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Above all things, know thyself!

The Tarot ATU 10- the Thoth-Fortune Card, is called the Qabalistic Path of Caph (meaning Fist) that runs from Chesed (mercy) to Netzach (Victory) on the Tree of Life. This path is on the side of the Tree of Life called The Pillar of Mercy and connects the Personality to the Higher Self (all Sephiroth above Tiphareth are in the Higher Self). Because the meaning of Caph (Kaph) is fist, it refers to a completion of an activity, such as, the closing of a circle or grasping comprehension.

The Path of Caph has a mediating function as the benevolent planet Jupiter is assigned to this Path. If you will look at the bottom-left facing you of the Thoth-Fortune card, you will see the Hebrew letter Caph and the sign of Jupiter on the bottom right. These signs are also on the bottom of the Mystic Palette Tarot-Key 10-The Wheel of Fortune.

Contrary to many mundane interpretations, the Thoth Fortune Wheel or any Tarot Wheel of Fortune card, is not a roulette wheel of chance and/or accidents. For in Qabalah, it is known that we are solely responsible for our own fate which the phrases "freedom of choice” and "cause and effect” imply. The Wheel of Fortune and/or fate supplies us with what we earn, which can be pleasant or unpleasant as it is the interchange of opposites that makes the wheel Spin.

Therefore, in the Tree of Life, we have the 5th Sephiroth the Feminine Geburah (Saturn) who is called Severity and the 4th Sephiroth the masculine Chesed-Mercy (Jupiter), interchanging their forces and form. The feminine "Will-to-Form" is not considered merciful for with her you get what you put out and/or "reap what you sow". The Masculine grants mercy because as "Will to Force" he can decide not to use force and because he can fall prey to praise and sycophancy. That male "ego" can easily be tricked by praise. Jupiter is no exception to this principle. This interchange of opposites is shown by the 10 Spokes on the Thoth Tarot card, symbolizing the 10 Sephiroth on the Tree of Life, which is a continuity of Force and Form, in equilibrium.

In his work, The Thirty-Two Paths of Wisdom, Dr. Paul Foster Case calls the Path of Caph, the Intelligence of Conciliation which would best be seen as a gyroscope, two wheels interlocking within each other, spinning in opposite directions, for this card represents the mediation of activity between rotating and/or active opposites. The picture of the Sphinx-like goddess which could be compared to Demeter who is a fruitful Goddess (Greek Mother Goddess) and is the stabilizing effect of this card. This card emphasizes that change is the only universal constant. Later in Greek art Demeter, maybe because of Alexander the Great's conquest of Egypt, became the "female sphinx".

What is interesting here is that on the Thoth Tarot Fortune Card, the Sphinx is seen as the stabilizing element during change and is positioned on top of the Wheel. The ancient Egyptians used the Sphinx image as the Pharaoh, usually shown vanquishing his enemies with lion like power. Many modern Egyptologists and geologist suspect that the sphinx had a female lion head (as Pharoh head is out of proportion with the perfectly proportioned lion body) and represented Sekhmet. Later, the Egyptians of the Fourth Dynasty modified the Sphinx head.

The Sphinx, particularly the Great Sphinx of Giza, is traditionally believed to bear the face of Pharaoh Khafre (also spelled Khafra or Chephren). Khafre was an ancient Egyptian king from the Fourth Dynasty, who reigned during the Old Kingdom. This identification is based on various pieces of evidence, including the proximity of the Sphinx to Khafre's pyramid and the stylistic similarities between the Sphinx's face and known statues of Khafre. However, it is worth noting that some theories suggest other Pharaohs or even non-royal individuals, but the most widely accepted view among Egyptologists well set in academia, is that the Sphinx represents Khafre. However, due to geological findings suggesting the Sphinx is far older than the Fourth Dynasty, or even before the kingdom of Egypt was ever a state causing some more modern Egyptologist to suggest that the Sphinx head was a perfectly proportioned Lioness. Suggesting the Sphinx represented the Goddess Sekhmet and not a Pharoh.

