i

Introduction
History of the Sacred Tarot written by C.C. Zain.
by Linden Leisge April, 2010
In 1918 Zain started writing the 210 Brotherhood of Light lessons(serials). Serials
22-33 comprised the Sacred Tarot. The original lessons were nine page mimeographed
manuscripts, bound in blue covers and distributed to members of the Brotherhood of
Light.
One feature of the Brotherhood of Light Tarot system, which makes it unique in
comparison with other systems is its decanate correspondences to the minor arcana.
The system of correspondences was inspired by Paul Christians chapter on the gen-
eral theory of the horoscope found in his book The History and Practice of Magic.
The system was revised by Zain with the discovery of Pluto in the early 1930s.
In 1936 serial 48 Doctrine of Kabalism, was added to the Sacred Tarot. This
serial was based on Wynn Westcott's translation of sacred Jewish literature. For stu-
dents wishing more detailed information on the Kabbalah and the Tree of Life as
well as a comparison of the Waite Deck Major arcanum see attached writtings by
Prier Wintle.
The pictured Tarot Arcanum and court cards have change through time. For an
excellent history of the Tarot we reccomend Stuart Kaplans Encyclopedia of the
Tarot. The 1918 version used the pictures from the book Practical Astrology by St.
Germain. The St. Germane pictures were taken from the 1896 Falconnier deck. This
deck is found in the Encyclopedia of the Tarot by Stuart Kaplan. The Arcana court
cards pictured in the 1936 edition were revised by Zain and illustrated by Gloria
Beresford, a Church of Light member. All the other diagrams and illustrations in the
1936 edition are the same as were found in the original printing. The Falconnier deck
is linked to the Christian sources by the magical alphabet, which is the cursive form
of Egyptian writing. This form of writing is called Hieratic.

ii
Editors Comments. This review of the Zain Tarot is a must reading for the student of
this philosophy to grasp the full meanings of the cards in relationship to the Jewish/
Babalonian Mystical tradition. We place it here for comments and input from stu-
dents of this tradition.
Attributes of the Egyptian Tarot
by Prier Wintle
While not strictly an astrological subject per se, one of the more fascinating side-
applications of astrology is the attempt to solve the problems of discovering a key
which will unlock the full meaning of the symbolism of the still enigmatical Tarot
cards, by providing parallels in a symbolism with which we are familiar. The better
understood language as we seek something corresponding to the Rosetta Stone. This
will be a series of attributions of planets and signs to the cards which is clearly
appropriate, and at the same time logical and meaningful in itself.
One field in which it certainly needs to be introduced is that of the order of the
cards themselves. Ever since Court de Gebelin first focused enlightened occult at-
tention on the Tarot, in France shortly before the French revolution, there has been an
intuitive conviction that there is a correct sequence of the cards, and that this sheds
light on their deeper meanings and relationships one with another: in most published
Tarot books one particular order has been accepted as the customary or traditional
one, and the majority of card users accept that it has the authority of immemorial
antiquity behind it A.E. Waite, however, in Shadows of Life and Thought has claimed
that this order dates no earlier than 1830, and points out that when Court de Gebelin
published the cards in the 8th volume of his Encyclopedia,Le Monde Primitif no
numbers were assigned to them. Moreover, the 18th century cartomancer Etteila,
who used the sequence from the modern, well-known one. If the presently accepted
order is correct, therefore, its justification still requires to be conclusively demon-
strated. The correct sequence must be revealed when the correct correlation of the
Tarot with astrological symbolism is arrived at, because invariable sequence is an
inescapable characteristic of the latter.
The first systematic attempt to shed light on the cards with astrological help
was made by the French occultist Eliphas Levi. He assigned the 22 Trumps in the
order now accepted as traditional to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, in alpha-
betical order. This at once made an astrological comparison possible since a Rab-
binical tradition of attribution of the letters to planets and signs for Qabalistical rea-
sons had been in existence for centuries. The Hebrew alphabet consists of 12 simple
letters, 7 double letters (each with two sounds, one hard, the other soft or aspirated)
and 3 letters called Mother letters. This obviously invites astrological attribution,
and sure enough the 12 simple letters are assigned to the 12 signs, in the order in
which they appear in the alphabet, beginning with Aries and following through in
sequence to Pisces, the 7 Hole planets are assigned to the double letters, and 3 of the
4 elements (Air, Fire and Water) are assigned to the Mothers. (see footnote 1:1)
Unfortunately, the light shed upon the Tarot by Levi's direct paralleling of cards
and letters did not give much illumination. There is no space here to tabulate every
correspondence it produces, but some examples from the signs will give a general
idea. The Tarot card called the Moon is assigned to Aquarius, the Sun to Pisces, and
the High Priest or Hierophant is paired with Aries. Something is clearly wrong some-
where.

iii
The next step was taken by the English occult group known as the Hermetic
Order of the Golden Dawn This group pointed out that the Tarot cards, in the order
now accepted as traditional, are not numbered from 1 to 22, but from 0 to 21. There
was, therefore, room for difference of opinion on where the card numbered 0 should
be placed. Levi had begun with card 1 making 1 to correspond with the first letter of
the Hebrew alphabet and continued in order as far as card 21, corresponding with the
20th letter. At that point; however, he inserted card 0 correspond with the 21st letter,
and made card 21 correspond with the 21st letter. The Golden Dawn decided this
was a bind (it does seem a rather strange procedure) and began instead with card 0,
counting through them in order to 21. On examination of the correspondences thus
produced, they further decided that cards 8 and 11 had been wrongly numbered in the
series and transposed them.
This produces a series which just begins to suggest that sense is somewhere in
sight. To take a few examples from the signs once again the card called Strength,
now numbered 8 (formerly 11), which shows a woman opening the jaws of a Lion, is
assigned to Leo; while Justice, now numbered 11 (formerly 8), which shows a woman
holding the scales, is assigned to Libra. Moreover, Death, the skeleton with the scythe,
is assigned to Scorpio. Although this arrangement has almost become accepted as
sacrosanct by modern followers of the Golden Dawn tradition, uncommitted critics
cannot help noticing many very doubtful parallels which still remain. The Moon, for
instance, is assigned to Pisces, a very unconvincing attribution, and the Chariot a
card with much solar symbolism in it, to Cancer, while the High Priest, or Hierophant,
is aligned with Taurus, with which he would appear to have very little to do.
There is also reason of another kind for feeling dissatisfied with the Golden
Dawn attributions. There is a lack of consistency in them to the conceptual pattern
on which they are supposed to be based. I have already mentioned the switching of
cards 8 and 11. That was a departure from the accepted order of the cards on the
bases of the system. No one would object to that if adherence to the other bases had
been all the more rigid but this was not the case. There was also a departure from the
rabbinical tradition. The traditional assignment of the 12 simple letters to the zodia-
cal signs was followed exactly, but when it came to the planets such very doubtful
correlations with the Tarot cards were produced that it was felt some change had to
be made. One would have thought that consistency would have dictated a further
modification to the accepted order of the cards, but; instead of that, it was decided to
abandon the rabbinical order of assignment of planets to letters. The justification
given was the same as that for departing from Levi's placement of the card 0: The
rabbinical list was stated to be a blind.
Now, it is true that blinds do occur in ancient occult MSS; however, there is
strong reason for thinking that in this case the Sepher Yetzirah (the rabbinical docu-
ment dating from the 2nd century AD. which is the source-book of this tradition) was
not making one. The order it gives for the planets is as follows: Sun, Venus Mercury,
Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, with a pair of opposite meanings assigned to each one
corresponding to the double letter with which each is paired.
These pairs of opposites are:
Sun: Life and Death
Venus: Peace and War
Mercury: Wisdom and Folly
Moon: Riches and Poverty

iv
Saturn: Grace and Indignation
Jupiter Fertility and Sterility
Mars: Power and Servitude
In changing the planetary order to agree better with the Tarot cards, the Golden
Dawn left these pairs of meanings assigned of the letters, but changed the planets
correlated with them. As a consequence the following arrangement resulted:
Mercury Life and Death
Moon: Peace and War
Venus: Wisdom and Folly
Jupiter. Riches and Poverty
Mars: Grace and indignation
Sun: Fertility and Sterility
Saturn: Power and Servitude
It will, I think be agreed that these meanings are less appropriate astrologically
to this order of the planets than they are to the original rabbinical order. Moreover--
and far more important-the Golden Dawn planetary order is meaningless in itself
whereas the rabbinical one is not. It is the old Chaldean order based on the relative
orbital periods of the planets, well known to astrologers as the planetary hour series,
from which, indirectly the order of the days of the week is derived. Nor is this the
only rabbinical document which used this order. The -Sepher Sephiroth, assigning
the planets to the well known occult diagram called the "The Tree of Life, uses it
beginning with Saturn, as follows: Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus, Mercury, Moon.
Strangely enough I have never found this order noticed or recognized for what it is in
any commentary on either the Tree of Life or the Tarot Cards, though it leaps to the
eye of any astrologer. I am afraid the fact has to be faced that many "authorities" in
the occult field-including some who made pronouncements which it is now almost
considered heresy to question-really lacked needful basic astrological qualifications.
Clearly a problem like this should have been tackled only by persons skilled in
astrology. Occult or Qabalistical knowledge was, of course, necessary as well, but
not enough by itself, for what was being attempted was professedly a correlation of
the little known with the well known. In the cases so far dealt with, however, those
trying to solve the conundrum were occultists hoping to use the Tarot as an adjunct to
Qabalistical studies whose knowledge of astrology was really only just sufficient to
mislead them into thinking that what they were trying to do was something easy. As
a result they perpetrated astrological howlers, both in their correlations and, as just
demonstrated by not recognizing an important planetary order, which they therefore
altered into something meaningless. The task of correlating the Tarot with astrologi-
cal symbolism is actually not easy. It cannot be accomplished by any quick obvious
paralleling of two given series, as in the attempts described. The more one studies
the Tarot, the more one realized that many cards all seem to bear symbolism which
points in one astrological direction, and that the whole pack is questionably interlinked
by some not by any means as yet fully understood system of relationships. One can-
not hope for a solution to the enigma save from a Qabalist who is also a really able
astrologer with deep understanding of the profound aspects of astrological symbol-
ism.
The nearest approach to this desideratum we have had so far is the work of

v
Elbert Benjamine, published under the pseudonym, C.C. Zain, in his book, The Sa-
cred Tarot.
Benjamine was unquestionably a first rate astrologer, as students of his many
books will agree, and he also had the requisite intuitional attunement with the cards,
using the Egyptian form of the designs which he insisted, on the ground of several
different lines of occult tradition and authority to which he had access to be the
originals [see footnote 1:2) in addition he had an exceedingly wide general acquain-
tance with the whole occult field and with the basic Qabalistical tradition. One writer
of the Golden Dawn school has tried to cast doubt upon this, describing his Qabalism
as somewhat unorthodox to say the least" and then, after quoting some of his attribu-
tion& adding the single comment "most of which seem difficult to justify". [See
footnote 1:3] However, he makes not the least attempt to examine them in detail nor
to go into the grounds on which they were based. I hope to show that they were based
on quite sold ground Qabalistically, and also that, taken as a whole, they make far
more sense astrologically than the Golden Dawn series.
Benjamine rejected both the Levi and the Golden Down attributions in Toto,
together with the moderm, "improved' packs of cards and all designs save the Egyp-
tian ones. The others he felt reflected Christian or Mohammedan- influences upon
the underlying tradition--where they had not in fact been redrawn to suit some par-
ticular interpretation; however, he did not begin entirely from scratch. He accepted
the traditional order of the cards, as Levi did in assigning the cards to the Hebrew
letters beginning with card 1 for the first letter.
This would appear at first sight of course, to involve him in Levi's system of
astrological attributions based on the- rabbinical ones to the letters, but Benjamine
had seen beneath the surface. The Sepher Yetzirah assigns not only an astrological
sign or planet to each of the single and double letters, but also a direction. Examina-
tion of these makes it clear that a cube is being described whose 12 edges are the 12
zodiacal signs, while the 6 faces and center are the planets. I give his diagram exactly
as it is described in the Sepher Yetzirah in Wynn Westcott's translation (see footnote
1:4) of the Hebrew text published by Johannes Stephanus Rittangelius in 1642 at
Amsterdam, save for one correction made by Paul Foster Case. The latter edition of
his own work of the Tarot (see footnote 1:5), but later discovered that the correct
reading of the text places Scorpio on SW and Libra on NW and not vice versa as in
Westscott (see figure 1)
It will be seen that a planet is assigned to each face and one (Mars) to the center.
I have followed the rabbinical planetary order exactly as it is given in placing them,
and it interesting that when one does this, light is at once thrown on a well known
Qabalistical mantram connected with the archangels of the planets. The archangels
of Mercury, the Sun, Moon and Venus are respectively Raphael, Michael, Gabriel
and Auriel, and in the ritual of the Qabalistic Cross these are mentioned in the order
Raphael-Gabriel; Michael-Auriel. It is usual nowadays to say the ritual in the form:
"Before me Raphael, behind me Gabriel; on my right Michael, on my left Auriel"
This, however; makes the ritual all take place in one plane, whereas originally
it was obviously intended to be a cross formed by the intersection of the horizontal
plane by the vertical, and on the cube this is what it is. Mercury (Raphael is placed in
the east face and the Moon (Gabriel) in the west The Sun (Michael) is above and
Venus (Auriel below. The form of the second half of the ritual must; therefore, origi-
nally have been, "Above me Michael and below me Auriel (Not much doubt of this
can remain when one remembers that Auriel is also the archangel of the Earth.) The

vi
transition to saying the ritual as if it described a flattened cross in the horizontal
plane possibly occurred when Qabalists moved from low to high latitudes and the
Sun appeared to culminate in the South rather than above, but no hint of whether in
the cross or flat plane form, is given when the planets are placed on the cube in the
"amended" Golden Dawn order.
No directions are assigned to the Mother letters. It has been suggested- that
these correspond with the three diagonals joining the 6 faces, and this is possible; it
is entirely a moderm suggestion, however to the old Qabalists, the Mother letters
were distinctly something separate.
Benjamin's brilliant intuition was to use as basis for astrological correspon-
dences to the cards a figure known as the Grand Pentagram This he illustrates on
page 132 of the Sacred Tarot and I reproduce it here (see figure1:2)
It will be perceived that it is a figure which resembles a box or cube which has
been slit down the edges and then laid out flat, with the sides adhering only at the
corners. It is actually not, but it bears an indirect relationship to, the Qabalistic Cube
of Space and is from one point of view a symbolic astrological projection of it As-
trologers
will recognize a resemblance to the old square type of horoscope figure so dear
to the 19th century English astrology of the Raphael school-and this is indeed the key
to it. The signs appear in regular order round the figure on the outside coners of the 4
outer squares, beginning with Aries where one would expect to find the 1st house
cusp and ending with Pisces on the 12th house cusp. The planets occupy the spaces,
apart from 4 which are assigned to inside corners.
One must now take note of words which appear on page 7 of The Sacred Tarot
The author of these lessons is not...modest about his acquaintance with the unwritten
Kabala," Benjamin. writes, "he has received it fully and has also investigated the
written traditions of the Jews...And this seems the proper place to point out that the
unwritten Kabala, like the written Kabala, is set forth in symbolic language, with
purposed blinds and subterfuges to confuse The uninitiated. We must not, therefore,
expect the main key which unlocks the arcanum to have been delivered to us abso-
lutely explicitly. We ourselves have to work out how it fits-and the essential informa-
tion to enable us to do this has been given.
The horoscope, we know, bears a symbolic relationship to the four quarters of
the Earth and Heavens. Its four quadrants, each of three signs, being successively
those of the East, South, West and North are, therefore, set forth as squares in the
Grand Pentagram diagram. The cube, exactly similarly, is a symbolic picture of the
universe as perceived from a particular point in space (see footnote 1:6) and I have
already referred above to the relation of the planets placed in each face to the sym-
bology of the archangels of the different directions. The signs elaborate on the same
theme in a very illuminating way. Thus, the first two signs in the western part of the
horoscope, and of the Grand Pentagram, are Aries and Taurus, and these appear-as
vertical boundaries of the west face of the cube. The next two, Gemini and Cancer,
are in the next (The southern) quadrant of the horoscope and Pentagram-i.e., in a
different "dimension"; therefore, they are shown on the cube as the horizontal bound-
aries, above and below, which complete the first face. The next succeeding two signs,
Leo and Virgo; which lead from the southern to the western quadrant of horoscope
and pentagram (one being in each), are also shown as horizontal boundaries on the
cube, but as those of a different face (see footnote 7) as we now move round the
cube: Following them are Libra and Scorpio, the two main signs (cardinal and fixed)

vii
of the western quarter, and these therefore, appropriately bound the western face of
the cube as verticals and exact complements of Aries and Taurus on the eastern face.
Sagittarius and Capricorn then are the horizontal boundaries, above and below, of
this face, complements of Gemini and Cancer; as once again there is a southern
quadrant. Finally, Aquarius and Pisces mark the last shift round the cube and the
move from the southern back to the eastern quadrant of the horoscope and penta-
gram, completing the last face of the cube, as it were, in a manner calculated to
remind us constantly (since it is a symbol of the All) that the fundamentals of life are
three dimensional, and not two dimensional.
Now the Grand Pentagram, thus shown to be a valid symbolical relative of the
cube, leads to a correlation with the Tarot cards, when these are placed upon it com-
mencing at the western side (corresponding to the near face of the cube), which is of
the greatest interest and which has none of the forced qualities of the Levi and Golden
Dawn series. First, however, one must note the way the planets are assigned. This is
as follows: Commencing with the right-hand square, one planet (Mercury) is as-
signed to the corner of it where it touches the central square. This is the start of the
whole series. It is followed by the signs Virgo, Libra and Scorpio round the outer
corners and then the planet Jupiter is assigned to the center of the square. The proce-
dure is, the same round each of the other outside squares: first of all, a planet as-
signed to the inside corner and then three signs to the outside ones, and finally an-
other planet is the center. At the end of the entire series the Sun and Pluto are as-
signed to the center of the inside square. The Tarot cards are now assigned to the
figure in the same sequence, beginning with the Magician or Juggler assigned to
Mercury and continuing through in their traditionally accepted order. It will be ob-
served that the three outer planets, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, appear on the figure.
These take the place of the three elements, Air, Water and Fire, of the rabbinical
tradition, as I have mentioned in a footnote above. The full justification of the substi-
tution will appear when the corresponding Tarot cards are discussed in the course of
the exposition of all the cards, in the sequence corresponding to the Grand Penta-
gram schema, which I propose to embark on now.
Having now demonstrated the Qabalistic basis of his system and shown that
Benjamine's assignments were no mere caprice on his part, I propose to examine
each astrological correspondence produced with brief comment. I think this will be
the first time this has been attempted by an outside commentator, and it will be a
justice long over do to Benjamine. Many commentaries and meditations on the inner
meanings of the Golden Dawn and Levi attributions exist, but the Benjamine ones,
being supposed to be arbitrary, have been neglected. How much has been lost through
this mistaken belief may now appear.
This is a highly appropriate attribution since, in Tarot, the Magician clearly symbol-
izes the conscious mind and conscious focusing of attention.
The Golden Dawn attribution, using the amended (non-rabbinical) order of the
Planets, is also to Mercury.
Card I The Magician
Attribution: Mercury

viii
This is also highly appropriate. The figure of Isis as depicted in Egyptian mythology
passed in Christian times, without the slightest modification, into acceptance as the
standard mode of portrayal of the Virgin Mary.
Certain titles describing different types of mental approach or intelligence given
to the Hebrew letters by the ancient rabbis are illuminating in connection with the
Tarot attributions. They, together with the indications of position on a cube which
indirectly correlates with his own system attributions were undoubtedly Benjamine's
reasons for retaining the assignment of cards to letters, even though he rejected the
prima fascia astrological attributions which seemed to go with them. In this case the
title is "Intelligence of Transparency". In an unsuitable sense this might be taken as
a reference to the semi-transparent veil worn by Isis. In a deeper sense it points
unmistakably to the Virgin as the one through whom God passes into the world.
The Golden Dawn attribution is to the Moon, and the Moon is certainly also
associated with both Isis and the Virgin. There is no other card with which the sign
Virgo can be placed as appropriately as with this one, however, the Moon herself and
the other her archangel, with which the Moon can convincingly be associated. As
will be seen later the Benjamine series leads to a direct pairing with appropriate
lunar symbolism in both these cases; the traditionally hallowed association of Isis
with the Virgin, therefore, may confidently be taken to be more correct in this case.
Thus, we have the first card paired with Mercury as the positive, self-conscious
aspect of the mind, and the second complementarily with Mercury's negative sign,
symbolizing experience, classifying and storing everything in the great computer of
Memory. Indeed, sub-consciousness is far more efficient than any computer that has
ever been designed, for she runs every minute detail of the automatic workings of
our bodily organisms, breathing, temperature maintenance, heartbeat, digestion and
assimilation, and countless other functions; but being a woman, she is, like a woman,
and must be treated as one. No one who attempts to bully and browbeat his body will
get the best response from it, whereas a confident suggestion that one, trusts it to
look after its own business, together with considerate respect for its rhythm-her
rhythms-produces perfect co-operation.
Footnotes, Part One
1) One might be excused for wondering why the three modes, Cardinal, Fixed
and Mutable; were not chosen instead of only three of the elements. The three cho-
sen, however, correspond to root potencies which ultimately find their field of mani-
festation in the fourth, Earth, and they have, moreover, been found more recently to
correlate remarkably with the three "new" planets, Uranus, Pluto and Neptune, sup-
posed exoterically to have been unknown to the ancients.
2) By some, these are attributed to the Comte de Saint Germaine; and it is
undeniable that a version of the Egyptian designs is associated with the latter, but it
would seem probable that he did not originate these himself. More likely he, too,
recognized in them the authentic tradition and in consequence, gave the sanction of
his name to them.
3) See Gareth Knight, "A Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism", (Helios,
1965), Vol. II, page 229.
4) (Theosophical Publishing Society, 1893) There are a number of different
Card II: Isis or The High Priestess
Attribution: Virgo

ix
translations of the Sephir Yetzirah extant, based on different ancient manuscript, and
these offer variant readings in certain important sections. The Westcott version is
usually held to be the best as it was produced by a scholar who was also an occultist
and who, Therefore, appreciated the deeper significances in what he was translating.
Benjamine does not explicitly identify the version he used, but on pages 13-14 of
The Sacred Tarot, he specifies the number of sections in each chapter, viz. Chapter 1-
12 sections, Chapters II and III--each 5 sections, Chapter IV-4 sections, Chapter
V--3 sections and Chapter VI-4 sections. This makes it unequivocal that it was
Westcott's, for no other divides up the chapters in quite this way. It is perfectly cer-
tain, however, that he would not have used it without checking with the original
manuscript source, and I am confident, therefore, that he too was aware of the error
discovered by Case.
5) "The Tarot", by P F Case(New York, 1947), Macoy Publishing Co.
6) It is well to remember that although the only accurate projection of the world
around us must really be circular or spherical (for this reason modern horoscopes are
always drawn as circles), still the prime directions are all at right angles to one an-
other and appear to be perceived by us as straight lines. Therefore, it is also true to
say that, in a sense, we also experience the universe in rectilinear mode, and the
tendency of the conscious mind is, in fact always to impose linear coordinates upon
the fluid curve of visual sensory perception. These, when joined by other straight
lines, produce the square or cube figure and this is not really a distortion of actuality,
but an accurate diagram of an interior reality, i.e., the mind's own logical interpreta-
tion of experience. So long as one realizes what one is doing, it is a perfectly admis-
sible figure to use, one which permits of ready symbolic compartmentalizing of ideas
and perceptions, and it was for this reason that the square type of horoscope figure
was preferred by all the old astrologers, from medieval times up to the end of the
19th century.
7) This is the northern face of the cube, whereas the quadrant of the horoscope
is the southern one, but this "discrepancy" is not real but solely the result of the
different symbolic approach (3 dimensional on the cube) to picturing the one reality.
The actual direction of motion which is pictured round both figures, cube and penta-
gram, is exactly the same, i.e., anti-clockwise, but since the cube is three dimen-
sional, it must picture the greater movement of the Heavens, that of precession, which
turns from east to north Instead of south. The comparatively two dimensional human
affairs pictured by the two dimensional horoscope are concerned only with the Earth's
orbital motion, turning from east to south.
The appropriateness of this attribution is strongly brought out by the rabbinical title,
"the Uniting Intelligence". To bring together, form relationships, and unite is the
special characteristic of the sign Libra. As the Empress, Isis is here manifesting in
her role as queen or ruler, and it is well known that female rulership is always at its
best when exercised in the Libran way, with tact and charm and instinctive avoid-
ance of too much bluntness and directness. The Golden Dawn attribution is to Venus,
which is also appropriate to the rabbinical title. One may question, however whether
the Empress does not portray a woman more mature and responsible than the young
Part Two
Card III: The Empress or Isis Unveiled
Attribution: Libra

x
Queen of Love. An Empress is one who can hold the scales or balances, i.e., domin-
ion and competent to administer justice. Libra suggests all of this, Venus none of it
The title, "the Uniting Intelligence", also hints at the character of Libra as the sign
which binds the northern or summer signs of the zodiac to the southern or winter
ones at the autumnal equinox, reuniting them, as it were, as the complement to the
sword of Aries which divided them at the start of a new year, six months before.
As Benjamin points out, the first four Tarot arcane bear a symbolic relation to
the letters of Tetragrammaton, J H V H, or YOD (or JOD) HEH VAU HEH the Name
of God usually corresponds to the letter Jod which means "a hand and which is
written as a tiny flame-like character poised well above the line down to which all
the other letters are brought. It is depicted in the design of the card itself in the
Magician's upraised hand holding a wand Veiled Isis, or the High Priestess, then
corresponds to Heh, a window or opening through which one can see. She sits in just
such an opening--not the door (Daleth) of the Temple, but the porch or loggia before
it--through which, once the veil is parted, one can see the true door. The Empress, or
Isis Unveiled, corresponds to Vau, a nail or link, i.e., something which joins or unites.
She pictures, in fact the marital state; and is the High Priestess after her union with
the Magician, the negative united with the positive, the "woman clothed with the
Sun" of Revelation 12:1 (see footnote 2:1) Card IV, the Emperor, corresponds to the
final Heh, the appropriateness of which is set forth in the next section.
The Golden Dawn attribution is to Aries, which is not a bad attribution for the mate
of the Empress and would have been even better had the Golden Dawn attributed
Libra to her instead of Venus; however, when one comes to consider the symbolism
of the card, in a more overall sense there are the serious drawbacks to a correlation of
Aries with it. The sign is too headstrong and lacking in mature sense of responsibility
to befit an emperor. More fixity is needed, and Scorpio is also better because the
figure depicted here stands not only for rulership, but also for the embodiment of
male sex potency. The rabbinical title is "the Luminous Intelligence" and the reasons
given for this, though obscure, also seem to have a flavor of Scorpio about them.
They are: because it is that brightness which is the founder of the concealed and
fundamental ideas of holiness; and of their stages of preparation. The Word "Lumi-
nous", moreover, immediately brings to mind the correspondence of Card IV with
the final Heh (window) of J H V H. For the Emperor is both the sex power (Scorpio)
and also the sovereign power of Reason, which sees (understands). The alchemistical
sublimation of the sex power, in addition, eventually leads to complete illumination
of the mind
This is an excellent attribution--far better than the Golden Dawn one to Taurus, a
fixed earth sigh, which is almost impossible to justify convincingly. Jupiter has al-
ways been associated in astrology with priests and hierarchies.
The rabbinical title is `the Constituting Intelligence" so called because It con-
Card IV: The Emperor or Sovereign
Attribution: Scorpio
Card V: The High Priest or Heirophant
Attribution: Jupiter

xi
stitutes the substance of creation in pure darkness, and many have spoken of the
contemplations--a description which is illuminated more by meditation than by com-
ment upon it. The meaning of Jupiter as expansion should be kept in mind, for;
essentially, this card deals with the processes of expansion of consciousness.
Another excellent attribution,far better than the Golden Dawn one to Gemini despite
the alternative title for the card. A far better location for Venus,the Queen of Love,than
the Empress, which is the Golden Dawn's choice as we have seen. This is not the
purely mental duality or diffuseness of Gemini. The design shows woman in two
guises, virtuous and uplifting; and sensual and degrading, both appealing for the love
of a man.
The rabbinical title, "the Triumphant and Eternal Intelligence", is astonishingly
apposite, both in its suggestion of the eternal power of attraction which woman ex-
erts over man, and because it should be remembered that Venus, as Ishtar, was the
ancient Chaldean Goddess of Victory. The reasons given are: "because it is the plea-
sure of the Glory, beyond which is no other Glory like to it, and it, is called also the
Paradise prepared for the righteous". The use of the word "pleasure" makes the Ve-
nus attribution unarguable.
Medieval designs for this card are full of unmistakable solar symbolism. The cart is
drawn by two horses, one black and one white (always prominent in solar mythol-
ogy), and the wheels of the vehicle are set curiously aslant, suggesting that, as the
horses pull it, it is being caused to swing in an orbit rather than be drawn directly
forward. The Egyptian design leaves out the slanted wheel symbolism and the cart is
drawn by two sphinxes instead of horses; a starry canopy over the driver's head and
a winged solar disc on the front of the vehicle still convey the same meaning, how-
ever. To appreciate the appropriateness of the attribution of Sagittarius to this card,
one has to understand the deeper meaning of the centaur symbol. It is not merely a
portrayal of the animal in man: it is an intimation that man's physical vehicle (the
upper part of the centaur body, and the chariot in the Tarot card) is both supported
and propelled by solar energy. If one looks at the position of Sagittarius on the cube,
moreover, one sees that it is one of the edges bordering the top face, attributed to the
Sun, and that Leo is just to the left of it. Sagittarius is the sign which gives wings to
the energy of the Sun, or transforms it into the power of the arrow, and in this connec-
tion it is interesting that it has proved to be the sign most prominent in the charts of
astronauts, whose rockets must always follow orbital paths to their destinations.
The Golden Dawn attribution of the card is to Cancer, which seems to have
little to recommend it. It has been justified on the ground that the Chariot a vehicle
and this symbolizes the human body or physical vehicle which is an outer shell for
the spirit, but while this is ingenious, it leaves out of account the traditional associa-
tion of the Chariot with Osiris (a solar figure) and the general impression of vibrant
Card VI: The Lovers or The Two Paths
Attribution: Venus
Card VII: The Chariot or The Conqueror
(sometimes called the Chariot of Osirus)
Attribution: Sagittarius

xii
power and movement given by the card much more than of embodiment. In the
Benjamine series the sign Cancer falls in association with the card called the Moon,
and this card carries connotation of restriction, darkness and difficulties. This surely
reflects much more appositely the intuitive sense that the body is the limiting shroud
of the spirit.
The rabbinical title is "the Disposing Intelligence". The reason given that it
"provides Faith to the righteous, and they are clothed with the Holy Spirit by it",
which may be a reference to the more religious 9th house connotations of Sagit-
tarius; the Chariot however, being of the first septenary of the Tarot trumps, tends to
portray more of the exoteric than the esoteric and religious aspects. (In a general
sense, the first seven cards portray the physical plane, the second seven the astral,
and the third the spiritual)
We must not forget that the entire spiritual work of the Qabalah has also been
called by qabalists the work "of the Chariot". Man is not to limit and enclose the
spirit (Cancer), but is to develop the ability to be a free and glorious vehicle for it on
all planes.
This is one case where Benjamin's attribution seems at first sight to be less appropri-
ate than that of the Golden Dawn, which is to Libra, the Scales. However, it must
also be admitted that in the actual administration and enforcement of justice Capri-
corn figures at least as much, if not more prominently than Libra, and it is this point
which the Egyptian design seems to be bringing out. The figure of Justice carries a
sickle shaped sword as well as the scales, and she sits on a raised dais with a lion at
her side and a solar canopy over her head, reminding one that Capricorn is the natu-
ral sign of the meridian where the Sun reaches its point of culmination. A connection
with the scales also exists by reason of the fact that Saturn, whose house this is, is
exalted in Libra, Though Libra itself is rather the house of marriage than of Justice
per se; thus, in this series, it appears in association with the Empress, as the consort
of the Emperor. She may, or course, be the real power behind the throne, as Libran
women so often are. The true faculty for seeing both side of a question, is a must for
judging and making adjustments accordingly, is also Libran, for it is of the essence of
that which harmonizes. Thus it is that which makes a true marriage work, as well as
every other relationship or association from the most ephemeral group up to a king-
dom or an empire.
Still, the external workings of Justice, meting out rewards and punishments, are
Capricornian, and Capricorn is also known for ability to mediate between sides in an
entirely practical way, as King Solomon does. It is the sigh which appears by far the
most frequently in the horoscopes of the popes for this very reason, the Papacy being
primarily a pragmatic body mediating between conflicting movements-and interests
within the Church.
The rabbinical title is "Intelligence of the House of Influence" --"by the great-
ness of whose abundance the influx of good things upon created beings is Increased"
--a clear reference to the blessings which flow to men and nations from just, impar-
tial and immovable Capricornian administration.
Card VIII: Justice or The Balance
Attribution: Capricorn

xiii
To understand the point of this assignment it is necessary to realize that the figure
depicted is not a hermit in the popular sense of that term, i.e., a lonely anchorite, but
one who has "attained" on the occult path: a "Hermetic". In the medieval Tarot packs
it is true that misunderstanding of this fact has led the design to be modified into
something resembling the conventional hermit figure, but in the Egyptian pack the
true meaning cannot be missed. The man shown is mature, but not old, and instead of
being swathed in the conventional cloak and cowl, he is in the act of divesting him-
self of a square grey cloak, representing material limitations (see footnote 2:2)
The first essential before there can be any advance on the occult path is the
achievement of detachment, and this of course is the Aquarian trait par excellence;
the hermetic does not retire from the world, however. On the contrary, he lives in it
and may be approached by all, as was the Comte de Saint Germaine, the very type of
the Tarot Hermit, or Sage. This too is Aquarian.
The Golden Dawn attribution is to Virgo, which makes very much less sense,
Virgo being above all the sign of the feminine, i.e., of woman and her mysteries and
potential fruitfulness (the ear of corn); therefore, Benjamin's attribution of the High
Priestess to this sign, or contrast, it is indeed, an inevitable falling into place in a
correct astrological sequence). The only justification that could be advanced for the
Virgo correlation is the fact that the sign does have a connection with knowledge and
science, and it might, therefore, be argued that there in their ideal perfected form are
the hermetic arcanum; the scientific knowledge with which Virgo is associated, how-
ever, is the precise analysis and classification of the things (fruits) of this world, and
this is but "the Gate of the Sanctuary" (another name for the Arcanum, the High
Priestess or Veiled Isis). The true Hermetic Arcanum is a spirituo-intellectual per-
ception, achieved after all classifications have been completed, worked with and
meditated upon, and of true place and function of each specific thing in a total spiri-
tual-material creation. This is Aquarius.
The rabbinical title is Intelligence of the Secret of All Spiritual Activities",
which speaks for itself.
With this card we reach the first of the attributions to the "new" planets. Uranus takes
the place of the element Air in the old rabbinical scheme, which was assigned to the
first of the Mother letters, Aleph. Benjamine assigns Mercury to Aleph, and Mercury
representing lower mind, is thereby also closely associated with the element Air,
which astrologically stands for mind in the general sense, it is of interest, therefore,
that Uranus is generally considered to be the "higher octave" of Mercury. Standing
here for "the Air of the Wise", its attribution to the Wheel of fortune is most interest-
ing. Meanings which have been given to the Wheel are endless, or course. It is the
Wheel of Samsara, of Karma, of rebirth, etc. Underlying all these ideas, however, is
another more fundamental one: that of the cyclic nature of the machinery which
keeps this manifested universe in being--and it is this which explains why Uranus is
rightly attributed here.
What the nature of the essence of the ultimate source of our universe is, we can
Card IX: The Hermit or TheSage
Attribution: Aquarius
Card X: The Wheel of Fortune
Attribution: Uranus

xiv
never know. It is incomprehensible by us. Whenever it presents itself to us in a com-
prehensive form, however, it is as ultimate mind. This was why the ancient rabbis
assigned that first mother letter to air. And we now in our quest for understanding of
the nature of mind and of the laws which govern the universe, make use of the Ura-
nian faculties at the very limits of human mentation --"mind at the end of its tether",
in fact.
It was the discovery of Uranus by Herschel which led humanity to a correct
apprehension of the nature and size of the solar system, while studies of perturba-
tions in the orbit (wheel) of this planet led Adams and Leverrier to the discovery of
Neptune, and Later on Lowell, Pickering and Tombaugh to that of Pluto.
The Golden Dawn attribution is to Jupiter, a planet without known associations
with rotation in any form, actual or symbolical, and associated astrologically only
with booms, expansion and growth generally, never with ups and downs. Uranus, on
the other hand, has always been notorious as the planet of revolution --the turning of
that wheel on which the destinies both of nations and of individuals are spun. It
brings down the rich and highly placed and exalts the obscure and lowly. And though
the apostles of gradualism try desperately to forestall its sickening lurch by reform
and planned progress (Jupiter), no prediction is more sure that revolutions, like earth-
quakes, will continue to occur--unpredictably (Uranus).
The rabbinical title is "Intelligence of Will", a most appropriate title to be cor-
related with Uranus since it is by means of intense, dominating will that the Uranian
always pursues his objectives, with complete disregard of all accepted authority or
tradition.
This is the second attribution to a "new" planet and Neptune, in this case, stands in
place of the element Water, which was assigned by the rabbis to the second Hebrew
Mother letter, Mem. Benjamine assigns Aries to Mem, which might seem on the face
of it to be a rather startling reversal of the symbolism; but I shall have to postpone
discussion of the justification for this till a little later on.
The card we are dealing with here shows a young girl robed in white, calmly
opening the jaws of a red lion. It was one of the cards transposed out of the traditional
order by the Golden Dawn, who wished to make it correspond with Leo; Benjamine,
however, assigning Neptune to it as representative of the Water of the Wise, says the
girl is demonstrating mystical self-control over her own animal nature through com-
plete sublimation or reversal of all unregenerate motives and attainment of complete
purity. This has led to Nature recognizing her with the ability to rule the animal
kingdom, typified by the lion as the king of beasts.
Neptunian's do, occasionally, have this apparently uncanny power over ani-
mals as the result of a natural ability to form a link with them upon subconscious
levels--the realm of the element water.
The rabbinical title is "the Rewarding Intelligence," the reason given for it be-
ing that it "is so called because it received the divine influence which flows into it
from its benediction upon all and each existence." This clarity refers to water and to
Neptune. In the medieval packs, the girl wears a lemniscate hat or has an infinity
symbol over her head; in the Egyptian pack, however, she wears a headdress consist-
ing of a dove and a small pitcher of water.
Card XI: Strength or The Enchantress
Attribution: Neptune

xv
This is a clearly appropriate attribution to the sign of self-undoing and self-sacrifice.
The rabbinical title is "the Faithful Intelligence, "and the reason given for this, makes
a clear reference to the cross upon which all spirit hangs while in incarnation on the
physical plane. It runs: "and it is so called because by it spiritual virtues are in-
creased, and all dwellers on earth are nearly under its shadow."
The Golden Dawn attribution is to Water, and it is pointed out that Water was
the first mirror. The Hanged Man hangs head downwards like a reversed minor im-
age, symbolizing the inverted condition of spirit while it is incarnated in matter. This
is also appropriate, of course. The sacrificial motif which is so strong an element in
the design is better caught by the Pisces attribution, however.
The Golden Dawn attribution is to Scorpio, which has an obvious superficial appro-
priateness. This group's attribution of Aries is to the Emperor, so the two series
transpose in these two cards. Benjamine justifies his assignment here by pointing out
first of all that every death is really a birth or beginning of a new cycle. The scythe or
sickle (cycle) carried by Death is really a reminder of this from the first moment of
life we begin to die, and are always in death while in physical existence until we
awaken to spirit.
There are deeper reasons for the assignment, however, as follows: Aries and
Libra are the two crosses in the Zodiac. In them the Sun crosses the equator, moving
from south to north declination in Aries and from north to south in Libra. Libra
corresponds to the Empress in this series, and the movement from north to south
declination symbolizes a coming in to manifestation via, physical birth or genera-
tion. (the Empress is the consort of the Emperor, Symbol of masculine sex potency,
and is herself depicted as pregnant) Aries, representing motion in the opposite direc-
tion, therefore, symbolizes the process of spirit regaining its freedom in the normal
and ordinary course of events via death, but ultimately and ideally via regeneration
and transformation. Its emblem is an uplifted sword, an inversion of the Calvary
cross of suffering on the material plane and symbol of the transforming Mars force
consciously directed.
The association of the letter Mem, to which the card is assigned, with Water
now needs to be clarified, Aries is a fire sign--the cardinal fire sign. The Hebrew
letter--name, Mem, has the signification "waters, seas." Fire and Water are com-
bined here, then, and the blending of these two is the innermost secret of the
alchemistical process of Transmutation. The first step on the road to discovering the
secret is made by learning how to act upon the universal solvent, the Water of the
Wise, Astral Matter complete "realization" of the matter (i.e., intellectually and in
the sense of outer achievement) is accomplished when a Spiritual (Fire) body has
been built and one can cooperate in full consciousness on all planes, expressing the
Spirit (Fire) right down into the material world through the medium of the Water.
The rabbinical title is "the Stable intelligence," reference to this blending which
"fixes" both elements. (It is worth adding that, quite apart from this deeper meaning,
in the ordinary course of events death ushers each one of us, evolved or unevolved,
Card XII: The Hanged Man or The Martyr
Attribution: Pisces
Card XIII: Death or The Reaper
Attribution: Aries

xvi
out of this material plane into the plane of astral matter, Water.).
Footnotes for part two
1) The full text of Revelation 12:1-2 is an exact description of Card III: "a
woman clothed with the sun and the moon beneath her feet, and upon her head a
crown of twelve stars. And she being with child...."
2) I am here describing the design in the Comte de Saint Germaine Egyptian
pack, which Benjamine was also clearly referring to in his description of the card in
"The Sacred Tarot," pages 207-208. The illustration given on page 194, however,
while clearly not of a medieval hermit, is of another version of the authentic tradition
showing the Sage wrapped in his material plane mantle, but preceded by the two
serpents of wisdom.
The design shows a Solar angel pouring water from a golden vase held in his left
hand into a silver one held in his right. The meaning is alchemistical and is a further
development of the theme of the blending of opposites or complementaries.
The attribution to Taurus points to the need to make the physical body a true
vehicle for the expression of spirit (Gold) -- i.e., one conventionalized cows horn,
the earliest form of drinking vessel, and it stands here for that into which the Divine
influx is poured.
The Golden Dawn attribution is to Sagittarius. This is justified by claiming that
the old meaning of the title, Temperance, was tempering in the sense in which one
tempers metals, and by pointing to the Sagittarian's proverbial exploring, foraging
and testing propensities. There is, no doubt, some truth in the claim in connection
with the title, but the design of the card itself really does not suggest Sagittarius.
There is nothing of either the Archer or the Centaur in it. It suggests far more the
process by which the Spirit is poured from a higher vessel into a lower, and Taurus,
as the astrological symbol par excellence of the physical body, clearly stands here for
that vessel which must be tempered by being filled with the spirit
The Rabbinical title is "the Transforming Intelligence," a clear reference to the
process which has just been outlined, as the reason given for it makes clear "And it is
so called because it gives a likeness to all the similitude's which are created in like
manner similar to its harmonious elegancies."
This assignment will appeal to many astrologers of the old Saturn-fearing school. Its
wider justification rests on an interpretation of the design as the devil-of-false-ap-
pearances and the limitations imposed by the physical world, which have to be seen
through and transcended. While he deludes, he possesses great and terrible negative
power, but the bonds he seems to impose vanish when they are rightly apprehended,
and his true function in the Divine scheme of things as the tester then appears. The
Rabbinical title, "Intelligence of Probation," is in full confirmation of this as the
Part Three
Card XIV: Temperance or The Alchemist
Attribution: Taurus
Card XV: The Devil or The Black magician
Attribution: Saturn

xvii
explanation shows: "it is so called because it is the primary temptation, by which the
Creator trieth all righteous persons."
The Golden Dawn attribution is to Capricorn, which also introduces Saturn by
sign rulership. Clearly, however, the direct attribution is preferable: Capricorn in
itself is not a testing sign, but rather a formal and regulative one. Its ambition is
always for slow-but-sure advance and progress. The perverted type occasionally
manifests "capri-consciousness" --crude sexuality and a hard unfeeling attitude to-
wards others --but this is not the crushing, inexorable weight and malevolence one
associates with an adverse Saturn influence, and it is this latter which is so well
portrayed by the Devil.
The Golden Dawn attribution is also to Mars. Medieval designs show a tall
tower struck by lightening, the top, in the form of a crown, being knocked to
one side by the bolt. Two figures, one crowned, the other bare-headed, supposed to
represent pride and false knowledge, fall from the building. In The Egyptian Tarot
the topmost point of a pyramid is struck off by the lightning and the two figures fall
from a platform of 7 steps in front of it Explanations of the picture have varied from
the suggestion that it represents the Tower of Babel to more subtle psychological
exoteric elucidations. For instance, the platform in the Egyptian design is said to
represent seven orders in creation with man placed above them all, while the apex of
the pyramid is supposed to picture the concentrated point of his questing, objective
mind which, nevertheless, always has its base four-squarely and uncompromisingly
planted on the material plane.
Had Benjamin's attributions been purely arbitrary, as is supposed, it would have
been logical to expect him to assign Uranus here as the planet of lightning, since he
was making use of the "new" planets; however, he did not, and the assignment to
Mars is no accident The explanation for it is a completely Hermetic one.
It will be remembered that on The cube, Mars does not occupy a face, but is
placed in the center. It represents that force which is central to the manifestation of
the universe. Everything that exists is raised by it, whether it be a building of brick or
stone, a structure of human pride or mental prowess, or the manifestation of male
sexual potency. It is the natural power implanted by the Creator in the whole of
Creation, which enables it to become aware and to be active.
Everything which raises itself from the surface of the Earth becomes a focusing
point for the electrical energy in the atmosphere--in Hermetic parlance, for the en-
ergy of that sphere of "Air" encircling the Earth to which the Wheel of Fortune and
Uranus are assigned. This gradually induces a charge of opposite-but-equal potential
to its own in it Eventually, when the structure is high enough and the electrical poten-
tial sufficiently strong, There is a spark it is this very spark that Hermeticism aims to
attract into the structure of human personality as the flash of illumination, after due
preparation and with the proper precautions, by deliberate concentration of the Mars
force --but when the spark comes, and there is no proper conduction of it into the
earth because the personality has become insulated in some way, e.g., through pride,
selfishness, etc., then the results are destructive and the whole false structure is cast
down. This is the situation depicted here.
Through the Tarot portrays this warning to the unwary and presumptuous, the
Card XVI: The Blasted Tower or The Lightening
Attribution: Mars

xviii
force involved is real and basically constructive. It is the creative force which eter-
nally renews itself in every new life wherever propagated. It is possible for man to
harness it and to attain-illumination safely, but his sense of unity with others and
dedication to serve them must first be perfected into second nature. The first nature
of man is egocentric, as this card subtly suggests by its single tower or pyramid --
and that will not do.
The Rabbinical title is "the Renewing intelligence" --because the Holy God
renews by it all the changing things which are renewed by the creation of the world."
Here, the design shows a young girl, completely nude, with long fair hair, kneeling
and pouring water from two pitchers, one upon the land, the other upon the sea.
Above her, seven small stars are clustered round a large central star of 8 points,
inside which, in the Egyptian version, is a diamond figure, white at the top, black
below, reminding one of the hermetic adage: "As above, so below, but after another
manner." To her left in the medieval versions, there is a tree with a bird upon it. In the
Egyptian pack, it is a flower with three blossoms, over which hovers a butterfly.
The Golden Dawn attribution is to Aquarius, and the appropriateness of the
water pouring from the pitchers is naturally pointed out. It is necessary to understand
a little of the Hermetic meaning of the card, once again, to perceive the greater
appropriateness of the attribution to Gemini.
Firstly, its position on the cube should be noted. It is at the top of the Eastern
face, between the Sun and Mercury, and the design pictures the scene as an observer
situated at that point might see it The Sun is above (really in this case, it is the
Interior Sun) and the girl is, of course, Venus, naked as she is always portrayed ("be-
low" on the cube). Now, Mercury represents the principle of consciousness, which in
Hermetic practice is to be combined with the Life Force (the Sun) and to direct it.
Situated between the Sun and Mercury, therefore, this card represents the process
whereby the mind becomes illuminated by the Life Force. This process is actually
meditation, which, as properly practiced, is a definite scientific technique for open-
ing the mind to receive ideas which are not accessible to ordinary mentation.
In Astrology, of course, Gemini is the chief "house" of Mercury and represents
the most objective manifestation of mind. Superficiality is also one of its character-
istics. It is the sign of the butterfly mind, and the butterfly here shown is a reference
to this. Nevertheless, we must remember that the Gemini symbol is two uprights
with lintel and pediment. These are the two pillars at the entrance to the Temple.
Those who pass them into the Temple of Hermeticism aim to still the butterfly of the
mind and to allow the rays from the great Interior Sun to develop and bring to full
activity all the 7 interior stars, or chakras, corresponding to the 7 planets, or stars
shown on the card. The duality of Gemini is also referred to, indirectly in the two
pitchers. The prime intellectual function that the sign stands for is the division of
things into pairs which can then be distinguished, compared, interrelated, and so on.
This is the beginning of knowledge, symbolized by the separation of the land from
the sea, the "solid ground" from the chaos. And, to comprehend distinctions, the
stream of consciousness is shown divided into two in these two urns, from which it
pours equally upon both the two contrasted terms till the flow gradually unites again
in the Great Ocean, Understanding.
Card XVII: The Star
Attribution: Gemini

xix
The Rabbinical title is "The Active or Exciting Intelligence" --"and it is so
called because through it every existent being receives its spirit and Motion."
This is a highly felicitous attribution which needs no analysis of the Hermetic mean-
ing of the card to make it clear. One might have thought it could not be missed, since
the design, which is of the Moon shining on a gloomy landscape, even shows a
crustacean climbing out of a pool in the foreground. The meaning is usually associ-
ated with sensationalism and morbid emotionality --Cancer characteristics. Yet, the
Golden Dawn attribution is to Pisces, which misses all the lunar symbolism and does
not have the same connotation of morbidity.
The Rabbinical title is "The Natural Intelligence." The explanation given is
that "by it is completed and perfected the nature of all that exists beneath the Sun," a
reference to the function of the moon as ruler of the body of all that reflects the Sun's
rays.
This equally felicitous attribution also needs no Hermetic analysis to make it clear.
The medieval designs show two children playing in a fairy-ring shaped like a solar
symbol, with the bright Sun overhead. The Egyptian Tarot shows two lovers trysting
in a similar ring. Both representations are as clear portrayals of the 5th house asso-
ciations of Leo as one could wish for.
The Golden Dawn attribution is to the Sun, itself, (by use of their amended, non
Rabbinical, planetary order) but Leo is even better in view of the card design.
The Rabbinical title is "The Corporeal Intelligence" -- "because it forms ev-
erybody which is formed in all the worlds, and The reproduction of them." (Could
there be a clearer reference to the Sun in the 5th house?"
The appropriateness of this is clear enough, since it is the Archangel Gabriel (Arch-
angel of the Moon) who sounds his trumpet over the opening graves in the design.
Medieval cards also show a square banner descending from the trumpet with an
equal armed cross on it, symbol of the Moon Goddess Hecate. Some designs also
show a large stretch of water --and sometimes even the coffins floating in water--
which is probably a reference to the Qabalistical pool of Yesod, ruled by the Moon.
The Golden Dawn attribution, however, is to the element Fire, since they attributed
the card to the letter Shin, symbol of Fire. This of course, brings together Water and
Fire, as is required in Hermetic symbolism, but clearly it is wrong to attribute a
design obviously correlated with Water to Fire. The correct procedure is that fol-
lowed in the Benjamine series where the designs are always appropriate to the astro-
logical or elemental symbols associated with them, but in which the Hermetic secret
Card XVIII: The Moon
Attribution: Cancer
Card XIX: The Sun
Attribution: Leo
Card XX: The Judgement or The Sarcophagus
Attribution: Moon

xx
is hinted at by the assignment of the Hebrew letter Mem (Water) to Aries.
The Rabbinical title is "The Collective Intelligence" -- "and astrologers de-
duce from it the judgment of the stars and celestial signs, and perfect their science
according to the rules of the motions of the stars." Here is an explicit reference to
Judgment one of the titles of this card and in a most interesting context -- in connec-
tion with a perfected astrology. The inner meaning of the passage is revealed by what
is pictured. The three figures whom rise from the tomb in the Egyptian card are
wrapped in mummy cloths, which are, of course, long spirals representing time, and
the three-dimensional coffin from which they are freed is similarly a symbol of three
dimensional space. They are, therefore, persons who are passing, either at death or
by reason of conscious mystical development while still possessing a physical body,
from the state of being limited to this physical plane and its conditions into the next
higher plane.
This is the astral plane, symbolized by water, of which element Gabriel is also
the archangel. Now, it is here that the influences dealt with in astrology exists as
actual forces, and where, too, the results of our habitual patterns of acting and think-
ing exist as definite organized thought-cells (crystallized forms in astral matter pat-
terned on our thoughts and activities) which are, in effect, the patterns of our person-
alities, predisposing us to certain ways of acting and thinking in the future, and also
to particular types of experiences in life as other astrological forces act on, or interact
with, these organized vortices. It is an important part of the training of an occultist to
become aware of these thought-cell centers and to develop the ability to modify them
consciously. In this way, as he also becomes fully conversant with the natures and
rhythms of the Cosmic astrological forces --the "tides in the affairs of men" --he is
gradually freed from slavery to his own crystallized past and learns to use the tides to
achieve his own more enlightened purposes, instead of being the sport of fate and
unforeseen circumstances like the majority of mankind. One who is able to be aware
on the Astral and to act there with full understanding of his own surroundings is in a
position to bring this science to final perfection, for he can actually see the centers
and the astrological forces acting there. This Rabbinical text could hardly express
this whole matter more plainly and succinctly, and when one is once aware of it, it is
one of the most telling proofs of all of the correctness of the Benjamine sequence of
attributions.
Here a young girl appears within, or below, an oval wreath outside of which are
placed the 4 beasts of Ezekiel's and St. John's visions. Usually the meaning is taken
to be Cosmic Consciousness.
Benjamine points out that the Sun is the source of all physical, mental and
emotional power expressed here, and claims that the card represents perfection, union,
and attainment in all three, and also in all the 4 worlds of the Qabalists, symbolized
by the 4 beasts. The Hebrew letter attributed is Shin, symbol of Fire or the Fiery
Spirit, with which, of course, the Sun must be identified. The actual attribution of the
element Fire is reserved for the next card, "The Fool," however.
The Golden Dawn attribution is to Saturn, because in the group's series this is
the last card which, therefore, falls to be paired with the last planet in their amended
planetary sequence, which Saturn is. The coupling (which at first sight may not un-
Card XXI: The World or The Adept
Attribution: Sun

xxi
fairly be described as fantastic) is justified on the ground that the achievement of
complete liberation and illumination while still in the physical body implies the full-
est acquaintance with every aspect of limitation. This is, no doubt, true in general
occult theory, of course, but surely the acquaintance with Saturn is not the final
triumphant outcome of the matter, and one does not end with one's eyes firmly upon
limitations. One comes to terms with these during the running of the race-- particu-
larly, in Tarot symbology, during the sequence represented by cards 14 to 16, temper-
ance, the Devil, and the Blasted tower, in which Saturn is central in the Benjamine
scheme of attributions. The end of the matter is not lead, but alchemical gold, bal-
anced rulership in all three spheres of man's kingdom of body, soul, and spirit, and
only the Sun can symbolize this. The Golden Dawn attribution can really only be
defended (answerably) in the Humpty Dumpty way by saying that what looks low to
you is really highly exalted to me.
The Rabbinical title is "The Perpetual Intelligence" -"Because it regulates the
motions of the Sun and Moon in their proper order, each in an orbit convenient for it
" (One hardly needs to point to the appropriateness of this in view of the fact that all
orbits in the Solar system depend on the Sun.) It is almost incredible to think that all
of these Rabbinical titles have been attributed to different cards and astrological
parallels by the Golden Dawn.
The Fool is really the Key card of the Tarot, and if one can arrive at a satisfactory
attribution to it one will have achieved something which could be the clue to all the
rest. It really all depends, of course, on where in the series it should be placed. The
Golden Dawn system placed it first, and attributes it to Air (on the ground that the
Latin "Follis" means both fool and windbag). In the Hermetic system, Air usually
ranks as the primary element on the grounds that "all other elements take from and
are maintained by Air," as Paracelsus wrote. There has, however, been a tendency in
occult circles to challenge the primacy of Air in favor of that of Fire, taken as a
synonym of electricity and, perhaps with Uranus's rulership of electricity in mind,
some of the Golden Dawn followers now attribute Uranus to The Fool (see footnote
3:1) The design itself hardly suggests this attribution, though it must at once be stated
that there are different versions of this. The traditional one shows an old blind man
carrying a bundle over his shoulder pursued by a dog which has bitten him and torn
his clothes. He is stumbling towards a precipice, or in the Egyptian version towards
the open mouth of a crocodile which is about to devour him, while overhead the Sun
is being eclipsed. In this form the design hardly looks like the beginning of anything.
It is clearly an ending, and an unpleasant one.
However, the Golden Dawn, seeing 0 as the beginning, decided to redraw the
card to suit their interpretation of it and showed a young child under a rose tree in a
spring dawn, holding a grey wolf in check with one hand. Such a radical change
clearly required toning down, and the well known A.E. Waite design is a compro-
mise. It shows a young man clad in a coat with a floral design, carrying a rose in his
hand and with his dog barking at his heels, walking carelessly towards the edge of a
precipice. The idea is that the precipice symbolizes an imminent descent into mani-
festation --i.e., a coming out of 0 into 1. (Those who attribute Uranus to the cards
presumably suppose it to be appropriate to the sudden change ahead.)
Card 0: The Fool or The Materialist
Attribution: Pluto

xxii
This is, of course, is interesting, but on the whole, when one is attempting to
interpret something, it is usually wisest to stick to the form in which one receives it.
I have already mentioned the Golden Dawn switching of cards 8 and 11 and their
rearrangement of the Rabbinical planetary order. Here now is another change, this
time in the actual design of a card!
Benjamine takes the card in its traditional form, and the attribution to Pluto is
justified as follows: There are two sides to Pluto. On the one hand he is the planet of
intense material, emotional and sexual excess, producing an eclipse of all vision of
spiritual realities (the blindness of the man and the eclipse of the Sun shown in the
design) which can only be cured by death and return to one's maker. (N.B.: the croco-
dile is a symbol of deity in Egyptian mythology, though under the destructive or
tempter aspect, identified with Typhon, the devil or adversary, who had a crocodile's
head.) On the other hand, Pluto can also be the planet of regeneration, and the Fool
can therefore also mean one who has voluntarily become a beggar, blind to his own
material well being; one for whom the physical Sun is undergoing eclipse, but only
to reveal the spiritual one, and who will soon be devoured by (i.e. reunited with) the
Spiritual Source.
The Rabbinical title is "The administrative Intelligence," the reason assigned
being "because it directs and associates the motions of the 7 planets, directing all of
them in their proper courses." This is an appropriate summing up of the final state of
attainment achieved by the regenerated Pluto man or woman in whom the seven
interior planets, metals or chakras are properly associated and directed, all in their
proper courses. And such a one is very truly an administrator in the kingdom of
God on earth. Having achieved rulership in his own kingdom, as symbolized in Card
21, he how demonstrates it externally in all the circumstances of his environment as
well
The fullest significance of this text only appears, however, when one takes it in
conjunction with that for the very first card, the Magician, and the letter Aleph which
goes with it I deliberately did not give this when I discussed the first card, mention-
ing the titles only from number 2 onwards, because I wished to reserve it until this
place.
The first title is "The Fiery Intelligence" and the reason given for this is "be-
cause it is the essence of that curtain which is placed close to the order of the dispo-
sition, and this is a special dignity given to it that it may be able to stand before the
Face of the Cause of Causes." Now, the interesting thing here is that the very first
"Intelligence" is designated Fiery, but is paired with a letter (Aleph) which signifies
a breath (see footnote 3:2), and which is thus the symbol of air. The letter Shin,
which signifies Fire, does not appear until the 21st place in the Hebrew alphabet, to
be immediately followed by the 22nd and last letter, Tavb, which the same Rabbini-
cal tradition that assigns these titles, recorded in the Sephir Yetzirah, assigns to Mars,
the planet peculiarly associated with Fire. It is clear, therefore, that what this tradi-
tion would have us understand is that Fire is both the beginning and end of things, the
inspiration or drawing of breath, (Aleph) and the Perpetual (Shin) Administration or
Manifestation idea in terms of the Greek alphabet in the words "I am Alpha and
Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last, " (spoken by Christ, the
lamb (Aries, Fire) of God).
The deep appropriateness of the Benjamine attributions now appears, for Mer-
cury, assigned to Card, Aleph, is both the astrological symbol of Mind, which is
always associated with the element Air, and also, in alchemical symbolism, one of

xxiii
the names of the Universal Solvent. Now, the Universal Solvent is, of course, the
Water of the Wise, and as we have seen in connection with the letter Mem and the
sign Aries, the great alchemical secret is its blending with Fire. When this is achieved,
and the true tincture of the white with red is made, then philosophical gold results.
Moreover, this gold is "potable," i.e., fluid. It is, in fact, the manifestation of the
Spirit (Fire) as the solvent itself, permeating and purging all that is dissolved in it:
i.e., the aims, aspirations, sense of values and even the whole personality, of the
alchemist himself. (The Bible once again expresses the very same idea in Malachi's
words (Malachi 3:2) describing the coming Christ: "for he is like a refiner's fire." We
must remember that this Christ was to be the manifestation of God in Man, and the
root of the word "man" is the Sanscrit "Manes," which means "Mind".)
The "Order of the Disposition", before which Mercury is placed in the text,
must, therefore, be understood as the Primal Cause, the disposing source of all forms
and orders. Mercury is a curtain before it, because any conception or expression of it
in thought or speech (Mercury) can only be a veiling of that which in itself simply is,
inexpressibly. Nevertheless, man (mind) is expressly stated in Genesis 1:27 to have
been created in the image of God, and it is made clear that this is the special dignity
with which he has been endowed, just as the text here says, for he was originally
intended, and is still destined, to converse as an equal with God, Face to face, And
now, Pluto,, assigned to the last letter, which is subtly identified in the Rabbinical
tradition with Fire in its unregenerate animal guise (Mars), (see footnote 3:31 is the
astrological symbol of the only means by which this, which is man's destiny, may be
regained by him -- i.e., through regeneration. Once the full symbolism is under-
stood, there is no other attribution which can possibly be considered here.
THIS, THEN, IS THE BENJAMINE SERIES. It would appear to be an ample
vindication of the traditional order of the cards, whatever the original authority for
that may be. It is for readers now to make their own judgment upon the attributions,
both in an absolute sense and by confronting them card by card and sign for sign with
the generally accepted Golden Dawn ones which I have quoted for comparison. They
should also try placing each of the cards representing signs in their positions on the
cube and noticing how perfectly each fits and reflects the planets round it. each of the
4 cards round the top of the cube flanking the Sun, for instance, is concerned in some
way with Illumination, the Sun and The Chariot being both solar cards, while the
Star depicts the Interior Sun and the Hermit the man who has emerged from the
bondage and limitations of matter and can now reveal his own light. The uprights on
either side of the western face are The Empress and the Emperor, and between them
at the foot of the face is Justice being administered on Earth. The design of this latter
card is a picture of this exact position, moreover, with the Solar canopy overarching
the scene, overhead. The other three sides of the base of the cube are the High Priest-
ess in the North, the Moon in the East and the hanged Man in the South. Each of
these is in someway related to Lunar or Water Symbolism, and Justice, the blind-
folded figure in the West, is not an incongruous companion for them. Together they
surround Venus, the beauty of the Earth, which their collective ministrations produce
but reflection of and response to the radiance from above.
Additionally, the two uprights at the sides of the Eastern face are death (or
Transformation) and Temperance, the two alchemistical cards of the series, placed
on either side of Mercury, the Universal Solvent. Alternatively, if the upright are
considered with respect to the North and South Faces, then Scorpio and Aries, the
two signs of Mars, symbolized as the Emperor and Death, confront Taurus and Libra,

xxiv
the two signs of Venus, symbolized as the Empress and the Alchemist (or Temper-
ance), the latter the possessor of the Stone of the Wise which confers Eternal Life.
Moreover, the secret of the Stone of the Wise is balance of polarities, and as if to
make this clear beyond all possibility of mistaking, the Cube completes the picture
with a virtuosic display of complementarities. Thus, the Greater Fortune, Jupiter, is
placed in the middle of the south face, between Aries and Scorpio, the signs of the
Lesser Infortune, and opposite to Saturn the Greater Infortune which is placed in the
middle of the North face between Libra and Taurus, the signs of the Lesser Fortune.
Footnotes Part Three
1) Since the Golden Dawn scheme still retains an explicit attribution for the
Element Fire (to card 20) this arrangement rather seems to imply two attributions to
Fire and a tacit ignoring of Air altogether! The Benjamine attribution of Uranus to
card 10, "The Wheel of Fortune," on the other hand, is in explicit connection with
the element Air, both as mind, since Card 10 is the Intelligence of Will, and also on
the material plane since electrical charges are induced in the air and manifest as
lightning.
2) The letter--name Aleph signifies "A Bull," but the vocal significance of the
letter is simply the intake of breath before utterance.
3) This subtlety, of course, disappears in the Golden Dawn "amendment" which
replaces Mars by Saturn. Perhaps it would be well at this point to mention once again
that this group felt constrained to make these amendments because they believed
that the Tarot card sequence had to fit one definite arrangement arrived at by means
of them, just as it stood. The Benjamine approach is a radical departure from this
view, for as he says in "The Sacred Tarot," pages 14-15: "Just what the idea is which
is...associated with each letter it is a function of the Tarot to reveal, "but in an indi-
rect way, nevertheless, for "as there are 12 zodiacal signs, so there are 12 single
letters, although in detail they do not correspond to them." The Rabbinical attribu-
tions are no more than half the key to the inward meaning of each letter. Only when
the other half is supplied by the discovery of the meaningful astrological series which
parallels the card sequence does the full and extraordinary profound significance of
the whole scheme become apparent. The examples I have given to illustrate this,
such as this one of the redemption of Mars (unregenerate desire) by Pluto (regenerate
desire), symbolically associated with the last letter Mem, should be supplemented by
a careful comparison of all the attributions which appear in the Sepher Yetzirah
(Westcott version) with the complete Benjamin series. This is a most illuminating
and rewarding exercise.

