Archive for the Qabalah Category

A Tree of Loving Return – Sun in Pisces

Posted in Astrology, Jupiter, Magick, Moon Tide, Neptune, Qabalah, The Temple of the Sun on March 16, 2015 by themagickalpen

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I dreamed that I was whole 
I dreamed that the word was at peace
I dreamed that all of life understood love
I dreamed that mind knew its own power
I dreamed that wisdom was plentiful
I dreamed that injustice loosened its hold
I dreamed that humanity knew its worth
I dreamed that the work of this world
Called me into the seas of the next
I dreamed that I was whole and complete
As the running waters that ebb and flow within
A loving Tree ran through me

As we enter the Temple of the Sun, Qabalistically we are entering into connection with the central sphere on the Tree of Life, Tiphareth. The name given this sphere is Beauty and the energy is one of synthesis through sacrifice and integration through refinement of the sum of all of its parts. This is much the same energy that we experience in the course of a Solar year. The energy of each of the Zodiacal signs, their element and modality are modified and expressed through the brilliance of the Sun. And, in keeping with the evolutionary process of movement from one sign to the next, each is informed by the previous sign’s energy and contributes a part of its dynamic into the sign that follows. Please see the end of this post for recommendations about learning more about the Tree of Life.

Pisces and Neptune (Jupiter) on the Tree

Astrologically, we have learned that Pisces is ruled by Neptune, the planet of depth, emotion and quickening within birthing waters that are charged with life force. We have experienced the focus of an astrological energy that is loving in its nature and seeking always the place of harmonious interaction. This is the energy of the final sign of the Zodiacal Wheel and it is the vision of the Twin Fish that hints at the mystery and synchronicity to be achieved when heart is attuned to another.

Pisces is the quintessential water sign. Neptune as its ruler is aptly paired with a sign that reaches so deep into the seas and seeks the treasure of a golden heart that beats gently in every creature it encounters. Pisces is the dreamer and through the veiling of murky waters those dreams can take on a vastly different vision, which when brought to the surface does not glitter quite so brightly. The imperfections that are found are forgiven within a Piscean approach, but the level of discernment that is often needed is not as keen in some instances as it should be, leaving Pisces to pick up the pieces of those broken dreams.

The secondary (or original) ruler of Pisces is Jupiter. This is easily envisioned as the ebb and flow of waters that spread themselves too thin at times and go too far out into the ocean’s depths at others. Jupiter puts some of the illusory nature of those deep waters into perspective, allowing Pisces to see into those depths from the vantage point of seeing clear the way through as it parts the waters to reveal a seabed that is alive and rich in life and the nutrients that sustain it. But, that has to be the desired outcome, otherwise Jupiter remains contracted and tightly guarding what needs revealing.

Within the Qabalistic Tree, Pisces and Neptune hold their power in the Sphere of Kether and the Paths of the Tree – 29th and 23rd and Jupiter flows expansively in the 21st. Although, traditionally Kether is given no planetary attribution – the swirlings of creation being one of its assignations- I have also seen Neptune placed here and with it the endings and beginnings that lay within the creative potential of Pisces. When we speak of the energy of Pisces as an experience of compassion, non-judgment and great intuitive sensitivity we are calling forth those waters that run deep and forever cause lasting change wherever their path may lead.

This is the way of the Tree itself; to provide the necessary compassion to understand something more than itself and catalyze its ability to emanate and to do so as a purposeful and intended act of love for what it aspires to know. This is the loving creator/creatrix who willingly splits itself into the necessary components to ensure that new life will begin.

This is the desire for Creation that flows through Kether as the Godhead and is reflected down and through itself in the depths of refined emotions and the sensuous tides of seas that hold the experiences that are the source of the desire to BECOME.

Kether (Neptune) and Tiphareth (Sun)

Pisces Tree

Tiphareth and the Sun

Each of the Sephiroth and connecting Paths of the Tree of Life holds correspondence with a planetary and/or zodiacal energy. The physical Sun stands centrally within our solar system, providing light and heat. Tiphareth provides the space of transformation and the full force generator that distributes what is processed so it may be utilized and transmuted by whatever it emanates its energy into. This is the sacrificial aspect of this sphere. This is the action of enlivening within its own source to ensure the continuation of the creative process begun within the other components of the Tree. So we begin in this central hub of universal energy and move up the Mystic’s Path towards the Godhead or Crown of Source and the Limitless All of Kether.

Kether: The Sphere of the Limitless All

Nothing and everything
The endless void fills all time
Until…

One moves in the silence
Stretching and reaching
Towards the other as two
Swiftly take flight.

They mingle and join
Each claiming their own side
So three may point the way.
Each base stretched far and wide.

Foundations are laid
By another close at hand
Who opens the four sealed gates.
Disruption and creative force
Issues forth as the skillfully crafted
Shield of focus reflects the five.

The light is fixed
The seeker is found
As outpour of healing grace
Gives way to the
Harmonious six.

Each walks a path of experience
Pulling and gathering from
Vista’s extremes.
Wisdom and lessons hard won
Fill what moves within.

As six expands to become seven
The meandering web that
Connects becomes entwined.

A continuum of dual
Portal opening and eight
The final climax of force contained.

Like amoebas they move and
Wiggle and stretch and pull
And strain until the
Tension and release
Catapult them over
The initiatory threshold of
Death’s nine gates.

All scatter and disperse
Once again seamlessly
Part of the void of the all
Until…

Once again the singular one rises
Reaching out towards its
Newly quickened mate.

Upon entering Kether on the Tree you have reached the Source or the singular prime point of creation in its descent towards manifest form. Using the analogy of the flood-lights in a theater this is the process of Kether in emanation and creation. The lights themselves are pure white, but with the addition of colored gels that cover the lights something new is created. Specific moods and nuances are evoked. Each light appears to be different, yet if you strip it back to its core state, they are all singular white lights.

Kether is at once the most complex of the spheres and the most simple. This is reflected in its many names and attributions. To some degree these are influenced by the essence of its energy as much as the cultural and occult clues to the nature of the sphere that are contained within. Below is a listing of some of the more widely used names:

• Existence of Existence
• The Concealed of the Concealed
• The Ancient of the Ancient Ones

As you see from the semantics of the three above, the duality or doubling causes a unique polarity to arise. It is also a greater emphasis that is given to the attribute described, which alludes to the timelessness of the energetic construct of Kether. This is the construct of both the Primordial Point and the Point within the Circle.

Kether is the First Sphere on the Tree of Life. This is the place of both beginnings and endings; for in order that something may be born, something must be released to allow for its growth. Kether is assigned the Root of Air as element. And it is Pure Mind that is free to experience all loving compassion for it sees the imperfection of perfection and holds no judgment of what should be. One is the singular place of being that carries with it the hidden space that is more than just itself alone.

The space above and beyond the sphere of Kether is considered The Three Veils of Negative Existence.

What Lives in the Great Above
The Three Veils of Negative Existence

Three Veils

The veils reside above the tree and represent the levels of non-existence just prior to creative force. This is the space of the Great Unmanifest Universe.

Ayin is translated as “nothing” and is the highest and furthest away from Kether. It is the complete absence of existence.

Ayin Soph is the middle veil that emanates in turn from Ayin and is the space of no limit. It is force that is formless and without container or restraint of limitation.

Ayin Soph Aur is the closest veil to the Tree itself and emanates from the limitless nature of Ayin Soph. It means “limitless or eternal light”.

In consideration of the sphere of Kether, it is these Three Veils that create the stimulation, urge and subsequent action towards the Great emanation that is the downpour of Kether, the Crown itself reaching towards matter. We could think of this as the primordial waters that hold the mystery of life, much like the deep waters of the seas of Neptune and Pisces that hold the potential for creation of a new Zodiacal Wheel as Pisces flows into the birthing of a newly (in)formed Aries.

The 29th Path: Pisces and the Moon (A Celestial Reflection of Neptune’s Seas)

29th Path

My Soul seeks the beauty of
Your refined and elegant grace.

My body yearns for the wisdom
Of love and creative fires.

My Spirit hungers for the lessons
Found in the bliss of exquisite form.

The 29th Path is considered the Physical Intelligence. This energy is one of actualizing what the heart desires most. It is the form of intelligence that only finds completion of its nature through physical expression and the will to create and craft. Organization and refinement of what that creation will become are important guides for this energy.

The Planetary/Zodiacal Energy
Moon/Pisces

The Moon is placed upon the 29th Path. Pisces is the astrological sign placed upon this path and represents the completion of the zodiacal wheel. Both of these energies are the fullness of emotional expression and intuitive sight. We are all familiar with the energy of the Moon, the waxing and waning of her phases and the power of her tides. Pisces adds the intensity of intentioned compassion and a grace of flow that signals the endings of one phase and the birthing waters that will signal the next.

This energy is what will stir the passions towards greater and deeper expression of what is refined and beautiful. This is the energy that fuels the soul’s need and inspires the outpouring of this emotional state of pure joy into a state of victorious expression.

Tarot Key XVIII – The Moon

moongild
Image: The Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti

Note: Each of the Paths of the Qabalistic Tree has the assignation of a Tarot key placed upon it as further correspondence to its energy. The Paths 11-32 are represented using the Major Arcana cards.

Tarot Key XVIII – The Moon is placed upon the 29th Path. The beasts howl at Lady Moon the queen of ebb and flow and emotional expression. All are attentive to her form and all are held under the sway of her impact. Earth bows to her grace and dreams flow freely as we dip into the oceans that reveal the pearls of great price. Placement of this tarot Key on this path offers encouragement to the power of dreams, visioning, intuitive sight and what is created from our forays into these realms. Music soothes the savage soul, so to the outpouring of creation in phase and cycle of the moon restores man’s connection to the creative effort anchored in the physical and germinated in the spiritual.

Another Path of Expression: Neptune on the 23rd Path

23rd Path
The Sustaining Consciousness

The 23rd Path is considered the Sustaining Consciousness. Thought is sustained by the continual effort of sifting through what is abstract and what can become concrete in clarity and conception. This is the space of brainstorming, so to speak and flexibility and adaptability of mindset in thinking outside of the box is required as the process of selectively weeding through begins. This space of consciousness is one that begins with the precursor of bliss. The pure joy of interface with the Divine and the mental image of that interface that emerges. This is the experience of the Divine as blueprint of what it desires to create in manifest form. The specifications of the blueprint may change in accord with the modifications made, but the basic shape form and energy that created it remains a constant and sustained underlying schematic.

