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The Tarot of Eli, LLC-Minor Arcana: Thoth Tarot- 5 of Wands-Strife & The Mystic Palette Tarot-5 of Wands

Western Hermetic Qabalah, Tantric, Astrological, numerical, and Alchemical Tarot Card Comparisons.

December 19, 2024

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Above all things, know yourself!

Thoth- 5 of Wands-Strife

#5. I recognize the manifestation of undeviating justice in all the circumstances of my life.

The Mystic Palette Tarot-5 of Wands

Tree of Life

The Thoth 5 of Wands is titled STRIFE, which, if you ask me Strife is well shown in this card, as consolation and focus is required in this scene of frantic and volcanic activity of reds and yellows. Strife is also very well constructed on the Mystic Palette 5 of Wands as it displays the ancient Roman Axe known as Fasces which today would represent the Military Industrial Complex.

The Roman axe, known as the fasces, symbolizes power, authority, and unity in ancient Roman culture. It is a bundle of rods, often tied together with a red leather strap, and typically includes an axe blade protruding from the side. Here's what it represents:

  1. Authority (Imperium):
    The fasces were carried by lictors, attendants who accompanied Roman magistrates, as a symbol of their power to administer law and command.

  2. Unity and Strength through Cohesion:
    The bundled rods represent the strength of unity—individually, the rods are weak, but together they are strong. This metaphor reinforced the idea of collective power under centralized leadership.

  3. Power of Life and Death:
    The axe within the fasces symbolizes the magistrate's authority to enforce capital punishment, though this right was typically limited within the sacred boundary of Rome (the pomerium).

  4. Imperial Power:
    By the time of the Roman Empire, the fasces became a symbol of imperial rule, showcasing the emperor’s supreme authority over the state and its people.

Thus, when the emperor is depicted with the fasces, it emphasizes his role as the ultimate authority and protector of Roman law, order, and unity.

 

 

 

Artfully Lady Frieda Harris displaying her knowledge of the Tantric Arts in the composition of the Thoth- 5 of Wands-Strife. Here is a scene of three wands that could be called the Chakra Puja or Pancharmakara, and/or the Choli Marg Tantric rituals. You can look these rituals up in the Book: THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SACRED SEXUALITY by the author, Rufus C. Camphausen. The Angels of the Decan are Vahaviah and Yelayel.

Also is displayed the Eye of Horus as the central symbol between the wings. However, in this case it is the symbol of Ra and is also shown on the chest of the Prince of Wands. The twin serpents are the Uraeus serpents of Egyptian mythology.
 

The Uraeus serpents, often depicted in Egyptian mythology, are stylized representations of the rearing cobra. Here are some key points about the Uraeus:

  1. Symbol of Sovereignty and Divine Authority: The Uraeus is most commonly associated with royalty and deities, symbolizing sovereignty, divine authority, and protection. It is frequently seen on the crowns of pharaohs and gods.

  2. Connection to the Goddess Wadjet: The Uraeus is linked to the goddess Wadjet, one of the earliest Egyptian deities, who was depicted as a cobra. Wadjet was a protector of Lower Egypt and later became a symbol of the unified Egypt.

  3. Protection and Power: The Uraeus was believed to provide protection by spitting fire at the enemies of the pharaoh or deity it adorned. It signified the protective power of the sun god Ra and other deities.

  4. Duality with the Vulture Nekhbet: Often, the Uraeus was paired with the vulture goddess Nekhbet, who represented Upper Egypt. Together, they symbolized the unity and protection of both Upper and Lower Egypt. The upper and lower Egyptian crowns are on the heads of the twin serpents.

  5. Depiction and Placement: The Uraeus is typically depicted as a rearing cobra with its hood flared, often emerging from the forehead of a deity or pharaoh. It can be seen on various artifacts, including statues, crowns, and temple carvings.

  6. Spiritual and Mystical Significance: Beyond its physical representation, the Uraeus holds mystical and spiritual significance, symbolizing the kundalini energy, which is often depicted as a serpent coiled at the base of the spine in spiritual traditions.

