself as a constricting force. Fear of failure, and even fear of success, are both symptoms of the same distorted imagination. In Hermetic terms, fear is energy-in-motion (emotion) that has been turned against the direction of the Creative Mind. It chokes the flow of Spirit into Matter. It causes the fertile garden to wither before harvest.

The 7 in Qabalah corresponds to Netzach, the sphere of desire and instinctual drive, now placed in the suit of Disks, the densest, slowest-moving element. This is a volatile pairing. It requires emotional endurance and unwavering faith in the slow maturation of things. Yet, when tainted by negative past experiences or societal conditioning, this pairing becomes a breeding ground for procrastination, self-sabotage, and unconscious defeatism.

Often overlooked is our fear of discomfort—the hidden saboteur. It’s not the labor itself that causes us to falter, but the imagined suffering, the projected exhaustion. When we flee from the unknown or from discomfort, we cut ourselves off from the very transformation we seek.

The warning here is subtle but powerful: Fear feeds failure. But fear can be transmuted. This card is a call to redirect your inner fire—not toward imagined collapse, but toward measured effort, faith in timing, and sovereignty over the emotions that shape your reality.

The Seven of Disks, ominously titled Failure in Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot, is often met with dread or unease. To the casual observer, it may appear as a warning of misfortune or stagnation in the material world—be it finances, health, or physical labor. However, for the discerning Hermetic initiate and Alchemical adept, this card is far from a final verdict. It is, in truth, an initiation.

Crowley renders this card as a crucial phase of decay within the cycle of manifestation—not a punishment, but a necessity. In the language of Alchemy, it corresponds to the stage of putrefactio, the blackening (nigredo), where the old must die so the gold may rise. This is the decomposition of forms, the disintegration of what no longer serves, so that the quintessence hidden within may be released and reconstituted on a higher level.

Putrefaction is not simple rot—it is an intelligent decay, a sacred breakdown of rigid structures, illusions, and unsustainable patterns. Just as compost enriches the soil, this stage nourishes the roots of future success, provided one does not flee from discomfort. The fear that often accompanies this card is not a signal to retreat, but a signpost: You are entering the sacred dark, the womb of transformation.

In Qabalistic terms, the Seven of Disks places the sephira Netzach (Victory) in the elemental world of Assiah (Earth). Here, the fiery emotional currents of desire and instinct must navigate the slow, dense processes of matter. When will falters or when emotions are misdirected—through fear, doubt, or past failures—this fusion becomes imbalanced, manifesting as perceived “failure.”

But from a Hermetic perspective, failure is not the end. It is the threshold to reintegration. The alchemist must not flinch at decay, for it is the crucible of wisdom, a space where the ego is humbled and the Soul is invited to reassert its authority over the material self.

Thus, the Seven of Disks does not say you have failed, but rather, what you were building in the old way has failed to support your becoming. Now is the time to enter the sacred process of decomposition consciously, to examine what must be relinquished, and to trust that in the dissolution, a higher order is being prepared.

On the Thoth 7 of Disks, Netzach is in Assiah, influencing the Material World. The planet and sign of the 7 of Disks-Failure, are Saturn in Taurus. The Angels of the Decan are Herochiel and Mitzrael.

When Saturn is in the house of Taurus in an astrological chart, it influences the individual's approach to responsibilities, structure, and limitations within the realms associated with Taurus. Here are some characteristics:

1. Material Stability: Saturn in Taurus emphasizes the need for material stability and financial security. Individuals with this placement are likely to be disciplined and practical when it comes to managing their resources.

2. Slow and Steady Growth: Taurus is an earth sign known for its slow and steady approach. Saturn reinforces this trait, indicating that achievements and personal growth may come through patient and persistent efforts over time.

3. Conservative Values: The combination of Saturn and Taurus tends to make individuals value tradition and conservative principles. They may be cautious and reserved, preferring the familiar and proven rather than taking unnecessary risks.

4. Challenges in Change: Taurus is resistant to change, and Saturn's influence can amplify this quality. People with this placement may find it challenging to adapt to new situations or embrace change, preferring the comfort of the known.

5. Work Ethic: Saturn in Taurus indicates a strong work ethic. Individuals may approach their tasks with a methodical and pragmatic mindset, focusing on achieving tangible results.

6. Financial Prudence: There is a tendency to be financially conservative and prudent. Saturn's influence may lead individuals to carefully plan and manage their finances, avoiding unnecessary risks.

