The Tarot of Eli, LLC-Major Arcana: Thoth Tarot- ATU 1-The Magus & The Mystic Palette Tarot-The Magician.

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Above all things, know thyself!

The Thoth Magus-ATU-i and/or the Mystic Palette-Key 1-Magician is the 1st Trump or Path of Experimental Learning that is associated with the Hebrew Letter-Beth, meaning House, which is called The Path of Beth, and is between Kether (Crown) and Binah (Understanding) on the Qabalistic Tree of Life, making it the transition-Phallic path of the One Undefined Energy from Kether that is Will from the 1st Sephiroth to the Great Organizer Mother Binah, the 3rd Sephiroth. 

This relationship of Will establishes the meaning of house, Beth, as that of the dwelling place (Womb) where Spirit resides before "falling" down the Tree through the Womb of the Priestess (Daath-Knowledge) and latter into coagulating light as manifestation. In this case, it is appropriate to call the Magus/Magician that which builds the House. In other words, the Magus/Magician directs and Binah encloses the One Spiritual Will-to-be (Spiral Energy-Vital Life Force).

The Supernal Triangle of the Upper Trinity (The World of Aziluth), is represented by Tarot Cards whose activities are only separated by a degree or less. Therefore, the Aspects of the Magus and the Fool are intricately linked. The Fool is a flowing of reinvigorating energy that flows from the passive Kether to the active "light switch" of Chokmah.

The One Great Being/Greater Self (Note* to a Qabalist a "Being" is an Immortal Intelligent Energy"/Sephiroth) is not gender as we know it. In the Upper Tree of Life, there isn't a species sexuality of any kind. Rather "sexual expression" here is of energy, as in expressed Electric part of Energy/Male or receptive Magnetic part of Energy/Female.

Scholars of the first 5 books of the Bible (the Pentateuch), point out that the letter Beth, seen on the Thoth Magus, is the First letter, as the book of Genesis begins with Bereshith --commonly translated as "in the beginning". Interestingly, *Fabre d'Olivet translated Bereshith as meaning "At First, in principle", knowing that Beth symbolizes the "Beginning of the Beginning"; The Primal Will of the One which is "I Will Be" (God name-Eheieh). Hence, it is called the First Matter of the Alchemist, the Philosophic Mercury and or "First Principle". Because to create a beginning one must create an end, the Magus /Magician also represents the key polarities of creation, Life and Death.

For those who don't know Antoine Fabre d'Olivet (8 December 1767, Ganges, Hérault – 25 March 1825, Paris) he was a French author, poet and composer whose Biblical and philosophical hermeneutics influenced many occultists, such as Eliphas Lévi, Gérard Encausse ("Papus") and Édouard Schuré

His best-known works are on the research of the Hebrew language and the history of humanity entitled (1) The Hebraic Tongue Restored: And the True Meaning of the Hebrew Words Re-Established and Proved by their Radical Analysis, and (2) Hermeneutic Interpretation of the Origin of the Social State of Man and of the Destiny of the Adamic Race. Other works of renown are on the sacred art of music entitled Music Explained as Science and as Art and Considered in its Analog Relationship with Religious Mysteries, Ancient Mythology and the History of the Earth, and a translation and commentary of Pythagoras's thirty-six Golden Verses.

For more information about Fabre d'Olivet, click on the Wikipedia link button provided above.

This process of 0=2 is indicated by the horizontal figure eight (lemniscus) and/ or Ouroboros, the serpent that eats its own tale, as both represent the closed circle of One Energy,(0=2) begun by the number One -Beth, acting on the Zero-Aleph, THE FOOL

The Lemniscus symbolizes the Act of Turning upon oneself as a Twisting or Spiraling- creating Male and Female infinite circles of Force in the ONE Energy and is also referred to as the Sexual Dance of God/Goddess: The Divine Creative.

