The Tarot of Eli, LLC-Minor Arcana: Thoth Tarot- 9 of Wands-Strength & The Mystic Palette Tarot-9 of Wands

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#9. In thought word and deed, I rest my life, from day to day, upon the sure Foundation of Eternal Being.

The energy of Mercury in the Thoth 9 of Wands is called STRENGTH. Illustrated on the Thoth Card are 8 of the arrows, each of which have a crescent moon arrowhead, and 8 moons for feathers, all of which are in a balanced x-crossing the Main Central Wand that is topped by the Sun and the Moon at its bottom. Interestingly, as a Rune, X, represents a gift and/or a wild ox, appreciated for its strength and power. It stands for internal mental fortitude with the will to face challenges, and new beginnings. For men, it represents manhood/balanced by the feminine and for women, it stands for femininity balanced by masculinity.

Lady Frieda Harris, the artist, implied this image of strength as a union of the Sun (male) and the Moon (Female). Arrows symbolize the sign of the Archer, Sagittarius whose path joins Tiphareth (Sun) and to Yesod (the Moon) on the Qabalah's Tree of Life.

In astrology, a Sagittarius Moon Sign describes your instinctive or emotional energies, your innate reactions, and the things you need to feel comfortable or secure. Hence, Crowley writes, "Here the Moon, the weakest of the planets, is in Sagittarius, the most elusive of signs; yet it dares call itself Strength." [The Book of Thoth, p., 186].

The Moon in Sagittarius in astrology is believed to influence emotional tendencies and behaviors in alignment with the traits associated with the Sagittarius zodiac sign. Here are some characteristics of the Moon in the house of Sagittarius:

1. Optimistic Emotions: Individuals with the Moon in Sagittarius often have an optimistic and positive approach to their emotions. They tend to see the brighter side of life and are generally cheerful.

2. Adventurous Nature: Emotional fulfillment for these individuals often comes through exploration and adventure. They may seek excitement and new experiences to satisfy their emotional needs.

3. Freedom-Loving: Moon in Sagittarius individuals value their freedom and independence in emotional matters. They may feel constrained by too much routine or restrictions, preferring a more open and flexible approach.

4. Philosophical Reflection: Emotional responses are often influenced by a philosophical perspective. These individuals may reflect on their feelings, seeking deeper meanings and understanding the emotional aspects of life.

5. Direct Communication: They tend to express their emotions openly and directly. Honest communication is important to them, and they may find it challenging to navigate around indirect or subtle expressions of feelings.

6. Generosity and Empathy: Moon in Sagittarius individuals are generally generous and empathetic. They may feel emotionally fulfilled when helping others or engaging in acts of kindness.

7. Restless Energy: There can be a sense of restlessness in their emotional nature, leading them to seek variety and change. Routine may feel confining, and they may need constant mental and emotional stimulation.

It's important to note that the complete astrological profile involves considering the positions of other planets, the Ascendant, and more. Individual birth charts provide a more detailed and accurate analysis of an individual's personality and emotional tendencies.

The 9 of Wands represents Yesod in Aziluth; which is the source of this great strength thereby, making it The Lord of Great Strength. Plus, the weak planet, the Moon is in its natural Sephiroth of the Moon, Yesod, which is also the foundation, the "seat of great crystallization of Energy"[The Book of Thoth, p. 185], making it comfortable even in the elusive sign of Sagittarius. Then there is the number 9, which is the purest form of energy in its suit. Hence, here it is the purest crystallization of Plasmic Energy.

The Angels of the Decan are: Yirthiel, and Sahiah. Therefore, 9 of Wands-Strength, is the influence of Yesod/pure crystallization and/or coagulation of Energy in the World of Archetypes. The Lunar powers do acquire great strength in Sagittarius, as the Strength is in the ability of perpetual change.

However, with the Moon there are two sides to this "coin". Meaning, that successes are usually acquired by strife, apprehension, and moments of insecurity, for the Moon also governs the survival mind of the animal-subconscious and all its illusions of fear-based thinking.

The 9 of Wands also emphasizes the influencing strength of Woman/ Moon in this card, as her love, empathy, nurturing, and caring tame the "beast's" will-to-force; fear always subsides when faced with true love.

The Thoth Wand is a stylized Sun-phallus; the Womb-Moon wields the phallic "Will-to-Force" by its enclosing it in "Will-to-Form". This is not a new concept as the ancient Egyptians believed that the Moon pulled the Sun across the sky. This idea corresponds to the fact that the negative pole (electron-moon), attracts the energy flow from the positive pole (positron-sun). Hence, the good health and strength of this card is certain, but it harbors doubt about the later course it may take. It is best to know the axiom: "Change is Stability", when viewing this card. Implying there is great strength in flexibility. This is well shown in nature as great ridged trees are blown down in a heavy wind, while the flexible grasses suffer no damage.

The 9's may be considered the best that can be obtained from the type of forces involved, when regarded from a practical- material standpoint. As stated but not often realized, the Thoth- 9 of Wands, shows 8 background Wands as Arrows (Sagittarius influence) and one Master Arrow in the forefront, sporting a Sun at one end as a driving force, and a Moon at the other end as its point implying foundation (Yesod) and that even though Sagittarius joins the Sun and the Moon, the Greatest Strength is the balance and grounding of this coupling flow. The flow of Electric Male and Magnetic Female receptivity; Together, all that is Living Form, is from this flow and reception.