7. Potential Challenges: While the disciplined and structured approach is an asset, individuals should be mindful not to become overly rigid or resistant to change. Learning to adapt without compromising values is a key lesson for those with Saturn in Taurus.

Remember, the interpretation of Saturn in Taurus can vary based on the entire birth chart, including aspects and placements of other planets. It's advisable to consider the broader context for a more comprehensive analysis.

The Medieval Feathers Tarot – 7 of Coins: The Gift of Adaptation and Reciprocal Grace

The Medieval Feathers Tarot – 7 of Coins presents a quiet but powerful image: seven coins divided into two uneven stacks—three on one side, four on the other. Though asymmetrical, the stacks rest securely, implying a foundation that is not born from perfection, but from adaptability and organic balance. This visual metaphor subtly reminds us that stability does not always require symmetry—sometimes strength arises from resilience and the willingness to adjust.

This card speaks to the quiet wisdom of acceptance. It encourages you to honor what others offer you, regardless of the form it takes—be it advice, time, resources, or love. These offerings, whether small or great, are tokens of appreciation, and should be received with gratitude, not suspicion or guilt. The message here is clear: you are not required to repay every act of kindness. Some gifts are freely given, not as debts to be balanced, but as expressions of interconnected humanity.

Yet, from this act of receiving, a deeper lesson of reciprocity is born. You are invited not to "pay back" but to "pass forward"—to use what you’ve learned in your own healing to aid others when their moment of need arises. This is the true essence of the Seventh Path of Netzach in Assiah—a love that is practical, communal, and enduring.

The presence of the lark's feather, light and song-born, adds another layer to the message. The lark is the herald of morning, its song a symbol of clarity and hope. Here, it advises you to gently begin envisioning the changes that must take root in your life. Rather than fear them, imagine how these changes can enrich you, bring structure to uncertainty, and anchor your future with grace.

In this context, the 7 of Coins becomes not a warning of failure, but a portal of inner realignment—a reminder that what is uneven can still endure, and that healing often begins by simply accepting that you are worthy of receiving.

In Traditional Tarot-such as the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot 7 of Pentacles, there is illustrated the body language of the harvester which shows consternation and a need to figure out how to make the garden more fruitful and a need for more investigation into the long-term goals. Eventually, your hard work and effort will pay off. Quitting now will result in a failure that perseverance will avoid.

Contemplating the Thoth 7 of Disks – The Gothic Wisdom of Saturn in Taurus

Take a moment to contemplate the stark, almost Gothic elegance of the Thoth Tarot's 7 of Disks, titled Failure. Beneath its somber surface lies a rich alchemical and astrological tapestry. This card is ruled by the astrological pairing of Saturn in Taurus, an alignment that speaks volumes about the current of energy—or the lack thereof—within the realm of physical manifestation.

Saturn, the great taskmaster of the heavens, represents restriction, contraction, time, discipline, and karmic weight. Its corresponding metal is lead, and indeed, the card is bathed in leaden grays and muted tones, evoking a sense of heaviness and inertia. Saturn restricts in order to mature—it slows, not to punish, but to build structural integrity through patience and perseverance.

Taurus, on the other hand, is the fixed earth sign ruled by Venus. It is the sign of material productivity, sensual stability, and stubborn persistence. When Saturn is placed in Taurus, we are shown a condition where the instinct to produce and secure (Taurus) is being challenged or delayed by Saturn’s cold demand for discipline, realism, and deep restructuring.

Crowley’s and Harris's symbolic genius comes into focus with the pattern of the seven disks. Look closely: their arrangement subtly forms the face of an owl, a traditional symbol of Saturnian wisdom—for the owl sees in darkness what others cannot. One eye appears as Saturn’s helmeted head, the other as the bull of Taurus, indicating a fusion of disciplined patience and brute determination. But this also suggests tension: the wisdom of the owl can only emerge when the ego releases its bullheaded grip on fear, pride, or past failures.

The deeper message here is one of temporal gestation: things are unfolding, but not at your desired pace. This card urges us to release our anxious striving and our attachment to outdated structures or comfort zones. Progress is not denied—it is simply delayed for refinement. What is growing beneath the surface may not yet be visible, but it is real, and it is forming in the alchemical dark.

The true wisdom of Saturn in Taurus is this: achievement comes not from pushing harder, but from enduring wisely. Let go of fear, relinquish control over timing, and trust in the sacred slowness of the Earth. What feels like failure is often just the root's descent before the flower’s rise.