Chapter 1
Doctrine of Kabalism
HE WORD Kabala signifies traditional knowledge. It thus refers to the Oral
Law, as handed down from antiquity; and embraces the occult traditions of
all lands and all peoples.
Often it is used merely as referring to the esoteric doctrines of the Jews; but in its
broader sense it includes also the secret doctrine of other races. This secret doctrine,
common to many lands, was jealously guarded from the profane, and was never
permitted to pass into writing except in such ambiguous terms as to baffle the
uninitiated as to its true purport.
In this sense the sacred books of the world, including the Avesta, the Vedas and the
Bible are largely kabalistical; for they set forth traditions that are capable of an inner,
or esoteric, interpretation. In fact, there are usually several interpretations possible,
each more inner version revealing a deeper truth to those who have advanced along
the path far enough to comprehend it.
The Kabala has two divisions; the Written Kabala and the Unwritten Kabala.
Of the unwritten Kabala, S. L. MacGregor Mathers, in his Kabbala Unveiled says:
"The term `Unwritten Qbalah' is applied to certain knowledge which is never
entrusted to writing, but communicated orally. I may say no more on this point, not
even whether I myself have or have not received it."
The author of these lessons is not so modest about his acquaintance with the
unwritten kabala. He has received it fully, and has also investigated the written
traditions of the Jews and of all other peoples having had much influence in shaping
the world's thought. And this seems the proper place to point out that the unwritten
kabala, like the written kabala, is set forth in symbolical language, with purposeful
blinds and subterfuges to confuse the uninitiated; so that of the few who undoubtedly
exist at the present day who have received it, most remain in as much ignorance of its
true interpretation as the majority of students do after studying the more accessible
written kabala.
This unwritten kabala has been transmitted only through certain secret schools.
Those receiving it well merit what is given to them. They are left to their own devices
in
the
matter
of
interpretation.
And
because
the
real
keys
to
its

interpretation--astrology and the tarot--have been largely ignored, or distorted,

they have floundered sadly in arriving at its meaning. Whether written or unwritten,
the kabala is a philosophy correlated to esoteric astrology as exemplified by the tarot;
and it can only be comprehended fully by those who perceive the true relation
between astrological energies and their pictured tarot exemplification.
The Kabala of The Jews
--Because the Jewish kabala has been the source of inspiration to so many
alchemists, metaphysicians, occultists and mystics, it deserves special attention, and
the remainder of the lesson will largely be devoted to it. It has three main divisions:
A. The Practical Kabala. B. The Literal Kabala. C. The Dogmatic Kabala.
A. The practical kabala treats of ceremonial magic, and includes the making of
magic circles, wands, swords and pentacles, and the use of inscriptions and symbols
for performing wonders. It deals with necromancy, sorcery, exorcisms, sigils,
enchantments and communications with angels and devils.
Accessible books treating of this subject are: The Sixth and Seventh Book of Moses,
The Greater Keys of Solomon the King, and The Lesser Keys of Solomon. Needless
to say, as set forth in detail in Chapter 3 of Course 18, Imponderable Forces, these
books and all such practices are highly dangerous, and innocence is no protection to
those who dabble in such matters.
B. The literal kabala is so written that the letters and numbers and words must be
transposed to perceive the meaning. It is a work really written in code, and must be
systematically decoded to have any value. And the code in which it is written, and
which must be used to decipher it, takes three different forms as follows:
1. Gematria
In this system, words of the same numerical value are used as symbols of each other,
and
phrases of the same numerical value are employed to explain each other. And as each
Hebrew letter is a number, this number is also obtained and used, by adding the
numerical
value of the letters of a word or phrase.
2. Temura
This is a code in which, according to prescribed rules, certain letters are substituted for
other
letters. In addition to this permutation, the form of the letters occasionally used, and the
variations in spelling, all have a hidden meaning, and for important matters anagrams
are
employed.
3. Notariquon
In the practice of this, abbreviations are extensively used. Every letter, for instance, may
be
taken as the abbreviation of a word, and a single word expanded into a sentence. Or the
first
letters, or the medials, of every word in a sentence may be used to construct one word
that
conveys the mystical import it is desired to impart.

But even after, though determining just what code has been used, having translated
the literal kabala into ordinary language, it still presents the matter in the form of
universal symbols, which, while quite pregnant with meaning to those who
understand this universal language, is merely a collection of babbling allegories to
one ignorant of the tarot and astrology.
C. The dogmatic kabala. This division of the Jewish secret doctrine has four chief
headings, each embracing more or less numerous commentaries which were written
at different times by different writers: 1. Sephir Yetzirah. 2. Sephir Sephiroth. 3.
Asch Metzareph. 4. The Zohar. Yet none of what is now called the Jewish Kabala
was placed in writing before the beginning of the Christian Era.
We are seriously informed by commentators that it was first taught by God to his select
angels who formed a school in Paradise. Then, after the fall, the doctrine was
communicated to man that by its means he might regain his lost estate. From Adam it
passed to Noah, then to Abraham, on to the Egyptians, from whom it reached Moses.
Moses was further instructed regarding it by an angel, during his forty years in the
wilderness. Then Moses injected its doctrines covertly into the first four books of the
Pentateuch, and initiated Aaron and the Seventy Elders into its secrets. From them,
according to this tradition, it was handed down through an unbroken line of
priesthood succession which included David and Solomon, to the time of the
destruction of the second temple; when, for the first time, it was committed to
writing.
This account, due allowance being granted to its symbolism, conforms rather closely
to the traditions regarding the line of descent of the secret doctrine as recorded by
initiates of other than the Jewish race.
It is held by this tradition that once the earth had a very different climate, warm and
mild, and that the people of the Golden Age, like those in Jewish Paradise, were free
from strife, and needed to take no thought as to what they should eat or what they
should wear. So pure were they that they had constant communion with the angels.
But gradually changing climatic conditions, in which life became increasingly
severe, coarsened the bodies and the minds of the people of the earth. And finally, so
terrible was the struggle for survival with the advent of the Age of Iron, when a
glacial sheet covered most of the northern hemisphere, that man was forced to eat the
flesh of animals to avoid starvation. And thus descending to the plane of a
carnivorous creature, the increasing activity of his animal soul cut off his ability to
communicate with still higher entities. He no longer could get his information direct
from the angels, because he had become too selfish and coarse to be able to tune in on
their vibratory rates, and he must, perforce, get whatever he wished of the secret
doctrine from those of his race who had preserved the tradition from an earlier time.
This kabalistic knowledge was a teaching concerning the origin of the universe,
man's proper relation to God and all other entities, why man entered material
conditions, and how he might through partaking of the Tree of Good and Evil

ultimately regain his spiritual estate and also partake of the Tree of Life, and so attain
Self-Conscious-Immortality.
From the children of the Golden Age, the tradition relates, this information was
handed down by word of mouth, as allegorical stories, to more material times. And
thus it came to be an essential part of the wisdom for which the ancient lands of
Atlantis and Mu are renowned.
Before the last cataclysm, in the Bible referred to as the flood of Noah, when the last
of these two older continents sank, the Priests of Stellar Wisdom, perceiving through
astrological cycles the approach of such a disaster, had encouraged the establishment
of colonies in what later were to become the seven ancient centers of
civilization--Egypt, India, Crete, Peru, Mexico, China and Chaldea. And to these
colonies then established, that the ancient spiritual wisdom might not perish from the
earth, they sent those to reside who were familiar with it.
Just when the colonists from Atlantis or Mu reached their various outposts is not
clearly defined. But in Egypt, Moses, educated by the priesthood, came directly in
contact with their teachings, and in his wilderness wanderings received further
communications from higher intelligences; all of which became a part of the doctrine
held by the Jewish priests, and handed down to later times in the form of abstruse
allegories.
It seems certain that none of what now is known as the Jewish Kabala was written
until after the commencement of the Christian era. The first to place any of this
traditional knowledge in writing is reputed to have been Ben-Ha-Kanah, about 70
A.D. Rabbi Ismael be Elisha wrote about 121 A.D. And Simon be Jochai, another
Talmudist, the supposed writer of the Zohar, appeared about 150 A.D.
However as a matter of historical research, it is found that the Kabala first put in an
external appearance in the seventh century, apparently through Neo-Platonist and
Neo-Pythagorean channels. The main body of the Zohar seems to have been
unknown, except in the secret schools, until the thirteenth century of our era.
The early writings on the Kabala include a work called Palaces, describing God's
throne and His angelic household, a work of The Dimensions of Deity, and the
Alphabet of Rabbi Akiba. In this letter each Hebrew letter is taken to represent a
primordial spiritual idea.
The Sephir Yetzirah
--In the eighth century the Sephir Yetzirah put in an external appearance. It is a
complete philosophical system, divided into 33 brief sections, each in reality based
upon one of the 12 zodiacal signs, one of the 10 planets, one of the 10 numerals, or the
seal of the earth.

The work opens with the statement that there are 32 paths of secret wisdom. These
are further elaborated in a commentary, called the 32 Paths of Wisdom, written in 32
brief sections.
Sephir Yetzirah signifies The Book of Formation, and is supposed to have been
dictated by Abraham. The key to its meaning is the manner in which it is divided into
chapters. As in all there are 6 chapters, the formation of the universe is to be
explained through a study of the number 6. This number, as reference to Arcanum VI
indicates, has for divinatory significance the word Temptation, and in numbers
indicates the oscillation of unequilibriated forces in their action and reaction.
Astrologically, it corresponds to Venus, the planet of love. Therefore, according to
the system upon which the Sephir Yetzirah is to be interpreted, the idea is conveyed
that the Infinite was Tempted into expression through the desire to love. The
Supernal Mind, that it might enjoy love, brought forth the manifested universe.
Of these 6 chapters, the first contains 12 sections, which, of course, correspond to 12
zodiacal signs.
The second chapter has 5 sections and the third chapter has 5 sections. Thus these two
chapters represent the universal man divided as male and female; the number of man
being 5 and the number of woman being 5; and together these numbers embracing the
10 numerals of the decade.
The fourth chapter has 4 sections, each representing one of the formative attributes of
the septenary, corresponding to the 4 negative planets: Saturn, Venus, Moon and
Mercury.
The fifth chapter has 3 sections, each representing one of the 3 active principles of the
septenary, corresponding to Sun, Mars and Jupiter.
The sixth chapter contains the remaining four sections each representing one of the
three remaining planets of the chain, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and the seal of the earth
which synthesizes these 32 numbers and astrological forces into a single grand unity.
Masonry and the tarot are both founded upon 33 universal principles. These are
rather unsatisfactorily set forth in kabalistical code in the Sephir Yetzirah. They bear
a correspondence in human anatomy to the 24 vertebrae plus the 9 ankylosed bones
that form the base of the spine. In the widest sense Deity is the 33, or unifying
principle. Thus we have the doctrine set forth kabalistically that Deity, all-potential
and alone, was Tempted into an expression of his Love, and this formative power
became diversified into the 32 principles through which His love is Realized.
The Letters
--In the kabalistical system each Hebrew letter is not only a number but in addition
represents an idea. Just what the idea is which is thus associated with each letter it is a
function of the Tarot to reveal.
The Hebrew alphabet as a whole contains 22 letters. These are divided by kabalists
into three groups. The first group contains the three mother letters, representing
certain general principles, from which the other letters and their corresponding
principles were formed. Then there are seven double letters, and finally twelve single
letters.
The three mother letters are Aleph, Mem, and Shin. Aleph represents the plane of
spirit, Mem relates to the astral world, and Shin to the physical where all is given
form. Thus do the three mother letters correspond to ego, Soul and Body of the
Universal Man.
Certain other letters are sometimes aspirated and sometimes not, and are thus called
double letters. As there are seven planets and seven active attributes in nature so are
there seven double letters; Beth, Gimel, Daleth, Caph, Pe, Resh, and Tau. And as
there are 12 zodiacal signs, so there are 12 single letters, although in detail they do not
correspond to them: He, Vau, Zain, Cheth, Teth, Jod, Lamed, Nun, Sameck, Ayin,
Tzaddi, and Quoph.
And now we arrive at a point which may easily prove somewhat confusing to the
student. It is the numerical equivalence of the Hebrew letters, and of the
corresponding English letters.
The Hebrew and the Chaldean square-formed letters are identical, and the
square-formed Egyptian letters are very similar. These letters were originally
hieroglyphics for the spiritual ideas represented by the corresponding Major
Arcanum of the tarot, these, in turn, being correlated spiritually to astrology. Each
letter, thus, expressed a number--some number from 1 to 22--which had the same
thought-vibratory rate as one of the 22 astrological influences.
But these letters coming into use by those uninitiated in this spiritual and vibratory
relation naturally were subject to conventionalizing influences. And furthermore,
those who sought to make translations from Hebrew into the English language had
no knowledge of the vibratory rate of a letter, and no care for its spiritual
correspondence. Consequently, translators have made use of equivalents which,
although convenient for them, are not of the same vibratory rate.
Therefore, to preserve the true numerical value of each square-formed letter, occult
students have continued to use their original numerical significance rather than those
established by later conventional use. And in deriving the English equivalent of a
square-formed ancient letter, in those cases where translators have substituted an
English letter with a different thought-vibratory rate, occult students use a true
vibratory equivalent. Thus the Hebrew Tau, which means the sign of the cross, is
translated conventionally as Th; and Teth, which means serpent, is translated
conventionally as T. But not only is T in the form of the Tau cross used in many lands,
but with its point down thus represents the creative energy diverted to earthly ends,
and as such it has the significance of 22 and not 9; and 9 has the vibration of Th, the
serpent, the spiral of life, being the Deific number.

This translation of T and Th is the outstanding difference between conventional

translators and occult students. But it should be understood by those who study the
kabala and the tarot, that in such studies the real vibratory rate of a letter is the
important thing in determining its correspondence in another language; and that the
English equivalent of each square-formed letter has been tested out on this basis.
The correct numerical and English equivalent of each square-formed ancient letter
will be found in a table at the front of this booklet. And that the student may also have
the conventional, and therefore exoteric, significance, a list here follows:
1. Aleph, A, means ox. 2. Beth, B, means house. 3. Gimel, G, means camel. 4. Daleth,
D, means door. 5. He, H, means window. 6. Vau, V, means nail. 7. Zain, Z, means
weapon. 8. Cheth, Ch, means fence. 9. Teth, T, means serpent. 10. Jod, J, means
hand. 20. Caph, K, means palm of hand. 30. Lamed, L, means ox-goad. 40. Mem, M,
means water. 50. Nun, N, means fish. 60. Samek, S, means support. 70. Ayin, O,
means eye. 80. Pe, P, means mouth. 90. Tzaddi, Tz, means fishing-hook. 100.
Quoph, Q, means back of head. 200. Resh, R, means head. 300. Shin, Sh, means
tooth. 400. Tau, Th, means sign of the cross.
Sephir Sephiroth
--The Sephir Sephiroth is also called the Book of Emanations. It treats of the
numerical expansion of the undifferentiated state of evolution. That is, it explains
that creation, as it later came into existence, was first in the Divine Mind. Then to
give this mental conception a more external form it was projected into an
evolutionary system, by means of definite impulses, each of which bears a relation to
a certain number. The universe is thus shown to have been created according to a
definite plan, the parts of this plan bearing numerical relations to each other. This
plan calls for a continuous expansion of possibilities, whereby an infinitely diverse
number of forms move perpetually forward toward greater perfection.
The work, as written, is highly mystical; for it considers these impulses from the
Divine Mind, by which the universe is brought into existence, as bearing the same
relation to each other as do certain numbers. These numbers are thus the
representatives of universal principles.
The student, therefore, who would read the Sephir Sephiroth understandingly must
be well versed both in the Hermetic System of Numbers, and the Doctrine of
Signatures; for the Doctrine of Signatures reveals in full concrete details the action of
those principles which are but abstractions when merely considered as numerical
relations.
Asch Metzareph
--Asch Metzareph, or Purifying Fire, treats of alchemy. To comprehend the
allegories in which it is written the student must have a thorough knowledge of
chemistry, of astrology, and of the tarot. The action of substance upon substance, as

set forth in this treatise in the language of universal symbolism, depends upon the
inner nature of each; upon that quality which we now recognize as its vibratory rate.
The Zohar
--The most studied of the Jewish kabalistical works is the Zohar, or Book of
Splendor. It is generally supposed to have been written by Simon be Jochai, about
150 A.D. Moses de Leon made it accessible to the public in the thirteenth century.
It embraces The Book of Concealed Mystery, The Greater Holy Assembly, The
Lesser Holy Assembly, The Aged Man, The Book of Clear Light, The Faithful
Shepherd, The Palaces, The Secret of The Law, The Concealed Treatise, Mysteries
of Mysteries, Song of Songs, Come and See, The Youth, Illustrations of The Law,
The Early Work, and certain fragments.
The aim is to reveal to the worthy the nature of the Supreme Being, the equilibrium of
contrarities, cosmogony, the symbolism of numerals, the nature of man and angels,
the law as revealed, the nature and destiny of the soul, and much about angels,
elementals, demons and other occult intelligences.
The most essential and most emphasized of all kabalistical doctrines is expressed in
translations of the Jewish work as "Quod Superius, Quod Inferius," which means,
that which is above is as that which is below, the Macroposopus, the universal man, is
to be understood by a study of Microposopus, the finite man. God is thus related to
the natural universe as the ego is related to the body of man. Consequently, we find
Deity commonly referred to as The Ancient One, The Vast Countenance, Illimitable
One, The Concealed of the Concealed, Adam Kadmon (the Archetypal Man), etc.
Next in kabalistical importance comes the doctrine of the Ten Emanations of the
Sephiroth, by which the universe was created. Sephiroth means numerical
emanation, and the kabala teaches that all manifestation is accomplished in definite
numerical proportions through actions and reactions in the One Primeval
undifferentiated substance.
Prior to creation there was Ain Soph Aur, meaning limitless light, or
non-differentiated substance. The first emanation, or numerical impulse is known as
Kether, meaning Crown, and symbolizing Motion or Life.
Instantly, upon motion being transmitted to the non-polarized, universal,
all-diffusive spirit, it becomes polarized into two attributes, positive and negative,
masculine and feminine, action and reaction; for life or motion is impossible apart
from sex, or polarity. It is impossible to have action without reaction, positive
polarity without negative polarity, motion without something moving, something
moving without form. Consequently, springing into existence simultaneously with
Kether, or Life, are two other emanations called Chocmah and Binah. These usually
are translated as Wisdom and Intelligence by theological kabalists who try to
dethrone anything feminine from the Deific Trinity. But all initiates are aware that
they mean Love and Light; for Love is the highest and truest Wisdom.

However large the orbit of the student's investigations, or however recondite the
plane of its action, he will find that it must start with, and finally end in, this
kabalistical trinity of Life, Light and Love. From this primitive trinity of positive,
negative and union the universe became differentiated into Seven specific attributes
through seven additional emanations.
The Ten Emanations of the Sephiroth are, therefore, the Seven Active Principles of
Nature springing from a central source of Life, Light and Love--from a triune
God-head, or Spiritual Sun--just as we receive magnetism, light and heat from the
physical sun.
Although it has been well known that there is a strict correspondence between
astrological principles and the 10 Emanations of the Sephiroth, the Emanations
really manifesting as astrological forces, this correspondence has heretofore been
carefully concealed as part of the Greater Mysteries. Also, as the universe is divided
into positive, negative and union, kabalists have divided the 10 Emanations into
three pillars, or Trees. The tree on the right is the Biblical tree of Good, the Masonic
pillar Jachin, kabalistically known as the Father, or Pillar of Mercy. The tree on the
left is the biblical tree of Evil, the Masonic pillar Boaz, kabalistically known as the
Mother, or Pillar of Justice. Centrally between these two trees of the knowledge of
good and evil stands the tree of Life, conferring Immortality. It is the place of union
of Jachin and Boaz, kabalistically known as the Shekinah.
But early kabalists, to conceal their knowledge from the profane, in illustrating the
trees in the form of a diagram, gave it incorrectly, knowing the spiritually
enlightened in the course of their initiation would discover the error. It would thus
point to the truth without actually revealing it, which by their oath they were bound
not to do. In all current works upon the kabala, therefore, being copied from older
works, we find emanation 2-4-7 constituting the Tree of Good, 3-5-8 the Tree of Evil,
and 1-6-9-10 the Tree of Life, the Shekinah, or Pillar of Mildness. The correct
diagram is given on page 130 in chapter 6, where it will be seen that as should be, the
even, or esoteric, numbers 2-4-8 constitute the right-hand Pillar of Goodness, and the
exoteric numbers 3-5-7 constitute the left-hand Pillar of Evil. Also it will be seen that
the necessary planetary correspondences to each of the emanations when arranged in
the latter manner will place benefic planets on the Tree of Good and malefic planets
on the Tree of Evil.
The First emanation is called Kether, meaning Crown, and symbolizing Life or
Motion. It corresponds to the planet Pluto. It belongs at the head of the Tree of Life,
containing latent within itself both male and female potencies.
The Second emanation is Chocmah, meaning Wisdom, and symbolizing Love. It
corresponds to the planet Neptune, the head of the Tree of Good, in a spiritual sense
being positive to Uranus, though not so from the material plane.

The Third emanation is Binah, meaning Intelligence, and symbolizing Light. It

corresponds to the planet Uranus, being the head of the Tree of Evil, being external
to, and therefore more gross and spiritually negative than Neptune, and also
commonly much more malefic.
The Fourth emanation is Chesed, meaning Mercy, and symbolizing Beneficence. It
corresponds to the planet Jupiter, being the middle of the Tree of Good, and positive
to the Saturn principle of Evil.
The Fifth emanation is Geburah, meaning Severity, and symbolizing Affliction. It
corresponds to the planet Saturn, the middle of the Tree of Evil, and is negative to the
principle of Good.
The Sixth emanation is Tippereth, meaning Beauty, symbolizing Attraction. It
corresponds to the planet Venus, the middle of the Tree of Life, where all influences
join in a common harmonious Union.
The Seventh emanation is Netzach, meaning Victory and symbolizing Conflict. It
corresponds to the planet Mars, the foot of the Tree of Evil, and is negative to
Mercury even as blind force is ever subject to intelligence.
The Eighth emanation is Hod, meaning Splendor, and symbolizing Knowledge. It
corresponds to the planet Mercury, the foot of the Tree of Good, and is positive to the
instincts and impulses of Mars.
The Ninth emanation is Yesod, meaning Foundation and symbolizing Formation. It
corresponds to the Moon, next to the foot of the Tree of Life, the enfolding, formative
power that gives external expression to Tippereth.
The Tenth emanation is Malkuth, symbolizing Vitality. It corresponds to the Sun, at
the foot of the Tree of Life, wherein the Spiritual Ideals of Kether, having been
attracted by Tippereth, and having undergone formative gestation of Yesod, are
brought
forth
in
full
Virility
of
expression,
becoming
in
man
Self-Conscious-Immortality.
These three trees have been the great mystery of the kabala, and volumes of abstruse
reasoning and mystical allegories have been written in the attempt to throw light
upon it; for kabalists have all perceived that the Tree of Life, or the four emanations
1-6-9-10, constitutes the secret of Immortality. But just what this signifies in human
life only a few have discovered, and others have blundered along blindly for want of
proper keys, which astrology and the tarot alone afford. But the moment any kabalist
is shown that Venus is Tippereth he immediately perceives the truth.
The head of the Tree of Life is the planet Pluto, symbolizing the separation of the
sexes, the place where soul-mates part on their downward journey and the place
where they must again unite on their upward path. But the Tree of Life itself is
formed by the union of the Tree of Good with the Tree of Evil--three positive forces

and three negative forces meeting at a common point called Tippereth. Thus what
Venus is to the human body, by the law of correspondence, Tippereth must be to the
Tree of Life.
Now Venus rules the seed and union, and kabalists are well aware that the Shekinah,
or Tree of Life, is some kind of union. But what they usually fail to recognize is that in
man there is a spiritual seed as well as one physical, and that union, as indicated by
the four vibratory levels, or stations, represented by the four emanations within the
Tree of Life, can take place on the plane of degeneration, on the level of generation,
in the realm of regeneration, or in the exalted state of the reunion of soul-mates.
Yet Venus, the planet of love, is the key to this revelation. For those who recognize
that Tippereth is a seed endowed with life during union, giving formative expression
in the womb of Yesod, and brought forth into life and action by Malkuth, even as
daily this is known to happen in the generation and birth of children, should easily
recognize that the same principle applies to the evolution of Immortality. But, of
course, as in bringing forth life in the domain of Malkuth, at the foot of the tree, the
energies are directed toward the earth, and as immortality is not of earth but of the
highest spheres, the energies must be directed toward the highest level of union,
toward the exalted and permanent exchange of spiritual energies which corresponds
to Pluto when that planet is represented by the letter T with its point up, instead of
down toward Malkuth, as commonly written.
A few kabalists have perceived the truth of this matter. One, for instance, who was
also a great alchemist, states in his writings that he was acquainted with the mystery
of transmutation but had never proceeded to the practice because he had not found a
woman who could help him in the work.
Also Mr. A. E. Waite, the eminent kabalist, in speaking of the Shekinah says: "I have
said there are intimations of this state in eastern teachings, by which, I mean India,
but that--so far as I am aware--they have not passed into writing." And he further
concludes, after an exhaustive study of kabalistical literature: "We shall come to
recognize only one secret doctrine of Jewry, which is the secret concerning sex."
Reincarnation
--This seems to be the place to mention that the Jewish Kabala teaches
reincarnation, but only for those who fail to finish their work, and never more than
three times. And even in these instances, more often than not, more than one soul
occupies the same body to gain strength. Thus the teachings of the Zohar contradict
the teachings of reincarnation as commonly taught in the East. It sets forth the
impossibility of numerous reincarnations, and really seems to be a confused notion
regarding the attachment of a discarnate soul to one in the flesh for some definite
gaining of experience or the performance of some unusual purpose.
Soul-Mates
--The doctrine of soul-mates is quite distinctly taught in the Zohar, it being stated
that those who abide by the laws of the Lord will meet and marry their true
soul-mates; but that those who pervert the law will be denied such union. Impurity
keeps soul-mates apart, but purity and a moral life bring them together, and when so
united there also will be a permanent heavenly union after death.
God, Himself, is both Father and Mother. The word Elohim, translated in Genesis as
God, is Feminine plural; but the translators of the Bible, not wishing women to share
in anything Divine, have rendered it throughout in the Masculine singular. There is,
however, an inadvertent admission of the Father-Mother principle when Adam is
said to have been made in the image of "Elohim, Male and Female made He them."
Hebrew scholars say that "Eloh" is feminine singular, and that the ending "im," is a
termination of the masculine plural, the two being used together to indicate a
feminine potency united to a masculine idea.
Throughout the Kabala "The Ancient of Days" is considered both Male and Female,
and the Ten Emanations are divided into 5 positive and 5 negative attributes.
The Four Realms
--The Ten Emanations of the Sephiroth are divided into groups having affinity with
the four worlds; but at the same time the ten emanations also each manifest in these
four realms. The four kabalistical worlds are:
1. Atziluth, meaning Emanation and symbolizing the celestial realm and the
element fire.
2. Briah, meaning Creation and symbolizing the spiritual realm and the element air.
3. Yetzirah, meaning Formation and symbolizing the astral realm and the element
water.
4. Assiah, meaning Action and symbolizing the physical realm and the element
earth.
The first 3 emanations relate particularly to Celestial realms, the place of ideals, even
as Pluto, Neptune and Uranus have an influence over the highest ideals of man.
The second 3 emanations pertain specifically to Spiritual realms, to the creative
regions, even as Jupiter, Saturn and Venus have an influence over man's moral
nature, his reflective powers and his affections.
The third 3 emanations relate more closely to the formative regions, to the Astral
realms, even as Mercury, Mars and the Moon image, construct and mold the products
of man's genius.

And the final emanation belongs to the Physical world, to the realm of practical
action, even as the Sun vitalizes and brings forth from the soil innumerable forms of
life.
Interpreting the Kabala
--The great kabalistical student, Eliphas Levi, asserts that the kabala is a sealed book
to anyone unfamiliar with the tarot. Not only is this true, but the tarot, as here
presented, will be found a key to unlock all other sacred books as well. To the
discriminating student the most difficult kabalistical phrases will yield their inner
meaning when the tarot methods are applied.
Very briefly to illustrate, we find The Book of Concealed Mystery opens thus:
1. The Book of Concealed Mystery is the Book of the equilibrium of balance." The
balance
here referred to is Polarity, as exemplified by the Second Major Arcanum of the tarot.
2. For before there was equilibrium, countenance beheld not countenance." That is,
consciousness was not possible before this duality.
3. And the Kings of ancient times were dead, and their crowns were found no more: and
the
earth was desolate." These kings of the tarot being in ancient times, indicates a previous
round of evolution; being dead refers to the cosmic sleep of nirvana. Kether, or Crown,
means activity; therefore, intelligence of the Divine Mind was inactive, and there was
no
differentiation in progress.
4. Until that head, desired by all desires, appeared and communicated the vestments of
honor." Arcanum I, Deific Intelligence, awakens and sends the first Divine thought-
wave
throbbing throughout the unmanifested void of Ain Soph Aur.
5. This equilibrium hangeth in that region which is negatively existent in "The Ancient
One." Arcanum II, Isis, where polarity first manifests, is negative, or feminine.
Such explanations might be carried out in regard to every Kabalistical statement.
Summary
--As the Jewish Kabala is mostly written in code, and all of it in the form of
allegories, it takes much effort for the student to form a clear idea of its chief tenets. I
will, therefore, here sum them up in unequivocal language:
1. God and the Universe are the Ego and Body of the Grand Man, or Macrocosm; and
finite
man, or the microcosm, is a miniature copy of the Grand Man, corresponding to Him in
all
details.
2. The universe sprang into differentiated existence in conformity to the law of
numbers.
These ten emanations from Deity manifest on every plane as 3 general and 7 specific
attributes. In their interaction with one another they form, by a principle similar to that
giving musical overtones, 22 less abstract and more specialized influences, or
astrological qualities. These, manifesting as the 12 zodiacal signs and 10 planets of the
chain, together with the 10 original numbers, form the 32 paths of evolution, which
really
are the 32 factors of all manifested existence. Yet at any given time all these 32
influences converge at every point in the universe. That is, in some quantity they are

everywhere present. And the specific point where they thus manifest--the earth, for
instance--being a synthesis of their influence, constitutes a 33rd factor.
3. Great importance is attached to sex, it being taught that man can reach the feminine
principle above only through union. The Shekinah is perfect union; and it is taught that
mankind approaches God only through Shekinah. Those of impure mind and gross
passions
can not partake of Shekinah, for Shekinah is the Tree of Life, partaking of the fruits of
which
mankind is brought face to face with Adonai; entering thus into Divine Consciousness.
4. Souls are differentiated in pairs, have an existence before material birth, are separated
before incarnation; and it is this separation which constitutes the original transgression.
But
through living a pure and spiritual life on earth they ultimately are attracted to each
other and
may even meet on earth. This meeting is the Shekinah, and in time permanently reunites
them in heaven.
5. As exemplifying these four doctrines and their numerous offshoots, there is the
mystery
of the pronunciation of the name of Deity, which in the Bible is translated Jehovah, and
in
Hebrew is a word of four letters, IEVE, or Jod-He-Vau-He.
Jewish tradition holds that, "He who can rightly pronounce it, causeth heaven and
earth to tremble, for it is the name which rusheth through the universe."
The real significance of this venerated word is that it stands as representing the four
universal principles; and therefore he who understands these four letters is also able
to comprehend all power and all manifestation; and he who is able to pronounce
it--or utilize his knowledge--is able to live in complete harmony with the Divine
Law and thus partakes also of Divine power. It really signifies that nothing is
impossible to one who unites himself to the Cosmic Will.
Because it is composed of four letters the name is called the Tetragrammaton. These
four letters, which are symbols of positive, negative, union and vibration, can be
transposed in 12 different ways, all conveying the same meaning, just as nature
manifests through the 12 zodiacal signs, yet in essence remains the same.
These twelve ways of expressing the Deific name are called the 12 banners. These
banners are spelled thus:
IEVE--IEEV--IVEE--EVEI--EVIE--EEIV--VEEI--VIEE--VEIE--EIEV--
EIVE--EEVI.
The Tarot Cards Utilize
Both
Extra-Sensory Perception
and Extra-Physical Powers
--A vast amount of experimentation by universities in America and in England since
the discovery of Pluto in 1930 not only proves that man possesses the power to gain,
through extra-sensory perception, information not accessible to reason and the
physical senses, but that this perception extends into both the past and the future.

On the inner plane consciousness can be extended unhindered by physical distance,

and extended backwards and forwards in physical time. Even as to gain knowledge
on the physical plane, so on the inner plane the attention must be focused on the
information desired. The tarot cards, through their universal symbols, are designed,
among other things, to assist in extending the inner-plane consciousness and
focusing it on the information desired.
All mental processes are governed by the LAW OF ASSOCIATION. What has been
perceived on the inner plane through extra-sensory perception resides in the
unconscious mind as a memory. To remember it--to bring it up into objective
consciousness--there must be a line of association between what is in objective
consciousness and this memory. The symbols on the tarot cards are the most
effective means known of forming the associations that enable what was perceived
through extra-sensory perception to be recognized by objective consciousness.
The university experimenters have also demonstrated that physical objects can be
influenced without the aid of any physical contact with them. This result of using
extra-physical power they call the PK (Psychokinetic) Effect. The unconscious
mind, or soul, uses this power to cause the tarot cards in a spread to become so placed
as to reveal information obtained through extra-sensory perception.
Chapter 2
Foundation of the
Science
T HAS BEEN said by that eminent kabalist, Eliphas Levi, that four signs
express the absolute, and in turn are explained by a fifth. And we find this
very true, both as applied to astrology and to the tarot. In each, the fifth term,
by which the four fundamental elements are explained, is the language of
universal symbolism. Therefore, the student may expect, in his study of the wide
range of symbols employed in the tarot, to be made thoroughly conversant with a
language which has been employed by learned men in all ages and all climes to
impart the most profound truths, a language which, because of its wide appeal does
not essentially vary with the passage of time, which is imperishable, and can be read
by the intelligent members of any race. The tarot is the ONE standard text-book on
the meaning of universal symbols.
Now these four signs, which are explained by universal symbolism, as applied to the
Grand Man of the universe, are represented by the four quadrants of the heavens.
These, in turn, of course, correspond in function to the four letters of the Deific Word,
Jod-He-Vau-He. And because the sacred tarot pictures and explains this Grand Man
from the feminine, or esoteric standpoint, it also has, in addition to being a text-book
of the most ancient of languages, four distinct functions to perform.
Therefore, even before explaining the source from which the sacred tarot is derived, I
feel that these four distinct and important functions should be set forth, and that those
who teach this Hermetic System should insist that their students should at all times
keep these four functions in separate compartments of their minds, without
confusing one with another; for each is a distinct and clear-cut system in itself.
Two of these systems--as must be true if they correspond to the Divine
Jod-He-Vau-He--are positive. They are really sciences. And the other two are
feminine and negative. They are systems of divination, each accurately
corresponding to one of the four corners of the universe.
Corresponding to the Leo quarter of the zodiac there is a Science of Vibration, to
which numbers furnish the key. Corresponding to the Scorpio section of the
firmament there is a system of Divination by means of Cards. Corresponding to the

Taurus quadrant of the sky there is a system of Numerology, or Divination by means

of Numbers. And Corresponding to the Aquarius region of the heavens there is a
Spiritual Science, which forms the basis of a complete philosophy of life.
The Science of Vibration
--Right here it should be emphasized, so that later no confusion may arise, that the
Hermetic System of Vibration as determined through using numbers is quite
unrelated to any system of numerology. Numerology, new systems of which are
being devised each year, is a method of divination. And as divination by numbers is
one of the four functions of the tarot, nothing here is said in disparagement of
numerology. In fact, I set forth such a system in chapter 8 of this course.
But the vibratory science here explained, although dependent upon numbers for the
determination of effects, is not numerology. It is a positive science, as precise in its
results, and as independent of psychic matters, as any physical science. Through it, as
the physicist determines by means of numbers the vibratory frequency of different
colors, or as by means of numbers he determines the vibratory frequency of any
selected musical tone, so also by means of numbers, can the vibratory key of any
thought be determined.
The great Caruso, in demonstrating the power of his voice, also well illustrated the
importance of the vibratory key. When he went into a cafe, at times he would call for
a wine glass. Tapping the glass to get the key, he would request the waiter to place the
glass on a table in a distant part of the room. And then, by singing the tone to which he
had found the glass keyed, by the powerful vibrations of his voice reaching it across
the room, the glass would be shattered.
Thoughts, like vocal tones, are vibratory rates; but they are definite vibrations in
astral substance. Nevertheless, like Caruso's voice, they have the power to travel
across space and bring about physical changes. And like his voice, also, it is their
vibratory key, as well as their volume which determines their effect.
The key to which thoughts are tuned often can be determined by their subject matter.
But other thoughts, which also have powerful vibratory rates, are abstract in quality.
That is, they merely designate some thing or quality. Such are names, and such are
numbers.
It is not the physical sound of a name or a number that is its potent influence; it is the
thought-vibration of the one thinking it, which radiates outward from his mind to the
person or thing thought about. This vibration reaching a person thought about
influences him according to the key of the thought. Different names and different
numbers vibrate in different keys. Different vibratory keys produce different effects
upon the objects or persons they contact, even as do different sounds. And, wholly
apart from any process of divination, it is the object of the Science of Vibration as set
forth in these studies to determine the key to which names and numbers vibrate, and
how they affect the things and people with which they become associated.

Divination by Numbers
--Because, as I have already pointed out, there are an increasing number of methods
of using numbers in divination, little need be said about this phase of the subject here
other than to point out that all these systems of Numerology, as well as the Hermetic
System of Divination by Numbers, are really methods of divination. As such they
possess a legitimate function. Many of them other than the Hermetic System give
quite accurate results. But in no case should they be considered as a Science of
Vibration; for such a science is based upon the observed effect of thought
vibratory-rates, and is something entirely apart from any kind of divination.
Divination by Cards
--Nor is any system of laying out the cards strictly a scientific and positive process.
Like numerology, the methods of card reading set forth in this Hermetic System, as
well as all other card-reading methods, are useful; but they essentially are systems of
divination.
Spiritual Science
--Now, however, when we come to that function which sets forth a spiritual science
as a basis for a complete philosophy of life, we are again back on positive and
scientific footing.
It is true that in perfecting this science there is recourse to the law of
correspondences. Nevertheless, the philosophy of life derived from this science is
based upon the strict observation, by those throughout the past ages who were most
competent to ascertain them by experimental methods, of spiritual facts. Every
noteworthy spiritual fact that has been uncovered by the researches of the most
exalted minds since the world began, and checked as to accuracy by subsequent
illuminated ones, is set forth in the language of universal symbolism in the sacred
tarot. That is why we who delve deeply into it call it Sacred. But while the spiritual
facts are thus clearly set forth, except for certain guiding lines each is left free to draw
from them such conclusions as his state of evolvement will permit. The facts are
there, but to us is given the task of giving them an adequate detailed interpretation.
But after all, of what particular use is a spiritual philosophy?
Because the vibrations of people thinking our name, or our telephone number, reach
us and conduce, through stimulating harmonious or inharmonious conditions within
ourselves, to our health and happiness, or to our failure and misery, it is easy to see
that a science of vibration which enables us to regulate such matters is important.
And, in so far as divination gives us valuable and reliable information, it is not
difficult to understand the prevalent interest in numerology and in card reading. But
of what value is a spiritual science, or the philosophy derived from it?

Well, to give a proper perspective to this one of the four chief functions of the tarot,
we must make a brief examination of life in general, and of man in particular.
Man, for instance, like all other living entities, possesses a strong desire to live. But
the life of any organism continues only so long as it makes successful adaptation to
its environment. Part of man's environment consists of countless other forms of life,
toward which it is essential he should observe a proper code of conduct. He must
obey the impulse of the moment seldom, but instead, consider the effect of his action
as influencing his future welfare.
Especially is it important that he shall conduct himself properly toward others of his
kind, otherwise conflict, or wanton depletion of food supplies, may cause all to
perish. His chances of survival are greatly heightened when he can obtain, not the
antagonism, but the cooperation, of some of his fellows.
Such cooperation, however, is only made possible by an understanding as to mutual
aims. When such mutual aims have been established a single tribe becomes better
equipped to attain them than any individual, and a nation becomes superior to a tribe.
Yet members of any cooperative group who have variant aims weaken the
effectiveness of the whole. Thus for mutual advantages, and to prevent disaster
befalling, there must come to be a recognized standard of conduct.
Such a code has for purpose those actions which will confer the greatest advantages
on the whole group, and thus also confer them upon the individual members. And the
advantages striven for are determined by the knowledge of the people. But whether
those prescribed in the standard of conduct actually contribute to the welfare of the
group or not, and to what extent, depends entirely upon how correctly they have
interpreted the true relation of one life-form to another, and the true relation of the
individual to the group. This interpretation, because actions are based upon it, is the
most dominant factor in shaping the lives of a people. It is called their ethical
standard.
Now in national life those things are advocated which are believed to add to the
richness of people's lives, and those things considered destructive are prohibited.
Yet people have not found a means by which physical dissolution can be postponed
more than a few short years.
After-Death Survival
--Not being able to make the continuous adaptation to a physical environment which
would enable them to continue living upon earth, it was quite natural that some
should investigate the possibility of a life in a region after physical death. And our
foremost scientific men, by means of careful experiments, have confirmed their
findings that man does live beyond the tomb.
Yet wherever life is found, its survival and the fullness of its existence depend upon
successful adaptation to environment. This same law must apply to the after-life of
man. That is, to the extent he is able to make perfect and continuous adaptations in

that future realm, will his life there prove satisfactory. Furthermore, as he has found
knowledge to be the most essential factor in his adaptation on earth, he has a right to
assume that the more knowledge he has concerning the conditions to be encountered,
and about how difficulties are to be met and overcome, the better he will get along in
the life after physical death.
Many as yet are content with mere surmise as to the conditions that there obtain. And
all through the dark ages man was content merely to surmise how matter behaved
under different circumstances. Yet the progress man has made in material ways, the
attainment of numerous comforts, and all of what we call modern civilization, was
brought about by those who were not content with surmise, but who set about
gathering accurate knowledge about physical things.
Furthermore, ancient ruins give testimony of considerable scientific achievement
even before history began. We have surpassed the ancients in these matters, it is true,
and we may be able to surpass them in that other field to which tradition and ruins
alike bear testimony, that is, in the field of spiritual science. But if we are able to do so
we must discard surmise and substitute accurately observed phenomena.
Upon the accuracy of the Chaldeans in calculating certain celestial phenomena,
modern astronomers are forced to place considerable reliance, and to base some of
their own findings. And as to the knowledge of astrology these same Chaldeans
possessed, anyone who will take the pains to learn to erect a birthchart can soon prove
to himself that they had accurate knowledge which is scoffed at by the abysmal
ignorance of parrot-taught scholars.
Instead of taking the rules laid down by the ancients, and testing them by the
approved methods of experimental science, conventional intolerance does battle
with them by appealing to prejudice. And the same dogmatic assertions are used to
discredit and block the path of anyone who makes a candid investigation of spiritual
science.
It is true that mystical folly runs rampant under the guise of occultism; but for that
matter less than three centuries ago material science was no less a medley of
confused notions and dogmatic opinions. And it became necessary, in order to build
a sound structure for material science, to discard all that had gone before, and build
on the solid foundation of observed facts. Upon such an unyielding foundation the
framework of scientific thought has been reared, each timber being fitted to its proper
place by the methods of deductive thought. And so erected, it constitutes a shelter
which protects man from a thousand and one dangers which threaten his physical
survival.
But it has been unable to prolong the physical life indefinitely, and man as of yore,
looks beyond the earth-plane to another existence after the tomb. About this after-life
much is said, but little is commonly known. Yet all seem to agree that some kind of
preparation for the new condition is necessary, or at least desirable. That is, they feel
that as effort is necessary to enable one to adapt himself to physical life, some kind of
effort must be necessary to make successful adaptation to any life in the future. But
men do not agree of what this preparation should consist.
The very yearning of the human soul, therefore, demands that there shall come into
existence a spiritual science, a science which shall inform man definitely about the
life he will be called upon to live after he leaves the physical plane; and that will
direct him as to the preparations which should be made, while still on the physical
plane, that will enable him the more successfully to adapt himself in the realms of the
future. Thus do the necessities of man demand a spiritual science. But such a spiritual
science can be soundly constructed only on the plan which so successfully has been
used in the construction of material science. Notions must be cleared away, surmise
must be swept to one side, and a foundation laid of indisputable facts quarried from
the lode of critically observed phenomena. Then upon this foundation a framework
should be erected according to the strictest methods of logic. And if the work thus
done has been thorough there should result a shelter which is effective in protecting
us from the inclemencies encountered in any life on any plane.
In gathering this information for the foundation, we can use the reports of the
physical senses somewhat; because they have been found to give rather accurate
information as checked by practical affairs. But they also, at times, have been found
unreliable; and thus they should be checked by those other senses, the senses of the
astral, the psychic senses. These psychic senses also, in so far as practical experience
proves them to be accurate, should be used to gather information. But because they
also sometimes report falsely, their findings should be checked as to accuracy by the
physical senses. Information should be quarried wherever it can be found, and by
whatever method can be used; but before entering into the foundation of a spiritual
science it should be tested by every known means.
Now as to these psychic senses, about which some people may be skeptical, bear in
mind that because a man can not track a hare by scent does not imply that a hound can
not do so. And because many hounds fail to follow some particularly cold trail does
not prove that some other hound may not be able to do so. The limits of one hound's
ability is not the measure of the ability of another hound, and whether a particular
man can do something that another man can not should not be made a matter of
surmise, but subjected to experimental proof.
And thus in the application of the psychic senses; just how reliable their reports are
must be experimentally determined for each individual, by subjecting their reports to
subsequent proof. Yet when used judiciously, and in conjunction with his physical
senses and common sense, they are found to be extraordinarily valuable aids to
spiritual knowledge.
In using the physical senses to gather material to be included in the foundation of a
spiritual science, we find that there is a sympathetic relation between objects and
events upon the earth and the heavenly bodies and their movements. No psychic
faculties are needed to prove this, as it comes directly under the methods of physical
experiment. Yet the science of astrology, which sets forth in mathematical terms, the

relation of the heavenly bodies to things on earth, has mostly been handed down to us
from the ancient magi. Not that we merely accept what they have stated; but, using
statistical methods upon observed results, we have found their statements and
interpretations amazingly accurate.
The same magi specialized, generation after generation, for thousands of years, in
just two things: they specialized in astrology, and they specialized in gaining
information concerning the soul of man.
In the acquisition of information on these two subjects they developed their psychic
senses to a high degree, and they kept laborious records of experiments, day after
day, year after year, generation after generation.
And, in so much as the vast amount of information which has come down to us from
them concerning astrology has been proved by experimental methods and modern
research to be highly accurate, we are justified, I think, in placing some confidence in
their findings where their other specialty is concerned. All the more so, because they
linked their spiritual findings to astrology. Astrology, to them, was not merely
character-reading, and a means of predicting events. It was also the science of the
soul and the key to all spiritual possibilities. It had an exoteric side, which was
applicable to the physical affairs of life; but it also had a more important esoteric side,
which revealed the nature of the soul and to what conditions it would be subjected in
the future.
Thus these men of an olden day formulated just such a spiritual science as that for
which we search. They scanned the universe with highly trained psychic vision, they
checked the information gained in one manner by information gained in another
manner; and when, as time went by, they became convinced they had some spiritual
treasure, by means of correspondence, which they understood so well, they traced
this spiritual fact as a constellation in the sky.
Still further applying this principle of correspondences, they attached each to a
number, so that spiritual ideas might be combined and handled mathematically, even
as by means of numbers we solve the more humble problem of the family budget.
And that they might thus be handled with facility, even as in algebra we use x, y, z, to
represent more complex things, they used symbols to represent the spiritual verities
that were being considered.
For convenience in handling, these symbols, which stood for definite spiritual ideas,
were engraved on plates. And thus it came about that each plate contained, in the
language of universal symbolism, the explanation of some important spiritual fact. It
explained in more detail than the pictured constellation or the symbol of the planet,
just what these men of old had discovered. It was an esoteric interpretation of the
spiritual truths associated with some planet or zodiacal sign. And attached to the
plate was its corresponding number, so that through combining numbers having the
same value as definite spiritual ideas, spiritual ideas could be handled
mathematically. By combining their numerical equivalents a number could be thus
obtained which would represent the correct resulting spiritual idea.

Now, of course, we should not accept the spiritual findings of these ancients until
they have been subjected to rigorous tests. We should not accept the findings of
either moderns or ancients as conclusive. But because in those things where rigid
tests have been applied these men of old have proved to have had such amazingly
accurate and comprehensive knowledge, if we were to overlook their work it would,
no doubt, make our own research far more laborious. Let us approach the spiritual
ideas they have left us, not as conclusively proved, but in the same manner as we
approached exoteric astrology. Let us take them, one at a time, and subject them to
proof. And if the knowledge they left us concerning spiritual things compares in
accuracy with the knowledge they left us concerning astrology, our labors in
establishing a true spiritual science will surely be lightened.
Origin of the Tarot Cards
--Those plates upon which, in the language of universal symbolism, the ancients
inscribed their knowledge of spiritual things and the attainments possible to the
human soul, were called by the Egyptians, The Royal Path of Life.
In Egyptian, Tar means path, and Ro means royal, and thus, even at this day, the
plates are known to us as the tarot.
As a part of the mysteries divulged to candidates only after passing hazardous trials
and hardships, they have largely remained the property of secret schools of occultism
and jealously guarded by them. What has filtered through to the public has been
rather unsatisfactory and vague, although occult students the world over have
recognized their importance.
The magical wheel discovered in the thirteenth century by Raymond Lully, which
was to solve all problems, was the tarot. In the sixteenth century, William Postel
wrote concerning it as, The Genesis of Enoch, in a book entitled, The Key of Things
Kept Secret From the Foundation of the World. He believed it antedated the Bible.
Count de Gebelin wrote concerning it, and St. Martin studied it. Eliphas Levi wrote
his masterpiece, The Dogma and Ritual of Transcendental Magic, from studies of it,
and S. L. MacGregor Mathers, Papus, and A. E. Waite have contributed works about
it.
From this it might be concluded that little is left to be said about the tarot. But
unfortunately for the general public the secret schools have had no intention of
permitting real knowledge concerning it to escape from their midst. Consequently,
much that has been written about the tarot has been, not for the purpose of making
clear its real significance, but to reveal what had clandestinely escaped from the
secret schools. Even so fearless a writer as Eliphas Levi admits this, and the few
mistakes he makes in his own writings are so glaring, and yet so near the truth, that
they can be ascribed neither to carelessness nor ignorance.
One of the most conscientious of mystical writers, Mr. A. E. Waite, explains the
matter thus:

"There is no extant ritual, as there can be no doctrine, which contains, or can possibly
contain, the secret of mystical procedure or the essence of mystical doctrine. The
reason is not because there is, or can reasonably be, any indictable secret, but because
the knowledge in question is in the custody of those who have taken effectual
measures for its protection; and though from time to time, some secrets of initiation
have filtered through printed books into the world at large, the real mysteries have
never escaped."
In the Pictorial Key to The Tarot, he further comments: "There is a secret tradition
concerning the tarot, as well as a Secret Doctrine contained therein; I have followed
some part of it without exceeding the limits which are drawn about matters of this
kind and belong to the Laws of Honor. This tradition has two parts, and as one of
them has passed into writing it seems to follow that it may be betrayed at any
moment, which will not signify, because the second, as I have intimated has not
passed at present and is held by very few indeed. The purveyors of spurious copy and
traffickers in stolen goods may take notice of this point, if they please."
Men who follow science as a profession have a very different code of honor. The
truly scientific man does not hold what he discovers, or what others have discovered,
merely to benefit a chosen few. It is the code of science to give whatever information
is discovered to the public that not one select clique may have an advantage, but that
the whole human race may be the gainer. And it has always seemed to me a colossal
piece of selfishness for any group of men, if they really possessed information that
might be beneficial to all mankind, to hoard it for themselves alone.
I hold, therefore, that secrecy in any matter that will aid the soul in gaining
knowledge of its true relations to the universe, or that will assist in making life
happier, or the attainment of spirituality easier, is not a virtue. Consequently,
departing from the custom of many other writers on this subject, I am introducing
no blinds and no subterfuges into these lessons. As to traffickers in stolen goods,
what I present, in its essentials, has been in the custody of The Brotherhood of
Light for ages. But even were it otherwise, I would not hesitate to present any
information that I deem might in some manner assist human progress and
happiness, from whatever source it might be gleaned.
The time has ceased, I trust, when a few shall possess a monopoly on the truths
regarding spiritual things. The reader will find here all that is necessary for him to
know about the tarot and its Secret Doctrine to put him on the right path, and he could
hope for no more even within the most exclusive circles; for attainment is not
vicarious.
As to the methods of mystical procedure so carefully guarded, supposed never to
have been committed to writing, possessed by so very few, whose mysteries have
never escaped to the world at large; I take pleasure in pointing out that it is the method
by which man reaches God directly. It may be mentioned also that it is not the
exclusive possession of the Occident, but is known as well to initiates of the Orient.

