The Paths on the Tree of Life
The sequential development of the Paths follows the structure of the Tree of Life.
The Paths are named according to the 22 cards of the Tarot Major Arcana,
The sequential development of the Paths follows the structure of the Tree of Life.
The Paths are named according to the 22 cards of the Tarot Major Arcana,
The Fool
The first Path travels from the Ain Soph Aur.
This is the Absolute Limitless Light - the Nothingness from which everything emanates.
The traveller on this path is the Fool 0.
The first Sephiroth is Kether - the Crown - the reflective light.
This is the movement of life from Spirit into the Crown Chakra.
We are now ready for birth.
He is ready to develop the ego - the driving force that propels him into and through life.
The development of the ego is an aggressive, demanding phase.
This is the Absolute Limitless Light - the Nothingness from which everything emanates.
The traveller on this path is the Fool 0.
The first Sephiroth is Kether - the Crown - the reflective light.
This is the movement of life from Spirit into the Crown Chakra.
We are now ready for birth.
He is ready to develop the ego - the driving force that propels him into and through life.
The development of the ego is an aggressive, demanding phase.
The second Path travels from Kether (The Crown) to Chokhmah (Wisdom).
On this path the Fool seeks to learn wisdom.
In Kether, the Soul passed through the first Gateway of Consciousness.
This is the Gateway between Spiritual Consciousness and Higher Human Consciousness.
The Soul has moved from the World of Emanation (spirit) to the World of Creation (the mind).
On this path the Fool seeks to learn wisdom.
In Kether, the Soul passed through the first Gateway of Consciousness.
This is the Gateway between Spiritual Consciousness and Higher Human Consciousness.
The Soul has moved from the World of Emanation (spirit) to the World of Creation (the mind).
The Magician
The Path of the Magician is the first path in the development of the mental processes.
The Magician derives immense power from the source.
His right hand is raised with the wand drawing energy from above.
His left hand is pointed to the earth below.
This is symbolic of the principle As above So below.
He points to the table where the four human functions are represented.
The wand or staff (spirit, intuition).
The sword (thought processes).
The cup (emotional processes).
The coin or pentacle (physical processes).
The Magician derives immense power from the source.
His right hand is raised with the wand drawing energy from above.
His left hand is pointed to the earth below.
This is symbolic of the principle As above So below.
He points to the table where the four human functions are represented.
The wand or staff (spirit, intuition).
The sword (thought processes).
The cup (emotional processes).
The coin or pentacle (physical processes).
Until you arrive at Chokhmah you have not learned wisdom.
You are on the path of learning wisdom.
This is why warnings are given about the Magician saying not to trust and to be wary of the misuse of power.
In the early stages the Magician is only an apprentice.
A Magician who has learned to use the power, with Wisdom, will move to the next path in due course.
You are on the path of learning wisdom.
This is why warnings are given about the Magician saying not to trust and to be wary of the misuse of power.
In the early stages the Magician is only an apprentice.
A Magician who has learned to use the power, with Wisdom, will move to the next path in due course.
The High Priestess
The first emanation of male energy is balanced by the first emanation of female energy.
This is, in the form of the II of the High Priestess.
As Carl Jung suggests in his psychology we are made up of the two parts.
Feminine and Masculine - Anima and Animus
From hereon the struggle is to find equilibrium and harmony.
We must learn to rule and accept ourselves.
The High Priestess is the first instance of the conscious self.
She is like the conscience to the Magician’s ego.
The High Priestess travels on the path from Chokhmah to Binah - from Wisdom to Understanding.
The path travels horizontally across the Tree of Life.
From the Pillar of Mercy to the Pillar of Severity.
In the imagery on the Tarot card, she is shown sitting with a pillar, or column, either side of her.
She knows and defends the entrance to the higher mysteries from where she has come.
She already has wisdom - her journey in this life is to gain understanding.
Where the Magician is aggressive and forceful, making things happen - she is gently assertive, accepting and allowing things to happen.
She always tries to understand.
On her lap is the book of knowledge - the Torah - showing that she is reading, learning, seeking to improve her understanding of things.
She is intuitively wise and maybe does not understand in herself, why it is, that she knows what she knows.
When her lessons on this path are complete, she will arrive at the Sephira Binah which is Understanding.
