Fools Journey Through the Major Arcana Part 3
The ‘Fools Journey Through the Major Arcana Part 3 ’ is the last of three parts and was written by members of the Lifewave Meditation Group of the 1980s. This information formed part of the esoteric teachings on the tarot at that time. I have added only images to the original text and the original document can be viewed in the PDF below.
The Devil
The 1/2 cube signifies half knowledge i.e. that of the visible world. The inverted pentagram indicates that man’s position in creation is inverted ie in materialism & not in spirit. The chains on the figures are loose showing that much of the Fools bondage is imaginary, The Devil also symbolises his repressed fears which, once removed, can release much positive energy. In this lesson the Fool learns to accept all aspects of his nature i.e. both the good & the bad.
The Tower
This symbolises the final shattering of the Fools earthly illusions. The lightning flash represents the descent of spiritual truth shattering false beliefs contained within the walls of the tower. The crown symbolises the crown of materialistic life as it is thrust from power. The lightning path comes from the same source as that which is drawn from above by the magician & that which lights the Hermit’s lantern.
The Star
The naked women represents truth unveiled & their is nothing to hide or fear. The 5 streams represent the 5 senses & the pool represents cosmic consciousness. She bridges the two. The 8 pointed star=cosmic energy, 7 pointed stars=solar energy. The Star offers the Fool optimism & hope along his difficult path, as well as inspiration. The bird symbolises the souls ability to rise above earthly consciousness.
The Moon
The Moon teaches the Fool that there is still much to learn. The hard shell of the crayfish symbolises the innermost fears of the seeker coming to the surface. The pool represents the mind stuff out of which emerges physical manifestation. The shellfish symbolises early conscious unfoldment. The wolf is nature’s untamed creation whilst the dog represents the adaptation of life to man. The path ascends ever upward between the Quabalistic pillars.
The the Moon symbolises the upward progress of man, shining light on his path. The drops of light showing spirit coming down into matter.
The Sun
The Sun represents the Fools newfound joy & optimism. The child symbolises the child like state that is needed for inner spiritual growth. The banner represents the clothes that have been worn in earlier cards, which have been cast off as their lessons have been learnt.
The wall represents the Fools past life & experiences from which he rides. The sunflowers are symbolic of the 4 kingdoms of nature; plant, animal, vegetable & mineral which must all turn to man for their final development.
Judgement
This is the penultimate stage of the Fool’s journey. The cross shows that the way to spiritual ascent is through the union of opposites, the crossing point representing their joining together. The naked figures show that they have thrown off their worldly garments in favour of spirituality. They have undergone a rebirth, they have died in order to save themselves & are now summoned to a new life. This card also marks the completion of the karmic cycle & it is at this stage that the Fool is assessed, with rewards or penalties issued.
The angel blows the trumpet sounding the creative word which liberates man from his physical limitations. Thereby the figures overcome death.
The World
This is the crown of the initiate, given to those which master the 4 guardians & enter the kingdom of God. The figure wears a veil hiding sexual gender, symbolising the transcendence of duality & the at onement with nature. Thiscard implies the stage of cosmic consciousness, the final goal to which all of the other cards have lead.
ORIGINAL DOCUMENT
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