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Above all things, know thyself!

In Western Hermetic Qabalah the first masculine expression of energy Chokmah represents the 2nd Sephiroth and the first Male concept of force that represents the Willed Force behind the Kings and/or the Thoth Knights of Tarot and King of Coins in traditional tarot. Chokmah is both Wisdom and the Will-to- Force. He is the idea of male polarity. Where Kether is the Energy of Will as Eheieh (I will be), the 2nd Sephiroth-Chokmah is the "light-switch" that sends it flowing into expression as Willed Force.

Now there are those who think that Male came first, or that Female came first; well let’s just say that they think only in linear time aided by our short-sighted physical- dogmatic cultural perspective on sexuality. The startling fact to some, is that if you produce the idea of Male then you produce the idea of Female at the same moment and vice versa. There is no male concept without the concept of female. So, the argument of whom came first is invalid when intellectually talking about the upper 3 Sephiroth, the Supernal Triangle (Super consciousness). The Entire Supernal Triangle is the Plane of I AM. Hence, Kether is I and Chokmah and Binah comprise the Am. In other words, the entire upper triad of the Tree of Life denotes simultaneous existence in willed but formless energy.

The Will to Force (Chokmah) and the Will to Form (Binah) united produce the Willed images of the I AM; which is the way of saying the mating of I and Am conceives the idea of "Other" and/or being. That conception of Self becomes a birth as a - Me/Self-Awareness; the first of which is the Golden Child who is the Solar Self and/or the Soul.

Our concept of sexuality needs adjustment before we can understand the One Energy that made itself into 2 (0=2) by the concept of I and Other. Hence the Self (I AM) is a collective of many Selves/ persons and a Hermaphrodite state of energy that are both female (receptive) and male (expressive) in polarity. The Soul produces consciousness and/or personae to operate physical form which are purely designed to operate the body in the name of the I Am. However, these are soon profaned by the action of indoctrination and dogma and become programed operations of the social egregore. This ensures you look for an outside authority rather than being the inner author of your personality.

The Truth of you is "I AM"; what you think you are...is pure assumption. Hence, after the truth of "I AM'" the "Me" is an illusion, whose fate (life motion) is freely chosen by the individual. That is of course if you are not supporting the parasite of the "false Ego", who is called the ARCHON in Gnostic (Gnosis means: "Those who know") philosophy. This egregore parasite of divisionism bleeds you like a vampire, and lives in the shadows of the subconscious/body intelligence and rarely seen by the common man. Since it confuses you into thinking you are the brain-subconscious and/or the personality, you are forever seeking your "purpose" and/or place in life. This serves only those who wish you to seek an outside authority for answers.

As Spirit (Breath) you are the King or Queen of your body's Life, and the false ego (social egregore) is antilife for the host! Just as matter and antimatter exist in this universe, so dose Live and Anti-live.... which we call evil...and/or live spelled backwards. I have known this egregore intimately, and by seeing and understanding it, you cause the light of awake intelligence to focus upon that which wishes not to be seen. Your inner "Sun of God" vaporizes the dark ignorance of it with the "lantern of knowledge/ of Chokmah's Wisdom". Such as seen on the artistic presentation of the Thoth ATU-9- Hermit Tarot Card.

This "false ego" is continually manipulated by the Military Industrial Empire, which owns all media and uses word hypnosis to control your imagination. The Gnostics call this false one the Archon who is lacking the divine creative that is the imagination and hence, must control yours in order to build a "world" for it.

It is time to "above all things, know thyself" and ask yourself, "who is the Ruler of my kingdom?" The answer is you as the trinity of Will: The Eheieh (Kether) that is "I Will Be", the "Will to Force" that is Chokmah, and the "Will to Form" that is Binah. This is a menage trois of Wills that make up your Greater Self. The Archon has divided your Self-Will by using a series of slave programs (organized religions) induced as a false soul/psyche and/or egregore. You may wish to know who is harvesting your energy to build a "false world" and/or a "manmade world" usurping the authority of the Spirit..

Above all things, know thyself!