This is, in the form of the II of the High Priestess.
As Carl Jung suggests in his psychology we are made up of the two parts.
Feminine and Masculine - Anima and Animus
From hereon the struggle is to find equilibrium and harmony.
We must learn to rule and accept ourselves.
The High Priestess is the first instance of the conscious self.
She is like the conscience to the Magician’s ego.
The High Priestess travels on the path from Chokhmah to Binah - from Wisdom to Understanding.
The path travels horizontally across the Tree of Life.
From the Pillar of Mercy to the Pillar of Severity.
In the imagery on the Tarot card, she is shown sitting with a pillar, or column, either side of her.
She knows and defends the entrance to the higher mysteries from where she has come.
She already has wisdom - her journey in this life is to gain understanding.
Where the Magician is aggressive and forceful, making things happen - she is gently assertive, accepting and allowing things to happen.
She always tries to understand.
On her lap is the book of knowledge - the Torah - showing that she is reading, learning, seeking to improve her understanding of things.
She is intuitively wise and maybe does not understand in herself, why it is, that she knows what she knows.
When her lessons on this path are complete, she will arrive at the Sephira Binah which is Understanding.
The Empress
The male and female energies now combine to generate their first child.
This is the energy that manifests in the female form of the III of the Empress.
This is the first earth child and is an expression of creativity.
The first burst of human creativity.
Natural, unfiltered, expression in all of its forms.
Freedom of spirit in human form, nature and naturalness, loving and nurturing.
The Empress travels the path from Binah (Understanding) to Tiphareth (Beauty).
The Empress has a natural, deep understanding of things.
Like the High Priestess, she perhaps does not know why she understands - she just does instinctively.
She has a natural way of grace.
The lessons of her path is express the creativity of the mind in forms of beauty.
She wishes to live life without rule or structure.
This perhaps confronts her the most in life.
This is the energy that manifests in the female form of the III of the Empress.
This is the first earth child and is an expression of creativity.
The first burst of human creativity.
Natural, unfiltered, expression in all of its forms.
Freedom of spirit in human form, nature and naturalness, loving and nurturing.
The Empress travels the path from Binah (Understanding) to Tiphareth (Beauty).
The Empress has a natural, deep understanding of things.
Like the High Priestess, she perhaps does not know why she understands - she just does instinctively.
She has a natural way of grace.
The lessons of her path is express the creativity of the mind in forms of beauty.
She wishes to live life without rule or structure.
This perhaps confronts her the most in life.
The Emperor
The next issue of energy could be seen as the second earth child.
Male/female energy generates female/male children.
In another way, it can be seen as the next developmental step for the nature child.
To learn rules and structure & to deal with authority and rigour.
This is the path of the IV of the Emperor.
The Empress represents the world of the feminine and the natural environment.
The Emperor represents the world of the masculine and the built environment.
The Emperor travels the path from Tiphareth (Beauty) to Chesed (Mercy).
This Path involves the lessons of discipline, rules, structure and authority.
The lesson is to impose this rigour in a loving, kindly way.
If the Emperor learns the lessons on this path, then he attains Chesed. which is Mercy.
Rules and rigour, without love and compassion, represent persecution and suffering.
The sign of a good Emperor is when he is loved by his constituents - not feared and resented.
Male/female energy generates female/male children.
In another way, it can be seen as the next developmental step for the nature child.
To learn rules and structure & to deal with authority and rigour.
This is the path of the IV of the Emperor.
The Empress represents the world of the feminine and the natural environment.
The Emperor represents the world of the masculine and the built environment.
The Emperor travels the path from Tiphareth (Beauty) to Chesed (Mercy).
This Path involves the lessons of discipline, rules, structure and authority.
The lesson is to impose this rigour in a loving, kindly way.
If the Emperor learns the lessons on this path, then he attains Chesed. which is Mercy.
Rules and rigour, without love and compassion, represent persecution and suffering.
The sign of a good Emperor is when he is loved by his constituents - not feared and resented.
The Hierophant
Now the two earth children - the Empress and the Emperor - go off to school.
To learn from the teachers in this world, represented by the V of the Hierophant.
Wikipedia defines Hierophant as, “a person who brings religious congregants into the presence of that which is deemed holy".