Later the Greeks, modified the Sphinx by illustrating it as a woman on a lion's body (which could mean they copied the original lioness sphinx image). Thus, the Sphinx came to represent the union of mankind, with the raw power of the animal kingdom, and a balance of male (electric) and female (magnetic) in the same form, a Divine Hermaphrodite, that we know as our Soul. Again, the union of opposites is seen as the birthplace of all Power and Fate and once again the knowledge of the Divine Hermaphrodite is depicted in form.

The Qabalistic concept of the Sphinx is that it is the Synthesis of all Elemental Forces, much like the Pentagram symbol of Humankind, where the Spirit is the Fifth element above and added to the four elements of the animal kingdom. This also illustrates our absolute power over the 4 universal elements.

In fact, among the documents of the Enochian Mysteries of the Golden Dawn, the Sphinx has four forms, that of a Bull, Eagle, Man and Lion. This combination also later became a Dragon or Chimera. These four faces are also described by Ezekiel in the Bible interpretation of his vision of wheels spinning within wheels.

The Wheel of Fortune is the glyph of perpetual motion where the flying Eagle balances the human; the roaring Lion counterpoises the laborious Bull. Also, the Sphinx symbolizes the directing aspect of the Higher Self in Tiphareth the sixth Sephiroth (beauty) and being a Gate Keeper, it is protective and keeps the Personality/Body from absorbing more force than its system can handle.

As stated, the Sphinx represents the stabilizing element during change. It is both the balancing phase of cyclic energy and the guardian to the gateway of the Mysteries, holding the secret of life and death which is also attributed to the ancient Greek Triple goddess, the Three Fates and/or Moirai (Past, Present and Future). Thus, the Sphinx is a gate guardian of the Path of Caph (fist) as it is both that through which one passes in birth or death, and that which controls the passage, as does the Triple goddess. The Traditional Tarot depiction of the WHEEL OF FORTUNE often used the 3 Fates or Moirai (Greek), as the pushing force of the Great Cosmic Round. The Morae where, Clotho the Spinner, Lachesis the Measurer and Atropos the Cutter of life's thread.

The pushing force of the Great Wheel is shown in its spinning atomic motion.

Our evolutionary motion starts with the Fire element, which perceives truth through instinct, then to the water element, which imbues it with feelings, and emotion, the resulting "vapor" (data) spreading through the air element reaching the intellect of the earth elemental body. Without a smooth transition, this process will cause a blockage, much like a "vapor lock" of a car fuel system then nothing reaches the body manifested but "whisps of intellect".

To add more information to aid in understanding this Tarot Key, one will find the transposition of the letters TARO, which appears on the Rider-Waite-Smith Wheel of Fortune, which may make the following five words: ROTA-TARO-ORAT-TORA-ATOR. "Ator" is the old Latin form of the Egyptian Goddess Hathor (Mother God). Therefore, this grammatically improper Latin sentence is often translated as, " The Wheel of Tarot speaks the Laws of Hathor (Laws of Nature)"; Hathor (the Egyptian Mother Goddess), being represented here as the sphinx.

Physiologically, the Wheel represents the law of periodicity in mental activity, whereby, mental states tend to reoccur in definite rhythms, as well as the law of the involution of the undifferentiated conscious energy, and its evolution through a series of personalized forms of itself. It is the Law of Cause and Effect, making sure that we "reap what we sow'".

The Thoth card image of a Sphinx also conveys a message. By correctly answering the question of the Sphinx, which is an extension of the Greek Axiom, "Man know thyself", implies that one is ready to pass through the gate of inner consciousness. As in the Oedipus legend, once correctly answered, the Sphinx throws itself back into the Sea which to a Qabalist means that the Gate keeper is no longer needed and is reabsorbed into the vast Ocean of the Universal Collective Unconsciousness that created it. If the initiate can't answer the Sphinx's question, they are "slain", which is the protection part of the Sphinx, as it sends back to Malkuth the tenth Sephiroth of materialization, those personalities that are unready to pass consciously beyond the restrictions of time/space.