This spinning together of infinite male and female polarities are also shown above the head the Thoth Magus as a caduceus and above the book of the Mystic Palette Magician as a lemniscate. Originally there was no motion in the "mind stuff" because there is no Action in the Crown or Mind of One until Will disturbs it. That Will is active in the Magus /Magician. Therefore, the magical chant of," I am the will. I am the way, I am the wealth, I own the Day." is most apropos to this card. [For an entertaining story of the first relationship between the letters Aleph and Beth, I would suggest one reads the Zohar, a Qabalistic text.]

However, even though the Magus/Magician is associated with Mercury/Hermes the Messenger of the Gods, he is not all active. In fact, he is both active and passive, as he is both that which Transmits and that which is transmitted (A phallus-Wand and expressed energy)! The Magus represents both the One Life Energy which when transmitted to the 3rd Sephiroth-Binah (Understanding) becomes the Prima Materia (First Matter or Semen of Will which be commonly known as Focused Willed Thought of "I Will Be" that impregnates creation).

Here an understanding of the fact that the Magus (Mercury) is the "message bearer" of the Immortal Beings and should be manifesting in us as our "awake consciousness", bearing messages from the consciousness to the Universal Collective Unconscious and back to the body. Being a message bearer means he is not Himself the Creator, only the bearer of the Divine Will much as the semen is the bearer of the genes of the Father.

Therefore, the Magus is the ejaculator of will (The whole Supernal Triangle is the action/Will of the Divine Phallus and Womb as energy must flow between polarities.). The Wand, traditionally seen in The Magician's hand (Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Magician-and the Mystic Palette Tarot) but not shown in hand of the Thoth, symbolizes this phallic action. The usage of the wand implies that the Magic is merely the Transmitted will of the Greater Being that is the Supernal Triangle or Trinity.

The body of the Thoth Magus is the Wand, just as the human body is the magic wand of the Soul.

In the Thoth ATU-1-the magical tools of the Magus float around him; the sword, the cup, the fire, and the winged orphic egg (the Universal Egg and/or the Egg of Akasha) and even a goose quill pen (upper left) and scroll (upper right) implying that a secret knowledge floats in the swirling energy he is suspended in.

The Mystic Palette Tarot-Key 1-The Magician is holding a wand topped with flame and light, much like the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot-Key 1-The Magician. I However, also similar to the RWS Magician, his left hand is also pointing downward indicating that his energy comes from the Above through him, to the below. In his hat is a Renaissance Tarot Card depicting a street magician.

His mental will power over the four universal elements is shown as the element of Fire (the Tesla style crystal ball of electricity), air-the Sword, the Water-Cup and the Earth-the coin, are shown as they float around his top hat; the top hat being an accouterment of a modern stage magician.

The sunglasses show some mystery exists here as they hide the eyes (Windows to the soul) he could be a philanthropist or purely selfishly motivated, of which there is a fine line.

The mortar and pestle along with the books, imply a diligent amount of learning is required to apply one's will over the four universal elements. Western Traditions as attributed the 4 elements to the Greek Philosopher Pythagoras.

The attribution of the four universal elements in Tarot and Western Hermetic Mysteries to the Greek philosopher Pythagoras is deeply rooted in the metaphysical and esoteric traditions that Pythagoras helped shape. While Pythagoras himself did not directly formulate the Tarot as we know it today, his philosophies on numbers, the cosmos, and elements have influenced Western esoteric traditions that have integrated his ideas.

Here’s a breakdown of the connection:

1. The Four Elements:

In both Tarot and Hermetic traditions, the four classical elements are fundamental:

• Fire
• Water
• Air
• Earth

These elements symbolize various aspects of existence, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual planes. They are seen in the four suits of the Minor Arcana in Tarot (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles/Disks), and play a key role in Hermetic teachings and Western Qabalah.