The word comes from Ancient Greece, where it was constructed from the combination of ta hiera, "the holy", and phainein, "to show".
In Attica it was the title of the chief priest at the Eleusinian Mysteries. A hierophant is an interpreter of sacred mysteries and arcane principles”.
It comes from a time when the priests were the teachers in our society.
The Hierophant travels the path from Chesed (Mercy) to Geburah (Severity).
The guide for our earth children involves learning traditions, values and principles.
In making decisions in life, it is our value set that helps us to make the right choices.
We are continually challenged to find a middle path, between freedom and discipline.
The Hierophant also represents compassion.
Mercy & Severity are both qualities of love.
To achieve Geburah we must know and understand all of the previous path lessons.
wisdom, understanding, beauty and mercy
Now apply them in accordance with the values, standards, principles, beliefs and teachings.
Mercy expands - Severity contracts
This is part of growing up and developing a healthy ego.
To learn from the teachers in this world, represented by the V of the Hierophant.
Wikipedia defines Hierophant as, “a person who brings religious congregants into the presence of that which is deemed holy".
The word comes from Ancient Greece, where it was constructed from the combination of ta hiera, "the holy", and phainein, "to show".
In Attica it was the title of the chief priest at the Eleusinian Mysteries. A hierophant is an interpreter of sacred mysteries and arcane principles”.
It comes from a time when the priests were the teachers in our society.
The Hierophant travels the path from Chesed (Mercy) to Geburah (Severity).
The guide for our earth children involves learning traditions, values and principles.
In making decisions in life, it is our value set that helps us to make the right choices.
We are continually challenged to find a middle path, between freedom and discipline.
The Hierophant also represents compassion.
Mercy & Severity are both qualities of love.
To achieve Geburah we must know and understand all of the previous path lessons.
wisdom, understanding, beauty and mercy
Now apply them in accordance with the values, standards, principles, beliefs and teachings.
Mercy expands - Severity contracts
This is part of growing up and developing a healthy ego.
The Lovers
The next growth stage for the developing ego is to form relationships.
First, we must love & respect ourselves, then learn to love & respect others.
The Path of the Lovers VI represents relationships, groups and social interaction of all kinds, not just marriage or romantic relationships.
One definition of the Lovers Path explains that we learn about ourselves through our relationships with others.
In recent times there has been much said about the EQ - Emotional Quotient - as opposed to the IQ - Intelligence Quotient.
The EQ refers to the emotional mind, that has a high level of ability in social interaction and relationships.
The Lovers Path travels from Geburah (Severity) to Yesod (Foundation).
To attain the place of Yesod means that you have learned the lessons of making and retaining loving, beautiful relationships.
You have developed a foundation for your life.
The journey along this path though, will involve challenges all along the way, concerning your relationships.
This very much speaks to me of Soul Mates and Soul Partners, and is much deeper than friendships and relationships only on the earthly plane.
First, we must love & respect ourselves, then learn to love & respect others.
The Path of the Lovers VI represents relationships, groups and social interaction of all kinds, not just marriage or romantic relationships.
One definition of the Lovers Path explains that we learn about ourselves through our relationships with others.
In recent times there has been much said about the EQ - Emotional Quotient - as opposed to the IQ - Intelligence Quotient.
The EQ refers to the emotional mind, that has a high level of ability in social interaction and relationships.
The Lovers Path travels from Geburah (Severity) to Yesod (Foundation).
To attain the place of Yesod means that you have learned the lessons of making and retaining loving, beautiful relationships.
You have developed a foundation for your life.
The journey along this path though, will involve challenges all along the way, concerning your relationships.
This very much speaks to me of Soul Mates and Soul Partners, and is much deeper than friendships and relationships only on the earthly plane.
The Chariot
The next path is best described by the word Willpower.
The developing ego is engaging in relationships.
It needs to develop a healthy respect for self and not be a martyr, or a doormat to be walked upon by others. The development of the will is the path of the VII of the Chariot.
The imagery on the Chariot card shows an earthly prince.
He is immersed up to his waist in a block of stone, which is the carriage of the chariot.
Out in front of the vehicle are two sphinx-like animals - one black and one white.
They represent the opposing forces of nature.