To give the western version might be deemed trafficking in stolen goods. Therefore,
as the eastern interpretation is fully as valuable and accurate I will state where it may
be found:
The original work is exceedingly ancient and rare, is inscribed on palm leaves, and
found only in the remotest parts of India and Tartary. It is called, The Atma Bodha, or
Book of Soul Knowledge. It is divided into three books, the second being a
commentary on the first. The third book contains but seven statements which form a
brief summary of the whole subject. The work, translated into English was possessed
by members of The Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor (long since closed), and is fully
as lucid in explaining mystical atonement as are the teachings on this subject of any
western order. Lack of space prevents the giving of more than the summary, the key
to the whole matter; but this meditated upon in connection with the tarot will prove
quite sufficient for anyone whose spirituality is such as to permit illumination; which
is all that any outside help can give, although the whole work is of utmost value.
"BOOK III
"The Aphoresmata of The Logos
"I.
Whatever exists, exists as a Whole, as God, or is a part, or emanation from God.
"II.
In the Whole as an angel, unconscious of the Whole, is an undescended spirit.
"III.
Parted from the Whole, yet a portion of the Whole, and unconscious of the Whole, is the
Law of Differentation.
"IV.
Parted from the Whole, with the Whole, yet external to the Whole, is a descended or
fallen spirit.
"V.
Parted from the Whole, with the Whole, yet conscious of the Whole and knowing it has
fallen away from, and that it should, and can, return to the Whole, is the Law of
Reascension.
"VI.
That which is parted from the Whole, turns again to the Whole, is the Law of True
Repentance.
"VII.
That which was parted from the Whole, and has again returned to the Whole, is a part of
the Whole, remains so forever as a blest spirit, and is the Law of Perfect Atonement."
Tarot Correspondences
--Of the plates on which the ancients pictured the facts they ascertained regarding
spiritual science and universal law, which have been handed down to us in the form
of the tarot cards, 22 are more important than the rest. They correspond to the 12
zodiacal signs and the 10 planets in the chain. And the ideas thus pictorially
expressed in universal symbolism later came further to be condensed as conventional
and easily written hieroglyphics, and this is the origin of the square-formed letter of
the Hebrew and Egyptian alphabets. And, because there were no separate characters
for numbers, each such square-formed letter also became the number expressing the
spiritual idea embodied in the pictured plate.

Then to still further express the numerical interaction of forces and ideas between the
four kingdoms of fire, earth, air and water; a scale of ten numerals was added, and
repeated in association with the emblem of a kingdom, giving a total of 40 additional
plates, or suitcards. Each according to its number, of course, corresponds to some
astrological subdivision of the original 22 conceptions.
All these forces, however, have an influence upon man. He is the point where they
come to a focus. But men are not all the same, and this difference in type is best
expressed by the sign of the zodiac under which each is born. So we have 12 plates, or
cards, picturing people born under each of the zodiacal signs. To express the family
relation they are represented as Father, Mother and Son, pictured more commonly as
King, Queen and Youth (Jack). The temperaments of these people are further shown
by the suits; for the fiery signs of the zodiac represent the sanguine temperament, the
watery signs the lymphatic temperament, the earthly signs the bilious temperament,
and the airy signs the nervous temperament. Thus the suit denotes the temperament.
In addition to cosmic and other influences there is another thing of importance.
People have thoughts. They are probably the most potent of all forces. Consequently,
it was essential to have them represented. And to show their source of origin they
should be associated with people. Therefore, to depict them, the ancients had
recourse to a horseman; for the Twins, ruling the house of private thoughts in a
natural birth-chart, were often represented on horses; and Sagittarius, ruling the
house of publically expressed thought in a natural birth-chart; is a horseman. The
complete set of the tarot plates, or cards, therefore consists of 22 Major Arcana, 40
Minor Arcana, and 16 Court Cards; a total of 78.
Just why each Major Arcanum is a pictorial representation of the spiritual
associations of the planet or zodiacal sign with which it is given will be made plain as
we make a study of each.
The four members of each suit of court cards represent, in their wider application, the
Hebrew name of Deity--Jod-He-Vau-He; signifying masculine, feminine, union,
and the product. And they also throw light upon the origin of the Holy Trinity
worshiped by Christianity.
In Egypt, Osiris the Father, Isis the Mother, and Horus the Issue, were popularly
worshiped; and in addition there was a fourth deity which included the three others,
and overshadowed them, as do the thoughts of a family, called the Holy Ghost.
So when Athenasis came from Egypt to the Holy Council of Nice to assist in settling
of what the orthodox Trinity consisted, he introduced the Holy Ghost. Most
contemporaneous nations, other than the Egyptians, held merely to the Trinity of
Father, Mother and Issue. But the Holy Ghost came to Christianity at an opportune
time; for due to the teachings of Paul, and the fanatic asceticism that was developing,
it was becoming quite certain that woman could have no part in anything divine.

The monks who retired to monastic life looked upon woman as an instrument of evil,
a tempting agent of the devil, strictly to be avoided. They characteristically shifted
the blame for all the ills of humanity to her shoulders by teaching that the fall of
Adam was due to the guile of Eve. So, while the Church still retained the Virgin
Isis--which as the sign Virgo, has from time immemorial been pictured as a virgin
with a crescent Moon in her arms to symbolize the immaculate conception--as the
Mother Mary, and venerated her accordingly; they felt compelled to cut her from the
Holy Trinity. In her stead they substituted the Holy Ghost.
Yet while cutting woman from the Holy Trinity, they were powerless to efface her
from nature; and in the common playing cards as in the tarot, she holds her rightful
place as Queen, joint ruler with the King. But the fourth court card, still retained in
the tarot, even as the spirit of rectitude and justice which in its wider application it
represents, has departed from our midst.
Origin of the Suits
--As to the emblems by which the four suits are recognized, they were derived as
universal symbols from the most important of natural phenomena, the passing of the
seasons.
Even as heralded in the verses of Omar, the spring is signaled by the rose. In certain
older cards the rose is sometimes found. The spring is the period of renewed life, and
thus the rose, as representing it, in some mystical orders, is the symbol of a renewed
life. Spring brought a new food supply, which nourished life. But this food supply, by
which life might be sustained also might be purchased. And thus we have the pieces
of money, the coins of the tarot. But in later days a more commercial age decided that
for sustaining life through trade, diamonds were even more precious than money. So
in modern cards we have the suit of diamonds.
The summer brought the trefoil, or three-leaf clover, which was important for forage
to the flocks of a pastoral people. So the clover became associated with the heat of
summer. A similar heat could be produced with wood. And thus scepters came to be
the symbol of summer heat, and are so represented in the tarot. Moderns, however,
continue to picture the clover, but refer to the wood still, calling it the suit of clubs.
The autumn, when the wine was pressed from the grape, came to be the season of
festivities, of dancing and of marriage. To represent the emotions then engendered,
the cup, from which the wine was quaffed, came to be used, and thus is still one of the
suits of the tarot. But moderns, associating the emotions of joy, and those that result
in marriage, with the heart, have preferred to use them in picturing the corresponding
suit of playing cards.
The winter was a time of dearth and want. To provide for this period when no food
could be garnered, it was customary to work hard to gather and hoard a supply
sufficient to last through until spring. And it was observed that the oak also thus
provided a food supply which was similarly stored by the squirrels. Thus the acorn
came to be used as the symbol of winter. But, in time, the afflictions of winter, and the
struggle to sustain life, especially as it often led to strife among peoples, came to be
depicted by the emblem of strife, the sword. Yet a still later people looked upon the
unfruitful season as the cause of their unceasing toil; and to depict this, used the
modern emblem of toil, the shovel, or spade as it is called in modern playing cards.
Thus the balmy air of spring is represented by coins, the fire of summer by scepters,
the bibulous festivities of autumn by cups, and the hardships of winter by swords.
Therefore, we must consider that coins correspond to the airy signs, scepters to the
fiery signs, cups to the watery signs, and swords to the earthy signs, of the zodiac.
Making the Spread
--When the unconscious mind has its attention focused on obtaining certain
information, the psychic senses are active to obtain that information. And because of
the vastly wider scope of their power, due to the properties of inner-plane existence
where they function, they are able to acquire information quite inaccessible without
their aid. This information then resides in the astral brain as a memory. That is, it is a
memory of what has been gathered astrally.
The tarot cards afford both a means by which the attention of the soul is directed to
acquiring such information, and a means by which this information, which then
exists as a memory in the astral brain, can be raised into the region of objective
consciousness.
One who has experience with the tarot cards will become convinced that there is
some power present, not merely that directs how they shall be read, but that actually
directs their distribution so that they will give a correct reading. Extra-sensory
perception is able to observe their positions in the pack as shuffled. And
extra-physical power (now demonstrated in our universities as the Psychokinetic
Effect) in cooperation with the unconscious muscular activities of the shuffler, tends
to arrange the cards in shuffling, and so to cut the pack, that when dealt they shall fall
in positions to give the information desired. Full details of this process are set forth in
Chapters 1, 2 and 3 in the Course 11, Divination.
The first essential of a reading is that there shall be a strong and unprejudiced desire
to know something. If other strong desires or preconceived opinions intrude during
the shuffling and reading of the cards, they will warp the reading from the truth. The
mind should be concentrated on obtaining a correct answer.
While the mind is so occupied, the cards should be shuffled in such a manner as not
merely to rearrange them in the deck, but to reverse the ends of some. They should
then be cut into three piles and gathered again into a pack. This shuffling and cutting
should be repeated three times; and then the cards dealt, face downward. They are
turned over from top to bottom, but turned over only one at a time, as read.

Yes or No?
--To answer a question Yes or No, five cards are dealt in a single row, from right to
left. The middle card counts 2 and the other cards each count 1. A majority of the
counts right end up is an affirmative answer. A majority of the counts wrong way up
is a negative answer. If the right way up and the wrong way up are evenly divided, it is
a draw, and the answer is undecided.
Seven cards dealt in a row in this manner, from right to left, will answer a question
briefly, and nine so arranged will give greater detail. The present of the matter is
revealed by the middle card. The conditions or events leading up to it are signified by
the cards commencing at the right. The cards commencing at the left of the middle
and moving to the last one on the left, show the conditions and events pertaining to
the matter in the future.

Chapter 3
Scope and Use of the Tarot
AMBLICHUS, a Neo-platonist of the fourth century and an initiate of The
Brotherhood of Light, has left us an important document entitled, "An
Egyptian Initiation".
It contains an account of the trials of initiation, and of certain information given to the
neophyte while passing these tests, in the Mysteries of Ancient Egypt. The different
steps in this initiation as thus described, and what each step signifies, are set forth in
full detail in Chapter 9 of Course 2, Astrological Signatures.
At one point in his journey the candidate is stopped before 22 frescoed paintings
which picture the 22 Major Arcana of the tarot, and it becomes his duty to commit to
memory these pictures, as well as their symbolism, which is then explained to him.
As these pictures, together with such of their symbolism as is then explained to the
neophyte, are fully described by Iamblichus, his work affords an accurate description
of the Egyptian Tarot.
"An Egyptian Initiation" was translated from the original MS. into French by P.
Christian, and those who have written much of value concerning the tarot have drawn
heavily upon his translation. In 1901 it was translated into English, for private
circulation, by my friend Genevieve Stebbins. And I am indebted to her for
permission to use her translation of the description of the Egyptian Tarot.
In these lessons I have faithfully followed the description of the plates, the meaning
of the symbols found upon the Major Arcana, and the interpretation of the Arcana in
each of the three worlds, just as given in the translation of Genevieve Stebbins; and
also the admonition after each Arcanum which runs, "Remember, then, son of earth,"
etc.
The Admonition
--As to this admonition, although it probably will be used seldom by tarot students, I
have thought it better not merely to include it, but to preserve it without change. It is a
part of the old initiation ceremony, and may serve a more important function in the
future than can now be discerned.

Modern translators of the old square-formed alphabet have changed the numerical
value of some letters, and have transposed some letters. And modern astronomers,
thinking to be more scientific, have sought to abolish the pictured constellations in
the sky, using areas not identical in space and bounded by straight lines. Yet the
original connotation of each letter revealed its vibratory significance and astrological
relationship; and the original picture which each constellation presented revealed, as
fully set forth in Course 7, Spiritual Astrology, the spiritual teaching it was designed
to convey to later generations. Obeying an old Masonic command to "Alter not the
ancient landmarks," The Brotherhood of Light has preserved the original vibratory
significance of the letters, and here faithfully reproduces the Egyptian Tarot,
including the admonition associated with each Major Arcanum.
This admonition has a practical application both in card-reading and in astrology.
Usually in a tarot spread, there is one card which is the key to the situation, or which
indicates the individual for whom the reading is being given, or, perhaps, what this
individual should do. And in a birth-chart, or in a horary figure, some sign or planet
usually indicates the person for whom the reading is being given. When, therefore, it
is desired to give an admonition to this person, the admonition given below the
Arcanum which is the key influence in the spread, or indicates the person, may be
used. And the admonition given below the Arcanum which corresponds to the
dominant sign or planet in an astrological chart may be used in a like manner.
Correspondences
--The corresponding letter and number are a part of the translation of "An Egyptian
Initiation." But in order to handle the cards in the solution of any conceivable
problem, as wide a range of accurate correspondences to the principles depicted by
the Major Arcana as possible should be at hand. I have, therefore, given the
astrological correspondence of each Major Arcanum. In the past this has been
attempted in a desultory manner by one or two others, but those who attempted this
were quite ignorant of astrology. My own familiarity with astrology dates from the
year 1900, and by virtue of teaching it for years in class-work and writing courses of
lessons on its various branches, which have become standard works upon the subject,
I feel that I can speak in this matter with some authority. In these lessons the
astrological correspondences of the tarot cards are given correctly in writing for the
first time.
In addition, I have added the corresponding color, corresponding musical tone,
corresponding occult science, corresponding human function, corresponding natural
remedy and corresponding mineral, to each Arcanum.

The System of Presentation

--In order that the student shall have at hand concrete explanations of the application
of the tarot, examples which he can use as models to follow in his own researches,
after each Major Arcanum I have given some application of the principle which the
arcanum represents in ten different domains as follows:
1. Number: The numerical significance of the principle is stated.
2. Astrology: It is shown why the principle pictured by the arcanum inevitably
corresponds to a
certain planet or zodiacal sign.
3. Human Function: It is pointed out which one of man's various forms and activities
are
expressions of the principle.
4. Alchemy: How this principle, indicated by the arcanum, operates in alchemical
procedure.
5. Bible: As an aid to Bible studies, and the interpretation of allegories by means of the
tarot,
Bible passages are quoted which are exemplifications of the principle pictured in the
arcanum.
6. Masonry: To aid the Masonic student to use the tarot to gain the esoteric meaning of
his
rituals, it is shown what Masonic teaching is conveyed by the arcanum.
7. Magic: In magic, also, the tarot is a valuable aid; and some magical principle
corresponding to
the arcanum being considered is set forth.
8. Initiation: If I were to omit examples of the use of the tarot in pointing out the steps
in the
soul's pilgrimage, it would be sadly remiss. This most valuable application is
illustrated in connection with each arcanum.
9. Occult Science: For those who desire to use the tarot in special occult studies, the
correspondence to some occult science is given under each arcanum.
10. Minor Arcana and Court Arcana: As a transition function, it is shown why the
exoteric
divinatory significance of the Minor Arcana are derived from their numerical relation to
the Major Arcana, and how their esoteric and more spiritual significance derives from a
corresponding decanate-division of the zodiac; also how the Court Arcana acquire their
significance from the zodiacal signs.
And in addition to these examples of the use of the tarot, the lessons give instructions
in the science of vibration, in divination by numbers, and after each second Major
Arcanum there is given a different method of spreading and reading the cards.
If, however, the student goes no further than what is explained in these lessons, he has
merely learned the fundamentals of the use of the tarot; for in the treatment here the
attempt is to give accurate information, and to set forth examples, to the end of
establishing proper methods of procedure which the student can apply at greater
length in his own researches.

Different Tarot Packs

--The Egyptian Tarot pictures illustrated and described in these lessons, teach in still
greater detail the same spiritual ideas that are taught by the constellations. Both
constellations in the sky--the stars of which usually offer not the slightest suggestion
of the design pictured--and the Tarot pictures adorning the walls of the ancient
Egyptian initiation chamber, make use of primitive symbolical pictograph writing to
convey the most important things the ancient wise ones had found out about the
human soul. The Egyptian Tarot, then, portrays the spiritual conceptions of the
Egyptian initiates, as derived from a still more remote past. There is a peculiar
sympathy, however, between the thoughts of man and actions for which he finds no
rational motive. That is, the same sympathy that exists between the happenings on
earth and the positions of the planets in the sky also manifests through the
unconscious mind.
If we but analyze our dreams we shall find that symbolism is the common language
of the unconscious mind. And the successful use of the tarot cards as instruments of
divination depends upon their sympathetic response to invisible factors of
intelligence. So it would be indeed strange if they responded merely in the transitory
laying of the spread, and not also in their symbolism to the minds of those who handle
them.
When, therefore, the Tarot cards came into the hands of a people with a different
conception of life, it would be remarkable if, at least in those tenets wherein they felt
most strongly, the pictures on the cards were not changed sufficiently to portray these
intense convictions.
Gypsy fortune-telling cards differ markedly from the Egyptian Tarot pack, but I am
sure their symbolism is more correct in portraying the Gypsy philosophy and the
Gypsy mode of life.
English, German, Italian and French packs differ from each other, because of
national characteristics, and from the Egyptian and Gypsy cards because Christianity
has made its impress upon them. But each pack, through that sympathetic response to
the minds of those who use it, more correctly than the others, portrays in symbolical
pictograph the deeper convictions of those who have thus somewhat altered its
designs.
Even the playing cards, which are derived from the Tarot, show variations from the
Tarot quite characteristic of their constant use as instruments of gambling.
To indicate more clearly what I mean, consider that in one of the best English packs
the knight (horseman) of swords is an armored crusader, dashing across the frontier
into another's domain in the well-known effort to spread enlightenment by means of
the sword. The picture suggests instantly the conquest of far-flung empires and the
forceful dissemination of Christian creeds among the benighted heathens thus
conquered.

Variations of quite as important significance are to be found on almost every card in

the different tarot packs; but I shall be content with indicating one more, which is,
perhaps, the most striking of all.
The Egyptian Initiates believed justice to be the operation of an undeviating natural
law. The number 8, by its two loops, is a symbolical pictograph of the two pans of the
scales. The number 8 also represents an equal division; two realizations (4's) in
equilibrium. In the Egyptian pack, the number 8 is attached to the Major Arcanum
picturing the Goddess of Justice holding the balances in her hand, and, even as in the
picture adorning the front of our court houses, Justice is pictured blindfolded, to
signify that she is unprejudiced and not subject to bribery.
The Jews, however, believed that they were a chosen people; that Jehovah was a God
of favoritism who could be cajoled into granting unmerited rewards to those who
gained His good graces. Christianity inherited the same idea. In many Christian
packs, therefore, we find Justice, although holding the balances, not associated with
8, but with 11. Because the scale of digits is complete with 9; and 10, by adding the
circle of spirit, commences a new gamut on a higher plane, we have no difficulty in
conceiving 11 as a force operating from the spiritual plane. But as the digits of 11 can
never be equally divided, rewards, according to this Christian conception, are never
exactly according to merit. They are meted out from above, not according to the
Egyptian belief in an undeviating and blind law, but according to the whim of some
higher power.
To make this conception of Divine Justice even more obvious, which seems to be
patterned after the kind prevalent in some courts of earth, in these various Christian
packs the eyes of Justice are not blindfolded, but wide open to prejudice.
It is not that one pack is better or worse than another, but that each pack of tarot cards
has been unconsciously modified by the philosophy of life of those who designed it.
The Magus--Arcanum I
--Letter: Egyptian, Athoim; Hebrew, Aleph; English, A. Number I. Astrologically,
the planet Mercury. Color, violet. Tone, B. Occult science, esoteric psychology.
Human function, the spiritual body. Natural remedy, mental treatments. Mineral, the
metal mercury.
A--I expresses in the spiritual world, Absolute Being, which contains, and from
which emanates, the infinity of possibilities.
In the intellectual world, unity, principle and synthesis of numbers, and the will
principle of acts.
In the physical world, man the highest placed of relative being, who is called upon to
raise himself by a perpetual expansion of his faculties in the concentric spheres of the
Absolute.
Remember, then, son of earth, that man should, like God, act without ceasing. To will
nothing and do nothing is more fatal than to will and do ill. If the Magus should
appear in the prophetic signs of thy horoscope, it announces that a firm will and faith
in yourself, guided by reason and a love of justice will conduct you to the end that you
wish to attain and will preserve you from the perils of the way.
In Divination, Arcanum I may be read briefly as Will or Dexterity.
Arcanum I is pictured by a Magus, type of the perfect man, that is to say, in full
possession of his moral and physical faculties. He is represented standing; it is the
attitude of will which precedes action. His robe is white, image of purity, original or
regained. A serpent biting its own tail serves him for a girdle; it is the symbol of
eternity which alone circumscribes his endeavors. His forehead is girt with a circle of
gold. Gold signifies light, and the circle expresses the universal circumference in
which gravitate all created things.
The right hand of the Magus holds a scepter of gold, surmounted by a circle
representing spirit; symbol of the authority conferred by spiritual attainment. He
raises it toward heaven in the sign of aspiration to science, wisdom and force.
Above is a four-pointed star, its rays extending heavenward; it is the over-shadowing
genius of his spiritual master directing his efforts and counseling him in his upward
struggles. The left hand extends the index finger to the earth to show that the mission
of the perfect man is to reign over the material world. This double gesture also
expresses that the human will should reflect the Divine Will in order to procure good
and prevent evil.
Before the Magus, upon a cubic stone, are placed a cup, a sword, and a piece of gold
money in the center of which is engraved a cross. The cup signifies the mixture of the
passions which contribute to happiness and unhappiness according as we are their
masters or their slaves. The sword signifies the work, the struggle which traverses
obstacles, and the trials which sorrow submits us to. The coin, sign of determined
value, is the symbol of realized aspirations, of work accomplished; and shows the
sun of power conquered by the perseverance and efficacy of the will. The cross, seal
of the infinite, by which the coin is marked, announces the ascension of that power in
the spheres of the future. The cube upon which these symbols rest typifies the
physical world; and has graven on its side an ibis, to indicate that eternal vigilance is a
necessity if physical limitations are to be surmounted.
Number
--Numerically, I expresses the absolute. It is also the starting point of all
measurements, and suggests infinite possibilities. All that is proceeds from one
cosmos, which contains all, and to which all ultimately must return.
One is a synthesis, for nothing can be thought of without parts. It is the universal
principle of existence, the creative intelligence of Deity, the motive force of the
universe, which in man becomes will. In the macrocosm it stands for unlimited

potentiality, and in man for relative potency. It expresses the law of the conservation
of energy and the indestructibility of matter.
Astrology
--The commencement of all work is its formulation, and this is a mental activity.
Before the universe became manifest it was conceived within the spaces of the
Divine Mind, from whence it was launched into objective evolution by the power of
creative thought. Thus does mental activity correspond to number I.
A Magus is one skilled in magic. And magic is performed chiefly through the
creation and vitalization of mental images. The Magus, therefore, is one in whom the
power of the mind has been highly developed, and as in astrology mental ability
comes under the rulership of the planet Mercury, this planet must correspond to both
I and the Magus of Arcanum I.
Thus does Arcanum I represent the creative energy being directed intelligently, in
distinction to the 2nd decave of I, which is pictured by Arcanum X, the planet
Uranus, representing the one universal force unrestrained. It also differs markedly
from the 3rd decave of I, pictured by Arcanum XIX, corresponding to the zodiacal
sign Leo, representing the application of this energy to the attainment of happiness
and the elaboration of domestic bliss.
In these three Arcana, each picturing the one universal virile force being used on a
different plane, we have a complete commentary on the necessity of using the
creative energies properly if any high degree of spirituality is to be attained. Without
virility, without an abundance of creative power, nothing of importance can be
accomplished in any field. Yet if this creative energy is generated in abundance and
is permitted to act without proper guidance, it brings many abrupt changes in fortune,
and through instability prevents little worth while being accomplished. If it is
directed into mental channels alone it yields intellectual power. But when diverted
into refined emotions such as true love and holy aspirations, it furnishes a power
which attracts to the soul the highest spiritual bliss.
Human Function
--The spiritual body of man is constructed by states of consciousness having
intensity enough to affect spiritual substance. Man does not possess a spiritual body
merely by virtue of being man. He possesses it when, through the refinement of his
thoughts and aspirations he has provided energy of a proper quality to build it. And
only when the creative energies are active is there generated enough power, if it can
be directed by ecstatic emotions, quickly to build anything on any plane. By a proper
mental attitude toward them, all experiences may be made to contribute to this finer
form. But to build anything on any plane quickly, there must be an abundance of the
proper kind of energy, and this applies to the building of a spiritual body as well as to
more material things.

Alchemy
--In alchemy, Arcanum I represents the most important of all discoveries, the
philosopher's stone. Tradition informs us that any object touched with this stone is
converted into gold.
This touchstone of alchemy is Truth; for when truth is pressed against anything its
eternal principles are revealed, and these all-enduring qualities thus obtained
constitute the gold of their underlying nature. Truth is correct knowledge, and this
correct knowledge, if comprehensive, embraces the proper relation of souls and
things to all other entities and forces. Thus truth is a freeing and transmuting power, a
feeling as well as an intellectual perception. And when fully realized it results in deep
aspiration, and in an unutterable longing and determination for a more perfect life.
Bible
--Even as Arcanum I is the opening page of The Book of Thoth, as the Egyptians
sometimes called the tarot, so the Bible also opens with the principle of creative
activity: Gen. I:I; "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."
It is a principle especially revered by the Jews, constantly referred to throughout the
Bible. Nor has it been entirely ignored in the New Testament, for the last chapter of
the last book contains a clear, even if brief, exposition of Arcanum I.
Rev. 22:13; "I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the
last."
Masonry
--The E.A. degree of Masonry is founded upon Arcanum I. This Arcanum
represents the candidate who has been admitted into the Lodge, presented with the
Masonic implements, and prepared to undergo initiation.
Magic
--Arcanum I indicates the importance of thorough preparation before any feat of
magic is attempted. Every principle involved, and every implement used, should also
be fully understood. The chief implements, including the magic wand, are depicted.
The scepter indicates that the virility of some intelligence, either on this plane or
another, is back of all magical phenomena. The star indicates the participation of an
intelligence from another plane in the work.
In magic there are four operations, which are here symbolized by the four
implements; the first operation, that of formulation, which means building the thing
clearly in the mind, is also represented by the arcanum as a whole.

Initiation
--In the soul's pilgrimage Arcanum I represents the stage in which manhood has
been attained and self-consciousness realized. He has learned the transitory and
illusive nature of physical possessions, and has placed his feet once for all upon the
road leading ultimately to adeptship. He realizes that success depends entirely upon
his own efforts. In his aspirations he has raised his vibrations so that he tunes in on an
intelligence of the spiritual plane, as signified by the star, and at critical times asks
and receives guidance from this source. He moves forward henceforth with supreme
confidence and sustained by an unwavering determination.
Occult Science
--The science of esoteric psychology embraces the complete field of mental
activity; not merely on the physical plane, but on all planes where intelligence has
expression.
The ancients placed so great importance upon the development of will power that
they formulated a science of the will, the various phases of which each have a
correspondence to one of the Major Arcana of the tarot. In expressing this, the name
of each major card is taken as the emblem of some special principle involved. This
science of the will, as given in "An Egyptian Initiation", is as follows:
"In uniting successfully the twenty-two significations which emanate from these
symbols, their
ensemble is summed up in the term,
"The Synthesis of Magic
"The human Will (1), enlightened by Science (2), and manifested by Action (3),
creates the Realization (4), of a power which it uses or abuses according to good or
bad Inspiration (5), in the circle which has been traced for it by the laws of universal
order. After having surmounted the Trial (6), which has been imposed by Divine
Wisdom, he will enter by his Victory (7), into possession of the work it has created,
and establishing his Equilibrium (8), upon the axis of Prudence (9), he will rule the
oscillations of Fortune (10).
"The Force (11), of man, sanctified by Sacrifice (12), which is the voluntary offer of
himself upon the altar of devotion or expiation, triumphs over death. This divine
Transformation (13), raises him beyond the tomb into the serene region of infinite
progress and opposes the reality of Initiative (14), to the eternal falsehood of Fatality
(15). The course of time is marked by Ruins (16), but beyond every ruin one sees
reappear the dawn of Hope (17), or the twilight of Deception (18).
"Unceasingly, man aspires to that which ever flees from him, and the Sun of
Happiness (19), will only rise for him beyond the Tomb (20), after the renewal of his
being by death, which opens to him a higher sphere of Will, Intelligence and Action.

"Every will that lets itself be governed by the instincts of the flesh abdicates its
liberty and is bound to the Expiation (22), of its errors. On the contrary, every will
which unites itself to Deity in order to manifest truth and work justice, enters even in
this life, into a participation of divine power over beings and things, Recompence
(21), eternal of Freed Spirits (0)."
I not only earnestly recommend to all students that they commit the above summary of
the Major Arcana to memory and meditate upon it frequently, but that they use it as a
mantram. It contains vastly more of truth and power than appears upon the surface, and
used as a mantram has been singularly potent in establishing self-confidence and in
building up positiveness and constructive power of will.
The Relation of Minor
Arcana to Major Arcana
--As previously indicated, the suit of Scepters, which in common playing cards is
the suit of Clubs, symbolizes the element fire. This in human life becomes
enthusiasm, ambition and enterprise. Consequently, this suit belongs to the
department of life having to do with business, occupation, station, honor and
profession. In astrology, it is represented by the M.C., where the sun appears at noon.
The suit of Cups, which in common playing cards becomes the suit of Hearts,
represents the element water, symbol of the emotions and typical of domestic and
affectional relations. It thus broadly corresponds to the western angle of a birth-chart,
where the sun sinks below the horizon.
The suit of Swords, which in common playing cards becomes the suit of Spades,
represents the element earth, symbol of struggle, allied to affliction and death. It thus
corresponds to the Nadir, where the sun is in its grave, or lowest point in the diurnal
cycle.
The suit of Coins, which in common playing cards becomes the suit of Diamonds,
represents the element air, the breath of life. Air is merely one form of food, although
the
most essential of all. The other foods may be purchased with money, and thus money
has
become the symbol of life itself. It therefore corresponds to the Ascendant of a
birth-chart, where the new-born sun each day rises above the eastern horizon.
The Aces
--In astrology, Mercury is general significator of study, writing, correspondence
and travel. As the Aces correspond numerically to Mercury, in their more common
divinatory significance they relate to one of these things, according to the particular
department of life signified by the suit. But in their application to higher planes, they
reveal the influence of, and can be interpreted by, the first decanate of each zodiacal
triplicity, starting, of course, with the movable signs.

The divinatory significance of the Ace of Scepters is news of a business opportunity;

its inner interpretation is ACTIVITY.
The divinatory significance of the Ace of Cups is a letter from a loved one; its inner
interpretation is MOODS.
The divinatory significance of the Ace of Coins is a short journey; its inner
significance is POLICY.
The divinatory significance of the Ace of Swords is news of sickness or death; its
inner interpretation is ORGANIZATION.
Veiled Isis--Arcanum II
--Letter: Egyptian, Beinthin; Hebrew, Beth; English, B. Number 2. Astrologically, the
zodiacal sign Virgo. Color, the darker shades of violet. Tone, low B. Occult science, the
doctrine of signatures. Human function, clairvoyance. Natural remedy, such herbs as
barley, oats, rye, wheat, privet, succory, skullcap, woodbine, valerian, millet and endive.
Mineral, the talismanic gem Jasper, and among stones the flints.
B--2 expresses in the spiritual world, the consciousness of Absolute Being, which
embraces the three terms of all manifestation; the past, the present, and the future.
In the intellectual world, the binary, reflection of unity; and the perception of things
visible and invisible.
In the physical world, woman the mold of man, uniting herself with him in order to
accomplish an equal destiny.
Remember, then, son of earth, that the mind is enlightened in seeking God with the
eyes of the will. God has said, "Let there be Light," and light inundated space. Man
should say, "Let truth show itself and good come to me." And if man possesses a
healthy will, he will see the truth shine, and guided by it will attain all to which he
aspires. If Veiled Isis should appear in the prophetic signs of thy horoscope, strike
resolutely at the door of the future and it will open to you; but study for a long time the
door you should enter. Turn your face toward the sun of justice, and the knowledge of
the true will be given you. Keep silent in regard to your intentions, so as not to be
influenced by the contradictions of men.
In Divination, Arcanum II may briefly be read as Science.
Arcanum II is figured by a woman seated at the threshold of the Temple of Isis. She is
seated between two columns, the one on her right being red to signify pure spirit and
its luminous ascension over matter, and the one on her left being black to represent
the bondage of matter over the impure.
The woman is crowned by a tiara of three stories surmounted by a lunar crescent.
From the tiara a veil falls over her face. She wears upon her bosom the symbol of the
planet Mercury, and carries upon her knees an open book which she half covers with
her mantle. This symbolic ensemble personifies occult science, which awaits the

initiate at the threshold of the sanctuary of Isis in order to tell him the secrets of
universal nature. The symbol of Mercury (Hermes) upon the bosom of the Virgin,
signifies that matter is fecundated by spirit in order to evolve mind, or soul. The cross
below is matter, the circle is spirit. Together they figure the lingam of the Hindus,
representing the union of the sexes; and the crescent above the union of spirit and
matter represents the soul which is the evolved product of their union.
The seal on the breast of Nature also expresses the thought that knowledge comes
from God and is as limitless as its source. The veil falling over the face announces
that Nature reveals her truths only to the pure in heart, and hides them from the
curious and profane. The book half hidden under the mantle signifies that but half of
the truth can be discerned by the physical senses, the exoteric side. The esoteric, or
other half, must be apprehended through the application of the psychic senses.
Reason, divorced from intuition, can discern only in the realm of effects; but re-wed
to intuition, can remove the obscuring mantle from Nature's most secret page and
pursue her mysteries at leisure.
These mysteries are revealed only in solitude, to the sage who meditates in silence in
the full and calm possession of himself. The tiara represents the power of the intellect
to penetrate the three realms of existence--physical, astral and spiritual--which are
signified by its stories. The lunar crescent, symbolizing the feminine attribute, is
above the tiara to indicate that in occult science the intellect should be guided by the
intuitional, or psychic powers. That is to say, in the occult sciences the feminine
qualities of the mind are often of superior value to the masculine, or rational. The
woman is seated to show that Will united to Science is Immovable.
Number
--Numerically, 2 expresses polarity. It suggests night and day, inhalation and
exhalation, heat and cold. In fact, the most evident thing in existence is duality, truth
itself being dual, esoteric and exoteric, the truth of the real and the truth of
appearances.
Astrology
--Veiled Isis is none other than the immaculate Virgin who becomes a mother
through union with the Holy Spirit. She sits in the doorway of the temple of Nature,
veiling the knowledge that can only be gained through union, as depicted in Arcanum
III. Arcanum II represents science. This is the harvest of experiences which have
become assimilated as knowledge. Virgo is a scientific zodiacal sign, and it rules
both the harvest and the processes of assimilation.

Human Function
--Mind implies perception, and chief among the perceptive faculties is the sense of
sight. Both the mind and sight are ruled by the planet Mercury, and Mercury also
rules two zodiacal signs. When the sun is shining physical sight becomes available,
but in the darkness of night the inner sight may be more effective. And as the night
sign of Mercury is Virgo, it indicates that both this sign and Arcanum II correspond to
the inner sense of sight, to clairvoyance.
Alchemy
--Alchemically, Arcanum II is the universal solvent which, when properly used, can
be made to reduce any metal to its first matter. Raymond Lully says in regard to this:
Metals can not be transmuted...in the minerals, unless they be reduced into their first
matter...Therefore I counsel you, O my friends, that you do not work but about Sol and
Luna,
reducing them into their first matter, our Sulphur and Argent Vive.
This means, in plain English, that in smelting ores the lowest melting point is
obtained by mixing them so that the amount of acid is exactly equal to the amount of
alkali; and that in fluxing experiences, when the polar opposites are exactly equal
their vibratory rate is raised to a point in which transmutation is more readily
accomplished.
Bible
--The most notable mention of Arcanum II in the Bible is the story of the Virgin
Mary.
Many nations of antiquity were familiar with the tradition of the immaculate
conception; and the Christian account was borrowed directly from Egypt, where the
Jews at one time were held captive and became familiar with traditional lore. For
thousands of years in Egypt it was taught that Isis, conceiving immaculately, gave
birth to Horus, the Sun God. The Egyptian Virgin is often depicted with a New Moon
in her arms, instead of the baby Jesus, which was substituted when Isis became an
object of Christian adoration.
The inner meaning of the immaculate conception is that matter, or the feminine
principle in nature, is impregnated by spirit, or the positive principle. The gestation
which follows is evolution, which finally results in the birth of man, who possesses
an immortal soul and the potentiality of becoming a god.

Masonry
--The F. C. degree of Masonry is founded upon Arcanum II. The two Masonic
pillars, Jachin and Boaz, are prominently pictured at the entrance to Solomon's
Temple.
Magic
--In magic, Arcanum II depicts the principle of reception, which is the polar
opposite of the principle indicated in Arcanum I. It is the feminine reaction of the
magical agent, and teaches us the androgyne nature of the astral light.
It is further exemplified in the production of physical phenomena by mental means; for
in
order thus to move physical objects--a process now recognized by university scientists
as the PK (Psychokinetic) Effect--there must be organic electromagnetism present of
sufficient volume to make the contact and do the work. Organic electromagnetism tends
to take whatever form, and to do whatever work, it is directed to do by the mental
energy
associated with it.
The ectoplasm of a materializing medium is an impressive example of this. The
electromagnetism present is employed by the directing intelligence to convert some of
the material of the medium's body temporarily into a plastic fluid outside the medium's
form. This plastic substance can then be molded into whatever image the directing
intelligence holds in mind. Electromagnetism is the magical agent which forms the
connecting link between mind and matter. And it must always be present in sufficient
volume whenever material conditions are affected by the action of mind.
Initiation
--In the pilgrimage of the soul Arcanum II represents a definite point in both the
descending and the ascending arc of the cycle. In involution it represents the
differentiation of the twin souls of one ego into opposite polarities. This takes place
in the paradisiacal realm (highest spiritual state), just preceding their fall, as Adam
and Eve, into material conditions.
In the upward cycle it signifies that point in initiation where it is realized that man or
woman alone are not complete, but require another soul of opposite sex; and that
reason alone is not sufficient with the aid of the physical senses to solve the problems
of life, but that intuition and the psychic senses must be developed before adeptship
is reached.

Occult Science
--Astrological Signatures is the science of the correspondences between celestial
influences and other things. The soul of each life-form had a point of differentiation
from which it departed on its cyclic journey, and this point of departure is within the
spiritual vortex of one of the seven planetary families. Thus the soul of any living
thing responds more strongly to the vibrations of one particular planet, which is its
ruler. And even things possessing no life, such as environments, also transmit the
influence of one planet or zodiacal sign stronger than they transmit that of others, and
thus the planet or zodiacal sign becomes their signature.
The Deuces
--The sign Virgo is general significator of science and labor, therefore the Deuces,
corresponding numerically to Virgo, in their more common divinatory significance
must relate to these things as applied to the department of life indicated by the suit.
But in their higher application they reveal the influence of, and can be interpreted by,
the second decanate of each zodiacal triplicity, starting with the pioneer, or movable,
signs.
The divinatory significance of the Deuce of Scepters is a business depending
upon scientific methods; its inner interpretation is EXALTATION.
The divinatory significance of the Deuce of Cups is a work of love; its inner
interpretation is REVELATION.
The divinatory significance of the Deuce of Coins is money acquired by hard labor;
its inner interpretation is INDEPENDENCE.
The divinatory significance of the Deuce of Swords is sickness through over-work;
its inner interpretation is MARTYRDOM.
The Pyramid Spread
--In using the pyramid spread, the cards are first shuffled and cut, and this repeated
three times, in the method employed for all the spreads.
Then they are dealt from the top of the deck, one by one, and laid face downward
from right to left in pyramid form as illustrated on page 40, 21 cards in all being thus
dealt.
The spread may be used to answer a question, to solve a problem, or merely to give
the general run of events as they may be expected in some person's life. But before
shuffling, what is desired from them should be clearly formulated, and held in the
mind until the spread has been completed.

Starting at the lower right hand corner, and counting to the left, every fifth card is a
Key, and this key is counted as the first card in the next five, as shown in the
illustration. When a Major Arcanum falls upon one of the keys, it makes this key
particularly important.
To read, first turn over, from top to bottom, key I, which shows the present. The four
cards to the right indicate the past, the one farthest to the right as the more distant past,
and the cards nearer the key as more closely approaching the present.
Then key II represents the next turn in the wheel of circumstances, and the cards
between key I and key II represent the factors leading up to it.
Key III is read as the next circumstance of importance following this, and the cards
between as the lesser factors; key IV is still further in the future; and key V, which
crowns the pyramid, shows the ultimate of the thing, or the distant future.

Chapter 4
Involution and Evolution of Numbers
CCORDING to Hermetic Science there are 10 planets in the chain. But
because it is a chain, the tenth planet (Pluto) not only closes the previous
sphere of influence, but also commences a new gamut. That is, Pluto is a
repetition, on a higher scale of existence, of the same influence as that
exerted by the Moon; but in addition to being a higher expression of the influence of
the Moon it serves an additional function as an influence of transition to an entirely
new phase of existence. Neglecting this cycle-closing function represented by Pluto,
there are 9 root planets.
These 9 root planets, however, express themselves also by virtue of overtone
qualities, in keys that are denoted by the 12 zodiacal signs, in addition to the
transition function of Pluto. Thus the principle expressed by Mars, expresses also in a
distinctive manner through two other key influences, the sign Aries and the sign
Scorpio; and the principle expressed by the Sun expresses in another key influence,
through the sign Leo. But the number of such key influences is not unlimited, as
shown by the fact that all things which we are able to discern can readily be correlated
to one of 22 distinctive keys. That is, everything we contact corresponds to one of the
ten planets or twelve Zodiacal signs. This we can prove by observing how a thing is
influenced by astrological forces.
The system of numbers in common use is likewise based upon ten fundamental
principles, the tenth influence closing the cycle, and starting a new gamut of
existence. The 0 shows the completion of the cycle, or circle, and the 1 indicates that
the first influence has been carried to a new plane, or phase of being. Thus either with
planetary influences or with numbers, we work with 10 separate characters, but there
are only 9 root influences.
Any number above 9 is merely one of the root numbers, to which 9 has been added a
given number of times. This adding multiples of 9 to some number is called
Theosophical Evolution, not because it derives from any particular group of people,
but because Theosophy means Divine Wisdom, and because in its particular
function, the number 9 is the key to Divine Wisdom in so far as numbers and cycles
are concerned.

Due to this peculiar function of the number 9, when a number higher than 9 is given,
instead of dividing it by 9 repeatedly until a remainder less than 10 results and thus
obtaining its root, the same result may be obtained merely by repeatedly adding the
digits of the number until there is but a single digit. That is, the adding of the digits is
but a short-cut method of dividing the number by 9. Because this use of the key of
Divine Wisdom, 9, to find the root of the number, is the reverse of Theosophical
Evolution, it is called Theosophical Involution.
Dealing thus with numbers, we are considering mere abstractions. But when man
thinks of a number, a name, or anything else, his thought is not an abstraction, but a
definite astral vibration radiating outward. The astral counterparts of objects also
radiate definite astral vibrations. And astral vibrations, as well as physical vibrations,
and those electromagnetic vibrations known as light and radiant heat, have an
influence upon the things they contact.
The tones of musical instruments are other vibrations with which we are even more
familiar, and which have many parallels to the astral vibrations of thought. For even
as a musical composition has a key, so every train of thought has its key, and
influences its surroundings according to this key vibration. And each simple thought
is a definite vibratory rate of astral substance, just as each musical tone is a definite
vibratory rate of physical substance.
Now with physical tones, if the vibration is increased to a certain degree, the same
sound repeats itself on a higher level. Raising the vibration still more causes the tone
to be produced on each of many higher levels. We commonly call each of these
higher levels an octave expression of the tone, because it was customary to use the
diatonic scale in which the interval between one tone level and the next was divided
into seven divisions, so that the eighth (octave meaning eight) repeated the tone on a
higher level.
In the chromatic scale, however, the interval is divided into twelve tones, illustrated
by the 7 white keys and the 5 black keys of a piano, the 13th expressing the octave.
The Chinese have a reed instrument in which the interval is divided into 5 equal parts,
certain Indians use a scale of 6 equal parts, the Siamese use a tone scale of 9, and
certain Moravians use a scale of 24. Thus it will be seen that the interval between a
tone on one level and the same tone (commonly referred to as an octave) on another
level is variously divided by different people.
Now a thought has a vibratory quality very similar to a tone, except that it expresses
in high-velocity substance, that is, in astral substance, and a thought can be sounded
on different levels, just as a tone can thus be sounded. But it has been found
convenient, and more in conformity to natural principles, to divide the interval
between one thought-tone level and the next, not into 7, but into 9 divisions, so that
the 10th shall express the same tone on the next higher level. Therefore, instead of
calling the interval between a fundamental thought and its expressions on the next

higher level an octave, we call it a decave (decave meaning ten). The word DECAVE
has been coined, and will hereafter be used, to express the vibratory levels of thought
and astral substance.
In the notation, analysis, and charting of thoughts as vibratory tones, therefore, we
have 9 root tones. But even as in music overtones play an important part both in
composition and in the effect produced, so with thought-tones, there are peculiar
overtone effects that make it necessary to employ not merely 9 fundamental
characters to express accurately all thought-effects; but to consider as distinct factors
certain dominant overtone effects that observation shows to occur in the levels just
above the 9 root tones. Thus to chart a train of thoughts it may be necessary to employ
as many as 22 different characters.
When the string of a musical instrument is sounded the string not merely vibrates as a
whole, giving rise to the tone, but it also divides itself into two equal segments, each
of which tends to give forth a sound; into three equal segments, each of which tends
to give forth another tone; into four equal segments, each of which tends to give forth
still another tone, and so on. These tones produced by the smaller string divisions are
called overtones, and are utilized in musical composition.
Certain musical instruments encourage certain overtones and discourage others, and
thought-vibrations, likewise, produce specific overtone effects.
But because thought-tones are vibratory rates in high-velocity substance, we cannot
follow the comparison with physical vibrations into too great detail. University
scientists, through innumerable experiments conducted under strict test conditions,
have demonstrated conclusively that on the inner plane, distance and gravitation
each are of a different order than they are on the outer plane. And astrology indicates
that inner-plane weather affects the individual, not merely according to his
inner-plane constitution, but through certain time-space relationships. Astrological
energies, in their various combinations, constitute the inner-plane weather.
There are inner-plane weather conditions that affect groups, cities, nations and world
affairs, and through these influence each individual in the group, city, nation or
world. But the chief weather conditions affecting an individual are restricted to him.
In addition to the more general astrological weather conditions, each has his own
individual inner-plane weather. Such personal weather is mapped by major
progressions, minor progressions and transit progressions.
Also it has been found that with a thought-vibration the overtone quality is dominant
from tone 1 up to tone 22, and not only any one of the 9 root-tones, but any one of the
22 types of thought-vibration, can express its individuality on a higher vibratory
level or DECAVE.

Thus, in considering not merely thought-vibrations, but character-vibrations and

astrological-vibrations, because these are all inner-plane vibrations, we can not
confine ourselves merely to 9 root tones, but, due to the peculiar overtone properties
of astral vibratory rates, we must give full tone value to 22 different qualities, which
we shall, for convenience, call KEYS.
Every thought, every train of thought, every individual, every influence from the
firmament and every force in nature, therefore, because its astral nature is thus tuned,
vibrates to one of these 22 Keys.
And because each of the 22 key-tones may sound on various higher vibratory levels,
or Decaves, in order to find the key to which the thought of a number, for instance,
vibrates, it is necessary to reduce or involve it, by subtracting multiples of 9.
To thus apply the number of Divine Wisdom properly to obtain the Key of the
number, the digits of the number are added together, and the digits of the number so
obtained are added together again, and so on, until a number is obtained which is less
than 23. This number is the Key of the number considered.
Thus to find the Key, or vibratory thought-rate, of the number 1932 we simply add 1
plus 9 plus 3 plus 2, which gives 15 as its thought-tone quality.
Now the Key itself is the first Decave of a number. The second decave is obtained by
adding 9. In this case the second decave is 15 plus 9 which equals 24. The third
decave of a number is obtained by adding two times 9, in this case giving 33. But due
to the peculiar overtone properties of astral vibratory rates, the Key of 24 and 33 is
not 15, but 6. Yet when we add six times 9 to 15 we get 69, the Key of which is 15,
because in this number the overtone effect again becomes dominant.
From the above it will be seen that the way to find the decave in which the key is
sounded is to subtract the key from the number and divide by 9; and then because the
key itself is the first decave, to add 1 to the number thus found.
Thus 1932 minus 15 gives 1917. 1917 divided by 9 gives 213. That is, 9 has been
added to 15 just 213 times to get 1932. But as 15 itself is the first decave, to get the
number of the decave we must add 1 to 213, which gives us 214. This means that the
thought-vibration is 15 sounded on the 214th vibratory level.
Now if we desire to get the Key of the Decave, which we use only for divinatory
purposes, we merely add 2 plus 1 plus 4, which gives 7.
15 itself has a root, obtained through adding its digits--1 plus 5 gives 6 as the root.
But from a vibratory-tone standpoint the Key is the important thing.
The ROOT is a number below 10.
The KEY may be any number below 23.
The DECAVE is the number of times 9 has been added to the Key plus 1, this 1 being
the first Decave, which is occupied by the Key.

The Key of the Decave is found by using the Decave as a number and finding its key
in the ordinary way.
When, therefore, we add the digits of a number together, let us not believe this is
some arbitrary method of finding its significance; but understand that we are
proceeding according to correct mathematical principles to find what number, as a
Key number, has been raised to a higher level by adding to it multiples of 9.
And when we find the Decave of the number let us bear in mind that the number itself
is on the first decave, and that to it has been added 9 a certain number of times. The
number thus expresses a certain decave of a Key number, just as a musical tone
sounded on a higher octave expresses itself as a tone which has been raised by
multiples of 7.
Isis Unveiled--Arcanum III
--Letter: Egyptian, Gomer; Hebrew, Gimel; English, G. Number, 3. Astrologically
the zodiacal sign Libra. Color, the lighter shades of yellow. Tone, high E. Occult
science, spiritual alchemy. Human function, the sense of feeling. Natural remedy,
such herbs as white rose, strawberry, violet, water-cress, primrose, heartsease, balm,
pansy and lemon-thyme. Mineral, the talismanic gem, diamond; and such stones as
white quartz, white spar and white marble.
G--3, expresses in the spiritual world, supreme power balanced by eternally active
intelligence and absolute wisdom.
In the intellectual world, the universal fecundity of being.
In the physical world, nature in labor, the germination of acts, which must hatch from
the will.
Remember, then, son of earth, that to affirm what is true and will what is just, is
already to create it; to affirm and will the contrary is to vow oneself to destruction. If
Arcanum III should appear in the prophetic signs of thy horoscope, hope for success
in thy enterprises provided thou knowest how to unite the activity which fecundates,
to that rectitude of mind which will make thy works bear fruit.
In Divination, Arcanum III may be read briefly as Marriage or Action.
Arcanum III is figured by a woman seated within a radiant sun. The rays from this sun
number thirty, the number of degrees in one zodiacal sign. The woman is crowned
with twelve stars, to represent the twelve signs through which the sun passes each
year. Her feet rest upon the moon, symbol of the feminine in nature. And the cube
upon which she sits represents the cross of matter, where rays of sun and moon meet,
and so signifies the union of male and female forces.
From her brow the sacred serpent thrusts its head as a symbol of enlightenment. In
her right hand she carries a scepter surmounted by a globe. This is essentially a
phallus, and indicates the perpetual action of creative energy upon all things born or

to be born. In her left hand she carries an eagle, the symbol of fruitfulness and of the
heights to which the flights of the spirit can raise itself through the emotions
engendered in union. The seat upon which she rests is covered with eyes, indicating
that through union the eyes of the soul have been opened to a knowledge of good and
evil.
This ensemble pictures, in terms of universal symbolism, generation, gestation, and
universal fecundity.
Number
--Numerically, 3 expresses the union of polar opposites, the relation between such
forces as cause vibration and change. It thus represents the universal agent, action, or
word, and is typical of fecundity. It is the union of forces of different polarity that is
back of all action, all life and all intelligence.
As applied to human evolution it represents the ego joined to the body by the soul.
The soul develops and makes progress because the ego is polarized to positive spirit
and the body is polarized to negative matter. The interaction between these two
generates the force that impells the soul forward in its journey.
On the physical plane, 3 represents man and woman in marriage. In science it stands
for the dynamic laws; for the laws that govern the production and directing of energy.
It is because of difference in polarity that nothing is free from change, that all nature
is in constant motion.
Astrology
--Having been tempted by the serpent of desire for material experience, the desire
for offspring--astrologically the fifth house, presided over by the sign Leo--Eve
falls into union. This union is astrologically the union of summer and winter, which,
with the conception resulting, is represented by the natural ruler of all partnerships,
the zodiacal sign Libra.
Arcanum III not merely pictures the union, but also the resulting enlightenment; for
Adam and Eve after union discerned they needed clothing, and the serpent of desire,
through desire's fulfillment, became the serpent of wisdom. This serpent, symbol of
creative energy released by desire, is shown raised to the brow to indicate the power
that union possesses to increase the range of mental activity.
Isis Unveiled should be distinguished from the second decave of 3, which is
Arcanum XII and the sign Pisces; for this pictures negative union resulting in wasted
vitality. Also from the third decave of 3, which is Arcanum XXI, ruled by the Sun,
which reveals the use of union in making the highest spiritual attainment.

Human Function
--Union is prompted by feeling. Also, the contact with objects which gives rise to
feeling is a form of union. Thus the human function known as the sense of feeling
quite naturally attaches itself to the arcanum which represents union.
Alchemy
--Arcanum III represents the union of the various ingredients. Not only must all the
proper ingredients be present before transmutation is possible, but they must enter
into union. The reverberatory furnace imparts some energy to them, but not enough
to complete the transmutation process. It is not, therefore, merely a matter of
assembling suitable metals in proper proportions. But they must be joined in such a
manner as mutually to increase their vibratory rates; adding the energy they thus
mutually generate to the process. Physical proximity is not sufficient for this
purpose. They must be intimately joined in their essential qualities.
Bible
----The fall of Eve and the consequent expulsion of the human race from the Garden
of Eden is pictured by Arcanum III.
The ark of Noah is another reference to the same arcanum. Its three stories
correspond to the three realms of the arcanum which are represented by the Sun,
typical of spirit, the Moon, typical of the astral, and the cube, typical of the physical
world. The cube, or physical world, or square cabin of the ark, is where the soul
undergoes its period of gestation.
Masonry
--The Master Mason degree is based upon Arcanum III; and the meaning of the
whole story of the assassination, the burial, the finding and the raising of Hiram Abiff
is made plain by comparing it with the pictured symbols of this arcanum. It thus, in
reality, is the key to the Master's Word which was lost at that time.
The G of Masonry, found traced upon the breast of the murdered Hiram, is the letter
of this arcanum. High twelve, the time the master was attacked, is represented by the
noon-day position of the Sun. Low twelve, the time he was buried, is indicated by the
position of the moon at the nadir.
The grave, which is six feet due east and west, and six feet perpendicular, is
represented by the six-sided cube upon which Isis sits. The sprig of cassia marking
the grave is presented in the tarot as a phallic scepter. The twelve Masons sent out to
hunt for Hiram Abiff are symbolized by the twelve stars above the head of Isis. The
five points of fellowship upon which Hiram was raised by means of the Lion's paw

grip are indicated by the five eyes traced upon the cube; and the final transcendent
result of so being raised is pictured by the eagle on the left hand of Isis.
Magic
--In Magic, Arcanum III reveals the principle of vitalization. This principle springs
into existence as the result of that polarity represented in Arcanum II. That is, it is the
vibratory effect of the interaction of polar opposites.
One of the first things we learn in the study of physics is that every action is
accompanied by an opposite and equal reaction. Therefore, for every positive force
in the universe there must be an exactly similar force of negative attributes.
It is impossible, for instance, to make a magnet possessing only a positive pole. For
by the most fundamental law of nature, when a positive force of any kind is brought
into existence it must be accompanied by an equal, but negative force. This is the
principle upon which rests that great law of physics called the conservation of
energy. For if one member of this duality were to be absent, and the energy spent in
one direction were not always accounted for by an equivalent reaction, it would be
possible not merely to transform energy, but to create new energies, or actually to
lose energy already in existence. That such creation and such loss never take place
constitutes the well known law of the conservation of energy.
The law of the conservation of energy does not apply merely to one plane of
existence, but to all planes and states. Consequently, for every soul of positive, or
male, polarity, which comes into existence through differentiation, there
simultaneously springs into existence another soul of negative, or female, polarity. A
soul is a definite force, and it has polarity, and it is as impossible to conceive of a male
soul being launched upon the tide of involution and evolution without a similar
female soul also being launched at the same time, as it is to conceive of a magnet with
only one pole. Furthermore, because action and reaction are exactly equivalent, the
female soul must be the exact replica of the male soul, except in the matter of sex, or
polarity.
Other than sex, the only possible difference between souls which thus have been
differentiated at the same time is due to the diversity of experiences which they have
had since differentiation. Ultimately they are both born upon the earth, and
sometimes they even meet in physical life as man and woman. But whether they meet
upon earth, or in some higher state of existence, by virtue of their simultaneous
differentiations and being originally exact counterparts, they are true soul-mates.
The ability of soul-mates spiritually to vitalize each other, although this may not be
acquired until planes far above earth are reached, makes their joint immortality
possible. But descending from such recondite considerations, in reality there is no
action, no life and no consciousness that is not traceable to sex.

Chemical affinity, for instance, is due to the marriage of atoms. They are impelled to
divorce less compatible partners and enter into union with those which have a greater
attraction for them. And we use the power generated in such marriages to drive
locomotives and to carry us about the country in automobiles.
Electricity and magnetism are due to positive energies endeavoring to unite with
negative energies; and analysis could show that every force in the universe which has
come under observation is the result of some similar sexual attraction.
Breathing, likewise, is dual, inhalation and exhalation, positive and negative. And in
the process, in addition to the oxygenation of the blood, electromagnetic energies are
picked up and lend their power to nerve, brain and electromagnetic body.
Initiation
--In the soul's pilgrimage Arcanum III represents its descent into material
conditions and then, having climbed the ascending arc of the cycle to the human
state, finding a suitable companion to assist in developing the spiritual attributes.
Spirituality implies an exalted emotional development.
Occult Science
--Spiritual alchemy is the science which uses each and every event of life as a means
of creating spiritual values. They are purified by separating the external appearance
from their real significance, and fluxed in proper combination. Should some
ingredients be lacking to perfect the transmutation, these events are sought out and
added to life's collection.
The Treys
--The sign Libra is the common significator of partnership, open enemies, lawsuits and
dealing with the public; therefore the Treys, corresponding numerically to Libra, in their
more common divinatory significance must relate to these things as applied to the
department of life indicated by the suit. But in their higher application they reveal the
influence of, and can be interpreted by, the third decanate of each zodiacal triplicity,
starting with the active, or movable signs.
The divinatory significance of the Trey of Scepters is a business partnership; its inner
interpretation is PROPAGANDA.
The divinatory significance of the Trey of Cups is a marriage for love; its inner
interpretation is RESEARCH.
The divinatory significance of the Trey of Coins is a marriage for money; its inner
interpretation is EXPIATION.
The divinatory significance of the Trey of Swords is a lawsuit or a divorce; its inner
interpretation is IDEALISM.