The Thoth 9 of Wands states that when we, as Suns/Souls, hermetically marry both the Male Will-to-Force and the Female Wil- to-Form within (Animus and Anima), in the material world honeymoon suite of our physical bodies this union reveals all the 4 Worlds in a communion of the Sun (Father) and the Moon (Mother) that universally never ceases. All of us have a "true identity" as Plasmic-Celestial-Vital Life Force and/or Souls. When 2 souls join into One, we have a powerful Divine Creative.

The Tenfold flames of the card, imply that the Energy of the Solar Self (Soul), is directed downward into the "reflection of being" turning the body into the "honeymoon suite" of the Divine-2 who now equal 1.

When this card shows up in a reading, it is also good to expect a change in one's life. However, this is a change for the purpose of instilling strength, either in health (recovery from illness) or in the character of the individual.

The Mystic Palette 9 of Wands is similar to a more traditional tarot art than the Thoth Card. Much like the Rider-Waite-Smith 9 of wands we have a weary warrior (Mars) with head bowed before a large planet Mars image in the background; weary but still ready to defend himself with his dragon headed weapon-wand. He has lived a life full of trials and tribulations, but his determination has enabled him to conquer all obstacles until now. The 8 wands of a fasces (Roman Senatorial Axe), shown as bundled rods tied by a red ribbon on the 5 of wands card, are unbound and scattered implying the unwinding process begun in the 5 of Wands in now complete. There is an implication that this was a long hard-fought battle.

The picture on the 8 of Wands, supports a murder of Crows, and one is perched on the shoulder of the weary warrior. In the perched crows bill is a piece of the red ribbon used to bundle the fasces. Which can mean that the Crow is ready to reassemble, or the crows are responsible for the unraveling. The Crow could also be whispering in the warrior's ear that victory is "Never more". Indicating that the cause looks to be hopeless; However, it may mean that someone or even your own subconscious is trying to convince you that it is.

Hence, when this card is thrown it states that your mantra is "keep going on". Here also is shown the crescent moon above and the sign of Sagittarius among the scattered wands.

Hence, one realizes there is no bad-black and good-white, all is combined in life as learning and knowledge through in-form-action. Here you get in life what your head puts out. Failure only comes when one quits.

In Western Hermetic Qabalistic Gematria and Numerology, the number 9 is imbued with profound symbolic and esoteric significance. It is often associated with completion, culmination, and a higher state of understanding. Here's an elucidation of its key characteristics:

Spiritual Significance

1. Completion and Fulfillment: 9 represents the end of a cycle. It is the highest single-digit number, symbolizing attainment and the final step before a new beginning.
2. Wisdom and Enlightenment: 9 often embodies spiritual insight and universal understanding. It resonates with the idea of gaining wisdom through experience and transcending material concerns.

Numerological Attributes

1. Humanitarianism: 9 is associated with compassion, altruism, and service to others. It reflects the qualities of selflessness and dedication to the greater good.
2. Transformation: As a number of endings, it signifies the potential for transformation and renewal, encouraging one to let go of the old to make way for the new.

Magical and Hermetic Associations

1. Planetary Correspondence: 9 is linked to Mars in traditional Western Hermeticism, representing dynamic action, courage, and sometimes strife, but also the drive to overcome obstacles.
2. Tarot Connection: In the Tarot, the number 9 is expressed in cards like The Hermit (Major Arcana IX), symbolizing introspection, guidance, and spiritual quest, as well as the 9 pip cards across the suits, which often depict near-completion or refinement of the suit’s energy.

Geometrical Symbolism

1. Triple Trinity: 9 can be viewed as three sets of three, highlighting its connection to the divine triad repeated at a higher level.
2. Circle and Eternity: Its mathematical properties (e.g., 9 x any number reduces back to 9) link it to cycles and eternity, echoing Hermetic ideas of the eternal return.

Cultural Resonance

1. Kabbalistic/Qabalistic Perspective: In the Tree of Life, the 9th Sephirah is Yesod, representing the foundation and the final stage before manifestation in Malkuth (the material world). It acts as a reservoir of all the energies from the higher Sephiroth.
2. Alchemy and Transmutation: 9 symbolizes the spiritual alchemist who transmutes base experiences into spiritual gold, emphasizing inner growth and refinement.

Nine’s resonance with the Hermetic principle of "As above, so below" makes it a powerful symbol of unity between the spiritual and the material, the macrocosm and the microcosm. Its energies encourage individuals to align their highest ideals with practical action in service to humanity and the divine.

When the 9 of wands is thrown during a divination it implies:

• Strength, power, health.
• Tremendous and steady force that cannot be shaken.
• Herculean strength is sometimes specifically applied.
• Remarkable success, but with strife and energy.
• Health good, and recovery not in doubt.
• Generous, questioning, and curious. 
• Fond of external appearance.
• Maintaining diligence.

If reversed, it implies:

• Victory, preceded by apprehension and fear.
• Intractable.
• Obstinate. 
• Your suspicion, stubbornness, lack of initiative and selfishness result in failure.

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