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Above all things, know thyself!

#1. I am the center of expression for the primal will to good.

To us moderns, who think in myth and now call it science, it may be understood that the Source of Energy is Kether who is the "Dark energy" and the Creatrix of Western Hermetic Qabalah-Mother Binah- the "Dark Matter" (Dark Ocean Mater) who is compared to the Dark Oceans and Seas of Earthly Water. Therefore, there is an element of darkness in the Thoth Tarot Ace of Cups just as there is an element of darkness with the Moon. In Latin-Mater is Mother and is the true dark energy as "Dark Mater/Mother" who is the Abyssal Womb and/or the Sea of the Universal Collective Unconsciousness. 

Now I know that this seems a play on words even though modern physics doesn't really understand this unseen dark matter (Mater) which the Qabalists have called this "pure light" (Non reflected therefore unseen) of Kether and the entire Supernal Triangle (Super consciousness) as the "non-space " for thousands of years. Space requires measurement and this darkness is infinite and unmeasurable. 

Again, the Aces are attributed to the 1st Sephiroth Kether and Cups are attributed to the 3rd Sephiroth-Mother Binah in the Qabalistic world of Briah, and they represent the purest forms of Will that controls energy (Kether), which is unseen by the human eye, but must be represented in a seeable illusion of white which is theoretically the balanced weights of all colors combined.

Each Ace of its suit is a specific type, and density of Energy that we call the Alchemical Elements and/or Empedocles/Pythagorean Universal Elements. Cups represent the Universal Element of Water, that is the Universal Collective Unconsciousness (Unconscious and its reflection the subconscious) and represents emotion, intuition, imagination, dreams, etc.

The paradigm of the Universal Four Elements—Fire, Water, Air, and Earth—is attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Empedocles (circa 495–435 BCE). He introduced this concept in his philosophical writings, particularly in his work On Nature. Empedocles proposed that these four elements were the foundational building blocks of all matter in the universe.

Empedocles' Contribution:

1. The Four Roots:

   • Empedocles referred to the elements as the "four roots" (rhizomata): Fire, Water, Air, and Earth.
   • He viewed them as eternal, unchanging substances that combine in various ways to create all physical phenomena.

2. Forces of Change:

   • He also introduced the forces of Love (Philia) and Strife (Neikos) as the agents that bind the elements together and pull them apart, respectively. These forces explained the cycles of creation, destruction, and transformation in nature. Today we call this Love force-The Law of Attraction.

Development and Influence:

1. Plato:

   • Plato expanded on Empedocles' ideas in his dialogue Timaeus, where he associated the elements with specific geometric solids (the Platonic solids) and linked them to the structure of the cosmos.

2. Aristotle:

   • Aristotle refined the concept further by connecting the elements to qualities:
     • Fire: Hot and dry
     • Water: Cold and wet
     • Air: Hot and wet
     • Earth: Cold and dry
   • He also introduced the concept of aether as a fifth element (or quintessence), which he associated with the heavens and celestial spheres.

3. Hermetic and Alchemical Traditions:

   • The concept of the four elements was integrated into Hermeticism and alchemy during the Hellenistic period. These traditions imbued the elements with spiritual and symbolic significance, linking them to mystical processes of transformation.

4. Eastern Parallels:

   • While Empedocles formalized the four elements in the West, similar paradigms appeared independently in other cultures:
     • China: The Five Elements (Wu Xing)—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
     • India: The Five Great Elements (Pancha Mahabhuta)—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether.

Why Empedocles?

Empedocles is credited as the first to explicitly define and articulate the idea of four universal elements as fundamental components of reality in a systematic way. His paradigm profoundly influenced Western thought, becoming foundational to natural philosophy, medicine, and esotericism for centuries.

The Ace of Cups is Kether in Briah, depicting the influence of Kether on the Intuitive Mental Level of the Divine Feminine. The Ace of Cups is the Root Powers of Water, a universal element used to symbolize intuition, unconsciousness, subconsciousness, and emotions (Waves of energy-emoted). It is the fabric of the Universe that all things are formed in.