2. Pythagoras’ Influence:

Pythagoras is famous for his contributions to mathematics, especially the theory of numbers, but he also had a cosmological view that saw the universe as ordered and harmonious. In Pythagorean thought, the elements were tied to the fundamental building blocks of reality:

• Fire represented energy, transformation, and spirit.
• Water symbolized emotions, intuition, and fluidity.
• Air stood for intellect, reason, and communication.
• Earth was tied to stability, materiality, and physicality.

His philosophy of the "Tetractys" (a triangular figure consisting of 10 points arranged in four rows) symbolized the progression from unity to multiplicity and encapsulated the idea of the four elements and their importance in structuring reality.

3. The Hermetic Tradition:

Later, Hermeticism adopted and expanded upon many Pythagorean ideas. The Hermetic maxim "As above, so below" echoes Pythagoras’ belief in the harmony and interconnection between numbers, the cosmos, and the elements. The elements were seen as different expressions of divine energy, and understanding them was considered essential for unlocking the mysteries of the universe.

• Tarot: The Tarot, especially in its esoteric interpretation, also integrated this elemental framework. The Minor Arcana, for instance, corresponds to these four elements. Wands (Fire), Cups (Water), Swords (Air), and Pentacles (Earth) reflect the energies and symbolic meanings that Pythagoras' elemental theories set in motion.

• Western Hermetic Qabalah: In the Qabalistic Tree of Life, the four elements correspond to the four worlds (Atziluth, Briah, Yetzirah, Assiah), with Fire at the highest level (divine emanation) and Earth at the lowest (manifestation in the material world).

4. Numerical and Elemental Correspondences:

Pythagoras’ view of numbers as sacred and foundational to the structure of reality plays a role in how esoteric traditions view Tarot. Numbers are more than quantitative—they have qualitative properties that correspond to metaphysical principles. The four elements, each associated with certain numbers, help explain different aspects of reality.

For example, in the Minor Arcana:

• Wands (Fire) often correspond to energy, action, and creative potential.
• Cups (Water) relate to emotional, intuitive, and psychic aspects.
• Swords (Air) are linked with thought, conflict, and intellectual challenges.
• Pentacles (Earth) represent material concerns, prosperity, and the physical realm.

In summary, Pythagoras contributed a foundational philosophical framework that was later woven into the esoteric fabric of the Tarot and Western Hermeticism. The four classical elements he helped popularize became symbolic pillars in these traditions, guiding practitioners in understanding both the physical world and higher metaphysical realities.

As stated the Roman, Mercury, is the Greek Hermes (shown with erect phallus which later became the Magician's wand) and the Egyptian- Thoth, all represent the same deity, the amalgamation of their qualities having become inseparable in modern esoteric literature. 

Hermes, as was Thoth, was always associated with words. This makes sense as a messenger must simply state the cause of the one who has sent him. Then there is the Egyptian- Ibis headed Thoth, who created the hieroglyphs, which developed the necessary means by which a message could be transmitted and recorded. He was considered an Alien Astronaut Scientist/Engineer (Anunnaki-"Those who from the heavens came to earth") who taught mankind in Shumer (Sumer) and Egypt science, architecture, mathematics, and language, among other forms of technology.

The companion of Thoth/Hermes, was shown as a dog-headed Ape (Cynocephalus), representing words themselves, and their potential for deception and misunderstanding. Hence, we have Cynocephalus, included in the Thoth Deck card, laying at the feet of the Magus in the same way that the Magus transmits the Willed idea of Self-Creation of the One -Kether and/or The I AM. The Transmitted idea of I AM (God name of Eheieh-I Will Be), from The Magus, Fertilizes the ONE Womb (Understanding) that is the Great Mother Binah (The Creatrix of Consciousness) just as words fertilize Consciousness! Thus, the power of Words, is about stimulating the birthing of unconscious ideas into conscious images of Understanding, by the Power of Expression, but not necessarily the Truth of Creation. The Truth is "I AM" what that "I AM" is produces only assumptions.