The young prince controls these two opposing forces with the power of the mind.
There are no reigns or other means of control.
He cannot get out of the chariot to go over and physically manage them.
To control other physical, manifest things, he has only the power of the mind and his will.
These are interesting lessons for the ego to learn.
Is the young prince a fair ruler and master, or a tyrant and domineering?
To achieve Netzach, on the Pillar of Mercy he needs to acknowledge and understand the fair use of his will.
Then he will have victory and true power.
The developing ego is engaging in relationships.
It needs to develop a healthy respect for self and not be a martyr, or a doormat to be walked upon by others. The development of the will is the path of the VII of the Chariot.
The imagery on the Chariot card shows an earthly prince.
He is immersed up to his waist in a block of stone, which is the carriage of the chariot.
Out in front of the vehicle are two sphinx-like animals - one black and one white.
They represent the opposing forces of nature.
The young prince controls these two opposing forces with the power of the mind.
There are no reigns or other means of control.
He cannot get out of the chariot to go over and physically manage them.
To control other physical, manifest things, he has only the power of the mind and his will.
These are interesting lessons for the ego to learn.
Is the young prince a fair ruler and master, or a tyrant and domineering?
To achieve Netzach, on the Pillar of Mercy he needs to acknowledge and understand the fair use of his will.
Then he will have victory and true power.
Justice
The path that follows the Chariot holds the lessons of the VIII of Justice.
This path travels from Netzach (Power/Victory) to Hod (Splendour/Glory).
To reach Hod, the traveller needs to achieve the fulfilment of the ego and the lower consciousness.
But he now knows and understands why there is a higher consciousness.
In the ego mind there is now a need to learn and understand the quality of Justice.
Fairness and equity in the making of choices and decisions.
In the Tarot card of Justice the scales are balanced and the character holding them is not blindfolded.
These are the qualities of truly knowing and understanding the idea of fairness.
This is why the Chariot is followed by Justice.
To go, from the Willpower of the Chariot to Strength, misses the very point of having Justice at all.
This path travels from Netzach (Power/Victory) to Hod (Splendour/Glory).
To reach Hod, the traveller needs to achieve the fulfilment of the ego and the lower consciousness.
But he now knows and understands why there is a higher consciousness.
In the ego mind there is now a need to learn and understand the quality of Justice.
Fairness and equity in the making of choices and decisions.
In the Tarot card of Justice the scales are balanced and the character holding them is not blindfolded.
These are the qualities of truly knowing and understanding the idea of fairness.
This is why the Chariot is followed by Justice.
To go, from the Willpower of the Chariot to Strength, misses the very point of having Justice at all.
The Hermit
To attain the position of Malkuth (Kingdom) indicates a state of complete ego.
It is symbolised in the lonely figure of the Hermit IX.
The Hermit now travels from Hod (Glory/Splendour) to Malkuth (Kingdom).
This is the Kingdom of Man, earth and the material existence.
In the lessons of this path, the Hermit must learn that there is more to life than just the ego.
He has reached a state of maturity, knowledge and understanding.
He realises that he must look inward if he wishes to seek full completeness - the individuation of the soul.
On this path he must come to terms with the need to lower himself from the ego driven position.
When you have reached a position of attainment, such as the Hermit has done, it is difficult to lower yourself and go back to basics.
To start again. requires Strength.
It is symbolised in the lonely figure of the Hermit IX.
The Hermit now travels from Hod (Glory/Splendour) to Malkuth (Kingdom).
This is the Kingdom of Man, earth and the material existence.
In the lessons of this path, the Hermit must learn that there is more to life than just the ego.
He has reached a state of maturity, knowledge and understanding.
He realises that he must look inward if he wishes to seek full completeness - the individuation of the soul.
On this path he must come to terms with the need to lower himself from the ego driven position.
When you have reached a position of attainment, such as the Hermit has done, it is difficult to lower yourself and go back to basics.
To start again. requires Strength.
The Wheel of Life
At the bottom of the Tree of Life sits the Wheel of Fortune X. This is a circular path on which the Hermit turns, preparing within himself the inner resolve to say, “okay, I’m ready to commence the homeward journey”. The Hermit thought he had made it. That he was the best that he could be. He now realises there is more to life - an inner dimension that develops depth and shows the shallowness of the ego. We now commence the inward development of the conscious self. The Hermit could stay on the Wheel of Fortune path eternally - never growing - never knowing - and having no awareness of his condition - the kingdom of man.
