Chapter 34
CHAPTER XL
SECOND SEPTENARY. ARCANA 7 TO 13.
ANDROGONY.
Key to the 2nd Septenary — The Zain and the Chariot — The Heth
and Justice — TheTeth and the Hermit — The Yod and the Wheel
of Fortune — The Kaph and Strength — The Lamed and the
Hnnged Man.
Summary of the 2nd Septenary — Constitution of Man.
Key to the Second Septenary.
ARRANGEMENT OF THE FIGURES FOR STUDY.
Chariot Wheel of Fortune
7 10
The Hermit 9
10
13
Death
13 M 2 The Hanged
Man
8
Justice
11
Strength
134
THE TAROT.
CHARACTER OF THE FIGURES.
Influence of the 1st
septenary in the 2nd
7
Keflex of 7
10
Equilibrium
of 9
7 and 8
10
Equilibrium
of 9 and 12
Passage from
one world to
the other
13
8
Keflex of 7
11
Keflex of 8
12
Reflection of 9
Equilibrium
of
10 and 11
The 1st septenary has shown us the World of 'principles,
or of the Creation under all its aspects ; we shall now study
the World of laws, or of Preservation.
7. t
7th Hebrew letter (Zain).
ORIGIN OF THE SYMBOLISM OF THE SEVENTH CARD OF THE TAROT.
Hieroglyphically the Zain expresses an arrow, and
therefore it suggests the idea of a vjccvpon, of the instru-
ment which man uses to rule and conquer, and to attain his
object.
The Zain expresses victory in all the worlds. As a
simple letter it corresponds with the astronomic sign of
the Twins in the Zodiac.
SECOND SEPTENARY.
135
THE CHARIOT.
TXTH ARI 0 T JT
THE CHARIOT.
SEVENTH CARD OF THE TAROT.
The Chariot.
The symbolism of this card corresponds in all points
with the ideas which it expresses.
A Conqueror, crowned with a coronet, upon which rise
three shining Pentagrams of gold, advances in a cubical
chariot, surmounted by an azure, star-decked canopy
supported by four columns.
This symbol reproduces the 1st and 21st arcana in
another order of ideas. The four columns represent the
four animals of the 21st arcanum, and the four symbols
of the 1st arcanum, symbols of the quaternary in all its
acceptations.
The Conqueror, who occupies the centre of the four
elements, is the man who has vanquished and directed the
elementary forces : this victory is confirmed by the cubical
136 THE TAROT.
form of the chariot, and by the Pentagrams, which crown
the Initiate.
The Conqueror has three right angles upon his cuirass,
and he bears upon his shoulders the Urim and Thummim
of the sovereign sacrificant, represented by the two crescents
of the moon on the right and left ; in his hand is a sceptre
surmounted by a globe, a square, and a triangle. Upon
the square, which forms the front of the chariot, we see
the Indian lingam, surmounted by the flying sphere of
Egypt.
Two sphinxes, one white, the other black, are harnessed
to the chariot.
This symbol represents the sacred septenary in all its
manifestations. The word Yod-he-vau-he is portrayed
upon the front of the chariot by the winged globe, to
indicate that the septenary gives the key to the whole
Tarot. The two sphinxes correspond to the two prin-
ciples, active and passive. The Conqueror corresponds
especially with the Sword and the Vau of the sacred
name.
The 7th card of the Tarot shows the influence of the
creation in the preservation of the Divine in the Human.
It represents the Yod or the God of the 2nd septenary.
The God of the 2nd septenary.
Man performing the function or God the Creator.
The Father.
The laic of the 2nd septenary.
Kealization.
(Keflex of the Power.)
The Man of the 2nd septenary.
Nature performing the function of Adam.
The Astral Light.
SECOND SEPTENARY.
7. ï
The Chariot.