The owl is associated with the Crone, of the Trinity Goddess of Maid-Mother-Crone fame. The Crone deconstructs the old, so that the new can be reconstructed and noted for her Wisdom.

The Magick of “I AM”: Alchemizing Fear into Creative Sovereignty

Fear, at its core, is constricted energy, choked off from its natural flow by fixation. It is energy collapsed inward upon a single point in consciousness—a distorted declaration of self. That point is the sacred utterance: "I AM"—the divine spark of the Super-conscious, the God-Voice inherited by all Souls from the Source.

"I AM" is not just a statement—it is the wand of creation itself. It is the Word made flesh, the engine of identity, and the seed of every manifested form. Whether you declare “I AM sad,” “I AM lost,” “I AM poor,” or “I AM wealthy,” you are not describing reality—you are commanding it. In the infinite realm of potentialities, "I AM" is the selector, the architect, and the filter through which Spirit condenses into experience.

In Hermetic terms, every “I AM” is a restriction of infinite energy into a point in time, a chosen assumption, a focused signature of vibration. These declarations become your truth, your fate, your temporary identity, and ultimately, the clay from which your experiential reality is shaped. You are not subject to them; you are their master. Yet, if you unconsciously repeat narratives of failure, limitation, or unworthiness, your Divine Self interprets this as a conscious directive to manifest failure in your likeness.

Let us be clear: You have been gifted the God-like freedom to shape yourself by decree. What you choose to affirm becomes the mold of your energetic expression.

Knowing this, I offer a simple yet profound practice—one born of lived experience and ten years of daily magickal declaration:

For the next 7 weeks—or, for deeper transformation, the next 7 months—declare daily:

❝I AM the Will and the Way. I AM the Wealth and I own the Day.❞

Say this at least seven times a day, aloud and with feeling. Let the words vibrate not just in your throat, but in your chest, your spine, and your soul. Let them ripple out into the field of creation that surrounds and permeates you.

Wealth, in this context, is not limited to coin or currency—it is vital force, clarity of purpose, creative sovereignty, and the radiant joy of living in resonance with your Solar Self. Material riches may follow, but the greater wealth is the awakened awareness that you are the Magus, the Soul-sorcerer, who shapes reality through the power of focused emotional frequency.

You are a current of Divine Intelligence with the power to move mountains—not by force, but by aligned declaration. Remember this. Speak it. Shape it. Live it.

✴︎ “I AM the Will and the Way. I AM the Wealth and I own the Day.” ✴︎

Say it with gratitude, say it as truth, and watch as the Universe bends its song to match your tone.

(Go here for Abundance invocations and rituals)

Netzach and the Alchemy of Corruption: The Verdigris of Victory

Netzach, the seventh Sephirah on the Qabalistic Tree of Life, is traditionally translated as Victory. Yet this is no triumph of brute conquest—Netzach represents the enduring force of nature, of desire, of instinctual beauty and emotional current—all qualities associated with its planetary ruler, Venus.

However, within the Thoth Tarot’s 7 of Disks, we witness not the glorious blossoming of Venus, but her slow erosion—a victory turned verdigris.

The victory in Netzach is here rendered through the metal of Venus: Copper, which naturally tarnishes with time into verdigris, a green-blue corrosion. This subtle symbolism implies that what was once bright and beautiful has been subdued by time, eroded by neglect, or contaminated by doubt. The outer sheen of beauty gives way to something more introspective, even melancholic. It is no coincidence that Saturn, the ruler of time, decay, and limitation, oversees this process in the form of lead—the heaviest and most inert of the alchemical metals.

The mixture of copper and lead—Venus and Saturn—creates not a harmonious alloy, but a symbol of corruption, delay, and decomposition of instinct. In alchemical language, this is a necessary phase of putrefactio, the death that precedes transmutation. When applied to Netzach, it speaks of a distortion in the emotional field, where once vibrant feelings are dimmed by fear, disillusionment, or stagnation.

Netzach is also the domain of feelings, instincts, desire, and the undifferentiated emotional tides of the Group Mind (social egregore). But under the shadow of Saturn, these currents become clouded, heavy, and self-defeating. Instinct becomes anxiety, emotional flow turns into blockage, and the collective field of desire becomes a mire of inertia.