In summary, the Uraeus serpents in Egyptian mythology are powerful symbols of protection, divine authority, and royal sovereignty, deeply connected to the goddess Wadjet and the spiritual and political unity of ancient Egypt.

As stated, the circular symbol on the chest of the Prince of Wands and the Major Adept 5 of Wands card in the Thoth Tarot deck is the Winged Solar Disk. This symbol, deeply rooted in ancient Egyptian iconography, represents Ra, the sun god, and is associated with power, protection, and divine authority.

Here are some key aspects of the Winged Solar Disk:

  1. Solar Energy and Vitality: The disk symbolizes the sun, representing energy, vitality, and life force. In the context of the Prince of Wands, it underscores his dynamic and fiery nature, full of creative energy and drive.

  2. Divine Protection: The wings signify divine protection and the ability to transcend earthly limitations. For the Prince of Wands, this suggests his potential to rise above challenges and his connection to higher spiritual forces.

  3. Authority and Leadership: As a symbol of Ra, the solar disk conveys authority and leadership. The Prince of Wands embodies these qualities, often seen as a charismatic leader and a person of influence and power.

  4. Transformation and Renewal: The sun is also a symbol of transformation and renewal, highlighting the Prince of Wands' ability to inspire change and bring new beginnings through his actions and ideas.

In summary, the Winged Solar Disk on the chest of the Prince of Wands and on the Major Adept Wand of the 5 of Wands emphasizes his dynamic, powerful, and transformative nature, highlighting his role as a leader and a force of change.

In the Thoth 5 of Wands, are shown the Lotus wand of the Golden Dawn Adeptus Minor of Tiphareth, the Phoenix Wand of the Adeptus, all crossing the central wand of the Major Adept. The fact that the Major Adept Wand is central is because its position implies this severity is directed by Geburah-Severity rather than happenstance and therefore, a necessary conquest that must be reached to create a Major Adept. The Major Adept wand is also gray in color as in this card it is made of Lead-the metal of Saturn. The Phoenix wand implies resurrection from the purgation of Fire, while the Lotus Wand is of the mother-water.

The objective of Tantric and Taoist sexual practices is to harmonize, balance, exchange and utilize the vigorous life energies (Vital Fire) set free during erotic play and sexual union. The Sexual-Self is Spirit---it is the Adorable Fire of Life and in the union of *Daka and Dakini, it enlivens, rejuvenates, and renews the body as every chakra spins up to its divine nature. The body naturally resists a change in balance, and this can cause a certain amount of strife until the body gets used to a new balance.

Strife filled Ecstasy.

In the instance of the five of Wands, the male electric-Fire is being heavily invoked by the Female Magnetic Water. Achieving an Electromagnetic surge of energy-in-motion that may cause a great deal of physical/emotional strife and rebalancing as the mixing of Primal Fire (masculine) and Primal Water (feminine), creates the Cosmic Steam (Plasma) that is the Celestial energy of all living things. However, after balance is once again achieved it causes a great deal of bliss and an elevation and/or higher vibratory nature of the body’s vital energy which is known as the Adorable Fire.

Surging energy causes an imbalance that shakes loose habitual emotional reactions. 

This equilibrium of male electric fire and female-magnetic water is the Adorable Fire of Tantric, Gnostic, and High Magic ritual…. often called the Strife filled Ecstasy, which is always invoked by the communion of male electric and female magnetic.

*

In Tantric practice, a "Daka" and a "Dakini" are important concepts.

  1. Daka: A Daka refers to a male practitioner in Tantric traditions. Dakas (Hero) are often seen as embodiments of masculine energy and are considered adept in various Tantric rituals and practices. They play a crucial role in Tantric ceremonies, often working in partnership with Dakinis to facilitate spiritual growth and transformation.

  2. Dakini: A Dakini (Sky dancer), on the other hand, is a female practitioner in Tantric traditions. Dakinis are often regarded as embodiments of feminine energy and are associated with wisdom, compassion, and enlightenment. They are guides and sources of inspiration for Tantric practitioners, helping them on their spiritual journey.

