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Above all things, know thyself!
Thoth- ATU VII-The Chariot
Motion or change or rest are the first and second secrets of Nature: Motion and Rest. The whole code of her laws may be written on the thumbnail.
-Emerson
The Thoth -ATU 7-The Chariot represents the Universal Key of change/movement combination of stillness and activity: of movement and repose. Every individual is touched by change multi-dimensionally in their areas of Earth, Air, Water and Fire, as symbolized by the four pillars. There are four elemental animals as sphinx. These four elemental aspects of ourselves combine to create who we are, mentally (Air), physically (Earth), emotionally (Water), and spiritually (Fire).
The Mystic Palette Tarot- Key 7-The Chariot.
The spinning disc in the hands of the Thoth charioteer symbolizes the wheel of fortune (and esoterically the Blue and Red Grail) implying that our fortune is delegated by free-choice and any of us can choose fortunate, positive, and abundant changes for ourselves if we can see beyond our indoctrination and dogma.
In the Western Hermetic Mysteries and within Tarot symbolism, the concept of two Grails—the Red Grail and the Blue Grail—represents distinct but complementary energies and archetypal forces. Here’s a breakdown of their characteristics and significance:
1. The Red Grail
- Color and Symbolism: The Red Grail is often associated with Mars, blood, life force, passion, and desire. Its red color connects it to the vibrancy of creation, vitality, and the primal energies of survival and self-assertion.
- Elemental and Alchemical Associations: The Red Grail aligns with Fire, symbolizing both destructive and generative powers. In alchemical traditions, it relates to the concept of Sulfur, representing the active, masculine principle.
- Role in Mysticism: This Grail symbolizes the raw energy needed to overcome obstacles and transform. It is also associated with courage, sacrifice, and the trials one faces on the spiritual path.
- Tarot Archetypes: In Tarot, the Red Grail can be linked to cards that embody action, ambition, and challenges. Cards like the Knight of Wands, The Tower and The Chariot come to mind, as they speak to the turbulent, transformative aspects of the Red Grail’s energy.
- Psychological Aspect: The Red Grail represents the inner fires of desire, ambition, and willpower. On a spiritual level, it can represent the journey through suffering and rebirth, highlighting the soul's resilience.
2. The Blue Grail
- Color and Symbolism: The Blue Grail embodies peace, calm, wisdom, and introspection. Its blue color symbolizes the depths of the psyche, intuition, and the mysteries of consciousness.
- Elemental and Alchemical Associations: Linked to Water, the Blue Grail is connected to receptivity, emotional depth, and the alchemical element of Mercury. This represents the feminine principle, adaptability, and the mysteries of the subconscious mind.
- Role in Mysticism: The Blue Grail symbolizes inner healing, compassion, and the mysteries of the soul. It represents a nurturing quality and aligns with the passive yet profound power of the divine feminine.
- Tarot Archetypes: In Tarot, the Blue Grail resonates with cards that signify intuition, emotional depth, and introspection. The High Priestess, Queen of Cups, and even The Moon card reflect the gentle, intuitive nature of the Blue Grail as does the blue spinning disk like Grail in the Charioteer's lap.
- Psychological Aspect: The Blue Grail invites introspection and emotional integration. It serves as a mirror for the soul, reflecting the seeker’s emotional landscape and the mysteries held within the subconscious.
The Two Grails Together
The Red and Blue Grails embody the dualities inherent in the Hermetic tradition: the active versus the receptive, Fire versus Water, and masculine versus feminine. Together, they form a balanced expression of the life force and consciousness, much like the alchemical union of Sulfur and Mercury, which is necessary for spiritual transformation. They represent the dynamic and complementary forces required for both personal and mystical development, reflecting the ultimate union sought by the Hermetic initiate.
These wheels of blue and red also refer to the Merkabah of Jewish Mysticism. Merkabah/Merkavah Mysticism (or Chariot mysticism) is a school of early Jewish mysticism, c. 100 BCE-1000 BCE, centered on visions such as those found in the Book of Ezekiel chapter 1, or in the Hekhalot ("palaces") literature, concerning stories of ascents to the heavenly palaces and the Throne of God. All based on Ezekiel's vision of wheels spinning within wheels which is a commonly used example of an ancient astronaut visiting us in his Flying Object (hence, ancient artist rendition of wings on all beings from the sky) and advanced technology being misinterpreted as miraculous and/or magic of Gods. Ancient people had no words for flying machines and astronauts.
Anunnaki ("Those who from the heavens that came to earth")
Crowley's Hexaculm and/or unicursal hexagram is an image of the Merkabah.
The Hexaculum is a powerful symbol introduced by Aleister Crowley in his mystical writings, representing a dynamic interplay of occult forces and expressing the unity of opposites in a complex, balanced system. In many ways, it synthesizes key principles in Western Hermeticism and Qabalah, particularly Crowley's Thelemic concepts.