This card, then, becomes a warning and a mirror: beware of letting the corrosion of time and past failures distort your emotional compass. The true victory of Netzach is endurance through entropy, not the avoidance of it. The Soul must learn to navigate the slow alchemy of decay without mistaking it for defeat.

To work this path consciously is to transmute the green of verdigris into the green of renewal—to let the instinctual body learn patience, and to reawaken the beauty within from depth, not surface.

There are sixteen of the geomantic figures (See AC's book, 777 or "The Handbook of Geomancy" Equinox Vol. I, No.2). The 7 of Disks is in the shape of the geomantic figure Rubeus, which represents putrefaction, a menacing symbol. However, if you are a student of Alchemy, putrefaction is noted as a necessary process of chemical transformation before purification can be produced. Thus, the atmosphere of the card implies blight, cultivation is spoiled. The suggestion is bad money; However, patience and hard labor will produce a more positive outcome.

The 7 of Disks, Failure, is also called. The Lord of Success unfulfilled and rightly so, as it often is about physical failure and non-success due to exhaustion.

The artwork of the Mystic Palette Tarot hints at the Traditional art of the Rider-Waite-Smith. However, there is further information when one assigns the Astrology and numerology symbols that are shown as Saturn in the tree and Taurus on the pottery. The Astrology has been explained, and the numerology is to be explained as is gematria.

In gematria-the Qabalistic numerology, the number seven holds significant meanings and associations across various traditions, particularly in Jewish mysticism and Kabbalistic/Qabalistic teachings. Here are some key interpretations and associations:

1. Spiritual Perfection and Completion: The number seven is often seen as representing spiritual perfection and completion. This is rooted in the biblical creation narrative, where God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, making the seventh day (Shabbat) holy.

2. Divine Order and Law: Seven symbolizes divine order and law. This is evident in the seven-branched Menorah, which is a symbol of light, wisdom, and divine guidance in the Jewish tradition.

3. Connection to the Divine: Seven represents the connection between the divine and the earthly. In Kabbalah, the seventh sephira on the Tree of Life is Netzach (Victory), which is associated with endurance and eternity.

4. Completion in Cycles: Seven often signifies the completion of cycles. This can be seen in various religious and mystical contexts, such as the seven days of the week, the seven-year agricultural cycle in the Torah (Shmita), and the seven heavens in Jewish cosmology.

5. Mystical and Hidden Knowledge: Seven is also linked to mystical and hidden knowledge. This can be seen in the seven levels of Torah interpretation (Pardes) and the seven layers of spiritual realms or consciousness in mystical traditions.

6. Protection and Blessings: In Jewish tradition, seven is considered a number of protection and blessings. For example, the seven blessings recited at a Jewish wedding (Sheva Brachot) and the seven circuits made around the groom by the bride (Hakafot) symbolize divine blessings and protection.

These associations show how the number seven is deeply embedded in the symbolic and mystical frameworks of gematria and other esoteric traditions.

In numerology, the number 7 is often associated with a range of characteristics that emphasize introspection, spirituality, and wisdom. Here are some of the key attributes assigned to the number 7:

1. Spirituality and Mysticism: The number 7 is often considered the number of spiritual awakening and enlightenment. Individuals associated with this number are thought to have a strong connection to the spiritual realm and a deep interest in metaphysical matters.

2. Introspection and Inner Wisdom: People influenced by the number 7 are typically introspective and seek inner wisdom. They are known for their ability to reflect deeply on life and often pursue knowledge and truth.

3. Analytical and Intellectual: The number 7 is linked to analytical thinking and intellectual pursuits. Those with this number often excel in fields that require critical thinking, research, and analysis.

4. Solitude and Independence: Individuals associated with the number 7 often value solitude and independence. They may prefer spending time alone to recharge and engage in solitary activities that allow them to explore their thoughts and ideas.

5. Intuition and Insight: The number 7 is connected to strong intuition and insightful thinking. People influenced by this number often possess an innate ability to understand complex situations and see beyond the surface.

6. Mystery and Secretive Nature: There is often an aura of mystery around those associated with the number 7. They may keep their thoughts and feelings private and can be enigmatic to others.

7. Perfection and Idealism: The number 7 is also linked to a sense of perfection and idealism. Individuals influenced by this number may strive for a perfect understanding of the world and seek to improve themselves and their surroundings.

8. Philosophical and Theoretical: People with a strong connection to the number 7 often have a philosophical outlook on life. They enjoy exploring theoretical concepts and pondering the deeper meanings of existence.

