The Tarot of Eli, LLC: The Thoth tarot- 2 of Cups-Love

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The Thoth Tarot-2 of Cups-Love:

The Supernal Triangle may seem confusing since we have 3 states of will here rather than 2.

1. Kether-"I Will Be".
2. Chokmah-"Will-to-Force". 
3. Binah-"Will-to-Form".

However, with Love there is a mutual annihilation of the individual will by the process of Union.

The "first Movement" of energy is called Kether or Logos, and it is not an individual of anything and is called the "Word" rather than a "being". Kether is the Hebrew, Eheieh, which means "I Will Be", therefore, it isn't anything yet. However, Chokmah, the 2nd Sephiroth is "Will-to-Force", the Masculine aspect of Plasmic energy and a form of thought called Wisdom, and the 3rd Sephiroth of this Supernal trinity, is called Binah, "Will-to-Form", a form of Understanding, the Feminine aspect of Magnetic energy. When the Divine Feminine and the Divine Masculine Unite, there is no male or female present, only the Divine Hermaphrodite exists, who creates all. I call this Force of Will -The Divine Creative and/or the I AM.

Therefore, In the Qabalistic Thoth Tarot, the Two's represent the "first manifestation". On the Qabalistic Tree of Life, Kether is shown to be the 1st Sephiroth of 10 Sephira, and many have thought that this is the first manifestation of conscious energy. Yet Kether is the "limitless light", a movement of Dark Energy, and has no visible end or beginning, which allows no viewing. Therefore, Kether is known as the "Dark Sun" or Logos, it is the first "sound" or vibration, without ears to hear...anywhere! Hence, as it can't be seen, nor heard and is the first movement in Dark Energy it is the least understood concept of the Tree of Life sigil.

Therefore, the First manifestation falls to the Twos, which represent Chokmah (Wisdom) and Binah (Understanding) as the First Lovers (I and AM). We find this true in our own mind, as Wisdom loves Understanding and vice versa.

The Thoth Tarot, depicts 2 identical beings, either dolphins or humanoids, for there really isn't a manifestation nor judgement of genders yet, even though a Union is shown on the Tree of Kether- Chokmah and Binah, as one Triangle; this is a Union of Willed Forces and Willed Identities (forms) that has become what we call the One Mind and/or the Divine Creative. Sexing or applying gender to the Supernal Triangle (upper 3 Sephiroth) may even seem more confusing but it is just for the purpose of explaining an action; However, both Chokmah and Binah are at first, receptive/feminine and then expressive/masculine. Chokmah also represents the feminine Greek goddess Sophia which means "Wisdom"-Moon, but yet energy is expressing which is a masculine action. While Binah, the Divine Feminine, called "understanding" also represents Time, which is Cronus-Saturn, the commonly known figure of "Grandfather Time", but since Binah is receiving on the path of the Empress, she is given the feminine moniker.

These 2 Sephirotic beings are called "Lovers" because they can't be separated. If you can find a way to separate Wisdom and Understanding, or time/space I would like to examine your head, for it is only from Understanding that Wisdom comes and only with time can space be seen!

The Four Alchemical Elements of Fire, Water, Air and Earth, may have begun in the concept of "I Will Be"-(Eheieh), which is Kether, but only upon reaching the Deuces are they in appearance as "beginnings" of "Will-to-Force" and "Will-to-Form".

Therefore the 2's represent the Elements uncontaminated by influence. Hence, they appear in their original harmonious condition.

The four Universal Elements (Fire, Water, Air, and Earth) in the Western Hermetic tradition can be understood as derived or emanating from the interplay of Chokmah (Fire) and Binah (Water) on the Tree of Life in the Qabalistic framework.

Here's how this concept unfolds:

1. Chokmah as Fire (Active, Yang, Force)
   Chokmah represents pure dynamic energy, the unrestrained and active force of creation. It is the primal outpouring of will and energy, symbolizing the element of Fire. Fire is active, expansive, and forceful, aligning with Chokmah's nature as the archetype of the Divine Masculine or force principle.