In Gnosticism, Archons are considered to be the rulers of the material world¹². They are often depicted as malevolent and sadistic beings who control the earth, as well as many of the thoughts, feelings, and actions of humans². Here are some key points about Archons:

• Creation: Archons were created with the material world by a subordinate deity called the Demiurge¹³. They assisted their master, the Demiurge, with the creation of the world, and continued to help him administer his oppressive rule².
• Role: Archons are the builders of the physical universe¹. In most Gnostic systems, they are semi-hostile powers and are reckoned as the last and lowest emanations of the Godhead¹.
• Appearance: The physical appearance of Archons is described as hermaphroditic, with their faces being those of beasts¹.
• Influence: Archons play an important role in Gnostic cosmology¹. They are the demonic rulers of the material world, each associated with a different celestial sphere¹.
• Resistance: Only the divine spark from Heaven, which had slipped into creation despite the Archons’ intentions, gave people any kind of a chance of resisting the Archons’ temptations².

It’s important to note that these are concepts from Gnostic belief systems and may not align with other religious or philosophical views. Also, individual interpretations of these concepts can vary widely.

The King of Coins/Knight of Disks card emphasizes that it is time you stop being manipulated by evil---the "deceiver" that is your programed self and know that you are the King of your Kingdom.

The Thoth Knight of Disks is a powerful card when read through the lens of Western Hermetic Qabalah and the esoteric lens of the Thoth deck. My harvest interpretation is insightful, especially the emphasis on the sunlit repose and harvesting imagery, which many overlook in favor of more mundane "earthy" interpretations. Let’s peel back the layers:

🔰Basic Attribution (Thoth & Hermetic)

• Knight = King in other decks (Fire of Earth)

• Zodiac Decans: 21° Leo to 20° Virgo (mid-August to mid-September)

• Elemental Attribution: Fire of Earth (the dynamic force that activates manifestation)

• Qabalistic World: Assiah (the world of material action)

• Sephirothic Link: Corresponds primarily to Chokmah in Assiah yet bridges downward toward Malkuth through manifestation.

🐎 Imagery Analysis and Hermetic Symbolism

1. The Black Charger
The Knight’s horse is black — symbol of fertile earth, inertia, and readiness. Yet this is no war steed charging into battle. It grazes — indicating satisfaction, abundance, and the ability to enjoy the fruits of labor. In Hermetic thought, this is the Earth-element once disciplined by Fire, now becoming fruitful. This is Earth animated with solar purpose, like the tilled field under the summer sun.

2. The Knight at Ease
Unlike other Knights, he is relaxed, his stag topped helmet is tipped back to catch the Sun. He is in harmony with the rhythm of the land. This is a cardinal image of mastery over material forces. The work has already been done — now is a time of ripening and reward. This echoes the alchemical stage of Coagula, where the fixed Earth holds the spiritual fire.

3. The Flail of Grain
This is a key Egyptian motif, often seen in the iconography of Osiris, representing kingship, fertility, and just rulership over the land. The Knight does not wield a sword but a symbol of agriculture. This speaks volumes — he rules not by conquest but stewardship.

In Hermetic alchemy, this is the figure who has transmuted labor into legacy — where the physical plane is now spiritualized. This links also to Virgo and the nurturing principle — to harvest is to reap karma, to be rewarded through right effort (Ma'at).

🌞 Solar Connection

The sun shining down on this scene is not incidental. In Crowley's system, the Sun is the "heart of the Tree of Life" (Tiphareth), the divine Self. Here, the Self reflects in the body — there is a solar alignment of spirit and matter. The Knight, basking in the sun, represents the soul rejoicing in its embodiment. He is the solar seed now grown into the full fruit.

🔥🜃 Fire of Earth – Dynamic Stability

This card may appear static, but it is dynamically becoming. The Fire of Earth is the most stable of the Knight elemental combinations. Think of volcanic soil born of fire, incredibly fertile. Or of the slow burn of compost — organic heat turning decay into life. This is the energy of permaculture, resilience, investment. Not flashy, but enduring.

In practical magick, this is the energy of laying foundations that last generations — the wisdom of the body, the persistence of the farmer, the richness of earth aligned with will.