The Thoth version of this Card shows the wave action characteristic of physical water, the scallop shaped waves of the Thoth card with its scalloped waves. Kether, the pure light, is the source of all frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum and is shown as the source, woven out of microwaves of light and/or Plasmic radio waves of frequency making a scallop-shaped Web of white light in the background of the Thoth Ace of Cups.

The Thoth Ace of Cups shows us a magnificent Graäl/Grail overflowing with and flowing through with "White-Kether energy", empowering the surroundings with ​Spider Woman's Web emanating from the Thoth Ace. Also, for those of us who do not know the Myths of Grandmother Spider, she is a Native American description of the Great Mother Goddess who wove the fabric of the universe.

Today we acknowledge time-space/electromagnetic grid, as a woven grid of energy, a matrix if you will. and we recognize the "String Theory" (spiral serpentine strings) of quantum physics, that states that there are spiral strings of energy that form quantum particles, to the ancients this was often shown as the Serpentine flow of energy. The similarity simply means that we have proven the Myth to be the Science that acknowledges the electromagnetic spectrum of light.

The Spider Woman myth is a significant and diverse story found among many Native American nations, especially in the southwestern tribes such as the Hopi, Navajo (Diné), and others. While details vary between tribes, the Spider Woman is often regarded as a powerful creator, protector, and teacher figure, embodying wisdom and creativity.

Hopi Tradition

In the Hopi tradition, Spider Woman (sometimes called Kókyangwúti) is one of the oldest and most revered deities. She is credited with the creation of life. According to Hopi cosmology, she was present at the creation of the world and helped the Sotuknang (the sky god) mold humans from clay. She used her webs to weave life and instruct humans in the art of survival. Her teachings involved spinning, weaving, and the understanding of interconnectedness between all living beings.

In some Hopi myths, Spider Woman plays a central role in guiding humanity during times of destruction and rebirth. She helps lead the people from the Third World into the Fourth World (the current world), offering wisdom and protection through difficult times.

Navajo Tradition

For the Navajo (Diné), Spider Woman (Na'ashjéii Asdzáá) is also a sacred being and an important cultural figure. She is often considered the one who taught the Navajo how to weave, gifting the people the knowledge of making blankets and baskets—important arts that hold spiritual significance. According to Navajo belief, Spider Woman’s web is a symbol of interconnectedness, and her teachings emphasize the importance of balance and harmony with nature and the universe.

In some Navajo stories, Spider Woman protects the people by offering advice and guidance. For example, in the Navajo creation story, she helps guide the Holy People (supernatural beings) and humans as they emerge from lower worlds to the current one. She also plays a protective role, particularly for warriors and travelers, keeping them safe with her wisdom and her webs.

Symbolism

Across various traditions, Spider Woman is a symbol of creativity, balance, patience, and feminine wisdom. The web she weaves represents the interconnectedness of all life, emphasizing that every action or decision affects the larger whole. The act of weaving also holds deep spiritual meaning, tying into creation, protection, and the ongoing process of life.

In essence, the myth of Spider Woman highlights the themes of creation, connection, protection, and wisdom. She is a guardian figure who teaches the importance of unity with nature and the power of crafting one’s path in the world.

The Ace of Cups represents the secrets of Water/The Universe Collective Unconscious of Western Hermetic Qabalah, in its original form as "The Dark Sea of Mother Binah". The Wyrd (weaving) of Atoms into flowing waves/currents of energy-form and/or "thought form" reminding us that water holds memory of its perfected form (Dr. Masaru Emoto-Messages from Water). Hence, Lady Frieda Harris (the artist of Thoth) used the scallop shapes to represent Oceans of Water as did the famous Botticelli painting of Venus. Water is the Feminine complement (magnetic), the Moon- vulva- womb to the masculine- electric- Sun-phallus. This scallop shaping of the energy is also shown on the swirling skirt of the Princess of Cups, who is the personification of the Ace of Cups. With the Princess of Cups, carrying forth the Will to Form of the Mother on Earth.