137
AFFINITIES
SIGNIFICATIONS
Primitive ]
XT- i -L- r Arrow
Hieroglyphic J
Man performing the function of
God the creator
Kabbalah Hod
THE FATHER
Astronomy The Twins
The Realizer
Month May
HebreAV letter Zain (simple)
Law
THE REALIZATION
OBSERVATIONS
Nature performing the function
-
of Adam
THE ASTRAL LIGHT
The passage from one world to the other is scarcely
performed, when we see the same law in action that we
found in the 1st septenary. The second term of this
series will be the reflection of the first, just as the second
term of the first series also reflected the first. However,
since this 2nd septenary is the central one, we shall find
as the foundation of all its constituent arcana, the idea of
mediation or equilibrium. This is shown by the eighth
card.
138
THE TAROT.
JUSTICE.
JUSTICE.
8. n
8th Hebrew letter (Heth).
ORIGIN OF THE SYMBOLISM OF THE EIGHTH CARD OF THE TAROT.
Hieroglyphically the Heth expresses a field. From it
springs the idea of anything that requires labour, trouble,
an effort.
Continued effort results in the establishment of an
equilibrium, between the destruction of the works of man
accomplished by nature, when left to herself, and the
preservation of this work. Hence the idea of balancing
power, and consequently of Justice attributed to this
letter.1
1 This letter, an intermediary between Î1 (He) and 3 (Kaph), the
one designating life, absolute existence, the other the relative life,
assimilated existence, is the sign of elementary existence : it is the
image of a kind of equilibrium, and attaches itself to ideas of effort,
of labour, and of normal and legislative action. — Fabre d'Olivet.
SECOND SEPTENARY. 139
Astronomically the Heth corresponds to the sign of
Cancer in the zodiac.
THE EIGHTH CARD OF THE TAROT.
Justice.
The ideas expressed by this symbol are of Equilibrium
in all its forms.
A woman seen full face, and wearing an iron coronet, is
seated upon a throne. She is placed between the two
columns of the temple. The solar cross is traced upon
her breast.
Here we find the continuation of the symbolism of the
2nd and 5th arcana. The seated woman occupies the
centre between the columns, the first idea of the equilibrium
between Good and Evil.
She holds a sword, point upwards, in her right hand,
and a balance in her left.
Occult science (2), at first theoretical, has become practical
(5), and has been taught verbally. Now it appears in all
the pitilessness of consequences, terrible for the false Magi
the Sword), but just toward the true Initiates (Balance).
The signification of this arcanum is central between the
5th (p He) and the 11th (^ Kaph) arcana.
This card is the complement of the eleventh, as the
fifth was of the second. In the 1st septenary all the
cards which, by addition, formed the number 7, completed
each other; in the 2nd septenary all the cards which,
added together, form 19, act in the same way.
140
THE TAROT.
The Chariot
8
Justice
9
The Hermit
is completed by
7 + 12 = 19
19 = 10= 1
is completed by
8 + 11 = 19
is completed by
9 + 10 = 19
12
The Hanged Man
11
Strength
10
The Wheel of Fortune
The eighth card of the Tarot represents the conception
in preservative of the second card. It synthetizes in itself
the meaning of the second and of the fifth card of the
Tarot, and represents the reflex of the seventh. It
signifies —
1. In the Divine. God the Son of the 2nd septenary.
The woman fulfilling the functions of God the Son.
The Mother.
Keflex of the Father. Preserver of God the Son in
Humanity.
2. Passive law of the 2nd septenary.
Justice.
Keflex of Realization and Authority.
3. The woman of the 2nd septenary. Nature fulfilling
the function of Eve.
Elementary Existence.
Reflex of the Astral Li^ht. Preservation ' of datura
o
naturata in the World.
SECOND SEPTENARY.
141
8. n
Justice.
AFFINITIES
SIGNIFICATIONS
Primitive 1 A FieM
Hieroglyphic J
Kabbalah Nizah
Astronomy Cancer
The woman fulfilling the
functions of God the Son
THE MOTHER
Month June
Hebrew letter Heth (simple)
Law
JUSTICE
OBSERVATIONS
Nature performing the
function of Eve
ELEMENTARY
EXISTENCE
The elementary existence is the means by which the
astral vivifying fluid or astral light (7) manifests itself
through the ether or astral matter (9). This is
demonstrated by the following arcanum.