🧙‍♂️ Personality & Pathworking Notes

As a personality, the Knight of Disks represents someone:

• Diligent, patient, and pragmatic

• Grounded in reality, with spiritual intuition made physical

• Whose power lies in embodiment, not abstraction

Pathworking with this Knight is excellent for:

• Grounding spiritual energies

• Manifesting long-term goals

• Connecting with ancestral and elemental Earth forces

• Strengthening the root and sacral centers through solar light

Invoke him when performing rituals of harvest, fertility, or manifestation — or when aligning oneself with natural timing and divine patience.

🜃🌾 Forward-Thinking Hermetic Take

This Knight is not merely harvesting wheat. He is harvesting timelines. The seeds sown in Tiphareth are now blossoming into Malkuth. This card asks:

"Are you living the legacy you planted years ago? Or are you just beginning the sowing?"

The Knight of Disks is a custodian of potential, and in a world leaning too far into immediacy, he reminds us of the power of patience, and the magick of ripening.

(Log onto magickeli.mystrikingly.com, scroll down menu to blog for The Sun in the Field: A Rite of Solar Manifestation)

The Mystic Palette Tarot illustrates a King (Knight in Thoth Tarot) who reacts by taking care of business. He isn't afraid of hard work and is able to handle large enterprise. When it comes to enterprise, his advice is sound, but he specializes in practical matters and isn't interested in more esoteric concepts.

The Stag, which is shown on the Thoth Knight of Disks helm, stands in the forefront of the King of Coins card and the golden upside-down triangle with bar, which is a symbol for the element of earth.

Being that the Knight of Disks is the densest manifestation of the Elemental Yod force, he is the force behind fruition, and growth but tends to be patient and slow. This powerful fertility is represented in this card using the Stag antlers on the Helm of the Thoth Knight. The understanding of the mythical animal images of the Middle Ages comes in handy here, as the Stag is the beast that ate the serpent -deceiver (Wisdom eats the false ego) and in so doing sheds its skin, any illness, and old age, just as a serpent does. So, to make a long and wonderful story short, the Stag represents the Knight/King's/Master's power to regenerate one's personae as does the organic matter it is a symbol of; it also represents his/her majestic sexuality...A sexuality controlled by the light and not the "darkness" of false ego's animal divisionism fears.

The Stag is an ancient Western Hermetic symbol of fertility and strength.

The Stag in the foreground or upon the helmet of the Thoth Knight of Disks is far more than a decorative flourish — it is a profound Western Hermetic emblem rooted in ancient myth, alchemical lore, and Qabalistic resonance. Let’s peel back its layers:

🦌 The Stag in Western Hermetic Tradition

🔱 1. Symbol of Vital Force and Fertility

In both Celtic and Hermetic lore, the stag represents the vital generative power of nature — a creature of solar fire clothed in earth's strength. His antlers, which grow and shed each year, are a clear symbol of renewal, resurrection, and the cyclical force of life.

In Hermetic Alchemy, such a symbol often stood for the Green Lion or the Red Stag — forces of vegetative vigor, solar force made physical. The stag thus reflects:

• Sexual potency

• Fertility of the fields

• Earthly embodiment of the Solar Logos

• The Spirit acting within the realm of Nature

🌞 2. Solar and Seasonal Link

The stag’s antlers rise like golden rays — a natural crown of light. They associate him with the Summer Sun, particularly the period ruled astrologically by Leo and Virgo — the exact decans ruled by the Knight of Disks (21° Leo to 20° Virgo). Thus, he becomes the Earth’s Crowned Fire, the one who brings light into the ripening fields.

In this sense, the stag becomes a Hermetic Hieroglyph of the Solar Self at peace in the natural body, walking among the harvest it called forth.

🜃 3. Stag and Chokmah: Creative Wisdom

In Qabalah, Chokmah (Wisdom) is the sphere from which the Knights descend. It is dynamic, masculine, and creative — and the stag is often associated with this first creative impulse of the Logos. The horns of the stag echo the Yod, the spark of divine light descending into form.

The helmeted stag on the Knight’s brow, then, becomes a metaphor:

“I wear the crown of creative wisdom — not to conquer, but to cultivate.”