The Ace of Cups rules the Libra-Scorpio-Sagittarius quadrant above the North Pole, and the area of the Pacific Ocean.

Upon the Dark Sea of Binah are Lotuses, 2 in 1, that fill the Thoth Grail-cup with the Gluten of vital Life Fluid, which is either represented as Water, Wine, Semen or Blood according to the selected purpose of the symbolism. In such symbolism, the Western Blood Red Rose can replace the Eastern Lotus, thus representing the Blood and/or the wine dark Sea of Binah from which all Life flows. The Blood Red Rose is also the image for the "Rosy Cross" symbol and the Red Goddess, Babalon (Crowley gematric spelling for the Red Goddess) or the Crimson Sky Dancer, a Yogini of the Tibetan Tantra who is often shown dancing in the embrace of Yama- the storm god of Tibet.

Remembering that all Aces are the "seed" of a Willed force, and that no matter how much imagery we use to describe "The Womb with a View". I know her as an unseen "Will-to- Form" that makes/understands form from dream to manifestation.

To represent this amazing Creatrix Force, in any form of metaphor is difficult at most, and a mystery in the least, as is the power of Imagination emoted. It's like trying to identify the one who has left melting footprints in the snow. You know someone has been there, but no conclusive clue on their identity. Hence, it is said that She is the Seed-Waters of all Life, of Energy as formed by "idea": idea being fractals of thought woven together.

Often, I envision all ideas of Self, as foam on the waves of Her Universal Ocean; they come and go, but she is always there in her purity. Therefore, when thrown, the Ace of Cups represents the seed-waters of a form into which ideas begin to formulate; a birth starting in the mind as a zygote that will take about a year to manifest its true form (Aces are also considered to be one-year cards). Beauty, fertility, productiveness; the Mysterious Seed-Waters of Femininity.

The Cup represents the Womb/Enclosure where manifestation is developed and emerges from the Lotus (Crown) implying the idea of Womb, the seed of the concept of conception and not a gender yet. Thus, the Ace of Wands is the idea of Phallus-ejaculation, and the Ace of Cups is the Idea of Womb-reception. Here the concepts of electric and magnetic begin. The Cup and serpent motif, representing male electric and female magnetic, are represented in the 2 green handles on the Graäl/Grail cup and as an intertwined, pretzel- like motif on the cup itself, representing the serpentine flow of energy.

The Ace of Cups is derived from-Yoni Moon, as the Ace of Wands is from Lingam- Sun. Thus, we have the "Holy Grail", the wisdom of the Divine Creatrix; here the dark Sea of Binah supports the 2 in 1 (androgynous) Lotuses that fill the cup with Vital Life Fluid, be it symbolized, by semen, water, wine, or blood. 2 in 1, is the realization of the Womb and Phallus. According to Crowley, the White Light descending into the Ace of Cups is depiction of the Holy Ghost and/or Holy Spirit/Energy that enlivens all form, i.e., the male semen like flow of ejaculated vital Life force frequency that comes down through the Magus to Mother Binah.

On the face of the Thoth Ace of Cups, are the 3 intertwining rings that represent the serpent-like twisting of the 3 Aeon of Osiris, Isis, and Horus. 

As Crowley states in his book of Thoth, pg., 195.

"The card represents the element of Water at its most secret and original form. It is the feminine complement of the Ace of Wands, and is derived from the Yoni and the Moon exactly as that is from the Lingam and the Sun." This Statement is true for all Tarot Ace of Cup cards.

The Mystic Palette Tarot-Ace of cups depicts the Great Mother Cup as a glass goblet sitting on the Ocean bottom. The two fishes that form the stem are reminiscent of the older Tarot de Marseilles II of Cups.

The glass goblet is in the form of an ammonite shell. All around is the Ocean of the Great Mother and its life forms.  

