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Thoth- ATU 17-The Star

The Daughter of the Firmament.

There is some argument among Tarot scholars that the  Star Card is the 

Path of Tzaddi and not the Path of Heh, as the Path of Heh, should be shown as the Hebrew letter of the Emperor Card (see Emperor blog) and on the above Tree of Life glyph The Emperor is rightly shown as the Path of Heh (He'). Robert Wang, Dr..Paul Foster Case and myself all agree that the Star is the Path of Tzaddi and not the Path of Heh.The Path of Tzaddi connects the 7th Sephiroth Netzach (Victory) to the 9th Sephiroth Yesod (The Foundation). This is the path called the Natural Intelligence, by Dr. Paul Foster Case , the founder of B.O.T.A., in his instructional text, Thirty Two Paths to Wisdom; Natural intelligence because it is the Path of proper approach to the Divine Energy inherent in each person. It is the Natural Intelligence, as it represents the proper use of Imagination----which is the Divine Womb, an Intelligence used in "image making"; many of us call it the Creator.

The meaning of the Hebrew letter, Tzaddi, is Fish hook, implying meditation, a process inseparable from the proper use of imagination. Once we are hooked on an idea, we focus energy (emotion), and with proper diligent software running our brain, the body gets it done. The physical vehicle, is a power-tool of Imagination and as we all know, with computer run power tools, garbage programing in means, garbage production- out.

All this may be too much for the culturally programed personality to absorb, but the fact is, you were imagined into being by what Carl Jung called the Universal Collective Unconscious, or Universal Unconsciousness that has many Divine names attributed to it.  So for the sake of simplicity, I'll call it the Divine Creative.

In the terms of Tzaddi, fish hook, the implication is that there is a merging of two streams of conscious energy, for something is put-in rather than taken out. Here the individual consciousness is attached to the Greater Conscious. In the Tarot/Qabalah, Water is the symbol used for aspects of intuition, emotions and unconsciousness, making the analogy of the fish hook being put in, pertinent as well.It helps to understand that we are not a brain, nor any kind of separate physical device and/or *manifestation. We are a ternary Self-concept that is the Transmitter, the Transmitted and the Receiver and/or I AM ME. Just as a Radio Transmitter (in our case-Spirit) transmits frequency "everywhere but nowhere" at the same time and would be unheard without a radio receiver so it is with the frequencies of Spiral Energy (Spirit) that would be unheard without a Mind (Psyche/Soul) and a physical vehicle tuned to that infinite frequency. In this scenario, Spirit is the Collective Unconscious, and the individual frequencies would be Soul Stations while the human vessel would be the receiving radio controlled- bio-electromagnetic-robotic -power tool. As a manifestation, the body is an "abstract idea" of the Soul as a "self-image". To those of us familiar with gaming, the body would be an avatar acting for the controlling psyche in a domain that the psyche does not normally reside. To clarify, below is the Dictionary description of manifestation. 

*manifestation[ˌmanəfəˈstāSH(ə)n, ˌmanəˌfesˈtāSH(ə)n]

NOUN

• an event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something, especially a theory or an abstract idea.
• "the first obvious manifestations of global warming"
• the action or fact of showing an abstract idea.
• "the manifestation of anxiety over the upcoming exams"

synonyms:

display

demonstration · showing · show · exhibition · presentation · indication · illustration · exemplification · exposition · disclosure · declaration · expression · profession

• a symptom or sign of an ailment.
• "a characteristic manifestation of Lyme disease"

synonyms:

sign indication · evidence · proof · token · symptom · testimony · substantiation · mark · symbol · reflection · example · instance

• a version or incarnation of something or someone.
• "Purity and Innocence and Young Love in all their gentle manifestations"
• an appearance of a ghost or spirit.

apparition -appearance · materialization · visitati

In quantum physics, an entity is a point in time which to a timeless energy frequency, is extremely necessary for self-awareness. Points in time are necessary for a discriminating creator, for how do you know what you do and what you affect, when you have no way of examining the action? To gather Knowledge, the mind needs an intellectual gathering place---a place in time, i.e. a point of experience. A point of a pen is also what authors need to write into manifestation their thoughts; That pen gives them a Point in which to concentrate their thoughts so that they can be carefully examined, corrected, experienced and produced. Because of that point and the flow of ink (in physics this would be light/energy) they can manifest those thoughts in time/space for all thoughts are theory until experienced, making them information; information becomes image in this world of manifestation. Therefore, Points begin the transformation process of energy into images.