Here’s a deeper look at its symbolism:
1. Structure and Geometry
- The Hexaculum is traditionally depicted as a hexagram—a six-pointed star—comprised of two interlocking triangles. In Hermetic symbolism, the upward triangle represents Fire (masculine, active force), while the downward triangle represents Water (feminine, receptive force). Together, they symbolize the union of opposites, forming a balanced whole.
- This configuration also embodies the idea of As Above, So Below, the Hermetic axiom describing the interconnectedness of the spiritual and material realms.
2. The Sixfold Nature and Hexagram as a Symbol of Manifestation
- The six points of the hexagram correspond to the six directions in three-dimensional space: above, below, north, south, east, and west. This represents the omnipresence of spirit, extending in all directions and encompassing all possibilities.
- In the Tree of Life in Qabalah, the hexagram is often associated with Tiphareth, the sixth Sephirah, which symbolizes beauty, harmony, and the balance between divine and earthly forces. Tiphareth is also the seat of the higher self, the part of the soul that aligns with divine will.
3. Elemental Union and Sexual Alchemy
- The Hexaculum is also a powerful symbol in Crowley's sexual alchemical practices, representing the union of masculine and feminine energies. The upward-pointing triangle (Fire) and the downward-pointing triangle (Water) create a symbol of divine union and spiritual fertility. In Thelema, this union is seen as a process for spiritual evolution, where opposites fuse to create something greater than their individual forms.
- This echoes the Solve et Coagula (Dissolve and Coagulate) process of alchemy, where elements must first separate to dissolve impurities and then reunite in a purified, exalted form.
4. Planetary and Astrological Associations
- In Hermetic astrology, the six points of the hexagram connect to the six visible planets surrounding the central Sun (representing divine consciousness). Thus, the Hexaculum becomes a model of the cosmos, a diagram for understanding the forces that govern the universe, both celestial and spiritual.
- Crowley likely intended this symbol to represent a holistic view of the universe, with each planet influencing different aspects of the initiate’s path, while the central point (Sun) represents the True Will, guiding them.
5. Numerology and the Path of the Adept
- Six is significant in numerology for its connection to harmony, responsibility, and love—qualities that Tiphereth embodies on the Tree of Life. The Hexaculum symbolically calls the initiate to harmonize these energies within themselves, mirroring the role of Tiphereth as the mediating force between higher and lower Sephiroth.
- For Crowley, this could imply the balance between the aspirant’s personal will and their True Will. The Hexaculum becomes a symbol of the Adept who balances earthly and divine duties, striving for unity and alignment with cosmic law.
6. Hexaculum as a Path of Integration
- Crowley’s Hexaculum ultimately functions as a map of integration for the aspirant, depicting the necessity to harmonize inner and outer forces, spiritual aspirations and mundane responsibilities, masculine and feminine, active and passive. This symbol urges the initiate to seek not only enlightenment but also equilibrium, reminding them of the balance required in genuine spiritual progress.
- This union aligns with the Thelemic ideal of achieving one’s True Will while remaining in harmony with the natural order. It emphasizes that true power and wisdom arise from balancing opposites rather than favoring one over the other.
In sum, Crowley’s Hexaculum is a profound mystical diagram. It encapsulates the unity of opposing forces—divine and material, masculine and feminine—while serving as a spiritual compass guiding the aspirant towards balance, harmony, and realization of the True Will.
The Chariot also represents the more modern Merkabah, also spelled Merkabah, which represents the divine light vehicle allegedly used by ascended masters to connect with and reach those in tune with the higher realms. "Mer" means Light. "Ka" means Spirit. "Ba" means Body. Mer-Ka-Bah means the spirit/body surrounded by counter-rotating fields of light, (wheels within wheels), spirals of energy like in a torus, which transports spirit/body from one dimension to another.
Such wheels are shown held between the arms of the Thoth Charioteer. The image of a Modern Merkabah Symbol is a shape made of two intersecting tetrahedrons that spin in opposite directions, creating a 3-dimensional energy field. The Grails and Merkaba meanings are yet another example of the multilayered occult meanings of Thoth Tarot and the Divine Aspect of the Soul.
The Modern interpretation of the human Merkabah
Tree of Life
The ten crystals on the golden armor of the Thoth Charioteer represent the ten powerful positive choices of the ten Sephirotic Beings on the Qabalistic Tree of Life. The Thoth Charioteer's crown is the crab-symbol for the sign of Cancer which is "the crowning achievement of rejuvenation/regeneration", and then the 9 Sephira of wisdom, understanding, mercy, severity, beauty, splendor, victory, foundation, and kingdom, in that order.
Adam Khadmon
These 10-states of conscious energy are multidimensional movements and repose that are known as "Our Greater Self" and/or Adam Khadmon, "The Heavenly Human" (The GMO of ET Gods and Man). When this card is thrown during a reading, it means that a new force is dissolving old forms. This is a time for clearing out, moving beyond the past, beginning with new energy, and taking full responsibility for the past.