The Element of Water

The element of the 23rd Path is that of Water. These are the waters whose currents run strongly to reshape the shorelines. These are the waters that flow continually carrying within life and potential of the spawning of new form. These are the evolutionary waters that set the process of human form into action. The element of water runs strongly through the 23rd Path. Hod is considered the water temple although its attribution is one of mind and intellect (normally attributed to air). In this respect the flow and intuitive response of water is the deciding factor in what passes through the gates of mind. These waters run deeply into the caverns and recesses of lingering thoughts and flush out what is useless in its creation.

The Planetary Energy
Neptune

The planet Neptune is placed on the 23rd Path. Neptune’s energy is one of deep insight. The image of the trident suggests the trifold nature of mind, will and the fires that catalyze and create the electrical discharge of brilliant pure thought. Neptune offers the promise of visionary dreams and floods of idea and creative image to inspire and further inventiveness. Geburah’s will sets forth the mandate of viability and Hod’s brilliance fills the watery depths with the fires of deep gnosis.

Read more about Neptune in the Temple of the Cosmic Spheres:
Neptune Retrograde- Lifting the Veil

 

Secondary Ruler Jupiter on the Tree
The 21st Path

21st Path

The 21st Path is one of opportunity for achieving Grace. The state of Grace has many meaning but within this path it is the reflection of the beginning of refinement of self and surroundings to become in greater alignment with the spiritual aspiration of selflessness and greater perspective. The lens of the camera opens and the world in which we claim our victories is seen for its narrow view. As the lens opens wider the expanse and truth of what we have claimed falls away and the real worth and value of those experiences is revealed as part of a larger whole that encompasses the victories of much more than ourselves. What happens in the stages between as each of the extremes coalesce on central ground determines the outcome of ascent to claim the Higher Self or descent for further refinement and accumulated experience. This Path is also one of Water.

The Planetary Energy
Jupiter

The planet Jupiter is placed upon the 21st Path. Jupiter is the planet of expansiveness and inclusiveness. It is one of abundance and the magnetic attraction of prosperity of what is needed collectively. This quality of energy in connection to Chesed and Netzach maintains a constant supply of balanced and fertile inspiration. Chesed has the depth of experience that are the materials used in the process of creative outpour. The application of Jupiter’s energy works to bring these attributes to their fullest expression so that the maximum potential is held within the union of these two.

Read More about Jupiter:
Jupiter Retrograde- Expanding Consciousness

Union of Mind and Heart

Pisces Combined Paths

We see within the nature of Pisces the union of Mind and Heart reflected within the Tree. The 23rd Path is place of Pure Mind (Hod) tempered by Action (Geburah) and the 21st Path, directly opposite is that of Heart (Netzach) balanced by Mercy (Chesed). The space held between these two that flow both upwards and downwards is the Middle Pillar of those spheres that are the direct route of communication between the Divine and the Manifest. It is both the place of endings and beginnings and just as the current of flow moves within the heart and mind of Pisces, its union is the return to wholeness informed by compassion and grace.

In Conclusion:
We have come full circle around the Zodiacal Wheel and the Solar Year and have looked at the Tree of Life as more than essence and form. We have come to know the astrology of the Tree as one of many currents flowing through its branches and reaching up into the Cosmos as it anchors itself in the body of the Earth’s bounty. This however, is just the beginning of a journey that sees many lifetimes of expression and in acceptance of this truth we also realize the inter-connectedness that all of life shares.

As the light of Tiphareth (Sun) shines brightly and radiates its vision of magnetic attraction throughout the multilayered branches of a tree that reaches far and wide in its expanse and impact we are reminded that in this vision of light extending towards light and darkness forming the paths of the space between, we realize the gift of humanity that continually connects us the higher aspiration of Divinity.

Resources:
If you are not familiar with the Qabalistic Tree of Life, I would recommend reading through the article posted in my other blog, The Magickal Pen entitled “Geburah’s Might” to give you the necessary overview for an introductory base of working knowledge about the Tree. It can be found here:

The Magickal Pen: Geburah’s Might
13 Keys to the Qabalistic Tree of Life

Reading:
The Inner Chamber Series. R. Fennelly
Volume One: It’s Written in the Stars (2013)
Volume Two: Poetry of the Spheres (2013)
Volume Three: Awakening the Paths (2014)
Order at author’s website: Robin Fennelly

Sun in Aquarius – A Future Tree

Posted in Astrology, Qabalah, The Temple of the Sun, Uranus on February 11, 2015 by themagickalpen

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A Tree of vision
Reached far beyond
What was known.

Its roots spun down
Into stardust as the descent
Into the mundane
Was Begun.

All shifted in the chaos
And new life was
Spawned in the
Inventive mind.

A Tree of Vision
Pours its heart
From a vessel
Deep and strong.

And what issues from it
Is birthed from a mind
That seeks solace in
The loving embrace of
Its Creatrix.

A Tree of Vision
Shows the blinding light
That flashes as dreams become
Manifest reality and guide
The way of the seeker.

A Tree of Hope holds the key
That created the worlds of
Starlight in a
Velvety black sky.

As we enter the Temple of the Sun, Qabalistically we are entering into connection with the central sphere on the Tree of Life, Tiphareth. The name given this sphere is Beauty and the energy is one of synthesis through sacrifice and integration through refinement of the sum of all of its parts. This is much the same energy that we experience in the course of a Solar year. The energy of each of the Zodiacal signs, their element and modality are modified and expressed through the brilliance of the Sun. And, in keeping with the evolutionary process of movement from one sign to the next, each is informed by the previous sign’s energy and contributes a part of its dynamic into the sign that follows. Please see the end of this post for recommendations about learning more about the Tree of Life.

Aquarius and Uranus (Saturn) on the Tree

Astrologically, we have learned that Aquarius is ruled by the planet of electrical, rebellious and dynamic flow, Uranus. We have experienced the focus of an astrological energy that is quick and resolute in its forward moving direction, blazing the way for what will follow. This is the energy of the water-bearer and when we consider the archetypal image that is associated with Aquarius is one of continual flow and disbursement, its planetary ruler is the perfect system of support. Although an Air sign, Aquarius acts very much like water and the symbol of glyph that are two wavy lines are evocative of that nature to move in wave pattern. The secondary ruler of Aquarius is Saturn. We know of Saturn’s ability to bring structure and order. This is the directive of Aquarius when its energy begins to heat up and move in ways that establish a new set of order.

Within the Qabalistic Tree, Aquarius and Uranus hold their power in the Sphere of Chokmah and the Paths of the Tree – 28th and 11th. When we speak of the energy of Aquarius as an experience of great vision, the reference is to the ability to arrive at conclusion via the shortest and most concise route. As an Air sign, Mind is of the highest priority and the Illumined Mind is the ultimate goal.

This is the way of the Tree itself; to provide a vision of the potential. To provide a vision of what could be improved upon and to provide a vision of how by informed collaborative effort, the sheer brilliance of Divinely inspired Will shall prevail. These are the Cosmic ideals that flow through all of the zodiacal energies, the starry patterns, the planets and more. This is the great expanse of Chokmah, the sphere of wisdom that is born of the Universe’ knowingness.

Chokmah (Uranus) and Tiphareth (Sun)

Chokmah

Tiphareth and the Sun

Each of the Sephiroth and connecting Paths of the Tree of Life holds correspondence with a planetary and/or zodiacal energy. The physical Sun stands centrally within our solar system, providing light and heat. Tiphareth provides the space of transformation and the full force generator that distributes what is processed so it may be utilized and transmuted by whatever it emanates its energy into. This is the sacrificial aspect of this sphere. This is the action of enlivening within its own source to ensure the continuation of the creative process begun within the other components of the Tree. So we begin in this central hub of universal energy and move up towards the flow of energy represented by the essence of Wisdom found in the sphere of Chokmah.

Chokmah: The Sphere of the Cosmic Father’s Wisdom

The swirlings of cosmos
And the dust of galaxy
Wind around me
Drawing my being
Into the vortex
Of formless unity.

He looks upward
And the light
Of a million stars
Pointedly glare back.
Each flowing into
Its own rhythm of
Celestial course.

He looks downward
And form moves
And stirs beneath
The scrutiny of HIS gaze
All is quickened by this
This illumined SELF-awareness.

Formless brilliance flashes
Its point of beacon
Drawing HIS gaze
Upwards
And in response
The path is opened.

The singular eye of
The primal void
Focuses as droplets
Of soul filled
Tears issue forth.

This torrent of force
Now having seen
Its vision of SELF
Becomes a floodgate
Of potentiality.

The sphere of Chokmah is part of the Supernal Triad – Kether – Chokmah and Binah. These are the spheres of creation.

Chokmah is the Second Sphere on the Tree of Life. Within the energy of the number 2 is the finding of collaboration and relationship. The singular 1 (Kether- The Source) has moved beyond itself and formed alliance with another in order to create. At the level of the supernals, all flows in harmony; each path, each sphere working in tandem with one another in the creative effort. Additionally, each component offers a different perspective or dynamic to contribute to that outpour. Three faces, each in support of the other yet one in the same and emanating from the One.

Chokmah is assigned the element of Root of Fire. Each of the elements has the attribute of containing essences of the other three elements contained within and being reflected in varying degrees in accord with their power of exertion. In keeping with this thought, fire is expressed as Air of Fire, Water of Fire, Earth of Fire and in its most pure essence Fire of Fire. The three Supernal spheres of Binah, Chokmah and Kether are all ascribed the pure essence of the element they represent, as they themselves are of the Highest and most refined nature of all the sephiroth of the Tree.