The Thoth Card also illustrates a dog faced monkey, on the left side of the wheel which is in reference to the Plutonian- Cynocephalus. Cynocephalus is not only the companion of Ibis headed Thoth but also the symbol of time and eternity. Thoth, being called the Lord of Holy Words by the Ancient Greeks (as Hemes) and Egyptians, was said to be the inventor of writing and scribe for the Gods who records the results of the weighing of the Souls on the Path of Lamed (See the past blog on the Adjustment Card). Thoth is also said to divide time into months, seasons, and years. Thus, his companion is Cynocephalus who often represents the symbol for time and eternity and to us moderns would represent the "False Ego" who is bound by time and is infected by a "mind virus" from the shadow of Self. Also, this monkey, suggest mischievousness', which is a description of words themselves as their interpretation more often than not, relies on personal experience.

Thoth, the ancient Egyptian god of wisdom, writing, and magic, is often depicted with an ibis head. He is also frequently accompanied by a baboon, a sacred animal associated with him. The baboon does not have a specific personal name in most Egyptian texts, but it represents significant symbolic meanings.

In Egyptian mythology, the baboon companion of Thoth symbolizes several key aspects:

1. Wisdom and Knowledge: Baboons were believed to possess great wisdom, similar to Thoth, who was revered as the god of wisdom and knowledge.

2. Dawn and Sun Worship: Baboons were observed to greet the sunrise with a kind of ritualistic chattering, which ancient Egyptians interpreted as worship. This behavior linked them to Thoth, who was also connected with the moon and the measurement of time.

3. Justice and Judgment: In the context of the afterlife, baboons were associated with the weighing of the heart ceremony, a critical aspect of the judgment process where Thoth played a vital role. The baboon was seen as a mediator in the scales of justice.

4. Writing and Scribes: Since Thoth was the patron of scribes, baboons were often depicted holding writing tools, underscoring their association with record-keeping and scholarly activities.

While the baboon itself is not given a specific personal name in the same way Thoth is, its representation carries deep symbolic meanings that reinforce and complement the attributes of Thoth within Egyptian mythology.

Briefly, the Words of Thoth are the vibratory patterns that turn the Wheel of Fortune. Esoterically, Fortune represents the influence of the Higher Self, which controls the Elements and grants the Personality, which knows itself, "words," script, or vibratory patterns. These patterns free the Personality from the general Wheel of Fortune, or Karma, that governs the "sleeping souls" of the indoctrinated. These individuals lack self-knowledge and whose identities are bound by the media-controlled hypnotic words of man.

The Thoth Tarot- Key 10-Fortune card, depicts the interaction between the triple forces of the Sphinx, Hermanubis and Typhon. Hermanubis is a dual god, combining Horus and Anubis and is written as Heru-em-Anpu, meaning Horus as Anubis. Sword in hand, Heru-em-Anpu is often depicted in mythology as the slayer of Typhon, who is illustrated as a snake or crocodile.

Typhon originally was of Greek origin and was involved in the mythological wars of supremacy by the Gods. But as time developed the complexity of myths, Typhon became the dark aspect of Osiris known as Set. Hence, the combination of these symbols plays out the counter-changing influence of Light and Dark energy. In Quantum physics, Dark Energy is the Pushing Force, the "vibrations" that spins the universe and pushes it outward, this may cause one to wonder if "death" is the pushing force for Life. As life dies, to be alive and/or life eats itself to stay alive.

More than most, the determination of this Fortune or the Great Wheel's interpretation, good or bad, depends on the cards surrounding it.

The Mystic Palette Tarot- key 10-Wheel of Fortune illustrates a golden wheel of life whose solar axel is the Chinese idiom of Yin Yang that is spinning the outer rim of astrological symbols that are in a constant state of change. There are different sunburst designs which imply the name of the card and the varied experiences of our fortunes, good or bad and the astrological sun. The Sun is also a symbol for our Quantum Solar Self and/or Soul and is known as the Rauch (The spirit or breath).

Then there are the Tarot cards, implying the reading of our fortunes and asks the question, " That by reading our fortune, do we change it?". Which brings up the interesting theory of the observer effect.