This is a time of supreme magical power and self-mastery. But as always, this explanation is far too short for a more profound understanding of this Powerful symbol for Self-movement through the Cosmos and much more study is recommended.
The Thoth Chariot and the Mystic Palette Chariot card are both represented by the Hebrew letter Cheth or the 18th Path of Cheth on the Tree of Life. The word Cheth means enclosure, or fence which is that enclosure the Chariot provides for the Charioteer and/or the Merkabah enclosure (Auric Field=Solar Being) for the human form.
In the THIRTY-TWO PATHS OF WISDOM, The Great Western Qabalist Dr. Paul Foster Case stated:
"The Eighteenth Path is called the House of Influence (by greatness of whose abundance the influx of good things upon created beings is increased) and from the midst of the investigation the arcana and hidden senses are drawn forth, which dwell in its shade and which cling to it, form the cause of all causes".
Between the fifth Sephiroth- Geburah (Severity) and the third Sephiroth- Binah (Understanding) the Great Mother on the Tree of Life, runs the Path of Cheth. This is the highest and most profound Path on the Pillar of Severity and introduces the Personality to the Supreme Spiritual Self (Holy Guardian Angel) that wraps our Soul in the Golden Armor of Protection so that the Psyche can be carried through the unmanifested Universe, and/or Dark Matter and Dark Energy to the Abyssal Womb and/or The Source. The Chariot is the secure enclosure that holds the Soul in a state of peace, as it moves through all planes of Sephirotic existence.
In his BOOK OF TOKENS, Dr. Paul Foster Cases stated this about the Chariot:
I am the hedge of protection Enclosing the field of existence in this field thou dwellest, And I am thy defense, Against the darkness which is without. Yet is this hedge of safety alas a wall of limitation, and the darkness against which it defends thee Is the radiant Darkness of the Limitless Light, too brilliant for thine eyes.
The Darkness that Dr. Case refers to is that of the Limitless Light (no measurement and the eyes need measurement to see; hence: "dark") of Kether, the very pinnacle of the Supreme Spiritual Self. Pictured in the Chariot, the experience of the Spiritual Self is known in Alchemy as the "Exhalation", where the Alchemist's body becomes the Philosopher's Stone.
In the Western Hermetic Mysteries, particularly within the context of the Tarot and Crowley’s teachings, The Chariot is indeed connected to the Holy Guardian Angel (HGA). This symbolism is rich, layered, and tied to the journey of spiritual ascension, self-mastery, and communion with the divine essence.
Here’s a detailed look at why The Chariot represents the Holy Guardian Angel:
1. The Chariot as a Vehicle of the Soul
- The Chariot symbolizes the body, the "vehicle" that carries the soul on its journey. In Hermetic thought, the body is an instrument of the higher self, which navigates through life’s experiences. The charioteer—the driver of this vehicle—can be seen as the Holy Guardian Angel, representing the divine guidance that directs the soul’s course.
- In Qabalistic terms, The Chariot relates to the path of Cheth, connecting the Sephirah Binah (Understanding) with Geburah (Strength). This path represents the discipline and balance required to ascend toward divine knowledge and higher understanding.
2. Spiritual Armor and Purification
- The armored figure on The Chariot card wears sacred armor, symbolizing protection, preparation, and a purified will, which are prerequisites for contacting the HGA. The armor suggests that the initiate is ready and fortified, having undergone necessary trials to withstand divine encounter.
- The armor also serves as a metaphor for the discipline required to shield the mind and spirit from distractions and impurities, allowing them to focus on higher pursuits. This aligns with the initiatory process of purification in preparation for communion with the HGA.
3. Balance of Opposing Forces
- The Chariot is usually shown being drawn by two sphinxes or animals, one black and one white, symbolizing dualities such as light and dark, masculine and feminine, or conscious and subconscious. The charioteer’s role is to harmonize these opposing forces, a task symbolic of the initiate’s need to master both sides of their psyche.
- The act of balancing these forces mirrors the work of aligning with the HGA, as the aspirant must integrate all aspects of themselves—both shadow and light—before they can reach this divine state of consciousness. Only by achieving this inner balance can the aspirant hope to commune with their angelic counterpart.
4. Connection to the Sephirah Binah and the Great Mother
- On the Qabalistic Tree of Life, The Chariot is associated with Binah, the Great Mother and archetype of Understanding. Binah is the womb of spiritual birth, where the soul learns structure, boundaries, and discipline.
- Binah represents the nurturing, protective aspect of divine guidance, providing the seeker with the necessary endurance and insight to withstand the trials leading to the HGA. This reinforces the idea of The Chariot as a path toward spiritual “birth” into the knowledge of one’s higher self.
5. The Charioteer as the Adept in Union with the Divine Will
- The charioteer in The Chariot card represents an adept who has aligned with the divine will, their True Will, which is essentially the voice of the HGA. In Thelema, Crowley describes the HGA as a personification of the True Will, guiding the aspirant to their soul’s purpose.