In Western Hermeticism, the nautilus or ammonite is often associated with sacred geometry, cosmic order, and spiritual evolution. These symbols carry deep metaphysical significance due to their connection to the golden ratio and Fibonacci sequence, which are fundamental principles in Hermetic teachings about the structure of the universe.

Symbolic Meanings:

1. Sacred Geometry and Divine Order:

   • The spiral shape of the nautilus and ammonite reflects the golden ratio (φ), a mathematical principle found in nature, art, and architecture. This spiral represents the orderly unfolding of the cosmos, a key Hermetic concept.
   • Hermetists see this as evidence of a divine intelligence that organizes creation.

2. Spiritual Evolution:

   • The spiral structure symbolizes the path of spiritual ascension, moving from lower to higher levels of consciousness. It mirrors the concept of rising through the planes of existence in Hermetic cosmology.

3. Cycles and Eternity:

   • The ammonite and nautilus are fossils or marine creatures that have existed for millions of years, representing the eternal cycles of life, death, and rebirth. This ties closely to Hermetic beliefs in reincarnation and the cyclical nature of the soul’s journey.

4. Elemental Associations:

   • As marine symbols, they are often associated with the element of Water, representing emotions, intuition, and the subconscious mind. Water is also linked to spiritual cleansing and the flow of universal energy in Hermetic practices.

5. Cosmic Archetype:

   • The ammonite, often fossilized, is seen as a record of ancient wisdom, holding the energetic imprint of Earth’s evolutionary history. This connects it to the Hermetic idea of the macrocosm and microcosm, where all things are reflections of the greater whole.

Practical Use in Hermetic Practice:

• Meditation Aid: Gazing at or meditating on a nautilus shell can help align the mind with cosmic harmony and encourage inner reflection on spiritual growth.
• Symbolic Representation: The ammonite or nautilus may be used as a talisman or altar decoration to invoke themes of balance, spiritual progress, and universal connection.

These interpretations show how the nautilus and ammonite embody the Hermetic principle of "As above, so below," demonstrating the interconnectedness of nature, spirit, and the cosmos.

Happiness, sadness, satisfaction, sentimentality, and nostalgia are the types of emotions related to the Ace of Cups. Whereas, fiery emotions such as anger, passion, obsession are related to Wands.

The Cup represents the all-encompassing Maternal Force, symbolized as water either pouring dramatically from the Cup or an Ocean flow from the Cup becoming calm underneath as a placid sea full of life. Both cards show the Ace of Cups as the perfection and formalization of Tetragramaton (YHVH-the All Encompassing) evolving towards matter as water). This is YHVH and/or Tetragramaton (meaning-4 letters) who encloses all. This is a card of new emotion or the recent rushing in of emotions.
 

Both the Thoth and Mystic Palette Ace of Cups Tarot card convey a fluid, ever-changing, nourishing, communicative fertile imagination connected to knowledge, memory, positive, and negative feelings and/or emotions. As water can quench a thirst or drown one, so can emotional energy flow. For these free-flowing emotions to transform into abundance, and nourishment, mentally and physically it must be allowed to flow freely towards harmonious choices and great works both with receptivity and love. Otherwise, it will stagnate, and one will be locked in a swamp of yesterday's emotions. This makes me think of one of my favorite phrases:

" Let go and let Goddess".

In both Western Hermetic Qabalah gematria and Western numerology, the number One holds profound symbolic significance. While the interpretations vary slightly between these systems, they both view One as foundational, representing unity, beginnings, and singularity. Let's break down the characteristics associated with the number One in each tradition.

1. Western Hermetic Qabalah Gematria

In Hermetic Qabalah, the number One is primarily associated with the Sephirah Kether on the Tree of Life. Kether, meaning "Crown," is the highest point on the Tree and represents the source of all creation, the divine spark, or the primordial unity. It symbolizes the emanation of pure, undifferentiated potential. Here are some of the primary characteristics of One in this context:

• Unity and Singularity: One represents the unity of all things. It is the source from which all numbers (or beings) emanate but remains undivided. Kether contains everything in potential, yet it is beyond differentiation.