The material that the Divine Consciousness deals in is "Thought", something we know exists but are unable to explain its source. It is our "first matter", and in Qabalah, the first matter-thought is often symbolized as a fish. This concept allows me to take the next quantum leap in examination. Theoretically if we describe the Ocean, as the womb of earth life, (Imagination is the Womb of idea) we can see that to the Ocean, it is everywhere and nowhere at the same time, for it has no sense of self. However, the fish is made of Ocean and its elements and must exist in the Ocean as a "part of Oceanic imagination"; a self-image, if you will, of the Ocean itself. And as Spirit/Mind (I AM) must with us, the Ocean flows through the crystallized self -image (Me-fish) that it has imagined into existence, in order to be able to do the work of experience. Now I know this is simplistic as an explanation can get, but it should help you in understanding why you have a physical vehicle, and why it is most sacred to Spirit!

The “I AM” (Imagination) denotes existence, the “me” establishes it as a sensual point in time, i.e. a place to do work. It should also point out the need to follow your "inner star".

The Path of the Natural Intelligence is the Path of the raw forces attributed to Netzach (Victory). To a Qabalist these natural forces are called the Elohim (Gods of Netzach) and are synonymous with nature itself. Moreover, the number of The Star, is 17 and when added together (1+7=8) seventeen becomes 8 which is ATU/Key 8-Adjustment, which represents conscious control and/or balanced control,  over the vigorous star energy- of the Kundalini (Lion-Serpent) whose description is both solar (lion is the symbol of the Sun) and sexual (serpentine force). As I have stated before, the Kundalini is coiled in Yesod (Base of the Spine), which is the Foundation of earth manifestation. To many, sex-energy or Kundalini is a word of sin filled lust and emotional turmoil: However, the initiate knows as we encounter the sexual/Star energy in ourselves, we are approaching the Greater Mysteries of Tiphareth, The Solar Soul/ Logos, the central Star/Sun of our existence. Of course, “if you can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen". Thus, the Path of Tzaddi-The Star is important to the neophyte to enter in a controlled and balanced manner as it is a very powerful Path which points out the proper way to approach the Kundalini...The Divine Spiral Energy inherent in all of us----through meditation and yoga.

Kundalini yoga - Wikipedia

Kundalini yoga ( kuṇḍalinī-yoga) derives from kundalini, defined in Vedantic culture as energy that lies dormant at the base of the spine until it is activated (as by the practice of yoga) and channeled upward through the chakras in the process of spiritual perfection.

This process of approach is a kind of yoga (communion) involving the "opening of Chakras" and/or the enervation of energy centers through the process of meditation. This is also the energy we use in the meditation process, being both the goal and means of enlightenment. The Star is the method or means of perfection. I recommend the Initiate engage in Kundalini Yoga practices.

I suggest that you purchase and study this excellent book: A Chakra & Kundalini workbook-By Dr. John Mumford (Swami Anadakapila Saraswati), it is both comprehensive and safe. 

In the Thirty-Two Paths of Wisdom, the Magus Paul Foster Case stated that: 

The twenty eight path [Path of Tzaddi} is called the Natural Intelligence, and it is so called because through it is consummated and perfected the Nature of every existing thing under the Sun." {The brackets are my own insertion). Qabalists know the Star Card represents the proper use of imagination, through the energy of meditation. Even though meditation feels like a personal activity, successful meditation shows us that it is not we that are meditating but rather, we are meditated! Truth be known, The Soul/Psyche builds the original Personality through its own meditation. In the context of meditation, the Personality uses the Path of Tzaddi, The Fish Hook, in searching for reality in the context of meditation; However, meditation is also The Higher Self angling to pull the Personality up from the depths of self- absorbed enclosure which is a reality imposed on us by the physical senses and the profaning of identity brought on by words and indoctrination.

The Star Card figure, represents the most pure manifestation of the Great Mother Binah at the level of Personality, preceding enclosure in matter. She is the Same figure found in The Empress, in her royal regalia; The High Priestess and in The Universe cards,; However, here She is unveiled, in-robed, further representing Her purity.

The Tarot Star is associated with the love and inspiration sign of Aquarius. In the ancient world, Saturn was said to govern Aquarius, referring us to Binah and The Universe key 21.