The Sovereign--Arcanum
IV
--Letter: Egyptian, Denain; Hebrew, Daleth; English, D. Number, 4. Astrologically, the
sign Scorpio. Color, the darker shades of red. Tone, low C. Occult science,
imponderable
forces. Human function, the absorption of electromagnetic essences. Natural remedy,
such herbs as heather, horehound, bramble, bean, leek, wormwood, woad, charlock and
blackthorn. Mineral, the talismanic gem, Spanish topaz, and among stones, bloodstone,
vermilion and lodestone.
D--4 expresses in the spiritual world, the realization, perpetual and hierarchic, of the
virtualities, the efficacies, contained in Absolute Being.
In the intellectual world, the realization of the ideas of contingent being by the
four-fold labors of the mind; affirmation, negation, discussion, and solution.
In the physical world, the realization of acts, directed by the knowledge of the truth,
the love of justice, the force of the will, and the works of the organs.
Remember, then, son of earth, that nothing can resist a firm will which has for a lever
the knowledge of the true and just. To combat in order to secure its realization is more
than right; it is a duty. The man who triumphs in that struggle only accomplishes his
earthly mission; he who succumbs in devoting himself to it, gains immortality. If the
Sovereign should appear in the prophetic signs of thy horoscope, it signifies that the
realization of thy hopes depends upon a being more powerful than thyself. Seek to
know him and thou shalt have his support.
In Divination, Arcanum IV may be read as Realization.
Arcanum IV is figured by a man; on his head a sovereign's helmet. He is seated upon
a cubic stone; his right hand raises a scepter surmounted by a circle, and his right leg
bent, rests upon the other, forming with it a cross.
The cubic stone, image of the perfect solid, signifies labor which has reached
completion. The cat, pictured on the side of the stone, indicates that the vision of the
soul penetrates the illusions of matter.
The sovereign's helmet is an emblem of force conquered by power. The ruler is in
possession of the scepter of Isis, indicating that he has knowledge of the spiritual use
of the creative energies; and he points downward with his left hand to indicate that he
uses these energies in the subjugation of the physical.
The sacred serpent at his brow indicates enlightenment; and the hawk, sacred to the
sun, indicates his ambition to attain spiritual supremacy.
The cross, formed by his legs, symbolizes the four elemental kingdoms he has
mastered, and the expansion of human power through understanding.

The apron above the legs, together with them, figures a trine above a cross; the
symbol of mind dominating matter, and of the conservation of energy.
Number
--Numerically, 4 expresses the result of action, the fruit of the toil typified by 3. It is
the realization from effort, and it is life springing into manifestation as the result of
the union of polar opposites. It thus represents the practical, the concrete, and
consequently that which has form.
It becomes, therefore, the type of the universal truth of reality, indicating that each
realm is actual when viewed from its own plane. It is also the practical as applied to
everyday affairs.
In the macrocosm it signifies the result of motion; in man it is the knowledge which
comes through experience. In science it relates to all those laws which govern the
effective use of energy; to those which govern what is produced by motion.
Astrology
The Sovereign by his helmet and his attitude of dominating through force, expresses
martial energy; and the prominence of the phallic symbol relates him to the sex sign
of Mars rather than to the head sign, Aries. Furthermore, the fruitfulness and silent
type of strength are attributes of Scorpio.
Scorpio is the zodiacal sign of sex, the magnetic forces of which conserved as
indicated in Arcanum IV become a most potent power to dominate the elemental
realms of life. The negative aspect of this principle is indicated by the second decave
of 4, Arcanum XIII, which pictures the natural course of events when the force is
undirected, life and death in different types of forms following each other in
rhythmic cycles.
The inversive and degenerative use of the same principle is pictured in Arcanum
XXII, representing the third decave of 4. Here the T is represented with its point
down; but the other side of Pluto's influence is the T with its point skyward; which is
the highest aspect of sex, the transcendent powers arising from a union of soul-mates.
Human Function
--Magnetically, Scorpio is the most potent sign of the zodiac. Sex is back of all
energy, and in man generates electromagnetic currents. Sexual vigor tunes the
organism in on electromagnetic energies, which are all about us, and these give force
to the personal magnetism, and vitalize the emotions and the procreative fluids.
Scorpio, because of its rulership of sex, more readily than any other sign, is capable
of receiving and transmitting these magnetic energies, and thus Arcanum IV,
corresponding to Scorpio, is correlated to the faculty of electromagnetic absorption.

Alchemy
--When the ingredients are brought together their union generates a force, or heat.
The energy, thus liberated through the fluxing of polar opposites, when properly
controlled, is an essential factor in proper transmutation. The control of it, however,
is not accomplished by suppressing, or confining it, but by directing it into proper
channels. In fact, the directing of this energy into those channels which prevent it
from causing an explosion, or burning the various ingredients, is one of the most
important secrets of the alchemical art. Diverting it to the end desired corresponds to
Arcanum IV.
Bible
--As Arcanum IV is the emblem of fruitfulness, there are numerous passages in the
Bible which refer to it; for throughout, fruitfulness is considered a virtue and
barrenness a crime. This applies more forcefully to the mental than to the physical
plane; for when man is barren of thought his progress ceases and the body falls into
decay.
Gen. 1:28. "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply,
and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and
the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."
Rev. 12:5. "And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod
of iron; and her child was caught up unto God and His throne."
Thus is mentioned the fruitfulness of the sign Scorpio; its rulership, as belonging to
Mars, of iron; the rod held in the hand of the Sovereign, its dominating character, and
its possibilities of spiritual realization as symbolized by the hawk; for the child was
caught up to the throne of God.
Masonry
--The Mark Master's degree is founded upon Arcanum IV. As a whole the degree
and the arcanum teach that, "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden
manna, and I will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which
no man knoweth, saving him that receiveth it."
The sovereign of Arcanum IV sits upon such a stone, and the symbol of a new name is
engraved upon it, and he represents one who has overcome. The hawk pictured on his
breast is reputed, in legend, to fly to the sun. It therefore carries the same purport as
the eight Masonic letters which are interpreted either, "Hiram Tyrian, Widow's Son,
Sent To King Solomon," or, "He That Was Slain Soars To Kindred Spirit." Thus
does Arcanum IV depict the key-stone which the builders rejected.

Magic
--In Magic, Arcanum IV reveals the principle of realization. This implies the
expectant attitude, and the preparation after the energy has been released to provide
for that which is to be fulfilled. There must be confidence that the work is being
properly performed, and that gestation will result in proper fruition. Worry, or
anxiety as to results, is fatal to proper development of that which is desired.
Initiation
--In the soul's pilgrimage, Arcanum IV indicates the result of marriage after the
state of manhood has been reached.
Both Christian monks and Hindu ascetics were under the impression that to be holy
one must be miserable. But modern psychology proves indisputably that happiness
leads to efficiency, and that misery tends toward disintegration without necessarily
adding anything to the spirituality.
Of all the avenues to spiritual development, the affections are the most potent. The
union prompted by lust and selfishness is one of the most destructive forces. Through
the emotions we raise or lower our vibratory rates, and thus tend to elevate ourselves
to a higher condition or lower and degrade ourselves.
The creative energies, in union, customarily arouse intense emotional states. If these
emotional states are such as inspire tenderness, kindness and the desire to be helpful
to others, they tend vigorously to build up the spirituality; for they cultivate a higher
basic vibratory rate. But if they engender brutal thoughts and encourage grossness,
through cultivating a lower basic vibratory rate, they destroy the spirituality.
Furthermore, there is no power which can lift the soul to such exalted states of ecstasy
as can love, and thus only through love can we of earth contact the higher spiritual
states.
Occult Science
--Imponderable forces is the science which deals with all the invisible energies not
recognized by material science. In particular, it deals with the principles of
ceremonial magic, in which there is a more or less definite ritual and often there is
used specially prepared equipment such as wands, circles, seals, pentacles,
inscriptions, etc.

The Fours
--The sign Scorpio is the general significator of fruitfulness, legacies, spirit
communion, the dead, and the partner's money. Consequently, each of the fours, in
its more common divinatory significance must relate to one of these things according
to its suit. But in their higher application these cards reveal the influence of, and can
be interpreted by, the fourth decanate of each zodiacal triplicity, starting the count
with the movable signs.
The divinatory significance of the Four of Scepters is a legacy; its inner
interpretation is RULERSHIP.
The divinatory significance of the Four of Cups is an increase in the family; its inner
interpretation is RESOURCEFULNESS.
The divinatory significance of the Four of Coins is money received through a partner;
its inner significance is ORIGINALITY.
The divinatory significance of the Four of Swords is remorse for past action; its inner
interpretation is DETERMINATION.
Reversed Cards
--In all methods of reading the cards are dealt face downward; and they are turned
over from top to bottom, one at a time, as read. This prevents the mind from
wandering to other parts of the spread.
Any card right end up is considered slightly more fortunate than its common
significance. It then becomes like a planet receiving a good aspect. Any card wrong
end up is slightly more unfortunate than its common meaning. It then becomes like a
planet receiving a bad aspect. But reversal never makes a good card bad, nor a bad
card good. As Saturn and Mars are less evil when well aspected, and as Jupiter and
Venus are more potent for good when well aspected, in the same manner any card is
improved by being right end up.
Method of the Sephiroth
--In this method only the 22 Major Arcana and the 4 Aces are used. The Aces are
shuffled separately. They are the most potent of all; for they represent the four astral
kingdoms symbolized by their suits. They are called the Astral Keys, and outrank
any of the other cards.
The 4 Aces after being shuffled and cut are then dealt as illustrated on page 60, the
first on the kingdom marked Asc., the second on the M.C., the third on the Desc., and
the fourth on the N.C.

Then the 22 Major Arcana are shuffled, cut, and dealt one at a time around the ten
thrones, from I to X. This completed, the others are dealt back from throne X to
throne I. This leaves two cards, which are placed face downward at the side. These
are called the staff, and are only consulted when the figure proves contradictory. In
such instances the staff indicates why there was failure to give a plain answer, and
thus supports the devout student in his disappointment.
The first Astral Kingdom, marked Asc., is that of Life, and if the Ace of Coins falls
there it shows strength, vigor and vitality; if the Ace of Scepters, it is favorable but
denotes work and responsibility; if the Ace of Cups, that love of pleasure may deplete
the vitality; and if the Ace of Swords, that there will be sickness or death.
The second Astral Kingdom, marked M.C., is that of Honor and Business. The Ace
of Scepters falling there gives it great power; the Ace of Coins is favorable, but
indicates much effort required; the honor is blemished through the pursuit of
pleasure if the Ace of Cups falls there; and the Ace of Swords there presages failure.
The Astral Kingdom of Love is marked Desc. The Ace of Cups falling there indicates
joy and happiness; the Ace of Swords there marks disputes; the Ace of Scepters there
brings difficulties through difference in station; and the Ace of Coins signifies
abundant strength.
The Astral Kingdom of Results is marked N.C. The Ace of Swords falling there
indicates a favorable ending; the Ace of Cups there brings pleasant results; the Ace of
Coins there is most unfortunate; and the Ace of Scepters there denotes a hard struggle
which yields inadequate returns.
If the question relates to life begin with the Asc., if to love or war with the Desc., if to
honor or business with the M.C., and if to secret things with the N.C.
First turn over, from top to bottom, the Ace, or astral key, of the question. Every
question possible belongs to one of the four kingdoms, and the Ace indicating the
general fortune of the matter is located as explained. After the significance of this
Ace is noted, turn over the cards belonging to its thrones. You will note that the Asc.
and Desc. have three thrones of two cards each, and that the M.C. and N.C. have but
two thrones of two cards each. In considering the Asc. or Desc. the two cards on the
center thrones, either I or VI, as the case may be, indicate the most important factors,
and the other four cards signify modifying influences. The cards on the thrones of the
question will indicate why the conditions signified by the Ace shown there exist and
give some details.
Then turn over the opposite Ace, which indicates the opposition to the matter. The cards
of its throne show the details of this opposition. Now if good cards occupy the kingdom
and thrones of the question, and also the opposition to the question, it is most favorable.
But if both the question and its opposition are held by evil cards, it is a bad omen. If the
opposition holds more evil than the question holds good, the matter will fail after a
struggle. If the question holds more evil than the opposition holds good, the matter lacks
merit and will fail of its own accord. If the opposition is good enough, it will be carried
to
success in spite of its unworth. If the good in the question is stronger than the opposition
it
will succeed in spite of opposition.
The kingdom next in order always indicates the culmination of the matter, and the
thrones opposite within their kingdom its end. Thus in a question of love, war,
marriage, etc., the Desc. becomes the question and the Asc. its opposition. The N.C.
then becomes its progress, and the M.C. its end. In a question of business, however,
the M.C. becomes the question and the N.C. its opposition, with the Desc. its
progress and the Asc. its end. If the question concerns psychic matters or hidden
things the N.C. becomes the question and the M.C. its opposition; with the Asc. its
culmination and the Desc. its end.
And in all cases the cards on the thrones will indicate the various factors, indicating
how and why. The four cards on the thrones of the M.C. or N.C. are of equal
importance.

Chapter 5
Reading the Meaning of Numbers
Y MEANS of numbers we estimate the influence both of things and forces.
The value of a material object, for instance, such as a house, is commonly
expressed numerically in dollars and cents. The power of an engine is
expressed numerically as so many horsepower. The speed of light is
mentioned as so many thousand miles a second. And the pressure in an electric
system as so many volts. In fact, the measure of quantity and quality would be very
difficult to express except through the use of numbers.
When, therefore, we approach the study of the influence exerted by invisible
energies, we quite naturally expect that they also should be expressed, in their power
to cause changes, by means of numbers.
A vast amount of experimental and statistical evidence has been accumulated
proving that man lives in, and is influenced by, two environments. And a vast amount
of observation indicates that the inner-plane environment and its forces are as
effective in determining his thoughts, emotions, behavior, health and the events
which enter his life as are the outer-plane environment and its forces.
Man is influenced from the outer plane by what people say orally, over the radio,
through the press and on the screen. And he is influenced from the inner plane by
people's thoughts. He is influenced from the outer plane by objects. And he is
influenced from the inner plane by the character vibrations of objects. He is
influenced from the outer plane by the weather. And he is equally or more influenced
from the inner plane by the astrological energies which constitute the inner-plane
weather.
An individual ignorant of inner-plane energies is able to live up to only one-half his
possibilities. Through knowledge of the inner-plane energies an individual who will
apply such knowledge should be able to increase his spirituality, success, happiness
and health 100 percent. Whatever his objectives may be, he stands a far greater
chance of reaching them if he understands how the inner-plane environment
influences his life, and how to take advantage of its energies.
As indicated, such energies may all be classified under these three categories:
1. Character-vibrations; which are the radiations of a thing or an intelligence due to its
organization.
2. Thought-vibrations; which are the radiations of an intelligence due to thought
processes.
3. Astrological-vibrations; which are the radiations from the heavenly bodies and the
zodiacal
signs.
The vibrations of physical substance within a certain range of frequencies give rise to
tones or sounds. And electromagnetic vibrations within a certain range of
frequencies give rise to colors. Likewise the range of frequencies of astral substance
which has an influence upon human life gives rise to similar types of energy,
producing effects comparable to physical tones or electromagnetic colors. Because
we are more familiar with physical vibrations, it is convenient to refer to astral
vibrations as tones.
There are thus astral tones arising from the signs and planets, astral tones arising
from character radiations, and astral tones arising from thoughts. Tones may be
isolated or in combination; and in either case there is often a dominant influence, or
key. A character, for instance, is not just a single tone, but a combination of them. Yet
there is usually a key note to the character. Likewise, a single thought radiates but a
single astral tone. But a train of thoughts radiates a series of tones like a musical
selection. Yet a musical composition commonly has a key tone. And a train of
thoughts also has a key which can be determined from the nature of the thinking. In
its influence the key tone is the most important vibratory rate.
We have all heard the story of how a building or a bridge can be demolished by a
fiddler playing near it the tone to which it is keyed. And as already mentioned in
chapter 2, the great Caruso, when he dined, would ask for a wine glass, tap it to find
its tone, and have the waiter place it at the far side of the room. Then singing this tone
in his powerful voice he would shatter the glass.
Now thoughts also have each a given tone quality. And just as Caruso's voice
sounding a certain tone called forth that response in the tone of the wine glass, so a
thought having the same tone as some particularly prominent vibratory center within
ourselves, when it reaches us repeatedly, may set up a terrific vibratory intensity in
that section of our astral body. That is, a specific thought reaching us from others,
constantly being radiated to us by everyone who thinks about us, if it has the same
tone as some section of our astral body, stimulates the thought-cells of that section of
the astral body into unusual activity.
Of such thoughts sent to us regularly and with great frequency the name we use as
signature may be the one from which we receive the greatest thought bombardment.
However, the nickname by which our friends think of us, the given name by which
relatives think of us, and the house number or telephone number which is used often
by people while they visualize us, all have an influence. The amount of energy from
each such name or number, of course, depends upon the frequency with which it is
thought and the thought-power of those who thus think of us in such association.

Either a name or a number, as such, is merely an abstraction, and has no energy to do

anything. But when a name or a number is thought, that thought is a definite energy
radiated toward the one then thought about. As such it has also a specific vibratory
key. Its influence, thus, is not to be measured by the sound produced in speaking; for
the influence is quite as pronounced if it is only thought and not spoken. It is
measured by the voltage, so to speak, of the thought; that is, by the energy supplied
the thought by the thinker; and by the key to which it vibrates.
As to how much power to project their thoughts the various individuals who think our
name have, and how often they think our name, we can only estimate in a very
general manner. But as to the key to which any name or number vibrates we have a
positive method of determination. Just as positive a method as we have of
determining in which key a musical composition is written.
The Hebrew, Chaldean and Coptic square-formed letters served not merely as letters,
but also as numbers. That is, there were no separate characters for numbers, each
letter being a number. We thus have the numerical value of the letters of these ancient
alphabets; that is, the vibratory quality ascribed to each by the early masters of occult
science. And these values, as tested out today, prove correct.
And in tabulating the correspondence between the English alphabet and the ancient
square-formed letters, the effort has been made, not merely to follow the precedent of
translators of languages, but accurately to select the English equivalent in its
thought-vibration quality of each of the ancient 22 letters. Thus we are able, by
substituting the numerical vibratory equivalent of each English letter, to find the
number which has the same astral vibratory rate as any name.
When the numerical equivalent of the name is thus found, the Key to which the name
vibrates can be determined by finding the Key of the number. This Key is found by
Theosophical Involution, as explained in chapter 4. That is, the digits of the number
are added together, and this repeated, until a number results which is below 23. This
gives the vibratory key of the number, and thus the vibratory key of the name.
By this method the vibratory rate of any name, whether it is associated with an
individual or not, may be determined in a positive manner. And with this information
at our disposal for determining the key of any name or any number, we have at hand a
rather complete measure of all the astral forces that can have an influence over
human life.
Character-vibrations are determined by finding the astrological signature. That is,
the key to which a town, a person, a locality, an occupation, or what not, vibrates is
made known when its astrological rulership is discovered. And astrologers have
determined the rulership of most important things. In this connection, in subsequent
lessons of this course, there will be some discussion of the influence of musical notes,
of colors, of talismanic gems, and such things. The astrological vibrations, of course,
are made known by astrological science. This leaves only the influence of
thought-vibrations to be considered.

Thoughts are either abstract or concrete. Concrete thoughts are those that concern
doing something, or which revolve about some definite object or action. We do not
possess as yet any method of determining the tone of each separate thought in a
thought-train. If we did we could chart any thought-train on a musical staff of 11 lines
and 11 spaces. But we do possess a method of determining each separate tone in any
name or any number; for each letter, or number, is one of 22 numbered
thought-tones. Thus we can chart a number or name on such a staff as mentioned; the
name C. C. Zain thus being charted on the frontispiece of Chapter 2 in Course 18,
Imponderable Forces.
But the really important thing about a thought-train, or about a name or number, is the
key to which it vibrates as a whole. This key to which a thought-train sounds can be
determined by an analysis of it. Such analysis of a thought-train, or an emotion,
reveals it to vibrate chiefly to the Domestic Urges (Key 20), to the Power Urges (Key
21), to the Safety Urges (Key 15), to the Intellectual Urges (Key 1), or to some of the
other keys. From this the influence of the thought-train or emotion is made known.
And in Course 9, Mental Alchemy the practical application of such knowledge is
discussed in all its details.
Here, however, we are interested in abstract thoughts, such as names and numbers.
The name FRED, for instance, when not associated in the mind with some particular
person, is a mere abstraction. Yet when you, or anyone else, thinks the name FRED,
there is radiated from the mind four thought-tones--17--20--5--4. No matter who
thinks this name, the same thought-tones are radiated. And each of these four
separate tones has a certain amount of influence.
But in thinking this name, or any other name, the various tones composing it are
blended, just as the tones of a musical chord are blended, and the whole name as
thought vibrates to a dominant key tone. And this key tone, the vibratory key of the
name, has a far greater power than any tone embraced in it; in fact, it seems to have as
much power as all the combined separate tones of the name.
Thus 17 plus 20 plus 5 plus 4 gives 46 as the number of the name FRED. Then as 46 is
above 23, we add 4 plus 6 which gives us 10 as the astral vibratory Key of the name.
No matter who thinks the word Fred, his thoughts send out a key-tone which vibrates
to 10.
The meaning of this 10 tone, standing by itself, and unrelated to any individual, can
be had by referring to the 10th Major Arcanum of the tarot. Its divinatory
significance is there given as Change of Fortune. Its meaning is also there indicated
in the spiritual world, in the intellectual world, and in the physical world. And still
further information about it can be had from the detailed explanation of the number
10 tarot.

But as affecting human life things do not stand alone. Instead they exert an impact
upon character. How the character is affected, depends not merely upon the vibration
reaching it from without, but also upon the nature of the character thus reached. One
individual is affected one way by a certain force and another individual is affected in
quite a different way by this same force.
Therefore, if we are to have a positive science--as distinct from a divinatory
method--of invisible vibrations as affecting human life and destiny, we must have a
chart of the influencing vibrations, and also a chart of the character influenced. By a
comparison of the two sets of vibratory rates we can determine, in the manner
advocated by exact science, what response will be brought forth from the character
by the vibratory tone reaching it.
And so far as human beings are concerned, I know of no method of accurately
determining the various vibratory rates--their power, their harmony and discord, the
department of life they affect, and the lines of energy exchange between them--that
reside in the character, other than through the use of an astrological birth-chart.
The astrological birth-chart is a complete map of the astral body, revealing the
strength and nature of all its dynamic thought structures, and how they are organized
in relation to each other. It is a reliable map of the character.
Any invisible energy, whether character radiation, astrological radiation, or thought
radiation, reaching the astral body of the individual stimulates into additional
activity the same tone to which it vibrates as this tone exists already in the astral body.
That is, it gives the thought cells of the astral body new energy. How this affects the
individual then can be determined by the map of the astral body which is the
astrological birth-chart.
The Heirophant--Arcanum
V
--Letter: Egyptian, Eni; Hebrew, He; English, E. Number, 5. Astrologically, the
planet Jupiter. Color, indigo and purple. Tone, A. Occult science, Masonry. Human
function, the electromagnetic form. Natural remedy, proper diet. Mineral, the metal
tin.
E--5 expresses in the spiritual world, universal law, regulator of the infinite
manifestations of being in the unity of substance.
In the intellectual world, religion, the relation of the Absolute Being to the relative
being, of the infinite to the finite.
In the physical world, inspiration, communicated by the vibrations of astral
substance, and the trial of man by liberty of action within the impassable circle of
universal law.

Remember, then, son of earth, that before saying of a man that he is fortunate or
unfortunate, thou must know the use to which he has put his will; for every man
creates his life in the image of his works. The genius of good is at thy right and the
genius of evil at thy left. Their voice can be heard only by the conscience. If the
hierophant should appear in the prophetic signs of thy horoscope, retire into the
sanctuary of thy heart, listen to the voice of the silence, and guided by it thou wilt
reach the goal of thy aspirations.
In Divination, Arcanum V may briefly be read either as Religion or Law.
Arcanum V is pictured by a hierophant, master of the sacred mysteries. This prince of
the occult doctrine is seated between two columns of the sanctuary; he leans upon a
cross of three bars, and with his right hand makes the sign of the pentagram. From his
brow the sacred serpent thrusts its head; and at his feet kneel two men, one dressed in
red and the other dressed in black.
The hierophant, supreme organ of sacred science, represents the genius of good
inspiration, of mind, and of conscience.
The column at the right symbolizes divine law, that on the left symbolizes the liberty
to obey or to disobey.
The triple tau, or cross of three bars, is emblem of divine fire penetrating the three
worlds, spiritual, astral, physical, in order that all manifestations of universal life
may have their birth.
The left hand of the hierophant on the triple tau indicates his receptivity to the divine
force; and the gesture of his right hand--making the pentagram--indicates his use of
this divine energy to command the obedience of all sub-mundane atoms of life, and
to hear the voice of heaven in the silence of the passions and the instincts of the flesh.
The sacred serpent at his brow signifies enlightenment; and the two kneeling men,
the one red and the other black, denote the intelligences of light and shadow, both of
whom obey the force of the pentagram.
Number
--Numerically, 5 unites the first four digits into a harmonious unity, and thus
explains all the apparent contradictions of nature. That is, the One Principle, the One
Law, the One Agent and the One Truth are not independent factors, but imply and
mutually sustain one another.
These four ideas, as represented by the four animals standing at the four gates of
heaven, each quadrant of the sky having one, are brought together in the fourfold
form of the sphinx. And the zodiac, so expressed, finds its counterpart in the
constitution of one man.
Thus man or woman alone is symbolized by the number five. The hands, feet and
head form five positive points from which the electromagnetic fluid is projected,
health depending largely upon the equal distribution of the energies to these five
points. Also, man, having passed through the four elemental realms of being,
becomes their rightful sovereign by reason of his higher accomplishment.
In this sense, as 4 and 1, 5 signifies Realization which comes from the use of
Intelligence and Will. For having attained true manhood, by virtue of wider
experience, man directs the various entities, physical and astral, which have their
orbits within his domain, and these become his willing and obedient servitors in
proportion as they recognize his spiritual supremacy.
Astrology
--Jupiter is the ruler both of law and religion. He has dominion over good
inspiration, over the church and state, and over the authority of established
institutions. He governs popes, hierophants and religious potentates of all kinds. The
correspondence, therefore, between Arcanum 5 and the planet Jupiter is so obvious
as to need no further comment.
Human Function
--The carrying power of the will upon the physical plane depends upon the strength
of the electromagnetic forces. These, in turn, depend upon the extent of
vitalization--Arcanum II. In other words, the power of the electromagnetic body,
and the carrying power of the will on the physical plane depend upon the ability to
receive and transmit electromagnetic energies. These energies circulate through the
body and build up the electromagnetic form even as the blood, ruled by Jupiter,
carries nourishment to the physical body. Such receiving and transmitting are
depicted by Arcanum V.
Alchemy
--The various metals used in alchemy as they are collected are commonly found to
contain other ingredients which would prevent them from properly combining in
transmutation. Therefore, no matter upon what plane the hermetic art is carried out,
there must be a thorough purification of the metals used. In this process of
purification the dross is removed and cast aside and the true metal retained.
In spiritual alchemy, for instance, the dross is the apparent effect, while the real metal
is the effect upon the soul. The spiritual metals, therefore, are purified by considering
them not in the light of events influencing the material fortune, but as events which
each can be made to yield spiritual values by taking the proper attitude toward them.
In mental alchemy, the metals are purified, not by considering their effect upon the
soul, but by casting aside the dross of discord and retaining the elements of harmony.

Likewise, in other branches of the art, purification of the metals, which corresponds
to Arcanum V, is always an essential step.
Bible
--The most significant thing about the hierophant in Arcanum V is the sign of the
pentagram, or five-pointed star, which he makes with his right hand. This is the
symbol of man, the symbol of the intellectual power which dominates the four
elemental kingdoms, and the symbol of the magical force of the human will. It gains
its force by the gesture which bears token that the user is obedient to the laws of
Deity, and thus participates in the divine power over all things.
Arcanum V, an ensemble expressing the idea of the pentagram in great detail,
explains also the blazing star that led the wise men of the East to the place where the
new sun-god was born that they might worship him. Their gifts of gold, frankincense
and myrrh stand representative of the three worlds; spiritual, astral and physical;
symbolized in Arcanum V by the triple tau.
These wise men, having been led by the star of religious devotion, into a knowledge
of the three worlds and the laws governing them, departed into their own country by
another
way.
That
is,
having
gained
illumination,
their
route
to
self-conscious-immortality--the return to the realm of spirit--was direct and
certain, and not the devious path of the yet unenlightened neophyte.
This five-pointed star which they followed, has the same import as Arcanum V,
signifying the Divine Law and Religion. Therefore, when it is inverted, the point of
the star representing the head of man down, and the two points denoting his feet up, it
signifies the opposite of the Divine Law, the opposite also of man governed by
intelligence. Instead, it then denotes chaos, the devil, evil inspiration and the
principle of destruction. Thus the Lamb of God is transformed into the Goat of
Mendes; and to express this, in black magic the symbol is made by closing the hand
so that two fingers are up--the horns of the goat, or feet of man--instead of three.
By such inversion Jupiter, or Jove, becomes Saturn, or Satan, and as such is
represented by Arcanum XV. This is expressed in Rev. 8:10; "And the third angel
sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell
upon a third part of the rivers, and upon the fountain of waters, and the name of the
star is called wormwood."
The waters and fountains refer to the emotions and to love, which in magical
practices of any kind are the chief sources of energy. They are turned bitter, like
wormwood, when thus utilized for purposes of black magic and evil, for they are then
converted into forces of destruction. In Arcanum XV, not only the lamp may be seen,
but also the servants of evil in the art of making the inversive sign.

The tarot itself expounds a complete religious doctrine based upon a spiritual
science. And not only do the Major Arcana set forth a system which is synthesized as
a mantram, for strengthening the will, as explained in chapter 3, but they also
synthesize the Religion of the Stars.
Eliphas Levi, the great French magus, expressed his conception of this religion in
verse, setting at the head of each line the number of the Major Arcanum whose
significance is revealed by it, each Arcanum thus representing one tenet of this
ancient Wisdom Religion:
" 1. All things announce a conscious active cause,
2. Vivific Oneness, based on number's laws;
3. Who all containing is by naught confined,
4. And all preceding, hath no bound assigned.
5. This only Lord should man adore alone,
6. Who doth true doctrine to pure hearts make known;
7. But acts of faith require a single chief,
8. Hence we proclaim one altar, law, belief.
9. The changeless God will never change their base,
10. He rules our days and rules through every phase,
11. His mercy's wealth, which vice to naught will bring,
12. His people promises a future King.
13. The tomb's a path which to new worlds ascends, and life through all subsists, death
only
ends. Pure, sacred, steadfast truth we here repeat. The venerated numbers thus complete.
14. The angel blest doth calm and moderate.
15. The evil is the friend of pride and hate.
16. God doth the lightning and the fire subdue;
17. He rules the dewy eve' and the evening's dew.
18. The watchful moon he sets to guard our heights,
19. His sun's the source of life's renewed delights,
20. His breath revivifies the dust of graves
22. Where crowds descend who are of lust the slaves;
0. Or, the mercy seat he covers with his crown,
21. And on the cherubs pours his glory down."
These impressive words are full of mystic significance, and when repeated in
earnestness and with the soul lifted to the Author of All Being, they form a powerful
inspirational mantram. The mantram of the will, given in chapter 3, is especially
potent to increase the force, the power, and the accomplishment of the will. But this
religious mantram serves another purpose; for it adds Faith, unites the human soul to
its Maker, and thus lifts the will and its works to a higher plane where their force is
expended in cooperation with the Divine Plan, and solely through constructive
channels.

These two mantrams, therefore, stand as the masculine and the feminine of a
complete system, the best results following the use of both. Although other methods
may be used to advantage, one of the best systems of training commences the day, on
rising, and while standing erect, with the mantram of the will; and closes the day,
while reclining in bed, after retiring, with the mantram devoted to faith. Thus used
together they form natural complements, and are important aids to soul growth.
Masonry
--The Past Master's degree of Masonry is founded upon Arcanum V. It represents
the Past Master who having passed the degree of this initiation is capable of presiding
over a Master Mason's lodge. The lodge, of course, represents the human temple,
over which the master must exercise constant dominion. Therefore, to indicate the
rebellion of submundane atoms of life within the human domain, in this degree a riot
is started.
Unless the one who would be master can use the force represented by the pentragram
successfully to quell the elemental forces, as is done in Arcanum V, he is
overpowered and made the slave of the very forces he sought to control, as indicated
in the fifth degree of Masonry and illustrated by Arcanum XV.
Arcanum V also explains the Blazing Star of the Masonic Lodge. The compass
joined to the square typifies both higher and lower union. Union is depicted by
Arcanum III, and the Book of the Law, or polarity, is depicted in Arcanum II. Adding
the 3 and the 2 we get Arcanum V, picturing obedience to that law, having thus the
same symbolical import as the open Bible on which is laid the compass and square, as
it is used in the fifth degree of Masonry.
Diamonds, the same suit in common playing cards as Coins in the tarot, are nothing
more nor less than the united compass and square conventionalized, the G being
removed from the center to show that the higher has superseded the lower.
Magic
--In Magic, Arcanum V expresses the importance of using the proper symbols in all
invocations and in ceremonial magic. It reveals the potency of rituals and such
symbols as are used by secret societies and by the church.
The pentagram is the symbol of white magic, and thus constitutes the most powerful
of all magical tokens; for it expresses the power of a mind which has devoted itself to
assisting the progressive evolution of creation, and which knows, and is obedient to,
the Divine Law. It is a symbol of constructive purpose.
The use of signs, rituals and symbols either in religion or in magic is a means of
contacting invisible entities and other planes of being. The innocent use of an evil
symbol in the course of a rite does not prevent the intelligence to which the symbol
actually belongs being contacted. No more so than if one innocently calls the

telephone number of a gangster, thinking it is the telephone number of a parson, one

will fail to contact the gangster. Symbols and rituals tune the individual in on the
intelligence corresponding to them just as a telephone number calls the individual to
whom it belongs, regardless of his moral worth, or the intention of the one calling the
number.
Initiation
--Arcanum V represents the point in the ascending arc of the cycle of life where the
voice of the conscience calls upon man to turn from the flesh-pots and devote himself
to cosmic welfare. He decides henceforth to live, not for self alone, but to guide his
every action in the direction of aiding cosmic progression. He determines that the
good of cosmic society shall be his constant aim.
Occult Science
--Masonry is that one of the seven branches of magic which treats in particular of the
use of the emotions engendered by sex; and of the evolution of the human soul and its
manifestations on the three planes of being, as set forth by means of signs, symbols
and rituals.
In regard to such signs Eliphas Levi truly says:
"Four signs always express the absolute and are explained by the fifth. Thus the solution
of all
magical questions is that of the pentagram, and all contradictions are explained by
harmonious
unity."
As a single illustration of this method of solving occult problems, and because
astrology and the tarot are the two keys to all mysteries, I will apply this formula to
denoting the true correspondence between each tarot card and its astrological
counterpart.
To begin with, the four suit cards of any numbered Minor Arcanum arrange
themselves about the Major Arcanum bearing the same number in the form of a
diamond; scepters being above, cups at the right, swords at the bottom and coins at
the left. Thus arranged the four Minor Arcana express Jod-He-Vau-He, and the
Major Arcanum in the center explains the pentagram as a whole as an expression of
some planet or zodiacal sign.
The rulership of each Major Arcanum can be found in a similar manner by forming a
Grand Pentagram of the whole 22 cards, as illustrated on page 88.
This diagram shows the grand pentagram as composed of five lesser pentagrams,
each perfect in itself. And, of course, to be correct, the outer circle of tarots must
represent the twelve signs of the zodiac in their natural position and sequence. The
planets, in nature, may occur in any of the signs thus located; but their proper place
here should bear some significance in relation to life.

Thus the first quadrant, the quadrant of life, is rightly explained by the selfish planet
Saturn, showing that self-preservation, among lower forms of life, is nature's first
law. But in the same quadrant, and more interior to it, is to be seen Neptune, the planet
of universal brotherhood. And thus is also explained that when life has evolved to a
spiritual conception, the law of self-preservation gives place to that of unselfish
idealism.
The top quadrant, the quadrant of honor, is occupied by Uranus, indicating the
struggle to make attainment through the overthrow of existing conditions and the
downfall of opponents. But more interior to this is another principle which
eventually supersedes. The planet Venus sets forth the idea that "Love lieth at the
foundation," of any worthwhile attainment.
The third quadrant, that of companionship, is occupied by Jupiter, indicating that
leniency and generosity are attractive to others. But more interior is to be seen
Mercury, the planet of intelligence, indicating that a lavish purse does not
compensate for lack of understanding, and that intelligence is necessary to make
union spiritually advantageous.
The lower quadrant, the home and the end of life, is occupied by the Moon, indicating
that physical life ends in the tomb. Yet there is an inner force, a lightning of the soul,
typified by the planet Mars, which defies death, rends asunder the tomb, or pyramid,
and liberates the soul to a new life in the beyond.
And as explaining all, the pentagram in the center holds the Sun, the source of all
vitality,
representing the ego which has sent its souls through the cycle of necessity. And the
result of this pilgrimage, after the tomb has opened and liberated the souls, is explained
by one of two symbols, that of the Earth, or that of Pluto. The soul, even after death,
may
be earth-bound, or held to the lower regions by its viciousness; or it may move rapidly
above the astral into the spiritual realm to be reunited to its missing mate. This latter is
the
higher aspect--represented by the T with the point upward--of the planet Pluto.
The Fives
--Jupiter, in astrology, is the general significator of good fortune; therefore the fives
in their more common divinatory significance must relate to good luck in the
particular department of life signified by the suit. But in their application to higher
planes, they reveal the influence of, and can be interpreted by, the fifth decanate of
each zodiacal triplicity, starting with the movable signs.
The divinatory significance of the Five of Scepters is good fortune in business; its
inner interpretation is REFORMATION.
The divinatory significance of the Five of Cups is good fortune in love; its inner
interpretation is RESPONSIBILITY.
The divinatory significance of the Five of Coins is abundant wealth; its inner
interpretation is INSPIRATION.
The divinatory significance of the Five of Swords is escape from a danger; its inner
interpretation is STRUGGLE.
The Two Paths--Arcanum
VI
--Letter: Egyptian, Ur; Hebrew, Vau; English V--U--W. Number 6.
Astrologically, the planet Venus. Color, yellow. Tone, E. Occult science, kabalism.
Human function, the astral body. Natural remedy, rest and recreation. Mineral, the
metal copper.
U--6, expresses in the spiritual world, the knowledge of good and evil.
In the intellectual world, the balance between liberty and necessity.
In the physical world, the antagonism of natural forces, the linking of cause and
effect.
Remember, then, son of earth, that for the common man, the allurement of vice has a
greater fascination than the austere beauty of virtue. If The Two Paths should appear
in the prophetic signs of thy horoscope, take care of thy resolutions. Obstacles bar
before thee the path thou wouldst pursue, contrary chances hover over thee, and thy
will wavers between two resolutions. Indecision is, above all else, worse than a bad
choice. Advance or recede, but do not hesitate; and know that a chain of flowers is
more difficult to break than a chain of iron.
In Divination, Arcanum VI may be briefly interpreted as Temptation.
Arcanum VI is figured by a man standing motionless at the angle formed by the
conjunction of two roads. His looks are fixed upon the ground; his arms are crossed
upon his chest. Two women, one at his right and the other at his left, each place a hand
on his shoulder, showing him one of two roads. The woman at his right is modestly
clothed, and has the sacred serpent, indicating enlightenment, at her brow. She thus
personifies virtue. The one at the left wears less clothing, and is crowned with the
leaves and vine of the grape. She represents vice, the temptress.
Above and back of this group the genie of justice, hovering in a flashing aureole of
twelve rays, draws his bow and directs toward vice the arrow of punishment. The
genie is crowned with a flame to show he is a spirit; and is represented in an aureole of
twelve rays to indicate that justice will be meted out in due time to all as the sun
passes through the zodiacal signs.
This ensemble typifies the struggle between conscience and the passions, between
the divine soul and the animal soul, and that the result of this struggle commences a
new epoch in the life.

Number
--Six signifies two actions, or twice three. It does not represent forces in
equilibrium, but a constant oscillation between action and reaction. It thus indicates a
wavering, a vacillation, forces so uncontrolled and ill-directed that they tend to
destroy one another.
Astrology
--Venus governs the affections and the social relations. It gives love of ease,
comfort, luxury and pleasure. It is not essentially evil, but in seeking the line of least
resistance it may be led into vice. When it thus fails to resist the importunities of the
wicked, it comes under the negativeness of Arcanum II, and is then under the
dominion of Arcanum XV, or Saturn, which is the second decave of VI.
Human Function
--Because the astral body is so responsive to every thought and emotion it is often
called the desire body. The affections not only shape it, but give it nourishment; for it
is organized by states of consciousness. Because it is so receptive and yielding, and
the emotions play so important a part in its makeup, this astral body corresponds to
Venus, and to Arcanum VI.
Alchemy
--After the metals have been purified, before they are finally joined in transmutation
they are first tested to be sure that no dross or impurities remain. This process of
testing the purity of the metals, of applying the test of love, corresponds to Arcanum
VI.
Bible
--Of the sons of Isaac, Esau, who sold his birthright (spiritual heritage) for a mess of
pottage (material things), listened to the voice of vice. Jacob, however, who once
successfully wrestled with the spirit of temptation, and though afflicted was not
conquered, in this story listened to the voice of virtue.
Math. 4:8, "Again the devil taketh him up into an exceedingly high mountain, and
sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them; And said unto him,
All these things will I give thee if thou wilt fall down and worship me."

Masonry
--The Most Excellent Master degree of Masonry is founded upon Arcanum VI.
"When the Temple of Jerusalem was finished, those who had proved themselves
worthy by their virtue, skill and fidelity, were installed as Most Excellent Masters."
Magic
--Arcanum VI represents the temptations that always come to those who attain
power. Especially is this temptation great among those who attain to the use of
invisible energies. Should they yield to such insidious promptings, their lot is
terrible; for they become the slaves of the very forces they imagined they had
controlled. This Arcanum also represents the use of privation, hardships and
obstacles to strengthen and test the will.
Initiation
--The evolving soul, passing through the lower kingdoms, where strife and
self-preservation are dominant factors, develops the animal propensities and
instincts to a high degree. This is a necessary phase of its progression. But when
self-consciousness has been reached, in order that the animal may partake of the
Divine quality which makes self-conscious-immortality possible, these animal
energies and instincts must be diverted into a higher than animal channel. They must
be directed, or transmuted, into an organization of energy having for object the
welfare of society as a whole. This higher-type organization, largely drawing its
energies from the animal soul, or lower-type organization, yet containing many
higher vibration rates, is called the divine soul.
Occult Science
--Kabalism, corresponding to Arcanum VI, and therefore the feminine, embraces
the written scriptures and the oral traditions of every land. It is really the science of
traditional knowledge, the tarot being a condensation of the whole science.
The Sixes
--Venus, in astrology, is natural significator of love, art, music and drama, as well as
of social functions; therefore the sixes, corresponding numerically to Venus, in their
more common divinatory significance must relate to these things as applied to the
department of life indicated by the suit. But in their higher application they reveal the
influence of, and can be interpreted by, the sixth decanate of each zodiacal triplicity,
starting with the movable signs.

The divinatory significance of the Six of Scepters is music, art or the drama; its inner
interpretation is AMBITION.
The divinatory significance of the Six of Cups is a love affair; its inner interpretation
is ATTAINMENT.
The divinatory significance of the Six of Coins is a social event; its inner
interpretation is REPRESSION.
The divinatory significance of the Six of Swords is dissipation; its inner
interpretation is MASTERSHIP.
Method of Three Sevens
--After shuffling and cutting, the cards are dealt from the top, one by one, from right
to left, starting with the bottom row, in three rows of seven cards each.
The bottom row represents the past, the middle row the present, and the top row the
future. In each row the central card, marked with an asterisk, is the most important,
being the key to which the others merely contribute. In reading, the adjoining cards
modify each other, and all should be blended as parts of a complete whole.
Future 21 20 19 18* 17 16 15
Present 14 13 12 11* 10 9 8
Past 7 6 5 4* 3 2 1

Chapter 6
Making an Astrological Chart of a Name
ERE is just one way, in so far as I know, of determining in a positive, reliable
and scientific manner how any invisible vibratory tone, or combination of
such tones, will affect a certain person. That is by comparing the tone, or
tones, with the astrological birth-chart of the person.
The planets and signs in a birth-chart each map thought-cells of specific tones, as
revealed by their correspondences, which are set forth in these lessons. Any
thought-vibration, character-vibration, or astrological-vibration reaching the
individual adds its energy to the thought-cells having the same vibratory rate in the
astral body of the person. The chief influence of a name, or number, as affecting a
person is to give added energy to the thought-cells of that section of the astral body of
the person which vibrates to the same rate as the Key-tone of the name or number.
That is, to determine how a name or number or other invisible influence will affect a
person, first get the Key of the name or number, or other influence. This key is
expressed by some number below 23. Thus the Mars dynamic structure vibrates to
the tone 16, and the Virgo zone vibrates to tone 2.
Now if the Mars structure in a person's astral body is very discordant, as shown by
inharmonious aspects to Mars in the birth-chart, any energy added to its thought-cells
by objects, by thoughts, or other influences vibrating to tone 16 merely increases the
power of these thoughts to attract such Catastrophe as is pictured by Arcanum 16.
But if the Mars structure in a person's astral body is harmoniously organized, as
shown by Mars having strong beneficial aspects in the birth-chart, this added energy
will increase the power of its thought-cells to attract events which are constructive
and beneficial.
The pictured arcanum corresponding to each of the signs and planets thus represents
the more common influence of the tone apart from lines of force which, like aspects,
conduce to harmony or discord. But in the astral body of man these dynamic
structures and zones, which vibrate to the tones so depicted, are usually strongly
modified and influenced by the manner in which they have been associated with
other thought structures. Therefore, while tone 15 may in general be considered as

Fatality; in a person's chart who has the planet Saturn exceedingly well aspected it
might be the most fortunate influence in the life, and the one which, when given
added energy, would bring the most benefit.
Therefore, in determining how a name, number, environment, or other invisible
influence will affect an individual, the tone of the influence should first be
determined, and then a study should be made of this tone as mapped in the
astrological chart of birth. If the tone in the chart of birth is essentially beneficial, the
same tone received from a name, number, other person, locality, birth-stone or
anything else will be beneficial; because it will increase the power of beneficial
thought-cells in the astral body. But if the tone as mapped in the birth-chart is
detrimental, the same tone received from without, from any of the sources
mentioned, will tend, through giving discordant thought-cells more energy, to attract
misfortune.
Fortune or misfortune does not come equally through all departments of life. And a
particular vibratory tone often stimulates one or two departments of life, and has little
or no influence upon other departments. It thus may have an influence over finances
and yet have no influence whatever over health or companionship.
The department of life influenced by a vibratory key is denoted by the compartment
in the astral body ruled by the sign or planet in the birth-chart whose
thought-structure is stimulated into activity by the key. Thus, disregarding whether
the influence will attract or disperse it, if the key-tone is the same as a planet in the
house of money (2nd house), or the same as the sign on the cusp of the house of
money (2nd), its chief effect, for good or ill, will be upon money. But if the key-tone
is the same as a planet in the house of partnership (7th), or the same as the sign on the
cusp of the house of partnership (7th), the chief influence will be upon the relation
with partners.
Now if on a pond of water there are several little sticks floating, and someone throws
a rock into the pool, this disturbance of the water also disturbs the little sticks and
they go bobbing about. Likewise, if there is one or several planets in a zodiacal sign
in the birth-chart, because these planets represent organized groups of thought-cells
in that zone of the astral body indicated by the sign, if the sign is given increased
activity, the groups of thought-cells in it are set in motion.
The precise power of a dynamic thought structure mapped by a planet or the common
thought-cells mapped by an unoccupied sign to attract good fortune when thus given
increased activity is directly proportional to its harmodynes, and the precise power of
a dynamic thought structure mapped by a planet or of the common thought-cells
mapped by an unoccupied sign to attract misfortune when thus given increased
activity is directly proportional to its discordynes. How to calculate the astrodynes,
harmodynes and discordynes of each birth-chart planet, sign and house is explained
in Chapters 1 and 2 of Course 16, Stellar Healing.

An unoccupied sign occupying one house cusp has one-half the harmodynes or
discordynes of its ruling planet. An unoccupied intercepted sign has one-fourth the
harmodynes or discordynes of its ruling planet. An unoccupied sign occupying the
cusp of two houses has the same number of harmodynes or discordynes as its ruling
planet. Thus on an average the influence of a planet is twice as important as that of an
unoccupied sign.
Thus it is that when we have before us that complete map of the astral body of any
individual, which is a birth-chart, we can determine in a positive, scientific and
detailed manner how any invisible vibratory rate of which we know the key will
affect him. We can determine if the particular key will tend to attract to him fortune or
misfortune. We can determine in what department of life that fortune or misfortune
will be attracted. And we can determine, by calculating the astrodynes of the planet
or sign mapping the thought-cells within his astral body responding to this key and
the probable volume of energy added to them by the invisible influence, somewhat of
the magnitude of the events that will thus be attracted into his life.
Now any name or any number can be converted into an astrological chart by the
simple expedient of substituting the corresponding Major Arcanum for each of the
letters or numbers. Each Major Arcanum also, of course, signifies a definite
astrological influence.
These various letters of a name, or the astrological influences substituted for them,
each represent one tone. Each letter of the name, therefore, as a tone, has some
influence in stimulating into activity the corresponding tone in the astral body of the
person wearing the name. Sometimes in a person's name certain letters are repeated
several times. Sometimes there will be several A's, for instance, or the letter l may
occur twice in each member of the name. In such cases, naturally, the influence of the
particular tone so repeated is intensified, and may be taken into consideration in its
relation to affecting the individual. But in all cases the Key of the name as a whole is
by far the most important vibratory rate, and even letters that occur repeatedly in the
name are of subsidiary influence.
To chart a name, therefore, we find the Key of the number of the name, and set it at the
head of the chart as the dominant influence. In relation to the name itself, it represents
the birth-chart. Then if we desire to do so we find the Key of the Decave and place it at
the foot of the chart. It indicates the end of things, that which the fourth house in an
astrological chart represents. Then the letters of the name may be placed between the
Key of the name and the Key of the Decave as transitory influences.

Reading A Name Alone

Does Not Give a Reading
for the Individual Wearing
It
--By using such a chart we can give a reading of any name. But because people
wearing the same name are different individuals, we must not assume that a reading
of the name alone gives a reading applicable to the individual wearing it. On the
contrary, to give a reading of the individual wearing a name, even by the process of
divination by numbers, we must add an individual element. This individual element
which is most suitable for such use is the Birth Path. And the method of using it and
giving such a divinatory reading by means of numbers is set forth in chapter 8.
Apart from any individual, however, and not indicative of any person's fortune, we
can make an astrological chart of any name or any number which will be
scientifically correct; and to one delving in spiritual research such a chart often will
yield information of value.
Let us take the name Jesus, for instance. J-10, E-5, S-21, U-6, S-21. 10 plus 5 plus 21
plus 6 plus 21 equals 63. 6 plus 3 gives 9 as the Key of the name. 63 minus 9 gives 54.
54 divided by 9 gives 6. 6 plus 1 gives 7 as the Key of the Decave. Then the
astrological chart may be stated thus:
Aquarius (9), Uranus (10), Jupiter (5), Sun (21), Venus (6), Sun (21), Sagittarius (7).
As the birth date of Jesus is unknown we will attempt no reading of his life. But the
motive actuating those who follow his doctrines is very apparent. The Key of the
influence is Aquarius, or Major Arcanum IX, signifying Prudence and
Circumspection. The prudence of the followers of Jesus causes them to accept Him
in the expectation of finding heaven and escaping hell. And the end for which they
hope, both here and hereafter, is Sagittarius, or Major Arcanum VII, signifying
Victory. "Onward, Christian Soldiers," as sung in thousands of Sunday schools,
might well be inspired by the pictured Arcanum VII with its conqueror riding
forward to overcome opposition.
Aside from astrology let us consider the vibratory significance of some other holy
names: The Jews called their stern and unyielding God, Jehovah, spelled in Hebrew,
Jod-He-Vau-He (I-E-V-E): 10 plus 5 plus 6 plus 5 equals 26. 26 being more than 22
must be involved. 2 plus 6 gives 8 as the Key of the name. 26 minus 8 gives 18. 18
divided by 9, plus 1, gives 3 as the Decave. Thus the Key and the Decave, 8 and 3,
indicate the moral code of Jehovah to have been inflexible Justice in Action.
To proceed with other deific names, the chief deity of Christianity is spelled G-O-D:
3 plus 16 plus 4 equals 23. 2 plus 3 gives 5 as the Key of the name. 23 minus 5 gives
18. 18 divided by 9, plus 1, gives 3 as the Decave. The Key and the Decave, 5 and 3,
thus indicate that the idea behind the Christian God is beneficent (Jupiter) Law in
Action.

Now turn to the deity of Egyptian initiates, Ra. R-A: 20 plus 1 gives 21, which needs
no involving because it is already a Key, pictured by Arcanum XXI. Ra is thus,
according to its Key and its astrological ruler, the spiritual Sun of our universe; the
highest spiritual and intellectual entity; and those who worship Him strive to become
the most spiritual and intelligent men on earth; they strive to be adepts.
Astrologically, Ra is the Sun. The religion of His devotees is expressed still more in
detail by the two arcana picturing the two letters of the word, 20 and 1, signifying
Will and Intelligence (1), Resurrecting (20), the soul beyond the tomb.
What is the vibratory import of the Hindu deific word used so frequently as a
mantram, and rendered into English as A-U-M? 1 plus 6 plus 13 equals 20. The Key
(20) reveals that the object sought is to Awaken (20), the soul to its latent
possibilities. The method employed to do this is indicated by the three letters: The
Will (1), brought to bear upon Temptation (6), to induce a Transformation (13).
And this rendering of a foreign name brings up a point of some importance; that of
the different ways of spelling a name.
Again I would call your attention to the principle that it is not the sound of a name, nor
its phonetics, with which we are dealing, but its astral vibratory-rates. These astral
vibratory-rates are set in motion by the person thinking the name, and they are set up
irrespective of vocal action. Nor do people of different countries, who spell a name
differently, have the same conception of its significance.
Because with most people, according to psychological experiments, sight registers
its impressions more quickly and more strongly than sound, the spelling of a name
commonly determines its thought-vibration when it is thought about. The English
spelling, therefore, only indicates the vibratory significance of the name to those who
use the English spelling. Any alteration of the spelling of a name, even though the
phonetic value is unchanged, thus changes the vibratory-rate and the inner meaning
of the name. The native spelling of a name gives its significance to such natives.
Buddha: 2 plus 6 plus 4 plus 4 plus 8 plus 1 gives 25. 2 plus 5 gives 7 as the Key. 25
minus 7 gives 18. 18 divided by 9, plus 1, gives 3 as the Decave. Thus our conception
of the life and teachings of this great reformer is Victory (7), of mind in Action (3).
Brahma: 2 plus 20 plus 1 plus 8 plus 13 plus 1 gives 45. 4 plus 5 gives 9 as the Key. 45
minus 9 gives 36. 36 divided by 9, plus 1, gives 5 as the Decave. This deity, therefore,
to us signifies Wisdom (9) acting through Law, (5).
Vishnu: 6 plus 10 plus 18 plus 14 plus 6 equals 54. 5 plus 4 gives 9 as the Key. 54
minus 9 gives 45. 45 divided by 9, plus 1 gives 6 as the Decave. This god of
preservation therefore exemplifies the thought that Wisdom (9) overcomes
Temptation (6).
Siva: 21 plus 10 plus 6 plus 1 equals 38. 3 plus 8 gives 11 as the Key. 38 minus 11
gives 27. 27 divided by 9, plus 1 gives 4 as the Decave. The Hindu trinity, Brahma,
Vishnu and Siva are usually translated as Creator, Preserver and Destroyer. But
while Siva does represent destruction, it is a destruction which implies a restoration,

or reproduction, and thus the linga is used as his emblem. And this significance is
conveyed by Force (11), undergoing Realization (4).
Devil: 4 plus 5 plus 6 plus 10 plus 12 equals 37. 3 plus 7 gives 10 as the Key. 37 minus
10 gives 27. 27 divided by 9, plus 1 gives 4 as the Decave. The Devil thus is the agent
for a Change of Fortune (10), Realized (4).
Hell: 8 plus 5 plus 12 plus 12 equals 37. 3 plus 7 gives 10 as the Key. 37 minus 10
gives 27. 27 divided by 9, plus 1 gives 4 as the Decave. Hell, therefore, is a Change of
Fortune (10), Realized (4).
The early Magi erected a tower to Bel: 2 plus 5 plus 12 gives 19 as the Key. As it is
already below 23 no Decave influence need be considered. We chart this name in
detail thus--19 (Key)--2-5-12, and read it as Happiness and Prosperity (19) devoted
to Science (2), Religion (5), and Sacrifice (12).
Later generations forsook the worship of Bel for Baal: 2 plus 1 plus 1 plus 12 gives 16
as the Key. In detail it indicates that the desire for violence (16) prompted the
energies to be turned to Science (2), Will (1), Intelligence (1), and Sacrifice (12).
Babylon: 2 plus 1 plus 2 plus 10 plus 12 plus 16 plus 14 equals 57. 5 plus 7 gives 12 as
the Key. 57 minus 12 gives 45. 45 divided by 9, plus 1 gives 6 as the Decave. Babylon
is mentioned in Revelations as the great prostitute; which is borne out by its vibratory
significance which reads Sacrifice (12), to Temptation (6).
The above examples, I believe, are quite ample to denote how names may be handled
as factors in themselves, apart from their influence upon any particular individual.
But I must repeat, because it is so frequently overlooked by those who practice
numerology, that when the influence upon an individual is to be revealed, or a
reading is to be given an individual based on his name, that there is always an
additional individual factor which must be included.
The Conqueror--Arcanum
VII
--Letter: Egyptian, Zain; Hebrew, Zayin; English, Z. Number, 7. Astrologically, the
zodiacal sign Sagittarius. Color, the lighter shades of purple. Tone, high A. Occult
science, spiritual astrology. Human function, the sense of smell. Natural remedy,
such herbs as mallow, wood betony, featherfew, and agrimony. Mineral, the
talismanic gem red garnet (often called carbuncle), and such stones as are mixed with
red and green, including turquoise.
Z--7 expresses in the spiritual world, the septenary dominion of spirit over matter.
In the intellectual world, the sacerdocy and the empire.
In the physical world, submission of the elements and forces of matter to the
intelligences and forces of man.