2. Binah as Water (Passive, Yin, Form)
   Binah represents the receptive, shaping, and containing aspect of creation. It is the womb of potentiality, giving structure and boundary to the force of Chokmah. Water is passive, reflective, and form-giving, aligning with Binah's nature as the archetype of the Divine Feminine or form principle.

3. Air (Harmony and Balance)
   The interaction of Chokmah (active, expansive) and Binah (passive, constraining) gives rise to a mediating principle, symbolized by Air. Air harmonizes Fire and Water, facilitating movement and communication between the two opposing forces. This corresponds to Tiphereth on the Tree of Life, which balances and unites the polarities.

4. Earth (Manifestation and Solidity)
   Earth is the final product of the interplay of Fire, Water, and Air. It is the densest and most tangible element, symbolizing the manifestation of divine ideas into material form. Earth corresponds to Malkuth on the Tree of Life, where the abstract becomes concrete.

Philosophical Implication:

The four elements emerge as archetypal expressions of the cosmic process. Fire and Water, as the primal opposites, generate the interplay of duality, while Air and Earth are intermediaries and outcomes within this dynamic. This reflects the Hermetic axiom "As above, so below", where the higher principles (Chokmah and Binah) govern and give rise to the material world (the four elements).

The 2's may also be considered the A-sexual "fetuses" of the Seed-Aces, but this concept doesn't seem to make understanding these "Higher States" of Conscious energy any easier. All the 2's suggest that when the Negative sees itself as a Positive and then unites through the "Law of Attraction" with that Positive, we get a "Self-Image" and/or a simulation from Understanding- which means by mutual agreement. This may help you with the Mythological concepts of the Ancient's Goddess who in Virgin birth, has a son (male is considered Positive Proton and female is considered Negative Electron) and then mates with that son to produce the Universe. If you get this all tangled up with your indoctrinated-emotional concepts of sexuality-----you'll never understand the Energy Conscious concepts of the 2's. However, I love to tease the brain, so here is another concept of the 2's, "From Herself, she created Him, and then mated with Him so she could become Herself".

Truth being that the concept of 2 genders is Patriarchal and used as a control paradigm.

Before the European two gender paradigm, the Native Americans and many other indigenous people had 5 genders, female, male, two spirit female, two spirit male and transgenders.

The five-gender paradigm observed in many Indigenous cultures of the Americas reflects a holistic understanding of gender and identity that is deeply rooted in spiritual, social, and communal values. This framework often diverges from the binary gender system introduced by European colonization. Here’s an overview of the five recognized genders and their philosophical underpinnings:

1. Female and Male

These are the traditional categories of gender often associated with biological sex. However, in many Indigenous cultures, these identities are not merely defined by biological factors but also by roles, responsibilities, and spiritual aspects within the community.

2. Two-Spirit Female and Two-Spirit Male

The concept of "Two-Spirit" (a term coined in the 1990s by Indigenous LGBTQIA+ activists) encompasses individuals who embody both masculine and feminine spirits. This is not strictly about sexuality or gender expression but a deeper recognition of their unique spiritual role and contribution to the community. Two-Spirit individuals often served as:

• Mediators: Bridging the physical and spiritual worlds or resolving conflicts within their communities.
• Healers: Their dual nature was believed to grant them special insight and wisdom.
• Keepers of Tradition: Preserving oral histories, rituals, and cultural knowledge.

Two-Spirit identities differ from tribe to tribe, and specific terms, roles, and interpretations vary widely across Native American cultures.

3. Transgender

In this paradigm, transgender individuals were often understood as those whose gender identity or expression diverged from the one assigned to them at birth. In many Indigenous communities, transgender people were not seen as outliers but as integral members with distinct roles. They were often valued for their fluidity and viewed as possessing unique insights.