Strength
When the Hermit finds the resolve to recommit himself, then he commences the return inner journey.
Travelling from Malkuth (Kingdom) back to Hod (Glory/Splendour).
This is the path of the XI - Strength.
The imagery of the Strength card shows a female closing the mouth of a lion.
This is not a forceful action but a gentle touch, that shows the nature of the inner strength that is necessary to control the raging beast.
This is not aggressive strength.
Strength is getting back in touch with her foundation and gently taking control - accepting and nurturing.
Strength is the balance of the aggressive Magician.
She is also the alter ego of the High Priestess, who now moves to a place of dominance.
Strength knows and understands the nuances of the demanding ego and needs to learn the challenge of unconditional acceptance.
We are now on the path of developing inner strength and foundation for the homeward journey.
Travelling from Malkuth (Kingdom) back to Hod (Glory/Splendour).
This is the path of the XI - Strength.
The imagery of the Strength card shows a female closing the mouth of a lion.
This is not a forceful action but a gentle touch, that shows the nature of the inner strength that is necessary to control the raging beast.
This is not aggressive strength.
Strength is getting back in touch with her foundation and gently taking control - accepting and nurturing.
Strength is the balance of the aggressive Magician.
She is also the alter ego of the High Priestess, who now moves to a place of dominance.
Strength knows and understands the nuances of the demanding ego and needs to learn the challenge of unconditional acceptance.
We are now on the path of developing inner strength and foundation for the homeward journey.
The Hanged Man
The next path is the path of the Hanged Man. (XII).
Travelling back from Hod (Glory/Splendour) to Netzach (Victory/Power).
In the imagery of the Hanged Man card, the man’s head is glowing in a yellow aura.
I think this is indicative of the cognitive powers.
The Hanged Man hangs upside down - caught in limbo - dangling.
He is learning to accept his condition and to stop struggling.
Struggling gets him nowhere, except to drain his energy.
The Hanged Man's head is immersed.
A hole is dug into the earth beneath him.
He hangs upside down, with his head lowered into that hole, so that he is looking at the internal workings of the The Hanged man learns about sacrifice, selfishness, acceptance, the need to stop fighting.
When the Hanged Man has accepted his condition and ceased struggling.
When he has learned to give up the cause of ego and accept the higher consciousness.
Then he has reached the place of Victory and true Power.
If he wants release from his condition he must let go.
Travelling back from Hod (Glory/Splendour) to Netzach (Victory/Power).
In the imagery of the Hanged Man card, the man’s head is glowing in a yellow aura.
I think this is indicative of the cognitive powers.
The Hanged Man hangs upside down - caught in limbo - dangling.
He is learning to accept his condition and to stop struggling.
Struggling gets him nowhere, except to drain his energy.
The Hanged Man's head is immersed.
A hole is dug into the earth beneath him.
He hangs upside down, with his head lowered into that hole, so that he is looking at the internal workings of the The Hanged man learns about sacrifice, selfishness, acceptance, the need to stop fighting.
When the Hanged Man has accepted his condition and ceased struggling.
When he has learned to give up the cause of ego and accept the higher consciousness.
Then he has reached the place of Victory and true Power.
If he wants release from his condition he must let go.
Death
The path that follows the Hanged Man is represented by the XIII of Death.
This card represents the release from the condition of the Hanged Man. This is complete liberation from physical boundaries.
Travelling from Netzach (Victory/Power) to Yesod (Foundation).
This path holds the lessons of complete freedom and release from physical, human bondage.
This is not easy when you are still encased in a physical sheath known as a body.
The state of mind that this represents is spiritual transcendence.
This is about not being bound to the materiality of human consciousness. Death honours instincts, impulses, and living a life of unrestricted freedom.
This card represents the release from the condition of the Hanged Man. This is complete liberation from physical boundaries.
Travelling from Netzach (Victory/Power) to Yesod (Foundation).
This path holds the lessons of complete freedom and release from physical, human bondage.
This is not easy when you are still encased in a physical sheath known as a body.