Within the energy of Chokmah we find the Father/Stimulator. His is the seed that ensures that the egg of potential will not remain inert and unviable. It is the nature of the male to provide the seed of life. Without this outpouring, the feminine principle that gives it life and provides the space for gestation and release into a manifest form of existence (or being) would never occur. It is from this principle that the Wisdom of Chokmah is made evident. This is Wisdom of the cyclical and continued nature of energy, life and the Universe. It is pure unadulterated “knowing” that simply exists because it knows no other way “to be”. In descent from Kether, Wisdom is the first attribute of the great Divinity received by Chokmah. On ascent from the manifest plane of Malkuth, Wisdom is the last gift that is received and as such this all knowingness destroys the boundaries and limitations of the world, as we know it, including our perceived notions of ourselves. It is for this reason that in discussion of these Higher Supernals, metaphor and analogy that resonates and is comprehensible to us as human beings is all that can be used; for these are the spheres and energies that cannot be articulated or described in any manner that one in physical incarnation could comprehend. They are the ideals we are striving towards as translated into a human experience.

The Sphere of Active Flow

The energy of Chokmah is one of Consciousness that radiates out the pure essence of consciousness in its primal state of illumined activity. Just as Binah is the origin of the form of the idea of consciousness and as such is the essence of that form as well as a state of that consciousness, Chokmah is the product of pure consciousness unrestricted and flowing freely from Creator to Creation. Its consciousness is not bound by time or space as it resides in all time and all space. It is in this way that true wisdom is reflected. A state of being that encompasses all and holds the key to the manifest world waiting to be used in opening as it flows towards Binah.

The 28th Path: Aquarius and Uranus (Saturn)

28th Path

I remember the grace of mastery
I remember how it felt to create
I remember the joy of expression
I remember the victory of my efforts
I remember the thrill of final selection
I remember the beauty that surrounded
I remember the pain of being deceived.

The 28th path is considered the Natural Intelligence. It is our natural state to produce beauty and to be creative in our expressions. The fact is that our existence and the forms we have constructed for ourselves that are ever changing, renewing and sustaining is a creative act in itself. Opening to the Higher intelligence that works in preservation of the physical forms that we hold, the Divine essence of our Soul and the lessons we are to master in these forms is our natural state of being. In this manner of acknowledging our true connection to the Divine and the birthright we have access to claim, we show a form of intelligence that transcends mere mind and intelligence. This is the work of Aquarius. It is mind that shows the truth of our Divinity.

The Planetary/Zodiacal Energy
Uranus/Saturn/Aquarius

Uranus and Saturn are co-ruling planets of the astrological sign of Aquarius. Uranus is the great electrifying current that rebelliously stirs up whatever its force is put upon. This planet is considered the higher octave of the planet Mercury, the great communicator. The communication set into motion with Uranian energy is that of blazing its way through the circuit boards and enlivening and quickening instantaneously.

The planet Saturn is the great organizer and structure, time management and order are its directive. Saturn is considered the Gatekeeper of time and as such what passes through in accord with time’s perceived progression is strictly and rigidly monitored for its efficacy in application.

In numerology the 28th Path, or 2+8 reduces to the number 10/1+0. The number Ten represents the beginning of a new cycle that has crossed the threshold of death and reinvented itself from the past experience. In the spirit of Aquarius and collaborative effort, the 1 + 0 could be considered in the context of the singular 1 and the limitless all of 0 standing side by side, each informing the other.

Tarot Key XVII – The Star

Tarot Star
Image: Thalia Took

Note: Each of the Paths of the Qabalistic Tree has the assignation of a Tarot key placed upon it as further correspondence to its energy. The Paths 11-32 are represented using the Major Arcana cards.

Tarot Key XVII – The Star, is placed on the 28th Path. The reference is one of comfort within the realms of manifest form and remembrance of the cosmic connection and stellar birthright we carry within us. The stars of the Pleiades shine brightly above and the feminine principle pours the waters of life upon the ground of foundation and in return to the sourced of its taking. She is naked under a celestial sky.

The energy of this Tarot Key on the 28th Path is one of connection to the source of our creation. This is the reminder of our access to the creative impulse that gave birth to the heavens and our ability to call that into creation in the manifest world.

Another Path of Expression: Uranus on the 11th Path
The 11th Path: A Path of Emanation

11th Path

The 11th Path is the first point of connection of two spheres in emanation from the Godhead of Kether. This is the space of the point of the One and its awareness of its singularity becoming the first of what become the two of creative outpour. This path is the first of the Lightening Flash of involution moving in flow downwards towards it ultimate goal of manifestation. This Path is the conduit of Life and Death. In this case, the death is that of the spiritual self now enfolded as a part of the singular whole. It is also the place of beginnings. The first seed of action that prepares the way for what will be birthed in the sphere of Malkuth.

The Planetary Energy

Uranus

Alone, the Singular One cried out
Seed of potential and the flow
Of brilliant Light issued forth.

Cosmos of stars and planets
Worlds of dark and light all
Drawn toward the one point
Of Divine Creation’s Mind.
What will be offered up to the
Downpour of Spirit’s intent
What will become of this
Dynamic flow of becoming?

Trust in the process
Step into the unknown
The Light of All-knowing
Guides and illuminates all
Who stand in the dynamic
Flow of Its creative potential.

Uranus is the great electrifying current that rebelliously stirs up whatever its force is put upon. This planet is considered the higher octave of the planet Mercury, the great communicator. The communication set into motion with Uranian energy is that of blazing its way through the circuit boards and enlivening and quickening instantaneously. Place upon the first path of emanation from the Source of Kether into the vessel of Chokmah as the Divine Father insures that the seed will be potent and the flow will be dynamic in its outpouring.

In Conclusion:
As we consider the attributes of Aquarius and its ruling planet Uranus and their impact on the Tree of Life the prominent focus is one of inventive mind. Being able to use this raw inspiration and creative process of what can be as a springboard for what will become is the natural flow of emanation that is inherent within the Tree. Aquarius provides the stuff of dreams, and Uranus electrifies the atmosphere so that like will attract like and the circuit of energy sparks into brilliance.

As the light of Tiphareth (Sun) shines brightly and radiates its vision of magnetic attraction throughout the multilayered branches of a tree that reaches far and wide in its expanse and impact we are reminded that in this vision of light extending towards light and darkness forming the paths of the space between, we realize the gift of humanity that continually connects us the higher aspiration of Divinity.

Resources:

If you are not familiar with the Qabalistic Tree of Life, I would recommend reading through the article posted in my other blog, The Magickal Pen entitled “Geburah’s Might” to give you the necessary overview for an introductory base of working knowledge about the Tree. It can be found here:
WitchVox: 13 Keys- The Wisdom of Chokmah
The Magickal Pen: Geburah’s Might
13 Keys to the Qabalistic Tree of Life
Reading:
The Inner Chamber Series. R. Fennelly
Volume One: It’s Written in the Stars (2013)
Volume Two: Poetry of the Spheres (2013)
Volume Three: Awakening the Paths (2014)
Order at author’s website: Robin Fennelly

 

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Sun in Capricorn- A Tree of Highs and Lows

Posted in Qabalah, The Temple of the Sun on January 10, 2015 by themagickalpen

PIC 1
A Tree of time
Stretches deep into
The fertile soil
Of earth’s core.

A Tree of reach
Lifts a face of
Challenge and stone
Up towards heaven’s
Sunlit sky.

A Tree of order
Weaves its spell
Of Great Mother’s
Womb of birth.

A Tree of highs
And lows promises
The gift of understanding
That will scale the
Depths of our Soul’s
Return to its Source
Of limitless Spirit.

As we enter the Temple of the Sun, Qabalistically we are entering into connection with the central sphere on the Tree of Life, Tiphareth. The name given this sphere is Beauty and the energy is one of synthesis through sacrifice and integration through refinement of the sum of all of its parts. This is much the same energy that we experience in the course of a Solar year. The energy of each of the Zodiacal signs, their element and modality are modified and expressed through the brilliance of the Sun. And, in keeping with the evolutionary process of movement from one sign to the next, each is informed by the previous sign’s energy and contributes a part of its dynamic into the sign that follows. Please see the end of this post for recommendations about learning more about the Tree of Life.

Capricorn and Saturn on the Tree

Astrologically, we have learned that Capricorn is ruled by the planet of structure, regimented order and time itself, Saturn. We have experienced the energy of an astrological energy that disrupts with purpose as it slowly and steadily scales great heights in search of its ultimate goals. This is the energy of the sea-goat and if we think of the nature of the mountain goat; each placement of its hoof along the craggy mountain face sends gravel and stone tumbling downward. In effect this action is reshaping the face of the mountain. This is the same principle of Capricorn as its reshapes and reforms even the most well worn of paths.

Within the Qabalistic Tree, Capricorn and Saturn hold their power in the Sphere of Binah and the Paths of the Tree – 32nd and 26th. When we speak of the energy of Capricorn as an experience of Highs and Lows, the reference is to the sheer expanse that Capricornian energy flexes towards. As an earth sign the grounding and anchoring of earth’s manifest form is Capricorn’s greatest strength, but the desire to know the origins of that manifestation (and time-line –Saturn) tempt the seeker towards great aspirations.

This is the way of the Tree itself; to provide the structure and rungs of a ladder that extend deeply in the human experience while still offering a glimpse of the celestial realms from which this experience emanated. From this perspective the return begins in the womb of the great Mother Herself. This is the body that gives formlessness the potential towards form and the Highs of giving birth begin in the contractions of the Qabalistic sphere of Binah.

Binah (Saturn) and Tiphareth (Sun)

Binah

Tiphareth and the Sun

Each of the Sephiroth and connecting Paths of the Tree of Life holds correspondence with a planetary and/or zodiacal energy. The physical Sun stands centrally within our solar system, providing light and heat. Tiphareth provides the space of transformation and the full force generator that distributes what is processed so it may be utilized and transmuted by whatever it emanates its energy into. This is the sacrificial aspect of this sphere. This is the action of enlivening within its own source to ensure the continuation of the creative process begun within the other components of the Tree. So we begin in this central hub of universal energy and move up towards the flow of energy represented by the essence of Understanding found in the sphere of Binah.

Binah: The Sphere of Mother’s Understanding

The Great mother
Sighs and oceans
Tremble and swell
Filled with her breath.

The Bright mother
Opens her eyes
Gazing with expectation
And the world is suddenly
Ablaze with illumined gaze.

The Dark mother
Stretches out her hand
And you are left
Exposed and vulnerable

Your darkest secrets
Laid bare.

The Creatrix moves
And life awakens
As the fabric of form
Is woven gently within
The folds of her embrace.