Philosophical Foundations

The Native American understanding of gender is rooted in holistic and animistic worldviews:

• Interconnectedness: All beings, human and non-human, are interconnected in a sacred balance. Gender diversity reflects the diversity of creation.
• Role-Based Identity: Identity is less about rigid categories and more about one’s contribution and relationship to the community and the natural world.
• Sacred Dualities: The blending of masculine and feminine energies is often seen as sacred and powerful, representing the union of opposites essential to the harmony of the universe.
• Respect and Inclusion: Many Indigenous cultures embraced diversity as a strength, seeing each person as uniquely gifted and essential to the community's well-being.

Impact of Colonization

European colonization disrupted these practices by imposing binary gender systems and patriarchal values. The spiritual and social roles of Two-Spirit and transgender individuals were marginalized or erased. However, in recent decades, there has been a resurgence of Indigenous gender philosophies, thanks to cultural revitalization movements and greater recognition of Two-Spirit identities.

This philosophy offers a profound lesson about embracing diversity, challenging binary norms, and recognizing the sacredness of all identities.

The 2 of Cups represent Venus in Cancer, the signs for both are shown on the Thoth card. Cancer is known as the most receptive of Signs, as it the House of the Moon, and in that sign, Jupiter is exalted. There is a superficial friendship among these three planets (in astrology, the Moon is seen as a planet).

When Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and harmony, is placed in Cancer, the sign of emotional depth and nurturing, its expression takes on sensitive, caring, and protective qualities. Below are the key characteristics of Venus in Cancer:

Love and Relationships

1. Emotional Connection: Venus in Cancer values deep emotional bonds over superficial connections. Love is about security, trust, and shared vulnerability.
2. Nurturing Partner: These individuals express love through care and attentiveness, often playing the role of the caregiver in relationships.
3. Romantic Sensitivity: They are deeply romantic and sensitive to the emotional needs of their partners, often intuitively knowing how to provide comfort and reassurance.
4. Clinginess or Dependency: The strong need for emotional closeness can sometimes lead to possessiveness or clinginess, as they fear losing the stability they seek in love.

Emotional Nature

1. Sentimental and Nostalgic: Venus in Cancer often cherishes memories and mementos of love, creating a sense of continuity and emotional grounding in relationships.
2. Mood Swings in Love: The emotional depth of this placement can result in fluctuating feelings, especially when their sense of security in love is threatened.
3. Protective of the Heart: While deeply loving, they may hesitate to open up fully at first, as they fear rejection or emotional harm.

Aesthetic and Artistic Sense

1. Home-Centered Beauty: Venus in Cancer has an eye for creating a warm, inviting, and aesthetically pleasing home environment. They favor cozy, nostalgic, or traditional styles.
2. Love of Nature and Water: This placement often enjoys natural beauty, especially connected to water (beaches, lakes, or gardens).
3. Creative and Sentimental Expression: Artistic inclinations may be emotionally charged, often reflecting personal experiences or feelings.

Values and Desires

1. Family and Home: Venus in Cancer places high value on family and the comfort of a stable, harmonious home life.
2. Emotional Security: They desire a love that feels safe, protective, and emotionally fulfilling.
3. Caretaking: There is a deep-seated joy in taking care of others, whether through cooking, emotional support, or creating a nurturing environment.

Challenges

1. Over-Attachment: The strong emotional attachment to loved ones can make letting go or dealing with conflict difficult.
2. Sensitivity to Criticism: Venus in Cancer can take perceived slights or rejections in love very personally, leading to withdrawal or hurt feelings.
3. Tendency to Over-Nurture: In their desire to care for others, they might overextend themselves or neglect their own needs.

Positive Traits

• Highly empathetic and emotionally intelligent
• Loyal, devoted, and caring in relationships
• Excellent at creating a loving and secure environment
• Romantic and deeply sentimental
• Intuitive about others’ emotional needs

In Relationships

Venus in Cancer individuals thrive in relationships that offer stability, emotional depth, and mutual care. They seek partners who value family, tradition, and emotional intimacy. They are loyal and deeply committed, but they also require a partner who understands their sensitivity and need for reassurance.

This placement reflects a love that is both protective and nurturing, with a strong emphasis on emotional bonds, family, and creating a harmonious life rooted in compassion and care.