The principle I am referring to is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics known as wave-particle duality, which is closely related to the observer effect. This principle highlights the dual nature of quantum entities, such as electrons, behaving both as particles and as waves depending on how they are observed or measured. Here's a detailed explanation:

Wave-Particle Duality

Wave-particle duality is the concept that every quantum entity exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties. For electrons, this means:

• Particle Nature: Electrons can collide with other particles, have a definite mass, and occupy specific positions in space, much like classical particles.
• Wave Nature: Electrons can exhibit interference and diffraction patterns, phenomena typically associated with waves, such as light waves.

The Double-Slit Experiment

One of the most famous demonstrations of wave-particle duality is the double-slit experiment. Here's how it illustrates the concept:

1. Setup: A beam of electrons is directed at a barrier with two closely spaced slits, and a detection screen is placed behind the barrier to capture where electrons land.

2. Particle Behavior:

   • Single Electron at a Time: If electrons are fired one at a time and one slit is open, they produce a pattern consistent with particles passing through the slit and hitting specific points on the detection screen.

3. Wave Behavior:

   • Both Slits Open Without Observation: When both slits are open and no attempt is made to observe which slit an electron passes through, the electrons produce an interference pattern on the detection screen. This pattern is characteristic of waves overlapping and interfering with each other, suggesting that each electron behaves like a wave that passes through both slits simultaneously.

4. Observer Effect:

   • Detecting Which Slit: If a measurement device is placed to observe which slit each electron passes through, the act of measurement forces the electron to "choose" a slit, and the interference pattern disappears. Instead, the pattern resembles that of particles passing through one slit or the other without interference.

The Role of the Observer

The term "observer" in quantum mechanics doesn't necessarily refer to a conscious observer but rather to any interaction that causes a quantum system to become entangled with the environment, leading to a loss of coherent superposition. This process is often referred to as wavefunction collapse. Here's how it ties into the double-slit experiment:

• Without Observation: The electron exists in a superposition of passing through both slits simultaneously, behaving like a wave that can interfere with itself.
• With Observation: Measuring which slit the electron passes through collapses its wavefunction, forcing it to behave like a particle that goes through one slit or the other, eliminating the interference pattern.

Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics

Different interpretations of quantum mechanics attempt to explain why and how the act of observation affects the behavior of quantum particles:

1. Copenhagen Interpretation:

   • Suggests that particles exist in a superposition of states until they are observed, at which point the wavefunction collapses to a definite state.

2. Many-Worlds Interpretation:

   • Proposes that all possible outcomes of quantum measurements actually occur in a vast multiverse, and the observer becomes entangled with the observed system.

3. Pilot-Wave Theories (e.g., de Broglie-Bohm Theory):

   • Suggest that particles have definite positions at all times, guided by a "pilot wave," and that observation merely reveals these hidden variables.

Key Takeaways

• Dual Nature: Electrons and other quantum particles exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties.
• Measurement Affects Behavior: The type of measurement or observation performed determines whether the particle behaves more like a wave or a particle.
• Superposition and Collapse: Quantum particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously (superposition) until a measurement collapses the wavefunction into a single state.
• Philosophical Implications: These phenomena challenge our classical intuitions about reality and observation, leading to various interpretations and ongoing debates in the philosophy of quantum mechanics.

Conclusion

Wave-particle duality and the observer effect are central to understanding the strange and non-intuitive nature of quantum mechanics. They illustrate that at the quantum level, the act of measurement plays a crucial role in determining the behavior of particles like electrons, blurring the lines between waves and particles and highlighting the complex interplay between the observer and the observed. Therefore, one can theorize that by our observation, we can change our future.

On the Mystic Palette -Key 10-The Wheel of Fortune the wheel spins through time/space. On it are the symbols of a lion, a golden lion tamarin-monkey, a rabbit, and a clear lens. The Cards shown are the Marseilles Tarot deck where these three creatures were illustrated as:

1. Rabbit, " I will be king".
2. Lion, " I am king".
3. The lens/empty circle, "I am not king" (represents a clear-eyed appreciation of circumstances).
4. The monkey, "I was king". Which represents "over-thinking" as in the monkey mind of over analysis.