🌲 4. Stag as Psychopomp and Forest Guardian

In myth and mysticism — from the Horns of Cernunnos to Christian stag legends where Christ appears between antlers — the stag is a guide. It leads one deeper into the forest, i.e., the unconscious, the inner world, the earth’s secret chambers.

On the Knight of Disks, this echoes his role as a pathfinder: not in the clouds, but in the dense growth of daily life, fertility, and toil. He shows that the initiatory path also winds through the soil, and that the forest of incarnation is sacred.

🧙‍♂️ 5. Hermetic Crown of the Body-Spirit Union

Let us not forget the antlers as antennae, receptors of divine light made manifest in biology. The stag is not just strength and sex — it is a symbol of Spirit incarnating through form. He is the embodied Logos, the very Word made Flesh.

Crowley’s choice of the stag on this card’s helmet was not arbitrary. He is signaling:

• A heroic spirit of Earth

• A Solar Initiate who does not flee the world, but enroots his light within it

• The reverence of nature as temple — not separate from the divine, but its mirror

🜏 Final Insight: The Stag as the Crown of the Disc

The Disc is the final suit — the most physical, the heaviest. And yet atop the head of its Knight rests the crown of resurrection, growth, and divine virility. It is an alchemical teaching:

“He who would master Earth must wear the Crown of Life.”
“He who sows with strength reaps with grace.”

If you would like to get Kingly/Queenly control over your own timelines, I would recommend highly that the true seeker of True- Self read the Book-WETIKO by Paul Levy. The Wetiko (Archon) is this vampiric deceive that is known to Native American Shamans. It derides us all in our virus riddled brains and since it is a trickster "false ego", we think it is ourselves. Hence, the "deceiver".

True "light seeing" requires us to see darkness as well, for shadow is cast by light and in this case, the Celestial Soul casts the light, and the body is a shadow cast that we call the subconscious. Hence, the darkness that is the face of the shown in the black armor of the Knight/King of Disks.

In Qabalah, Chokmah is the 2nd Sephiroth-Wisdom and is therefore, also the force behind the 4 Deuces. The Personification of that force is represented in the 4 Knights/Kings/Masters. In other words, Chokmah's Will- to-Force (energy in motion) is at its most concentrated and dense elemental form on Earth and manifests in such a historical personality as Davy Crockett. As Davy Crockett's archetypal personality, one can see that the Knight of Disks represents the Lord of the wild and fertile land and as such is the King of the elemental spirits of earth: for instance, King of the Gnomes. The zodiacal attributes to this card are the last Decan of Leo and the first two Decans of Virgo.

The last Decan of Leo and the first two Decans of Virgo cover the transition from Leo to Virgo in the zodiac. Here's a brief overview of the Astrological characteristics:

1. Last Decan of Leo (20° to 30° of Leo):

   • Ruled by Mars: This Decan is influenced by Mars, adding a dynamic and assertive energy to the Leo traits.
   • Intensity and Ambition: Individuals born in this Decan may possess heightened intensity and ambition. They are often driven to pursue their goals with passion and determination.
   • Leadership Qualities: With the influence of Mars, there may be a strong desire for leadership roles. These individuals can be assertive and proactive in taking charge of situations.

2. First Decan of Virgo (0 to 10 degrees of Virgo):

   • Ruled by Mercury: Virgo is traditionally ruled by Mercury, bringing a strong intellectual and communicative influence to this Decan.
   • Detail-Oriented and Analytical: People born in this Decan may exhibit a meticulous and analytical approach to tasks. They have a keen eye for details and a systematic way of handling things.
   • Practical and Service-Oriented: Virgo energy is often associated with practicality and a desire to be of service. Individuals in this Decan may find fulfillment in helping others and solving practical problems.

3. Second Decan of Virgo (10 to 20 degrees of Virgo):

   • Ruled by Venus: This Decan is influenced by the harmonious and aesthetic qualities of Venus, adding a touch of refinement to the Virgo characteristics.
   • Appreciation for Beauty: Individuals born in this Decan may have a heightened appreciation for beauty and aesthetics. They may have a knack for creating order and harmony in their surroundings.
   • Relationship-Focused: Venus' influence brings a relational aspect to Virgo, and those in this Decan may prioritize relationships and seek harmony in their interactions with others.