In the Thoth 2 of Cups, the paired Dolphins (the important "First Matter" symbol of the "Royal Art" of alchemy) are intertwined, with the flowing of Love/Nurture/Mother's Milk, coming from the Great Lotus of the Goddess, into the twin Lotus below and overflowing into the Cups resting on a calm Venus-Green Sea.

This is a purity of Love, called "unconditional", that the survival mind in the reptile brain is unable to conceive of or often understand, making such an absolute annihilation of the individual in the Overflowing Power of Unity, a mundane wonder.

The Western Hermetic aspirant of Qabalah understands that love is communication in all states of conscious energy and as shown by the pink lotus blossoms, it is "as above so below", stating that this love flows from the Divine itself. This love is equal and special, as shown by the two overflowing cups. Love like this is without self-banishment or self-diminishing, it expands both parties and they feel equal while being special to each other. A state many of us wish for but we often only experience love of an unequal nature or an equal love without feeling special such as a professional relationship.

As stated, the Dolphins are Alchemical symbols of solution and can be studied by looking into alchemical reference material. Dolphins have been associated with various symbolic meanings in diverse cultures, including alchemy. In alchemical symbolism, dolphins are often linked to the concept of transformation, harmony, and the reconciliation of opposites. The use of dolphin imagery can be traced back to ancient Greece, where dolphins were revered for their intelligence and perceived connection to the divine.

In alchemy, the process of transformation is a central theme, representing the journey of turning base materials into spiritual gold or achieving enlightenment. Dolphins, with their playful and intelligent nature, came to symbolize the harmonious blending of opposites, bridging the gap between the material and spiritual realms.

The alchemical interpretation of dolphins may also be influenced by their association with the sea, which has its own symbolic significance in alchemy. The sea is often a symbol of the unconscious mind, and dolphins, as inhabitants of the sea, are seen as mediators between the conscious and unconscious aspects of the psyche.

It's important to note that alchemical symbolism can be subjective and vary across different traditions and practitioners. The connection between dolphins and alchemy reflects the rich tapestry of symbolic language used to convey profound spiritual and transformative concepts.

The green sea represents the image of creative love. The yellow reflection symbolizes inspirational love while the blue-sky states that love is clear and focused. The astrological aspect of this card is Venus in Cancer.

• The Ancients knew Venus to be the planet of love, beauty, and creative power: In Hermetic Qabalah, Venus is a complete symbol of the Qabalistic Tree.  
• Astrologically Cancer represents nurturing, comforting, supporting, and healing.

In the 2's of Tarot, The Will, and the Word, united become Form. The Word being Logos, the source of all Vibration and The Will being the first existence of Spirit as Universal Breath; the "I AM", is the Divine Creative and the Fertilizer of all idea into the Understanding of Form/Me. This, I AM is the Psyche of the Supernal Triangle, the trinity at the top of the Qabalistic Tree of Life. Below the invisible sephiroth-DAATH, on the tree one finds the 6th Sephiroth-Tiphareth below Tiphareth is where the "Me" is built. Hence, Spirit-"I" and mind "Am" come together in love and co-create the Body "Me".

This language may sound deliberately obtuse, but this is an invisible Plasmic Force, that human words cannot give form, so we must unite words in such a way that they allude to mystery, rather than literate identification. If you ever have experienced a self-annihilating love where the ego becomes lost in the Overflowing Sensation of Being One from the Union of Two....you'll understand that you just can't "wrap" your brain around it. The common statement being." I am at a loss for words..."

In the endocrines of Love, there seems to be some kind of heated fluid that is drowning all reason. Then, my friend, you have experience what the Two of Cups alludes to! However, being a purity, from a cyclic united dimension of conscious and unconscious (Sun and Moon) energy, after time, as the tides of the Sea, it will pick up detritus from our culturally "shipwrecked" brain sunk by indoctrinated viruses, and slowly progress to a Four of Cups, as the suit develops.