- In this sense, the charioteer signifies someone who has achieved self-mastery, guided not by ego but by the HGA. This union with the divine will is the essence of the spiritual journey, as the aspirant learns to act in accordance with their higher calling.
6. Path of Cheth and the Spiritual Warrior
- The path of Cheth, corresponding to The Chariot, means “fence” or “enclosure” in Hebrew. This “fence” suggests that the spiritual warrior, under the protection of the HGA, must learn to cultivate inner resilience and boundaries. The fence keeps out distractions and negativity while creating a sacred space for communion with the divine.
- This boundary-setting aspect mirrors the process of establishing the proper internal conditions for contact with the HGA. It reflects the aspirant’s need to cultivate discipline, protection, and a dedicated space for divine communion.
7. The Journey of Self-Overcoming and Surrender
- The Chariot also represents the journey toward self-overcoming—a theme central to encountering the HGA. Through trials, the aspirant learns to overcome lower desires, ego, and attachment, eventually surrendering to the guidance of the HGA.
- This surrender is the ultimate act of self-mastery. It’s a movement from individual will to divine will, as the aspirant finally allows the HGA to take the reins, guiding them toward spiritual realization and enlightenment.
In Summary:
The Chariot, then, is not just a symbol of control but of divine guidance and mastery over the self, pointing directly to the influence and presence of the Holy Guardian Angel. Through balance, discipline, and purification, The Chariot symbolizes the soul’s readiness to receive guidance from its HGA, aligning with the True Will and moving steadily on the path to higher consciousness. This card marks a significant step in the initiate’s journey, reminding them that true victory comes not through brute force but through alignment with their higher, divine self.
The Thoth shows the influences of both the Hindu Tattvas and the biblical text of Ezekiel with its "living creatures" being represented as 4 Sphinxes pulling the Chariot. These 4 Cherubim (angelic/ET beings) represent not only the four Tarot Elements of Fire-Lion, Water-man, Air-Eagle and Earth-Bull, but also each has four sub-elements, as do the Tattvas, and are represented as the four-faces of the creatures (fire of fire, fire of water, fire of air etc.). Tatva symbols are Fire- the red triangle, Water is the blue circle, air is the yellow square, earth is the crescent moon, and ether-the black egg.
Four Universal Elements plus Spirit. The Pentacle/Pentagram is the symbol for humankind.
Geburah, the 5th Sephiroth-Severity, is often symbolized with a Pentagram/Pentacle, or 5-pointed star, which has the 4 Elements crowned by the Spirit. Geburah is a Red/Ruby Force and is symbolized on the Thoth card as Red Wheels, meaning that the force of Geburah (Mars-Severity-Strength) is the motive force of the Chariot.
Geburah (5th Red Sephiroth) is complimented by Chesed (Mercy-Blue 4th Sephiroth) on the Tree of Life, and this compliment is seen in the constant usage of the number 4, Chesed's number. Such correspondence with the number 4 is shown in the Thoth Chariot card as the 4-Sphinx, and 4-columns (4 Universal Elements) holding up the starry canopy or heavens of Binah (The Great Mother- Empress Card key 3). These 4-elemental columns are called the “4 columns of the Tree of Life in a Solid Sphere", adding a little more of the arcane to this card. However, 4 is also the number of manifested form.
Above the Golden Armored figure on the Thoth Card is a crab, symbolizing the sign of Cancer. Woven into the canopy is the word "ABRACADABRA", which Robert Wang thinks is an apparent pun on "ABRAHADABRA", a word that Crowley called, “one of the most important key numbers of the Liber Al... The word of the Aeon....the cypher of the Great Work which when using Qabalistic Gematria (numerology), (Book 777 of Crowley). Abrahadabra adds up to 418. Using the math of numerology, we do the sum, 4+1+8= 13, the Key/ATU 13 of the Death Card that represents a great spiritual change.
Cancer is the astrological sign associated with those born between June 21st and July 22nd. Here are some key characteristics of Cancer individuals:
Emotional Sensitivity: Cancer is a Water sign, which makes its natives highly emotional and sensitive. They tend to feel things deeply and are often in touch with their own emotions.
Nurturing and Protective: Cancer individuals are known for their nurturing and protective nature. They often take care of their loved ones and are fiercely loyal to family and friends.
Intuitive: Cancers have a strong intuition and gut feeling. They can often sense when something is amiss or when someone needs support.
Home and Family-Oriented: Family is of utmost importance to Cancer individuals. They have a strong attachment to their home and enjoy creating a safe and comfortable environment for their loved ones.
Mood Swings: Due to their emotional nature, Cancer individuals can experience mood swings. They may have moments of intense joy and then suddenly become withdrawn or moody.
Imaginative and Creative: Many Cancer individuals have a creative streak. They may enjoy artistic pursuits like writing, painting, or music.
Cautious and Reserved: Cancers can be cautious when it comes to new people and situations. They may take their time to open up and trust others.
Tenacious: Once a Cancer sets their mind on a goal or task, they are incredibly tenacious and will work hard to achieve it.