All of which imply the change of fortunes in life. Hence it shows the cyclic nature of our lives. It implies that we should appreciate the good times while they last. If things aren't going well, we should understand that the wheel spins and changes are on the horizon. Hang in there, it will get better! On the whole this card means good fortune.

Life is what you are not something granted by outside authority nor by the Military Industrial Complex of the Patriarchy. For you are the energy of combined quantum light forms that surround the body and the electric sparks that power it. You are a Solar Being and/or immortal Soul who creates self-image by using coagulation of light and/or "bodies" as your personal avatar on the earth plane...since you don't come from here and because photons have no mass, you need a body of mass to operate on a planet. You are Photonic evolution/Light intelligence from the Celestial stars. Hence, the fiery wheel of fortune. This image declares that good luck is here, so BE HERE!

Fate is already done. You are destined to be for what happens to Earth, happens to you. However, your destiny is freely chosen by you as you identify yourself, so shall you be. Here, let me clarify:

While fate and destiny are often used interchangeably in everyday language, they carry distinct nuances, especially in philosophical, spiritual, and literary contexts. Understanding the differences between these two concepts can offer deeper insights into discussions about free will, determinism, and the nature of human existence.

Fate

Fate refers to a predetermined course of events that is beyond a person's control. It implies that the outcomes in one's life are fixed and inevitable, dictated by external forces or cosmic laws. Key characteristics of fate include:

1. Inevitability: Fate suggests that events are set in stone and cannot be altered, regardless of human actions or desires.

2. External Control: The course of events is governed by forces outside the individual's influence, such as gods, destiny, or the universe itself.

3. Lack of Free Will: Under the concept of fate, human choices and efforts have little to no impact on the ultimate outcome.

4. Examples in Culture and Literature:

   • In Greek mythology, the Moirai (Fates) are three goddesses who control the thread of life for every mortal and immortal from birth to death.
   • In Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," the protagonists are described as "star-crossed lovers," implying that their tragic end is fated by the stars.

Destiny

Destiny, while also involving a predetermined path, allows for personal agency and the potential to fulfill one's own purpose or calling. It emphasizes the role of individual choices and actions in achieving a certain outcome. Key characteristics of destiny include:

1. Potentiality: Destiny is seen as a set of possibilities or a purpose that one is meant to achieve, but it requires personal effort to realize.

2. Internal Influence: Unlike fate, destiny is shaped by one's own decisions, ambitions, and actions.

3. Integration of Free Will: Individuals have the power to pursue or ignore their destiny, making their choices significant.

4. Examples in Culture and Literature:

   • In "Harry Potter," Harry's destiny is to confront Voldemort, but his choices and actions significantly influence how that destiny unfolds.
   • In myths and legends, heroes often embark on quests to fulfill their destiny, highlighting personal growth and achievement.

Key Differences Between Fate and Destiny

1. Agency and Control:

   • Fate: Implies a lack of control; events happen to you.
   • Destiny: Involves active participation; you work towards your destiny.

2. Role of Free Will:

   • Fate: Free will is limited or nonexistent; outcomes are predetermined regardless of choices.
   • Destiny: Free will is integral; choices directly influence whether and how destiny is fulfilled.

3. Emotional Connotations:

   • Fate: Can evoke feelings of resignation or helplessness due to its unchangeable nature.
   • Destiny: Often inspires motivation and purpose, encouraging individuals to strive toward their goals.

4. Philosophical Perspectives:

   • Fate: Aligns with determinism, where events are fixed and inevitable.
   • Destiny: Resonates with existentialism and humanism, emphasizing personal responsibility and meaning-making.

Illustrative Examples

• Fate Example:

  • In Sophocles' play "Oedipus Rex," Oedipus is fated to kill his father and marry his mother. Despite his and his parents' efforts to avoid this outcome, the prophecy is fulfilled, demonstrating the inescapability of fate.

• Destiny Example:

  • In Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist," the protagonist Santiago believes in a personal legend (destiny) that he must pursue. His journey is shaped by his choices, learning, and perseverance, illustrating how destiny involves active pursuit.