The sphere of Binah is part of the Supernal Triad – Kether – Chokmah and Binah. These are the spheres of creation.

Binah is the Third (Sphere on the Tree of Life. Within the energy of the number 3 is the structure of harmony and the triune nature that forms the three-sided triangle of fire, action and will. At the level of the supernals, all flows in harmony; each path, each sphere working in tandem with one another in the creative effort. Additionally, each component offers a different perspective or dynamic to contribute to that outpour. Three faces, each in support of the other yet one in the same and emanating from the One.

Binah is assigned the element of Root of Water. Each of the elements has the attribute of containing essences of the other three elements contained within and being reflected in varying degrees in accord with their power of exertion. In keeping with this thought, water is expressed as Air of Water, Fire of Water, Earth of Water and in its most pure essence Water of Water. The three Supernal spheres of Binah, Chokmah and Kether are all ascribed the pure essence of the element they represent, as they themselves are of the Highest and most refined nature of all the sephiroth of the Tree.

The sphere of Binah holds the space of the primordial waters from which all of creation was birthed. It was the within the purest form of the element of water that Life was enlivened. This Divine birthing could only be achieved in the most refined and rarified state of elemental essence; the summation of all emotional urge folded in upon itself from the spring of pure source. The pure expression of the intuitive nature that is both creator and receiver of this Divine communication; and the heart of hearts that released upon the path of manifestation becomes the waters that heal, consume and transform.

The Sphere of Gnosis

The energy of Binah is one of Consciousness that understands the concepts that have gone into the creation of all manner of things. This is the consciousness that is the Church that holds the life of the church; the Temple that contains the essence of the beliefs and foundations of that belief; the Holy of Holies and the force that has consecrated and has raised the sacred energy to a place of sacredness. Binah is the origin of the form of the idea of consciousness and as such is the essence of that form as well as a state of that consciousness. This is a knowledge that is not merely wisdom but such a deep understanding of the state required to achieve wisdom that becomes a gateway that opens the truths of all knowledge in all of its forms and becomes a place of gnosis.

The 32nd Path: Capricorn and Saturn

26th Path

I step across the threshold
Of Magick dream and space
Weave the webbing of truth
And lift my soul in greeting.

I stand at the Gate of creation
And memory of my True Self
Forms its persona as mundane
And magick become as One.

The 32nd Path is that which is travelled as we rise on the planes in ritual space to do the prescribed work. It is the corridor we walk as we enter our dream or deeper oracular state. And, it is the space of building our astral Temple and our magickal persona.

This path guards, guides and protects the energy offered upward from the denser realms; maintaining it in a steady stream much like the nature of the fixed modality of astrology. It offers the necessary amount of constriction to allow for the maximum amount of expansion (when primed and ready) towards the flexibility of mutable flow. This is the manner in which we approach the sacred space of our making in moving upwards from our place of Malkuth and physical experience towards the storehouse of collected metaphor and vision that forms the foundation of our Yesod.

The Planetary/Zodiacal Energy
Saturn/Capricorn

The planet Saturn is the great organizer that calls into action order and structure. This planet is also considered the Gatekeeper of Time. Placed upon the 32nd Path the energy here is reminder of the need for order and structure to maintain spiritual presence in rising towards a space that holds no time, no boundary and has its own laws of order. Discipline and practice cultivated the appropriate energy to navigate the mind-touch of the astral world of Yesod. Knowledge of self cultivates the mind to be vigilant in the ability to filter through what is delusion and what is real.

To read more about Saturn’s energies, review the post in:

The Womb of Light: A Personal Reflection on the New Year

Change will only occur when the foundation is disrupted
and pushed to its limits of growth

In numerology the 32nd Path, or 3+2 reduces to the number 5. The number Five (5) represents the regenerative process and the potential for directing that energy towards a specific and defined goal of new creation. When we arrive at the number five, we have opened up the stable base of four; visualize a square. Something has disrupted the order of that four and made way for a new form to appear. We see also the number five as represented by the Pentagram. Five points, each reflective of a quality of an element (fire, water, air and earth) and at the pinnacle or point, the element of Spirit.

Tarot Key XXI – The World

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Image: Rider-Waite Tarot Deck

Note: Each of the Paths of the Qabalistic Tree has the assignation of a Tarot key placed upon it as further correspondence to its energy. The Paths 11-32 are represented using the Major Arcana cards.

Tarot Key XXI – The World is placed upon the 32nd Path. If we consider the symbols and meaning of Tarot Key #21- The World, there is deeper insight into the energy that serves as gateway to the Astral and dream state of Yesod. The depiction of the Four Holy Creatures of the Fixed Cross (zodiacal signs of Taurus-Leo-Scorpio and Aquarius) and the evolved nature of their Being- The Winged Bull or ascended form of Earth; The Winged Lion- accessing our Higher Will/Fire; The Eagle- Water elevated to a place of all encompassing perspective and keen sight and the Winged or Perfected Man who is the breath of creation itself. These four elevated elements surround the central focus of the Fifth element; that of Spirit. This Spirit being that of the Divine feminine, naked and poised with grace and fluidity, encircled by the fertile and verdant ovum of time eternal. There is also the sense of constructive limitation placed around the central figure. It is housed in a container that allows for both filtering in and issuing out of the flow of energy offered towards reaching its highest expression.

The natural energy that flows from these depictions is that of structure and anchor. The Kingdom of Malkuth that we reside within builds its form up in reach towards the Foundation of Yesod’s realm of spirit. Much is in support of our moving up this path and many are supporting our desire for interface with the Divine.

Another Path of Expression: Saturn on the 26th Path
The 26th Path: A Path of Illuminating Mind

32nd Path

The 26th Path is one of illuminating mind. The light of analysis shines brightly into the depths of pure mind and decision is made as to what will be drawn back into the center of the Tree to be synthesized and distributed to inform. This path seeks to investigate and find rationale for the creative process. This fosters the clear and acute mind that gathers to itself decisive action and intent fueled from a source that understands the logic of sacrifice to insure all flows in accord with the primary plan.

The Planetary Energy
Saturn

I have seen aeons pass and know each
of the secrets that have been carefully hidden from view.

I am record keeper and guardian of destiny
and those who are not mindful of the depth of
my perception will remain forever on the wheel.

I speak the sacred words~ the unutterable~
heard only by those who have remained constant
and vigilant throughout the tests of time.

I am held tightly within the womb of the Great Mother
and stand as witness at humanity’s rebirth ~ the final mystery
is revealed and mind and heart shall be one.

The planet, Saturn is placed upon the 26th Path. This is the planetary energy of organizing and the deliberate pacing of application of Tiphareth’s generating energy and Hod’s pure mind. The synthesis of action within this path is one of structure and order passing through a temporary state of stasis created by each stream of flow being carefully paced and distributed to insure that neither overloads the other with its intensity. This is the action of moving slowly and carefully so that just the correct amount of heated flow and receptive thought interact in productive goal.

In Conclusion:
As we consider the attributes of Capricorn and its ruling planet Saturn and their impact on the Tree of Life the prominent focus is one of navigation. Knowing when and where to place emphasis and having the sure-footedness to face the challenges and obstacles that will pull you off course are the keys to understanding where your strengths and weaknesses lay. Capricorn provides the balance of understanding of what it means to be human and Saturn issues the template of the form that experience will take.

As the light of Tiphareth (Sun) shines brightly and radiates its vision of magnetic attraction throughout the multilayered branches of a tree that reaches far and wide in its expanse and impact we are reminded that in this vision of light extending towards light and darkness forming the paths of the space between, we realize the gift of humanity that continually connects us the higher aspiration of Divinity.

Resources:
If you are not familiar with the Qabalistic Tree of Life, I would recommend reading through the article posted in my other blog, The Magickal Pen entitled “Geburah’s Might” to give you the necessary overview for an introductory base of working knowledge about the Tree. It can be found here:

WitchVox: 13 Keys- The Understanding of Binah
The Magickal Pen: Geburah’s Might
13 Keys to the Qabalistic Tree of Life

Reading:
The Inner Chamber Series. R. Fennelly
Volume One: It’s Written in the Stars (2013)
Volume Two: Poetry of the Spheres (2013)
Volume Three: Awakening the Paths (2014)
Order at author’s website: Robin Fennelly

Next Post
The Magick of Capricorn

capricorn_horoscope_by_dismay666

Sun in Scorpio-The Occult Tree

Posted in Astrology, Pluto, Qabalah, The Temple of the Sun on November 12, 2014 by themagickalpen

Bali__s_Tree_Photography_by_HenrirneH
I am what is held
Beneath the veiling
Of Father Sun’s full light.

Mine is the gift that
Sustains and offers
What is needed so
That all may grow
In strength and Might.

I reach and stretch
Touching spaces
Most will only
Imagine because
Of heart and mind
Closed off in fear
Of darkened blight.

But if you seek
The deeper source
And purposefully dig
Pushing through the
Struggle of self-fight.

The mysteries will
Be revealed as the
Roots of my Tree
Are but mirror
Reflections of sun
Kissed canopy of white.

All it is that you
Seek is on the Path
Remaining for most
Hidden in plain sight.

As we enter the Temple of the Sun, Qabalistically we are entering into connection with the central sphere on the Tree of Life, Tiphareth. The name given this sphere is Beauty and the energy is one of synthesis through sacrifice and integration through refinement of the sum of all of its parts. This is much the same energy that we experience in the course of a Solar year. The energy of each of the Zodiacal signs, their element and modality are modified and expressed through the brilliance of the Sun. And, in keeping with the evolutionary process of movement from one sign to the next, each is informed by the previous sign’s energy and contributes a part of its dynamic into the sign that follows. Please see the end of this post for recommendations about learning more about the Tree of Life.

Scorpio and Mars (Pluto) on the Tree

Astrologically, we have learned that Scorpio is ruled by a planet whose core nature is one of creating disruption and asserting itself dynamically to bring about change. We have moved from the grace and beauty of Venus and the balance of Libra into a realm that is hidden, mysterious and for many seen as the shadowscape where none willingly venture. We have also learned that this is but one of three levels of energy that are accessed by Scorpio and Mars is no less versatile in what may be drawn from its complex depths.