• The Divine Monad: One is often referred to as the Monad, or the supreme, indivisible Oneness of God or the universe. It is the beginning point of creation and existence. Kether is associated with the primal point of creation that sets the entire cosmos into motion through the "will -to-force" of Chokmah.

• Infinite Potential: In Kabbalistic (Hebrew Mysticism)-Qabalistic (Western Mysteries) thought, One represents Ain Soph Aur, or the limitless light, the infinite divine potential that has not yet been expressed into form. It is the root cause of all manifestation, though it is itself beyond manifestation.

• Masculine and Feminine in Potential: Though Kether is often seen as masculine, it transcends gender. At the level of One, masculine and feminine principles are united in potential but not yet differentiated.

• The Crown of Pure Spirit: One in Qabalah reflects the essence of pure spirit, untouched by the material world, indicating the highest level of consciousness or divine awareness.

• The Hebrew Letter Aleph (א): The letter Aleph is often associated with One in gematria, and it symbolizes the breath of life, the eternal flow of energy, and the ineffable nature of the divine. Aleph is silent yet contains the potential for all sounds, representing the primordial unity.

2. Western Numerology

In Western numerology, the number One has its own symbolic characteristics that align with the idea of beginnings, leadership, and independence. Here are some key traits associated with the number One in this system:

• New Beginnings and Creation: One is the number of new beginnings. It represents the initiation of action, creativity, and the start of a journey. Just as One is the first number, it symbolizes the beginning of all endeavors and projects.

• Independence and Leadership: One is often seen as the number of individuality. It is associated with strong leadership qualities, self-reliance, and the ability to stand alone. People influenced by the number One are believed to have pioneering spirits, often forging new paths and acting as innovators.

• Assertiveness and Confidence: The number One carries qualities of assertiveness and self-confidence. It symbolizes the drive to push forward, often with a clear vision of the goal. It is decisive and action-oriented, with a strong sense of personal power.

• Masculine Energy: In numerology, One is often seen as carrying a more masculine energy, representing strength, initiative, and assertiveness. It embodies the archetypal “yang” energy of action, determination, and dominance.

• Singularity and Focus: As a number, One symbolizes unity and focus, suggesting that someone with this number is highly focused on their goals. It represents the ability to concentrate efforts into a single direction, leading to success.

• Self-Sufficiency: One is connected with the idea of self-sufficiency and independence. People aligned with this number are often self-reliant and prefer to take initiative rather than follow others.

Overlapping Themes Between Hermetic Qabalah and Numerology

Both systems emphasize some common themes with the number One:

• Unity: Both systems see One as representing unity or oneness with the source, whether it’s the divine origin of the universe (Kether) or the independent power of the self (numerology).

• Beginnings and Creation: One is the starting point in both traditions, signifying the initiation of creation, action, or a new phase of existence.

• Masculine Principle: Though more pronounced in numerology, both systems imbue One with characteristics of action, initiative, and strength, often aligned with masculine energy.

• Potential: The number One holds the energy of pure potential. In Qabalah, it's the divine potential before manifestation, while in numerology, it's the potential of a new journey or creation.

Overall, the number One in both Western Hermetic Qabalah and numerology symbolizes divine unity, potentiality, independence, and leadership, offering powerful insights into both cosmic and personal growth.

Invoking the Great Mother Creatrix, often symbolized by the Ace of Cups in Tarot, involves aligning oneself with the archetypal energies of creation, love, intuition, and divine feminine abundance. The Ace of Cups represents the overflowing chalice of universal love, the womb of creation, and the connection to the subconscious and divine inspiration. A ritual to invoke the Great Mother Creatrix would focus on awakening these energies within yourself and connecting to her nurturing presence.

Here is a ritual framework:

Ritual to Invoke the Great Mother Creatrix

Purpose:

To connect with the divine feminine energies of the Great Mother, unlock intuitive wisdom, and open yourself to emotional and spiritual renewal.