Therefore, the Second Law of Thermodynamics comes into play, and "...All things proceed from order to disorder" and entropy slowly degrades the Mystery, with words of fear-based reason (totally unreasonable) and the pink clouds of "the dream" fade away. Just like unconscious "astral trips" slowly fade from our brain, so will love with conditions. Hence, the long-lasting love requires one to "clean the fountain" of serious debris occasionally, by just celebrating love on a playful and fun basis of gratitude. In play, love dances.

The 2 of Cups, is also called the Lord of Love under Will, which is its true meaning where Will is Spirit and not some egoistic possession of the brain's fear of rejection.

The 2 of Cups shows the harmony of the Universal Female and the Universal Male, radiating an intensity of joy and ecstasy that washes away all concern; where "Will to Be", a combination of "I Will Be", "Will-to-Force and "Will-to-Form", becomes "I AM ME"! It is this Universal Love, which connects us all together as One, while the massive flow of this connectivity to All, flows through the Union of 2. Such esoteric power may explain why it seems so overpowering for individual reasons.

As I have mentioned before, the 2 is the Qabalistic number that represents "the Word and the Will" and is the first manifestation.

In the suit of water, this is Venus in Cancer. Astrologers know Cancer to be the most receptive of signs and is the House of the Moon. Jupiter is most exalted in Cancer. Thus, we have the three most friendly Planets, Moon, Venus, and Jupiter, linked together in mutual positives.

In astrology, the Moon represents emotions, instincts, and the subconscious mind. When the Moon is placed in the zodiac sign Cancer, it is in its domicile, as the Moon rules Cancer. Additionally, the house placement of the Moon in an astrological chart further refines its influence. If the Moon is in the house of Cancer, there's a strong alignment of lunar energy, and it enhances certain characteristics:

1. Emotional Sensitivity:

   • The Moon in Cancer intensifies emotional sensitivity. Individuals with this placement are often deeply attuned to their own feelings and the emotions of others. They may experience mood swings and are likely to be nurturing and empathetic.

2. Protective and Nurturing Instincts:

   • Cancer is a nurturing sign, and when the Moon is in its own sign and house, there's a heightened desire to provide care and protection. These individuals are often drawn to roles where they can take care of others, whether it's within their family or a broader community.

3. Strong Connection to Home and Family:

   • The Moon in Cancer emphasizes the importance of home and family. These individuals find emotional security in their domestic environment, and they may have an intense sense of attachment to their roots and heritage.

4. Intuitive and Psychic Abilities:

   • Cancer is associated with intuition, and the Moon in this sign enhances psychic sensitivity. People with this placement may have strong gut feelings and can often notice the emotions and needs of those around them.

5. Cyclic Emotional Patterns:

   • The Moon goes through phases, and individuals with the Moon in Cancer may experience cyclic emotional patterns. They may tend to retreat into their shell during challenging times but can emerge with renewed emotional strength.

6. Creativity and Imagination:

   • Cancer is a creative sign, and the Moon in this placement enhances imaginative abilities. These individuals may express their emotions through artistic endeavors and may have a strong connection to the past, finding inspiration in nostalgia.

7. Moodiness and Sensitivity to Change:

   • The Moon in Cancer can contribute to moodiness and a sensitivity to changes in their environment. Sudden disruptions or a lack of emotional security can affect them deeply.

Understanding the placement of the Moon in Cancer within the context of an individual's complete birth chart provides a more comprehensive view of their astrological profile.

For those of us who aren't astrologers, in the element of water that represents emotional and intuitional consciousness, Love is the force that recovers unity from individuality by the process of mutual annihilation. In other words, love changes both individuals and combines them in a new form, and therefore considered a metaphysical solvent, such as water is a physical one.

In numerology and gematria, the number 2 carries profound symbolic meanings. It represents duality, balance, harmony, and partnership, reflecting the nature of relationships and the interplay of opposites. Below is an exploration of its characteristics in these systems:

Numerology Characteristics of the Number 2

1. Duality and Balance:

   • The number 2 embodies the concept of duality: light and dark, masculine and feminine, active and passive.
   • It signifies balance, cooperation, and the need for harmony in relationships and situations.