Dakas and Dakinis often work together in Tantric rituals and practices to explore and harness the union of masculine and feminine energies, aiming for spiritual awakening and realization. Their roles can vary depending on the specific Tantric tradition and practice being followed.

It is to be noted, that when energy levels surge beyond common boundaries, there is strife as new dimensions of self are experienced.

To the well-studied student of Qabalah, the Central Wand shown on the Thoth Card, is the Master Adept's Wand of Geburah/Severity, which represents the master's Body. Again, the Master Adept's Wand is shown in the color of lead (Saturn's metal), for it is assigned Saturn and the heaviness of Time (Saturn represents the Old God Cronos-Time) is the cause of this Strife. In modern society, trying to "beat the clock" is a strife ridden endeavor. Yet Strife also shows us that we are "up against" mental and emotional boundaries and must either back off or reestablish new ones. As the Soul's representative We are the Elohim Malechem which translates to "God's of the 4 universal elements". In other words, masters of time/space.

Master of time-Space

However, any surge of energy causes a noticeable, often severe, imbalance in the neophyte and to the Elements; therefore, the 5's can bring serious problems of unbalance:

  1. The 5 of Wands-Strife, brings quarrel and strife in the Vital energy:
  2. The 5 of Cups brings disappointment to relationships. 
  3. The 5 of Swords brings defeat to health and mind.
  4. The 5 of Disks, brings strangulation to income and business. 

Hence all 5's seem gloomy; However, the other cards in the divination will show you how long the difficulty as well as, how serious the 5's are to be taken. Really, these nasty old 5's just announce that a difficulty exists and often the solution to the problem is at hand and is often shown in the other cards of the Tarot reading.

There is significance and meaning to Saturn being in the house of Leo (shown on Master Adept wand). Saturn in the house of Leo people are more often good leaders who have the right level of control and discipline to get the work done, be they of evil or good intent. Saturn in Leo is Fire & Fixed. There are many celebrities With Saturn in Leo, such as, Adolf Hitler, Nelson Mandela, Freddie Mercury, Charlie Chaplin, Beethoven. Those whose who have Saturn in Leo, are notable cautious, controlled, focused, intense, and disciplined, yet they may also show a sense of good-humor, all characteristics of self -mastery. However, if the person favor's the shadow side (survival fear-based thought) of this fixed fire combination, they are usually egocentric, bossy, ridged, cruel and often extremely strict, such as Adolf Hitler and become prone to suicide.

Leo

Saturn in the astrological house of Leo, is also shown on the Mystic Palette 5 of Wands card as both golden signs are tangled up with the bundle of wands that seem similar to the appropriate Tibetan Dorje (Thunderbolt). Thunderbolts are known to cause strife.

Dorje

In astrology, the placement of Saturn in the house of Leo can influence various aspects of an individual's life. Saturn is associated with discipline, responsibility, and challenges, while Leo is linked to creativity, self-expression, and leadership. When Saturn is in Leo, some key characteristics may manifest:

  1. Self-expression Challenges: Saturn in Leo may bring challenges in expressing oneself freely. Individuals with this placement might feel a sense of restriction or self-consciousness when it comes to showcasing their creativity or talents.

  2. Authority and Leadership Lessons: Leo is a sign associated with leadership, and Saturn's presence can bring lessons in responsible and structured leadership. Individuals may learn the importance of discipline and organization in their leadership roles.

  3. Creative Discipline: While Leo is known for creativity, Saturn encourages a disciplined and structured approach to creativity. People with this placement may find that their creative pursuits require hard work, dedication, and a patient approach to achieve lasting success.

  4. Recognition through Diligence: Saturn's influence suggests that recognition and success in Leo-related areas, such as the arts or entertainment, may come through persistent effort and dedication over time.

  5. Balancing Individuality and Responsibility: Individuals with Saturn in Leo may need to balance their desire for personal recognition and individuality with the responsibilities and commitments they have in their lives. Finding this balance can lead to a more harmonious and fulfilling life.