Therefore, Truth Must Be Made Manifest (THE PRIESTESS) as Knowledge. Before knowledge there is data/information, but information does not become knowledge before it can be intimately experienced. Hence, "Truth is made manifest", implies one must have a body on the Tenth Sephiroth- Malkuth-"a Me", the goal of the "I AM" before information can become knowledge.

Okay, this concept may be so subjective, that it may be difficult to understand, but try scrying the card. Your meditative observation will open your consciousness to the flow of the Collective Unconscious where greater knowledge is stored. For when an idea is Understood, it becomes information. Information, received, expressed, and then experienced, becomes knowledge. Therefore, what is to become knowledge must be proven by in-form-action. Making the experience as a living being sacred to Spirit.

To reiterate: THE MAGUS is the Path of Beth (right side of book), and it transmits the idea of Self-Creation of the One from above-known as Kether (Crown). A spoken word is a sound that carries an idea, so the Magus (traditional Magician) is associated with the First Vibration or Word of God from the God Name of Kether, which is described by the Hebrew as Eheieh-"I Will BE". This First Vibration encloses Spirit, the Will that holds all things together, beginning the process of creation, thus encompassing All That Is. This Will is expressed through Mercury/Magician/Magus, whose symbol is shown on the left side of the Magician's book. Both symbol and Hebrew letter are shown on the bottom of the Thoth Magus card.

In the Golden Dawn papers, this idea was conveyed by relating the Mercury symbol (planetary sign) to all the Sephiroth, except for Kether/Eheieh. You may note that the Horns spring from Daath, often called the invisible Sephiroth but really it is the conjunction of Chokmah (Great Father and Binah (Great Mother), a face-to-face union-(the path of the door- Empress), that creates what is called the Divine Hermaphrodite -"The Priestess" who in turn is the invisible Sephiroth Daath from which emerges The Divine Child (The Soul).

This is understandable, since Wisdom (Chokmah) and Understanding (Binah) conjoin in the birthing of information/knowledge (Daath), the Womb of the Supernal Triangle, and knowledge becomes in-form-action after the 6th Sephiroth-Tiphareth-Beauty establishes form. Before Tiphareth there were no forms, below Tiphareth-The Solar Self creates measured forms.

Consequentially the showing of Mercury on the Caduceus, properly places the Four Worlds, [Aziluth, Briah, Yetzirah and Assiah], that are transitions of the Wand of the Magus, Kether is the Winged Orb at the top. By deeper delving into the Golden Dawn tests, the student will find that the Primum Mobile, Latin for "first motion”, is acting through Philosophic Mercury (Magus) on Saturn-Binah, who is Will to Form or Creatrix of Time/Space.

As stated before, she is the Mother of Form and the Magus is the Idea of Being and/or will. The association with writing and words, is shown on the Thoth Magus card, by the goose feather pen on the right and the parchment scroll on the left of this "head dress" wand that is intertwined with the twin serpents of "life and death".

The activity of first motion acting on Saturn-Binah is seen as words or Vibration and whoever can willfully direct the Vibration of the First Motion, (often referred to as the Buddhist sound- Aum and/or Om) shall command the Universal Force.

This Mastery of the Universal motion is called the "Moves-Moves" among certain Native American nations, and/or the "motion within the movement" of the Metaphysical Mysteries. Quantum physicists would call it the "Dark energy that pushes the Universe", while Qabalists call it the Magus/Magician whose command word is Abrahadabra. Aleister Crowley changed the ancient word Abracadabra to Abrahadabra and here's why.

Aleister Crowley’s correction of "abracadabra" to "abrahadabra" stems from his deep engagement with the Qabalistic and magickal traditions, and the importance of precise linguistic and symbolic formulations in these systems. For Crowley, the change was not merely aesthetic but had profound esoteric significance.

1. Origins of "Abracadabra":

• "Abracadabra" is an ancient word used as a magical charm or incantation, often inscribed in a triangle form to ward off disease or misfortune. It first appeared in the Roman period, possibly derived from Gnostic or Hebrew origins, though its exact etymology is unclear.
• Traditionally, it was viewed as a word of power, and when written in a diminishing triangular shape, it was believed to gradually dispel negative influences, symbolizing the diminishing power of a curse or illness.