Remember, then, son of earth, that the empire of the world belongs to them who
possess the sovereignty of spirit, that is to say, the light which makes clear the
mysteries of life. If the Conqueror should appear in the prophetic signs of thy
horoscope, it signifies that in breaking through obstacles thou wilt crush thy enemies;
and all thy wishes will be realized if thou attack the future with audacity, armed in the
consciousness of thy right.
In Divination, Arcanum VII may briefly be read as Victory.
Arcanum VII is figured by a war chariot of square form, surmounted by a starry
canopy sustained by four columns. Upon this chariot advances a conqueror armed
with a cuirass and carrying both sword and scepter. He wears a crown from which
rises three pentagrams, or golden stars with five points.
The square car symbolizes the material world vanquished by the work of the will.
The four columns supporting the canopy represent the four quadrants of heaven
which surround the conqueror. They also represent the four elemental kingdoms that
have submitted to the master of the scepter and the sword.
Upon the square front of the chariot is pictured a sphere sustained by two outspread
wings; symbol of the immortal flight of the soul through the infinitude of space and
time. The sacred serpent at the conqueror's brow signifies the possession of that
intellectual light which makes clear all the arcana of fortune. The three golden stars
rising from the crown symbolize the dominion of man in all three worlds; physical,
astral and spiritual.
A T-square and two try-squares are traced upon the cuirass. The T-square, or Tau,
symbolizes virile force, and the two try-squares indicate the rectitude of judgment
that enables the conqueror to direct this force either to right or left, into mental or
physical power as occasion demands.
The cuirass signifies resistance; the high held sword is the emblem of physical
victory; and the scepter indicates mental conquest. This scepter is surmounted by a
square, a circle, and a triangle. The square is the emblem of matter, the circle
indicates the realm of spirit, and the triangle is the emblem of mind; together
denoting the perpetual dominion of intelligence over all realms and forces of nature.
Two sphinxes, one white and the other black, are harnessed to the car. A sphinx, as
composed of the four emblems of the zodiacal quadrants, indicates the passage of
time. The white sphinx signifies fortunate periods, and the black one signifies
periods of adversity; both of which serve the soul victorious over the ordeals met in
its pilgrimage of eternal progression.

Number
--Numerically, 7, as composed of the numbers 3 and 4, expresses action and
completion. It is the number of perfect form on the physical plane. It is thus the
septenary, which is the complete and perfect three-dimensional gamut; even as 9 is
the complete and perfect four-dimensional gamut. A scale of 7 is better, therefore, to
indicate physical tones and electromagnetic vibrations; but a scale of 9 is more
convenient
to
indicate
astral
tones
and
thought-vibrations.
Thus
in
three-dimensional existence where perfection of form exists it will be found that the
number 7 expresses it as 3 and 4. The 3 are active principles. The 4 are reactions, or
forms.
In human life 7, as composed of 3 and 4, express the concrete 4 dominated by action,
or 3; the realization of physical perfection through active effort. As composed of 5
and 2, it indicates man in full possession of the law of polarity, realizing the potency
of sex force. As composed of twice 3 plus 1, it signifies body, soul and spirit united to
body, soul and spirit, guided by intelligence and under control of will; thus
representing the perfect nuptial union. It is dominion of intelligence over all actions,
hence complete Victory over all Temptations.
Astrology
--Astrologically, Sagittarius is pictured as the starry Centaur, with bow full drawn,
indicating its combative qualities and its locomotion. Sagittarius is a dual sign,
adapting itself to both scepter and sword. It is natural ruler of philosophy and travel;
its chief mental characteristics being obedience to ruling authority, discipline,
prompt decision, self-control and the power to command others. The conservative
attributes are well represented by the cuirass; and the other qualities are all
symbolized in detail by the various pictured emblems of Arcanum VII.
Human Function
--It has been explained that the planet Jupiter corresponds to the electromagnetic
body. This body is nourished by the electromagnetic energy liberated from protein
molecules, as explained in Chapter 9 of Course 5, Esoteric Psychology. The
electromagnetic energy of the nervous system enables it both to broadcast and
receive short-wave radiations. As an aid to tuning in on the desired wave-length
incense has been found helpful. Through stimulating the sense of smell in the proper
way the mind is directed to a certain state of consciousness, which raises or lowers
the individual's vibrations, tuning him in on the grade of energy it is desired to
contact. Thus does the sense of smell correspond to Arcanum VII.

Alchemy
--The various ores from which the metals to be used in the process of transmutation
are obtained are not of equal richness, and are not of equal suitability as furnishing
the required metals. And when the metals are extracted from these ores, or are
otherwise obtained, they are not of equal purity, or of equal value. Thus it is that
every ingredient used in the process should be assayed to determine its refinement, to
determine its value, and to determine how best it may be treated to purify it to the
extent required if it is to be used in the alchemical work.
In spiritual alchemy, for instance, each experience needs to be appraised as to its
possibilities of providing spiritual values, and to determine exactly what attitude will
recover the highest percentage of these spiritual values. In mental alchemy, a still
different appraisal is made to determine the value in terms of harmony, and the
treatment necessary to gain these values in highest measure. Such determinations are
secured through assaying, which corresponds to Arcanum VII.
Bible
--Joseph, sold into Egypt, representing the soul born into matter and fettered by
carnal desires, represents Arcanum VII.
But Joseph overcame all obstacles and rose to great power, as indicated by the sword.
And in addition to having at his command the material forces thus indicated, he also
became an interpreter of the Divine will, as symbolized by the scepter.
He was tempted by Potiphar's wife, Arcanum VI, but he Triumphed (Arcanum VII)
over the temptation, even though it meant certain affliction. The dream of Pharoah
which he interpreted, of the 7 fat kine and the 7 lean kine, and the 7 good ears and the
7 bad ears, related to periods of good and evil, such as the white sphinx and the black
sphinx of Arcanum VII signify. The result of his triumph through periods of good
and periods of evil, and of his not yielding to temptation, is set forth in Gen. 41:41,
and is symbolical of what may be expected by others who triumph over temptation;
for they also shall be made rulers over the physical plane, which is the land of Egypt.
"And Pharaoh said unto Joseph: See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. And
Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed
him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck: and made him to
ride in the second CHARIOT which he had: and they cried before him: Bow the knee:
and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt."
Masonry
--The Royal Arch degree of Masonry is based upon Arcanum VII. The chariot, like
the tabernacle, is an oblong square; but instead of being divided into four veils the
canopy is supported by four columns.

The captivity in Babylon is denoted by the square-formed chariot; and the release
from bondage by the scepter. The return journey to Jerusalem is denoted by the two
sphinxes hitched to the wheeled car. The arcanum also symbolizes the vault into
which the candidate is lowered; where he finds the Ark of the Covenant containing
the four emblems which are the suits of the tarot cards. Of these the scepter represents
the rod of Aaron; the sword is the symbol of the tablets of the law, the gomer is
represented by the cuirass, and the sacred serpent indicates the manna, or intellectual
food.
The three jewels, or trying squares of the three ancient Masters, are to be seen on the
cuirass, and the wonderful scroll, which is the key to the ineffable characters of the
degree, is present as the starry canopy overhead. The long lost Master Mason's
Word, which is recovered in the Royal Arch, is fully exemplified by the four symbols
mentioned, and is written in three languages as indicated by the golden stars. All of
which, plainly stated, signifies harmonious union of positive and negative forces,
such as the Masonic trowel suggests, on all three planes of existence.
Magic
--In magic, Arcanum VII represents the power of projection, of sending the astral
form to a distance; and the power of attraction, of compelling the astral of another to
appear and obey whatever commands may be given. And it is also of the same
symbolical import as the Seal of Solomon, the two interlaced equilateral trines.
Next to the pentagram, Solomon's Seal is the most important magical diagram; for it
represents the macrocosm and its laws, thus indicating its user to be familiar with
nature, and to be endowed with intelligence.
Initiation
--In the soul's pilgrimage, Arcanum VII indicates physical initiation completed. It
shows proficiency in both science and magic. The temptations of the material world
have been surmounted and the neophyte has gained complete mastery of self. The
body is under the control of a disciplined will, and whatever knowledge concerning
spiritual things is obtainable in the external world has been gained.
The scepter and the sword balance each other, positive and negative, indicating that
the neophyte has a partner whose physical temperament, mental polarity, and
spiritual aspirations are in complete harmony with his own. And as shown by the Tau
and squares on the cuirass, they both implicitly obey the divine laws governing
physical union, having mastered which they become candidates for regenerate union
as signified by Arcanum XIV, and later for true soul-union represented by Arcanum
XXI.
Neither 7 nor 14 are decaves of 3, the number of union; but 7, composed of 3 and 4,
expresses union and its issue, which is perfection of form. And the multiples of 7,
though not decaves of 7, relate to some octave of the perfect form.

Occult Science
--Spiritual astrology reveals the facts which the wisest men of all time have learned
regarding the nature of the soul, its destiny, and how it may best make progress. Such
facts have been recorded still more specifically in the pictured constellations. These
pictured constellations thus form a positive key to the sacred books of the world, and
give detailed instructions on how the soul may best proceed to scale the spiritual
heights.
The Sevens
--The sign Sagittarius is general significator of philosophy, long journeys,
publishing, teaching and out-of-doors sports; therefore the Sevens, corresponding
numerically to Sagittarius, in their more common divinatory significance must relate
to these things as applied to the department of life indicated by the suit. But in their
higher application they reveal the influence of, and can be interpreted by, the seventh
decanate of each zodiacal triplicity, starting with the movable signs.
The divinatory significance of the Seven of Scepters is success in teaching or
publishing; its inner interpretation is DEVOTION.
The divinatory significance of the Seven of Cups is a successful change of home; its
inner interpretation is VERITY.
The divinatory significance of the Seven of Coins is money earned through a
journey; its inner interpretation is INTUITION.
The divinatory significance of the Seven of Swords is danger through travel or sport;
its inner interpretation is ACHIEVEMENT.
The Balance--Arcanum
VIII
--Letter: Egyptian, Helitha; Hebrew, Cheth; English, H-CH; Number, 8. Astrologically,
the zodiacal sign Capricorn. Color, the darker shades of blue. Tone, low G. Occult
science, horary astrology. Human function, the sense of hearing. Natural remedy, such
herbs as henbane, nightshade and black poppy. Mineral, the talismanic gem sardonyx,
and ash-colored or black minerals such as coal.
H--8 expresses in the spiritual world, absolute justice.
In the intellectual world, attraction and repulsion.
In the physical world, relative justice, fallible and limited, which comes from man.
Remember, then, son of earth, that to be victorious over thyself and dominate
obstacles is but a part of the human task. To accomplish it entirely thou must establish
equilibrium between the forces that thou hast brought into play. All action produces

reaction. The will should foresee the shock of opposite forces in order to temper or
annul them. If the Balance should appear in the prophetic signs of thy horoscope, it
signifies that the future is balanced between good and evil, and warns that an
unbalanced mind is like an abortive sun.
In Divination, Arcanum VIII may be read as Justice or Equilibrium.
Arcanum VIII is figured by a woman, blindfolded and seated upon a throne. She
wears a crown of lance-heads, holds in her right hand a raised sword, in her left hand a
balance, and from her brow the sacred serpent thrusts its head.
This is the ancient symbol of justice, which weighs all acts and opposes to evil as a
counterweight the sword of expiation. Justice, emanating from God, as symbolized
by the overshadowing protection, is the equilibrium between right and duty.
Justice is crowned with lances to indicate inflexibility, adorned with the sacred
serpent to signify she acts with enlightenment, and her throne is placed on a platform
of three steps to represent her action in all three worlds. At her side is a lion, symbol
of the force over which she rules; and a sphinx, symbol of the passage of time which
enables her to manifest. Above is a winged turtle, symbol of the repentance which
may bring forgiveness. At the back is a divine messenger, signifying that the justice
of God will be the final judge of the justice of men. The sword is here a sign of
protection to the good and a menace to the wicked.
The eyes of Justice are covered with a bandage to show that she weighs and strikes
without taking into account the conventional differences that men establish for
themselves.
Number
--Numerically, 8 expresses complete balance and equilibrium, hence stagnation and
death. As composed of two fours it indicates two realizations of an opposite nature,
and is thus the antithesis of progress. In nature it signifies the polarization of the
forces that bind together, or that produce motion; hence dissolution of matter and
inactivity of energy. It is the number of annihilation, unconsciousness and mortality.
Astrology
--Perfect equilibrium of forces produces crystallization. A solid is the result of an
equilibrium established between at least eight forces. First, two forces converge.
And about this point of equilibrium two forces meet from above and below, two from
right and left, and two from behind and in front; eight forces in all, well represented
by a cube with its six faces and a center. Verily, matter is nothing but spirit in a state
of equilibrium. The most earthy sign of the zodiac, the sign which the sun enters
when life's forces are lowest and the waters and vapors of earth crystallize into ice
and snow, is Capricorn. Capricorn well expresses that equilibrium which results in
crystallization, and thus corresponds to Arcanum VIII.

Human Function
--Capricorn is receptive, and is also a reflective zodiacal sign which pertains to
earthly endeavor. These qualities which express as receiving and not giving, of
utilizing all to its own advantage, are well typified by the sense of hearing. It is often
quoted that where speech is silver silence is gold; and Arcanum VIII pictures this
stable attitude of listening.
Alchemy
--In all branches of alchemy different ingredients are brought together. And it is of
utmost importance that they shall be present in just the right amounts. In order that
they shall form the proper fluxes for each other, and in order that some essentials
shall not be too small in quantity, the ingredients are weighed. If there is not
sufficient of some substance, as indicated by such weighing, it must be sought out
and added to the mixture. Both the weighing and the seeking of ingredients thus
found lacking, correspond to Arcanum VIII.
Bible
--The descent of the spirit into matter, and the result of the equilibrium so
established is set forth in Gen. 3:19: "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till
thou return unto the ground: for out of it wast thou taken, and unto dust shalt thou
return."
Surely the wages of sin is death; but the only real death is the polarization of the
spiritual forces by the animal propensities as indicated in Rev. 3:16: "So, then,
because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my
mouth." Still more explicit, as indicating the reaction upon those who once see the
truth and later turn to evil ways, turning back from a higher vibratory level to selfish
motives, is the account of Lot's wife, Gen. 19:26: "But his wife looked back from
behind him, and she became a pillar of salt."
Masonry
--The Royal Master degree is founded upon Arcanum VIII. As a Just reward for the
most skillful and faithful Masons in building the Temple, it was decided to impart to
them the Omnific Word as soon as the Temple was completed. "And behold I come
quickly: and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall
be," etc. It also represents the judgment which ultimately was passed upon the
assassins of Hiram Abiff, and the state of disintegration in which the body of Hiram
was found.

Magic
--Nothing is more sure than that in magic any thought or desire projected to another
will in time return to influence the sender. The magical forces of the soul traverse the
spaces almost instantly and fasten upon the object of its ceremony, and may act with
terrible force. But if such a force launched toward another has not the power to
penetrate his aura it at once reacts upon the sender and affects the other not at all.
In repelling any evil influence there should be no thought either of vengeance or of
mercy, but instead an attitude of unbending justice. Efforts at retaliation attract
fearful dangers. To launch a destructive thought is to attract denizens who are
destructive by nature, and who may linger long afterwards.
Initiation
--In the soul's pilgrimage a time comes when the individual accepts some definite
work to perform for the benefit of humanity. In carrying out this spiritual work, his
body must have sustenance. Thus he can not entirely ignore the physical, nor can he
devote his energies exclusively to financial ends. He also has certain obligations to
his family which he should not ignore. Too much energy spent in gaining wealth and
caring for the physical body prevents the accomplishment of the spiritual work; and
upon his faithfulness to it depends his further progress. Thus he must learn to
"Render, therefore, unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things
that are God's."
Occult Science
--Horary astrology depends upon the relation between the mental factors and the
positions of the heavenly bodies. A question receives additional stimulation when
the factors corresponding to it in the sky reach such a situation as to represent the
facts concerning it. This equilibrium between the mind of man and the astrological
influences at the time he is stimulated to ask a question, permits the astrologer to give
a correct answer to the question.
The Eights
--The sign Capricorn is general significator of station, honor, business, and
government affairs; therefore the Eights, corresponding numerically to Capricorn, in
their more common divinatory significance must relate to these things as applied to
the department of life indicated by the suit. But in their higher application they reveal
the influence of, and can be interpreted by, the eighth decanate of each zodiacal
triplicity, starting with the movable signs.

The divinatory significance of the Eight of Scepters is a political appointment; its

inner interpretation is EXPLORATION.
The divinatory significance of the Eight of Cups is extravagance; its inner
interpretation is SELF-SACRIFICE.
The divinatory significance of the Eight of Coins is a costly law suit; its inner
interpretation is FIDELITY.
The divinatory significance of the Eight of Swords is loss of honor, or business
failure; its inner interpretation is EXPERIENCE.
The Magic Seven Spread
--Ten completes a cycle, but seven completes a form. Common divination is
concerned with external life, hence with form, the problems of which are readily
solved by the application of the Seal of Seven, or Solomon's Seal, as it is commonly
called.
This Seal is an astrological chart in abstract; for the sum of the angles of the two
triangles equals 360 degrees, measuring exactly, but in a more concrete form, the
number of degrees in a circle. The six external points of the star, together with the
point in the center, express the planetary septenary in terms of Jod-He-Vau-He, both
above and below, the final He, or product, being common to both and occupying the
center of the star.
To use this magical figure as a tarot spread, first, as usual, clearly formulate the
information sought and keep it constantly in mind while shuffling and cutting the
cards. Then deal them face downward, one by one, on the points of an imaginary
six-point star, in the order shown in the diagram on page 100, the seventh card taking
the center.
Turn the cards over one at a time, and read as turned.
The first card dealt, the upper Jod, signifies the past of the matter inquired about. It is
the Cause of the present condition.
The second card dealt, the upper He, represents the present of the thing inquired
about. It is the effect of past causes already indicated.
The third card dealt, the upper Vau, signifies the past and present united. It represents
the immediate future of the matter.
The fourth card dealt, the lower Jod, represents the power of the individual to control
the matter. It is also the influence of those favorable to it to control the matter through
initiative and effort.
The fifth card dealt, the lower He, designates the part that fate and environment will
play in the matter.
The sixth card dealt, the lower Vau, shows the combination of fate and individuals in
the future taking the form of opposition to the venture.
The seventh card dealt, the final He, corresponding to the seventh seal of the
Apocalypse, reveals all the factors of past and future after they have undergone
gestation and given birth to the final issue. It, therefore, represents the result of the
thing asked about.
At the front of this booklet both Hebrew characters and planetary symbols are added
to the figure to assist those studiously inclined to discern the astral and kabalistical
meaning of the seal, and the method used in divination. These additional characters
need not be considered by those interested in divination only. The question asked
may embrace any phase or activity of life, and thus the application of this method in
divination is universal.

Chapter 7
Influence of Changing the Name
HE USE of the name as a divinatory instrument is the use to which it is put in
the various systems of numerology. And because divination may be
approached from so many angles and yet give good results it does not follow
that any of the different systems of numerology in use are valueless. The
method we have found to give the best results is set forth in the next chapter.
But the use of the name as a vibratory influence that affects the individual wearing it
in a particular way is not related to divination. Nor can there be more than one
interpretation which is correct, of the vibratory force exerted by a particular name as
affecting a given individual. The vibration of a name, or of a number, is a positive
thought-force of a definite quality; as much so as that light-vibrations of a certain
frequency give rise to the color blue. You can not correctly call blue red, yellow,
green or some other color. Such is the difference between the system I am now
explaining and numerology.
A name has a definite thought-vibration quality which is radiated to the individual by
everyone who thinks of him by that name. If different people think of him by
different names, they thus bombard him with different types of thought-vibration.
But because an individual usually thinks of himself by the name he customarily uses
as his signature, and because the thought-vibrations of the person wearing the name
probably have more influence upon him than the combined thought-vibration of all
others who think about him, the way an individual signs his name becomes very
important as a vibratory influence in his life.
If such a signature were something unalterable this would be an interesting but not
very useful fact. But as a matter of observation, it is quite common for people in all
walks of life to use a different signature at different periods in the life: using an initial
instead of a given name, dropping the use of a middle name or initial, or even
changing the spelling of the name. A woman when she marries, and therefore
coincident with a marked change in her fortune, commonly changes her name.
Others, also, who change the spelling of their name, or alter the signature, are
discerned to change in fortune coincidentally. A change in name is nearly always
accompanied by a change in the life.
Writers quite commonly use a pen name, and actors, more frequently than not, use a
stage or screen name. And these names by which they are known to the public not
only influences them according to the key of the name, but also from a divinatory
standpoint often markedly differentiates their public life from the private life in
which they are known by another name.
The
practical
application
of
the
knowledge
of
thought-vibrations,
character-vibrations and astrological-vibrations is in selecting those invisible
influences which assist to bring into the life the things which are desired, and which
prevent attracting events and conditions which are undesirable.
The Positive, Scientific
Method
--Yet one can not know, by a positive method, what types of astral vibrations will
prove beneficial and what types detrimental, and in what way this benefit or
detriment will manifest, without a map of the astral body, such as is furnished by the
astrological birth-chart. But with the astrological birth-chart at hand, it can at once be
seen just what the effect will be upon the life of stimulating into unusual activity any
particular section of the astral body, or any particular center of energy in the astral
body. Even the connecting aerials, or aspects, between such centers of energy are
there clearly shown, so that the effect upon other departments of life through
secondary influences can also be determined in advance.
A scrutiny of an astrological birth-chart will reveal to anyone who has even a slight
acquaintance with astrology just what zone of the astral body, or what thought
structure, it is advisable to give added force. If the individual wishes to attract
favorable conditions in some special line, a glance at the birthchart will reveal what
influence there shown most pronouncedly is beneficial to it. Then by stimulating this
influence, by using a name having the same key-tone, and by having things in the
environment which radiate the same key-tone, the activities of this favorable
influence can be built up in a manner that will markedly attract the condition desired
into the life.
The changing of the name, it will thus be seen, if the change causes the name to
vibrate to a different key, adds the thought- energy of all those who think of this name
in connection with the individual, to some different section or center in the astral
body, and this causes a change in the fortune commensurate to the transfer of energy
thus effected.
Unless the individual wishes especially to stimulate some one thing in his life in a
favorable manner, the best plan in selecting a name or the objects and people of the
environment, is first to find what influences in the birth-chart are more fortunate.
This can be determined in a general way by inspecting the house positions and
aspects of the planets. But by calculating the harmodynes and discordynes of the
chart the relative harmony and discord of each planet and sign can be precisely
determined.
It may be desirable to give the added intensity to a section of the astral body not
occupied by a planet because the department of life it rules may be deemed more
important. When this is the case, the favor or disfavor that may be expected from
such stimulation is determined by the harmony of the planet ruling the sign
governing the zone thus selected. The common thought-cells of the astral body are
mapped by the signs, and the dynamic thought-cells by the planets. The power and
harmony or discord of an unoccupied sign is one-half that of the planet ruling the
sign.
In seeking the influence that will conduce most to the general good fortune the best
planet and the best sign in the chart should be located. Then, if possible, the name
should be spelled, abbreviated, or otherwise altered, so as to have the same key as the
best planet or best zodiacal sign. If a sign is occupied by a planet, or planets,
accentuating the sign also accentuates the planet, or planets, in the sign. As a planet
has twice as much influence as the unoccupied sign it rules, the harmony or discord of
a planet, or planets, in a sign may be more important than the harmony or discord of
the planet ruling the sign elsewhere located. Thus in selecting the best zodiacal sign,
the harmony or discord of any planet, or planets, in it must be given due
consideration.
Usually without much alteration a name may be given such spelling or abbreviation
as to cause it to vibrate to the key which has been selected as most desirable. A long
name, however, can not vibrate to Key 1, and thus accentuate the influence of
Mercury in the astral body; for to get this key the number of the name must be either 1
or 100. A name vibrating either to the number 99 or the number 198 gives key 18; but
to get key 19 the number of the name must be either 19, which is low, or not less than
199, which is quite high for the ordinary run of names.
Yet when it is desired to get a special type of vibratory key in the name--for there is
no number above 21 which gives key 21 until 399 is reached, and thus it is
impractical to accentuate the Sun thought-cells in the astral body through using key
21--often almost the same result may be had by accentuating the sign the Sun
occupies in the birth-chart. Thus if the Sun were the only planet in Virgo, the number
101--1 plus 0 plus 1 gives 2 (Virgo)--would accentuate key 2, and because the Sun
thought-cells are in Virgo, it would be the influence chiefly accentuated. Of course,
Mercury, as the ruler of Virgo, would be somewhat stimulated, wherever located; but
the most pronounced influence would be the energy thus added to the Sun structure.
To illustrate by a personal example: When the author was selected to write the
various lessons and other publications issued by The Brotherhood of Light, he felt it
advisable to use a distinct name for these publications that would indicate that
whatever appeared under this name had the sanction of The Brotherhood of Light,
and was, therefore, in this respect authoritative.
In addition to his occult interests he is also a naturalist, writing and lecturing on
natural history subjects. He also has, as does everyone, a private life. And while it is
unlikely that any of his private opinions would differ from those of The Brotherhood

of Light, he did not wish to carry the responsibility of having any chance utterance he
might make in an unguarded moment quoted as a Brotherhood of Light doctrine. So
he decided he would select a pen name, that whatever appeared under that name
should have the weight and careful thought of a Brotherhood of Light teaching; and
that he would retain the name Elbert Benjamine for business purposes and for such
writings as he did on other than occult subjects.
Now as he had entered into an agreement with The Brotherhood of Light to write a
series of courses of lessons, each of the 21 occult sciences to be treated in a separate
course, and ultimately to be published as a separate book, he felt that the chief
requisite of the name should be to stimulate the tendency and ability to study and
write about occult subjects. The announcement of the titles of these 21 courses to be
written was made in the Declaration of Principles published early in May, 1915.
In his birth-chart the author has the sign Aquarius on the cusp of the third house, the
house of writing. Its ruler, Uranus, is the most elevated planet in the chart. The
aspects it receives are not all beneficial; but some of them are strongly harmonious,
and those that are not, tend to attract just such discords as any person must attract who
ventures to write and publish ideas that are as yet unaccepted by the vast majority of
the race. So to give an impetus both to writing and to the acquisition of occult
knowledge (for Uranus as ruler of Aquarius governs occultism) he decided that the
chief thing to add energy to was the zone of his astral body ruled by Aquarius. The
name, therefore, must vibrate to key 9.
Because the ability to gain information from the inner planes is chiefly ruled by the
planet Neptune, and because it is the best planet in his birth-chart, it was thought
advisable also to accentuate key 11. This could be done, although only in a minor
degree, by using the initial C.
There were other considerations also of a symbolic nature. Zain (or Z) is the seventh
letter of the Egyptian alphabet, and not only means victory, but corresponds to the
sign Sagittarius, which is the natural ruler of the house of religion. And the writing
and work to be accomplished was of a religious character; the re-establishment of
The Religion of The Stars. Z also is a very peculiar letter, representing two 7's, one
above and one below. Also 7 is an open trine, indicating giving out rather than
receiving; and it was the author's purpose in issuing The Brotherhood of Light
lessons to give as wide dissemination, both to material facts and to spiritual
doctrines, as possible.
Furthermore, the author is a double Sagittarian; that is, he has Sagittarius both for a
rising sign and for a Sun sign. So that not only were the vibratory ends sought gained
by the use of C. C. Zain as a pen name--C-11, C-11, Z-7, A-1, I-10, N-14: 11 plus 11
plus 7 plus 1 plus 10 plus 14 gives 54; 5 plus 4 gives key 9 adding energy to the
section of the astral body ruled by Aquarius--but it is an accurate translation of the
strongest influences in his birth-chart into letters combined in a name. Whoever,
therefore can read this name aright, can know the source from which these writings

come, the motives prompting their expression, the method by which the information
they contain was gained, and much about the inner life of the author.
The name in full, given as a tarot chart is--IX--XI--XI--VII--I--X--XIV--VI.
This may be read as Wisdom (9), and early Spiritual Power (11), followed by Psychic
Strength (11), leading to Victory (7) over obstacles. Will and Intelligence (1), after a
time dictate a Change of Fortune (10) and this brings Regeneration (14) and still
other Trials (6).
Changing a Name
--At first thought it may seem that using a name in business other than that conferred
at birth is exceptional other than in a few professions. But a little reflection will
indicate that most people in business abbreviate, or otherwise alter the name, in using
it as a signature.
And because people become familiar with this signature, it becomes more strongly
associated in their minds with the person using it than any other name. The person
signing himself in a given way, because he writes his name thus, and both makes and
sees the signature, comes to think of himself according to the signature as written.
And the name by which an individual thinks of himself, because his own thoughts are
more powerful to influence his life than the thoughts of others, is commonly the most
important name of all.
Therefore, because the business signature determines the thought-vibrations sent
him by those who see this signature, and the thought-vibrations which he generates
when he thinks of himself by name, it should be selected with an end in view of
stimulating some department of life as desired, in a favorable manner. This is done by
selecting for a business signature a name the vibratory key of which corresponds to
the sign or planet in the birth-chart most favorable to the department of life it is
wished to strengthen.
The Sage--Arcanum IX
--Letter: Egyptian, Thela; Hebrew, Teth; English, Th. Number, 9. Astrologically,
the zodiacal sign Aquarius. Color, the lighter shades of blue. Tone, high G. Occult
science, mental alchemy. Human function, clairaudience. Natural remedy, such
herbs as myrrh, frankincense and spikenard. Mineral, the talismanic gem, sky-blue
sapphire, and such stones as obsidian and black pearl.
Th--9, expresses in the spiritual world, absolute wisdom.
In the intellectual world, prudence, director of the will.
In the physical world, circumspection, guide of actions.

Remember, then, son of earth, prudence is the armor of the wise. Circumspection
enables one to avoid snares and abysses and to foresee treason. Take it for thy guide
in all thy actions, even in the least. Nothing is indifferent here below. A pebble can
overturn the chariot of the master of the world. If Arcanum IX should appear in the
prophetic signs of thy horoscope, keep in mind that speech is silver and silence is
gold.
In Divination, Arcanum IX may briefly be read as Wisdom or Prudence.
Arcanum IX is figured by an old wanderer leaning on a staff and carrying before him a
lighted lamp which he half conceals behind his mantle. This sage personifies experience
gained in the journey of life. The cloak is of square form, symbolizing the physical
world
in which man may acquire knowledge of good and evil. That this knowledge has been
gained is signified by the man having partially removed the cloak of material
limitations,
and by the lamp, emblem of intelligence, shedding its rays over the past, present and
future. The lamp being concealed by the mantle symbolizes discretion, and also
expresses the truth that if we are ever to know the real nature of anything we must delve
deep beneath the cloak of external appearances.
The staff, which in form is the sixth letter of the Egyptian and Hebrew alphabets,
indicates that man progresses through struggle, alternately overcoming obstacles and
being vanquished by them, and that when finally he realizes he only develops his
abilities
through recurrent efforts to triumph over difficulties, this knowledge becomes his staff
of
prudence supporting him in all his endeavors.
Number
--Nine is the Deific number, the highest digit, which possesses the unique property
that it may be multiplied by any number and the digits so obtained when added
together always resolve into 9. On the inner-plane, where thought-vibrations and
astral-vibrations of all kinds become effective, 9 is the perfect scale, even as 7 is the
perfect scale of physical form. Such vibratory rates, consequently, are measured by
decaves instead of by octaves.
As the multiples of 9 resolve, when their digits are added, into 9, it is the symbol of
manifested Deity whose different manifestations may all be reduced to the one primal
source. It is the figure unlocking the cycles of the ancients, and as composed of 3 times
3
indicates action on all three planes. As composed of 4 plus 5 it represents man realizing
all earth can teach, and thus is the number of wisdom. As consisting of 7 and 2 it adds
polarity, intuition and wisdom, to the union of man and woman, giving knowledge of
good and evil, or wisdom gained through union. As 8 and 1 it is death, mortality and
stagnation overcome by will and intelligence; hence new action, life, immortality.

Astrology
--The zodiacal sign of the Sun, Leo, is represented by the symbol of a serpent. This
serpent, natural ruler of the fifth house of a birth-chart, and thus of pleasures and
love-affairs, is the symbol of desire.
And while the Man of the zodiac, Aquarius, is represented commonly by the two
wavy lines representing water from the urn, these wavy lines were also depicted in
ancient times as two serpents, or two desires, one traveling in either direction.
Desires thus kept in equilibrium through knowledge gained in experience with good
and evil are true wisdom. Hence the serpent is sometimes referred to as the tempter
and sometimes as the essence of wisdom. Math. 10:16; "Be ye therefore wise as
serpents and harmless as doves."
This is a clear statement of the import of Arcanum IX. The love nature is signified by
doves, which are sacred to Venus; and the power of Aquarius to properly direct the
love nature is indicated by the reference to wisdom. Aquarius astrologically
represents the highest form of intelligence, expressing progressively in scientific and
occult interests, such as are depicted in the arcanum of the Sage.
Human Function
--The highest wisdom, such as symbolized by the Sage, comes both from within and
from without. Experience with good and evil is garnered in the external world and
stored together with the experiences garnered in the interior realms. The two sources
of knowledge are thus symbolized by the two wavy lines, anciently also depicted as
two serpents. The Sage thus not only has listened to the teachers in the external
world, but he has also been guided by those speaking from the inner plane; and to
hear them he has developed the faculty of clairaudience, which thus corresponds to
Arcanum IX.
Alchemy
--In alchemical processes of any kind, danger is sure to be present if the conditions
are forced. Transmutations, for instance, can not be made to take place instantly.
They require time. To try to alter a condition too quickly is apt to result in an
explosion. Whatever energies are present must be taken care of through gradually
diverting them into those channels which will promote the object sought. More
failure in alchemical work results from undue haste and impatience for results than
from any other cause. The prudence which alone enables the alchemist to be
successful in his endeavors is depicted by Arcanum IX.

Bible
--In the Bible we find that the tempting serpent of desire denied the word of God that
man would die when he should eat of the forbidden fruit.
"For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened;
and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." (Gen. 3:4).
But it is true that when spirit descended into matter it died to its celestial nature and
was no longer pure and innocent. Yet through yielding to Temptation (Arcanum VI)
and entering into material incarnation, the words of the serpent also were verified:
Gen. 3:7; "And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were
naked, and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons."
That is, after partaking of the Tree of Good and Evil they gained knowledge and
immediately put forth an effort to overcome matter and Triumph over circumstances,
as indicated by Arcanum VII.
After the Judgment (Arcanum VIII) of the transgression--8 expressing
crystallization--we learn: "Unto Adam, also, and to his wife, did the Lord God make
coats of skins and clothed them." In other words, they had spiritual bodies while
living in the realm of spirit, but upon descending to the material plane they were
clothed with physical bodies. The result of incarnation through the various lower
life-forms is symbolized by coats of skins, verifying the wisdom of the serpent, and
in the final result being depicted by Arcanum IX. Gen. 3:22; "And the Lord God said,
behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil."
Still another reference to Arcanum IX is Solomon's choice of Wisdom instead of
worldly goods.
Masonry
--The Select Master degree of Masonry is founded upon Arcanum IX. It signifies the
ninth arch of the secret vault of Solomon's Temple, where are stored exact copies of
all that is contained in the sanctum sanctorum above. It is what might be called the
lowest degree of adeptship on the physical plane, being the Intellectual degree in
which man has recognized the correspondence between the heaven above and his
soul. Arcanum IX corresponds also to the three triangular tables arranged in a row
with a triangular plate of gold in the center of each and a lighted candle at each corner.
It corresponds likewise to the three times three of the ritual.
Magic
--In Magic, Arcanum IX corresponds to the various magical methods of obtaining
information about occult subjects.

In such endeavors there are two chief methods which are followed. One is to leave the
physical body and travel in the astral form. Through this process it is possible to visit
the homes of the dead, to sit at the feet of the wise in the Halls of Learning on the
astral plane, and to gather information through personal contact and observation,
while the physical body slumbers on earth.
The other method, which is beset with far fewer dangers, is to tune in on the plane
from which it is thus desired to gain information. In this tuning in process the proper
astrological conditions are usually observed, and often it is assisted by an appropriate
ceremony.
Initiation
--In the soul's pilgrimage, Arcanum IX indicates the attainment of cosmic
consciousness.
Upon arriving at this state of his upward ascent the neophyte is able to discern the
proper relations of the various entities in the universe, both to himself, and to each
other. This is not merely an intellectual conception, but is borne home to him also
through tuning in on the universal organism. He recognizes that each soul is being
trained to perform a work which the expansion of the cosmic organization makes
needful.
As a result of this higher state of consciousness he comes to recognize quite clearly
the nature of his own function in universal work, and thus sets about his task with the
knowledge that he is a valuable factor in the scheme of things, with a certain and
definite mission to perform. And upon his faithfulness in performing what he comes
to recognize as his present task in contributing to cosmic welfare, depends his future
opportunities for progression.
Quite important in arriving at this higher state of consciousness, wherein he
perceives his cosmic work, is the development of his affectional relations. That is,
the power to tune in on either higher or lower states is chiefly regulated by the
emotions. Passion and gross expression, therefore, must be supplanted by more
exalted expressions of love. That which is gross and degrading tends to tune the mind
in on lower states. But acts which engender strong emotions of tenderness, and
kindly feelings that are so expansive as to embrace all, and which uplift the energies
in intense desire for noble work, are the most effective agents known to tune the
individual in on higher realms and to develop cosmic consciousness.
Cosmic elementals--sylphs, salamanders, undines and gnomes--as well as
magnetic elementals such as fauns, elves, nymphs and fairies, have relation to man;
but they are not dependent upon him for intellectual and spiritual force, as are the
so-called degrees of life. Yet his thoughts and desires do arouse them into activity,
and may enlist them in the performance of such work as is within their special
province. His proper relation to all such life-forms, and the work he should do aiding
cosmic progression, are revealed to him when he attains cosmic consciousness.

Occult Science
----Mental alchemy treats of the mental factors and how they may be made most
effective to attract into the life just the conditions required. The process consists
largely in transmuting discord into harmony and in providing the proper flux to annul
undesirable conditions.
Under Arcanum V we found that four signs express the absolute and are in turn
explained by a fifth. And now, rather paradoxically, we find that 9 symbolizes the
absolute in expression. But if we use the lamp of the Sage to look beneath the surface
of this apparent contradiction, we find that 5, or intelligent man must have a medium
through which to express; a place in which to move and work, as signified by the
square mantle of the Sage. This universal medium, of course, is symbolized by the
number 4. Thus Arcanum IX sheds much light upon how mantrams, suggestions and
the processes of mental-alchemy bring about their results.
For those with a penchant for symbolism to add further light upon their researches,
this whole subject will be given clarity through a study of the diagram, page 19 of
chapter 1. The square marked 1 should be colored yellow; 3 should be colored green;
5 should be colored purple; 7 should be colored red, and 9 should be colored violet.
These are the five odd, or active, numbers. The colors yellow and red signify power
(love) and motion (life).
However, activity must take place in a medium, which is represented by the four
squares marked with even numbers, which should be colored the other primary, blue.
Then the squares 5 and 3 represent the reaction of yellow and red on blue, and as
stated are purple and green. And the central square, representing the highest
vibration, the evolution of all below, should be colored violet.
Finally, the border around the whole figure, the solar combination of power and
activity, should be colored orange.
The Nines
--The sign Aquarius is general significator of friends, associates, hopes and wishes;
therefore the nines in their more common divinatory significance must relate to one
of these things, according to the particular department of life signified by the suit. But
in their higher application they reveal the influence of, and can be interpreted by, the
ninth decanate of each zodiacal triplicity, starting the count from the movable signs.
The divinatory significance of the Nine of Scepters is a wise and profitable
friendship; its inner interpretation is ILLUMINATION.
The divinatory significance of the Nine of Cups is that the hopes will be realized; it is
the WISH-CARD; its inner interpretation is VICISSITUDES.

The divinatory significance of the Nine of Coins is money spent on associates; its
inner interpretation is REASON.
The divinatory significance of the Nine of Swords is a quarrel resulting in enmity; its
inner interpretation is RENUNCIATION.
The Wheel--Arcanum X
--Letter: Egyptian, Ioothi; Hebrew, Jod; English, I--J--Y. Number, 10.
Astrologically, the planet Uranus. Color, dazzling white, like snow in the sunshine.
Tone, the astral chimes. Occult science, natal astrology. Human function, intuition.
Natural remedy, electricity and mesmerism. Mineral, uranium.
I--10, expresses in the spiritual world, the active principle which vivifies all being.
In the intellectual world, the governing authority.
In the physical world, good and evil fortune.
Remember, then, son of earth, that for power thou must will, that is, will strongly;
thou must dare, and to dare with success thou shouldst know how to be silent until the
moment of action. If the Wheel should appear in the prophetic signs of thy
horoscope, know that to possess the Key of Power you must learn to will persistently
only for what is good and true. And in order to maintain thyself upon the heights of
life, shouldst thou reach them, thou must have learned how to sound with a look, and
without dizziness, the vastest depths.
In Divination, Arcanum X may be read as Change of Fortune.
Arcanum X is figured by a wheel of eight spokes suspended by its axis upon a dual
column. At the right Hernanubis, genius of good, strives to mount to the summit of
the circumference. At the left, Typhon, genius of evil, is precipitated. On a circular
platform in equilibrium on the Wheel, is poised a sphinx, holding in its claws a
javelin. At the foot of the dual column two serpents raise their heads.
This is the wheel of destiny. The circular platform upon which the sphinx stands
represents the zodiac; and the sphinx, as a composite of the four constellations
marking the zodiacal quadrants--Eagle, Lion, Man and Bull--signifies the passage
of time.
It holds a javelin in its claws to indicate that time is always fructifying events and
ever ready to strike to right or left as the wheel turns under its impulsion, raising the
humble and lowering the proud.
The eight spokes of the wheel, eight being the number of justice, symbolize that time
and opportunity, in the course of divine providence, are justly meted out to all. The
dual column supporting the wheel indicates that all nature is polarized into positive
and negative. The serpents signify that the law of all action is that of sex.
Number
--The number 10 represents the completed cycle, and therefore the starting point of
another. It thus indicates transition to a new phase, or plane, of existence.
The absolute having expressed itself through all the various manifestations up to and
including 9, which signifies perfection of consciousness in addition to perfection of
form, commences a new gamut. 1 is the absolute unmanifest, and 9 is the perfection
of its manifestation.
In humanity, as composed of two 5s, 10 indicates the whole man to consist of both
man and woman, and that their union commences a new and higher phase of
existence; that is, that it enables them to contact a higher plane of endeavor. 1
symbolizes will and intelligence, and 10 shows that they are now used by both in a
new and higher field of endeavor.
Astrology
--Uranus is the octave expression of Mercury, even as Arcanum X is the second
decave of Arcanum I, ruled by Mercury. The unsexed quality of Uranus is depicted in
Arcanum X by the two serpents in equilibrium.
Uranus transits one sign of the zodiac in about 7 years, and the whole zodiac,
completing the circle through the 12 houses of a horoscope, in about 84 years. That is,
it corresponds to perfection of form in each department of life, its complete cycle
coinciding with the present natural life of man. More than any other planet it gives
sudden changes of fortune, either for good or for evil, and sudden change of the
mental viewpoint.
Human Function
--In natal astrology it is found that those individuals who have Uranus prominent in
their birth-charts have the ability to short-cut their reasoning. Instead of the ordinary
slow mental process of the objective mind, the processes are carried out by the
unconscious mind which has more complete data at its disposal, and which acts
almost instantly in drawing conclusions from them. These conclusions thus arrived
at then rise into the objective consciousness as intuition.
Alchemy
--No matter what the plane of alchemical procedure, it is a decided aid to observe the
astrological conditions which are operative at the time. The energies of the planets
have an influence upon all processes, and it is easier to perform a given type of work
when the astrological influences favor it. Of course, alchemical work of many kinds
can not await favorable conditions. But the knowledge that astrological influences

are hindering at certain times, both incites to more careful and energetic effort and
prevents discouragement when it is observed that small progress is being made.
Bible
--Arcanum X depicts the Wheel of Ezekiel. Ezek. 1:15; "Now, as I beheld the living
creatures, behold, one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four
faces." These faces were the composite symbols embraced in the sphinx; the Lion,
the Eagle, the Man and the Bull.
The geni on the wheel of Arcanum X are mentioned thus: Ezek. 1:13; "As for the
likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and
like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down amid the living creatures: and the
fire was bright and out of the fire went lightning."
The change in the fortune of Solomon also has to do with Arcanum X. I Kings, 2:3;
"And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his
wives turned away his heart."
Masonry
--The Super Excellent Master degree of Masonry is based upon Arcanum X. Its
ritual depicts the fate of Zedekiah, who did evil in the sight of the Lord, and
underwent a sudden and extreme change of fortune.
Magic
--In magic, Arcanum X represents the orbit of action of the blessing and cursing
energy of the human soul. This orbit is elliptical, with a periodic action of its own,
sure to react upon the individual; for to cause a condition in another one must create
within himself the matrix of that condition.
It is quite useless to fight a discordant emotion or a discordant thought sent to one by
another. To fight it merely draws the attention to it and thus tunes in on its vibrations
and enables them to gain a still greater potency. Thinking about either a harmony or a
discord adds energy to it and gives it more force.
Whether it be events, the thoughts and emanations of people who think discordantly
but without malice, or the actual malicious attempt to injure one by black magic; in
all cases anxious attention feeds the undesirable condition. And except to recognize
that it has an existence and should be thwarted, the discord and its source should be
ignored. And in addition to this judicious indifference, the attention should be given
as enthusiastically as possible to something harmonious. A discordant vibration can
not live in the same place as a harmonious vibration.

Initiation
--As the soul progresses up the spiral ascending way of attainment, it gradually
refines its organism to the end of living a richer life. On both planes, however, there is
always the impact of environment; and some of the conditions contacted are sure to
be discordant.
If, therefore, the life-form occupied by the soul becomes sensitive without at the
same time developing the power of control there may be actual danger. No matter
how sensitive it becomes, so long as the soul has the power to direct the thoughts and
attention, no other entity can gain control of the organism or do it injury from the
inner plane. But if sensitiveness becomes greater than the power of control, other
entities or discordant conditions are able to hold the attention and can cause the
individual to suffer.
Yet as abilities are developed only through the effort to overcome such obstacles as
are shown by progressed afflictions in the birth-chart, at the state of progress here
considered, astrological afflictions are viewed as opportunities to develop ability,
and astrological harmonies are viewed as opportunities to use the abilities thus
developed in assisting universal progression.
Occult Science
--Natal astrology is the science of discerning the character from a map of the mental
factors within the astral body as pictured by the birth-chart; and of determining when
certain events will have a tendency to be attracted due to the stimulation of these
mental factors by energies from the planets.
Here also should be mentioned the doctrine of the Ten Emanations of the Sephiroth.
The kabalistical scheme of three pillars is given in most works on the kabala, but
someone a hundred or more years ago inserted a blind by placing Hod on the left and
Netzach on the right, knowing that real intimates would discern that Netzach is the
victory of woman. Yet this error has been copied by kabalistical writers ever since.
The correct astrological correspondences of each emanation has not been placed in
writing before, but the chart on page 132 of chapter 6 gives the emanations in proper
sequence and relations.
Above all is the Limitless Light, Ain-Soph-Aur (1). Pluto, is Kether, or Crown, the
point
of differentiation, where soul-mates separate and where ultimately they must again
rejoin. (2) Neptune is Chocmah, or Wisdom. (3) Uranus is Binah, or Intelligence. (4)
Jupiter is Chesed, or Mercy. (5) Saturn is Geburah, or Justice. (6) Venus is Tippereth, or
Beauty. (7) Mars is Netzach, or Victory. (8) Mercury is Hod, or Splendor. (9) Moon is
Yesod, or Foundation. (10) Sun is Malkuth, or Kingdom. And below all is the region of
Adonai--Shekinah.

Benefic planets, of course, are on the tree of good, and malefic planets on the tree of
evil, while Pluto, Venus, Moon and Sun form the Shekinah, or Tree of Life.
The upper story of the diagram is Atziluth, or Emanation; the next lower is Briah, or
Creation; below this is Yetzirah, or Formation; and the lowest of all is Assiah, the
realm of Action.
Of course, the river that waters the garden of Eden and parts into four heads is the
planet Venus in the diagram and the four lines radiating from it. Each of the 10
emanations manifests in all four kingdoms, and the 12 triangles of the circumference
are the 12 houses of a birth-chart; the 32 lines in the circumference representing the
paths of wisdom.
The ten emanations operating through the four kingdoms, or suit cards of the tarot,
are expressed in verse by Mr. A. E. Waite admirably, thus:
Four signs present the Name of every name. Four brilliant beams adorn his Crown of
flame. Four
rivers from his Wisdom flow. Four proofs from his Intelligence we know. Four
benefactions
from his Mercy come. Four times four sins avenged his Justice sum. Four rays
unclouded make
his Beauty known. Four times his Conquest shall in song be shown. Four times he
Triumphs on
the timeless plane. Foundations four his great white throne maintain. One fourfold
Kingdom
owns his endless sway. As from his crown there streams a fourfold ray.
The Tens
--The planet Uranus is general significator of uncommon pursuits, of sudden
changes of fortune, of inventions, discoveries, and of unconventional relations and
actions; therefore the tens in their more common divinatory significance must relate,
according to their suit, to one of these things. But in their higher application they
reveal the influence of, and can be interpreted by, the zodiacal triplicities.
The divinatory significance of the Ten of Scepters is an invention or discovery; its
inner interpretation is ENTHUSIASM.
The divinatory significance of the Ten of Cups is a decidedly unconventional
affectional interest; its inner interpretation is EMOTION.
The divinatory significance of the Ten of Coins is alternate financial loss and gain; its
inner interpretation is ASPIRATION.
The divinatory significance of the Ten of Swords is sudden loss of employment; its
inner interpretation is PRACTICALITY.
Spread of the Kabala
--When the influence and outcome of anything is sought, the cards may be dealt on a
diagram similar to the one on page 120, one after the other, until 10 cards are laid out
according to the sequence there indicated.

The cards of the Tree of Good are on the right, and indicate favorable events. The
cards of the Tree of Evil are on the left, and indicate unfavorable events. The four
cards in the middle are on the Tree of Life, and represent the outcome.
Card 1 signifies the spiritual result, and card 10 the material result. 6 is the result
concerning life and love, and 9 the result as affecting the home. The cause of the
influence exerted by each card is signified by its kabalistical name. Thus if on 2,
Wisdom is the cause; if on 3, Intelligence is behind it; if on 4, Mercy has an influence;
if on 5, there is a desire for Justice. 6 indicates love of Beauty, 7 desire for Victory, 8
Splendor and show, 9 home conditions, and 10 physical power as distinct from
spiritual aspirations signified by 1.

Chapter 8
Reading Names in Detail
ECAUSE the name John Brown when present in any person's mind always
radiates the same component thought vibrations, and always reverberates to
the same vibratory key, it is easy to map the influences of this name in a
positive and scientific manner. And by substituting the divinatory
significance of each numerical factor, it is possible to give a divinatory reading of the
name, as such, without reference to any particular person.
But such a divinatory reading is a delineation of the name only, and should not be
expected to reveal much concerning the life of any particular John Brown. Quite
certain it is that of the thousands and thousands of John Browns throughout the
world, their fortunes are markedly varied, and have no such uniformity as would be
necessary if all their lives were to be represented by a single set of divinatory
symbols.
When we have the astrological birth-chart of an individual we possess a positive map
of his various important vibratory rates and how they are related to each other. When
we have a name and find its key we possess a map of the vibratory qualities of that
name. By comparing the two maps we can determine with all the exactitude of
positive science how the name will influence the individual.
From the astrological birth-chart and the progressed aspects we can plot the invisible
influences operative in the life of the individual at any given time, and thus have a
positive way of mapping the probable events and the time they will happen, in the
individual's life.
But when we do not have the birth-chart of the individual by which to determine his
various vibratory rates, we have no positive method of determining how a name will
affect him, and we possess no positive method of determining either the events of his
life or the time they will happen.
But man is not dependent exclusively upon positive methods in the acquisition of
knowledge. Reason is positive, but often intuition, which is not positive, yields
information even more valuable. The physical senses are positive, but the psychic
senses, under certain circumstances, are even more reliable. And while the positive
method of gaining information by means of numbers is very valuable, it is not the
only method of using numbers to acquire knowledge. Numbers may also be used as
divinatory instruments. All systems of numerology are purely methods of divination;
and the one now to be presented is no exception. But it is the best system we have
been able to find.
In order to have a constantly varying factor which provides a proper basis for the
exercise of divination, it is customary to use the name of the individual, but to this
name add another distinctive factor which is unique to the individual. This distinctive
factor, which has come to be known as the number of the Birth Path, is merely the
number which is obtained by adding crosswise the factors of the birth date as
commonly expressed numerically.
Thus the number of the Birth Path of Jan. 13, 1872, is 1 (January is 1st month) plus 1
plus 3 plus 1 plus 8 plus 7 plus 2, which gives 23.
The number of the Birth Path of May 8, 1932, is 5 (May is the 5th month) plus 8 plus 1
plus 9 plus 3 plus 2, which gives 28.
The number of the Birth Path of July 4, 1776, is 7 (July is 7th month) plus 4 plus 1
plus 7 plus 7 plus 6, which gives 32.
The number of the Birth Path of December 7, 1941, is 1 plus 2 (December is 12th
month) plus 7 plus 1 plus 9 plus 4 plus 1, which gives 25.
The number of the Birth Path of November 2, 1948, is 1 plus 1 (November is 11th
month) plus 2 plus 1 plus 9 plus 4 plus 8, which gives 26.
The Birth Path is really the birth date, and therefore it is true that the number of the
Birth Path does belong specifically to the individual; for it is a number obtained from
the record of his birth; yet it must not be lost sight of that using it thus is not a method
depending upon the vibratory influence of thought, but is merely a divinatory method
of using the Birth Path, or date of birth, in a particular way.
Then having found the number of the Birth Path, this number is added to the number
of the name, the sum giving a Divinatory Number, which affords a chart which
should reveal to one whose intuitions are active, the character, the chief events of the
life and the conditions surrounding the individual when life ends.
To obtain this chart the Key of the Divinatory Number is found and placed at the
beginning of the chart as signifying the chief influence in the character. The Major
Arcanum corresponding to this Key of the Divinatory Number is considered in the
nature of symbolically representing the birth-chart of the person.
Then in the chart this is followed by a Major Arcanum substituted for each letter of
the name. That is, each letter of the name, commencing with the first, is considered as
a separate influence in the life. It is considered in the nature of an astrological major
progression. And the nature of the event which it brings into the life is symbolized by
the Major Arcanum corresponding to the letter. The first letter of the name thus

represents the influence in the life immediately following birth, the next letter an
influence somewhat later, the third letter a period following this, and so on up to the
end of the name.
Then the Key of the Decave of the Divinatory Number is found and placed at the end
of the chart, after the Major Arcanum representing the last letter of the name. The
Major Arcanum corresponding to the Key of the Decave does not so much represent
a specific event, as the conditions which surround the person at the close of life. That
is, it represents in a divinatory way, that which is signified by the fourth house of a
birth-chart.
Abraham Lincoln was born Feb. 12, 1809.
A...I
L . . 12
(Feb.)
2
B. . . 2
I . . 10
1
R . . 20
N . . 14
2
A..
1
C . . 11
1
H..
8
O . . 16
8
A..
1
L . . 12
0
M. . 13
N . . 14
9
. . . 46
. . . 89
23
Birth Path
46 plus 89 plus 23 gives 158 as the Divinatory Number. 1 plus 5 plus 8 gives 14 as the
Key of the Divinatory Number.
158 minus 14 gives 144. 144 divided by 9, plus 1, gives 17 as the Key of the Decave.
14 (Key, or Character) --1--2--20--1--8--1--13--12--10--14--11--16--12--14--17
(Condition at end of life).
The numerical chart as given in the line above shows that Abraham Lincoln's
character was based upon 14, or Temperance. A much more detailed description of it
can be had by substituting the astrological correspondence, Taurus, which shows
clearly the deep sympathy and the intense practicality of his nature.
Very early in life he began to develop himself through the application of Will in the
expansion of his Intelligence (1).
Science (2) next comes under his scrutiny as a child, and exerted its full influence in
his life as he ciphered on the back of a wooden shovel by the firelight.
But there was an Awakening (20) also in his early years, by which his thoughts were
turned into higher channels.
And some travel (Mercury influence) which gave full material for his developing
Intelligence (1).
This was followed by gaining for himself a reputation for Justice (8); for he came to
be known as honest Abe.
Then further application to study and the development of his Intelligence (1); for he
began to prepare himself to practice law.
And a Transformation in his affairs due to taking part in a military expedition (Aries)
(13).
Then came the first great Sacrifice and sorrow (12) of his life through the loss of his
beloved Ann Rutledge.
Followed by a Change of Fortune (10) as he was thrust forward into the political
arena.
In which capacity his fairness and Temperance (14) in handling the issues of the day;
Lent to him a Spiritual Force (11) which swept him into the highest office in the land.
And brought to him the responsibility of that great Catastrophe (16), the Civil War.
This was an Expiation (12) of the sin of human slavery; and enabled him to set free
these slaves at the Sacrifice of his own and other lives.
Then the war was ended, and he embarked upon a full program of Regeneration (14)
for the country, when his own end came.
And while this end came suddenly, and violently, nevertheless, he had accomplished
his work. The surroundings of his life at its end (Key of the Decave of the Divinatory
Number) is well shown by 17. Truth had prevailed, Faith had been vindicated, and he
left behind him a message of Hope that has continued unabated to this day.
George Washington was born Feb. 22, 1732.
....
W.
6
....
A..
1
....
SH .
8
(Feb.) 2
G..
3
I . . 10
2
E..
5
N . . 14
2
O . . 16
G..
3
1
R . . 20
T . . 22
7
G..
3
O . . 16
3
E..5
N . . 14
2
. . . 52
. . 104
19
Birth Path
52 plus 104 plus 19 gives 175 as the Divinatory Number. 1 plus 7 plus 5 gives 13 as
the Key of the Divinatory Number.
175 minus 13 gives 162. 162 divided by 9, plus 1, gives 19 as the Key to the Decave.
13 (Key, or Character)
--3--5--16--20--3--5--6--1--18--10--14--3--22--16--14--19
(Condition at end of life).
13 (Aries) indicates that Washington was typically a pioneer destined to bring about
a Transformation by the use of the sword. A more detailed reading of the character
may be had from the sign Aries.
His early life was spent in Action (3) rather than in study.

Then the influence of Law and Religion (5) played their part.
At an early age a commission as midshipman was offered to him, but his mother
blocked this, which was a Catastrophe (16) to his ambitions.
The death of his brother brought him an inheritance and an Awakening (20) to new
responsibilities.
Then he married (3) Mrs. Curtis, and settled at Mt. Vernon.
His life as a planter brought him into contact with the Law (5) in that he was elected
repeatedly to the legislature of Virginia.
Then came a time of Trial and Temptation (6) in regard to Governor Dunmore, in
which his position was always that of a radical.
His appointment to Congress in 1774 gave him opportunity for the exercise of his
Will, Intelligence and Dexterity (1) for which later he became famous.
In this period, just prior to the Revolutionary War, Deception (18), subterfuge, and
secret
enemies were encountered on every hand.
And then, with the war, came a decided Change of Fortune (10).
When named commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the United Colonies his
Temperance (14) caused him to refuse a salary, and to announce that he felt himself
unfit for the command.
Then came the Action (3) of War.
But the stupidity, Foolishness (22) and impatience of his supporters during 1775
almost wrecked the enterprise.
It was a Catastrophe (16) when Benedict Arnold and his sympathizers turned against
him.
But his persistence and Temperance (14) brought him through, established his fame,
and placed him uncontested in the presidential chair.
From this position he later retired to his home at Mt. Vernon, to find the rural life he
enjoyed so much, surrounded by his family and friends. Away from the conflicts of
political quarrels, with the highest honors his country could bestow, with wealth and
the affection of many, his closing years are well represented by the Key of the Decave
of the Divinatory Number (19), the number of Happiness.
I believe these two illustrations will quite suffice to indicate the manner in which
divination by numbers can be used to give a detailed reading of a name. The number
representing the Key of the Divinatory Number should always be taken to represent
the character. Then each letter of the name, in its proper sequence, should be taken to
represent a period of the life, and the influence of this period can be expanded by
using the astrological correspondence of the number.