Cultural Interpretations

1. Eastern Philosophies:

   • Concepts like karma in Hinduism and Buddhism suggest that actions influence future circumstances, blending elements of fate and destiny but emphasizing moral responsibility.

2. Western Philosophies:

   • Stoicism often accepts fate as the natural order but encourages individuals to focus on their attitudes and responses, merging acceptance with personal virtue.

3. Religious Contexts:

   • In some religious beliefs, destiny is linked to fulfilling a divine plan, where human beings are expected to exercise free will in alignment with spiritual principles.

Practical Implications

• Acceptance vs. Action:

  • Fate: May lead individuals to accept circumstances passively, believing they cannot effect change.
  • Destiny: Encourages proactive behavior, as individuals believe their efforts contribute to realizing their potential.

• Life Outlook:

  • Fate: Might result in a deterministic or fatalistic worldview.
  • Destiny: Often fosters a sense of purpose and optimism about shaping one's future.

Conclusion

While both fate and destiny deal with the idea of future events and the paths our lives may take, they differ fundamentally in the role of human agency and control. Fate is about inevitable outcomes that occur regardless of our actions, often leading to a sense of powerlessness. Destiny, however, is about the potential within us and the journey toward fulfilling our purpose, with our choices playing a crucial role in that process.

Understanding the distinction between fate and destiny can empower individuals to reflect on how they perceive their lives. Recognizing that, while certain circumstances may be beyond control (fate), there is still significant scope to shape one's path and fulfill one's potential through conscious decisions and actions (destiny)

Since you are Spirit, which comes from the Greek word "spiro" which means breath or to breathe, your action is the breath that enlivens the body. You are therefore connected to the Breath of the Universal I AM! In Western Hermetic Qabalah, that Universal Breath began with Kether whose god name is Eheieh, which sounds like the exhalation of breath; an exhalation that becomes the Fool.

Within the Western Hermetic Mysteries, there is a concept analogous to the "Universal Breath." This idea is deeply intertwined with Hermetic philosophy, which draws upon ancient Egyptian, Greek, and mystical traditions to explore the nature of reality, the divine, and the human soul. Here's an in-depth exploration of this concept:

1. Understanding Hermeticism

Hermeticism is a spiritual, philosophical, and esoteric tradition based primarily on writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, a syncretic combination of the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth. Central to Hermeticism are the principles that govern the cosmos, the relationship between the macrocosm (the universe) and the microcosm (the individual), and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.

2. The Concept of Universal Breath in Hermeticism

The "Universal Breath" in Hermetic Mysteries can be understood through several interconnected concepts:

**a. Pneuma and Spirit

• Pneuma: Borrowed from ancient Greek philosophy, particularly Stoicism and later adopted by Hermetic thinkers, pneuma refers to the vital spirit or life force that permeates all existence. It is considered the animating principle of the universe and all living beings.

• Spirit (Spiritus): In Latin, spiritus also means "breath" and "spirit." Hermetic texts often use these terms interchangeably to denote the divine essence that sustains life and connects all things.

**b. The Divine Breath as Creation

Hermetic cosmology posits that the universe was brought into existence through the divine breath of the One or the All (often referred to as The All in Hermetic texts). This breath is not merely a metaphor but is seen as the active, creative force that shapes reality.

• Creation Ex Nihilo: While not identical to the Abrahamic concept of creation ex nihilo (creation out of nothing), the Hermetic Divine Breath implies a similar creative emanation from the source.

**c. Breath as a Medium of Connection

The Universal Breath serves as a medium that connects the divine with the material world. It acts as the bridge between the spiritual and physical realms, enabling the flow of divine energy into creation and facilitating the ascent of the soul back to the divine.

3. Symbolism and Practices Related to Universal Breath

**a. Breath in Meditation and Ritual

Breathing techniques are integral to many Hermetic practices. Controlled breathing (pranayama in Eastern traditions, though adopted differently in Hermeticism) is used to align the practitioner’s spirit with the Universal Breath, fostering spiritual clarity and connection.