The state of mind that this represents is spiritual transcendence.
This is about not being bound to the materiality of human consciousness. Death honours instincts, impulses, and living a life of unrestricted freedom.
Temperance
Following this path of unrestricted freedom is the path of the XIV of Temperance.
The lessons of moderation and finding the middle path.
When you have learned to live a life of unrestricted freedom, no limits or boundaries, then temperance is a really handy lesson to learn.
This is not about an outside force applying restrictions, rules or limitations. This is about you, being prepared to manage and control yourself. Temperance seeks to find a blend - a mix of freedom and discipline.
Temperance travels from Yesod (Foundation) to Geburah (Severity).
When the lessons of Temperance have been met then the quality of victory will be beautiful and will display the qualities of love, mercy, tolerance and generosity. Victory without beauty is hollow.
The lessons of moderation and finding the middle path.
When you have learned to live a life of unrestricted freedom, no limits or boundaries, then temperance is a really handy lesson to learn.
This is not about an outside force applying restrictions, rules or limitations. This is about you, being prepared to manage and control yourself. Temperance seeks to find a blend - a mix of freedom and discipline.
Temperance travels from Yesod (Foundation) to Geburah (Severity).
When the lessons of Temperance have been met then the quality of victory will be beautiful and will display the qualities of love, mercy, tolerance and generosity. Victory without beauty is hollow.
The Devil
The next path involves the challenge and temptation of the XV of the Devil.
You have just learned Temperance.
Now you will be tested to see how well you have learned to maintain quality of life, in the face of extreme indulgence.
The path of the Devil travels from Geburah (Severity) to Chesed (Mercy).
This path requires discipline, discrimination and rigour.
The temptations of the path of the Devil include every addictive enticement that you can think of.
The lessons you learned along the path of Temperance will be required to be applied to their full extent.
The ways of the Devil are extremely subtle and destructive.
They look lovely, but are they?
The achievement of Chesed means that the traveller will have learned lessons of discipline, discrimination and mercy.
You have just learned Temperance.
Now you will be tested to see how well you have learned to maintain quality of life, in the face of extreme indulgence.
The path of the Devil travels from Geburah (Severity) to Chesed (Mercy).
This path requires discipline, discrimination and rigour.
The temptations of the path of the Devil include every addictive enticement that you can think of.
The lessons you learned along the path of Temperance will be required to be applied to their full extent.
The ways of the Devil are extremely subtle and destructive.
They look lovely, but are they?
The achievement of Chesed means that the traveller will have learned lessons of discipline, discrimination and mercy.
The lightning struck Tower
The Lightning Struck Tower (XVI) travels from Chesed (Mercy) to Tiphareth (Beauty).
We have learned rules, discrimination, regulation, discipline, temperance - you name it - what now can happen?
Essentially, be prepared to expect the unexpected.
The bolt out of the blue that blows you and your life out of the water.
Blows away all of your preset ways of thinking and behaviour.
Get ready to clear the building site ready for the new building development. The lessons of inner resilience embraced on this path are daunting.
You need to let go of all preconceived ways of thinking, believing and behaving.
Be prepared to accept events as they happen and move on.
Keep getting up - getting knocked down - getting up again and carrying on.
At the end of this path, to attain Tiphareth (Beauty), is to have appreciation & total acceptance.
Think of the trials and testing of Job in the Bible and you will understand the manner in which you will be forced to endure.
But in the end you will have beauty!
We have learned rules, discrimination, regulation, discipline, temperance - you name it - what now can happen?
Essentially, be prepared to expect the unexpected.
The bolt out of the blue that blows you and your life out of the water.
Blows away all of your preset ways of thinking and behaviour.
Get ready to clear the building site ready for the new building development. The lessons of inner resilience embraced on this path are daunting.
You need to let go of all preconceived ways of thinking, believing and behaving.
Be prepared to accept events as they happen and move on.
Keep getting up - getting knocked down - getting up again and carrying on.
At the end of this path, to attain Tiphareth (Beauty), is to have appreciation & total acceptance.
Think of the trials and testing of Job in the Bible and you will understand the manner in which you will be forced to endure.
But in the end you will have beauty!
The Star
The next path is the XVII of the Star, which represents Hope.