It's important to note that the overall astrological profile, including the positions of other planets, aspects, and the individual's birth chart as a whole, contributes to the complete picture. Astrology is a complex system, and interpretations can vary based on the specific details of an individual's birth chart.

As stated, the Lord of Strife astrologically is Saturn in Leo, which is the influence of Geburah (The 5th Sephiroth) in the World of Pure Spirit; the Archetypal world of Atziluth of the Four Qabalistic Worlds. Here the powerful heavy effects of Saturn, shown as the central Major Adepts Wand made of lead, united with a Fire sign like Leo, brings quarreling and Strife in energy. In other words, volatility, and struggle. This sounds contradictory as Leo, the Sun, Loves the fiery nature of Geburah and Geburah implies severe motion while offering environmental strength and activity. However, Saturn, whose assigned metal is Lead, presents a heavy and constant resistance to motion as Time itself often seems to resist movement. What we often are unaware of, is that we get used to "imbalance", thinking it "normal". Therefore, the 5 of Wands comes by to show us otherwise.

Strife ridden flow.

Wands are a continual outpouring of force and with Saturn influence, this flow of force is agitated and disturbed, not unlike water flow is disturbed by rocks, causing rapids. Thus, in the five of Wands there is contest unresolved. Crowley/Harris's Thoth Card shows the nature of the energy rather than its natural conflict as displayed by the Rider-Waite-Smith or Mystic Palette Tarot Decks, or the many other traditional Tarot Decks that are shown in my blogs.

The Mystic Palette Tarot- 5 of Wands represents the Strife created by authority, especially by the Military Industrial Complex (Well represented as Roman conquest). The wands are bundled together each representing citizens, towns, or states that are joined together to form a strong whole. There is ambiguity here, as at one time the Fasces is represented as a symbol for democracy on the rostrum of the United States House of representatives and fascism, the name taken from the symbol.

Represented on this card, we see two people represented as two hands. While the Fasces is whole in the background, another is being torn apart in the foreground. Hence, this symbol can be seen as a positive, then the hands are doing damage to the Military Industrial Complex and often claiming allegiance to the concept of unity but allowing their own selfish interests to destroy it.

If the card is seen as a negative, the hands are doing good work, advocating for individual rights against an authoritarian (Military Industrial Complex/Patriarchy) backdrop. Hence, ambiguity.

The primary meaning of this card is about a challenge that leads back to uncertainty, but you must persevere and push forward regardless of the challenges, or situations facing you. You may feel territorial or defensive at this moment, but the advice is to seek out and listen to others. You can either make peace or just distance yourself from the drama.

Fear and doubt will be your companions and allow them to walk beside you as they will learn the wisdom of your journey and will lose their power to delay you. We can see the need to unite all the fears and doubts with the will to go forward in this image of conflict. Here one is in survival mode and in conflict with the Spirit-Mind-Body unity or all disagreeing with those who wish to divide this Oneness. This is also shown by the many trying to control a situation with aggression, each individual trying to apply their will over another. As the one central Fasces can easily see in the card's art, there is also an obvious state of a strife ridden being in conflict with indoctrination.

Thoth 5 of Wands-Strife

Pelé, Hawaiian Goddess of the Volcano

Many people find Geburah a difficult Intelligence to understand because she is a volcanic as Pelé (Hawaiian Volcano Goddess), all irrational disturbance, yet these disasters are derived from the benign and gentle influence of the Feminine that is Great Mother Binah. To me, this just shows the Divine Feminine "tough love" for her "children". She won't allow us to crystalize into a state of stasis.

Maid-Mother-Crone

The Trinity Goddess has crafted us as the most advanced manifestation of the I AM-Image on Earth, created from the Universal Archetype for Divine Creativity. We possess internal strength capable of navigating any challenge presented by the Universe. However, our perception is often clouded by subscribing to external definitions imposed by those who hold a false authority over definitions. Coupled with the influence of a "mind virus" and a false ego embedded in our subconsciousness by the media run Military Industrial Complex, we tend to view ourselves as weak and without choices.