2. Crowley’s "Abrahadabra" and Thelema:

Crowley, being a meticulous scholar of Qabalah and Hermetic magick, sought to align the words and symbols he used with a more specific numerological and mystical system. He introduced "Abrahadabra" in his book The Book of the Law (Liber AL vel Legis), making it a key word in his system of Thelema.

Here’s why he made the change:

• Gematria: Crowley was deeply concerned with Gematria (the Qabalistic practice of assigning numerical values to words). In Hebrew, Greek, and even English, words with identical numerical values are thought to have a hidden connection.

  • The word "Abrahadabra" corresponds to the number 418 in Hebrew Gematria, which is a highly significant number in Crowley’s system. It is the number of Tiphereth, the Sephirah on the Tree of Life associated with the Christ-consciousness, the Sun, and spiritual rebirth.
  • Additionally, 418 is the value of the Hebrew phrase "Achad ha-Rosh ha-Ain" (meaning "One is the Head of the Nothing"), further reinforcing its connection to unity and the infinite.

  In contrast, "abracadabra" did not have any significant numerical or Qabalistic correspondences that fit within Crowley’s mystical framework.

• Symbolic Meaning: Crowley emphasized that "Abrahadabra" signified "The Great Work accomplished"—the achievement of spiritual enlightenment or the unification of the self with the divine. This is a major goal in Thelemic practice, often referred to as the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel.

  • The structure of the word "Abrahadabra" itself can be broken down: it contains five A’s, which Crowley associated with the Pentagram and the number 5, a symbol of man and microcosmic power.
  • The central letter H is the breath, representing life and spirit in many esoteric systems, especially in Hebrew where the letter Heh is connected to the divine breath.
  • The sequence ABRA can be interpreted as a root of creation or power, connected to the divine and the magical word of creation. HAD in the middle relates to Hadit, a key concept in Thelema, representing the point of consciousness or the infinitely small point of spirit. The combination of these symbols creates a magickal formula encapsulating profound esoteric truths.

• Rebirth and Power: The word "Abrahadabra" is used as a formula representing the new Aeon of Horus, which Crowley proclaimed as a new age in human spiritual evolution. This Aeon, he believed, required new magickal formulas to express its energies, and "Abrahadabra" was central to this. "Abracadabra" was an old Aeon word with no clear alignment to the system of Thelema.

3. The Aeons and the Formula of Abrahadabra:

• According to Crowley, humanity is evolving through different spiritual stages or Aeons. The Aeon of Osiris (representing the old age of patriarchal religions and sacrifice) has been superseded by the Aeon of Horus, which emphasizes individual will, personal empowerment, and direct connection with the divine.
• "Abrahadabra" as a formula reflects this transition, symbolizing the fulfillment of individual will and the manifestation of divine unity within the self. In contrast, the traditional "abracadabra" belonged to an earlier form of magical thinking that Crowley considered outdated.

4. Linguistic Precision:

Crowley’s magickal practices often demanded linguistic precision because, in the esoteric traditions he followed, words were not just labels but held the vibrational or energetic power of what they signified. Changing "abracadabra" to "abrahadabra" was not arbitrary; it was a way of aligning the word with the energies of Thelema, numerology, and Qabalah, ensuring that the magickal word conveyed the correct spiritual force.

In summary, Crowley’s alteration from "abracadabra" to "abrahadabra" was a deliberate attempt to bring the word in line with Thelemic numerology, Qabalistic correspondences, and his magickal philosophy. It became a key word in the Aeon of Horus, representing the completion of the Great Work and the manifestation of the divine will within the individual.

No matter the sound that began life one must understand that Death pushes Life forward into expanding and liberating evolution and must not be feared.

Dr. Paul Foster Case, the best known American Qabalist, in his Book of Tokens, stated that, "all created wills are but reflections …of the Will that is the Magus".