Preparation:

1. Space Cleansing:

   • Smudge your space with sage, palo santo, or another purifying herb.
   • Ring a bell or use a singing bowl to attune the space to a higher vibration.

2. Altar Setup:

   • Place a chalice or bowl of water in the center of your altar, symbolizing the Ace of Cups.
   • Add symbols of the divine feminine, such as:
     • A white or blue candle (for purity and intuition).
     • A moonstone or pearl (representing feminine energy).
     • Flowers or seeds (symbols of fertility and creation).
     • A dark mirror (to reflect the inner divine).
   • Optionally, place an image or statue of a goddess that resonates with the Great Mother archetype (e.g., Isis, Demeter, Sophia, or Mary).

3. Personal Attunement:

   • Wear flowing, comfortable clothing in white, blue, or green tones.
   • Prepare yourself with a cleansing bath infused with rose petals, lavender, or sea salt.

The Ritual:

1. Casting the Circle:

• Create sacred space by walking clockwise around the area, visualizing a sphere of light forming around you.
• Call upon the four elements:
  • Earth: "Great Mother, I honor your stability and nurturing foundation."
  • Water: "Divine Lady, I welcome your flow of intuition and renewal."
  • Fire: "Sacred Mother, I invoke your transformative and creative flame."
  • Air: "Wise Creatrix, I breathe in your wisdom and inspiration."

2. Invocation of the Great Mother:

• Light the candle and hold the chalice of water in your hands.
• Recite an invocation, such as:

"O Great Mother Creatrix, womb of all creation,
Fountain of life, love, and wisdom,
I call upon your presence now.
Fill this sacred vessel with your divine essence,
That I may drink deeply of your wisdom,
And birth your light into the world.
I open my heart to your infinite love,
And align myself with the flow of your creation.
So mote it be."

3. Meditation and Visualization:

• Close your eyes and envision a brilliant light emanating from the chalice, filling your space with nurturing, healing energy.
• Imagine the light pouring into your heart, filling it with love and creativity. See yourself as a conduit for her energy, overflowing like the Ace of Cups.

4. Offerings and Devotion:

• Place flowers or herbs into the chalice as an offering to the Great Mother.
• Speak a personal prayer or express your gratitude.

5. Drink from the Chalice:

• Drink the water from the chalice, visualizing her essence becoming one with your body and spirit.

6. Closing the Ritual:

• Thank the Great Mother and the elements for their presence.
• Extinguish the candle, saying: "Though the flame is extinguished, the light remains within."
• Release the circle by walking counterclockwise and imagining the light gently dissolving.

Post-Ritual Reflection:

• Spend time journaling your experience, any insights, or emotions that arose.
• Be mindful of any synchronicities or dreams that occur in the following days, as they may carry messages from the Great Mother.

This ritual taps into the archetypal energies represented by the Ace of Cups: emotional renewal, intuitive connection, and the overflowing love of the divine feminine. Modify it as needed to align with your personal practice or specific traditions.

WHEN THE ACE OF CUPS   CARD IS THROWN DURING A DIVINATION:

It implies:

• A new attitude brings rewards.
• Spontaneous and innocent emotions.
• In a period of One Year, the querent will develop a new relationship, or new awareness about existing relationship.
• Is experiencing a new bust of empathy, emotion, sentiment, or enthusiasm. 
• This is a time for staying open and vulnerable to reap rewards.
• The opening of spiritual, psychic, intuitive channels/
• Heart opening to the gift of Love.
• Longing for union.
• Receptivity.
• Devotion.
• Harmony.

If ill defined by the surrounding cards, it implies:

• Vagueness.
• Irrationality.
• Hysteria.
• Trouble communicating.
• Value of life questioned. 
• All hopes are vain and meaningless.
• Loneliness haunts you. 
• Love fades away, leaving you depressed and empty.

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For traditional Tarot Card comparisons-Rider-Waite-Smith & B.O.T.A. etc.