In our pursuit of strength, we sometimes resort to indoctrination or dogma, which only leads to strife.

Interestingly, these manufactured misconceptions are frequently rectified through the very strife they generate, compelling us to embrace a more magical self-authorial and less tragic existence. Despite being conditioned to perceive mortality as a weakness, it is, in fact, the essential avenue for experiencing the natural balance of energy and matter transformations. This process turns information into knowledge through intimate engagement, known as in-form-action.

Moreover, as immortal Souls, wisdom is acquired through discernment gained from sensory and in-form-action experiences, collectively referred to as "experience." This transformation of information into knowledge is inherent to our nature as Beings of Light (Celestial Plasma), existing within and around Matter. We are not Matter aspiring to become Light, for Matter itself is merely coagulated and condensed light resulting from the alchemical interplay of "Will-to-Force" and "Will-to-Form," ultimately giving rise to the profound "Will to Be" and/or I AM Me. Nor are we looking for spiritual worlds, as we already are the Whole of Spiritual Worlds (4 worlds of Qabalah) manifested as Whole Self. However, the indoctrination of Divisionism has us seeking what we already are...the Kingdom of Spirit! For the kingdom of spirit is all around you, in you, above you and below you...it is YOU!

When a fish in the Ocean is seeking water, there can only be strife.

Whole Self/Whole Spirit.

The Four Worlds of the Western Hermetic Qabalah are central to its cosmology, offering a framework for understanding the process of creation and manifestation. They correspond to levels of existence and consciousness, derived from Kabbalistic traditions. Each world relates to a specific aspect of the Divine, the human psyche, and the creative process.

1. Atziluth (The World of Archetypes or Emanation)

  • Element: Fire

  • Sephirothic Domain: Kether, Chokmah, Binah (The Supernal Triangle)

  • Divine Name: Tetragrammaton (YHVH)

  • Description:
    Atziluth represents pure Divinity, the realm of archetypal thought and the highest expressions of the Divine Will. It is the world of pure spirit, where no form or substance yet exists. Everything in this realm is unified within the Divine essence. Atziluth corresponds to the first spark of creation, where the infinite light of the Divine begins to emanate.

  • Key Aspect: The realm of the archetypes and the primal source of all existence.

2. Briah (The World of Creation)

  • Element: Water

  • Sephirothic Domain: Chesed, Geburah, Tiphereth

  • Divine Name: Elohim

  • Description:
    Briah is the realm of creation where Divine ideas begin to take shape. It is the world of the Archangels and the intellectual faculty, where the Divine mind processes the archetypes of Atziluth into intelligible patterns. This world serves as a bridge between the pure emanation of Atziluth and the more concrete formations of Yetzirah. It corresponds to the soul's creative potential and higher intuition.

  • Key Aspect: The realm of Divine understanding and formation of the primordial blueprint of existence.

3. Yetzirah (The World of Formation)

  • Element: Air

  • Sephirothic Domain: Netzach, Hod, Yesod

  • Divine Name: El Shaddai

  • Description:
    Yetzirah is the world of formation, where archetypal ideas crystallize into structures. It is the domain of the Angels and the astral plane, linking the higher realms to the material world. This is the realm of emotions, imagination, and the subtle energies that shape reality. Yetzirah governs the process of organizing and shaping the Divine concepts into forms that can manifest physically.

  • Key Aspect: The realm of subtle forms and the framework of manifestation.

4. Assiah (The World of Action)

  • Element: Earth

  • Sephirothic Domain: Malkuth

  • Divine Name: Adonai

  • Description:
    Assiah is the physical world, the realm of action and manifestation. It is where the spiritual concepts from the higher worlds are finally realized in material form. This is the densest and most tangible world, embodying the culmination of the creative process. Assiah represents the physical plane and the culmination of spiritual energy into matter.