Within the Qabalistic Tree, Scorpio and Mars hold sway in the Sphere of Geburah and the Paths of the Tree – 24th and 27th. When we speak of the energy of Scorpio as the mystery of the Occult nature of the Tree, we are enabling a vision of the Tree that is both Light and Dark, holding the keys to the subconscious as well as the awakened consciousness of one who has seen the truth of their own nature and embraced it willfully in all of its aspects. This energy is expressed as the deeper mysteries held within each of the spheres and claiming the power of self in diving into those dark waters to retrieve the pearls of wisdom that lay beneath. This Will to transform and “know” is found in the severity of the Qabalistic sphere of Geburah.

Geburah (Mars) and Tiphareth (Sun)

Tiphareth and the Sun

Each of the Sephiroth and connecting Paths of the Tree of Life holds correspondence with a planetary and/or zodiacal energy. The physical Sun stands centrally within our solar system, providing light and heat. Tiphareth provides the space of transformation and the full force generator that distributes what is processed so it may be utilized and transmuted by whatever it emanates its energy into. This is the sacrificial aspect of this sphere. This is the action of enlivening within its own source to ensure the continuation of the creative process begun within the other components of the Tree. So we begin in this central hub of universal energy and move out towards the flow of energy represented by the essence of Victorious Creative Fires that is the sphere of Netzach.

Scorpio Tree

I sit shivering in the dark
Eyes closed and all of my being
Filled with fear that I will
Lose my most valued possession.

Flame and heat surround
Yet the air is dense with
Energy that moves like
Cold steel wielded by a
Forceful hand.

What I cling to so fiercely
I have long ago outgrown
But the comfort and safety
Provided are like soothing
Ointment on wounds that
Have yet to be opened.

I want to be free of these chains
I want to be whole
What I carry are bits and pieces
Of my own folly and the thought of
Excision sends me into retreat.

As reason gives way to desire
And understanding stands at the
Threshold with outstretched hand
I rise from this place of cowering
I open my eyes to see what lay
Ahead and a cold dark hand
Grasps my own as I look into
The eyes of myself.

The only demons I have to fear are what
Lay within the spectre of my shadow
With the single act of embrace
All that is to be discarded
Falls from me
I am Free.

I am strong and what I had
Feared losing the most
Has only been transformed
And forged anew
The dark gives way to light and
I step forward to greet the
Final outcome.

Geburah – The Sphere of Creative Will

The sphere of Geburah is probably the most feared sphere on the Tree. It is also largely the most misunderstood or misinterpreted as its energy is fierce in nature, accepting nothing less than change and exerts a force that is transformative. If you look at the energy of Geburah and see its balance on the pillar of Mercy, the sphere of Chesed, it is easier to see exactly why things must be exactly as they are in the realm of Geburah. This dynamic flow of energetic alchemy is precisely what is needed for spiritual growth.

Geburah is the Fifth (5) Sphere. Within the energy of the number 5 lay the will to create through the precisely applied excision of what would hold that creativity at bay. Five follows the number four of foundation; the square that holds and contains everything within the confines of equilateral boundary. Five is the breaking through of and FROM that boundary to create a point of dynamics that may be directed and focused as a beam of light on whatever is in need of its transformative touch.

Geburah’s English name is “Might”, which gives clue to the intensity of whatever actions are used to produce the desired outcome. The semantics of this word conjures up visions of injustice, force and coercion, which are apt descriptions of one of its facades. The other aspect is one of advocacy and tough love that enable something precious and new to be birthed from the destruction that was required.

Geburah is assigned the element of Fire, which unlike the other elements cannot exist in physical form without consuming and destroying something else, thus causing transformation of that thing. Fire also requires Air to sustain its blaze or to extinguish a heat that would raze all in its path. Within the energy of Geburah, this air becomes the informed destruction; knowing where, when and how. It is out of that destruction that the potential for the most growth often occurs. Like the legendary Phoenix rising from the flames of ash, the work of Geburah is to heat things up, and at this level, it carries the seeds of change that are the stuff of initiatory transformation, action and development of the Higher Will.

The Sphere of Courageous Action

The energy of Geburah gives us courage to see with more clarity. With that courage there is a necessary caution that arises as we continue towards building a space of strength from which to exert the force and action that is needed. This is a place of wise caution that takes the form of reverence for that which is greater than ourselves, and using only enough force necessary to purge that which we should versus the proverbial “throwing the baby out with the bathwater”

The 24th Path: Scorpio and Mars

24th Path

Enter of your own free will
Stand fully in the light of
The halls of creative product.

The cost of experiencing such
Beauty will weigh heavily
Upon your Soul’s desire.

Fear not for it is well worth
The price for the rarest of
Gems you will bring back
With you so that all will
Share in the Glory of
Your Divine nature.

Of emerald green moss embedded
Under freshly painted pink nails.

The 24th Path represents the synthesis of the fire of the heart and strength of sacrifice working in dialogue and exchange with one another. If we think in terms of heart felt will and the courage of personality centered sacrifice, this is the action of moving from a place of balanced compassion (Netzach) that willingly offers its energy up to become part of a filtered and transfigured outpour (Tiphareth).

This is the process of regeneration that takes the raw stuff supplied and renews and restores each to its enlivened form. The process of transformation is one of change. In the energy of the 24th Path this transformation moves deeper into what the source of that creation was and holds it in transmuted form; utterly and completely changed. Alchemical work has goal of transmutation and in application to the process of manifest creation, that formless state goes through multiple iterations before the final product emerges. Transmutation is the directive. Not simply transforming what the energy is applied to, but completely changing it so that the end product stands of its own differentiated power and accord. This is the sacrificial action of Tiphareth.

The Planetary/Zodiacal Energy
Mars/Scorpio

Mars is the traditional ruling planet of the astrological sign of Scorpio. The energy of Mars is one of assertion and directed will applied in an unyielding manner. Scorpio brings intensity and the subconscious realms into action. These combined energies placed upon the 24th Path give indication of the caution to be had in bringing to the light (Tiphareth) the desires and needs of the fires of the heart (Netzach) that may need closer scrutiny. Scorpio has the ability to regenerate and transform its visage and rise in evolutionary process from the depths of base and primal emotions to the heights of the Pheonix arising from decay. The mid-point of balance is the associated image of the Eagle, who relies on instinct to hunt yet soars above having clarity and keen sight as the tools of means. The potential held in the action of beauty and victory, harmony and love is one of give and take and requires both the scorpion that lay in wait to strike at the precise time and the ability to rise from the ashes of decay to bring about a state of harmony.

Tarot Key XIII – Death

art-through-the-eyes-of-the-soul-regeneration_new

Image: Art Through the Eyes of the Soul Tarot Deck

Note: Each of the Paths of the Qabalistic Tree has the assignation of a Tarot key placed upon it as further correspondence to its energy. The Paths 11-32 are represented using the Major Arcana cards.

Tarot Key XIII – Death is placed upon the 24th Path. This is the ending of one state of being that must be relinquished in order to move to a state of greater service and ultimate rebirth. Having the experience of in-spiration into the realms of Tiphareth, and receiving the influx of multiple paths converging in and through the dynamics of the Tipharethian sphere death is a necessary state within which to enter. And, what emerges from that state is the fresh beginnings of a new cyclical journey that has potential to super-seed what has come before.

A Contemplative Exercise: A Meditation on the 24th Path
Sitting quietly where you will not be disturbed spend some time in contemplation about your own physical death. Taking a journal or notepad and pen, write down what type of funeral you would like to have. Who would you want to be there? What type of flowers, and other décor would you like to have displayed as representation of a life well spent? What words of remembrance would you wish to have spoken about how you spent your life? Make this activity a gift to yourself and filled with the beauty that your life exemplifies.

Another Path of Expression: Mars on the 27th Path
The 27th Path: A Path of the Dark Night

27th Path

I think about all that contains
Beauty in this resplendent world.

I feel the creative Divine mind
Course through my endeavors.

I know the mind of reason
Flows as beauty of effort
And grace of union in the
Soul of heart and mind.

27th PATH- The First Level of Experience

The 27th Path highlights the re-membering of the experiences of self and knowledge of one’s own Divine nature. Since it is the first challenge encountered mind (Hod) and heart (Netzach) strive to achieve a state of balance and collaboration. This process of synthesis of these two spheres of pure mind and pure heart offers the test of faith, discipline and right action.

The Dark Night of The Soul

The concept of the Dark Night of the Soul is one that is experienced at specific points on the Tree and of varying intensities. It is described as a state of utter loneliness, despair and the sense that the Divine has forsaken you. It is a moment that stands the test of true “faith” for in that hour of disconnect the realization of separateness and the intense yearning for union with the Divine are brought to the forefront of the experience. This descent into a type of abyss is what serves to strengthen the resolve and conviction of the human and releases the vestiges of ego and personality that do not serve well the spiritual nature.

A Lesser form of this test of faith and spiritual strength comes upon the 27th Path, connecting Hod and Netzach. The Tarot Key of The Tower is placed upon this path and it is the work of the combined energies of Hod (Mind) and Netzach (Heart) to shatter the faulty foundations of our “ivory towers”. The intensity of energetic response that occurs when pure mind and informed heart struggle to collaborate and become co-creators in creating a more enlightened state of being tests the seekers entire system of beliefs and understandings. Overwhelming darkness, depression, doubt and inertia are the natural byproducts until surrender to the process reveals the greater light of Tiphareth above.

A Secondary Ruler – Pluto

Scorpio is traditionally ruled by Mars, but a secondary ruler is Pluto, Lord of the Underworld and what lay just out of reach and sight. Adding this dynamic to the mix of energy that emanates as Scorpio weaves its mystery on the Tree provides the reference of what potential is to be found in drawing the sub-conscious into the realms of conscious awareness. The work of the Tree is reunion with what created and knowledge back to the Source from that creation. Scorpio is very much attuned to this cyclical process of creation and regeneration by losing parts of itself to the process; and ultimately using the information gained from that experience to create anew. Pluto provides the potential- the hidden from and in plain sight – where true courage and exertion of will are the only means to retrieve what lay at the edges of our Universe. This is expressed most aptly on the 31st Path, connecting the pure mind of Hod and drawing that original blueprint of thought into the place of physical form.