Empathetic: They have a strong sense of empathy and often put themselves in others' shoes, making them compassionate and understanding.
Loyal and Protective: Cancer individuals are fiercely loyal to their loved ones and will go to great lengths to protect and support them.
These are some of the main characteristics associated with the astrological sign of Cancer. It's important to remember that while astrology can provide insights into personality traits, individual variations can be significant, and not everyone born under the same sign will exhibit all of these traits to the same degree.
Crowley understood that something martial is going on in the Psyche of the Seeker themselves. Much like the Bhagavad Gita, where warring factions symbolize the pursuit of enlivenment. On this highest Path of Severity, the Golden Soul Warrior of Geburah has reached a pinnacle, as shown by the 10-stars/Crystals on his golden chest; the number 10 represents Assiah or Matter. Seated in meditation, with the Holy Graäl (Grail) in his hands: the Cup (Womb) of 2-colors, the blue one is the mental enclosure that we look directly into when using our Imagination to produce ideas, i.e. "The womb with a view", that is the Universal Element of Water and the Red Graäl is the "magical Wine" from water (the Ocean), which represents the "Mother's Blood" of the Microcosm (Scarlet Womb). And if you dare to think about it, from the Waters of the Oceans on earth, all blood is formed, and it is the amniotic combination of ocean and blood, the "magic salty fluid of blood" in the Womb that all children are formed in and from. Therefore, all blood is "Mother's" blood.
Here, on both cards is also the symbol of the Crab, Cancer, which is a not too subtle Tantric Alchemical symbol for a technique of Tantra Yoga (69) in which male and female energies are "drunk" after being perfectly prepared, balance, and exchanged to create the 2 in 1 elixir of Life as two sixes (souls)become one.
In the Bhagavad Gita, the warring factions are the Kauravas and the Pandavas. These are two families of cousins who are locked in a bitter conflict over the throne of Hastinapura. The Kauravas, led by Duryodhana, are the hundred sons of King Dhritarashtra, while the Pandavas, led by Yudhishthira, are the five sons of King Pandu.
The conflict between the Kauravas and the Pandavas culminates in the great battle of Kurukshetra, where both sides gather their armies for war. Arjuna, one of the Pandava princes and the protagonist of the Bhagavad Gita, finds himself on the battlefield facing his own relatives, teachers, and friends on the opposing side. Overwhelmed by doubt and moral dilemma, Arjuna turns to his charioteer, Lord Krishna, for guidance.
It's important to note that Lord Krishna, who serves as Arjuna's charioteer and spiritual guide, is not a direct participant in the battle. Instead, he offers Arjuna profound philosophical teachings and spiritual guidance to help him navigate his inner conflict and fulfill his duty as a warrior.
Thus, the Bhagavad Gita takes place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, amidst the imminent clash between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, but the central focus is on the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, rather than the actual physical warfare between the two factions.
Krishna is a central figure who imparts spiritual wisdom to Arjuna, the warrior prince, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Agni, on the other hand, is a Vedic deity associated with fire, sacrifice, and divine knowledge, but he does not play a significant role in the narrative of the Bhagavad Gita.
Krishna serves as Arjuna's charioteer and guide during a crucial moment of doubt and moral dilemma. Arjuna is torn between his duty as a warrior and his reluctance to fight in a battle against his own relatives, teachers, and friends. Krishna counsels Arjuna on various philosophical and ethical principles, including the concepts of dharma (righteous duty), karma (action), yoga (spiritual discipline), and the nature of the self.
Throughout the dialogue, Krishna reveals his divine nature as the Supreme Being (Brahman) and teaches Arjuna the path to spiritual liberation (moksha) through selfless action and devotion. The Bhagavad Gita addresses profound themes such as the nature of reality, the purpose of life, the concept of the eternal soul (atman), and the relationship between the individual and the divine.
While Agni is indeed a revered deity in Hinduism, he does not appear as a character in the Bhagavad Gita. The teachings of the Gita primarily revolve around the relationship between Arjuna and Krishna, with Krishna imparting timeless wisdom to guide Arjuna through his inner conflict and lead him towards spiritual enlightenment.
Agni is indeed considered a god of fire in Hinduism. He is one of the most important deities in the Vedic tradition and plays a central role in many rituals and ceremonies. Agni is depicted as the divine messenger between the gods and humans, carrying offerings from Earth to the celestial realm. As the god of fire, he is associated not only with physical fire but also with the transformative power of fire, symbolizing purification, energy, and divine knowledge.
In Hindu mythology, Agni is often portrayed with two faces, representing his dual nature as both the domestic fire, which is essential for everyday rituals and ceremonies, and the cosmic fire, which is symbolic of the sun and the source of life energy. He is also sometimes depicted riding a ram or a chariot pulled by fiery horses.