This path travels from Tiphareth (Beauty) to Binah (Understanding).
Coming from a place of beauty, the traveller seeks to acquire greater understanding and hope for the future.
The female person in the imagery bends on one knee, drawing water from a pool.
One foot is on the water showing control of the emotions.
She pours the water from her vase onto the earth and is caring for the physical and the emotional.
The stars in the sky show that she is involved with the re-establishment of the cosmos - the world and the universal principles.
She has a new vision for the future.
After the devastation of the Lightning Struck Tower, this is about rebuilding a new world, a new life, a new you.
You must rise above the mundane, the earthly, physical, material and look to the higher consciousness.
Even with nothing, you must have a positive attitude and hope for the future.
To reach Binah, there is a need for understanding.
Understanding brings a new way of thinking.
Spiritual, mystical and higher ideals.
You are the star on the stage of life.
This path travels from Tiphareth (Beauty) to Binah (Understanding).
Coming from a place of beauty, the traveller seeks to acquire greater understanding and hope for the future.
The female person in the imagery bends on one knee, drawing water from a pool.
One foot is on the water showing control of the emotions.
She pours the water from her vase onto the earth and is caring for the physical and the emotional.
The stars in the sky show that she is involved with the re-establishment of the cosmos - the world and the universal principles.
She has a new vision for the future.
After the devastation of the Lightning Struck Tower, this is about rebuilding a new world, a new life, a new you.
You must rise above the mundane, the earthly, physical, material and look to the higher consciousness.
Even with nothing, you must have a positive attitude and hope for the future.
To reach Binah, there is a need for understanding.
Understanding brings a new way of thinking.
Spiritual, mystical and higher ideals.
You are the star on the stage of life.
The Moon
The Moon XVIII travels from Binah (Understanding) to Chokhmah (Wisdom). The imagery on the Moon card shows a crayfish, crawling out of a pool onto a narrow path, that winds between two howling dogs.
One is a wild animal and the other is domestic.
They represent the opposing energies of life.
There is an old American Indian tale, that tells of a young brave who asked his father about the two opposing forces inside himself. He wanted to know which one would prevail. His father answered, “It depends on which one you feed".
The pool of water that the crayfish is crawling out from, is the emotional abyss of life.
Remember the abyss that formed after the fall and separated the top (spiritual) of the Tree of Life from the bottom (physical).
You have made it back across and the key to your return was achieving the knowledge of Daath and the understanding of Binah.
To reach Chokhmah, you now need to display Wisdom.
This is the challenge of this path.
Although you may appear a gnarly, not pretty, entity, the experiences of your past lives has provided you with deep understanding.
These people make great counsellors.
Your choices, as you navigate the narrow path, in dim light, between the opposing forces of life, are critical. There is not much room for error here.
As we come closer to the pinnacle of life, the lessons for achieving graduation call on all of the lessons from every life and path before now.
This is not easy.
You will not be tested any more than it is considered you are capable.
But you will be asked to dig deep.
One is a wild animal and the other is domestic.
They represent the opposing energies of life.
There is an old American Indian tale, that tells of a young brave who asked his father about the two opposing forces inside himself. He wanted to know which one would prevail. His father answered, “It depends on which one you feed".
The pool of water that the crayfish is crawling out from, is the emotional abyss of life.
Remember the abyss that formed after the fall and separated the top (spiritual) of the Tree of Life from the bottom (physical).
You have made it back across and the key to your return was achieving the knowledge of Daath and the understanding of Binah.
To reach Chokhmah, you now need to display Wisdom.
This is the challenge of this path.
Although you may appear a gnarly, not pretty, entity, the experiences of your past lives has provided you with deep understanding.
These people make great counsellors.
Your choices, as you navigate the narrow path, in dim light, between the opposing forces of life, are critical. There is not much room for error here.
As we come closer to the pinnacle of life, the lessons for achieving graduation call on all of the lessons from every life and path before now.
This is not easy.
You will not be tested any more than it is considered you are capable.
But you will be asked to dig deep.
The Sun
The last experiential path is that of the XIX of the Sun.
In one explanation, the two cards of the Moon and the Sun show the two aspects of the individual.
These two parts need to come together in the process of individuation. The balanced harmony of the ego and the conscious self.
This culminates in a functional self.