The 31st Path – Pluto

31st Path
The 31st Path provides the energy of inspired thought drawn directly into the space of Malkuth, the physical realm. This is the space of aspiration beyond the mindset of what are the perceived limitations of physical mind. The energy of Malkuth provides stable foundation for mind to plant its seeds of invention. And conversely, physical form is always reaching and extending outwards towards illuminating information that will change what is already known. These are the tools that foster progressive thought in the arts and sciences, revealing masterpieces of creation that would have otherwise remained in the aethers of wishful thinking.

The Planetary Energy
Pluto

Pluto is the Planet furthest away from the earth. It is considered cold and cloaked in the darkness of mystery and general association with the subconscious and the occult. If we consider these descriptions in relationship to the energy of the 31st Path and the connection of Hod (Pure Mind) and Malkuth (Manifest Form) much of what we bring forward that is Divinely inspired appears to come from the furthest reaches of ordinary mind. Those deeply inspired epiphanies that we have occur in a state of darkness, not in terms of light value but rather from a bubbling up within the deepest reaches of the subconscious mind. We all know tale of those great inventions that came from blindly following instinct and did not fit the normal protocol of creation.

Another Key: Knowledge
Da’at – The Hidden Path of The Abyss

Da'at Pluto
What sound issues forth
From the place of the
Abyss.

It is neither the timbre
Of sweet angelic choir
Nor the shrieks and
Howls of those
Souls lost in the night.

It is not the harmonious
Cadence of the Universe
Or the persistent hum
Of time moving from
Point to point.
Perhaps, it is the silent
Pause between the beats
Of a heart that has given
All that it has to give.

This is the silence that
Is full of potential and
Hover just at the edge
Of ecstasy bursting forth.

It is the hollow echo
That stirs the memory
And opens the sight
To choices and paths
Taken long ago.

It is the primal scream
That heralds the beginning
Or renewed awareness.

It is the silent scream
Of the Fool as he steps
Off the edge of what is known
And falls into the arms of
True Knowledge.

Until recent times, Da’at was not included in the listing of the Sephiroth. Its energies were considered to be more that of a state of being versus an emanation in the strictest sense of the word. It is perceived as sitting just off course and to the back of the Tree. Da’at is also known as the Great Abyss. The space of final challenge on the Tree that must be successfully navigated en route via the Lightning Flash back to the supernals of Cretion of Binah (The Great Mother), Chokmah (The Eternal Father) and their synthesis of Kether (Crown of Limitless All).

The Point of Union

Da’at represents the stage of spiritual evolution where the Soul has achieved its highest purpose and no longer has need to be at the mercy of ego and lower mental process. It is the juncture of union with the energy of the spheres of the Supernal Triangle. This is the consummate joining of force and form to produce the progeny of Chokmah and Binah’s coalesced natures and bring it forth in clarity of mind through Da’at’s expression. Da’at sits in the place of gnosis, knowledge having been refined and absorbed into the consciousness of being. This communion is one in which the Divine Spark is the point of contact as divine life returns to Its source.


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The Dynamic Trio
Scorpio, Pluto and Da’at

The work of this dynamic Trio is one of deep transformation; most often when the shadow and the light being meet and make peace of their disparities arriving at common ground through the vehicle of human form. What has been rendered useful of Scorpio’s intensity by the action of Mars is readied for the testing and retrieval of what lay at the core.

In Conclusion:
As we consider the attributes of Scorpio and its ruling planet(s) Mars (Pluto) and their impact on the Tree of Life the prominent focus is one of revealing what is perception and what is reality. These are the ultimate keys that will expand our understanding of a Tree that holds the power of life and death itself. As we come to know more of our hidden nature and acknowledge it as co-creator in the process of our physical lives, the doors to the library of our past lives and experiences will be opened and the transformative energy contained therein will awaken within our eternal self.

As the light of Tiphareth (Sun) shines brightly and radiates its vision of magnetic attraction throughout the multilayered branches of a tree that reaches far and wide in its expanse and impact we are reminded that in this vision of creation’s most exquisite form and its desire to share the gift of that expression, we are the manifest product of its own loving nature. And, it in the darkness of the night and the birthing waters that lay in the shadows that we will find travelling our path to gnosis.
Resources:
If you are not familiar with the Qabalistic Tree of Life, I would recommend reading through the article posted in my other blog, The Magickal Pen entitled “Geburah’s Might” to give you the necessary overview for an introductory base of working knowledge about the Tree. It can be found here:

The Magickal Pen: Geburah’s Might

13 Keys to the Qabalistic Tree of Life

Reading:
The Inner Chamber Series. R. Fennelly
Volume One: It’s Written in the Stars (2013)
Volume Two: Poetry of the Spheres (2013)
Volume Three: Awakening the Paths (2014)
Order at author’s website: Robin Fennelly

Next Post
The Magick of Scorpio
November 16.2014

Sun in Libra – The Tree of Grace

Posted in Qabalah, The Temple of the Sun, The Temple of Venus, Venus with tags , , , , , , , on September 29, 2014 by themagickalpen

15

Image: Josephine Wall

In the early morning light
My beauty is graced by
Song bird’s beating wing
And awakening of leaf and life.

The noon-day sun cascades
Over my upstretched limbs
Heating and refining the
Visage of my furrowed bough.

Dusk descends and I strain
And stretch reaching up
Towards last Sun’s light.

And as darkness falls the
Memory of the day’s renewal
Weighs the measure of growth
In my aspiration towards
Heaven’s brilliant Gate.

As we enter the Temple of the Sun, Qabalistically we are entering into connection with the central sphere on the Tree of Life, Tiphareth. The name given this sphere is Beauty and the energy is one of synthesis through sacrifice and integration through refinement of the sum of all of its parts. This is much the same energy that we experience in the course of a Solar year. The energy of each of the Zodiacal signs, their element and modality are modified and expressed through the brilliance of the Sun. And, in keeping with the evolutionary process of movement from one sign to the next, each is informed by the previous sign’s energy and contributes a part of its dynamic into the sign that follows. Please see the end of this post for recommendations about learning more about the Tree of Life.

Libra and Venus on the Tree

Astrologically, we have learned that Libra is ruled by the planet of nature’s beauty and refined grace, Venus. We experienced the energy of each interaction we have, every thought and idea, and every act of creative expression as a form of the planet Mercury’s endeavors to inform, share and interconnect. Now, within the harmonious balance of Libra, the feminine aspect of these qualities is transformed as mind is replaced by heart and the feelings evoked and responses chosen are honed by Venus’ hand of creation’s beauty.

Within the Qabalistic Tree, Libra and Venus hold sway in the Sphere of Netzach and the Paths of the Tree – 14th and 22nd. When we speak of the energy of Libra as offering the space of refinement and grace within the energy of the Tree, we are considering the natural tendency of Libra to offer up its exquisite sense of balance and creative efforts spawned by the desire to give expression to the emotion that is flowing. This energy is expressed in the seeking of balance within each of the spheres and the wild beauty of their expression as a source of transformation. This desire to create and express is found in the fires of the Qabalistic sphere of Netzach.

Netzach (Venus) and Tiphareth (Sun)

Colored Tree

Tiphareth and the Sun

Each of the Sephiroth and connecting Paths of the Tree of Life holds correspondence with a planetary and/or zodiacal energy. The physical Sun stands centrally within our solar system, providing light and heat. Tiphareth provides the space of transformation and the full force generator that distributes what is processed so it may be utilized and transmuted by whatever it emanates its energy into. This is the sacrificial aspect of this sphere. This is the action of enlivening within its own source to ensure the continuation of the creative process begun within the other components of the Tree. So we begin in this central hub of universal energy and move out towards the flow of energy represented by the essence of Victorious Creative Fires that is the sphere of Netzach.

Netzach: The Sphere of Refined Creation

Deep within the heart
Of the emerald jewel
Lay the great mysteries
Of time and love.

The lamp is lit
And glows within
Edges sharp where
Line and point
Intersect poignantly
At the place of equilibrium.

From the wellspring rises
Form of beauty and
Intelligence refined
As Pleiades dance
In response to the
Sound of planets’
Symphony.

And, all is held gently
Contained in beauty’s grace
As she unites with clarity of
Mind and focus of heart.

Netzach is the Seventh (7) Sphere. Within the energy of the number 7 lay the many paths of higher expression and development. Seven is the number of the Pleiades, the number of the Elder Planets of Astrology, the Seven Sacred Vowels and the Seven Major Chakras within the subtle bodies. This is also the number of synthesis, having moved from the harmonious balance of the number six to a point of gathering all of those experiences into a place of multiple options and outcomes for further expression and exploration. Netzach’s English name is “Victory”. There are many ways in which we may become Victorious in our expression, but in all circumstances the vital ingredient is that of continually weighing and measuring the worth and effect of what we set out to conquer.

Netzach is assigned the element of Fire. Within the energy of Netzach we can identity this Fire as that of longing, desire and the impetus that coerces the creative urge towards manifestation. Creativity in all of its forms, most particularly the arts and nature’s beauties flow from the refined efforts of Netzach. These fire flow strongly through the Natural world and Netzach reaches deeply into Gaia’s womb of creation to draw inspiration from Her living body.

The Sphere of Self-Awareness

The energy of Netzach is one of Consciousness that has come to a place of awareness of its own inherent nature or state of being. Balance or living the place of the middle way can only be achieved when we acknowledge the areas where we over indulge and those areas where effort is lacking. To formulate this discernment requires being fully apprised of our own basic nature. Once this has been established the necessary fine tuning, balancing and bringing to a state of equilibrium can occur. Netzach is the sphere of love, beauty and refinement. It is through the process of refining the parts of self that we can finally acknowledge and truly love the beauty of the resultant outcome. And, that conscious awareness of the newly found self is our place of greatest Victory.

The 22nd Path: Libra and Venus

22nd Path

My fires will burn away what
You have aggressively sought.

I will give way to your power
I will seek your healing
I will come to understand
Your necessary action.

And the Soul that will emerge
Will have steadfastly persevered
Having claimed its victory and
Triumphed over its personal inequity.