There is no way, by this system, to know just how long any period lasts. The duration
of time is the most difficult thing to determine by any method of divination. The
general rule here, however, is to divide the total life--whether short or long--into as
many periods as there are letters in the name. Each letter represents one of these
periods. If the life is long, it represents a longer period than if the life is short.
Then the Key of the Decave of the Divinatory Number is taken to represent the
condition at the end of life, whether this end comes early or late.
And it must not be forgotten that in such divination rigid interpretations are to be
avoided. The numbers in such a chart are to be used merely as guides to the intuition;
not to limit it. All impressions and intuitions, therefore, should be expressed freely,
even when they somewhat contradict the rigid interpretation of the numerical chart.
The
Enchantress--Arcanum XI
--Letter: Egyptian, Caitha; Hebrew, Caph; English, C--K. Number 11.
Astrologically, the planet Neptune. Color, changing iridescence. Tone, the music of
the spheres. Occult science, divination. Human function, thought-transference.
Natural remedy, spiritual healing. Element, neptunium.
C-11, expresses in the spiritual world, the principle of all force, spiritual and
material.
In the intellectual world, moral force.
In the physical world, organic force.
Remember, then, son of earth, that for power one must believe in one's ability.
Advance with faith. To become strong, impose silence upon the weakness of the
heart. If Arcanum XI should appear in the prophetic signs of thy horoscope thou
shouldst study duty, which is the rule of right, and practice justice as if you loved it.
In Divination, Arcanum XI is Force, Spiritual Power, or Fortitude.
Arcanum XI is figured by the image of a young girl who opens and closes without
effort, with her hands, the jaws of an angry lion. The maiden wears a crown
surmounted by a vase and crowned eagles, and at her brow the sacred serpent.
The vase is symbol of the affections, and the crowned eagles represent force
spiritualized. The sacred serpent signifies that she acts in full knowledge of her
power, and not blindly. The lion symbolizes force, also the animal desires in man
which are subdued by the spiritual nature.
The whole ensemble symbolizes the power over violent forces of nature that faith in
oneself and an innocent life will give; also the spiritual power that is the natural result
of unsullied affections which dominate and rule the animal instincts. It signifies that
purity is the touchstone, and that goodness alone is power.

Number
--Numerically, 11 indicates the extreme magnetic and feminine forces of nature. It
exemplifies the doctrine that evil should not be resisted, but be overcome with good.
The finer forces of woman, while not giving the physical strength of man, enable her
to govern him by appealing to him interiorly, and thus she molds his efforts through
his affectional nature. She enters occultly into his life; and liberating the powers
which lie latent in the structure of his genius, enables him to realize the ideals she in
her love has formed of him.
As composed of 7 and 4, the number 11 symbolizes the power that is realized as a
result of the perfect union denoted by 7. As 9 and 2, it represents Wisdom carried into
the realms of Occult Science, giving control of the magnetic currents of the astral
world. As 6 and 5, it signifies Temptation banished through devotion to Religion. As
10 and 1, it denotes Fortune dominated by Will.
Astrology
--Neptune is the octave expression of the planet Venus, signifying spiritual love as
distinct from the material love ruled by Venus. Neptune is the planet of psychic
manifestation, its prominence in a birth-chart being an indication of psychic ability. It
exerts little power upon the physical world directly, but by its action upon the
imagination of people it becomes singularly potent. Its influence is to spiritualize, and it
usually is a prominent planet in the birth-chart of all types of genius, denoting that
peculiar power so well expressed by Arcanum XI.
Human Function
--The peculiarly high-strung and sensitive organism given by the planet Neptune
enables its natives to receive mental messages from others. It is capable of great
negativeness, giving it capacity for reception, and is sensitive enough to perceive the
import of thought vibration. At the same time it has an inward power by which it can
send potent thought-forms to do its will, or through the faculty of imagination
impress its messages upon the minds of others. It is like the strings of a cello,
sensitive to impinging sounds and readily set vibrating by them, and at the same time
powerful to cause vibrations in other instruments. These qualities requisite for
thought-transference are indicated by Arcanum XI.
Alchemy
--Arcanum XI represents the energy liberated during the process of transmutation.
When the metals join, and the heat of the reverberatory furnace is applied, they flux
and reduce to the first matter before the alchemical transformation takes place. And
in this process heat, electricity, magnetism, and still finer forces are set free. These

forces, so generated, are not violent, and are so subtle that they would go entirely
unnoticed by the careless. Nevertheless, they are of great importance in the
alchemical process, and especially essential in the completion of the Great Work.
Bible
--The most notable reference to the principle pictured by Arcanum XI which occurs
in the Bible is the story of Samson. His strength lay in his purity and his virility; for
his mother was commanded while carrying him; Ju. 13: 14; "She may not eat
anything that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine nor strong drink, nor eat
any unclean thing."
Samson slew the lion of Arcanum XI with his hands, and later took honey from its
carcass; honey being symbolically the nourishment the spiritual body receives from
that creative purity represented by the highest work of the bee. In other words,
Samson overcame his animal nature; and the bees, or creative attributes, utilized his
virile powers to build up spiritual strength.
So long as Samson was pure his strength was boundless, but when he fell into sin his
strength departed. Ju. 16:5; "And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and
said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means
we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him, and we will give
thee, every one of us, ELEVEN hundred pieces of silver."
The three times Samson was bound and easily broke his bondage signifies that the
power of purity prevails in physical, astral and spiritual realms. Hair is coincident
with the age when sexual virility is attained, and Samson having been unshaved since
his birth, indicates his natural ability, due to purity of life, to use his virile forces in a
constructive manner. But Delilah was a harlot, and robbed him of his purity, shaved
him of his constructive powers, and delivered him into the hands of his enemies, who
put out his eyes, or spiritual sight, and the spirit of the Law departed from him.
Masonry
--The Masonic degree known as the Heroine of Jericho is founded upon Arcanum
XI. The scarlet line let down by the heroine, and the red handkerchief used in making
the sign of the degree, denote feminine power.
The story is that by means of this cord two spies from Israel made their escape from
their enemies in Jericho. It is symbolic of woman's creative periods, and signifies the
spiritual escape from physical limitations that the higher use of their creative powers
will bring to man and woman. They are here alluded to as spies in a foreign land
because the physical plane which they occupy is a domain foreign to their spiritual
estate.

Magic
--In magic, Arcanum XI corresponds to thought-diffusion. This process, sometimes
used maliciously, and sometimes used unconsciously, is a dominant factor in our
political life, and is the means by which the so many occult absurdities and religious
imbecilities are kept alive and gain a following.
Some strong, self-willed individual elects himself leader, and formulates some
doctrine--political, occult, religious, or what not. This doctrine may, or may not,
contain much of truth; and it may be an earnest conviction, or merely the means by
which the leader hopes to further his own unscrupulous ambitions.
But in any case he attracts to himself other mentalities less dominant than his own,
who unite with him in promulgating this doctrine. The combined thought-force
radiates the thought-form of the doctrine outward with much force, and it reaches and
dominates a number of receptive minds. These, in turn, convinced the doctrine is
true, even though they have never subjected it to keen analysis, add their thoughts to
the thought-form group. And in this manner, the dominant power of the
thought-form overpowering reason through emotional energy, a chain is formed
extending from the leader as the positive pole, through various links, to the masses as
the negative pole.
Every additional person who accepts the doctrine and becomes its proponent makes
its power stronger. As a snowball gains in size as it rolls down hill; so the
thought-power of such a group of thoughts gains strength with each new adherent.
The viciousness of this thought-diffusion process is that it works so subtly. It attacks
the unconscious minds of people quite unknown to themselves. The vast
thought-power gives an emotional trend to the unconscious minds of the people it
reaches, and this emotional element is often sufficiently strong to override any
tendency to use reason or to bring to bear the critical faculties.
Thought-diffusion, minus the chain effect, is the kind of power used by a
high-pressure salesman to sell a customer something for which the customer has no
earthly use. But as employed by statecraft or by priestcraft, with the chain effect, it is
used to sell the populace whatever ideas those in authority wish people to accept.
And these ideas, all too often, are those that support decaying theological dogmas,
those that keep people subservient to their exploiting rulers, or which cause
Occidental students to accept, in spite of their logical absurdities, certain mystical
follies from the Orient as a part of the real Secret Doctrine.
The real adept never utilizes such methods; and the only image he radiates
systematically is his own ideal of himself in greater perfection than he has yet
attained; and this ideal he receives through reflection, from his mate.

Initiation
--In the soul's initiation Arcanum XI represents the spiritual and psychic powers that are
the
outcome of the neophyte's occult training.
His training, as well as the general trend of his life, has been to give greater
refinement to his body, his thoughts, and his feelings. And as this change, denoted by
Arcanum XI takes place, he becomes increasingly more potent to use his spiritual
and astral powers; for the power of a force depends upon the plane from which it
emanates, and the finer the organism the finer the force which it is capable of
receiving and transmitting.
This refinement and training also increase the sensitivity of the psychic senses,
enabling him to register and interpret vibrations quite outside the range of perception
of the less developed man.
As shown by Arcanum XI, the animal nature must be entirely subdued; but it
certainly must not be killed. Man is dependent for energy upon the attributes
developed while in the lower kingdoms; but these energies, to be spiritual, must be
diverted from animal expression into purely constructive channels. Not the
suppression of the animal nature is real purity, but the use of all energy, sexual energy
included, in channels which are constructive and aid others instead of merely
benefiting self.
This Arcanum does not represent the repression, or destruction of sex; for every
energy in existence is dependent for its potency upon polarity, or sex. The power of
an electric current depends upon the difference in potential; that is, the difference
between the positive pole and the negative pole. And a man or woman to be able to
exert any real power must be strongly sexed. The more feminine a woman is, and the
more masculine a man is, the more power they possess. The mistake here must not be
made, however, of concluding that intellect and will are strictly masculine qualities.
Mercury is convertible, and not the exclusive property of either sex. A woman may
be an intellectual genius and still be strongly feminine, and a man may have strong
tender emotions and still be masculine. But to have great power, as amply
demonstrated by the outstanding people of the world's history, the individual must
be strongly sexed.
Things have been accomplished by hermaphrodites; that is, by those of dual sex; but an
investigation of such accomplishment discloses that these hermaphrodites were merely
the mediumistic and negative instruments through which some other strongly sexed
intelligence was able to manifest. The lack of individuality, the lack of character, and
the
lack of sex, alike give easy access to some dominant force, and encourage the
expression
of a multiple personality. But it hinders the development of individuality, makes for the
disintegrative phases of mediumship, and precludes real soul development. Real power

depends upon an energy controlled by the individual, and this energy has great
dependence upon sex; but if it is a real power it must be projected from a high plane and
only into constructive channels.
Occult Science
--By divination the attention of the unconscious mind is directed to obtaining
information which is not readily accessible to the objective consciousness through
external channels. The psychic senses, thus directed, perceive the information
sought. This information then resides in the astral brain like a memory. Then,
through the divinatory process, whatever it may be, this memory residing now in the
unconscious mind, is brought up into objective consciousness to be utilized in
everyday affairs.
King Court Cards
See Page 4
--Strictly speaking the king, queen and youth of each suit have a numerical value of
10 each; for they represent all of humanity, both men and women, as born under the
twelve zodiacal signs. See Page 4
Man alone, or woman alone, is represented by the number 5; but each king not merely
signifies a man of given temperament, but also, when reversed, a woman of that
temperament, thus giving two 5s, or 10 for the whole card. Either the king, the queen,
or the youth, is numerically 10.
The kings represent the first degree of emanation of each zodiacal triplicity; the
queens represent the reaction, or second degree of emanation of each triplicity; and
the youths or product of action and reaction, represent the third degree of emanation
of each triplicity.
The horsemen, however, do not represent people, but the thoughts of people.
Thoughts are ruled by Arcanum I; therefore, each horseman has a numerical value of
1.
The King of Scepters signifies a person ruled by the sign Aries: fiery, headstrong,
ambitious, courageous and energetic. Right way up it denotes an Aries man; reversed
it indicates an Aries woman. The dominant idea is I AM.
The King of Swords signifies a person ruled by the sign Taurus: reserved, sullen and
practical. Right way up it denotes a Taurus man; reversed it indicates a Taurus
woman. The dominant idea is I HAVE.
The King of Coins signifies a person ruled by the sign Gemini: intelligent, restless,
volatile and fickle. Right way up it denotes a Gemini man; reversed it indicates a
Gemini woman. The dominant idea is I THINK.

The King of Cups signifies a person ruled by the sign Cancer: mild, reserved,
home-loving and pleasant. Right way up it denotes a Cancer man; reversed it
indicates a Cancer woman. The dominant idea is I FEEL.
The Martyr--Arcanum XII
--Letter: Egyptian, Luzain; Hebrew, Lamed; English, L. Number, 12.
Astrologically, the zodiacal sign Pisces. Color, the darker shades of purple. Tone,
low A. Occult science, natural alchemy. Human function, sensing the spiritual
aromas. Natural remedy, such herbs as mosses which grow in the water, ferns and
seaweed. Mineral, the talismanic gem peridot; and such stones as sand, gravel,
pumice and coral.
L--12 expresses in the spiritual world the revealed law.
In the intellectual world, the precept of duty.
In the physical world, sacrifice.
Remember, then, son of earth, that sacrifice is a divine law from which none is
exempt; but expect any ingratitude from men. Always hold thy soul in readiness to
render its account to the eternal. If Arcanum XII should appear in the prophetic signs
of thy horoscope, a violent death will spread its snares upon the way. But if the world
attempts thy earthly life do not die without accepting with resignation this decree of
God, and pardon thy cruelest enemies; for whosoever does not forgive here below
will be condemned in the next life to eternal solitude.
In Divination, Arcanum XII may be read as Sacrifice or Expiation.
Arcanum XII is figured by a man suspended by one foot from a gallows which is
supported by two trees, each having six cut branches. His hands are tied together,
forming a down-pointing triangle, above which one leg crosses the other in the form
of a cross. From the hands gold pieces drop to the earth.
It is the sign of a violent death, coming unexpectedly by accident, or in the expiation
of a crime, or accepted voluntarily through heroic devotion to truth and justice.
The twelve cut branches indicate the destruction of the twelve houses of the
horoscope, signifying the extinction of life.
The cross above the triangle, a symbol the reverse of that on Arcanum IV, indicates
that material forces have gained the ascendency and subdued the mind.
The coins dropping upon the earth signify wasted effort and the ebbing of the life
forces. They also indicate that the efforts of the martyr who loses his life in
furthering truth and justice are never lost, but remain on earth after he has passed.
Ideals as yet unrealized persist in the astral about the earth until they contact some
other person through whom they find suitable and more complete expression.

Number
--Numerically, 12 being the second decave of 3, may be represented by Arcanum III
expressing on the vibratory level indicated by Arcanum II. That is, union expressing
on the negative plane, the result of which is depicted by Arcanum XII.
But it also has another aspect; for union may also be on the plane of science, as
denoted by Arcanum II. And thus considered, Arcanum XII indicates that the science
of union rests upon sacrifice and devotion; for selfishness is the antithesis of higher
union. This thought, however, is perhaps better expressed by adding 3 and 9 to
indicate union guided by wisdom; while the adverse significance is more completely
denoted by 6 plus 6, indicating trials upon trials. The 8 plus 4 aspect is better; for it
reads, justice realized.
Astrology
--As the sign Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac, and rules the house of self-undoing,
of expiation and crime, as well as sacrifice and disappointment, the astrological
correspondence with Arcanum XII is obvious.
Human Function
--As a symbol of religious devotion, or for the expiation of sin, it was anciently the
custom to offer a sacrifice unto the Lord, or universal law. This taking of life and
offering it upon the altar of expiation was to be a sweet savor unto the Lord. But its
higher import was the implication of the sacrifice of the animal part of one's nature
upon the altar of devotion to cosmic welfare, and that such sacrifice, through the
aspirations which prompt it, nourishes the spiritual nature. Such exalted emotions, in
addition to building a spiritual body, cause radiations to emanate from a man similar
to those spiritual aromas which can alone be apprehended by the psychic senses.
Alchemy
--Because life is short and the processes of the alchemical art take time, the variety
of the ingredients which enter into transmutation becomes limited. Some such
ingredients, therefore, which, had we more time, might be used successfully must be
Sacrificed to the need of other ingredients. Thus are we compelled to exercise choice
in their selection. This choice should be made only after careful analysis has revealed
the quality of each, the effort at all times being made to retain that which already is far
advanced and truly useful. When such a choosing becomes imperative the grosser
metal must be Sacrificed that we may retain the more refined.

Bible
--Arcanum XII pictures Judas after he repented. Math. 27:5; "And he cast down the
pieces of silver in the temple, and he went and hanged himself."
It also symbolizes the fig tree that was cursed for not being fruitful. Mark 11:20;
"And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots."
The other aspect of this symbol is that of voluntary sacrifice instead of expiation.
This is exemplified in the persecution and violent death of the apostles, and also in
the conversion of the rich publican, Zacchaeus. In mythology it is Prometheus
undergoing perpetual torment for his immortal theft of the divine fire from heaven
with which to benefit humanity.
Masonry
--Arcanum XII is represented by the ritual in the Christian Mark degree where
the Grand Ministers execute the Judgment of the Lord and the candidate bewails
his fate because his lips are unclean. Before conferring the mark, in some
obediences, a live coal is taken from the altar and pressed to the candidate's lips to
signify expiation.
Magic
--Arcanum XII symbolizes the certain fate that ever follows those who use magical
powers without discrimination. The cross above the triangle signifies that the
magician has become the servant of the very elemental forces he sought to master.
The practice of magic, unless with wisdom and unselfishness, inevitably leads to
tragedy. And those who attempt to use sex in magic to attain selfish power merely
fasten upon themselves evil elementaries that often force them to follow the example
of Judas Iscariot and commit suicide in their attempt to get free from them.
The benefic side of the arcanum is this exposition of magical law: "Give all thou hast of
breath, of power, or life, in just duty and lawful motive; expire honestly the corrupted or
contaminated matter; and you shall instantly be filled with the celestial fire and become
refined."
Initiation
--Arcanum XII indicates the neophyte's absolute devotion to the cause of truth and
progress. It exemplifies the summons of the Nazarene: "Go thy way, sell whatsoever
thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasures in heaven; and come,
take up thy cross, and follow me." Henceforth the struggling soul takes no thought

what it shall gain personally by its efforts, but devotes its energy to assisting in the
progressive evolution of creation; sacrificing life itself if necessary in the cause of
truth and justice.
Occult Science
--Natural alchemy embraces those processes which take place slowly in nature, but
which man can hasten and utilize for himself if he possesses sufficient knowledge.
To this end, therefore, he studies all the transformations that have taken place in the
world; physical, biological, mental and religious, that he may perceive just what
nature has thus accomplished. Having arrived at a comprehensive knowledge thus of
relations of things to each other and to himself, he utilizes this information to bring
those transmutations to pass which, in this new wisdom, he now most desires.
The Horoscope Spread
--The diagram on page 140 illustrates the principle that four signs always express
the absolute and are explained by the fifth. The diagram on page shows how the five
must move in a medium expressed by four signs, thus completing the number of
deific manifestation, 9. But when we consider man, we find him the medium through
which stellar forces act. So considered, the signs reverse and he is represented by
cells 2, 4, 6, 8, and 9 in the diagram of page .
Furthermore, we know that everything possessing life is a trinity of positive,
negative, and union, so that each of the active cells, 7, 1, 3, 5, shown in chapter 1
expands into a trine as indicated by the diagram on page. These are the twelve houses
of life constituting a horoscope.
To use the diagram as a tarot spread the cards are dealt one by one upon the houses of
the horoscope in the order indicated by the numbers in the diagram. The reading is
used to foretell the near future of every department of life of the one making the
consultation. The card falling upon any house of the chart will reveal the fortune of
those things ruled by that house astrologically. The cards should be turned over only
as read.
Trine 1--6--11 is the trine of life. 1 relates to personal things and health. 6 is the life
of the mind, governing philosophy, publishing, and travel. 11 is the life of posterity,
ruling children, love affairs, pleasures, and speculation.
Trine 2--7--12 is the trine of power. 2 is the power to attract honor and authority,
ruling business, credit, and reputation. 7 is the power given by environment,
governing sickness, servants, and labor. 12 is the power of wealth, ruling cash and
personal property.

Trine 3--8--9 is the social trine. 3 is the society of partners, and rules the husband or
wife, open enemies, and law suits. 8 is the society of kindred and thoughts, governing
brethren, studies, writing, and short journeys. 9 is the society of associates, ruling
friends and hopes.
Trine 4--10--5 is the trine of concealed things. 4 is the environment more or less
concealed, ruling the home, real estate, and the end of life. 10 is the concealed things
of death and fatality, ruling legacies and the partner's money. 5 is the concealed
afflictions, governing disappointments, restrictions, and secret enemies.
A good card falling on any house signifies good luck in that department of life, and an
evil card on a house signifies evil luck will come from the things it rules, the nature
being shown by the card.
"Everything that has been, is, or will be, has its foundation and is built up, in four
trines."

Chapter 9
The Color of a Name
ARACELSUS, one of the greatest physicians, and one of the most learned of
occult students, several hundred years ago set forth the principle upon which
depends the influence of a name, a number, a color, a musical tone, a locality,
or other invisible vibratory rate.
He said: "If I have manna in my constitution I can attract manna from heaven. Saturn
is not only in the sky, but also deep in the ocean and earth. What is Venus but the
artemisia that grows in your garden, and what is iron but the planet Mars? That is to
say, Venus and artemisia are both products of the same essence, while Mars and iron
are manifestations of the same cause."
What you have in your constitution is mapped by your birth-chart. If you have the
dynamic stellar structure in your astral body mapped by the position of the planet
Mars powerful, you will, of necessity, attract events into your life of the nature of
Mars; events of violence, either constructive or destructive in character. If you do not
have much iron, or Mars, in your constitution, as shown by Mars occupying a weak
house and having almost no aspects, you will not have aggressiveness nor much
courage, and you will not attract violent events.
And what has been said of the Mars structure is also true of the other nine
thought-structures mapped by the various planets, and of the twelve zones of the
astral body mapped by the zodiacal signs. If the section of your astral form mapped
by a particular zodiacal sign is shown to have much activity, as indicated by planets
in the sign having many astrodynes, or by the ruler of the sign having many
astrodynes, the department of life indicated by the house position of that zodiacal
sign will come into unusual prominence all through your life. And thus it is that the
type of events attracted to the individual depends exclusively upon the activity of the
thought-cells within himself that have the same vibratory rates as these events. If the
money structures and money zone of the astral body have considerable activity,
money will enter the life as of considerable importance; but if the money structures
and zone are weak, there will be neither large gains nor large losses, and money will
not be as important a factor as some other of life's activities. If the structures and zone
ruling marriage are unusually active, this phase of the life may dominate in
importance all the other matters entering the life; but if they are passive, this

department of life may prove of negligible importance.

Now any of these structures or zones mapped in the birth-chart can be given
additional energy, and thus made more active than it normally is, through associating
with things or thoughts of a similar vibration. Whether we will or no, some of them
are thus given additional activity through the progressed positions of the planets.
There are three sources of invisible energies that have the power to stimulate the
thought structures and thought-cells of our astral body into exceptional activity:
astrological influences, the influence of thoughts, and the influence of objects. And
when a planet by progression reaches a zone of the astral body, it gives its
thought-cells new activity, and this attracts events corresponding to the department
of life ruled by the zone into the life. In particular, when a planet by progression also
forms an aspect to a dynamic thought structure in the astral body mapped by a planet
in the birth-chart, the additional energy thus gained by the thought-cells enables them
to attract some pronounced event into the life. And thus, from such progressed
positions of the planets, and the dates when they make aspects with structures in the
astral form, the astrologer is able to predict what events will transpire and when they
will come to pass.
But progressed planets are not the only source of such additional energy that may be
made available to thought structures and zones within the astral form. Both thoughts
and objects have a similar power, though varying in the amount of energy
contributed. In Course 9, Mental Alchemy, I have considered the deliberate use of
certain types of thought, and in this course considerable attention has been paid to the
use of abstract thoughts, such as names and numbers. And right here I wish to
indicate how the character vibrations of colors may be employed in a similar manner.
Sound is caused by vibrations ranging from the 4th to the 12th octave of vibration, or
from 16 to 32,768 vibrations per second.
Vibrations either slower or faster than these must be apprehended by other means
than the ear. Electricity, for instance, which is not perceptible to either eye or ear,
includes the 25th to the 35th octave, or from 33,354,432 to 34,359,738,368
vibrations per second.
Radiant heat, such as that coming to us from the sun, ranges from the 46th to the 48th
octave, or from 70,368,744,644 to 281,474,976,710,656 vibrations per second.
The effect of these vibratory rates, as producing physical changes in our organism, is
readily apparent. But there are other vibrations which have quite as pronounced an
effect in producing physical results that are less easily discerned in their action. Thus,
the chemical ray, used in photography and producing sunburn when we stroll the
beach in scanty attire, belongs to the 50th octave of vibrations; and the X-ray, which
without sensation burns tissue within the human body, belongs to the vibratory rates
within the 59th to 61st octave.
Within the range of the 49th octave of vibration, around 562,949,853,421,312
vibrations per second, the rates of motion are perceived by the eye as light. This white

light when refracted divides itself into vibratory rates slightly faster and slightly
slower than the average, and these different rates give rise to the seven colors of the
solar spectrum.
These seven colors, as ascertained by the effects they produce when associated with,
each tend to stimulate, or add energy to, the structure within the astral form mapped
by one of the planets of the septenary. And the various shades of these colors,
produced by slightly higher or lower vibrations than the type color, are found to add
activity to the zone of the astral body ruled by a zodiacal sign. Thus any color, or
combination of colors, has an effect upon the astral body which can be determined
from the correspondence of the color, or combination, to the zones and structures
mapped in the birth-chart. These color correspondences, from which the structure or
zone of the astral body stimulated can be ascertained, are given in the treatment of
each major arcanum, and also in the table at the front of chapter 1.
Now as each letter, and each number below 23, has the same astral vibratory rate as
the astral vibratory rate of some color, or its shade (the astral vibratory rate of a color
must not be confused with the electromagnetic vibratory rate which affects the sense
of sight), it is easy to find the color correspondence of any number or any name by
first finding the vibratory key of the number or name, and then discerning to which
color this key corresponds. In applying such correspondences it will be noted that the
night signs of a planet correspond to the darker shades of the color ruled by the planet,
and the day signs of a planet correspond to the light shades of the same type color.
Thus to find the color of the name, "Teddy": T-22, E-5, D-4, D-4, Y-10 added gives
the number 45. 4 plus 5 gives 9 as the Key of the number, and by referring to
Arcanum IX we find the color of this key to be light blue.
To find the color number 1918 we add 1 plus 9 plus 1 plus 8, which gives 19 as the
Key to which it vibrates, and referring to Arcanum XIX we find the color to be light
orange.
Thus by associating with the name Teddy there is the same kind of influence, but
probably of different intensity, as that obtained by associating with the color light
blue, such as wearing a light blue dress, or even a light blue necktie.
But the most important factor is yet to be mentioned. For while the type of event
attracted is determined by the structure or zone of the astral form to which energy is
thus added; whether the event will be favorable or unfavorable must be determined
by how that structure is organized as shown in the birth-chart.
If the structure or zone as mapped in the birth-chart is shown to be decidedly
discordant, adding energy to it (except as a mental antidote as explained in Course 9)
gives it additional power to attract misfortune. Therefore, by names, by numbers, by
colors, or by other means, pains should be taken not to associate with those astral
vibrations that have the same rate as discordant conditions mapped in the birth-chart.
Instead, those should be associated with which will add energy in large volume and
intensity to such structures and zones of the astral body as the birth-map shows to be

especially harmonious. Thus will more favorable conditions be attracted from

without.
The Reaper--Arcanum
XIII
--Letter: Egyptian, Mataloth; Hebrew, Mem; English, M. Number, 13.
Astrologically, the zodiacal sign Aries. Color, the lighter shades of red. Tone, high C.
Occult science, mundane astrology. Human function, the sense of taste. Natural
remedy, such herbs as hemp, mustard, broom, holly, dock, thistle, fern, garlic,
onions, nettles, radishes, poppies, peppers and rhubarb. Mineral, the talismanic gem,
amethyst, and such stones as ochre, brimstone and red stones of various kinds.
M--13 expresses in the spiritual world, the perpetual movement of creation;
destruction and renewal.
In the intellectual world, the ascension of the spirit into divine spheres.
In the physical world, natural death; that is to say, the transition through which the
soul leaves its physical form henceforth to function in an astral form in the astral
world.
Remember, then, son of earth, that terrestrial things are of short duration and that the
highest powers are reaped as the grass of the field. If Arcanum XIII should appear in
the prophetic signs of thy horoscope, the dissolution of thy organs will come sooner
than thou expectest. But do not dread it; for death is but the parturition of another life.
The universe reabsorbs without ceasing all which springs from her bosom that has
not spiritualized itself. But the releasing of ourselves from material instincts by a free
and voluntary adhesion of our souls to the laws of universal movement constitutes in
us the creation of a second man, a celestial man, and begins our immortality.
In Divination, Arcanum XIII may be read as Death or Transformation.
Arcanum XIII is figured by a skeleton reaping human heads, hands and feet. On the
blade of the scythe wielded by Time is a serpent and a scarabeus, and back of all is
seen a rainbow.
The progression of the scythe in its work is the emblem of the perpetual destruction
and rebirth of all forms of being in the domain of time.
The serpent on the scythe represents the virile energy that has carried the soul,
symbolized by the scarab, in its pilgrimage of births and deaths through the mineral
kingdom, the vegetable kingdom and the animal kingdom up to the estate of man.
The skeleton mowing human heads, hands and feet signifies that the thoughts, works
and understanding of man eventually pass from the earth. But the rainbow promises a
new life of thought, effort and knowledge in a superior realm.

Number
--Numerically, 13 is the 2nd decave of 4, indicating Arcanum IV, or realization,
operating on the negative plane of frequency of Arcanum II. It is what is Realized
from the efforts of life when Polarizing forces disintegrate the physical body.
What this new plane of realization, to which the efforts have now been transferred,
will offer, depends entirely upon how the energies have been used on the plane left
behind. If this use can be represented by 9 and 4, the Realization of Wisdom,
self-conscious progression gains momentum. But if the transition is only 10 and 3,
Change of Action, 5 and 8, the operation of the Law of Justice, or even of 6 and 7,
Victory over Temptation, the activities of life are merely transferred, without much
gain or loss, to the inner plane.
Such transition is possible, however, as 1 and 12, Will directed to the Sacrifice of all
selfishness, or as 2 and 11, under the Science of Spiritual Power. And when such is
the case, the new life witnesses a great gain in freedom, in consciousness, in ability,
and in enjoyment.
Astrology
--Aries is the beginning of the zodiac, where the circle is completed and the cycle of
one life ends in the start of another. When the Sun crosses the first point of Aries the
astronomical year commences, and when it again crosses into Aries, that year is
ended, cut off, destroyed. And thus is Aries, as indicated by Arcanum XIII, Brahma
as well as Siva, both creator and destroyer.
Human Function
--Life subsists upon life. The energy and substance of each physical organism is
largely gained through the Death of others. To sustain the life of man there is a
constant sacrifice of the lives either of plants or of animals. This life of the lower
kingdoms, when taken into the body of man undergoes a Transformation by which it
is made available for his use.
The cosmos depends upon the innumerable conscious entities embraced in it for
expression and progression. And likewise man depends upon the innumerable cells
of his body for expression upon the physical plane. Each of these cells is as
independent of man as man is independent of the earth on which he lives. That is,
each cell has its own individual consciousness, nor do the sum total of the cells
comprise the man; for the man has a consciousness independent of these cells. Yet
while these cells are a portion of man's anatomy they should each obey the dictates of
man, just as man should obey the mandates of the Supreme Intelligence.

Even as man is undergoing a progressive cycle on the earth, so each cell in his body is
undergoing its progressive cycle in association with him. Therefore, while the Death
of the organism that serves as food liberates the soul that has polarized the
protoplasm and energy contained in the form, this transition to the body of man is not
without compensation to the life of the individual cells. For their substance and
energy is now Transformed into cells occupying the body of man, and thus in
association with an intelligence which affords them greater opportunity by far for
evolutionary progress.
To the cell-life, at least, the serving as food for a higher form of life than that
previously occupied is not without its advantages. And the human function by which
man selects what shall thus be Transformed to his own use is the sense of taste, which
corresponds to Arcanum XIII.
Alchemy
--Arcanum XIII represents that Transformation which occurs in the substance and
form due to transmutation. The fluxing of polar opposites or natural antidotes
produces not merely a blend of the substances, but the Death of the old properties in
the production of a new and more highly refined substance with entirely different
properties. There is thus a Transformation of both the substance and the form.
Bible
--As related in the 49th chapter of Genesis, Jacob, being about to die, called together
his sons, who are the fathers of the 12 tribes of Israel. To each he gives his blessing,
together with a prophecy; and this deathbed pronouncement reveals without error to
any competent astrologer just which tribe is ruled by each zodiacal sign.
It should be evident, for instance, that when he speaks of Reuben being as unstable as
water, that he refers to the Waterbearer, Aquarius, and the abrupt changes made by
those in whose chart Uranus, its ruler, is prominent. Likewise, when he speaks of
Simon and Levi as being brethren, he can be referring to no other sign than the Twins,
Gemini.
That Judah is a lion's whelp must mean Leo, the Lion; and when he says that Zebulon
shall dwell at the haven of the sea, he certainly refers to the home of the Crab, Cancer.
Isaachar mentioned as a strong ass, is the sign Taurus; because Taurus rules donkeys
as well as the Bull. And because justice is weighed in the scales of Libra, Dan, who
shall judge his people, must belong to this sign.
Speaking of Gad, he says that a troup shall overcome him, but he will overcome at the
last; because Scorpio has a multitude of desires, but has the power to divert them to a
high purpose as symbolized by the Eagle, which also is a token of this sign.
That Asher shall yield royal dainties and his bread shall be fat, of course, indicates the
food sign, Virgo; and Naphtali being a hind, or deer, or Goat, signifies Capricorn. So,

too, when we read that in Joseph's bow abode his strength, we look for a bow among
the signs, and find the Archer, Sagittarius.
Now Aries has a constructive and a destructive, or warlike, aspect; the latter being
signified by the wolf, as when there is a wolf in sheep's clothing. So when we learn
that Benjamin shall rave as a wolf, we know he belongs to Aries. And then when we
come to Ephram and Manassah, we find that Ephram, who was the younger, was
blessed first, contrary to customary usage, and that Manassah, who was older, was
blessed later, thus indicating that at the end, or last sign, the dual sign Pisces, that the
last shall be first and the first shall be last. This not merely signifies the sign of
disappointments, but also indicates that the priesthood, who belong to this sign of
Universal Brotherhood, should be willing, when necessary, to renounce worldly
advantages for the good of mankind.
At the death of Jacob the twelve signs were thus represented, and Jacob himself, after
delivering his blessings, was straitway gathered to his fathers, a Transformation such
as is represented by Arcanum XIII.
The twelve disciples who were called by Jesus also represent the 12 zodiacal signs;
Jesus making the 13th member, the lamb of God, or transitional influence of Aries.
He said on that occasion, Math. 26:23; "He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish,
the same shall betray me."
Now of the four zodiacal quadrants the Scorpio, or Eagle, is represented by the suit of
cups. Jesus is crucified on the autumnal cross of Libra, and was betrayed for 30
pieces of silver. And from the point where the sun is slain on the cross of Libra, the
nights, or powers of darkness prevailing over the days, to the sign Scorpio, is just 30
degrees. Judas, therefore, is the sign of death, Scorpio, the realization of material
forces, indicated by Arcanum IV, who betrays the sun into the winter signs; delivers
the spiritual influence into the power of matter.
Judas later repents and hangs himself, as shown by Arcanum XII. This, however, but
depicts the expiation of the sin; for Judas himself belongs essentially to Scorpio and
not to Pisces.
The bread of the Lord's supper is the symbol of the physical nourishment that
sustains the material body. The wine is token of the emotional nourishment which
alone builds up the spiritual body and makes immortality possible. Man requires both
forms of sustenance.
Because thirteen were gathered at the Lord's supper, and one passed on, even today
some persons will not sit at a table where thirteen are present. To some it is an omen
that one of them shortly will die.
But 13 is not merely the symbol of death and dissolution. It is the number of the
vernal cross, of spring-time, of the sign Aries in which the sun commences a new
cycle of life. It is thus also the promise of immortality; for the Sun God then arises
from the tomb of winter. So while 13 means physical death to the vulgar, to the

initiate it signifies more frequently the Death of Selfishness and Crystallization

through the Sacrifice and Devotion signified by Arcanum XII; and the
commencement of a new life through the Transformation of material desires into
spiritual aspirations.
Masonry
--In modern Masonry there are something like six degrees of the Cross, all dealing
with some aspect of Arcanum XIII. But because in the zodiac there are two crosses,
the vernal cross of Aries and the autumnal cross of Libra, these degrees of the cross
have reference to both of them.
The Christian cross of crucifixion is Arcanum III, astrologically Libra. But there is
also a militant cross of resurrection, Arcanum XIII, or Aries, symbolized by a sword,
which in form is but an inverted cross, even as Libra and Aries are polar opposites in
the zodiac.
The meaning of these degrees of the cross is that man is born upon the earth through
generation, or Arcanum III, and is born into the next life through physical death; yet
his real birth into a spiritual life is brought about through the Transformation of his
animal tendencies into those that have for their chief object the welfare of the whole
of cosmic society.
Magic
--In magic, Arcanum XIII represents the ability to separate the astral body from the
physical at will and use it as a vehicle to visit other parts of the earth, to visit the
homes of the dead, or to explore the tremendous regions of space. It is that process
which is referred to in Masonry as "travelling in foreign countries."
Various methods are employed to bring about this separation of the astral body from
the physical without a break in consciousness. One of the safest ways is to go out
during sleep, passing out through the pineal gland, retaining the consciousness by a
realization all the while that one is dreaming, and holding to the recognition of things
seen as a true astral experience. Full details of this method are set forth in the 11th
Award MS.
Others quite successfully bring about this condition by gradually incapacitating the
physical body and voluntarily slowing down the heart action. While lying in a
relaxed state, and after thus slowing down the heart action, they induce a tremendous
desire to move to some particular spot; and this, under such training, takes them out
of the physical and permits them to maintain consciousness while moving about in
the astral form.
Orientals commonly use mantrams, rhythmic breathing and a spiral swaying motion
of the body to loosen the astral from the physical. The astral body by means of this
method passes upward out the top of the head.

Mediums also leave the physical body during trance, and may bring back accounts of
what has been seen on such journeys. But this method, because it is done under the
influence of some controlling entity, is disintegrative and highly dangerous.
Such experiments are not to be undertaken lightly; and considerable precaution
should be taken to protect the physical body from shock; as the too sudden
awakening, or bringing back to the physical, is a great jolt to the nervous system, and
might be so great as to sever the astral cord binding the finer to the grosser body, and
thus result in death. Also some precaution should be taken that in case there is
difficulty getting back into the physical that relatives do not conclude hastily that
death has ensued and cause an untimely burial.
Initiation
--The soul has its birth into the next life, just as it has its birth into this one. This new
birth does not always coincide with the moment of physical death, for there is
commonly a short or longer period of unconsciousness in transition.
If one is too strongly attached to the things of earth, and unable to relinquish the
strong desires for them, he may be bound, for a time, close to the earth, and not
awaken into the consciousness of the new life. Or one may have become so
dominated by some idea that one lives in the image of this idea and for a time shuts
out the reality by which he is surrounded. That is, until something or someone
awakens him to a realization of his true condition, he may live in an imaginary world
of his own thought-creation.
But whether one passes through the doorway to astral existence quickly or slowly,
ultimately the time arrives when he awakens into full consciousness of his
surroundings. This is the moment of his birth into the next life, and it coincides with
his new astrological birth-chart.
Then comes the period of judgment, in which he is both judge and the one on trial. He
perceives the actions of his life and the motives which prompted them. He finds,
perhaps, that his progress now depends first upon rectifying certain mistakes made
while on earth. And this he does either through contact again with those he injured, or
at least through rendering some constructive service to others.
After a period of adjustment to next-life conditions he gravitates, or levitates, to the
particular plane which corresponds to his own dominant vibratory rate. And on the
plane where he now finds himself, whether high or low, depending upon his
spirituality, he moves into the environment which corresponds to the harmonies and
discords within his finer form.
But whether high or low, there is always opportunity for progress. There are works to be
performed, joys to be experienced, and an even greater variety of interesting events than
is possible on earth. But in this new realm money has no value. There is but one
currency
which is legal tender, and his progress and any assistance rendered him by others

depends upon it. This currency of the next life is constructive service such as in some
manner brings benefit to others.
Occult Science
--The events which happen to nations, to cities, to communities, and to the world in
general are chiefly shown astrologically in Cycle charts. These charts, by which the
events that thus affect groups of people are predicted and explained, are chiefly those
erected for the moment some planet has circled the zodiac and crossed from south to
north declination.
The point of the zodiac where the sun thus crosses from south to north declination is
always the first point of Aries, and thus the first point of Aries becomes the accepted
symbol for the commencement of a new cycle. And as Mundane Astrology largely
depends upon such cycles, it corresponds to Arcanum XIII, which pictures the sign
Aries.
Queen Court Cards
--The Queen of Scepters signifies a person ruled by the sign Leo: haughty, high
spirited, ambitious and resolute. Right way up it denotes a Leo woman; reversed it
indicates a Leo man. The dominant idea is I WILL.
The Queen of Swords signifies a person ruled by the sign Virgo: studious, rather even
tempered, ingenious and witty. Right way up it denotes a Virgo woman; reversed it
indicates a Virgo man. The dominant idea is I ANALYZE.
The Queen of Coins signifies a person ruled by the sign Libra; good, high minded,
noble and amiable. Right way up it denotes a Libra woman; reversed it indicates a
Libra man. The dominant idea is I BALANCE.
The Queen of Cups signifies a person ruled by the sign Scorpio: active, selfish,
proud, resentful, reserved and thoughtful. Right way up it denotes a Scorpio woman;
reversed it indicates a Scorpio man. The dominant idea is I DESIRE.
The Alchemist--Arcanum
XIV
--Letter: Egyptian, Nain; Hebrew, Nun; English, N. Number, 14. Astrologically, the
zodiacal sign Taurus. Color, the darker shades of yellow. Tone, low E. Occult
Science, Practical Occultism Applied to Daily Life. Human function, psychometry.
Natural remedy, such herbs as daisies, dandelion, myrtle, gourds, flax, lilies,
larkspur, spinach and moss. Mineral, the talismanic gem, moss agate; such stones as
alabaster, white opaque stones and white coral.
N--14 expresses in the spiritual world, the perpetual movement of life.
In the intellectual world, the combination of ideas which create the moral life.

In the physical world, the combination of the forces of nature.

Remember, then, son of earth, to conserve thy forces, not to recoil at thy works, but in
order to wear out obstacles, as water, falling drop by drop, wears away the hardest
stone. If Arcanum XIV should appear in the prophetic signs of thy horoscope, a well
formulated plan of action followed perseveringly will raise thee by degrees to the
heights thou wouldst attain.
In Divination, Arcanum XIV is Regeneration or Temperance.
Arcanum XIV is figured by the genie of the sun holding a golden urn and a silver urn,
and pouring from one to the other the conducting fluid of life. The genie is crowned
with flame to indicate that it is a spirit; and its feet are winged to signify its rapid
movements. The fluid transferred from one urn to another is the symbol of
transmutation; and the eight rays of the sun which show behind the genie's head
signify that the positive, or masculine, forces of the universe are exactly equilibriated
by the negative, or feminine, forces. The cloak over the shoulder of the spirit
indicates the perpetual fecundation of matter, as symbolized by the cloak, by spirit.
This ensemble pictures the combination and interchange of masculine and feminine
forces throughout nature, working ceaselessly in all kingdoms, as the instigators and
cause of all movements and life.
Number
--Numerically, 14 is the second decave of 5, and thus represents the Law, Arcanum
V, operating upon the next interior plane as signified by Arcanum II. As 5 is the
dominion of man's intelligence over the physical plane, so 14 must be the dominion
of man's intelligence over the astral plane.
Now 7 signifies the perfect nuptial union on the physical plane, the union of body,
soul and spirit with body, soul and spirit. Therefore, the double 7, or 14, must signify
the perfect union on the inner plane, the perfect regenerate union, in which the finer
forces, as shown in Arcanum XIV, completely blend and fuse. And herein lies the
secret of rejuvenation; for, in the exchange of these finer energies, controlled and
directed by love, there is a power to restore and maintain youth and vigor.
Astrology
--When, in the spring of the year, the sun crosses the vernal equinox and enters
Aries, represented by Arcanum XIII, the forces of nature commence to move and
new processes are set in motion within the laboratories of Isis.
But the solar force in Aries is not alone capable of regenerating the world; for such
regeneration, or any other regeneration, requires also that the feminine forces shall
be mixed with the masculine. This transmutation, therefore, is not celebrated at the
vernal equinox, but on Easter, which can not occur until after the full moon has

brought a partnership and exchange with the sun, from the natural sign of marriage.
This process, started at Easter, is carried forward as the Sun enters Taurus, the
exchange of the finer forces fecundating the earth (Taurus) to bring forth the grass
and flowers. For while Aries is the exaltation of the Sun, Taurus is the exaltation of
the Moon, and the Sun moving thus into the exaltation of the Moon after the
partnership has been formed carries forward the process of fructification. This
process by which fecundity is assured is pictured in Arcanum XIV; and is thus
associated with the sign Taurus; for the bull also is a symbol of fecundity.
Human Function
--Already it has been shown that Libra, and Arcanum III, correspond to feeling in its
external aspect. Libra is the sign of generation. The other Venus sign, Taurus, is the
sign of regeneration, and rules the inner sense of feeling known as psychometry.
Psychometery, therefore, is the human function corresponding to Arcanum XIV,
which esoterically depicts the sign Taurus.
Alchemy
--Arcanum XIV represents the fluxing of polar opposites, or mental antidotes.
When the minerals are predominantly acid, or positive, just enough of the alkaline, or
negative, minerals should be added to balance the mixture; and when the minerals are
predominantly alkaline, just enough acid minerals should be added to balance the
mixture. When positive and negative, acid and alkaline, male and female, energies
are of like volume and intensity the ingredients readily fuse and undergo
transmutation into a different and far more valuable product. But when either
positive or negative elements are not thus balanced by their polar opposite, it takes
more energy than can be generated to affect the transmutation.
Bible
--The mystery of union as a spiritual force is set forth symbolically in the story of
Jacob. First he wrestled with Temptation, as shown by Arcanum VI, and was
Victorious, Arcanum VII. Then falling in love with Rachel, as symbolical of proper
physical union he served for her 7 years. Gen. 29:30; "And Jacob served seven years
for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had of her."
But this perfect physical union signified by 7 did not suffice; for it relates that he was
deceived into marrying Leah of the tender eyes. That is, his spiritual sight was not
thus opened. Therefore, he served another 7 years for Rachel, the 14, as shown by
Arcanum XIV, indicating regenerate union.
And so much more satisfactory was this higher fusion that in his great love for her he
served voluntarily another 7 years. This 21, as shown by Arcanum XXI, designates
the true spiritual fusion, the union of twin souls, the attainment of the Great Work.

In Math. 28:2, we have mention of the Transformation to a new life indicated by

Arcanum XIII; "And, behold, there was a great earthquake; for the angel of the Lord
descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door and sat
upon it." And following this, in Math. 28:18; this new life entered into, or
Regeneration accomplished, Arcanum XIV, is indicated thus: "And Jesus came and
spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."
Masonry
--The Rosy Cross is but another method of expressing the process portrayed by
Arcanum XIV. And the same principle is more briefly indicated by the compass. 14
is the second decave of 5; and when wine, symbolical of spirit, is added to the 5, as in
the fifth libation of pure wine which is drunk from a skull--the skull represents
Arcanum XIII--we again have the principle of regenerate fusion expounded, this time in
ritualistic form. And as of universal application, instead of merely personal, Arcanum
XIV is well rendered by the mystical letters, INRI, which more correctly stand as the
initials of Igne Natura Renovature Integra, meaning, All Nature is Renewed by Fire.
Magic
--Love manifests on all planes and in various degrees of grossness and refinements;
for it is convertible as passion, enthusiasm, heat, affection, fire, deific solicitude. In
truth, in some form of expression, it lies at the foundation of all activity, all
intelligence, and all feeling.
As to man, there are three planes upon which his love-life can express while he is still
embodied. And when we consider that the power of an energy to benefit or to destroy
depends upon the volume liberated and the intensity of feeling which accompanies it,
it should be apparent that grossness, lust and viciousness in sexual matters is one of
the most destructive forces upon earth.
Yet as life depends upon harmony, and death follows in the footsteps of discord,
when sex is actuated by mutual esteem, and mutual harmony results, it has even as
great a building power. The harmonious exchange of energies between husband and
wife tends to build health, to prolong youth, and to increase the vitality.
Then as to the offspring, the intensity of the father furnishes the vital force, and the
intensity of the mother the magnetic constitution.
The general health is thus usually more dependent upon the mother than the father,
but the length of life more dependent upon those vital energies furnished by the
father. And upon a balance between these two, as shown by the Sun and Moon in the
birth-chart, depends in great measure the discords and harmonies, the fortunes and
misfortunes, of its life.
But Arcanum XIV treats of a plane above that indicated by Arcanum VII. It reveals
the mysteries of regenerate love.

Regenerate love does not consist of any physical act, nor does it consist of refraining
from any physical act. Instead, it is a blend and exchange of finer forces. This blend
and exchange can take place between husband and wife even while they are far
distant in space from each other. In fact, when properly established, there is a
continuously consciousness of each other on the part of both, and the fusion is more
or less continuous. It is the beautiful ecstatic union between two who are devoted to
each other, and who feel the most tender emotions toward each other.
It is a pure and holy relation, and has nothing in common with the practices of certain
mediumistic individuals who leave their body to dissipate themselves and express
unrestrained passion while thus on the astral plane. All such practices are destructive,
and once were features of the witch's sabbat. They are much more destructive,
because more intense and less subject to control, than physical dissipation; and are
harder to break off because of the magnetic bondage established.
Nor is the regenerate union a matter of forced celibacy; for this often stimulates to
unnatural desires, and always leads to an unbalanced magnetic condition which is
undesirable.
Instead, it is merely the complete fusion of the finer forces of two purified souls who
are working together in loving harmony, and in tender sympathy, for the
advancement of the race. This fusion may be broken at times through intruding
discords from without, but is again established at the first opportunity, and is
maintained as completely as possible.
Initiation
--In the soul's initiation, Arcanum XIV indicates that state of advancement in which
there is spirituality enough so that the animal desires and passions are transmuted
into tender expressions of love which establish and maintain, with the matrimonial
partner, a constant exchange of the finer energies. At this state of the soul's
pilgrimage there still may be occasional physical expressions; but the chief and most
satisfactory avenues for manifesting love are now purely in the ecstatic and devoted
exchange of invisible forces.
Occult Science
--Practical Occultism is the application of the knowledge concerning astrology,
concerning psychology, concerning alchemy, and all other invisible properties and
energies to the affairs of everyday life. As such it corresponds to Arcanum XIV.
The Solar Spread
--The Solar Spread is based upon the 50 posts, or gates, of initiation. It thus depends
upon correspondences to the seven active principles of nature which penetrate the

seven departments of human endeavor, for its revelations. The spread as a whole
constitutes the jubilee, or fiftieth factor.
The cards are shuffled and cut as usual, and then they are dealt from right to left in 7
rows of 7 cards each as illustrated on page .
The cards should be turned over as read, starting at the bottom row and reading from
right to left.
When the birth-chart of the consultant is known, each row of 7 cards reveals those
things that the planet ruling the row governs in his birth-chart. And in all cases the
three cards to the right of the middle card in any row govern the past of the
department of life, the middle card represents the present condition, and the three
cards to the left of the middle card reveal the future developments concerning this
department of life.
When the birth-chart is not at hand, or, if the reader is unfamiliar with astrology, each
row is read as referring to the department of life generally signified by the planet in
front of the row.
Thus the bottom row, as ruled by the Moon, governs the home, the domestic life, the
public, and if the querent is a man, his wife.
The second row from the bottom is ruled by Mercury, and has rule over studies,
travels, writing, papers, brethren and the fruits of intelligence.
The third row from the bottom is ruled by Venus, and relates to love, society, friends,
partners, cash and art.
The fourth row from the bottom--the middle row--is ruled by the Sun and signifies
the honor, health and vitality, and if the querent is a woman, indicates her husband.
The fifth row from the bottom is ruled by Mars and relates to accidents, antagonisms
and enemies.
The sixth row from the bottom is ruled by Jupiter and refers to business, occupation,
employment and religion.
The seventh row from the bottom--the top row--is ruled by Saturn and relates to
elderly people, real estate, sickness, losses, sorrows and secret things.

Chapter 10
Natural Talismans and Artificial Charms
F THE three types of invisible energies which have a power to influence human
life and destiny, I have already given consideration to those thought vibrations
emanating from names and numbers. Trains of thought are more specifically
treated, in their effect of changing the organization of the astral form and thus
attracting certain types of events into the life, in Course 9, Mental Alchemy. Thus, in
this
and other courses, I have quite fully explained the use and effects of thought vibrations.
And in Course 10-1, Delineating the Horoscope, I have gone into the subject of
astrological vibrations. There remains yet to consider, therefore, only character
vibrations.
The character vibrations of localities, climates, and types of environment are set
forth in Chapter 5 of Course 8, Horary Astrology and Chapter 2 of Course 12-1,
Evolution of Life; the character vibrations of plants and minerals are stated in
connection with the various Arcana in this course; and the character vibrations of
colors are explained more specifically in chapter 9 of this course.
Now, of course, the subject of character vibrations is as wide as the universe itself;
for every object and condition has its vibratory rate, which may influence those
associated closely with it. We, therefore, can not hope to exhaust this subject; but I
feel that some mention, at least, should be made of the vibratory quality of musical
tones; and that, because of their unusual potency, both artificial charms and
talismanic gems should receive special consideration.
Musical Tones
--Music has two influences. The first is that which influences the mind through its
suggestive power, reaching it through the physical sense of hearing. The rhythm,
harmony and melody thus reaching the consciousness stir up emotional states and
physical responses. Whether certain music is beneficial or not depends upon the
individual. If it stimulates gross and selfish, or destructive, thoughts and feelings, it is
detrimental to the individual. But if it engenders feelings of tenderness, the desire for
helpful service, and aspirations to a noble life, it is beneficial.
But the tones of a musical composition have an astral vibratory rate as well as a
physical one. The chief vibratory rate, and the one that thus has most influence
directly upon the astral body, is that of the Key in which the composition is played.
This key is itself a musical tone; for instance, the Key of C. The Key of C has an astral
vibratory rate which is the same as that radiated by the planet Mars, or by the letter O.
The direct astral effect of a tone, or of a musical composition played in the Key of that
tone, may be known by referring to the tone associated with each Major Arcanum.
Talismanic Gems
--Talismanic gems differ from artificial charms in that the influence of a talismanic
gem is that of its character vibration, while the influence of a charm is almost wholly
due to the thought vibration imparted to it.
Gems are particularly active crystals which have been attracted about lively and
energetic souls occupying the evolutionary plane of the mineral kingdom. The active
life of the astral form of the soul occupying a gem reflects itself somewhat in the
brilliancy of the gem. And due to the high degree of astral intelligence possessed by
certain kinds of gems, and due to the powerful character vibrations which they
radiate, they become among the most important of all character influences with
which we can associate, in their power to impart energy to the structure or zone of the
astral body of a person closely associated with them.
Now a birth stone is merely a gem ruled by the zodiacal sign occupied by the Sun on
the day of birth. And because the dynamic thought structure in the astral body
mapped by the place of the Sun in the birth chart is a very powerful thought group, a
gem ruled by this sign, when worn, through adding energy to the structure
mentioned, undoubtedly is rather powerful to influence the life.
But, as pointed out when discussing other things which add astral energy to
structures and zones of the astral body, whether this rather powerful influence will
increase the power to attract good fortune or will increase the power to attract
misfortune, depends upon whether or not, as shown by its aspects, the Sun structure
thus given power is harmoniously or discordantly organized.
The rising sign, also, corresponds to very strong thought cells within the astral body.
Consequently, a gem ruled by the rising sign in the birth chart has a powerful
influence upon the person. The intensifying of these thought cells lends itself to a
more energetic personality. This may have its advantages. But whether such a gem
will attract harmonious or inharmonious events through the greater energy of the
personality depends on whether or not the rising sign in the birth chart is harmonious
or discordant.
Furthermore, because certain stellar structures and zones of the astral body, as shown
by the house positions of the birth chart, tend more to influence certain departments

of life, and other structures and zones to influence other departments of life, either a
gem or a person taken into close association adds energy to the thought cells of the
astral body in that zone which accentuates a given department of life. That is, either a
gem or a person adds energy to the astral body of the one associated with it chiefly in
that compartment ruled by the dominant astrological influence of the gem or person.
Therefore, in selecting a talismanic gem, or any associate, this should be kept in
mind, and such should be chosen as will add energy to the particular department of
life where help is most desired.
If the gem is desired, for instance, as an aid to business success, it should have the
same character vibration as the sign or planet in the birth chart most harmonious to
business. If the gem is desired as an aid to matrimonial harmony, one should be worn
having the same character vibration as the sign or planet in the birth chart most
harmonious to matrimony. But for general purposes, a gem may be selected that has
the same character vibration as the best planet or sign in the birth chart.
A word of caution should be inserted here; for jewelers who are not occult students,
and have only a desire to push the sale of whatever gems they may have in stock,
sometimes get up a list of birth stones according to their fancy and their particular
need for sales. That is, having heard of birth stones, but having no actual knowledge
of astrology, they give certain stones to certain months with no real information on
the subject.
The gem given to each zodiacal sign, in association with the Major Arcana, is the one
which, according to the ancients and according to competent occult students who
have checked as to accuracy, has been found most potent as having the character
vibration of that sign. To these gems listed under the Major Arcana should be added
these other available gems which most powerfully have the character vibrations of
the planets:
Sun--Sunstone.
Moon--Moonstone.
Jupiter--Chinese Jade.
Mars--Hematite.
Venus--Red Coral; also Amber.
Artificial Charms
--Charms do not owe their potency to their character vibrations, but to the thought
vibrations imparted to them in their preparation. Therefore, the substance used in the
making of charms should be mediumistic, in the sense of receiving and retaining
thought influences.
We all know that a piece of iron, a knife blade or a nail, for instance, if rubbed
repeatedly with a magnet, takes on the magnetic condition and itself becomes

capable of attracting and holding other objects. In like manner certain other
metals--chiefly gold, silver, copper and tin--have the ability to take on, retain, and
exert the influence of, a thought vibration imparted to them. That is, whatever
thought influence is imparted to them with proper ceremony and at proper time,
becomes a part of the charm, and the charm henceforth radiates this thought
influence, whatever it may be.
Metals, unlike gems and stones, are very negative, and radiate almost no character
vibrations; but they readily, for this reason, absorb thought vibrations that may be
imparted to them. Organic substances, also, may be used in the manufacture of
charms, if pains be taken to select only those which, like the young sprouts of peach,
willow and witchhazel, are negative in quality.
The black magician usually makes his charms of organic substances of revolting
character and in grotesque form, the symbolism thus tuning him in on the type of
invisible force he wishes to attract and use. To this inversive image--as in voodoo
rites--he attaches a diabolical thought form by means of ceremonies and invocations
to the spirits of evil; the hideousness of the rite exciting the mind to fever pitch and
releasing emotional energy of sufficient volume and intensity to impregnate the
charm with the sinister thought and attach to it elemental forces. The fate of those
who make such charms as this is well depicted in Arcanum XVI.
Evil charms, however, are not always the outcome of design; for mediumistic
substances often absorb the mental images unconsciously impressed upon them.
Houses in which there has been great mental anguish, or terrifying emotions
associated with tragedy, sometimes become so permeated with these thought forms
as decidedly to be uncomfortable, and even unlucky, for subsequent occupants. For
this reason rooms in which there has been much sickness and suffering should not be
occupied, without special purification and ceremony, by sensitive persons.
Certain famous jewels, though not in themselves especially mediumistic, and
therefore not particularly suited to becoming charms, nevertheless, through
tragedies associated with them, have come to exercise such an evil function. The
emotional activities accompanying the tragedy have attached to the gem a vicious
elemental, which is not the astral counterpart of the gem, but an added intelligence of
malignant potency which guards it and brings misfortune to all who possess it. Such
is the Hope diamond. And as probably bearing a more deliberate curse, are the
treasures taken from the tomb of the Egyptian, Tut-Ank-Amen.
For ordinary purposes of making a fortunate charm, 14k gold or sterling silver is
excellent. For special purposes a charm for a man may be made of 21k gold, 1k silver,
1k copper and 1k tin; and a charm for a woman may be made of 21k silver, 1k gold, 1k
copper and 1k tin. The silver in the gold charm and the gold in the silver charm are
responsive to the feminine element in man and the masculine element in woman;
while copper and tin exercise the functions denoted by the planets Venus and Jupiter,
the love element and the devotional.