  • Key Aspect: The realm of physical existence and the materialization of Divine energy.

Interconnectedness

The Four Worlds are interconnected through the Tree of Life, with each world containing its own reflection of the 10 Sephiroth. This allows for a dynamic interaction between realms, enabling ascent and descent within the spiritual hierarchy. They also correspond to other esoteric systems, such as the Four Suits of the Tarot:

  • Atziluth: Wands (Fire)
  • Briah: Cups (Water)
  • Yetzirah: Swords (Air)
  • Assiah: Pentacles/Disks (Earth)

Practical Implications

  • Meditative Pathworking: Practitioners use the Four Worlds to ascend spiritually, starting from Assiah and moving toward Atziluth.
  • Magic and Manifestation: Understanding these worlds helps magicians align their intentions with the spiritual flow of creation.
  • Self-Realization: The Four Worlds offer a model for understanding the layers of the self, from physical existence (Assiah) to spiritual essence (Atziluth).

By working with the Four Worlds, practitioners can align their microcosmic reality with the macrocosmic universe, achieving greater spiritual insight and balance. In other words, become whole again after the process of indoctrination and dogma, has divided you from your Whole Identity. You are the Tree of Life!

The Immortal Solar Self (Soul) has no physical senses; hence no discomfort or comfort is ever felt nor is there a need for courage...the Psyche doesn't die as it isn't measured; no alpha and omega. Hence there is no fear of death, and therefore, without fear and sensation there is no empathy.  The solution to this problem is to "become manifest" and/or seek self-reflection by building a world of reflected light/Life. You are the Life of the Alive. Thus, strife is a loving corrective not a punishment, it points the way to error in our emoted thoughts.

 

 

 

 

 

Sensuality requires a "beginning and an end" (time), to exist. The very fact that Soul of you is seeking sensuality by enlivening an incarnate persona measured in Time/Space also requires severity/friction just to make boundaries and a fearlessness to transform them!

For example, a certain amount of friction is required to form energy into creations or even to move, for that matter. Without the severity of friction/magnetic force/gravity/Time/Space, etc.., form could not become form nor could the adorable fire that is cosmic life begin animating a form and thereby KNOW ITSELF!

The Soul has chosen to take the one sense of "I" and divide it into the 33 senses of an animate form for sensation: manifesting an "image of Self" in a world of measurement. Therefore, without the friction of severity in one’s life, intelligent accomplishment, progress, and evolution would not happen! Hence, the purpose of Spirit, which is to expand and liberate the I AM through living would never be accomplished without in-form-action!

I Am Energy in Self-reflection.

In Western Hermetic Qabalah, this card is also often called: The Master's Journey card (for to Master Time/Space is a master's journey). In numerology,the number 5 usually indicates someone who is full of fiery energy (We are fiery Solar Energy) but often is unable to channel it responsibly. This number brings adaptability, independence of thought and action, and often an unwillingness to conform to all of which eventually contributes to leadership. Therefore, the number 5-Strife can be used to increase versatility and independence.

However, 5 carries a caveat, which is that each of us must guard against an overwhelming desire for change to be on their terms and by being consumed by variation to such an extent that they are unable to maintain happiness without it and become unusually self-destructive. Again, Adolf Hitler is a good example of that failure.

When the 5/Five of Wands is thrown during a divination It implies:

  • That the querent is involved in a spiritual conflict. 
  • This frustrating conflict can ensue for 5 weeks or 5 months because of this confusion of ideas.  
  • The solution depends on the diligence of the querent.
  • Here, the querent is adjusting the identity, struggling with self-doubt while striving to move forward.
  • There may be a struggle or strenuous warfare- like competition for riches and success, a kind of      battle in life, but without bitterness.
  • The querent might also feel like they are in an impasse, powerless in a time of trial and difficulty.
  • Proving one's own abilities (like in a sporting competition).
  • Gain clarity around your intent.

If ill defined by the surrounding cards, it implies:

  • Recklessness as in rash actions.
  • Impulsiveness.
  • Bitterness towards others.

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