142
THE TAROT.
THE HERMIT.
THE HERMIT.
9. &
9th Hebrew letter (Teth).
ORIGIN OF THE SYMBOLISM OF THE NINTH CARD OF THE TAROT.
Hieroglyphically the Teth represents a roof, and suggests
the idea of a place of safety, a protection. All the ideas
arising from this letter are derived from the alliance
of safety and protection given by wisdom.
Astronomically the Teth corresponds with the zodiacal
sign of the Lion.
NINTH CARD OF THE TAROT.
The Hermit.
The following ideas are connected with this card —
1. Protection.
2. Wisdom, Circumspection.
SECOND SEPTENAKY. 143
An old man walking supported by a stick. He carries
before him a lighted lamp, half hidden by the great
mantle which envelopes him.
This symbol is midway between the sixth and the
twelfth.
Protection is indicated by the mantle which envelops
the old man.
Wisdom by the half-hidden lamp.
The stick indicates that the Sage is always armed to
fight against Injustice or Error.
By comparing this card with two others, the sixth and
the twelfth, we shall see that the beardless young man in
the former (6th) has chosen the right path. Experience won
in the labour of life has rendered him a prudent old man,
and prudence united to wisdom will safely lead him to the
higher level, which he is anxious to attain (12th card).
The arrow shot by the genius in the sixth arcanum has
become his support, and the effulgent aureole which sur-
rounded the genius is now imprisoned in the lamp which
guides the Initiate. This is the result of his prolonged
efforts.
The ninth card of the Tarot represents the third con-
ceived as preserver and recipient. It also balances the
seventh and the eighth.
1. Humanity fulfilling the function of God the Holy
Spirit.
The human creative force.
Human Love.
The preserving power of Humanity. The equilibrium
of the Father and the Mother.
2. Equilibrium of Realization and Justice.
144 THE TAEOT.
Pkudence.
(Silence.)
3. Nature accomplishing the function of humanity.
Equilibrium of the Astral Light and Elementary Existence.
The Natural Preserving Force.
The Astral Fluid.
9. &
The Hermit.
AFFINITIES
SIGNIFICATIONS
Primitive 1 A -p, £
fAKoof
Hieroglyphic J
Kabbalah Iesod
Astronomy The Lion
Humanity accomplishing the
functions of God the Holy
Spirit
HUMAN LOVE
Month July
Hebrew letter Teth (simple)
PKUDENCE
Silence
OBSERVATIONS
The natural Preserving Force
THE ASTEAL FLUID
SECOND SEPTENARY.
145
The astral fluid therefore represents the universal
preservation of the active forces in nature. Here ends
the first ternary of the septenary of Preservation. We
shall now see the reflections of all these terms in the
following ternary.
THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE.
THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE.
10. >
10th Hebrew letter (Yod).
ORIGIN OP THE SYMBOLISM OF THE TENTH CARD OF THE TAROT.
The hieroglyphic meaning of the Yod is the finger of
man ; the forefinger extended as a sign of command. This
letter has therefore become the image of potential mani-
festation, of spiritual duration ; lastly of the eternity of
time, with all the ideas relating to it.1
1 See the study of the word Yod-he-vau-he.
L
146
THE TAROT.
The Yod is a simple letter ; astronomically it corresponds
with the zodiacal sign of the Virgin.
TENTH CARD OF THE TAROT.
The Wheel of Fortune.
Two principal ideas are expressed by this symbol —
1. The idea of Command, of Supremacy.
2. The idea of the duration, of the eternal action of time.
The wheel of fortune suspended upon its axis. To the
right Amthis, the genius of good ascending ; to the left
Typhon, the genius of evil descending, the Sphinx is
balanced upon the centre of the wheel, holding à sword
in its lion claws.