This is an essential ideal of the Western Hermetic Mysteries and acknowledges the fact that our Superior Nature (Divine I AM) acts through the aspect of Will from the One Self whose messenger is the Magus/Magician.

In the Crowley/Harris card, unlike most traditional Tarot Cards, THE MAGUS is not holding a Wand, the primary instrument of the MAGICIAN cards; Rather, THE MAGUS is the Wand, He is the Phallus of Expressed Will, which Crowley understood. This Subjective Phallus is not an object.

All Objects are begun as the idea/potential of form by Binah, who is the Will to Form but do not manifest until after Tiphareth, the Soul, builds them as "Self-Images". Due to Victorian peccadilloes, Lady Frieda Harris didn't illustrate an erect phallus on the Thoth Magus, although the ancient statues of the Roman Mercery-Hermes know as Herms show him as a bust with an erect phallus. However, the modern Magus/Magician understands that the Whole Body of the Magus is the erect phallic agent of expressed Will.

This acknowledgment of "First Motion" or transmission of fecund energy is also shown in the symbolic Lingam idol of the Hindus and or the Phallus- God Priapus of the Romans and a flaccid Linga on the Thoth Magus or as the traditional phallic wand of the Magician. Without the Transmitted Will of the One, understanding of an idea cannot become a Form of Understanding (Thought Form).

This may seem a complex idea and requires deep meditations on THE MAGUS /Magician card, and a release of Victorian sensibilities, as we are describing the First SEX Action in the Universal Duality of 0=2. That Action produced our Higher Self called I AM, who is the form of knowledge expressed by the Abyssal Womb as the Divine Mind and the union of Will, Force, and Understanding; the Self Concept of I AM ME as a Soul (Tiphareth) and/or Sun of the Divine Creative has produced the establishment of form as "ME".

In the Magus/Magician the -I is the Will and the Am is the understood idea of that Will and the Me is the assumed manifested Union of the "I" and "Am". Caution: This concept could make your forehead itch! So let us just say that the Will of Kether, called "Eheieh", meaning "I Will Be" is the first Exhaled- Spiral Breath of Spirit/vibrations/microwaves in the Universe and carried with it the fertile idea of "Being", establishing the "Will-to-Form", magnetic Grail-enclosure, that is Mother of Understanding-Binah.

The illustration of the Tree of Life upper Triangle, that shows a path of Aleph-the Fool- to the 2nd Sephiroth-Chokmah and the Path of Beth of the Magus to Mother Binah, the 3rd Sephiroth of Understanding, connecting both "First Feminine"-Understanding and "First Masculine" expressions of the Will-To-Force and/or Wisdom can mislead one to think there was some kind of linear "first and last created" Sephiroth in the Upper Trinity. However, this is not so, the whole trinity is a simultaneous creation of I AM. 0=2; O being nothing, 1st Sephiroth is Will, 2nd, and 3rd Sephiroth combine Will-to-Force and Will-to-Form into an Active Mind of Existence called I AM.

I Am is the name of the Divine Creative and it is our inherited name of the Soul. I Am/Establishment of Existence, begins all ideas of Self. (I Am healthy, I Am Sick, I Am wealthy, I Am impoverished, I Am Joy, I Am Sadness, I AM Life, I Am Magick,. I Am human... etc.).

This ability to define yourself is pure magick and freedom of choice! So, beware how you use your power of "I AM", for here dwells Demons as well as Saints! For Example: To say, "I Am sick and tired...." will invite demons of sickness and weariness into your day! To Say "I AM the Will and the Way. I own the Day", gives one a day of magick.

You may wonder why the Western Hermetics spell the word "magic" as "magick. There is a very powerful reason for this. Of this I will attempt to explain.