These interpretations provide a general overview, and individual birth charts may provide more nuanced insights into a person's unique characteristics based on their specific planetary placement

Many of us have seen the Fire of Earth, in its volcanic upheavals; However, how often do we realized that Volcanism is the Earth organically regenerating itself much like a phoenix? Therefore, the Fire of Earth that is the Knight, may be fleeting, yet he is also the cycle of rebirth.

On the both the Thoth and Mystic Palette Knight/King of fiery earth, the same cycle of fruition is implied by the oats or wheat on the fruitful plane or vines on clothing, Again, the Thoth Knight's horse is grazing on grain and the image of the Stag and solar golden coin both imply fecund earth. Therefore, The Thoth Knight carries a flail, used in grain harvest rather than a sword and his disk/shield is that of solid nutrition and/or a golden Stag crown and the vine decorated green clothing of the King of Coins.

By now you should know that the use of a Knight instead of a King in this tarot card illustration, was Crowley's way of proclaiming the mystery of YHVH (Tetragrammaton), as explained in previous blogs and his Book of Thoth. Besides, his Kings are Battle Kings/the Creators of Knights, not courtly knights/kings who are usually pompously displayed on thrones and/or as powdered Princes.

Knights or Kings are often shown with sword and shield. However, the Knight of Disks and King of Coins are the only Battle Kings who seems at repose and without a sword. Still, the Thoth Knight wears his armor, knowing that battles are in the future. Instead of violent aggression, he is all about the production of food, of fruitfulness. His horse/charger is grazing nonchalantly, in a wheat field while the Knight on his charger's back, in a relaxed pose, with helm thrown back, signifying there is no conflict on the horizon, and all is at peace and yet he is prepared for any consequence in his battle armor. Therefore, he is defended against the attack of the Archon's.

The Mystic Palette Tarot- King of Coins, is a more modern adaption of the Rider-Waite-Smith card and hence less esoteric than the Thoth Tarot Knight of Disks.

The Personality of this Knight of Disks/King of Pentacles personae is that of one who keeps his/her nose to the grindstone and takes little interest, if any, for intellectual musings, or the finer aspects of culture or civilization. Hence, the character of this person is not that of a Rocket Scientist and if ill defined, will take great interest in displaying his/her ignorance as a virtue while taking obstinate pride in their own lack of sophistication and subtlety.

This is not to say there are no geniuses with the Knight of Disks/King of Pentacles persona, for such persona's also appear (ed) as: Napoleon Bonaparte, Cardinal Richelieu, Louis the XIV, Bill Clinton, Madonna, and H.P. Lovecraft, to name a few highly intelligent personalities. However, this "nose to the grindstone" type tends to take little interest along with little emotional response, to the intellectual musings of others or the finer aspects of culture and/or civilization. They are complete masters of their art. Hence, we have such Knight/ Master personalities as: Davy Crockett, Annie Oakley, and Country Western star Buck Owens, Porter Wagoner, Patsy Cline, and Jim Reeves.

WHEN THE KNIGHT OF DISKS/KING OF COINS IS THROWN DURING A READING:

It implies:

• A concern for the body and good health.
• A doctor or herbalist concerned with health.
• The querent shows the spirit of fertilization, as joyous practicality, steadfastness, reliability and is an epitome of material success.
• Generous, courageous but not prone to seeking adventure.
• Ordinary activity, in social position, accomplishments, experiencing a success that is relaxed and enjoyed.
• A mature reliable, dependable, and wise male upon whom others may depend on and with whom they lay their burdens.
• A dark male, who is both courageous and lethargic in tendencies. However, driven in matters of material success. 
• A good financial provider who understands and likes work knowing it leads to financial security.
• The querent may be such a person or involved with such a person in their life. The surrounding cards or position in the reading would support this understanding.

If ill defined by the surrounding cards, it implies:

• Conservative. 
• Materialistic.
• Dogmatic.
• Jealous of what they realize is the superior state of others. 
• Proud of their ignorance. 

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