Such a charm should be made only for some constructive purpose which can injure
no one. The thought the charm should carry should be imparted to it with due
ceremony and with as much high emotional intensity as possible, at midnight
(completing the ceremony just before that time) of the full moon (the midnight that
occurs just previous to the Moon making its opposition to the Sun). If the Moon is in a
negative sign, so much the better.
Whatever thought is thus imparted to the charm, it will carry, and impart to the
wearer. And it is potent to bring good luck, or any certain type of event into the life of
the wearer, in proportion to the clearness and the intensity of the thought thus
imparted to it.
The Black
Magician--Arcanum XV
--Letter: Egyptian, Xiron, Hebrew, Samek; English X. Number, 15. Astrologically,
the planet Saturn. Color, blue. Tone, G. Occult science, weather predicting. Human
function, the physical body. Natural remedy, naturopathy. Mineral, lead.
X--15, expresses in the spiritual world, predestination.
In the intellectual world, mystery.
In the physical world, unseen fatality.
Remember, then, son of earth, that the most unprofitable thing in the world is
selfishness. Pride and rebellion but enchain the soul to lower spheres; but all trials
and misfortunes accepted with resignation to the supreme Will are an accomplished
progress bringing an eternal reward. If Arcanum XV should appear in the prophetic
signs of thy horoscope, cease to rely upon thy own power and wisdom and labor to
disengage thyself from pride and selfishness, which but bind thee to matter, mortality
and evil Fate.
In Divination, Arcanum XV may be read as Fatality or Black Magic.
Arcanum XV is figured by Typhon, genius of evil, standing triumphantly over the
ruins of a temple. In his right hand he holds a scepter surmounted by a circle resting
between two divergent bars. These spreading bars signify the inversive forces that
hem in and hamper the influence of spirit, represented by the circle. It is the emblem
of hatred and division.
In the other hand this creature holds the torch of destruction, whose blaze has been
applied to the ruins of the temple. He is crowned with flame to indicate he is not of
this world, and he has the wings of a bat, to indicate he is a denizen of the realm of
darkness. The horn on his nose signifies stubborn rebellion.
He has the breasts of a woman and the organs of a man, and is thus hermaphrodite,
emblem of self centeredness and a being devoid of love. The body is that of a hog, to
denote greed. The feet are those of a goat, to indicate the sign Capricorn, the home
sign of Saturn, or Satan; the sign most devoted to material ambitions. And the beings
chained at the feet of this master of chaos also have goat heads, indicating that their
intelligence has been used exclusively to further material and selfish ambitions.
This malignant entity has the head of a crocodile, symbol of cruelty. The snake
emerging from his body, instead of from his brow, indicates the use of the creative
energy, not for enlightenment, but for physical gratification. It also represents
mediumship, rather than conscious control; for the chief center of power in
disintegrative mediumship is the solar plexus.
The two men with goat heads chained by the neck at the monster's feet represent the
certain fate that awaits all who use magical powers to attain selfish or purely material
ends. Sooner or later they become slaves of the very forces they have used, and are
finally completely destroyed in body and mind; and even after passing to the next
life, are chained by their evil deeds in the underworld.
All such evil entities, of this plane and the next, survive by preying on the ignorance
and credulity of others, as shown by the sign of sorcery they make with their hands.
They are racketeers and gangsters of both planes; and the ensemble, taken as a whole,
indicates both the bondage and the fate of those who follow the inversive path and
become dominated by the spirit of selfishness.
Number
--Numerically, 15 is the second decave of 6. Arcanum VI represents Trial and
Temptation, and Arcanum II, being negative, may bring a yielding to such
temptation to use invisible energies to gain personal ambitions at the expense of
others. 15, therefore, in this sense, is the number of black magic. 5 is the religious
hierophant, indicating the intellect dominating the elemental world. But adding 10
brings a change in fortune; and if this change of fortune precipitates the master from
his height, the 5 is reversed, and the elemental world dominates the intellect. Thus the
higher the station the farther the fall, and when such fall occurs, the exalted priest
becomes a prince of evil, and is then represented not by 5, but by 15.
Astrology
--I suppose, from a very extensive study of birth charts and the influence of
progressed planets in the lives of people, that the influence of the planet Saturn
coincides with at least one-half of the total of all human suffering and misfortune. He
is the planet of crafty selfishness, and, more than any other planet, seems to represent
inexorable fate. He well corresponds to Arcanum XV.
Human Function
--The physical body is man's universe of matter. It is the external vehicle through
which the soul gains experience and manifests its developing attributes. It should
always be governed by consideration of what actions, thoughts and feelings

contribute most to universal progression. But, alas; all too often it is made merely the
seat of animal gratification and the organ by which to gain purely selfish ends. As the
most external of man's forms, and thus the least spiritual, the physical body
corresponds to the planet Saturn, and to Arcanum XV.
Alchemy
--Arcanum XV is the impure ingredients which must be eliminated in any type of
alchemy. In mental alchemy they are the discords which are annulled. In spiritual
alchemy they are the material effects as distinct from the influence on the character.
And in general this Arcanum represents the dross which rises to the surface of the
fluxed mixture as a skum, or excess slag, which must be skimmed off and cast aside.
Bible
--All the various references to Satan give us the picture of Arcanum XV. Thus,
Math. 8:31; "So the devils besought him, saying. If thou cast us out, suffer us to go
away into the herd of swine." So the forces obsessing these men passed into swine, or
were symbolized by swine, because of their greed. And their dashing down a steep
place to perish in the sea well depicts the condition and the end of those who are ruled
by selfishness; their affinity for evil forces precipitating them into frightful practices
that are supported by abandoned emotions, and which, sooner or later engulf them in
an ocean of misery.
Arcanum XV is also the star of religion inverted: Rev. 8:10; "And a third part of the
waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were
made bitter." That is, the emotions of men became corroded by selfishness.
Rev. 9:1; "And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the
earth; and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit, as the smoke of a great
furnace; and the sun and air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit." Thus is
described in accurate symbolism the slums and hells of the astral region, and the
works that emanate from these regions.
Some maintain that the inversive brethren can have no organization, but they are
certainly misinformed. These entities are, in truth, the racketeers and gangsters of the
life after death. Even on earth bandits and gangs have their organizations and their
leaders. And such parasites on society when they pass to the other side retain all their
evil propensities and their cunning. They are human beasts of prey, that hunt down
and try to destroy the defenseless.
Their chief method of getting victims is through having ideas widely accepted that
are untrue and which place people in their power. To get these ideas thus widely
accepted, they have recourse to thought dissemination, to the suggestive power of
repetition, to insinuations, to platitudes, and to inversions.

Inversion is a method of presenting some idea in a manner that the lie is deeply and
inconspicuously concealed amid much truth. The more real the facts, and the more
widely they are recognized as facts, the better they afford cover for some cunning lie.
The inversive twist, by which the whole matter is made to appear to have a meaning
exactly the opposite of its true purport, is made to occupy so small a portion of the
whole presentation, and is so cunningly concealed by sophistical handling, that it
escapes the notice of all but the most acute. And this inversive twist--the
misinformation or misinterpretation--is so worded as to be subject to no direct and
simple test of accuracy. It is left as full of loopholes as possible, so that when one
presentation of the matter is proved to be a lie, it can be said that, after all, something
else was meant.
These inversions, having their origin in the astral hells by those who would prey upon
the credulity of the human race, are well symbolized by smoke arising from the pit to
darken the sun and air. And St. Paul recognized this invisible influence when he says,
Eph. 6:12; "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places."
Masonry
--In the Past Master's degree, the power of the forces indicated by Arcanum XV are
represented by a riot when the candidate attempts to preside over the lodge and is
dethroned. The Secret Master's degree is represented by Arcanum XIV. But the
Master's Elect of Fifteen degree is indicated by Arcanum XV, in which the ruffians
who assassinated Hiram Abiff are overtaken and captured. They attempted to take
passage to Ethiopia, the dark underworld region, but were overtaken and paid the
penalty.
Magic
--In Magic, Arcanum XV indicates all those methods by which the selfish and evil
strive to gain control of others, to exploit them, and to make them their slaves. This
subject is elaborated in detail in Chapter 6 of Course 18, Imponderable Forces.
But here it is convenient only to point out that as soon as some religion, some political
doctrine, or some philosophy gains a goodly following, that the common course is
for it to fall into the hands of those who use it for their own selfish interests.
There are those on both planes who have powerful intellects, but no spirituality. They
are intelligent beasts of prey, having no sympathy, and no kindly feelings for others.
They are dominated by a greed for power, and permit nothing in heaven or earth to
stand in the way of their ambition.
By means of thought diffusion--by sending out powerfully charged thoughts, they
dominate weaker thoughts, and thus collect them as a snowball gathers in size as it
rolls down hill--they gain acceptance of certain ideas, which are utterly false, but

which are advantageous to themselves. They worm themselves into the highest
positions of authority by showing power of leadership. And as soon as they reach a
position where they can do so they begin to betray their trust by warping ideas and
twisting truths, so that doctrines which were once spiritual and pure become the very
reverse of this.
Christianity at start boldly set out to renounce the sword, and to be purely socialistic
in its regard for money and property. But as soon as it gained sufficient following
those came into control who made it a religion whose followers are noted for seeking
power and worldly goods, and who carried, by means of torch and sword, their
religion into every land. With rifle bullets to back them they thrust the Christian
religion down the throats of weaker and less organized people the world over, and
made them trade for their merchandise, greatly to Christian profit. The missionaries
have been pioneers of trade, backed by soldiers, and later have been instruments for
keeping the doors of trade open.
The bloody crusades were for the purpose of establishing the religion of peace and
good will by means of the sword. And Christianity, as witnessed by the world wars,
continues to tolerate the murder of one nation by another. I am not commenting on
whether war is necessary, or whether the preachers did right in praying that God
would help their soldiers kill the enemy. I am merely pointing out, that right or
wrong, the original teachings of Christianity, as soon as the religion grew strong,
were twisted to mean just the opposite of their original intent.
Confucianism was originally merely an interpretation of the Tao, but it degenerated
into a political lever used to persecute those who followed other doctrines.
Mohammedanism was to abolish priests and rituals, but in after times these returned.
Buddhism now, having been practically driven from India, teaches many things
diametrically opposite to its early doctrines, and like Brahmanism in India, is a great
political power.
Perhaps no doctrine was ever concocted and forced on a people quite so successful in
keeping them servile and in despoiling them as Brahmanism and its caste system,
based on the doctrine of human reincarnation. Through investing the priesthood with
the authority to say what acts give good karma and what acts bad karma, and the
belief in its followers that bad karma is responsible for all the ills of life, and that
doing anything the priests forbid condemns the individual to suffer in the next human
incarnation, it places an absolute power in the hands of the priests which they use to
enslave the people while themselves living in luxury.
The effort is made also, in certain quarters, to discourage a belief in a self conscious,
progressive, enjoyable life after death. It is taught we must return to earth to gain
experience, over and over again. But the evidence of this inversion is too strong.
Thousands are proving for themselves that their loved ones still live in full
consciousness, and can, under specific conditions, yet communicate with those on earth.
But behind all these inversions, stands the cunning, destructiveness and selfishness
of those on both planes, who, in some manner, profit by confusing and deluding men.

Initiation
--In the soul's pilgrimage Arcanum XV represents the meeting with the Dweller on
the Threshold.
This threshold dweller is Selfishness, and can only be overcome by a rigid
determination to live for the good of the whole and its progress, rather than for self.
When the individual decides, no matter where the path leads, to step only in the
direction of universal progress, to work only constructively, he meets the grim
dweller of the threshold.
You may be sure that racketeers and gangsters on either plane resent with
tremendous venom the rescue of victims from their clutches. Those who attempt to
enlighten their brethren, consequently, often suffer vile persecution.
Savanarola and other noble martyrs, were liberators of mankind from dark
ignorance, and paid for it with suffering. Martin Luther was not dreaming when he
threw his ink well at the devil; and he meant vastly more than appears on the surface
when he announced he married to please himself, to vex the Pope and spite the devil.
For where love is not, selfishness rushes in to fill the void; and ascetism, through
extinguishing the finer emotions, prevents the building up of spiritual strength.
Intellect alone can not build a spiritual body. It is feeling that creates. And the ascetic
crushes out the very emotions of sympathy and kindness, of love and devotion,
which otherwise would build an immortal vehicle for his soul.
Occult Science
--Weather predicting is the science of forecasting, chiefly by means of astrological
charts and positions, what weather will prevail on a given date. As influencing
weather, especially weather of severe character, the planet Saturn seems most
important. Therefore, this science corresponds to Arcanum XV.
Youth Court Cards
--The Youth of Scepters signifies a person ruled by the sign Sagittarius: benevolent,
free, jovial, quick tempered, energetic and fond of outdoor sports. Right way up it
denotes a Sagittarius man; reversed it indicates a Sagittarius woman. The dominant
idea is I SEE.
The Youth of Swords signifies a person ruled by the sign Capricorn: crafty, subtle,
reserved and avaricious. Right way up it denotes a Capricorn man; reversed it
indicates a Capricorn woman. The dominant idea is I USE.
The Youth of Coins signifies a person ruled by the sign Aquarius: witty,
argumentative yet amiable, artistic, humanitarian and fond of refined society. Right

way up it denotes an Aquarian man; reversed it indicates an Aquarian woman. The

dominant idea is I KNOW.
The Youth of Cups signifies a person ruled by the sign Pisces: negative, timid,
listless, harmless, and much influenced by those about him. Right way up it denotes a
Pisces man; reversed it indicates a Pisces woman. The dominant idea is I BELIEVE.
The Lightning--Arcanum
XVI
--Letter: Egyptian, Olelath; Hebrew, Ayin; English, O. Number, 16. Astrologically,
the planet Mars. Color, red. Tone, C. Occult science, Stellar Diagnosis and Stellar
Healing. Human function, the animal soul. Natural remedy, thermo-therapeutics.
Mineral, iron.
O--16, expresses in the spiritual world, the chastisement of pride.
In the intellectual world, the exhaustion of the mind which attempts to penetrate the
mystery of God.
In the physical world, the ruin of fortune.
Remember, then, son of earth, that only God is absolute. If Arcanum XVI should
appear in the prophetic signs of thy horoscope, reflect on the old oaks that have defied
the ravages of time and have finally been brought down after a century of immunity;
and think that thou too mayst be brought low at the very moment of thy great
arrogance by some unexpected blow.
In Divination, Arcanum XVI may be read as Accident or Catastrophe.
Arcanum XVI is figured by a pyramid decapitated by a thunderbolt. A crowned and
uncrowned man are precipitated from a platform built of seven stages, falling down
with the rest of the debris.
A pyramid is the most stable of solids, is the symbol of the earth, and also represents
the climax of earthly security. As composed of four trines, which are its sides,
corresponding to the houses of a birth chart, it symbolizes the horoscope of physical
life. From mineral up to man there are seven degrees of mundane life, the seventh, or
last stage of incarnation, being that of man. After one incarnation of man, and thus
gaining self consciousness, the soul continues its progress in higher-than-physical
spheres. Thus the platform on which the men were standing represents the last
incarnation in matter.
That the pyramid has been struck by lightning to the disaster of both a crowned and
an uncrowned man, symbolizes that Nature is no respecter of persons, and that she
strikes down both the high and the low, kings as well as subjects, who transgress her
law. It is also the symbol of those rivalries which are so common among men, which
divert energies into channels that result in ruin for all. It signifies sterile projects, ill
considered enterprises which are doomed to failure, ambitions which are frustrated,
and death by catastrophe. And it represents the false security which results from

material success and the reliance upon purely material science, as well as the sure
punishment which is attracted ultimately by all those who use magical forces in the
attainment of selfish ends.
Number
--Numerically, 16 is the second decave of 7, and thus represented by Arcanum VII,
or complete physical union, used on the negative plane of Arcanum II. In this aspect
it indicates the power of sex to destroy, when actuated by any motive other than love.
Lust, selfish gratification with no care for the feelings of the other, union actuated by
desire for gain, and union in the practice of magic, all generate a force, but this force
is destructive in quality. Sex magic, in particular, generates a frightful force, but, as
indicated by 8 plus 8, in the end reacts on the user and brings to him a violent
punishment.
Astrology
--Astrologically, Mars is the planet of passion, of war, of violence, of accident, of
sudden destruction. As such it is well portrayed by Arcanum XVI.
Human Function
--A great deal is said in condemnation of the animal propensities that so frequently
crop out in the actions of men. But these animal propensities are merely men's most
valuable assets in a state of undevelopment. They should not be encouraged to
express their animal activities, it is true, yet without them to furnish energy, still
higher functions would have no power.
Nature has been at great pains to develop those qualities which lead to self
preservation and race preservation. These qualities are selfish, having been
developed through the struggle with other forms of life, for survival. But even though
they are, on the animal plane, self centered, and dedicated largely to the destruction
of enemies and the gaining of sustenance with no thought as to the consequence to
others, nevertheless, in order thus to preserve and provide for self and family,
creatures have developed initiative and an energy supply. This energy supply and
aggressiveness is the force behind the animal soul of man, to which Arcanum XVI
corresponds.
Yet without this animal energy man would have no force, would be able to
accomplish nothing. The animal propensities are the sole source of his energy, they
are the reservoir from which he must draw for any spiritual accomplishment.
Intellectual force may be on the plane of the animal, seeking selfish ends, or on the
plane of the spiritual, seeking good for all. But while man is still in the flesh, even
spiritual energy must draw its force from the volume of energy developed by the
animal; transmuting it merely, that is, diverting it from a selfish to an unselfish,

purpose. Therefore, before there can be a vigorous divine soul, or a vigorous

spirituality, there is usually present a vigorous and active animal soul.
Alchemy
--In Alchemy, Arcanum XVI represents the heat of the reverberatory furnace. This,
on the mental plane, is supplied by feeling, the feeling of pleasure or pain. On the
spiritual plane it is supplied by a still higher type of feeling, by aspiration and
inspiration; and in its highest manifestation it arises from an insatiable longing to
assist to the highest possible degree in the advancement of the universe and the
happiness and joy of all forms of life.
Bible
--Elijah built an altar of twelve stones, represented by the four triangular sides of the
pyramid of life shown in Arcanum XVI. Kings, 18:38; "Then the fire of the Lord fell,
and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and
licked up the water that was in the trench." The fire is seen thus falling in the
Arcanum under consideration.
Sex magic also is mentioned in Revelations, and the destruction of all those who
follow such practices: "Mystery, Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots and
abominations of the earth." And, Rev. 16:18, "And there were voices and thunders,
and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were
upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great."
The great pyramids of Mexico, and those of the Mound Builders of the Mississippi
Valley, had a flat place on top, where a fire was built by a priest. Atlantis is reputed to
have been sunk in a single night by volcanic action and earthquake. Sodom and
Gomorrah perished by fire and brimstone, and the Tower of Babel, according to
Bible tradition, was never completed. And to still further clarify Arcanum XVI, it
may be repeated that those who take up the sword perish by the sword, that those who
seek to destroy others, themselves meet destruction.
Masonry
--In Masonry, the Master's Elect of Nine degree is based upon Arcanum XVI. We
find that Joabert steals ahead of the other pursuers, and discovering one of the
assassins of Hiram Abiff asleep, stabs him in the head and in the heart, then cuts off
his head and carries it home.
The 15 craftsmen who conspire to murder Hiram are represented by Arcanum XII.
Tubalcain represents the constructive attributes of the planet Mars, while Cain
represents the destructive side. Thus the three assassins of Hiram, and their
punishment, as well as the act of Cain, are symbolized by Arcanum XVI.

Magic
--Arcanum XVI illustrates one of the most certain principles of magic, that any
destructive force sent against another, when the period of its orbit has been
completed, will return to inflict punishment upon the sender.
To send out an evil, or destructive, thought or force, a corresponding center, or point
of projection must be formed in the astral body. This nucleus of evil, or discord, itself
attracts influences of like quality, and thus ultimately brings misfortune upon the one
who projects such a force.
To fight an invisible force is but to increase its power, unless the source of it is
completely destroyed; for thinking about it in the act of fighting it keeps the person
tuned in on its vibratory rates. One can, of course, build a protection of cold
deflective armour about oneself, which will prevent the entry of such a force. Still
better, one can tune in on some entirely different interest so strongly that the invisible
energy is cut off, the receiver hung up. This is the safest of all methods.
But to start in to fight any individual, on any plane, by means of mental force, is
dangerous, and nearly always brings punishment. I do not mean that injustices
should be permitted. But that thought force, or magical energies, sent against
another, usually do as much damage in the long run to the one sending them, as to the
one against whom they are sent. Truth must be upheld, and the weak protected. But
not by using mental magic as a weapon.
Evil influences can not exist in an atmosphere of love and constructive effort, nor can
they penetrate into such a region. Therefore instead of sending out other discordant
vibrations in combat, evil forces should be ignored, and only constructive thoughts
built up and sent out. Such constructive efforts, together with the high energy
supplied by love, paralyze any force of evil; for it can accomplish nothing in such an
environment.
Initiation
--In the soul's pilgrimage, Arcanum XVI indicates that stage of development where
the neophyte finds himself called upon to protect those weaker than himself from the
influence of destructive psychic forces. But whether these forces are such as arise
from the practice of disintegrative forms of mediumship, or are those directly from
the inversive magi, either on earth or in the astral, he should obey the admonition of
the Bible to overcome evil with good. If he builds the things he desires, if he
constructs love and harmony, destructive forces can find no point of contact or
influence.

Occult Science
--Stellar Diagnosis and Stellar Healing is the science of diagnosing from the birth
chart and progressed positions of the planets the nature of the disease, and of
applying the appropriate energies to the physical and astral bodies which will restore
harmony; for all disease is caused by discord. Such a discord is depicted by Arcanum
XVI.
The Wish Spread
--The wish spread, pictured on page 178, is used to determine if some wish will be
realized. First a card to represent the one making the wish is selected and placed face
up in the center of the spread.
The cards of the deck are then spread out, face down, and fifteen of them to be used in
this spread are selected at random. The other cards are then discarded.
The fifteen are shuffled and cut in the common routine manner, and dealt, one at a
time, face downward. Three go to the left of the central card, three above it, three to
the right of it, three below it, and three in the center on it.
To read, turn those over to the left--1--2--3, saying, "This is what surrounds you."
Then turn over and read those above--4--5--6, saying, "This is your wish."
Next turn over and read those at the right--7--8--9, saying, "This is what opposes
you."
Following which turn over and read those below--10--11--12, saying, "This is
what comes to your home."
And finally turn over and read those in the center--13--14--15, saying, "This is
what you will realize."
If the wish card--the 9 of cups--appears anywhere in the reading except in "This is
what opposes you," it is a sure sign that the wish, at least in part, will be realized. The
place where it falls will determine how soon it will come, the closer it is to card 1 the
sooner the matter will come to pass. But if the wish card--the 9 of cups--falls on 7, 8,
or 9, the desire will not be gratified, and the cards will show why.
When the wish card--the 9 of cups--fails to appear, if the cards are very favorable
the wish will come true, but if unfavorable, it will be denied. In either case the cards
by their different stations will indicate the details and show why the result is as
denoted.

Chapter 11
Chronology of the Tarot
S the tarot is a pictorial synthesis of the universe, not only must it correspond
to astrological influences, but also to the various divisions of time which are
measured by these influences.
Already I have pointed out in some detail the strict correspondence between the 22
Major Arcana and the 10 planets and 12 zodiacal signs, that the 12 common Court
Arcana describe people born under each of the 12 signs of the zodiac, and that the 4
horseman Court Arcana signify thoughts that relate to the 4 departments of life.
Now, as fully explained in Chapters 1 and 2 of Course 10-1, Delineating The
Horoscope, each zodiacal sign is divided into three equal sections, called decanates.
Each of these decanates embraces 10 degrees of the zodiac and has an influence
distinctly its own. Thus in each quadrant of the zodiac there are 9 decanates. These
decanates of the zodiac, however, each belong to one of the four elements; that is, to
the triplicity of fire, of water, of air or of earth. The 10th, or transitional influence,
therefore, represents the element to which the 9 decanates belong; for the 9 decanates
are distributed among the three signs which make up one of the zodiacal triplicities.
Thus the Minor Arcana of any one suit do not belong to one quadrant of the zodiac,
but to signs in three quadrants; the triplicity to which they belong being designated by
the suit, and the 10th Minor Arcanum of each suit, representing the completion of the
cycle of that element and a transition to some other, more conveniently being placed
adjoining the fixed sign of the element to which its suit belongs.
The astrological relationship of each card of the tarot is given in the key on page 21 of
chapter 1. This key contains vastly more than is apparent at first glance, and is well
worth careful study followed by deep meditation. The ring of the key shows the
rulership of each decanate and each triplicity of the zodiacal circle in relation to each
of the 40 Minor Arcana of the tarot. The stem of the key shows the relation between
each planet and sign to one of the 22 Major Arcana. The wards of the key turn in the
three worlds; physical, astral and spiritual. And the people who exert an influence in
these three worlds, and the four types of their thoughts, are shown on these wards as
the 16 Court Arcana.
Here, however, we are more interested in chronology. The 12 common Court Arcana
which represent people born during each of the 12 months, of course, correspond to

the 12 months of the year. The 4 Horsemen, who represent the type of influence each
person exerts through his thoughts, correspond to the distinctive influence exerted by
each of the four seasons. If we include the 40 Minor Arcana, giving to each suit 13
cards in addition to the Horsemen, they then correspond to the influence of the 4
seasons, which contain 13 X 4, or 52 weeks. And the 22 Major Arcana then represent
the 22 astrological influences that cause the weeks and seasons.
The numerical value of the Minor Arcana of each suit, obtained by adding their
numbers, is 55; or 220 for all 40 cards. The value of the Horsemen is one each, or 4 for
all; and as each Major Arcanum represents a single principle, if we omit the
no-numbered tarot for the present, it gives us for the value of the whole tarot pack,
220 plus 120 plus 4 plus 21, or 365 The value of the 12 common Court Arcana is 10
each, or 120.
Yet the no-numbered tarot does not represent exactly zero, but any indeterminate
quantity, which in this case may be taken as a trifle more than
1
4
. This no-numbered
tarot, which here is given an arbitrary value of slightly more than
1
4
., represents both
the unknown factors of astronomical calculations and of human endeavors. It
recognizes that both people and stellar bodies have the power to deviate slightly
through the use of their own volition from any orbit defined for them by
environmental influences. It thus signifies the inherent power of action known as
Free Will. But in the Chronology we are considering it becomes something more
than
1
4
day in excess of 365, such as is found in a year.
The Birth-Chart
--Turning now to a more practical application, it is found that the Major Arcana can
give the astrologer additional information, when it is required, about a birth-chart or
a progressed chart. The chart may be completely read, if desired, by placing each of
the Major Arcana on the place occupied in the chart by its corresponding astrological
sign or planet. Then it should be noted what might be expected, in the houses where
the influences fall, from such combinations of forces as are shown by the tarot cards
when united, either discordantly or harmoniously, as indicated by the astrological
aspects.
The chief value of the tarots to the astrologer, however, is their use in this manner
when he is in doubt, or needs additional information. When, in natal astrology,
horary astrology, mundane astrology, stellar diagnosis, or in any other branch, he
finds some difficult problem, such as determining what will transpire under a certain
progressed aspect; if he will combine the cards according to the aspects and
conditions in the chart, they often will shed an illuminating light that makes the
answer clear.

Talismans Other Than

Gems
--Although stones and gems are more durable than others, they are not the only
substances that can be used as talismans. Plants, for instance, have a temporary
talismanic value when worn by those in whose birth-charts the sign ruling the plant is
harmonious. And because some plants may be quite antagonistic to an individual, it
is much better to select plants for the home and garden, not indiscriminately, but with
the end in view of obtaining such as have a strengthening quality of astral vibration,
and the aromas of which furnish subtle essences harmonious to the soul.
For talismanic purposes the young growing shoots or the parts bearing the flowers
and seeds should be used. A good time to gather plants, either for talismanic or
medicinal purposes, is during the hour just before the Moon rises in the sign ruling
the plant, the best time being just at moonrise while the moon is in the sign ruling the
plant.
Animals also sometimes have an influence similar to talismans, this being
particularly true of domestic pets, such as cats, dogs and horses. When the
attachment between the pet and its master is pronounced there is a keen desire on the
part of the animal to afford protection and benefit. This desire stimulates its
unconscious mind. And the unconscious mind, even of a creature much lower in the
scale than man, through its psychic senses, has a very wide scope of perception. Not
being inhibited by reason, the things that it thus senses psychically may make quite a
strong impression upon it, and cause it to behave in such a way that it warns its master
of approaching evil.
Even after the animal dies, its strong attachment to its master may cause it to linger in
the astral realm quite close to him. Its unconscious mind, thus free from physical
limitations, has a scope of intelligence far beyond what we expect of such an animal
on earth. It perceives, from the astral plane, the events that affect its master. And it
keenly senses his wishes, and desires that these wishes shall be granted.
It may thus, from time to time, be able to convey to him, through dreams and
impressions, a knowledge of such conditions as are about to affect him. Or it may
follow him to the seance room, and if this be of a certain low order, assist in
manifestations there.
I am not assuming that an animal, just because it passes to the next plane, acquires
human intelligence. But an animal which has had much human association while on
earth, has little difficulty in sensing just what its former master wants. Just as, while
on earth, a dog will fetch a stick that its master throws, so on the next plane will it try
to do that which will please. It has not acquired human intelligence, but because it is
free from the body its unconscious mind has a wide scope of perception, and it is
more responsive than ever to its master's thought. And it sometimes finds
opportunity to manifest an intelligence of a not very high order in the seance room.

But aside from talismans and exceptional types of influences, the various objects of
our environment each radiate a characteristic energy. If an object vibrates to the
frequency of an astrological influence which is beneficial in our birth-chart, through
increasing the strength of the harmonious vibration in us it renders us assistance. But
the association with either objects or people which stirs up in us consciously or
unconsciously, a feeling of discord, should be avoided as much as is practicable; for
we attract events into our lives that correspond to the discords or harmonies we
harbor within.
Response to Healing
--This same principle explains why some people respond readily to one type of
healing and some to another. By inspecting the birth-chart and the progressed chart
the astrologer quickly can determine which planet's vibrations are chiefly
responsible for the trouble. Then by referring to the Arcanum ruled by the planet he
can find the Natural Method of treatment which is commonly most efficacious in
correcting the discords caused by the planet.
Thus if Mercury causes the affliction, mental healing is particularly applicable. If
Neptune is the chief disturber, the disease is more susceptible to spiritual healing.
Jupiter brings ailments that need a corrective diet. Venus tends to depletion that may
be treated with rest and recreation. Uranus produces peculiar disturbances in the
electromagnetic body that often yield readily to electricity and mesmerism. The
discords of Pluto yield quickly to stellar healing. Water is the natural remedy for the
afflictions caused by the Moon, and light for those caused by the Sun. If Mars is the
disturber there is usually a temperature to be reduced, and if Saturn is back of the
discord you may be sure that the vitality is low and needs earth-baths and outdoor life
to build it up.
The affliction shown by a planet, due to the sign it is in, may manifest its discord in
any one of the twelve zones of the body. In this course certain herbs ruled by each
sign are given under the Arcanum corresponding to the sign. This will enable you to
select those suitable for temporary talismans, or those that, through a corresponding
vibratory rate, most readily affect the part of the body ruled by the same sign. For
more details of the rulership of specific diseases you are referred to Course 16,
Stellar Healing, on Stellar Diagnosis and Stellar Healing.
Herbal remedies are administered according to two different schools of thought. The
homeopathic system is that like cures like. From the occult point of view this means that
an herb belonging to a certain sign, if taken into a healthy organism in excessive
amounts, tends to cause a diseased condition of the corresponding part of the body. But
if
that part of the body is already diseased, the taking of the herb corresponding to this part
of the body in very small amounts, builds up and strengthens this part of the body with
its
similar vibratory rate. In other words, the remedy is applied in such quantity as will give
the diseased part the vigor to overcome the disease.

But this system can not be successfully applied to all diseases. Hence we have the
allopathic system, which works on the principle that contrary cures contrary. From
the occult point of view this means that the disease itself is attacked and an attempt
made to annihilate it by means of something violently antagonistic to it. Instead of
building up the vigor of the diseased part of the body, the attempt is made to destroy
the disease and eliminate it from the body. Fire is thus fought with water, earth with
air, and Mars with Saturn. This method seemingly is necessary to combat certain
virulent diseases, but, through the violence of the remedies used, is much more apt to
impair the constitution.
Here, of course, no attempt is made to discuss the relative value of medicines, or to
give instructions in the specific cure of diseases through the administration of herbs.
Instead, I merely give such hints as to the relative principles of underlying cures as I
hope will prove of value to those who specialize in healing. From these hints they
should be able to work out, in connection with their experience, the application in
detail. And when the nature of the disease is obscure and the method of treatment in
doubt, the use of the tarot as a divinatory instrument, by one who has some skill, can
be used both in diagnosis and in determining the most effective treatment to secure a
speedy recovery.
The Star--Arcanum XVII
--Letter: Egyptian, Pilon; Hebrew, Pe; English, F--P--Ph. Number, 17.
Astrologically, the zodiacal sign Gemini. Color, the lighter shades of violet. Tone,
high B. Occult science, cosmic alchemy. Human function, the sense of sight. Natural
remedy, such herbs as madder, tansy, vervain, woodbine, yarrow, meadow-sweet,
privet and dog-grass. Mineral, the talismanic gem beryl, and such stones as are
striped.
F--17 expresses in the spiritual world, immortality.
In the intellectual world, the interior light which illuminates the spirit.
In the physical world, hope.
Remember, then, son of earth, that hope is the sister of faith. Shed thy passions and
thy errors in order to study the mysteries of true science and the key will be given
thee; then a ray of divine light will break from the occult sanctuary in order to
dissipate the shadows of thy future and show thee the way of happiness. If Arcanum
XVII should appear in the prophetic signs of thy horoscope, whatever may happen in
life, never injure the flower of hope and thou wilt gather the fruits of faith.
In Divination, Arcanum XVII may be read as Truth, Hope or Faith.
Arcanum XVII is figured by a blazing star of eight rays in the center of which is a
white trine with point upward joined at its base to a black trine with its point
downward. This star is surrounded by seven other stars. It hovers over a nude young
girl who has one foot upon the sea and one foot upon the land, and who pours the fluid
of universal life from two cups, one of gold, the other of silver. Near the girl is a

flower of three blossoms, and above the upper one a butterfly opens its wings.
This young girl is the emblem of truth. She is nude, signifying that truth can be
perceived only when stripped of the preconceived ideas and dogmatic opinions with
which it has been clothed by the artificialities of civilization.
She rests partly upon the land and partly upon the sea to denote that truth is dual, the
truth of reality and the truth of appearances, the truth of the practical and the truth of
the ideal. The fluid is poured from a silver cup into the sea to indicate that the loving,
emotional side of man's nature must be nourished if he is to grasp the inner truth. And
it is poured from a golden cup upon the land to denote the necessity of cultivating the
positive, reasoning intellect if he is to possess the external truth.
The fluid flowing from the golden cup represents the forces of man, and that from the
silver cup the forces of woman; together revealing the truth of soul-mate-hood, and
indicating how the finer energies of man rejuvenate woman and how the finer
energies of woman rejuvenate man; their forces mutually sustaining each other and
making a joint immortality possible.
The eight-point star symbolizes the Law of Equilibrium, the balance between spirit
and matter, male and female, the inner and the outer. It is the book of the apocalypse
sealed with seven seals, and thus represents the inner realization and the outer
realization, the birth of the soul and the birth of the body, under the influence of the
planets, represented by the 7 surrounding stars, or seals.
Each of these smaller stars, or seals, has four points, to signify that man should
recognize the nature of its influence and realize how to direct it into channels of his
own choosing.
The two trines of the larger star symbolize the Hermetic Axiom, "As it is below, so it
is above," and reveal that evolution implies a preceding involution. It also indicates
the necessity of experiences with both good and evil for soul progression.
The flower of three blossoms represents the three planes of existence from which the
soul
sips the nectar of wisdom, gaining thereby the strength to attain immortality,
symbolized
by the butterfly.
Number
--Numerically, 17 is the 2nd decave of 8, denoting the crystallized condition of
Arcanum VIII polarized to the frequency level denoted by Arcanum II. It is
involution followed by evolution, for, after all, matter is but polarized spirit. In
the universe there is but one Principle, which manifests under two modes of
motion as force and will. There is but one LAW, and this is sex, manifesting as
male and female. There is but one Agent, which manifests as spirit and matter.
And there is but one Truth, which manifests as appearance and reality. This is the
truth represented by the star of Arcanum XVII.

Astrology
--The most pronounced symbolism of Arcanum XVII pertains to its duality, and the
most dual sign of the zodiac is Gemini. This sign, pictured among the constellations
as the Twins, representing Reason and Intuition, belongs to the first degree of
emanation of the airy triplicity, and therefore represents the most interior and free use
of the intellect. It corresponds to the day house of Mercury, the planet of mental
expression, and thus is a fitting symbol of Truth. Better than any other sign, Gemini
typifies the duality that sustains all worlds and alone makes life and consciousness
possible.
Human Function
--The first step toward truth is perception. This perception should embrace both
sides of the situation. And while knowledge requires also an inner comprehension of
the meaning of things seen, the necessity for correct sight is implied in the vernacular
expression, "I see," used to signify comprehension. Mercury rules both Gemini and
the eyes, and as Gemini corresponds to the day house of Mercury, it is more closely
allied with the external vision. And if additional testimony were required to show the
correspondence of the sense of sight with Arcanum XVII, it could be found in the
restless activity of the eyes, and of the natives of Gemini, in their unceasing search
for new information and new experiences.
Alchemy
--Arcanum XVII pictures the finding of the fountain of eternal youth. Gold and
silver have been completely purified and the dross removed. Each, united to a proper
flux, has been reduced to the first matter in the reverberatory furnace. And as a result
of their transmuted union they are no longer merely gold and silver, but a delectable
fluid, the coveted elixir of life.
Many have sought, but few have found, this precious draught. Some who have had it
ready to their hand, have failed to recognize it. Others have discovered it
accidentally, and while deeply awed by its wonderful properties have never
perceived its real use and partaken of its life giving properties. More have been
poisoned by drinking that which they hoped would prove to be the elixir, a fluid
somewhat resembling it, but in reality quite destructive. Yet Arcanum XVII pictures
its preparation in unmistakable terms to those who do not discard the simple and
plain in search for the intricate and complex.

Bible
--The first pointed reference in the Bible to Arcanum XVII is Gen. 1:27; "So God
created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female
created he them."
Thus is revealed the great truth exemplified in still more detail by the duality shown
in Arcanum XVII. For not only does it point out that man is formed in the image of
God, that the microcosm is a miniature copy of the macrocosm, but that both are,
when complete, male and female. Whatever exists in the starry firmament above,
according to both the Bible and this Arcanum, must have its correspondence in the
constitution of man. But in addition thus to formulating the relation of the soul to the
stars, it states positively that the macrocosm is both male and female; and implies that
souls to persist must retain their sex; for when this attribute is destroyed man ceases
to be an image of God, and no longer partakes of the divine nature.
John 8:32 reads; "And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free."
Now freedom implies a previous bondage. The bondage here considered is that
imposed by the restrictions of the physical. But these restrictions are removed when
the truth is perceived of man's relations to the universe, and that the soul, educated
for a definite mission in the cosmic scheme, survives physical death.
Rev. 5:1 mentions Arcanum XVII: "And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the
throne a book written within and on the back side, sealed with seven seals." This, of
course, is the book of nature, under the dominion of the 7 planets; and through a
knowledge of it immortality is gained, for it enables the soul to partake of the tree of
life mentioned in Gen. 3:22.
Just how this book of nature is to be opened and its contents made plain is quite
distinctly stated; "Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath
prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof." As the lion is the
zodiacal sign Leo, which rules the house of love, it is clear that the affections are
used. But this is not the only factor; for next we read that the Lamb took the book.
This is the zodiacal sign Aries, ruling the head. And this explains to us, in the
language of universal symbolism, that neither love nor reason alone is sufficient, but
that truth can be grasped completely only when there is a union of head and heart.
And thus does the Lamb here typify the soul which has triumphed over Arcanum
XIII, or death, through the combined activity of its intellect and its affections.
Masonry
--The degree of Provost and Judge is based upon Arcanum XVII. The duality of
truth is symbolized in this degree by two keys. One is the key to the small ebony box
containing the plans for building the temple, that is, the key to understanding the
Divine Plan. The other is the key to the ivory box containing the temple keys, that is,
the laws which govern the universe and the progress of the soul. The ivory box and

the ebony box clearly indicate that both positive keys and negative keys are required,
and that man and woman complement and complete each other.
Magic
--In Magic, Arcanum XVII is the perception of both the external and the internal
truth. Such perception is made possible through the cultivation of the soul senses.
But, because, through the principle that like attracts like, even a slight desire to
deceive others attracts deceiving influences, care should be exercised here. The
desires of the unconscious mind, also, have a tendency to warp such information to
coincide with them, as it is raised from the astral brain to the physical consciousness.
When one becomes unusually sensitive an idea through its sentiment may exert so
strong an appeal that the emotion may easily be mistaken for soul response. Then,
again, the thought images projected by other powerful minds are sensed by the
psychic faculties, and those not fully initiated are apt to respond to these as if they
were soul-responses to truth, when they, in fact, are merely being dominated by
thought-forms.
Therefore, while the pure intuitions of the soul, when sufficiently freed from various
other influences, are reliable guides to truth; for those who have not attained a very
high degree of spiritual initiation, they can not be relied upon too implicitly.
Consequently, in the search for truth, and in its apprehension, one set of faculties is
used to test the accuracy of the other; intuition is used to check the reports of reason,
and reason is applied to determine the reliability of intuition. Thus the initiate grasps
both the exoteric and the esoteric aspects of truth.
He perceives that every atom of physical life is but the symbolic expression on the
external plane of an indwelling spirit-atom. With his psychic vision he notes that
every living form is a collection of these indwelling spirit atoms controlled by a
central soul monad. This monad furnishes the conditions for their progress, as they
do for it, dominating them by virtue of its labors in past incarnations.
That is, every plant and animal, as well as gem and stone, is but the material vehicle
through which some soul is evolving and elaborating its powers. These astral entities
that mold the form of crystals, plants and animals, causing them to assume the shapes
they do, are the realities; for they continue to occupy new and higher forms, while the
material forms they inhabit are transitory and unenduring, and consequently but an
appearance.
The initiate recognizes the truth of appearance at its true value. He does not deny the
existence of matter and its properties; for to those occupying the physical plane
misery, disease and sin are as real as are spiritual verities to those occupying interior
realms. It is as great a mistake to deny the qualities expressed by material form as to
deny the reality of the spiritual ideals causing their expression. To one living entirely
upon the physical plane the mere denial that a substance is a poison will not prevent it
causing the death of the body. But to suppose that the material particles are the real
cause of the fatality is to observe but one side of the truth; for these particles are but

the material vehicles of spirit atoms that have a violent antipathy toward human life.
They are really the physical expression of a spiritual ideal, or idea, and this idea can
be sensed psychically.
If the spiritual development of the person is such that he realizes his own source and
destiny, that he belongs to a higher spiritual state than the destructive forces of the
poison, and that by virtue of his function in the cosmic scheme he should and can
dominate all submundane atoms of life; in other words, if his spiritual nature is
active, he can partake of the most violent poisons, or pass through fire as did
Shadrack and his companions, unharmed, because his spirituality enables him to
compel the obedience of the spirit atoms of the poison or the elementals of fire,
preventing them from acting as usual.
Again, let us glance about us. The initiated see in all our great cities, slums and
hotbeds of vice. It is useless to deny their existence, or the many contributing factors
in external life that supply them with victims, the chief of which, perhaps, is the
mental and magnetic inharmony of the parents at their conception. But even this is
only a portion of the truth; for the clairvoyant vision reveals the existence of cities
within cities, the lower astral world permeating the physical. The inhabitants of these
astral slums are usually as unconscious of the people of the physical world as the
latter are of them; yet the desires of the inhabitants of each realm react, through
unconscious thought impression, upon the other, and the slums of the astral world
stimulate the evil of external life. In fact, it might be said that the external slums are
imitations of the inner hells to which they correspond.
Initiation
--In the soul's initiation Arcanum XVII represents the attainment of divine
illumination through the perfect rapport of the soul and the ego. The ego is not some
mighty angelic power, but an eternal, scintillating atom of Deity, pure and innocent,
depending on the soul-monads which are the positive and negative attributes of itself
for knowledge of external life. The soul monad becomes closely associated with the
brain of man, and when the spirituality is sufficiently active a conscious rapport is
established between this monad and its ego. This brings the brain directly in touch
with the soul's center of deific life, enabling it to grasp the cosmic idea and realize
what portion of that idea it is progressing to express. What God is the soul can never
know, but it does grasp its own relation to God, and this truth leads it to freedom. This
freedom is not that of annihilation, or a dreamy nirvana, but the ability through
increased knowledge consciously to direct its own progression in harmony with the
laws of cosmic evolution. Instead of being subject to the stars, it rules them. This
illumination brings the conscious knowledge of its missing soul mate.
Occult Science
--Cosmic alchemy is the science of transforming the energies of society as a whole into
those types of action that are most beneficial to it, that most effectively assist the
highest

development of its members, and that most completely cooperate in the fulfillment of
the
divine plan.
Horseman Court Cards
--The Horsemen do not represent people, but thoughts or unseen intelligences. As
thoughts are ruled by Arcanum I, each Horseman has a numerical value of 1. In
divination they are read as thoughts or intelligences that have an influence upon the
life of the client. The one who thinks the thoughts is indicated by the Court Card
nearest whom the Horseman is found in the spread.
The Horseman of Scepters denotes thoughts concerning business. Right way up, it
indicates thoughts advantageous to the client; reversed it signifies thoughts opposed
to his business interests.
The Horseman of Cups denotes thoughts of love or affection. Right way up they are
sincere and to the client's advantage; reversed they indicate deceit or opposition to
the true affectional desires.
The Horseman of Coins denotes thoughts relating to health or money. Right way up,
they tend to the prosperity of the client; reversed they are plots to unfairly obtain
money from him.
The Horseman of Swords denotes thoughts of enmity, strife or sickness. Right way
up, it indicates thoughts devoted to the defense and protection of the client; reversed
they are plans and desires for his ruin.
The Moon--Arcanum
XVIII
Letter: Egyptian, Tsaidi; Hebrew, Tzaddi; English, Sh--Ts--Tz. Number 18.
Astrologically, the zodiacal sign Cancer. Color, the lighter shades of green. Tone,
high F. Occult science, mediumship. Human function, spirit communion. Natural
remedy, such herbs as water lilies, rushes, cucumbers, squashes, melons, and water
plants generally. Mineral, the talismanic gem, emerald, and such stones as are soft
and white, including selenite and chalk.
Sh--18 expresses in the spiritual world, the abyss of the infinite.
In the intellectual world, the shadows which envelop the spirit when it has submitted
itself to the rule of the instincts.
In the physical world, deception and hidden enemies.
Remember, then, son of earth, that whosoever braves the unknown, does so at his
peril. Hostile minds, figured by the black dog, will surround him with ambushes;
friendly, servile minds will offer him flatteries; and treacherous minds, like unto the
scorpion, will plan to attain their ends through his ruin. If Arcanum XVIII should
appear in the prophetic signs of thy horoscope, observe and listen, but know how to
be silent.

In Divination, Arcanum XVIII is Deception, False Friends, or Secret Foes.

Arcanum XVIII is figured by two pyramids at the edge of a road. The Moon above,
half obscured by clouds, sheds a pale twilight. One of the pyramids, symbol of the
twelve houses of the horoscope, is black, representing an ignorant and unspiritual
life. The other pyramid is white, symbolizing a life enlightened by science and
spiritual wisdom. In front of it is shown a door, or exit, indicating that those thus
enlightened are not earth-bound, but pass freely, when their earthly life is completed,
to a life in the higher spheres.
In the road before the pyramids are two dogs, one white and the other black; while
between them, in a circle of white, crawls a scorpion. This dim, moonlight scene
represents a seance room, the hidden perils of which are more redoubtable than those
to be seen. The false radiance of the moon indicates the glamor that surrounds such an
occasion. The good and the bad, the ignorant and the learned, symbolized by the
pyramids, are gathered there at the edge of the road into the beyond. To such a place
there may be attracted lying spirits, as signified by the black dog; friendly spirits, as
denoted by the white dog; or treacherous and dominating spirits who have much
knowledge, as indicated by the white circle in which the scorpion moves, but who use
it to deceive and attain their selfish ends.
Number
--Numerically, 18 is the 2nd decave of 9, or wisdom polarized. Arcanum IX
operating on the plane frequency of Arcanum II implies the exploration of secret
realms. Such exploration is not without its perils, and should be attempted only by
one who has made marked spiritual advancement, or under the guidance of a
competent master. Under these conditions the negative and disintegrative states are
not permitted, and then 18 becomes True Wisdom regarding the Science of
Occultism.
Astrology
--Cancer is ruled by the Moon, and is the zodiacal sign most susceptible to
influences from other planes, and most pronouncedly affected by its associates and
its environment. The mediumistic quality correlates it to Arcanum XVIII.
Human Function
--Cancer is the most interior degree of emanation of the watery triplicity, and most
readily receives and interprets the thoughts of entities occupying the interior worlds.
What appears to be intuition often, with people born under this sign, is in reality the
prompting of a discarnate entity. This ease of spirit communion corresponds to
Arcanum XVIII.

Alchemy
--The true elixir of life has the peculiar power of absorbing and transmitting the
energies of the surrounding magnetic atmosphere. If the elixir is pure it absorbs and
transmits only the finer, higher, life giving energies. But if impure, it attracts grosser
energies. Arcanum XVIII may represent either the true elixir or the false elixir.
The majority who seek this fluid of eternal youth fail to recognize the need for purity,
or are unable to discern whether or not the elixir is truly pure. They thus prepare the
draught by dissolving in the Water of Pythia whatever metals may be at hand,
without precaution as to their purity and proper proportions. They deceive
themselves, and drinking the false elixir thus prepared, are drugged into a
semiconscious state in which they are unable to perceive even the approach of their
own ruin.
Bible
--Saul, in his extremity, consulted a medium at Endor. Sam. 28:8; "And he said, I
pray thee divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring up whom I shall name unto
thee."
The power of spirits to obsess is mentioned as a matter of course in Math. 10:1; "And
when he had called unto him his twelve disciples he gave them power against unclean
spirits, to cast them out."
Paul speaks of deceiving spirits, I Tim. 4:1; "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that
in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits,
and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared
with a hot iron: Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats."
Masonry
--The degree of Initiate Secretary is based upon Arcanum XVIII. Its lower aspect is
the spy who listens at the veil and is captured, condemned by Hiram King of Tyre,
and finally freed through the intercession of King Solomon. Its higher aspect
represents that eminent saint, John the Baptist, to whom modern Masons dedicate
their lodge; for the sun is baptised in the Holy Ghost when it enters the watery sign
Cancer and reaches the highest, and symbolically the most spiritual, point in its
annual journey.
Magic
--Arcanum XVIII explains the process of mediumship. The passive ever becomes
the medium of the active, hence matter is the medium for the expression of mind.
Broadly speaking, in the sense that it receives and transmits force, everything is

mediumistic. Because the energies of the interior planes are more active than those
external, the physical is mediumistic to the astral, and thus astrological forces
influence the life of the material world.
Carrying the same thought further, the astral world must be passive to, and the
medium of, energies from the spiritual world. Thus may we consider God as the great
central controlling spiritual force of the universe, and that from Him down to the
densest mineral atom there is a complete, graded scale of mediumship; each higher
plane transmitting the One Universal Force to the plane next below, until finally it
reaches and energizes the lowest realm.
Even the adept is but the medium for the expression of spiritual ideas upon the
physical plane. The spiritual truths externalizing in his life are taught by schools on
the interior planes and subsequently verified by his own experiences. The true adept
never claims to originate the teachings he gives out; for he recognizes the fact that
whatever truth man grasps on the physical plane is due to his reception of it from
exalted souls whose interior plane of life enables them to dispel illusion. The truth
these exalted beings realize is transmitted to them from still more interior worlds, and
so on, to the very throne of God, Who is the absolute source of all truth. But there is a
great difference between such conscious and controllable mediumship and that of the
person who trusts to some controlling spirit guide, or permits a discarnate entity to
use his body as a means of communication.
In the first place it should be understood that under proper conditions it is possible,
and frequently happens, that people who have crossed the boundary of physical life
do return and talk with their loved ones through the organism of some medium. But
the soul world closest to earth is the lower astral, in which dwell earth-bound souls,
vicious elementals, depraved elementaries, and a host of other entities, some of
which are harmlessly mischievous, some of which are inimical to man, and some of
whom desire to use him for their own ends. To abdicate the rulership of the body in
favor of whatever unseen entity happens to be present, and that may claim to be
anything that suits its purpose, is to court the domination of the soul by entities which
may use their advantage to deceive, demoralize, obsess; and which always weaken
the will.
Of all places, the public seance room seems to be one least likely to furnish anything
of value, for the mixture of the thoughts and magnetisms attracts all sorts of
questionable entities. Such conditions favor physical manifestations; for the beings
responsible for them belong to the realm of force. Where the electromagnetic energy
is present, phenomena can be furnished through an irresponsible medium as readily
and as genuinely as can be produced by an adept. But the mediums can not control
them.
Much psychical phenomena is faked, because the genuine is so great a drain on the
medium that he can not generate the force to produce it often. Yet he feels that he
must keep his patronage at any cost. Irresponsible mediumship is fraught with great
peril.

Initiation
--In the soul's pilgrimage Arcanum XVIII denotes the neophyte's work in the astral,
freeing earth-bound souls from their fetters, assisting those deceived to realize their
errors, and encouraging them to strive for a new and better life.
Occult Science
--Mediumship is the science of reception and transmission, embracing the law of
affinity and its application in the production of phenomena.
Spread of 36
--This spread is used to give a general reading of conditions and events. After the
customary preparatory shuffling and cutting, the cards are dealt one at a time face
downward in a square of 36, starting at the bottom right-hand corner.
To read this spread, turn the cards over, from top to bottom, one at a time, in the order
of their sequence as given in the diagram on page 211. Read each card as it is turned
either as something conditioning the card just preceding it, or as a subsequent event,
as the case may be.
The bottom row represents the past, the next row above represents the present
conditions, and the cards of the four rows above, each row in its proper sequence, as
conditions in the future.
Then, for additional information, after the spread has been read in this manner, start
picking the cards up in pairs, reading each pair as some incident of the future. The
first two to be picked up and read in this manner are 1 and 36, the next are 2 and 35,
and so on until all 18 pairs have been read. This pair reading starts with the immediate
future, as denoted by 1 and 36. It is not meant to supplant or contradict the first
portion of the reading, but through revealing incidents of the future to shed additional
information.

Chapter 12
Solution of Ancient Cycles
HAVE designated under Arcanum VII that completion and perfection of
form, in so far as the three-dimensional plane is concerned, is expressed by
the number 7, and under Arcanum IX that the number of astral manifestation
is exemplified by the number 9. We are now ready, therefore, to apply these
two numbers to the law of cycles.
The cycles man can understand pertain to the physical plane and to the astral plane.
He should first, of course, have some knowledge of the completion of form as seen on
the physical plane, such as is to be found, for instance, in the septenary grouping of
chemical elements. And for this purpose the number 7 is a valuable tool. But behind
all such physical expression is the realm of ideas, the realm of astrological vibrations,
the realm of the character-vibrations of things. And for the purpose of investigating
this inner-plane region, the number 9 should be employed to aid the understanding.
Man, formatively considered, for instance, possesses a sevenfold constitution. Yet
viewed from a higher scale, his interior potencies are not properly manifested until he
has developed two additional factors, which we call reason and intuition. This adding
of an evolutionary positive and negative factor to the outer-plane 7 gives us the
inner-plane viewpoint, in which 9 aids the proper explanation.
Or, let us say, the 7 colors of the spectrum give formative expression to light on the
earth-plane. But to understand the more essential nature of light, its inner-plane
relations must be included. Black and white, the polar opposites, must be added to the
physical 7, to get the necessary inner-plane comprehension.
The chemical properties of an element, to consider matter, are subject to the same
law, being a periodic function of its atomic weight. But to reveal the thought-quality
of the element it must be considered also as possessing a positive and negative,
bringing the factors up to 9.
Yet as 10 is the cyclic number, the orbit of the cycles based either on 7 or 9, or both,
expand and contract in this manner: Ideal cycles, those which measure intellectual
and spiritual force, are solved by applying number 9. Practical cycles, which measure
magnetic and vital force and the planes of manifestation, are unlocked by number 7.
10 closes the cycle. And by using 7 and 9 in connection with the cyclic number, 10, it

is possible to solve every cycle in nature below the spiritual plane, from the
intra-atomic cycle of the electron up to the orbital movement of a universe.
Why are there 360 degrees in a circle? We can not say it is merely chance. A circle is
obviously a cycle, therefore embraces the number 10. It is also in nature the measure
of intellectual and spiritual force, as can be observed in the study of orbital motions
either of planets or of atoms.
Such orbits always express through four phases, which are well recognized in the
moon's orbit as its four quarters, and in the earth's orbit as the four seasons, but are
none the less present in all orbital motion. Therefore an orbit, or circle, is the cyclic
number 10 multiplied by 4, or Realization (Arcanum IV), giving 40, which indicates
any cycle as measuring the Realization of effort.
This number 40, which is the number of Minor Arcana of the tarot, explains all
reference to 40 in the Bible as periods in which Realization was accomplished.
But an orbit, as a measure of ideals, or intellectuality and spirituality, is a function of
the inner-plane number 9. 9 evolved to the 40th decave is 360, meaning Wisdom (9)
Realized (4) in a cycle (10). Thus it is that any point on the earth's surface passing
through 360 degrees, or a day and night, is a measure of intellectual and spiritual
force as applied to those born at different hours. It causes them to express, not merely
the mental activity and repose which humanity at large does each 24 hours, but
different Personalities.
In expressing cycles in terms of time, round numbers are used because often there are
variable factors, such as are spoken of in connection with the no-numbered Arcanum
of the tarot. The most apparent of these variations is that the relation of the Day to the
Year is not exactly 1 to 360, but 1 to 365
1
4
.
There is a good reason for this, but suffice it here to point out that the ancients
overcame this discrepancy by making their year measure 360 days, and then at the
winter solstice cutting out 5 days. Those five "Dies Non" were given over to festivity
and were not counted in their calendar. The year, or orbital motion of the earth
through 360 (3 plus 6 plus 0 equal 9) degrees, measures to humanity at large not only
the variation in light and heat, but the quality of mental and spiritual influx. People
born at different times of the year thus express different Individualities.
Furthermore, the yearly return of the Sun by transit over its place in the birth-chart is
the measure of spiritual energy received by individual man.
Now if we wish to find the operation of the practical forces in life, we divide the
number of days in the year by 7. This gives us 52 weeks. As 5 plus 2 equals 7, we
know these weeks relate to practical affairs rather than to spiritual influences. And as
a matter of fact, man regulates his physical existence by a week of 7 days.
The Moon, as it passes through the zodiac, by its phases, or relations to the Sun,
measures out to man the magnetic expansion and contraction which govern
intellectual activity. This cycle is a little more than 29 days. 2 plus 9 equals 11,

therefore the 4 quarters of the Moon measure the Realization of Magnetic Force
(Arcanum XI), the practical operation of which depends upon each phase of the
Moon of a little more than 7 days. People born with the Moon in different parts of its
orbit have different kinds of capacities.
But there is another cycle of the Moon of greater import to the Soul of man. It is the
cycle of a little over 27 days during which the Moon traverses 360 degrees of the
zodiac. 2 plus 7 equals 9, therefore this cycle relates to intellectual and spiritual
forces, and we find actually that this cycle of the Moon from one transit of the Sun to
another such transit in the birth-chart, measures the germination of spiritual powers
and psychic possibilities.
By virtue of the function of 9, the movements in the heavens during the earth's
diurnal motion through 360 degrees measures out the Major events of life to man
while the earth moves in its orbit 360 degrees. And the Moon's orbital motion of 360
degrees measures out to man the Minor Events occurring during the earth's orbital
motion of 360 degrees. In other words, in natal astrology, whose influences come
from the inner plane, the chief events of life are measured to man at the rate of a day
for a year, and the minor events of life at the rate of a month for a year; both measures
being functions of the number 9.
The Equinox is observed to move at the rate of 1 degree in 72 years (7 plus 2 equal 9).
This makes the place of the Sun at the beginning of the astronomical year appear to
retrograde through the zodiac 1 degree in 72 years, or through 360 degrees,
completing the circle in about 72 x 360 equal 25,920 years. 25,868 to be exact. This
period measures unto man all the different mental and spiritual forces possible
during one Precessional Cycle.
This cycle of 360 degrees is divided by 12 into sections corresponding to the zodiacal
signs, each section containing 30 degrees. Divide 25,868 by 12, and we get 2,156
years as the duration of one sub-cycle, or Age, as it is called. The equinox passes
through the 30 degrees corresponding to each zodiacal sign, and this gives rise to the
Age of that sign. It is the measure of the intellectual and spiritual force received by
humanity, and determines its general trend.
The equinox, or place of the Sun at the beginning of the astronomical year,
retrograded by "Precession" back from the first of constellated Aries, which is the
beginning of the circle of stars, 30 degrees, and therefore into the space
corresponding to the sign Aquarius, in 1881. The exact date is January 19, 1881. The
chart for the hour and minute as well as the date, and a discussion of it, are given in
Astrological Lore of All Ages. This is the time of the commencement of the Aquarian
Age, and because the mental and spiritual force received by humanity is different
when the Sun's place among the stars at the beginning of the year corresponds to the
place of different zodiacal signs, the student can get some idea of the type of
civilization that, past or future, exists while the equinox is in any sign by multiplying
2,156 years by the number of signs removed from Aquarius, and adding to or
subtracting from, the year 1881.