The first idea is expressed by the ternary, Anubis or
positive, Typhon or negative, the balanced Sphinx the
ruler.
The second idea is expressed by the wheel, a line without
beginning or end, the symbol of eternity.
The 10th arcanum is midway between the 7th and 13th
arcana.
7 + 13 = 20
20
- = 10.
It expresses the incessant equilibrium, which modifies
the creative realizations of the septenary by the necessary
destruction by Death (arcanum 13). The three arcana, 7,
10, 13, correspond exactly with the Hindu trinity or
Trimurti.
Brahma = Creator = Arcanum 7.
Siva = Destroyer = Arcanum 13.
Vishnu = Preserver = Arcanum 10.
SECOND SEPTENARY.
14:
It represents the course of things according to the
ternary law, which directs all the divine manifestations.
The tenth card of the Tarot commences the negative
portion of the 2nd septenary, and expresses the notion
of the septenary considered in its reflections.
It will therefore represent —
1. Reflex of will (see 4th arcanum).
Necessity.
The Karma of the Hindus.
2. Reflex of power and of realization.
Magic Powek.
Fortune.
(To will.)
3. Reflex of the universal soul.
Force Potential in its Manifestation.
10. <■
The Wheel of Fortune.
AFFINITIES
SIGNIFICATIONS
Primitive i
TT. , , . y The Forefinger
Hieroglyphic J °
Kabbalah Malchut
NECESSITY
The Karma of the Hindus
Astronomy The Virgin
Month August
Hebrew letter Yod (simple)
MAGIC POWER
Fortune
To Will
OBSERVATIONS
Reflection of the universal soul
FORCE POTENTIAL
IN ITS MANIFESTATION
148
THE TAEOT.
The absolute creative force has varied successively in
the universal vivifying Fluid (4), and the astral Light (7) ;
now it is represented by force potential in its manifesta-
tion. We shall see this force fully displayed in the
following arcanum.
STEENGTH.
STRENGTH.
11. D
11th Hebrew letter (Kaph).
ORIGIN OF THE SYMBOLISM OF THE ELEVENTH CARD OF THE TAROT.
The hieroglyphic meaning of the Kaph is the hand of
man, half closed and in the act of prehension, like the
Gimel. But the Kaph is reinforcement of the Gimel, so
that we might say that it designates the hand of man in
the act of grasping strongly. Ideas of strength are therefore
applied to this letter.
SECOND SEPTENARY. 149
The number 11, the first after the decade, gives a
different value to the Kaph, which designates a reflected
transitory life, a kind of mould, which receives and restores
every variety of form.
It is derived from the letter Heth, n (8), which is itself
derived from the sign of absolute life, He n (5). Thus,
allied on one side to the sign of elementary life (see the
8th arcanum), it joins to the signification of the letter
Heth (n) that of the organic sign D (Gimel) (3rd arcanum),
of which too it is merely a reinforcement.
The Kaph is a double letter, corresponding astronomically
with March and Tuesday.
THE ELEVENTH CARD OF THE TAROT.
Strength.
Only two ideas are expressed by this arcanum —
1. The idea of strength.
2. The idea of vitality.
A young girl calmly closing a lion's mouth without any
visible effort.
(First idea.)
This young girl wears the vital sign oo upon her head.
(Second idea.)
The 11th arcanum is midway between the 5th and 14th
arcana. In it we find the symbolism of the 8th arcanum
transformed to the physical plane. It is, in fact, the image
of the power given by the sacred science (2nd arcanum)
when justly applied (8).
The eleventh card of the Tarot shows us all the negative
or reflective significations of the fifth, that is to say —
150
THE TAROT.
1. Reflex of the Intelligence (5).
Liberty.
2. Reflex of Authority, of Faith.
Courage.
(To dare.)
3. Reflex of the Universal Life. Manifestation of the
strength of the preceding arcanum.
Reflected and Transitory Life.
11. 3
Strength.