The spelling of the word "magic" as "magick" by modern Hermeticists, especially following the work of Aleister Crowley, carries a distinct philosophical and esoteric meaning. Crowley intentionally used "magick" to distinguish the spiritual, transformative practice from mere stage illusions or entertainment. His definition of "magick" focused on its deeper connection to the will, the divine, and the realization of higher states of consciousness. Here’s a detailed explanation:

1. Magick vs. Magic:

• Magic (without the "k") is commonly associated with tricks, illusions, and performances meant to entertain an audience. This usage became widespread in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and it referred to acts of sleight-of-hand and spectacle. Crowley and other Hermeticists sought to clearly differentiate their spiritual practices from this form of entertainment.

• Magick (with a "k") is a term used in esoteric and occult traditions to refer to the art and science of causing change in accordance with the practitioner’s True Will—the divine purpose or higher self, as understood in Crowley’s Thelema.

2. Crowley’s Definition of Magick:

Aleister Crowley famously defined magick as "the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will." For Crowley, True Will represented a higher, divine purpose that each individual possesses but must discover and align with.

• Magick in this sense is not just about performing rituals to create changes in the physical world (such as wealth, love, or protection), but is fundamentally about transforming the self, achieving spiritual enlightenment, and realizing one’s divine potential.
• Crowley’s addition of the "k" also signified a return to the older, more traditional understanding of magick as a sacred art, deeply intertwined with philosophy, mysticism, and spiritual development.

3. The Symbolism of the Letter "K":

The letter "K" in "magick" was not chosen randomly. It holds symbolic significance in several ways:

• Numerology: In the Qabalistic system of Gematria, where letters are assigned numerical values, the letter K corresponds to the number 11. Crowley considered 11 to be a powerful number, symbolizing the union of the divine and the human. He called it the "number of magick itself," representing the interaction between the microcosm (human) and the macrocosm (divine).

  • In particular, 11 stands between 10 (symbolizing completion, such as in the 10 Sephiroth on the Tree of Life) and higher numbers that indicate transcendence. It signifies a form of bridging power between the material and spiritual realms.

• Thelemic Symbolism: Crowley’s philosophy of Thelema is centered on the concept of Will—specifically, the True Will, which is the individual’s alignment with divine purpose. The addition of the "k" represents this link to the individual's power to manifest their Will in the world.

• Kether: In the Western Qabalistic tradition, K is also the first letter of Kether, the highest Sephirah on the Tree of Life. Kether represents divine consciousness or the unmanifest source of all things. By incorporating the letter "K," Crowley may have been making a subtle allusion to the connection between magick and the ultimate divine source.

4. Magick as a Spiritual Discipline:

The use of "magick" signifies that it is a disciplined and systematic practice that goes beyond the casting of spells or working of rituals for mundane purposes. Crowley’s magick involved the entire framework of Western Hermeticism, which includes:

• The Qabalah: Magick is deeply tied to the Tree of Life, the Sephiroth, and the relationships between the divine and the material worlds.
• Astrology: Understanding the celestial influences and their impact on magickal workings is a core part of the Hermetic tradition.
• Alchemy: The spiritual process of transmutation (both of matter and of the self) is a key metaphor in magick, representing the purification and refinement of the soul.
• Rituals and Symbols: These are used not just to affect external reality but to engage the practitioner in a journey of self-realization, spiritual awakening, and alignment with divine forces.

5. Magick and Thelema:

Crowley’s system of Thelema (the Greek word for "Will") is inseparable from his conception of magick. In The Book of the Law (Liber AL vel Legis), the central tenet is: "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law", which Crowley interprets as discovering and following one’s True Will.

• Magick, in this framework, is the process of discovering that True Will and acting in harmony with it. This involves not just external change but an inner transformation, aligning oneself with cosmic forces.
• For Crowley, magick is ultimately about achieving the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel, a central goal in the Hermetic and Thelemic systems. This is the realization of the divine self and the union with one’s higher spiritual purpose.