Agni's importance is highlighted in various ancient texts, hymns, and rituals, where he is invoked for blessings, protection, and guidance as is the Western Hermetic HGA. He is considered a witness to oaths and agreements, as well as a purifier who cleanses impurities and obstacles on the spiritual path. Overall, Agni holds a significant place in Hindu mythology and religious practices as the god of fire and the intermediary between humans and the divine. Hence, the Thoth Chariot is a powerful image of the Higher Self.
This "drinking" of male and female fluids/essences that produce the magic elixir of life might take a bit of explanation. Crowley "hinted" at this Tantric technique in his Book of Thoth, Pg. 256:
"The issue of the Vulture, Two in One,
Conveyed; This is the Chariot of Power.
TRINC: The Last Oracle! "
"The issue of the Vulture, Two in One, relates to the myth of Maät, the Egyptian Goddess of adjustment and supreme balance, her sacred bird is The Vulture. In most ancient times, it was believed that Vultures didn't mate, for each bird was thought to be both sexes, and they produced their young alone and unmarried. Therefore, the Vulture represented a childbirth of an internal marriage of 2 perfectly balanced forces and/or 2 in 1, the Divine Hermaphrodite.
One may ask "What the hell is TRINC- the last oracle"? The answer to that entails a lengthy explanation beginning with the Story of Gargantua and Pantagruel, a mystical satire written by François Rabelais (1494-1553). In the story Panurge, one of the main characters, seeks an answer to the question "Should I marry"? After much discussion with his partner decided to seek the answer from the Oracle of the Bottle. As in all heroic journeys, many adventures happen before they eventually reach the Temple of the Bottle. Upon passing through the entry door of the Temple upon which is written En Oino Aletheia (in wine lies truth), they meet Bacbuc, the Priestess of the Temple who escorts them to the Bottle (Grail). Panurge poses his question, "Should I marry", the Holy Bottle makes a sharp cracking sound like breaking glass: TRINC! Which happens to mean "Drink". To Panurge, this is a firm "Yes" and he interprets TINC as an admonition to drink deeply from the well spring of life and knowledge. Now we jump to the language of Thelema imagery to continue our Qabalistic fairytale.
Dionysus-God of Wine
In Thelema, the elixir is brewed in the Holy Graäl by Babalon(Crowley's gematric spelling) and/or Nuit in Binah-3rd Sephiroth-Understanding and Queen of the Qabalistic fairytale, who then offers it to the Beast/Hadit in Chokmah (the King of the Qabalistic fairytale) and they both Drink/Trinc and become ecstatically drunk. By drinking, they annihilate all sense of separateness and 2 become 1. This intoxication is also one of the "mysteries" of Dionysus, the Greek God of Wine and one of the aspects used in Shamanism, where one becomes "intoxicated" on a mind-altering drug, to extend consciousness beyond physical boundaries. This intoxication is also illustrated on the Thoth 7 of Cups-Debauch card, where Venus the goddess of love enters the house of Scorpio, the house of Sexual copulation... it doesn't take a lot of imagination to understand her intoxication.
The Mystic Palette Tarot- Key 7- Chariot
On the Mystic Palette Tarot-Key 7 the horses, charioteer, and wheels are apparent. The sign of Cancer is shown on the bottom of the card and the Hebrew letter Cheth is shown on the golden armor of the dual headed charioteer.
The twin horses are "Shadow and Light" as are the black and white heads of the Charioteer both representing the Twin aspects of ourselves. This image suggests the conflict between our shadow and light selves, are made cohesive by a force of will. The conflict that Crowley suggested in his explanation of the Chariot card.
The Chariot's wheel has eight spokes, which refers to the Dharmachakra
The Dharmachakra, or Wheel of Dharma, is a key symbol in Buddhism representing the teachings and spiritual path laid out by the Buddha. Its symbolism encompasses not only the Buddha’s teachings but also the journey of spiritual awakening, discipline, and wisdom that is suggested in the Tarot Chariot Card.
Here's a deeper look into the Dharmachakra’s symbolism and meaning:
1. Basic Structure of the Dharmachakra
- The Dharmachakra is depicted as a wheel, often with eight spokes, which traditionally represents the Noble Eightfold Path—the Buddha’s guidance for leading a moral and mindful life.
- The circular shape signifies the endless cycle of samsara (birth, life, death, and rebirth) and the ultimate goal of liberation from this cycle. It symbolizes the perfection of the Buddha’s teachings and the eternal nature of Dharma.
2. The Eight Spokes and the Noble Eightfold Path
- Each of the eight spokes corresponds to a component of the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.
- These principles serve as a guide for ethical living, mental discipline, and wisdom, forming a practical and spiritual framework that leads toward enlightenment (Nirvana).
- The eight spokes also reflect a sense of balance and completeness, suggesting that all aspects of the path are interdependent and must be practiced in harmony.
3. The Wheel as a Symbol of the Buddha’s Teachings
- Turning the Dharmachakra represents the spreading of the Buddha’s teachings, known as “turning the wheel of Dharma.” Each time the Buddha presented a major sermon, it was said that he “turned the wheel of Dharma.”