AFFINITIES
SIGNIFICATIONS
Primitive ( The Hand in the
Hieroglyphic ( act of grasping
Reflex of the Intelligence
Astronomy Mars o
LIBERTY
Day Tuesday
Hebrew letter Kaph (double)
Reflex of Authority, of Faith
COURAGE
(rTo dare)
OBSERVATIONS
Keiiex oi Universal Lire
Reflex and Transitory Life
SECOND SEPTENARY.
151
The strength, already potential in its manifestations, has
shown its full force in the 11th arcanum : it will balance
itself in the following arcanum.
XM S 1
LE PENDU
THE HANGED MAN.
THE HANGED MAN.
12. b
12th Hebrew letter (Lamed).
ORIGIN OF THE SYMBOLISM OF THE TWELFTH CARD OF THE TAROT.
Hieroglyphicaliy the Lamed designates the arm, and
therefore it is connected with anything that stretches, that
raises, that unfolds like the arm, and has become the sign
of expansive movement. It is applied to all ideas of exten-
sion, of occupation, of possession. As a last sign, it is the
image of the power derived from elevation.
Divine expansion in humanity is produced by the
152 THE TAROT.
prophets and revelation, and this inspires the idea of the
revealed lato. But the revelation of the law involves
punishment for him who violates it, or elevation for
him who understands it ; and here we find the ideas of
punishment, of violent death, voluntary or involuntary.
The Lamed, a simple letter, astronomically corresponds
with the zodiacal sign of the Balance.
TWELFTH CARD OF THE TAROT.
The Hanged Man.
A man hanging by one foot to a gibbet, resting upon
two trees, each bearing six branches, which have been
cut off.
The man's hands are tied behind his back, and the fold
of his arms forms the base of a reversed triangle, of which
his head forms the point. His eyes are open and his fair
hair floats upon the wind. His right leg crosses his left
and so forms a cross.
This young man is again the Juggler whose transform-
ations we have already followed in the 1st, 6th, and 7th
arcana.
Like the sun placed in the midst of the signs of the
Zodiac (six on each side, the lopped branches), our young-
hero is again suspended between two decisions, from which
will spring, no longer his physical future, as in the 6th
arcanum, but his spiritual future.
The 12th arcanum fills the centre between the 6th
arcanum (Wisdom) and the 15th (Fatality). These arcana
represent the two women of the 6th arcanum, regarded in
the spiritual sense.
This Hanged Man serves for an example to the pre-
SECOND SEPTENARY. 153
sumptuous, and his position indicates discipline, the
absolute submission which the human owes to the
Divine.
Considered alchemically, the Hanged Man shows the
sign of personality.
In the hermetic grade of the Rosy-Cross (18th degree
of the Freemasonry of Scotland) one of the signs of recog-
nition consists in crossing the legs like those of the Hanged
Man. It is needless to say that the origin and meaning
of this sign is quite unknown to the Freemasons.
The twelfth card of the Tarot represents Equilibrist
Power. It neutralizes the oppositions of the tenth and
eleventh cards.
1. Equilibrium of Necessity and Liberty —
Charity. — Grace.
(Preserving power of Love.)
2. Equilibrium of Power and Courage. Reflex of
Prudence —
Acquired Experience.
(Knowledge.)
3. Equilibrium of the potential Manifestation (10), and
of reflected Life (11). Reflex of the astral Fluid.
Equilibrist Force.
154
THE TAROT.
12. b
The Hanged Man.
AFFINITIES
SIGNIFICATIONS
Primitive 1 The Arm out-
Hieroglyphic J stretched
Astronomy The Balance
Month September
Hebrew letter Lamed (Simple)
OBSERVATIONS.
CHARITY
Grace
ACQUIRED EXPERIENCE
(Knowledge)
EQUILIBRIST FORCE
Modifying force is the last term of the 2nd septenary.
By it the Astral will realize itself to pass into the physical,
from the world of preservation and reception (2nd sep-
tenary) into the world of transformation (3rd septenary).
SECOND SEPTENARY
155
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