The 22nd Path is one of equalizing. The energy of the spheres of connection provides the means to clearly and concisely remove what is excess before it reaches the central core of harmony and synthesis. The second phase of sacrificial release will be imposed by the energy of Tiphareth in its distribution back towards Geburah as the process begins anew. The midpoint of coalescence of the combined energies functions to calibrate what is set forth on flow of offering.

The Planetary/Zodiacal Energy

Venus/Libra

Venus is the ruling planet of the astrological sign of Libra (and Taurus). As we have seen, Venus as ruler of astrological Taurus provides the incentive(why/who) for creating a solid and stable manifest foundation. Wanting a place of security and home for those you love and care for are the primary focus of Taurean energy.

The planet Venus was called Phosphorus by the Greeks, which translates to “Lightbearer” and Nogah in Hebrew and means “The Shiner”. Venus shines most brightly in the sky in the morning. Within the energy of the Tree and acting through the sphere of Netzach, Venus is the light that illuminates and refines what the mind would keep devoid of emotional connection. Its action is one of stimulating the flow of passion and the desire to create in a productive way, by infusing each inventive thought with the fires of carefully applied will.

To read more about Venus’ energies, review the posts in:
The Temple of Venus

Libra is of the element Air and approaches each new task giving first attention to the architectural thought that will provide the blue prints for completion. As Venus’ energy emerges, the fires of creative inspiration fueled by emotional response take hold and the strivings are now that of producing something of rare and lasting beauty. The same approach of balance and beauty is applied in creating the beautiful mind that balances intellect and logic, rational and inventive thought. If all is successful what issues from this skillful juggling will be the finest representation of what is being expressed and each part will harmoniously be balanced by and with the other.

These energies placed upon the 22nd Path ensure that what is drawn into the synthesized core of Tiphareth has received justifiable cutting away within Geburah. The exacting balance of Libra’s energies work to maintain conscious awareness and preserve what will prove useful as it enters the burner’s of Tiphareth’s Sun.

Another Path of Expression: Venus on the 14th Path

The 14th Path: A Supernal of Communication

14th Path

Remain strong as upholder of the polarity
That is birthed from the seed of force
And held in the womb of endless form.

This is the fire of creation and the
Breath of life that expands and fills
The dark waters where life is held
Waiting for its birthing tides to begin.

The 14th Path holds the honor of providing the base of the spheres of primordial creation (the Supernal Triangle). This path is the space of polarization through the actions of Binah (Feminine) and Chokmah’s (Masculine) energies as the conception of what will be brought into manifestation in the energetic birthing from the Great Mother, Binah. This flow of energetic exchange is directed towards a singular goal of unifying what lay in opposition to produce the space of neutrality where positive and negative give pause and ultimately produce the spark of creative outpour.

The Planetary Energy
Venus

Cool soft lavender,
Blending and merging
Into a sea of powder blue caress
Loving faces with arms outstretched
The butterfly kiss of a child’s soft lips
On rosy red cheeks flushed with love.
Soft, silky panels enfolding gently
Like a lover’s embrace
And vibrant color of passion and
Scent of Sandalwood of soft skin of ecstasy.

The heart yearns to unite with another
And the sweet intoxication
Of a moonlight tryst
Beckons and awaits the paramours.

Kiss, caress, transcendence and
Heart-felt love spilling forth
To all humanity declaring itself
As a magnet of attraction
Desiring nothing but the Beloved.

And who is the “Beloved”
It is the harmonizing energy that
Surrounds it is what captures the
Spirit and carries it aloft
Poised on wings of breath.

The Beloved we all yearn for
Is the shimmering reflection of
Our Higher Self bathed in
The light of Divine embrace
Transformed in the Womb of the Mother
And revealed only when we surrender
To our heartfelt longing.

Read the poem above and allow the images to flow of your own making. This is the energy of the 14th Path in its action as creators.

Tarot Key III – The Empress

stephanie law_dreamscapes3_tarot_the empress_med

Image: Dreamscape Tarot by Stephanie Law

Note: Each of the Paths of the Qabalistic Tree has the assignation of a Tarot key placed upon it as further correspondence to its energy. The Paths 11-32 are represented using the Major Arcana cards.

Tarot Key III – The Empress is the Mother of all life. She sits in quiet repose and strength in the verdant landscape of her own domain. She is the sexual energy that is ripe being both pregnant in her fertility and exquisite in the afterglow of promised union. Placed upon the 14th Path, the Empress offers the vision of what will become and will bear fruit from her union with Chokmah and the manifest and spiritual fruits this union will yield. She is the promise of continued life and expression of that life in all of the elemental worlds over which she reigns supreme.

When we consider the nature of Venus’ energies and Her intended goal of creation, the Empress embodies the wisdom that arises from experience and maturity. She is no longer the flattered ingénue who is easily flattered and anxious to begin the courtship of a romanticized physical journey. She has the composure of selectively and carefully weighing all of the suitor’s gifts before choosing the appropriate vessel to receive the fires of her passionate embrace.

In Conclusion:
As we consider the attributes of Libra and its ruling planet Venus and their impact on the Tree of Life the prominent focus is one of awareness and appreciation of all aspects of the Tree as it seeks to balance its varied nature. The key lay in the responsiveness of desire’s will and the reaction to that desire with catalytic intent. As we come to know more of our wild beauty and connection to nature in all of its permutations, we find the grace of being able to see the beauty in the imperfections.

The ability to apply the finely honed process of carefully weighing the possibilities and stripping away the glamour of unbalanced potential is the gift of discriminating mind that is found in Libra. Its desire to refine through balanced harmony flows through the Tree seeking the source of its inception and the Fires of union that gave it life.

As the light of Tiphareth (Sun) shines brightly and radiates its vision of magnetic attraction throughout the multilayered branches of a tree that reaches far and wide in its expanse and impact we are reminded that in this vision of creation’s most exquisite form and its desire to share the gift of that expression, we are the manifest product of its own loving nature.

Resources:

If you are not familiar with the Qabalistic Tree of Life, I would recommend reading through the article posted in my other blog, The Magickal Pen entitled “Geburah’s Might” to give you the necessary overview for an introductory base of working knowledge about the Tree. It can be found here:

WitchVox: 13 Keys- The Victory of Netzach

The Magickal Pen: Geburah’s Might

13 Keys to the Qabalistic Tree of Life

Reading:
The Inner Chamber Series. R. Fennelly
Volume One: It’s Written in the Stars (2013)
Volume Two: Poetry of the Spheres (2013)
Volume Three: Awakening the Paths (2014)
Order at author’s website: Robin Fennelly

 

Next Post

Full Moon in Aries- Back to the Beginning

October 8.2014

Sun in Cancer – A Home on the Tree

Posted in Magick, Qabalah, The Temple of the Sun with tags , , , , , , , on July 6, 2014 by themagickalpen

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I welcome you with open arms
And the expanse of my branches
Shades and protects you from all
That would call you to harm
And these gifts ebb and flow
From the dreamscape of time
As you settle into the Cosmic
Home that carries you to
Your hidden inner shores.

As we enter the Temple of the Sun, Qabalistically we are entering into connection with the central sphere on the Tree of Life, Tiphareth. The name given this sphere is Beauty and the energy is one of synthesis through sacrifice and integration through refinement of the sum of all of its parts. This is much the same energy that we experience in the course of a Solar year. The energy of each of the Zodiacal signs, their element and modality are modified and expressed through the brilliance of the Sun. And, in keeping with the evolutionary process of movement from one sign to the next, each is informed by the previous sign’s energy and contributes a part of its dynamic into the sign that follows. Please see the end of this post for recommendations about learning more about the Tree of Life.

Cancer and the Moon on the Tree

Astrologically, we have learned that Cancer is ruled by the grand luminary-The Moon. Her energy flows through our mundane lives in a very physical way as we can see the efforts of her waxing and waning in her monthly cycle and feel the pull of her watery tides in the waters of our emotional bodies and the waters that comprise much of our planet. Within the Qabalistic Tree, Cancer and the Moon hold sway in the Sphere of Yesod and the Paths of the Tree – 13th, 18th and 29th. When we speak of the energy of Cancer providing a home within the Tree we are speaking to the ability of this potent astrological sign to connect at the depths of emotion, to have a very specific flexibility of expansion and contraction and to provide the precise space in which creative process may be quickened and nurtured. The pure energy of the Moon Herself is expressed in the sphere of Yesod – Foundation.

Yesod: The Sphere of Foundation

Presentation1

Yesod is the ninth (9th) sphere on the Tree. The number nine, itself, holds great meaning in the energy of this sphere to transform and bring to a state of ending what will be reborn anew and forever changed. In Hebrew, the word Yesod means “foundation” and the “sod” portion alone means “mystery”. This should give clue as to the energies of the Qabalistic sphere of Yesod. It is the stuff of dreams, fantasies, memory and the dwelling place of true magick. This sphere holds the key to the unknown and the unknowable. Physical form and manifest product reside in the descending connecting sphere of Malkuth, but the focus and energy which makes it “living matter” is contained within the essence of Yesod. As we descend from the higher spheres and move through the varied energies of each of the preceding and come to rest in Yesod, we have arrived at the plane of the astral. This is the working field of the “dream” of creation that creates the thoughtform of the manifest expression. Yesod serves as the storehouse of these images only, without the benefit of the life energy needed before these images can move into a realized state of manifestation in Malkuth.

Yesod is considered the sphere of the Moon. And, just as the physical moon of our world goes through its tides and cyclical changes and has great effect on our physical earth; this principle is also true within the sphere of Yesod. Dreams and the subconscious provide the building blocks that move through layers of murky water before they may be seen in clarity and their true form. This is the testing ground, so to speak and until assurances are received as to the viability of these fleeting images, action is not taken towards growth and moving forward. What we have learned of Cancer is similar in nature. Without the assurance and affirmation from those we love and trust, the fledgling individual is unsure as they progress out into the world in search of their own future and destiny.

Although Yesod is assigned the element of Air and what we have found of Cancer is watery in its presentation this is the breath of current that becomes the ephemeral experience of sensing what surrounds you, yet being unsure of where it has originated and where it is going (much like the vastness of the sea). You are simply caught in the airiness of its path. The ebb and flow of Cancer’s application is much like the breezy day, that begins with gentle caresses that move into a frenzied state of blustery conditions and finally quiets back to a state of calm. Opening these flood gates of memory stimulated by the subconscious and collective unconscious can often leave the dreamer in a state of feeling as though they just weathered a potent storm. This is the undercurrent of energy flowing through Yesod.