9. Reserved and Thoughtful: The number 7 is associated with a reserved and thoughtful demeanor. Those influenced by this number may be more introverted and prefer thoughtful conversation over small talk.

Overall, the number 7 in numerology is seen as a symbol of depth, wisdom, and a quest for higher understanding. It encourages individuals to look within, seek knowledge, and connect with their spiritual side. Tarot is linked with numerology and/or gematria due to its use of a numerical system to add yet more occult knowledge to the images of Tarot.

In numerology, a person's "number" is typically derived from their birth date or their full name. Each method has its own significance and provides different insights into a person's character and life path. Here’s how these numbers are calculated:

1. Life Path Number (Birth Date)

The Life Path Number is the most commonly referenced number in numerology. It is derived from the birth date and represents the core essence of an individual's life and purpose.

Calculation:

1. Write down the full birth date (day, month, year).
2. Reduce each component (day, month, year) to a single digit or master number (11, 22, 33) by adding the digits together.
3. Add the resulting single digits or master numbers together.
4. If the final sum is not a single digit or a master number, reduce it by adding the digits together again.

Example:

• Birth date: July 4, 1984

  • Month: July is the 7th month (7)
  • Day: 4 (4)
  • Year: 1984 → 1 + 9 + 8 + 4 = 22 (master number, so it is not reduced further)

• Add the reduced numbers together: 7 + 4 + 22 = 33 (another master number, so it is not reduced further)

• In this example, the Life Path Number is 33.

2. Destiny Number (Full Name)

The Destiny Number, also known as the Expression Number, is derived from the full birth name (as it appears on the birth certificate). It represents a person's natural talents, abilities, and the challenges they may face.

Calculation:

1. Assign each letter of the name a numerical value according to its position in the alphabet (A=1, B=2, C=3, ..., Z=26).
2. Reduce each name component (first name, middle name, last name) to a single digit or master number by adding the letter values together.
3. Add the resulting numbers together.
4. If the final sum is not a single digit or a master number, reduce it by adding the digits together again.

Example:

• Name: John Doe

  • J (1) + O (6) + H (8) + N (5) = 20 → 2 + 0 = 2
  • D (4) + O (6) + E (5) = 15 → 1 + 5 = 6

• Add the reduced numbers together: 2 + 6 = 8

• In this example, the Destiny Number is 8.

3. Other Important Numbers

There are additional numbers in numerology, such as the Soul Urge Number (derived from the vowels in the full name), Personality Number (derived from the consonants in the full name), and Maturity Number (a combination of the Life Path Number and Destiny Number). Each provides further insight into different aspects of a person’s personality and life.

Summary

• Life Path Number: Derived from the birth date; represents life purpose and path.
• Destiny Number: Derived from the full birth name; represents natural talents and potential.
• Soul Urge Number: Derived from the vowels in the full name; represents inner desires.
• Personality Number: Derived from the consonants in the full name; represents outward behavior and traits.
• Maturity Number: Combination of the Life Path and Destiny numbers; represents overall life development.

These calculations form the foundation of numerological analysis, offering insights into a person's life purpose, potential, and personality traits.

When the 7 of Disks /Coins, is thrown during a reading, implied is:

• A fear of failure with finances, health and relationships. However, 7 in Netzach is a weak event, and deregulation of the element of earth, so soon the querent's project will be completed if determined to "keep on" and ignoring the feelings of never finishing the task.
• The Determination to release this fear of failure should go on for within 7 weeks or 7 months. However, this determination must be hard fought, for there is a tendency to abandon labor, and allowing everything to sink in a mire of sloth.
• Yet again, putrefaction is before the transformation of purification, so this is the point where the "lowest fallen becomes the highest exalted".
• The implication of this card, is that you shall succeed if you don't listen to the thoughts of failure that are tempting your brain. Push harder, you'll soon succeed. 
• In the next 7 weeks or 7 months, the more rewarding path will be discovered and the period of waiting is over, or you will have to confront your fear of failure in the next 7 weeks or 7 months in order to plant anew and reap a more generous harvest in your future.
• It is time to move through old fears and self-defeating thoughts of past failures whether they have been experienced in the past 7 weeks, 7 months or when you were 7 years old.
• Assessment
• Deliberation of choices, waiting for the right time and right place.

If ill defined by the Surrounding Cards in the layout it implies:

• Deep-rooted blockages. 
• Fresh start.
• No opportunities.
• No success.

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