- This turning signifies not only the initiation of the Buddha’s teachings but also each practitioner’s personal journey in practicing and propagating the Dharma. It’s a process of continually rediscovering, sharing, and living by the principles taught by the Buddha.
4. The Center of the Wheel and Meditation
- The center, or hub, of the Dharmachakra represents stillness and stability—the meditative focus that is essential for spiritual practice. The center serves as an anchor while the wheel spins, representing the inner calm and mindfulness that practitioners cultivate amid life’s changes.
- It is a reminder that true understanding and liberation come not from constant movement but from the stillness of insight and meditation. This central point also symbolizes the Buddha’s enlightened mind, which is unaffected by worldly fluctuations.
5. Symbolism of the Wheel in Buddhist Cosmology
- In Buddhist cosmology, the wheel is also a reference to samsara, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The aim of following the Dharma is to break free from this endless cycle of suffering.
- This cyclical representation emphasizes the transient and repetitive nature of human experiences. By following the path of Dharma, practitioners aim to transcend these cycles and reach Nirvana.
6. Variations in the Dharmachakra’s Interpretation
- In different Buddhist traditions, the number of spokes may vary, each variation carrying specific significance. For example, a ten-spoked wheel can symbolize the Ten Directions (North, South, East, West, the four intermediate directions, above, and below), expressing the idea that the Dharma encompasses and pervades all directions and dimensions.
- A twenty-four-spoked wheel (as in the Ashoka Chakra found on the Indian flag) represents the spread of Dharma in all aspects of life and society. Each spoke stands for one of the principles of morality, wisdom, and compassion.
7. The Dharmachakra and the Four Noble Truths
- The wheel also symbolizes the Buddha’s first teaching on the Four Noble Truths:
- The truth of suffering (dukkha)
- The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya)
- The truth of the cessation of suffering (nirodha)
- The truth of the path leading to the cessation of suffering (magga)
- In this way, the Dharmachakra reflects the essence of Buddhism itself: understanding suffering, its causes, its cessation, and the path to liberation.
8. The Dharmachakra Mudra and the Buddha’s Gesture
- The Dharmachakra is also represented in Buddha statues through the Dharmachakra mudra, a hand gesture where the thumbs and index fingers form a wheel shape. This gesture signifies the Buddha’s teaching of the Dharma and often depicts him at the moment of his first sermon after his enlightenment.
- This gesture reinforces the message that the Dharma, like a wheel, is meant to be practiced and lived, turning continuously in one’s life.
In Summary:
The Dharmachakra, or Wheel of Dharma, is a symbol of the Buddha’s teachings, representing the path to liberation from samsara and suffering. Each spoke and element of the wheel has its own significance, symbolizing the Noble Eightfold Path, meditative stillness, the spread of Dharma, and the wisdom of the Four Noble Truths. For practitioners, the Dharmachakra is not just a reminder of the teachings but an invitation to embark on a path of transformation, cultivating wisdom, compassion, and inner peace.
Helios
The movement of the Chariot also conceals another mystery (arcana) of great significance. The Chariot is reminiscent of the Greek Chariot of the Sun, Helios, as the four horses of the Sun pulled the Chariot of the Sun across the sky. On the Mystic Palette Chariot card, the Sun is out of the rendering high in the sky, leaving only its sunlight shining as the charioteer.
The twin Horses, one white one black, are significant as a representation, since the Chariot moves between the Light, centered in Tiphareth (Beauty-Sun) and the Supreme Darkness of the Limitless Light (Dark Energy) at the hidden side of Kether (Crown).
Yet, there is even a more complex meaning suggested here, as the Ancient Egyptians believed that the Moon guides the Sun! And in both Greek and Egyptian Mythology and the Qabalistic Tree of Life, the sun is subordinate to the moon.
Since the Chariot is of the sign of Cancer, that is ruled by the Moon (and in which Jupiter is exalted), the Charioteer follows this philosophy of subordination to the Great Mother (Will-to- form) and benevolence. The cardinal Path of the Moon leads from Tiphareth (Beauty-Solar Logos) to Kether (Crown) is the Path of the Priestess. Water (Pure Energy-in-motion and Intuitive Consciousness) takes precedence here and is represented by the Water the element applied to the Moon and the sign of Cancer.
In the Rider-Waite-Smith card, this Moon and Sun metaphor is illustrated on the front of the chariot which is also a stylistic rendition of the Linga-Yoni design that is on the front of the RWS Chariot card.
Therefore, both The Thoth and the Mystic Palette Chariot card recommends that one pursues their goals/dreams with a structured well thought out plan created by imaginative use of ratio.
The term "ratio" typically refers to the quantitative relationship between two or more quantities, expressed as the quotient of one quantity divided by another. Ratios are often used to compare different quantities or to describe how one quantity changes in relation to another.