**b. Alchemy and Transformation

In Hermetic alchemy, the transformation of base materials into noble ones (like lead into gold) is symbolic of the soul’s purification and elevation. The Universal Breath symbolizes the divine force that facilitates this transformation, both materially and spiritually.

**c. Hermetic Texts and the Breath

Key Hermetic texts, such as the "Corpus Hermeticum," often reference breath as a symbol of divine life and consciousness. For instance:

• Corpus Hermeticum, Poimandres (Book I): Discusses the creation of the cosmos through the breath of the divine mind.
• The Emerald Tablet: While more cryptic, it alludes to fundamental principles that can be interpreted as the breath of creation and existence.

4. Comparative Perspectives

**a. **Similar Concepts in Other Traditions

The idea of a universal life force or breath is not unique to Hermeticism and appears in various spiritual and philosophical traditions:

• Prana (Hinduism and Yoga): The vital life force that permeates the universe.
• Qi or Chi (Chinese Philosophy and Taoism): The fundamental energy present in all things.
• Ruach (Hebrew): Often translated as "spirit" or "breath," representing the divine presence.

Hermeticism integrates these concepts into its own framework, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all existence through a universal life force.

**b. Gnostic Influences

Hermeticism shares similarities with Gnostic traditions, particularly in the emphasis on inner knowledge (gnosis) and the breath as a means of connecting with the divine. Both traditions view the material world as a manifestation of deeper spiritual truths.

5. Theological Implications of the Universal Breath

The Universal Breath in Hermetic Mysteries has profound theological implications:

• Immanence of the Divine: The divine is present within all things through the Universal Breath, emphasizing a pantheistic or panentheistic view of the cosmos.
• Human Potential: Humans, possessing a spark of the Universal Breath, have the potential to achieve gnosis and reunite with the divine source.
• Interconnectedness: All life is interconnected through the Universal Breath, fostering a sense of unity and harmony within the universe.

6. Practical Applications in Hermetic Practice

**a. **Meditative Breathing

Practitioners engage in specific breathing exercises to attune themselves to the Universal Breath, facilitating deeper meditation and spiritual experiences.

**b. **Visualization Techniques

Visualizing the flow of the Universal Breath through the body and the cosmos helps in aligning personal energy with universal forces, promoting healing and spiritual growth.

**c. **Rituals and Invocations

Rituals often invoke the Universal Breath as a means of connecting with divine energies, seeking blessings, or performing spiritual transformations.

Conclusion

The Universal Breath in Western Hermetic Mysteries is a central metaphor and practical concept representing the divine life force that sustains and connects all aspects of the universe. It encapsulates the Hermetic understanding of creation, the interdependence of the spiritual and material worlds, and the potential for human beings to engage with and harness this universal energy for spiritual enlightenment and transformation.

If you're interested in exploring this concept further, here are some recommended readings:

• "The Corpus Hermeticum" translated by G.R.S. Mead
• "Hermetica: The Greek Corpus Hermeticum and the Latin Asclepius" translated by Brian P. Copenhaver
• "The Kybalion" by Three Initiates (for a modern Hermetic perspective)

Like the Tao says, " If it is here, it is there, and if it is there it is here. If it is not here, it is not there and if it is not there it's not here." Hence, if you are not authentic, you aren't here and therefore, you are not seen there. Be as the Spiritual Power that you are, and your presence will be both here and there, as will your "breath".

When Mystic Palette Tarot- Key-10- Wheel of Fortune or the Thoth ATU 10- Fortune Card is thrown during a reading, it implies:

• Life is moving and busy here, so breakthroughs in prosperity and abundance are approaching fast.  
• This is a good luck card depicting rewards and recognition for things completed. 
• Going with the natural flow of life, being flexible and open to new opportunities.  
• A change in karma, from bad luck to good luck. 
• Chance of circumstances.
• Grabbing hold of Fate.
• Time to take what life has given you.
• Destiny, ending of a problem.

If ill defined by surrounding cards, it implies:

• Difficulty adjusting to changes.
• Resistance to change.
• Fatalism. 
• Turns for the Worst.

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