History thus records that during the time the Equinox moves by Precession through
each sign there is also a change in the practical trend of the mental force and
dominant interest about every 308 years. That is, the movement of the equinox
through one sign is divided into seven equal periods, the number 7 signifying this
formative trend. The duration of this period within the Sub-Precessional Cycle is
obtained by dividing 2,156 years by 7, the result being 308 years.
Each of these formative periods is apparently under dominion of one of the seven
planets. The Equinox always backs into a sign, entering the end of the 30th degree
and moving back to 29, 28 and so on. And by reference to historical events we find
that the first period after the Equinox enters a sign precessionally is ruled by the Sun,
that the next period is ruled by Venus, the next by Mercury, then the Moon, Saturn,
Jupiter and finally Mars as the last period in any sign. Anyone conversant with
history can verify the influence of these periods.
From this information, which was first given out by Abbot Trithemius, it is possible
to determine in a general way the trend of the intellectual forces as practically applied
during any period of 308 years, past or future. If the period was ruled by the Sun the
energies were applied to the engrandizement of State or Empire; if by Mars, they
were devoted to mechanics and war; if by the Moon, it was a period of intellectual
slumber; if by Venus, the energies were given over to art and luxury; if by Mercury,
to intellectual culture; if by Saturn, to subtlety and superstition; if by Jupiter, to
expansion and benevolence. The Sun started his rule of 308 years on December 23,
1880. Mars ceased to rule Dec. 21, 1880. Or, to be more precise, the solstice of 1880
in December is the point of reckoning from which the student can trace the influence
of these periods either forward or backward.
Now we come to a very interesting theory which probably has no valuable practical
application. That the obliquity of the ecliptic is constantly changing was observed by
ancients as well as by moderns. That is, the Pole of the earth is moving in an orbit at
right angles to the earth's diurnal rotation at the rate of about 1 second every 2 years,
or 1 degree in 7,200 years. If, therefore, the earth should continue this motion it
would turn completely polarwise in 7,200 x 360 equal 2,592,000 years. And as
turning around completely equatorwise is called one common day, so turning
completely around polarwise is called one polar day.
According to modern astronomers, however, the earth does not thus turn completely
over polarwise, but after moving through 3 or 4 degrees starts to swing back,
according to known laws, which cause it thus to wobble. But because the time
involved to observe this swinging back was so great some ancient concluded this
polarwise motion continued uniformly on around the circle, and he based his larger
periods of duration on this false Polar Day of 2,592,000 years. The days of creation
mentioned in Genesis refer to these Polar Days of immense duration.
The Polar Day was known in Egypt, and its duration is incorporated in the Great
Pyramid; although just because the amount of average movement of the earth
Polarwise is included in this monument does not warrant us to conclude that they

believed the earth thus completely to turn over, as this movement over a few degrees,
even though it swings back, is really one of the most important astronomical
movements, having profound effects upon the climate and other matters on the earth.
And it is this average movement of 1 degree in 7,200 years which the pyramid
records.
It should be understood that there is both geological evidence and archaeological
evidence as well as modern knowledge of astronomical movements which all
indicate that the earth does not turn over Polarwise and that the races which have
been assumed to exist never have existed on the earth in physical forms. But because
the theory was developed to a fine degree in India, and is the basis of the various
sacred cycles there recorded, as well as being linked up with their accounts of races
which once inhabited the globe, it is valuable to know it, even as a theory which
modern science seems completely to have refuted.
The theory is that the Polar Day is the exact duration of the life-wave on the earth, and
that this is the average time of the life on each planet. Therefore for the life-wave to
travel once around the chain of 7 planets, and thus give formative expression to and
develop 1 Round of Humanity, containing 7 Root-Races, takes 7 x 2,592,000 equal
18,144,000 years. Then to produce 7 Rounds of humanity requires 7 x 18,144,000
equal 127,008,000 years or 49 Polar Days. Then comes the Jubilee of Nirvana during
which Nature sleeps for 7 Polar Days while the life-wave goes once around the
septenary chain.
Then, according to this Eastern theory which archaeology quickly disproves,
commences the Second Series, and the 7 Families, or Rounds of 7 Root-Races, each
ascending to Angelic Spheres to become the parents and Guardians of the new series
of humanity.
The number 360 was used by the ancients of the East to veil their sacred cycles, 360
Common Years being called One Divine Year. The Hindus, in their studies, also
made use of the cyclic number 10. Thus we are informed that the Divine Maha Yug is
composed of 10 Great Ages or Cali Yugs. A Cali Yug is 1,200 Divine Years, or 360 x
1,200 equal 432,000 common years, during which the earth's pole, according to their
theory of polar motion, was supposed to pass over
1
6
of its orbit of 2,592,000 years,
making the sextile aspect to its own place.
A Dwaper Yug is two Cali Yugs, or 2,400 Divine Years, or 864,000 common years,
during which the pole is supposed to pass over
1
3
of its orbit, making the trine aspect
to its original place. A Treta Yug is 3 Cali Yugs, or 3,600 Divine Years, or 1,296,000
common years, during which the earth's pole was supposed to pass over
1
2
of its orbit,
making the opposition to its original place. A Satya Yug, according to these Hindu
cycles, is 4 Cali Yugs, or 4,800 Divine Years, or 1,728,000 common years, during
which the earth's pole is supposed to pass over
2
3
of its orbit, making the second trine
to its original place.
Furthermore, a Maha Yug is composed of 1 Cali Yug plus 1 Dwaper Yug plus 1 Treta
Yug plus 1 Satya Yug, or the equivalent of 10 Cali Yugs, 12,000 Divine Years, or

4,320,000 years, during which, according to the Hindu theory, the earth's pole is
supposed to pass 1
2
3
times around its orbit. A Maha Yug is thus composed of 4
aspects bearing the relation 1-2-3-4 to each other, completing the number 10. And a
Manwantares is 1,000 times 1 Maha Yug, during which portion of the Great Kalpa
the planetary chain has been disintegrated and reorganized several times.
In some sense, for tradition so wide spread is seldom without adequate foundation,
there doubtless was a Golden, Silver, Copper and Iron age. Astrological influx
combined with climatic conditions at some time in the dim past of the world. We are
not justified, however, in believing these ages were dependent in the strict sense
upon the hypothetical Polar Day. Yet an account of this theoretical linking up, as
derived from Hindu sources, is not devoid of interest.
It was supposed that these ages referred only to the first Round of humanity, and as a
matter of scientific fact, the evidence all points that humanity has not been upon the
earth longer than the periods embraced within one or two Polar Days. But it is
supposed, according to the theory, that these ages recur again as the life-wave leaves
the planet, developing the highest states of the round, although they are not strictly
called by the same names.
It was supposed that with the pole at right angles to the ecliptic, or sun's path, there
was an ideal climate in the temperate zones, and that the climate does not become
excessively severe until the pole moves through 4 x 9 equal 36 degrees. As the pole
moves through 1 degree in 7,200 years, this period of the Golden Age was supposed
to have lasted 36 x 7,200 equals 259,200 years. Then while the pole passed through 3
x 9 equal 27 degrees, giving the Sun a maximum declination of from 36 to 63
degrees, there were hot long days in summer and cold long nights in winter. This
Silver Age lasted 27 x 7,200 equal 194,400 years. While the pole passed through 2 x 9
equal 18 degrees, the Tropics reached an angle of from 63 to 81 degrees, and there
were tropical summers and arctic winters on all portions of the globe. This Copper
Age is supposed thus to have lasted 18 x 7,200 equal 129,600 years.
Then while the pole was passing through 1 x 9 equal 9 degrees, the Sun was
approaching its vertical position once a year to both North and South Poles, and the
climatic conditions were frightful. This Iron Age was supposed to have lasted 9 x
7,200 years or 64,800 years. These 4 Ages, related to each other by this theory as
1-2-3-4, are embraced in the time the Pole passed over one quadrant of 10 x 9
degrees, or 90 x 7,200 equal 648,000 years. And according to this Eastern theory the
place in evolution of our present Great Western Race is that of one branch of the Fifth
Root-Race of the 4th Round of Evolution.
Not the slightest evidence has been found to date that man existed on the earth so long
ago as is thus implied. The records in the rocks indicate that one round of 18,144,000
years ago takes back to the end of the Oligocene Period of Geology, in which horses
were the size of coyotes with three toes in front and three behind, camels were the
size of sheep, bison, deer and the ox were small hoofed mammals, dogs were soon to
develop to the size of bears, and the claws were developing on what later became

lions, tigers and cats. And if we go back 4 such rounds, geology indicates there were
no mammals, that it was a time when reptiles dominated the earth, and the first
primitive birds, and the marsupials, forerunners of the mammals, were just
developing. Or, if we wish to call the little rat-size marsupials mammals, which later
they developed into, we can say they were beginning to develop along the lines we
now recognize as mammals, about 4 such rounds ago.
But if we consider the length of time covered by the Golden, Silver, Copper and Iron
Age, that is, 648,000 years, there is plenty of evidence that man was on earth that long
ago. Also that the earth once had, but not due to polar motion, a mild and fruitful
climate, followed by increasing cold, which about a million years ago ushered in an
ice age, with intervals of warmth for thousands of years, followed by more glaciers.
Racial memory undoubtedly preserves a consciousness of times which were mild
and bountiful, followed by times in which there was tremendous cold and hardship.
Eden on earth, and the Age of Horrors are dreams which record actual conditions that
transpired since men are known to have inhabited the earth.
The Sun--Arcanum XIX
--Letter: Egyptian, Quitolath; Hebrew, Quoph; English, Q. Number, 19.
Astrologically, the zodiacal sign Leo. Color, the lighter shades of orange. Tone, high
D. Occult science, organic alchemy. Human function, inspiration. Natural remedy,
such herbs as camomile, daffodil, cowslip, anise, eglantine, fennel, eyebright, dill,
lavender, poppy, yellow lily, marigold, St. John's wort, mistletoe, pimpernel, parsley
and garden mint. Mineral, the talismanic gem ruby, and such stones as the chrysolite,
hyacinth and soft yellow minerals.
Q--19 expresses in the spiritual world, the supreme heaven.
In the intellectual world, true happiness.
In the physical world, sacred union.
Remember, then, son of earth, that the light of the mysteries is a redoubtable fluid,
put by nature at the service of the will. She lights those who know how to direct her;
she strikes down with a thunderbolt those who ignore her power or who abuse it. If
Arcanum XIX should appear in the prophetic signs of thy horoscope, happiness
awaits thee in domestic life if thou knowest how to strengthen the conjugal circle and
guard its sacredness in the sanctuary of the heart.
In Divination, Arcanum XIX may be read as Happiness and Joy.
Arcanum XIX is figured by a young man and a young woman holding each other by
the hand. About them a circle of 20 flowers springs from the earth. Above is a radiant
Sun of 21 rays, in the center of which is the symbol of conjugal union. This sun is the
symbol of perfect union expressed on all three planes; perfect harmony of physical
desires, intellectual interests, and spiritual aspirations.

The young man and woman are plainly dressed, indicating simplicity of life,
moderation of desires and purity of thought. The flowers springing up about them
symbolize the joy and happiness of the domestic circle which more than compensate
them for material hardships. The 20 flowers signify the potency of domestic
harmony to Awaken and Resurrect the spiritual flora of the soul.
This ensemble personifies the fact that when the sexes are truly wed, and the triple
laws of harmony are obeyed, that their lives are a constant round of happiness and
joy, even amid adversities and privation.
Number
--Numerically, 19 is the third decave of 1; or Arcanum I, Creative Energy, operating
on the plane of Arcanum III, or Marriage. Consequently, Arcanum XIX is the
application of the Divine Fire, controlled by Will and Intelligence, to the elaboration
of domestic bliss. It is not only the perfect nuptial union of 7, but denotes added
Sacrifice and Devotion (7 plus 12 equal 19).
It may, or may not, indicate the union of soulmates. But it certainly indicates the
union of souls harmonious on all planes, not merely for the purpose of spiritual
advancement, but also for the production and rearing of children and to experience
the joy of a home. Yet in fact, the harmonious vibrations set in motion, and the
sacrifices necessary in the rearing of offspring, are most potent factors in developing
the spiritual nature.
Astrology
--Astrologically, the house governing pleasure, joy, happiness, children and love
affairs, is ruled by the zodiacal sign Leo. Leo governs the heart and its sympathies. It
is the significator of such love as springs unselfishly into existence as the result of
natural harmony, rather than the artificial marriages that today are all too common,
which are prompted by material advantages. This "Lion of the house of Juda," as it is
called in Revelation, corresponds to Arcanum XIX.
Human Function
--Inspiration means the indrawing of the spirit. The source of all life and energy and
spiritual power is the Sun, and He is the true source of inspiration. Leo is the home of
the Sun, the heart center of man through which the Sun exerts its strongest
inspirational power. Leo, therefore, corresponds to the capacity to receive
inspiration. Love, which is ruled by Leo, is acknowledged to be the power which
opens the inspirational gates. This is symbolized by the Sun overshadowing the
lovers in Arcanum XIX.

Alchemy
--In alchemy, Arcanum XIX represents the quaffing of the true Elixir of Life. This
does not bring instantaneous perpetual youth, for perpetual youth is the result of the
gradual changes which the Elixir sets up in the finer forms.
This Elixir is really a love potion, and the result of quaffing it is a general and
complete harmonizing of all the internal vibratory rates, so that they sound a sweet
and powerful chord, the pitch of which gradually rises as the body and desires are
refined, and in time thus results in youthful vigor added to perpetual life.
Bible
--In the Bible, Arcanum XIX represents the increase of oil by Elisha: 2 Kings, 4:6.
"And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me
yet a vessel." Again in Kings 2nd, 4:17; "And the woman conceived, and bare a son at
that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life."
In the New Testament we find, Math. 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers; for they
shall be called the children of God." And Rev. 22:17, "And the Spirit and the bride
say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst, Come: and
whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."
Masonry
--In Masonry, Arcanum XIX is the basis of the Intendant of the Building degree in
which the vacancy left by Hiram, the lost soul-mate, is filled. As the third decave, or
marriage function of the creative 1, it is mentioned in the first Masonic degree:
"Behold how good and how pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell together in unity!
etc." Furthermore, Arcanum XIX is the Lion's paw grip by which Hiram Abiff is
finally raised.
Magic
--In Magic, Arcanum XIX represents the sanctity of the home circle, within the
protection of which, when it is harmonious and pure, there is utmost safety from any
and all forces of evil.
Where there is complete harmony, the forces of discord, and all evil tends to discord,
can not intrude. The harmony between two who love devoutly is repellent to
pernicious thoughts and pernicious entities. It is a hallowed circle of invisible
influence which they can not penetrate.
For this reason, and because the unselfish feelings developed in the rearing and care
of children tend powerfully to raise the dominant vibratory-rates far above any which

can be reached or influenced by pernicious entities, these do their utmost to

discourage domestic life and the rearing of children.
It is even taught in some quarters that a woman who bears children forfeits her chance
of spiritual attainment in this life; and not until she reincarnates again and lives a
non-child-bearing life can she expect to make much spiritual progress.
This is patently an inversion of the real truth; because spiritual progress depends
upon love, unselfishness, and the refinement of the thoughts and emotions, and
nothing develops these soul qualities faster than the love and care of a parent for
children. The love of parents for their offspring is often the saving grace of their lives,
keeping the inward affectional fires burning, whose warmth transmitted to the soul,
keeps it from sinking into the icy death of self-centeredness.
The bearing of children on earth corresponds to sacred functions in the spiritual
world. And while it is true that economic conditions, as well as pronounced discords
in the fifth house of the birth-chart, may be severe enough that it is the wiser course
not to bring children into the world, as they could not be given proper support and
proper vigorous bodies, yet such conditions contravene nature, and occasion the loss
of valuable experience to the soul.
The very fact that childlessness is always indicated in a birth-chart by severe
discords, shows that such a condition is in the nature of an affliction rather than a
benefit. Such a childless life can only be compensated for, in its effect upon the soul,
by some marked and continuous effort, to benefit and care for some section of
mankind, or some work for mankind as a whole.
There is a great amount of foolishness taught concerning the possibilities of
eugenics. In order that men should profit as does domestic stock, through proper
breeding for results, it would be necessary to place a practical breeder in charge of the
whole human race, with the power to prevent the mating of all humans except a few
superior individuals whom he would select, and to be able to compel the union of any
man and woman, regardless of their desires in the matter. Such power, which is the
secret of a stock-breeder's success, is not likely to be given any man.
It is possible, within limits, however, to select the birth-chart of a child and thus
determine many of the characteristics which the child shall possess. It is possible,
also, through proper environment, to encourage characteristics which otherwise
would not develop. And the ancient magi believed that an ideal image of
characteristics of the future child, held by both parents before and at the time of
conception had a powerful effect in determining the kind of soul attracted to the form
thus conceived. They held also, as elaborated in Course 4, that the mental plane in
general of the parents, as indicated by their daily thoughts, and their harmony or
discord in relation to each other, had a still further influence in shaping the destiny of
the future child.

Initiation
--In the soul's pilgrimage Arcanum XIX represents the reunion of true soul-mates
into a single soul-mate system. So far as common requirements are concerned the
marriage of harmonious souls is sufficient to afford those harmonies which aid
spiritual progress. And, because this inner union is of spiritual bodies, only the few
are highly enough developed to recognize it when it does take place. The majority
mistake magnetic affinity for this inner blend, and consequently all too many discard
one partner for another in the belief that the soul-mate has been found.
This is a deplorable situation, but does not mitigate against such relations when they
exist in truth. In fact, this abuse is just another inversion of something holy to gratify
sensuality.
The real union of soul-mates, to which Arcanum XIX corresponds, is purely
spiritual, and does not of necessity require carnal contact. The blend may even take
place in the spaces while the individuals are asleep, all, or nearly all recollection of it
often vanishing when they awaken. Yet once this bond is formed, its power is never
lost, and ultimately the two become conscious of the bond, either in this world or the
next, and they begin to function then as a single system.
Occult Science
--Organic alchemy is the science which embraces all life-forms in the universe, and
the changes in their characters which are produced by their experiences, and the
processes by which they develop along special lines, each to become a valuable
function in the body of the universal organism. Such processes are indicated as
taking place by Arcanum XIX.
The
Sarcophagus--Arcanum
XX
--Letter: Egyptian, Rasith; Hebrew, Resh; English, R. Number, 20. Astrologically,
the Moon. Color, green. Tone, F. Occult science, the next life. Human function, the
Divine Soul. Natural remedy, hydro-therapy. Mineral, the metal silver.
R--20 expresses in the spiritual world, the immortality of the soul.
In the intellectual world, the judgment of conscience.
In the physical world, unexpected elevation.
Remember, then, son of earth, that all fortune is changeable, even that which
appears most stable. The ascension of the soul is the fruit that it should draw from
its successive trials. Hope in suffering, but mistrust thyself in prosperity. If

Arcanum XX should appear in the prophetic signs of thy horoscope, fall not
asleep, either in idleness or forgetfulness; for thou hast a mission to accomplish
which providence will reveal when thou art prepared to receive it.
In Divination, Arcanum XX may be read as an Awakening or Resurrection.
Arcanum XX is figured by a sarcophagus on whose side is pictured a scarab. Above
this tomb a genie sounds a trumpet, whereupon it opens and a man, woman and child
rise from it, still dressed in their winding sheets.
The sarcophagus is the tomb through which man ascents to a higher life. The scarab is
symbol of the immortality of the soul. The genie blowing the trumpet is the call to
ascend to higher spheres. A man, woman and child arise together to indicate that
immortality depends upon the trinity of positive and negative soul-monads united
about their Deific ego. The innocence of the ego is represented by the child.
The real tomb is the physical body which confines and envelops the soul while it
develops its powers through the functions of social life; its relations to other
life-forms. After one life in human form it has acquired self-consciousness and has
no need to return to earth. As indicated by the trinity rising from the grave, there are
opportunities for family life and other experiences on the next plane, the total
ensemble symbolizing this entering into a new and active life in a realm above
matter.
Number
--Numerically, 20 is the third decave of 2, and thus represents Arcanum II operating
on the plane of Arcanum III, occult science manifesting in marriage. In the King's
chamber of the Great Pyramid in Egypt is found a lidless sarcophagus, symbolizing
the soul's flight out of matter, and out of the physical body; but significant enough,
no sarcophagus is found in the Queen's chamber, for those who devised this great
monument of occult science recognized that man and woman were but the two
immortal portions of one Deific spiritual ego.
Astrology
--The Moon governs all periods of gestation, and is the magnetic mother of all life.
Life on earth, in a physical body, is but the period of gestation which precedes a more
vivid and active life in higher-dimensional realms. The Moon thus corresponds to
Arcanum XX.
Human Function
--The ego is a spiritual spark of Deity, and as such is eternal; but the soul alone is
immortal. What the Moon is to the Sun, that the soul is to the ego. It is the divine soul
which, having evolved through countless life-forms, attains self-conscious
immortality. Its effort in this direction is shown in Arcanum XX.

Alchemy
--In alchemy, Arcanum XX represents the Consciousness of the changes in himself,
or the changes in other things, as the case may require, that take place as the
transmutations proceed. It is the recognition of the new vibratory rates.
Bible
--The trinity rising from the sarcophagus of Arcanum XX is referred to in John
21:14; "This is now the third time that Jesus showed himself to his disciples, after He
was risen from the dead." Then Luke 24:51; "And it came to pass while he blessed
them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven." Such ascensions are
mentioned still further in Rev. 20:6; "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first
resurrection: on such the second death hath no power."
This signifies that those who attain adeptship, and in the process build a spiritual
form, not only voluntarily translate to the inner plane when life's work is over, but
that, instead of requiring still more arduous experience in the astral realms, they
move at once to sojourn on the spiritual plane, thus escaping the so-called second
death. Voluntary ascension is plainly indicated for both Elijah and Jesus, and may be
inferred for Moses; Deut. 34-6; "But no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.
And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died; his eye was not dim,
nor his natural forces abated."
The birth into the next life may be accidental, natural, or surgical, depending on the
circumstances. The natural method is that indicated in the lives of Jesus, Elijah,
Moses and certain of the Indian tribesmen of the North. That is, they go voluntarily,
and need no assistance from others on either plane.
The accidental method of birth into the next life occurs frequently on the field of
battle, in sudden accidents, where there are explosions, and other places in which the
death of the physical comes without warning and with considerable shock. In such
cases not infrequently the individual does not realize for some time that he is dead.
These cases, however, which represent a temporary inability to make the proper
adjustment to the inner plane, are not the same as those in which, through the strong
and unbreakable attachment to some earthly thing the individual is earthbound: Rev.
20:5; "But the rest of the dead lived again until a thousand years were finished."
Masonry
--In Masonry, Arcanum XX is the basis of the Perfect Master degree. It is
symbolized by the sprig of cassia, sign of immortality, that was found on the grave of
Hiram Abiff. Still more is it exemplified by the coffin with a five-point star on the lid,
and leaning over it the immortal sprig of cassia.

In the ritual of raising Hiram Abiff from the grave, there are three attempts made, as
signified by the three persons rising from the tomb of Arcanum XX. The first two
efforts are unsuccessful; and the resurrection is finally accomplished only when the
soul-union method of the Lion's paw grip of Arcanum XIX is employed.
Magic
--In many magical practices the assistance of those who have once lived on earth is
invoked. More commonly than not those who control mediums are, or pretend to be,
those who have once lived on earth.
It is true that a medium can tune in on a thought-form, or record left in the astral
substance about our planet, so thoroughly as to be dominated by it. This is especially
true of thought-forms to which, through mental magic, elemental life-forms have
been attached. More commonly, however, mediums are actually controlled by those
who once lived on earth, or they tune in on the thoughts and desires emanating from
the unconscious minds of those in their circle.
The electromagnetic body of a person never moves far from the corpse after physical
death, and it has no intelligence, or special power that can be utilized. The astral body
of an individual can only be used through control of it, and an astral body is not a
shell. The only spooks and shells of human origin are the powerful thought-forms left
by people under great emotional excitement, the astral bodies of souls which are
earth-bound, and the electromagnetic bodies of those whose corpses have not yet
disintegrated. One might delude oneself into thinking any one of these was a
departed loved one; but the discriminating would not make this mistake; and such
spooks and phantoms can not be made successfully to impersonate loved ones who
have passed to the next plane. The teaching that such is the case is merely the
inversive use of a fact in the effort to disparage the belief in the immortality of the
soul and to create a disbelief in the possibility of spirit communication.
Initiation
--In the soul's pilgrimage Arcanum XX represents the awakening of the soul to its
angelic state as the result of entering into the soul-mate system.
Occult Science
--The Next Life, is the science of those conditions which surround the life-form after
it passes from the physical plane, and embraces a consideration of inner-plane
properties, and the means by which the soul continues its advancement in the realms
beyond the tomb.

The Magic Cross Spread

--In this spread the cards are shuffled and cut as usual. Then five cards are dealt in a
straight line from left to right; and eight more cards are dealt in a vertical line crossing
the horizontal row at right angles, as illustrated on page 214. Thus while there are
really only 13 cards in the spread, there are 5 in the horizontal line and 9 in the vertical
line, making 14, the double 7 of regeneration. This explains the mystery of the cross;
for 13 is the cross of death and 14 is the rosy cross of life.
The cards marked on the diagram 1 and 2 are to be read as the past. Cards marked 6
and 7 are the hopes and expectations. 4 and 5 represent the opposition and the
adversaries. Then 3 is the present, where all factors meet to give birth to the future.
And cards 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 represent the future so conceived.

Chapter 13
How to read the Tarot
ROFICIENCY in any art, physical or psychical, depends largely upon
system and method; and this is true of acquiring proficiency in tarot reading.
The first thing to adopt in formulating such a system is a rule in which, except
when another shuffles them for the purpose of receiving a reading, no other person is
permitted to handle the cards. The more the tarot reader handles the cards the better,
for they thus the more completely become impregnated with his magnetism and are
able to respond to the subtle thought-vibrations of his unconscious mind. But the
magnetism and thought-emanations of others tend to impair this responsiveness
through mixing the influences.
For this reason new cards are not so good as those which have been used repeatedly in
card reading. And in order that they may the more fully retain the reader's influence
they should not be left lying around in contact with the household furniture and thus
become contaminated with the magnetism of others; but for best results they should
be kept in a special box. This box should not be too large, and a wooden box lined
with silk, which is a non-conductor, is preferable; a small box of soft white pine being
excellent for the purpose.
If the reader expects to devote much time to tarot practice, and to the spiritual aspect,
it is better to have two different tarot packs. The magnetism, or mental emanations,
with which the cards become saturated in giving personal readings belongs to one
basic vibratory level, while philosophical and spiritual research belong to another. If
the cards used for the higher lines of thought are also used in personal readings they
may become so influenced by the lower trend for which they are used that they do not
properly respond to the desire to obtain information about spiritual things. So it is
well to have a separate pack for each type of use, and not to use either pack for gaining
information except on its own vibratory plane.
As a table on which to lay out the cards, any surface will do. A sewing table is
excellent and easily handled; but where the amount of time devoted to the subject
warrants, a light, unvarnished and unpainted table of soft white pine is still better. A
new table imparts no extraneous thought-vibrations to the cards, and if unvarnished
more quickly absorbs the thought emanations of the reader and gives the best
conditions for the psychic intelligence to manifest itself.

A room which is the scene of constant discord and strife is not suitable for any kind of
psychic work, as the vibrations left disturb the tranquillity of the unconscious mind
and tend to impair the action of the psychic intelligence in its manifestation through
the cards. Of course, good results can be obtained when the conditions are not ideal. I
have here merely outlined the best conditions. But if these are not to be had, diligent
practice will yield good results with the cards even under very unfavorable
circumstances.
I have in an early chapter of the course indicated that a definite system in shuffling
and cutting should be followed, and only departed from when there is a very urgent
impression to do so. Thus the unconscious mind of the reader, and such other psychic
intelligences as may be present, will have a clear idea of how the cards are going to be
handled. Knowing how the cards will be handled facilitates giving them the proper
arrangement by which accurate information may be conveyed through them.
The person to whom the reading is given should be seated on the opposite side of the
table facing the reader; and if the arrangement permits, it is better that the reader sit
on the south side of the table and the person to whom the reading is given sit on the
north side. The natural magnetic flow is from north to south, and this seating aids the
establishment of a relation of positive to negative between the client and the reader.
Before the cards are touched the reader should ascertain just what it is that the client
wishes to know, so that he will have a clear idea of what the cards are expected to
reveal. Then he should ask the client to clear his mind of all desires and thoughts
other than the desire to receive a true and correct reading, or answer to the question. A
trivial attitude will cause the reading to take a frivolous turn. And if there is a strong
desire in the mind of the client or reader to receive a certain answer, it will tend to
cause the cards to give that answer. But if the desire is only for the truth, and there is
earnestness, the cards will mirror this attitude and respond with a clear and accurate
reading.
Holding their minds to this unbiased attitude to know the truth, the client is then
instructed to pick up the cards and shuffle them in such a manner that the ends of
some will also be reversed. He is then told to cut them at random into three separate
piles, and to collect them again into one pack in a manner giving them a different
position than they had before cutting. This process is gone through a second time, and
then a third time, all the while the minds of both being occupied with the desire to
receive a truthful answer. When they have been thus shuffled, cut, and recollected the
third time by the client, the reader takes the cards and deals them from the top, face
downward, in the form of the spread he chose to use before the shuffling started.
Then the reader starts by taking the first card by the top and turning it over from top to
bottom so that it lies face upward on the table. He looks at this card and notes any
impressions he receives in connection with its usual divinatory significance and
states them to the client. But in reading the interpretation he is merely to be guided by
the common meaning, and is not to be restricted to it.

For the sake of facility the brief divinatory meaning of each card as given in these
lessons should be memorized. Yet the real artist will recognize that every card is the
symbol of some astrological influence, and his intuition often will select some phase
of this astrological rulership to indicate the events which are to transpire.
The Broader Significance of
Each Card
--On each Major Arcanum is given its corresponding number, at the upper
right-hand corner is the symbol of its astrological planet or sign, below is the English
letter, at the lower left-hand corner its Hebrew and Chaldean letter, at the lower
right-hand its Egyptian letter, and if it corresponds to a zodiacal sign, the stars of the
constellation picturing the sign are traced on the card as they appear in the sky.
Outstanding things relating to each Major Arcanum are given in the text
accompanying its description; and further things ruled by the corresponding sign
may be learned from Chapter 5 of Course 5, Esoteric Psychology and Chapter 3 of
Course 4, Ancient Masonry; and further things ruled by the corresponding planet
may be learned from Chapter 7 of Course 8, Horary Astrology and Chapter 5 of
Course 10-1, Delineating The Horoscope.
The scope of interpretation of each arcanum is thus vastly increased through the
application of the law of correspondences. For instance, should Arcanum XVI be
turned up it might read as an accident, which is the common meaning. But this
arcanum is really an expression of the energy of Mars, so that if there were cards
preceding it which indicated sickness, it should then be read as a surgical operation;
for surgical operations only occur in people's lives when there is a Major Progressed
Aspect involving Mars in their birth-charts.
The Kings, Queens and
Youths
See Pages 4, 5 & 23
--On each of the court cards which represents a type of individual, in addition to the
corresponding playing card symbols to be found above and below on the left-hand
side of the card, and the emblem of the suit to be found at the lower right-hand corner,
the symbol of the zodiacal sign it represents is given at the upper right-hand corner,
and on the card the stars of the constellation picturing that sign are traced as they
appear in the sky. If the picture on the card is that of a man, it represents a man when
right way up, and represents a woman when reversed. If the picture is that of a
woman, it represents a woman when right way up, and represents a man when
reversed. Then the suit alone indicates one of the four general temperaments, and the
complexion of the individual thus designated, if such is all that is required.
The brief description and the Key-phrase given in association with each card
representing a person, adds further information about the designated individual. But the
student, as he advances will desire more details about such persons as are indicated in
the

spread; and on occasions will wish to know their spiritual leanings as well as their more
common characteristics. The description of people born under each zodiacal sign, as set
forth in Chapter 2 of Course 2, Astrological Signatures and Chapter 3 of Course 10-1,
Delineating the Horoscope, will give full details of their characteristics; Chapter 4 of
Course 8, Horary Astrology, will give their personal appearance; and the allegorical
story and its spiritual teaching given in Course 7, Spiritual Astrology, as relating to the
sign, will reveal their spiritual possibilities.
The Horsemen
See Page 41
--The Horsemen are mounted to signify the carrying power and astrological
significance of thought. The suit, as shown by the symbol at the lower right-hand
corner indicates what the thoughts are about. They represent the thoughts of other
people in relation to the client; usually being the thoughts of the person nearest whom
found in the spread. If a Horseman is found right end up, it indicates that the thoughts
and plans so signified are favorable to the client; but if the Horseman is reversed, the
thoughts and plans are detrimental to the interests of the client.
The Minor Arcana
--In astrology the Sun or a planet is considered not only in its relation to the point where
the
observer stands, but also in relation to its position in the zodiac. In relation to the
diurnal rotation
of the earth, when the Sun is on the M.C. at noon, it corresponds to Jod of the divine
word, and to
the suit of scepters; yet in relation to the Sun's apparent annual journey through the
zodiac,
scepters correspond to the fiery signs.
When the Sun sinks below the western horizon its position corresponds to the first He
of the divine word, and to the feminine suit of cups; yet in relation to the zodiac, cups
correspond to the watery signs.
When the Sun is on the nadir at midnight, where one day joins another and the power
of darkness is greatest, this position corresponds to Vau of the divine word, where
Jod and He unite, and to the suit of swords. Yet in relation to the zodiacal circle,
swords correspond to the earthy signs.
Finally, when the Sun rises on the eastern horizon, bringing new life to an awaiting
world, its position corresponds to the suit of coins; yet in relation to the whole zodiac,
coins correspond to the airy signs.
The common divinatory interpretation of the Minor Arcana considers the suit
according to the positions relating to the diurnal rotation of the earth; that is, in
reference to the M.C. (business), the Desc. (affections), the Nadir (affliction) and the
Asc. (life and money). But the inner interpretation is derived from the
correspondence of each card to a ten degree section of the zodiac.
Each Minor Arcanum has its number placed at the upper left-hand corner, and the
symbol of its suit at the lower right-hand corner, the emblem being repeated the

proper number of times in the symbolic design. The nine arcana of each suit
correspond to the nine decanates of each zodiacal triplicity, the tenth arcana, both
embracing the whole triplicity as a completed circle and marking a transition to a new
cycle, being summarized by the triplicity's Key-word.
The Movable signs of the zodiac are the starters, the PIONEERS, hence the true point
of departure in any triplicity is not where it first appears in the zodiac, which with the
earthy triplicity, for instance, would be Taurus, but with its first appearance in a
movable sign. Thus the fiery triplicity commences with Aries, the watery triplicity
with Cancer, the Airy triplicity with Libra and the earthy triplicity with Capricorn.
If you will turn to the illustrated key on page 22 of Chapter 2, it will be plain that the
first three decanates of the earthy triplicity, corresponding to the suit of swords, are
there shown numbered 1, 2, 3, in Capricorn at the top of the key; that the next three
decanates occur in Taurus and are numbered 4, 5, 6; while the last three decanates of
the earthy triplicity appear in Virgo, numbered 7, 8, 9. A little study of this key will
indicate the astrological position and correspondence also of the decanates of the
other triplicities corresponding to the other suits.
Each of the Minor Arcana below 10 thus corresponds strictly to one of the 10 degree
section of the zodiac. And as each of the 36 decanates is pictured in the sky by a
constellation, the stars of the constellation corresponding to each Minor Arcanum
are traced upon it. In the text, in addition to the common divinatory meaning of each
Minor Arcanum is given its inner interpretation, which is revealed by the Key-word
of the decanate to which it thus belongs.
As the student advances, however, he will wish still more detailed information as to
the significance of these Minor Arcana. The symbols indicating the decanate to
which each belongs are given at the upper right-hand corner of the card, and the
planet ruling the decanate is placed, for ready reference, at the lower left-hand
corner. Full details of the physical significance of each decanate, and thus of its
Minor Arcanum, may be learned by consulting Chapters 1 and 2 of Course 10-1,
Delineating the Horoscope, while the allegorical story relating to each, which
reveals its spiritual significance, can be had by looking up the decanate in Course 8,
Horary Astrology.
Interpreting The Cards
--Beginners should restrict their interpretation closely to the common divinatory
meaning; but it will be seen that as all events, thoughts and circumstances have
astrological correspondences, every possible combination of events and conditions
may be indicated in a tarot spread if the wide astrological interpretation is used.
If all the cards are turned over before the reading starts the mind spontaneously
wanders all over the spread and it detracts from the ability to draw correct
conclusions from the card under consideration. Therefore, the cards should be turned
over, one at a time, as read. After reading the first card, which usually indicates some

event or condition in the past, the next card should be turned over and read as a
subsequent condition or event modifying the first, and the third card as a
circumstance modifying all that has preceded. Thus proceed from past through the
present into the future, each card like a single petal of the opening bud of events,
which alters in shape as it expands, yet all required to represent the full blown flower
of the future.
Some of the cards will be found right end up, and some reversed. But this reversal of
ends does not reverse the meaning, as is sometimes thought. Instead it makes the card
somewhat less fortunate than it is when right end up, just as a planet is less fortunate
when it receives a bad aspect, or as a sign is less fortunate when its ruler receives an
inharmonious aspect. For instance, Saturn can hardly be considered a benefic planet
when well aspected, and Arcanum XV is never a good card, even when right end up;
but when reversed it is more like Saturn afflicted by a discordant aspect. On the other
hand Jupiter, even when much afflicted, is never very malefic; therefore Arcanum V,
even when reversed can signify very little evil, although it is then not so good as if
right end up. The same principle applies also to the minor arcana. Thus except for the
court cards, the significance of which when reversed has already been explained, any
card right end up is more fortunate than it is when reversed.
To determine the influence upon the life of the client of any Court Arcanum, consider
the card just preceding it in the spread. To determine what action will be taken, or
move made, by a person represented by a Court Arcanum, consider the card that next
follows it in the spread.
One may read the cards for himself; and one may read the cards successfully for an
absent person, both shuffling and reading the cards. And as in any art, proficiency is
acquired only by much practice and observation of results.
When using the tarot cards for spiritual and philosophical problems, in which the life
of no person is involved, the Major Arcana become of great importance, and at times
may be used apart from the other cards. In such considerations the 12 Court Arcana
represent the 12 zodiacal signs, and the things to which they correspond, such as the
12 types of intelligence. The Horsemen then represent the 4 elemental kingdoms, and
also the four principles related to the word Jod-He-Vau-He. The Minor Arcana
become useful to designate the various numerical relations.
In using the tarot for philosophical and spiritual problems, the Court Arcana, other
than the Horsemen, may also be taken to signify the influence of their corresponding
zodiacal signs to modify conditions.
And in the use of the cards for such purposes, it should be carefully borne in mind that
the reading of the Major Arcana should always occupy the same plane as the problem
to be solved. Thus if the problem concerns the physical plane, such as the destiny of a
nation, its success in war or commerce, the geological epochs of the earth, the growth
of plants and animals--physical relations--the reading given for the physical world
should be used. But if the problem is concerned with the soul world, with mental
action, with the intellectual development of life, or with the interaction of magical

forces, the reading should follow the interpretation of the Major Arcana given for the
Intellectual world. Furthermore, if the thing about which information is sought has to
do with universal principles, with spiritual conditions, with eternal verities, or with
the working of God's Great Plan, the interpretation given in connection with each
Arcanum in the spiritual world should be employed. The idea is always to have the
premises and conclusions on the same plane.
The Major Arcana of the tarot are only surpassed as subjects for meditation by the
spiritual texts of astrology. One such card can be used thus on one day, and another
card on the following day, its symbolism and meaning in the three different worlds
receiving undivided attention. After thus thoroughly covering the entire 22, they may
be variously joined in twos, the interaction of the two principles being meditated
upon, in different arrangements. If, for instance it is desired to know the value of
good and evil, conjoin Arcanum V and Arcanum XV; or if the effect of controlling
desire would be known, meditate upon the union of Arcanum I with Arcanum VI.
Because everything which exists has an astrological correspondence which is also
associated with a tarot card, by selecting the proper factors, any physical or occult
problem may be solved by the use of the tarot. Thus, taking something crude, if you
wished to know the possibilities of gasoline, ruled by Neptune, for power, you would
select Arcanum XI. If you wished to know more about the alternating current of
electrical science, you would combine X, ruling electricity and sudden changes with
VI ruling the copper transmitter. Arcanum XVI thus would give you something
definite to think about.
In an astrological chart, to get a clearer view, you can substitute the admonition
which starts, "Remember, then, son of earth," for the dominant planet, or for the
significator of the thing asked about. And if the correspondences of the factors in the
problem are unknown, you can take the pack of cards and lay out a suitable spread as
in other divination by cards, to get the answer. What the tarot can be made to reveal is
limited only by the capacity of understanding of the person using it.
The Adept--Arcanum XXI
--Letter: Egyptian, Sichen; Hebrew, Schin; English, S. Number, 21. Astrologically,
the Sun. Color, orange. Tone, D. Occult science, personal alchemy. Human function,
the ego. Natural remedy, light and color. Mineral, the metal gold.
S--21, expresses in the spiritual world, angelhood.
In the intellectual world, the triumph of adeptship.
In the physical world, the highest possible attainment.
Remember, then, son of earth, that the empire of the world belongs to the empire of
light and that the empire of light is the throne which God reserves for the sanctified
will. If Arcanum XXI should appear in the prophetic signs of thy horoscope, thou
wilt gather the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, and drink of the eternal

fountain, if thou art sufficiently master of thyself to approach it without coveting;

obstacles will disappear from thy path, and thy destiny will have no limit save those
of thy will.
In Divination, Arcanum XXI may be read as Success or Attainment.
Arcanum XXI is figured by a kneeling young girl playing on a harp of three strings.
Above is a wreath of twelve flowers, each flower having three blossoms. At each of
the four angles of the wreath is a head; the two below being the head of an eagle and
the head of a bull, the two above being the head of a lion and the head of a man. The
man's head has the sacred serpent at its brow to indicate mental fertility. In the center
of the wreath is a phallus and a yoni conjoined. This sacred lingha is soaring upward
through the wreath, sustained by two wings.
The young girl symbolizes purity of life. She is modestly clothed to indicate
simplicity of living and moderation in desires. She kneels as she plays the harp to
indicate absolute devotion to the higher laws, and prayerful aspirations to live a
spiritual life.
The harp has three strings, signifying harmony of body, intellect and emotions.
The twelve flowers of the wreath above are the twelve zodiacal signs in which all
experience is gained. The three blossoms of each flower indicate that both souls, as
represented joined in the winged linga, have garnered the flowers of zodiacal
experience on all planes, physical, astral and spiritual.
The head of the Lion signifies the creative forces of the solar sign, Leo, and the
courage which is necessary to all real attainment. The head of the Bull represents the
fructifying agent of nature and points out the necessity of labor in all progress. The
Eagle signifies that sex, as signified by the sign Scorpio, has been turned into
channels which lead to spirituality. And the head of the Man indicates that both
intuition and intelligence are necessary guides in unfolding the highest spiritual
possibilities.
These four emblems ranged around the zodiac typify the processes of evolution.
They are the four forms of the Egyptian sphinx, and also symbolize the passage of the
Sun through the four zodiacal quadrants. As applied to adeptship they point out that
the neophyte must have energy and courage to sustain his efforts, must have
knowledge to direct his energies properly, must labor ceaselessly for the realization
of his aspirations, and must gradually tune his emotions to a higher, more spiritual
vibratory level. Those four attributes, Wisdom, Perseverance, Courage, and Love are
usually rendered in occult circles as: "To Know, To Do, To Dare, To be Silent."
The winged linga in the center of the wreath of zodiacal flowers symbolizes the
permanent union of soul-mates and their ascension into angelic worlds by virtue of
the properties of the soul-mates system so formed. The girl kneeling by the harp
denotes that this union was brought about by living the life of the spirit while on
earth. Spiritual aspirations and devotion to furthering God's Great Plan, loving and
unselfish endeavor to contribute the utmost to cosmic welfare, together with a clear

conception of the laws of harmony, in time bring about the recognition across the
spaces and the development of exchanging lines of force, which lead to this ineffable
union. This harmonious reverberation of soul to soul is symbolized by the harp of
three strings, for the union embraces all three planes.
Strength depends upon harmony, and the music of their souls sounding across the
spaces endows both with a hitherto unknown power to overcome obstacles, to gain
the blossoms of experience on all three planes, as signified by the three flowers
related to each of the 12 zodiacal signs. As a whole the ensemble signifies the
attainment of adeptship while on earth, and the crown of angelhood that awaits such
perfect human beings when they have passed from the physical and function in the
sublime vistas of the future.
Number
--Numerically, 21 is the third decave of 3, representing Arcanum III operating on the
plane of Arcanum III, hence marriage in its most perfect expression. It signifies the
complete nuptial union of 7 carried through three planes to be developed into angelic
expression. And it also signifies in its other aspects, the 3 x 7, or highest possible
development of human functions and possibilities.
Astrology
--As in truth the Sun is the source of all physical, mental and emotional power
expressed on earth, the planets merely refracting its various attributes, and the signs
acting as sounding-boards for such expression, so Arcanum XXI, signifying
perfection, union and attainment on all three planes, corresponds to the Sun.
Human Function
--Arcanum XXI pictures the ultimate reunion of soul-mates. And as such reunion
enters into the formation of a new system in which the ego is the central nucleus,
about which the magnetic and spiritual forces of both souls play, endowing the whole
with properties which transcend even those of five-dimensional life, Arcanum XXI
well corresponds to the ego.
Alchemy
--In Alchemy, Arcanum XXI represents the final product, or successful
transmutation, and more specifically it denotes the completion of The Great Work.
Bible
--The Bible refers to the principle involved in Arcanum XXI as the Promised Land,
on which Moses was permitted to look, but into which he was not able to enter. In this

respect the Kabala states that Moses was able to pass 49 gates, but could not pass the
50th, or gate of jubilee.
Masonry
--In Masonry, the Degree of Perfection is based upon Arcanum XXI. This Arcanum
is symbolized in ancient masonry by a two-headed eagle. An eagle is the spiritual
aspect of sex, and the two heads signify two intelligences, or souls, united and
occupying one soul-mate system.
Magic
--In Magic, Arcanum XXI represents the exercise of the functions of adeptship.
Although not easily distinguishable, there are seven grades of humanity who live and
move upon the earth, the seventh, and highest, state being that of the perfect man. The
attainment of adeptship on the physical plane is the grand climax of physical
evolution, the topmost point in the ladder of worldly ambitions.
The adept, commencing as an earnest neophyte, has undergone a system of study by
which he has mastered the 21 different branches of occult science. He has entered
upon a process of regular psychic training by which his inner faculties are made
active and accurate, and thus he masters the 21 lucidic arts. Intuition is used to check
reason, and the psychic senses are developed to a keenness that they can be depended
on for far-reaching information not accessible in the outer world.
Furthermore, there are 7 states of consciousness which are developed, which
constitute soul attainment. Those 49, then, are the 49 gates of attainment which
Moses passed. And the 50th is that which relates to the union of true soul-mates.
The real adept, however, is not, as so many seem to imagine, a being who has attained
wonderful power, but who resides in seclusion and lets mankind work out its own
problems. Instead, if he is really an adept, and not merely a magician, he moves
among men, and uses all his powers, in the manner that will be most helpful, to
alleviate suffering and to aid the forward movement of universal progression.
Whatever the powers he has developed, you may be sure the adept is actively
engaged in using them for human welfare. He realizes that the destiny of the cosmos
depends upon each section of it advancing as rapidly as possible, and performing its
own work. And he has striven to become an adept, not to have magical powers by
which to amaze the multitude, but because such a high state of development gives
him added usefulness in the general scheme of things. Constantly, and persistently,
he works for human upliftment, and for everything that will aid in the proper
development of God's Great Plan.

Initiation
--In the soul's pilgrimage, Arcanum XXI represents the consciousness of the
whereabouts of the soul-mate, and finally, due to spiritual work accomplished and
spiritual faculties developed, the union in a soul-mate system. As such permanent
union is a relation of spiritual forms, it is apparent there can be no permanent union
until both have spiritual forms developed. Spiritual bodies are not something with
which people are born, they are builded through living a spiritual life. Consequently,
the effort to locate the soul-mate, until such finer forms have developed, is
premature, and leads many people to grievous error.
Furthermore, as when the spirituality is sufficiently advanced, through living a truly
spiritual life, it leads spontaneously to a recognition of the soul-mate, the most fitting
effort toward such a state is not to set out on a soul-mate quest, but to set out with the
determination to develop adeptship. When adeptship, or even its approximation, is
attained, the knowledge of the soul-mate comes by virtue of the states of
consciousness developed, and with no special endeavor required.
Occult Science
Personal alchemy, which embraces the various changes which the devotee of The
Religion of the Stars must make in his manner of living as he ascends the spiritual
ladder to become the perfect man, or adept, corresponds to Arcanum XXI.
The Materialist--Arcanum
XXII or 0
--Letter: Egyptian, Thoth; Hebrew, Tau; English T. Number 22. Astrologically, the
planet Pluto. Color, ultra-violet and infra-red. Tone, harmony. Or the color may be
black and the tone inharmony. In science it is either materialism or spirituality.
Natural remedy, stellar healing. Human function, soul-mate system. Mineral, the soil
of earth, or the element plutonium.
T--22 expresses in the spiritual world, annihilation; 0 expresses eternal progression.
In the intellectual world, 22 is atheism; and 0, devotion to The Religion of the Stars.
In the physical world, 22 is materialism, and 0 is ceaseless cooperation in the
furtherance of God's Great Plan.
Remember, then, son of earth, that all things physical pass away; and that before the
soul can pass to higher realms every debt to nature must be paid to the utmost
farthing. If Arcanum XXII should appear in the prophetic signs of thy horoscope,
imprudence threatens to encompass thy ruin, and thou wilt be called upon to pay for
thy folly unless thou immediately changeth thy ways.

In Divination, Arcanum XXII means Failure, Folly, and Mistake; (or

Spirituality).
Arcanum XXII, or 0, like the planet Pluto, has a dual interpretation. As XXII, it is
well represented by the letter T with its point thus down; but as 0, the circle being the
symbol of spirit, it is represented by the reversed T, that is, having the point, or
energy, directed upward, the cross-bar resting below on the earth, and thus indicating
that the thoughts, emotions and actions, are directed exclusively toward spiritual
endeavor. It is figured by a blind man carrying bags on his left shoulder. He leans on a
black staff and walks toward a fallen obelisk behind which a crocodile with open
mouth awaits to devour him. Above is an eclipse of the Sun. The eclipse signifies that
the spiritual light from within has been obscured by material interests; or it signifies
that dark forces from the inner plane try to shut away the spiritual illumination which
guides the neophyte.
The bags over the left shoulder of the blind man indicate the material things of life he
has spent his efforts acquiring; or it represents his ability to minister in physical ways
to those in need.
The staff of experience with good and evil is black, indicating that prudence is
subservient to the demands of the senses; or that the demands for uplifting and
protecting others is so great that, though enlightened, he ignores all danger.
The fallen obelisk symbolizes the final overthrow of all temporal work and power.
The crocodile indicates the ultimate fate of all who are blind to spiritual things, and
also the persecution of those who work to spread the true facts of spirituality.
This blind man is the atheist, or materialist, and the man who is so absorbed in
material aims that he neglects all thought of spiritual things. It is likewise the man
who is a slave to his desires. And the ensemble thus symbolizes the inevitable
suffering which follows sin. Or, it symbolizes the truly spiritual man, who is so
enthusiastic in his effort to assist the race that he is completely blind to the
consequences to himself. And thus, equally well, it symbolizes the law of universal
compensation, which decrees that for all effort expended in a constructive channel
there inevitably follows increased ability and real advancement.
Number
--Numerically, 22 is the third decave of 4, and thus represents sex used to gratify the
passions, or for magical and selfish purposes. 0, however, which is the alternate
reading of the Arcanum, represents the cycle, and shows that there is a transition of
character to a higher basic spiritual, or vibratory, level.
Astrology
--In astrology it is found that the planet Pluto has two marked and opposite qualities.
It rules the gangster and racketeer when its destructive side manifests; and it rules the
highest type of spiritual effort, and the realization by the individual of his cosmic
work, when the better side is manifest. These two extremes are symbolized by
Arcanum XXII.
Human Function
--On its destructive side Arcanum XXII corresponds to, and symbolizes, the
disintegration of the vehicle on the inner plane occupied by the soul; and on the
constructive side Arcanum 0 represents the infiltration to the soul yet on earth of
information and instructions from adepts occupying the super-velocity spiritual
plane.
Alchemy
--In Alchemy, Arcanum XXII signifies failure in transmutation, and the regimes
adopted in the hope of transmutation which lead only to repressions. Arcanum 0, on
the other hand, represents the work in cosmic affairs which is undertaken after the
Great Work has been accomplished.
Bible
--In the Bible we read that the Fool has said in his heart that there is no God. Also,
Math. 16:26; "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose
his own soul?" Math. 12:32; "But whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it
shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."
Speaking against the Holy Ghost is effort made to prevent the progress of God's
Great Plan of eternal evolution.
Masonry
--In Masonry, the Sublime Knight Elected is based upon Arcanum XXII, the Tau, or
T, with the point down, instead of with the point up, and thus indicating that the
creative energies are devoted exclusively to material ends.
Magic
--In Magic, Arcanum XXII indicates that the individual has given himself over to
the control of invisible intelligences who have no regard for his welfare, and who use
him consistently to thwart any and everything which is true and progressive on the
face of the earth. It symbolizes elemental affinities that are formed in the selfish
endeavor to gain, through magic, material advantages over others.
Arcanum 0, the alternate interpretation, however, indicates that there is freedom
from all control; but that the individual has contacted intelligences of a very exalted

spiritual plane who direct him consistently in his efforts to give to those on earth new
and higher teachings.
Initiation
--In the soul's pilgrimage Arcanum XXII represents the failure of the soul to gain
self-conscious immortality. It also represents the obstacles which, whenever the
neophyte sets his feet resolutely on the path of adeptship he is sure to attract. The
resolution to live in a different manner, by the law of affinity, causes the thinking
about it to attract obstacles to the performance of the thing resolved upon.
Arcanum 0, on the other hand, indicates that the soul through its earthly experiences
has developed in the building of its spiritual form far enough that it will not need to
tarry in the astral world after the dissolution of the physical, but will go at once to
undertake a higher mission for The Father, on the still more interior planes. And it
represents that law of affinity which, when the aspirations are vivid, attracts spiritual
entities and forces which enable it, through their help, to overcome the obstacles to its
spiritual progress.
Occult Science
--Arcanum XXII represents the soul-annihilating dogmas of materialism. But
Arcanum 0, on the other hand, represents the soul uplifting teachings of THE
RELIGION OF THE STARS.
The Life Spread
--The Life-Spread requires a large table, or space, on which to lay the cards. After
shuffling and cutting the cards in the usual manner, the cards are dealt, one at a time,
face downward in the form of a hollow square of 28 cards. 4 is realization and 7 is
perfection of form, and these 4 x 7 cards of the square, or 28 (2 plus 8 equals ten)
involving to 10, symbolize the cycle of life in the physical form. Yet, as laid, there are
8 on each side, the number of crystallization. This square relates to the physical
endeavors.
Within this hollow square of the physical, deal a triangle of 12 cards, so that there are
5 cards on each side of the triangle, always dealing from the right hand corner around
to the left. 5 is the number of inspiration and 3 is the number of action. These 12 cards
indicate the sacrifices (12) which have been made of the physical comforts for the
sake of developing the mentality. This triangle, the triangle symbolizing mind,
relates to mental attainment.
Then in this hollow trine, commencing at the bottom, deal a circle of 9 cards. 9 is the
number of divine wisdom, and as it is in the form of a circle, which symbolizes spirit,
it relates to spiritual attainment.

There are now 49 cards, or 49 gates to life, and there remains only to add the 50th card
in the center to give the jubilee, which is the point where square, trine and circle are
one. The spread is illustrated on page 232.
In reading this life oracle, start with the lower right hand corner of the square and read
entirely around the square to the left, turning and reading but one card at a time. The
cards in this outer spread are all to be considered as events relating to the physical life
and material success; and not as having much direct bearing on intellectual pursuits
or spiritual attainment. Each, in the order in which it occurs is to be considered as a
subsequent event or influence.
After the material events and influences have thus been read, start at the lower right
hand corner of the trine, and read around to the left; but consider these cards, as
turned and read, to have to do with the mental processes, the intellectual attainment,
and such studies and opportunities as have to do with acquiring knowledge.
Next start with the bottom card of the circle and read it around to the left. The
conditions
there found, and the opportunities shown, relate to the spiritual development, and the
moral trend. Of course, material happenings and mental opportunities have an influence
upon the spiritual life; but only such as are found in the circle of 9 cards are to be
considered as really important factors in the spiritual life.
The events relating to each plane of endeavor, as shown in this spread, are to be
considered as those of most importance throughout the whole of the life. And as a
final revelation, indicating the event which, on the physical, mental and spiritual
plane, will have most influence in shaping the client's life, the central card, or
Jubilee, should be turned over and read.