6. Modern Hermeticism:

Modern Hermeticists continue to use "magick" to emphasize that it is a spiritual path with ancient roots, distinct from casual or superficial associations with magic as illusion or parlor tricks. In this sense, "magick" is part of a greater tradition that integrates Hermeticism, Qabalah, alchemy, astrology, and ceremonial ritual to achieve both personal and cosmic transformation.

• Ceremonial Magick: In many modern Hermetic practices, magick involves detailed rituals, invocation of deities or divine forces, and working with complex symbols like pentagrams, hexagrams, and the Tree of Life to bring about spiritual and material results.
• High Magick vs. Low Magic: Often, "magick" is associated with high magick, which involves spiritual goals and theurgy (working with divine powers), whereas "low magic" (often just spelled "magic") refers to more practical, everyday concerns like love spells or protection charms.

7. Conclusion:

Crowley’s adoption of "magick" as a distinct spelling was a way to reclaim the sacred, ancient, and transformative aspects of the practice, distancing it from the more profane or mundane connotations of "magic" as entertainment. For Crowley and modern Hermeticists, magick is about the realization of the True Will, spiritual enlightenment, and the fulfillment of the Great Work, making it a profound and disciplined path of inner and outer transformation.

When the l Magician shows up in a reading it suggests that you are taking charge of your life. You are experiencing success due to excellent training that brings out the talent to do anything you put your will to. You are excellent at visualizing your dreams. It's time to rise and shine. This card is assigned to Mercury, the Messenger of the gods. In this card the Trickster aspect of this Willful one is emphasized in his clothing and accouterments.

Mercury is associated with communication, intellect, and the mind in astrology. It rules both Gemini and Virgo. Here are some key characteristics attributed to Mercury astrologically:

1. Communication: Mercury is the planet of communication, representing how you express yourself verbally and in writing. It influences how you convey thoughts and ideas to others.

2. Intellect and Learning: Mercury is linked to intelligence, analytical thinking, and the ability to process information. It governs learning styles, and the way individuals absorb and disseminate knowledge.

3. Adaptability: As the planet closest to the Sun, Mercury's orbit is fast, symbolizing quick thinking and adaptability. People influenced by Mercury tend to be flexible and able to adjust to changing circumstances.

4. Curiosity: Mercury is associated with curiosity and a constant desire for information. Those with a strong Mercury influence in their birth chart may have a natural inclination to explore and seek knowledge.

5. Versatility: Being the ruler of both Gemini and Virgo, Mercury embodies versatility. It represents the ability to juggle multiple tasks, interests, and perspectives simultaneously.

6. Expression of Ideas: Mercury governs the way ideas are communicated, influencing writing, speaking, and other forms of expression. It is also associated with humor and wit.

7. Trickster Energy: Mercury can have a mischievous side, often associated with the trickster archetype. This can manifest as playfulness, humor, or a tendency to enjoy clever wordplay.

Understanding the placement of Mercury in an individual's birth chart provides insights into their communication style, learning preferences, and mental processes. Keep in mind that interpretations can vary based on the overall context of the birth chart and its interactions with other planetary influences.

When THE MAGUS/MAGICIAN is thrown during a reading, it implies:

• Communication and timing and that all things are possible, with applied Will and understanding.
• There is an implication of the magic of Universal Vital Force traveling through the human body making one in-tune with the most creative and powerful aspects of your-Self; As above, so below.
• Changing the structure of your living situation by focused action.
•   Will and focused consciousness.  
•  An awareness of Power, and possession and communication of the Powers (Focused will that fertilizes creativity in oneself and others) and Gifts of Spirit (Divine senses).
• Power.
• Strength.
• Being in control of one's life.
• Transforming old situations, bringing in new ones. 
• A burst of energy. 
• Focused Will. 
• Study and control. 
• Manifesting the Masculine divine.
• Auspicious card for beginning something new.
• Archaic revival.
• All resources are available to you.

If ill defined by the surrounding cards:

• Blocked natural expression of energy.
• Inner resistance.
• Arrogance.
• Misuse of personal power. 
• Over confidence and/or an unchecked ego.

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