The Power of the Moon

The Moon was man’s first timekeeper and generated awareness of the seasons, the water’s ebb and flow, evolution and change. It also gave light to the awareness of the cyclic nature of life and the natural surroundings. On the Tree, moving through the energies of Yesod is to move in accord with the Cosmic Law of Rhythm; the natural cyclic nature of all things and the evolution and transformation at the level of the Soul through these waters of higher life. The Moon is placed on the 13th, 18th and 29th Paths of the Tree. Each iteration of its energy is informed and changed by the spheres of connection and the dynamics of the flow needed to continue the process of emanation.

To read more about the Moon’s energies, review the posts in: The Temple of the Moon

 

Yesod (Moon) and Tiphareth (Sun)

Yesod and Tiphareth

Tiphareth and the Sun

Each of the Sephiroth and connecting Paths of the Tree of Life holds correspondence with a planetary and/or zodiacal energy. The physical Sun stands centrally within our solar system, providing light and heat. Tiphareth provides the space of transformation and the full force generator that distributes what is processed so it may be utilized and transmuted by whatever it emanates its energy into. This is the sacrificial aspect of this sphere. This is the action of enlivening within its own source to ensure the continuation of the creative process begun within the other components of the Tree. So we begin in this central hub of universal energy and move out towards the flow of energy represented by the storehouse of memory that is the sphere of Yesod.

 The 18th Path: Cancer and the Moon

Slide1
Open your flood gates that
The birthing waters may
Cleanse and heal.

Release the power of your
Might and transform the
Wrath of injustice.

All is not viable
And into all vessels
The understanding of
Right action flows of
Its own accord.

The 18th Path provides the energy of synthesis of archetypal form and the action of individualizing. Binah offers the flow of promise of the potential of Divine form drawn into a space of selective shaping of what will ultimately be matter that has its own identity within that of its spiritual nature. This energy is dynamic in both receipt and return and the goal is one of greater understanding of the process of creating the manifest from what is the ephemeral image and conception of that form. Binah forms its concept of what the attributes and energy of its Divine child will be and Geburah offers the active energy that can bring that concept into a form more closely resembling that of a manifest being.

These energies require adaptability on the parts of the connecting spheres. If the archetypal image remains rigid in its desire or the individualized product insists on its final outcome, neither pure essence will have sway and nothing productive will come of the exchange. The adaptability required forms the basis of re-alignment of the intentions of each that are feeding into the mix and this re-alignment enables form to become actualized.
Cancer’s Ebb and Flow

The Moon is the ruling planet of the astrological sign of Cancer. The watery landscape, intuitive flow and flexible wax and wane of the emotional tides are held within the structure of the 18th Path. This is the primary need for the soothing waters of healing (Binah, the Dark Mother) to temper the sword of wielding (Geburah-the space of “tough love”) that offers as product a tool that holds its own. These are the waters that heal any wound that has been opened and carries the wounded to a place of safety and ease of rest. As the tides of healing recede what is left in their place is newly leveled ground that is ready to receive the next inrush of life affirming energy. This is the goal of coming together as community and family. This is the product of realization of being fully supported in your efforts of outreach and trusting that there is always that support to return to when healing from life’s exacting measure is required.

The 13th Path: The Path of the Moon

Slide2

The Sun rose in the reflection
Of its own grand nature
And the brilliance of the
Benevolent One smiled down.

Magick flowed as prism of light
Within the sacred column of
The steadfast seeker and the
Sun-filled breath of the Divine
Spoke the words of power
As the seeker offered up
The sacrifice of devotion.

The Moon is placed upon the 13th Path and the placing of this adaptable movement of flow within the path of connection between the Crown of Kether and the harmony of Tiphareth gives the needed support of expansion and contraction towards reaching its goal of manifestation. The measure of downpour from the Source recedes and expands in its downward reach as the distributive effort of Tiphareth takes what portion is needed and carries it back to inform and enlivening its process of distribution. Think of the ebb and flow of the tides and their action of pulling in towards the shore the debris and treasures from the expanse of the source of ocean. When the tide retreats it leaves behind some of what has managed to be firmly entrenched in sand and carries incrementally back out again a combination of what is contained on the shoreline. Each working in turn with the other and each changing the landscape, even if only minutely from what it was.

The 13th Path is one of realization and the revelation of the mirror reflection of Tiphareth’s strength of will amplified, yet part of the ultimate brilliance of Kether’s downpour. This becomes the refining tool of cultivating self-consciousness. Not simply self-awareness, but the deeper gnosis of affinity and the understanding of the nature of consciousness and its connection to Spirit. The synthesized product of this interaction is one of unification. It is the unified and realized individual that can leave the safety of home and make his/her mark on the greater world creating new homes and new families of experience as product of this ease with self.

The High Priestess

HPS

Note: Each of the Paths of the Qabalistic Tree has the assignation of a Tarot key placed upon it as further correspondence to its energy. The Paths 11-32 are represented using the Major Arcana cards.

Tarot Key II -The High Priestess sits in the Temple of the Moon and takes on the triune form of catalytic energy and transformation. She sits in the space of action as the Middle Pillar incarnate as synthesized balance of male and female, force and form. Her knowledge of the mysteries is honed in the waters of deep intuitive knowledge and her persona is that of the cycle of the moon. Placed upon the 13th Path, the High Priestess serves as reminder of the need for spiritual devotion and discipline as guardian of the great mysteries of life itself. In her feminine form she represents the power to sustain newly quickened life and stands as the ultimate gate of passage towards return to the source of creation. This Tarot key exemplifies the action of spiritual family and spiritual home. Within those energies the seeker may raise to the exalted form of catalyst. This is the space of balance that is achieved as we unify Spirit and matter within. And, this is the revelation that this home is opened only by the key that we hold as member of this spiritual family.

Another Path of Expression: The Moon on the 29th Path
The Moon/Pisces

Slide3
My soul seeks the beauty of
Your refined and elegant grace.

My body yearns for the wisdom of
Love and the heat of the creative fires.

My Spirit hungers for the lessons
Found in the bliss of exquisite form.

The 29th Path connects the spheres of Netzach (Victory) and Malkuth (Kingdom). This is the path of drawing down into the manifest and physical realms (Malkuth) the creative expression of what is defined by love, refinement and aesthetic beauty (Netzach). This is the path of feeling (Netzach) descending into matter (Malkuth). The Moon is placed upon the 29th Path. Pisces is the astrological sign placed upon this path and represents the completion of the zodiacal wheel. Both of these energies are the fullness of emotional expression and intuitive sight. We are all familiar with the energy of the Moon, the waxing and waning of her phases and the power of her tides. Pisces adds the intensity of compassion and a grace of flow that signals the endings of one phase and the birthing waters that will signal the next.

This energy is what will stir the passions towards greater and deeper expression of what is refined and beautiful. This is the energy that fuels the soul’s need and inspires the outpouring of this emotional state of pure joy into a state of victorious expression.

As we learned in previous posts, Pisces is the third of the water Triad that includes Cancer and Scorpio as well. And, as we have also seen, there is interaction – by relation – kind of like Cancer and Pisces being third cousins with the common relative of the Moon. The home that is created here within the Tree is one of all loving and unconditional compassion. The yearning of Cancerian energy for the loving home and family is realized in the refined expression (Netzach) of a love that is pure of heart and focused on the best interest of what is in manifest form (Malkuth).

In Conclusion:

As we consider the attributes of Cancer and its ruling planet the Moon and their impact on the Tree of Life the prominent focus is one of honing the intuitive and healing nature that promotes unconditional love. Cancer brings a desire to love and to be loved and the sense of community that fosters this energy. The Moon shines in Her wisdom bringing the feminine polarity that is both creation and destruction of what does not serve and unconditionally will not thrive. The abundance of water that is reflected in Cancer and in Pisces as partners to the Moon’s energies upon the paths speaks to the natural flow of involution from the Crown and Spirit of Kether down into the manifest form of Malkuth. And, the place of filter for disbursement of this divine elixir is that of Yesod, the sphere of the Moon and the gate where the dreams of a stable and supportive home may come into manifest reality.

As the light of Tiphareth (Sun) shines brightly and radiates its vision of magnetic attraction throughout the multilayered branches of a tree that reaches far and wide in its expanse and impact we are reminded that in this light of opening is the contracted response of embrace and closing in to hold near and dear what is drawn lovingly into that embrace.

Next Posts:

TUESDAY, JULY 8.2014

BONUS:  PATHWORKING – THE HALL OF CANCER

July 13.2014

Temple of the Sun: The Magick of Cancer

 

Resources:

If you are not familiar with the Qabalistic Tree of Life, I would recommend reading through the article posted in my other blog, The Magickal Pen entitled “Geburah’s Might” to give you the necessary overview for an introductory base of working knowledge about the Tree. It can be found here:

The Magickal Pen: Geburah’s Might

WitchVox: 13 Keys: The Foundation of Yesod

13 Keys to the Qabalistic Tree of Life

Reading:

The Inner Chamber Series. R. Fennelly

Volume One: It’s Written in the Stars (2013)
Volume Two: Poetry of the Spheres (2013)
Volume Three: Awakening the Paths (2014)

Order at author’s website: Robin Fennelly

The Pagan Experience Monthly Gathering

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Petals of Creative Change

78 Keys of Tarot

Opening the Gates of Inner Sight

Theophania Temple of Athena and Apollon

Musings From the Mystic Path

A Monthly Newsletter published by Coven of the Mystic Path, ASW

Qabalistic Journeys

From Psychic / Medium Danielle Egnew

The Call to Light Press - Spiritual Messages for Changing Times.

The Pagan Experience

Writings From the Pagan Community

Teachings on the Path

A Path of Continued Learning

symbolreader

Sharing My Love of Symbols

fuelnutrition blog

In Jim's Garden

THE EDITOR'S JOURNAL

Otrazhenie

Reflection

R.P. Apothecary Blog

Magickally Human

A Blog of Experience

breathofgreenair

mindfulness, relaxation, thought provoking images and poems

The Enchanted Gate

The Sacred Literary

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