Because the Star card represents the universe resolved into its ultimate elements, it relates to many more Paths than any other card in the deck. Thus, I recommend getting the text book by Robert Wang---The Qabalistic Tarot (A text book of Mystical Philosophy) and studying the many path Charts on the Tree of Life that he presents in the book.

To the Qabalist, the Star card represents the "Lower Eden", from which the Personality originates and the Emperor, represents "Upper Eden" where the Fiery Higher Self originates...The Solar Logos. Here to, we see a relationship of The Star Path (Tzaddi) relating to another Path, that of the Emperor (Heh). The Star card also relates to the Planet Venus, which to the ancients was seen as the "Morning and Evening Star", also referred to as Lucifer, the Most beautiful of all  Angels, referring to the Sephiroth Tiphareth-Beauty, which is the Solar Logos  and/or the Sun/Son of the Divine Creative. Lucifer (Latin for "Morning Star") is not seen as a underworld figure, but rather the Morning star that is Venus (the ancient thought was that the Morning star rivalled the Sun). But with proper enforcement of propaganda the meaning of Beauty (Synchronicity) became an Underworld Angel who was so narcissistic that he challenged God----which is the common Christian view. We all must study history to see how the Christians took the names of gods and goddesses of other religions and demonized them, which only contributed to ignorance and lost self-awareness. The truth is that the Latin word Lucifer is similar to the Greek Christos (Sun, also Zeus Christos or Sun of God) ----both relating to the fiery Sun of God....The Solar Logos and/or our Soul that is our "inner star".

Crowley/Harris presented the image of Nuit, as the Star. Here the 3 Seven pointed stars are versions of the Star of Babylon, implying that Nuit and Babylon are the same goddess image. Crowley states: 

"Babalon is yet a further manifestation of the original idea of Nuith: She is the Scarlet Woman , the Sacred Harlot, who is Lady of ATU-XI." [The Book of Thoth, Pg. 109]. He also refers to the 7 pointed Star as " the Star of Venus, as if declaring the principle characteristic of Her nature to be Love."[ The Book of Thoth, Pg. , 109]

Included in the Crowley/Harris Star Card, are the roses and butterflies of the Empress, and a River in the background (river of life) but the large celestial globe is the most prominent image on this card. This globe represents the entire heavens surrounding the Earth; Therefore, She is not only manifesting the Microcosm (lower cup) but also connecting the Macrocosm (upper cup pouring out the globe) to the Microcosm of the World. Crowley describes this outpouring as: 

"The left hand, lowered, holds a silver cup, from which she pours the immortal liquor of her life. This liquor is the Amrita of the Indian Philosophers, the Nepenthe and Ambrosia of the Greeks, the Alkahest and Universal Medicine of the Alchemists, the Blood of the Grail; or rather, the nectar which is the mother of that blood".

[Aleister Crowley, 

Liber LXV, from the Holy Books of Thelema (York Beach, ME: Weiser Books Inc. 1983), Pg. 83.]

Traditionally, the Star card is a card of hope, and of unseen things to come.

Haindl Tarot-Key 17-The Star

The Haindl Tarot-Key 17- The Star displays the Hebrew letter Tzaddi (fish hook) on the upper left and the Rune-Eh (E), meaning horse on the upper right. On the lower right is the sign of Aquarius. Illustrated is a woman washing her hair in a flowing stream of water. Implying and act of unity with the Earth as her hair blends into the water. She represents Gaia, the Mother of Life and her dress represents age. Age is further exemplified by the lack of vegitation, as all around is stone and water the first manifestations on Earth.  Above is a cluster of stars, 7 small ones, surrounding one large central Star, the central star representing Venus who is Beauty. The meanings of the Thoth card apply to this card as well. 

When the Star Card-ATU/Key 17, is thrown during a reading:

• The querent shall be or will be experiencing hope, faith and unexpected help for 17 weeks or 17 months.Self-esteem and confidence contributing to self-efficiency and talent.
• Hope.Unexpected help.
• Clearness of Vision.
• Realization of possibilities.
• Spiritual insight.
• Cleansing.
• Renewal.

If ill defined by the surrounding cards in the layout (Thoth) or Reversed (Haindl) it implies:

• Error of judgment.
• Dreaminess.
• Disappointment.
• Fears for the future.

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