On the path of the Sun, the traveller returns from Chokhmah (Wisdom) to Kether (Potential).
This path is the fulfilment of the original potential.
The challenge of the Sun is to achieve and accept.
Irrespective of life and whatever happens, to smile and shine.
Display astonishing equanimity - to not be phased by any one thing.
To explain the meaning of this path, I refer to the Zen tale of the ox-herder.
The ox herder sits on the back of an ox playing his flute.
The ox wanders onward while the ox-herder sits facing to the rear.
He is not involved in where the ox takes him.
His task is to play his flute as part of the orchestra of life.
Where life takes him is not his concern.
All of the lessons, of the paths and previous lives, come to force in this life.
It is not intended to be easy.
The achievement of previous life path lessons will make it appear easy.
This is the skill of the Sun.
The imagery shows the naked child on the back of a white horse - laughing and smiling through life.
He has returned to Kether and is on the other side of the palace walls.
In one explanation, the two cards of the Moon and the Sun show the two aspects of the individual.
These two parts need to come together in the process of individuation. The balanced harmony of the ego and the conscious self.
This culminates in a functional self.
On the path of the Sun, the traveller returns from Chokhmah (Wisdom) to Kether (Potential).
This path is the fulfilment of the original potential.
The challenge of the Sun is to achieve and accept.
Irrespective of life and whatever happens, to smile and shine.
Display astonishing equanimity - to not be phased by any one thing.
To explain the meaning of this path, I refer to the Zen tale of the ox-herder.
The ox herder sits on the back of an ox playing his flute.
The ox wanders onward while the ox-herder sits facing to the rear.
He is not involved in where the ox takes him.
His task is to play his flute as part of the orchestra of life.
Where life takes him is not his concern.
All of the lessons, of the paths and previous lives, come to force in this life.
It is not intended to be easy.
The achievement of previous life path lessons will make it appear easy.
This is the skill of the Sun.
The imagery shows the naked child on the back of a white horse - laughing and smiling through life.
He has returned to Kether and is on the other side of the palace walls.
Judgment
From Kether (Crown) returning to the source of the Ain Soph Aur (Nothingness), is the path of XX Judgment.
This is the place where your life passes before you in an instance.
You enter the hall of light.
This is a time of clear judgment and focus.
The lessons of the completed life are considered.
It is determined if you have completed the path, or do you need to return again and undergo further development, on this same path.
Consider the movement, from the 0 of the Fool, to the 10 of the Wheel of Fortune, to the 20 of Judgment.
This is the place where your life passes before you in an instance.
You enter the hall of light.
This is a time of clear judgment and focus.
The lessons of the completed life are considered.
It is determined if you have completed the path, or do you need to return again and undergo further development, on this same path.
Consider the movement, from the 0 of the Fool, to the 10 of the Wheel of Fortune, to the 20 of Judgment.
The World
If you have managed to achieve the full individuation of the soul.
Now is the time for the World (XXI) to dance and whirl.
The World is not a particular path that you walk.
The World is the everything.
All of the paths together.
The entire model.
Consider the two aspects of the Magician and Strength.
masculine and feminine
ego and conscious self
They have come together in balance and harmony.
This is the true existence bringing all of the elements together into a functional, individuated, oneness.
From Nothingness - everything - returning eventually to Nothingness.
Each life, each instance, travels in this same orderly manner.
Everything you undergo - enjoy - suffer - has a reason.
Everything is connected.
It’s not about you.
You are only the conduit for the soul.
Each life is only part of the journey, of the life of the soul.
This is all about the evolution of the soul.
Now is the time for the World (XXI) to dance and whirl.
The World is not a particular path that you walk.
The World is the everything.
All of the paths together.
The entire model.
Consider the two aspects of the Magician and Strength.
masculine and feminine
ego and conscious self
They have come together in balance and harmony.
This is the true existence bringing all of the elements together into a functional, individuated, oneness.
From Nothingness - everything - returning eventually to Nothingness.
Each life, each instance, travels in this same orderly manner.
Everything you undergo - enjoy - suffer - has a reason.
Everything is connected.
It’s not about you.
You are only the conduit for the soul.
Each life is only part of the journey, of the life of the soul.
This is all about the evolution of the soul.