2. Partnership and Unity:

   • It is the number of relationships and partnerships, symbolizing collaboration and the coming together of two distinct forces.
   • It highlights the importance of mutual support and understanding in interpersonal dynamics.

3. Sensitivity and Intuition:

   • Number 2 resonates with emotional intelligence and sensitivity. People or situations connected to this number often demonstrate strong empathy and intuition.
   • It is associated with subtlety, tact, and diplomacy.

4. Patience and Cooperation:

   • The energy of 2 is gentle and receptive, emphasizing patience and the ability to work harmoniously with others.
   • It often signifies a period of waiting, reflection, or negotiation rather than immediate action.

5. Passivity and Vulnerability:

   • As a passive and receptive number, 2 can sometimes represent indecisiveness, insecurity, or the fear of confrontation.

6. Feminine Energy:

   • In numerology, 2 is linked with the Divine Feminine, nurturing, and the ability to give and receive love.

Gematria Characteristics of the Number 2

1. Separation and Opposition:

   • In gematria, 2 is often connected with the idea of division or separation (e.g., the division of heaven and earth, day and night).
   • It reflects the dynamic tension between opposites and the need for balance and reconciliation.

2. Union and Reconciliation:

   • Despite representing separation, 2 also hints at the potential for reunification and harmony, where opposites complement and complete each other.

3. Connection to the Hebrew Letter Bet (ב):

   • Bet is the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet and has a numerical value of 2 in gematria.
   • It symbolizes a house (בית), representing shelter, duality (within and without), and creation. In the Torah, Bet is the first letter of "Bereshit" (Genesis), signifying the beginning of dualistic creation.

4. Reflection of Relationships:

   • Gematria often sees 2 as the foundation for relationships—between humans, between humanity and the Divine, or between different aspects of the self.

Symbolic Meanings of 2 in Various Traditions

1. Kabbalistic/Qabalistic Associations:

   • The number 2 is linked to Chokmah on the Tree of Life, representing wisdom and the outpouring of the divine masculine energy.
   • It reflects duality as a necessary aspect of creation.

2. Tarot Correspondence:

   • The number 2 is often associated with cards like The High Priestess and Justice, both of which emphasize balance, intuition, and duality.

3. Astrological Connection:

   • The Moon, often associated with duality and reflection, resonates with the energy of 2 due to its changing phases and symbolic pairing with the Sun.

Positive Attributes of 2

• Diplomatic and cooperative
• Intuitive and emotionally intelligent
• Loyal and nurturing in relationships
• Patient and harmonious
• Creative in balancing opposing forces

Challenges of 2

• Vulnerability to indecision or passivity
• Over-sensitivity or emotional dependence
• Fear of conflict or confrontation
• Potential for imbalance in relationships

In essence, the number 2 in numerology and gematria reflects the interplay between opposing forces and the potential for harmony, unity, and emotional growth through relationships and balance.

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When the 2 of Cups Tarot card is thrown, it means that:

• In the next two weeks or two months, one will experience the capacity to achieve emotional balance and emotional fulfillment. 
• One will be able to give and receive love in equal proportion. 
• It would be an enjoyable time to extend love to the Cancer people in your life. (June 21-July 21). Love to or from family members is also important currently. 
• This love is not only about two people, it also can be about 2 gifts, 2 talents, 2 resources that you have and that two loves in your life, whatever they may be, are equally balanced and fulfilling in the next two weeks or months.  
• Harmony, Love, marriage, pleasure, Warm Friendship, mirth, and subtlety. 

• It is about human love on a large scale. 
• It also is a 2 week or 2-month card, representing the accumulation of the above love-emotions in that time.
• Soul mates have found each other or will within 2 months.

If ill dignified, it can represent:

• Folly, waste, dissipation, and silly action and is far more superficial than when well dignified. In the Thoth Deck Tarot, ill dignity and well dignity are decided by the surrounding cards and there is no significance supplied to up-side-down cards. This being because this is seen by many Qabalists as an act of disordered deck handling and not an "act of God".

Thank you for your interest, comments, and supportive donations. May you live long and prosper!

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