In mathematics, ratios are represented in the form of a fraction, where the numerator represents the quantity being compared or measured, and the denominator represents the reference or standard against which it is compared. For example, if you have 2 apples and 3 oranges, the ratio of apples to oranges is 2332.
Ratios can be expressed in various ways, such as:
- As a Fraction: This is the most common way to represent a ratio, as shown in the example above.
- As a Decimal: Ratios can be converted to decimal form for easier comparison or calculation.
- As a Percentage: Ratios can also be expressed as percentages, which can be useful for understanding proportions in terms of parts per hundred.
- As a Proportion: Ratios can indicate the relationship between different parts of a whole, such as the ratio of boys to girls in a classroom.
Ratios are widely used in various fields, including mathematics, finance, science, and everyday life, to analyze and compare different quantities or relationships. Here, the ratio of male and female that reside in our being is being expressed in equal measure.
The Thoth Tarot-ATU 7-Chariot is a riot of color and interpretation. Above is the canopy of sky blue that represents Mother Binah as the High Priestess, behind the canopy is the Abyssal Womb and/or the abyss. The chariots path runs between Geburah (Severity) and Binah (Great Mother) on the Tree of Life. Since it is the highest it is also the most profound path on the pillar of Severity. The Chariot is the third initiation in a series of Hermit, Strength/Lust, and Chariot meaning that it is an introductory experience with the Supreme Spiritual Self (Holy Guardian Angel/HGA of Western Magick) which is the Golden Armored image. The Central light body that controls the motion of the Chariot would be that of Kether, the purest light that radiates and is around the four beings towing the Chariot. The Enclosure made by the hands is reminiscent of the Grail-Womb and the Hindu triangle Yantra design of the female Yoni.
Yoni Yantra
The triumphant one enables us (the Charioteer, the Radiant Being), with firmness and vigor, towards the knowledge of what is negative and what is positive, thereby, harmonizing and transforming this knowledge into a driving force. This personage symbolizes the will to act (spirit is Will) in the Material world of Malkuth, bring together the highest qualities belonging to the Psyche (Soul) and body into one controlled movement. However, don't let unrefined emotions or thoughts drag this Radiant Being of the Merkabah/Chariot along. If this happens, pull back the reins, or break this motion immediately from the flight of fantasy, and find the right direction again.
Emotion is energy-in-motion and as actors in our own story, thought emoted (expressed emotion especially in acting) becomes the direction we travel in life. Hence, you must willfully control and direct emotion (your chariot/Merkabah) in a growth manner if you wish to live the life of the enlightened and truly know yourself. The Thoth and Mystic Palette Tarot card implies the manifestation of ambition that unites reality and desires. Here, controlling the Galloping Horses of the Subconscious and Rational Mind is a spiritual discipline.
The Four Universal Elements of Pythagoras.
Vimana-"Chariots of the Gods"- Merkabah.
*These were originally known as “Ratha” before being more commonly referred to as “Vimana” meaning traversing or measured out. Vimanas are flying chariots, or even flying palaces, mentioned in Sanskrit epics and Hindu texts. The Pushpaka Vimana of Ravana, the central antagonist in the Hindu epic of Ramayana, is a splendid example.
Vimanas, The Hindu Machines:
www.historicmysteries.com/vimana/
Human in Merkabah
Today, the body is seen as encased in the Merkabah in which our inner Solar Hero resides. We connect to our higher mind (inner lord) with clarity of intent and purpose; the 2 Sphinx (shown on left and right of the Thoth card) or the white and black horses riding through the darkness also representing the forces of light and dark that push and pull in our lives, always seeking resolution in the balance of opposites; the polarizing of our own forces such as, male-electric and female magnetic, shadow and light, inner demons and our divinity, all seeking balance within the Spirit-Mind-Body combination. We are the perfect ratio of light and dark! The black horse and charioteer's head, represent our subconscious and it's ability to be the "thoughts that bedevil" our awake consciousness.
With the proper inner guidance, we are reminded we are not alone on this journey between the stars, and we do have assistance on the journey to our goals. The Truth being, the Earth is a Celestial Colony and in the Western Hermetic Magic, the Charioteer is called the "Holy Guardian Angel", and represent that power on earth--- the Power of Unstoppable Life.
I Am unstoppable life!
When the Chariot ATU/Key 7, is thrown during a reading, the querent is reminded:
- To devote themselves to the combination of activity and quietude so that they may have the drive to attain goals.
- It is a time of clearing out the past, moving beyond and beginning with new energy while taking responsibility for one's present condition.
- There is a need for victory here, by combining the images or content of the unconscious with the consciousness for the purpose of achievement.
- The Chariot also signifies that the querent has begun controlling a situation by the force of their personality.... a focus of Will.
- The goal will need fighting for, but you have been granted the energy to win it!
- Will power when dealing with problems.
- Will to continue.
- Triumph over fear.
- Following your intuition.
- Just to keep cruising. Just roll.
If ill defined by surrounding cards, it implies:
- Lack of will.
- Passivity or weakness.
- It may be best to let things run their course.
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