Thelemic Holy Season: Day 12
93!
Kaph
Fortune
Liber VII, Ch.3
Ah, another entry where I'm exhausted when I finally get around to writing it. I need to do these a bit earlier, although I like taking the whole day to think about the path. It percolates better that way. :)
Yesterday I didn't feel particularly connected to the path - maybe it's a hard one to connect with. Today was better.
The path of Kaph connects Netzach (basic emotions and sensuality) with Chesed (generosity, emotions on a higher level.) This is how we learn to apply our emotions to spiritual matters, and to deal with others compassionately. Chesed means mercy, giving its name to this Pillar. As one moves up the tree, the paths seem to have more to do with relating to others and to spiritual things than purely personal matters.
Kaph means palm of the hand. It's the hand reaching out in generosity, or the hand grasping opportunities. This second interpretation ties in well with today's Tarot card. This is another card that represents a dynamic process, but less (for lack of a better word) "singleminded" than Adjustment. Looking at the Adjustment card, I get the sense that yes, things are always shifting, but Ma'at will always hold the center. (As it should be.) On this path, though, the Wheel is always turning, and the balance of power always changes.
This path represents luck and changes in circumstances, for good or bad. It's activity after the passivity of the Hanged Man. It's also another card that balances out and distributes the intense energy of the previous paths. This is where inertia is overcome.
Chesed is the last sephira below the Abyss to be "introduced". As we work our way up the Tree, multiplicity begins to be resolved into unity. We also understand better how the universe works. The Wheel represents this as well. Its ten spokes symbolize the 10 sephiroth (the card is also numbered 10). It is set amid whirling chaos, yet there is a sense of order crystallizing out of it, particularly with the stars at the top of the card.
Both this path and Chesed are associated with Jupiter. (Incidentally, the chapters of Liber VII are associated with planets and the chapters of Liber LXV are associated with elements. The latter took me a bit to figure out. The paths associated with Zodiac signs are a grab bag, Liber-wise.) This gives them a connotation of rulership. (Many of the higher sephiroth seem to be associated with how power of different sorts is used.) Jupiter is also apparently associated with luck.
The meanings of changing circumstances and generosity connect well. First of all, generosity is usually appreciated by those whose fortunes have taken a turn for the worse. Also, when we understand the cycles of success and failure, activity and inertia, we can be more understanding of other people's circumstances and more likely to help them.
This is another path dealing with change of perspective. This is absolutely necessary as we approach the Abyss. It also helps us see patterns.
Not too surprisingly, I've noticed some changes in my own perspectives as I've been working along these paths. I've especially noticed that I've been thinking about the Realms more. I've been more Ariana, if that makes sense. I'm continuing to work on opening my awareness. I had somehow forgotten that an important part of the Work of the Department, and my Work in general, is being sensitive to "interesting" people and situations. I can't do that if I'm stubbornly holding on to one way of thinking and perceiving.
93 93/93
Kaph
Fortune
Liber VII, Ch.3
Ah, another entry where I'm exhausted when I finally get around to writing it. I need to do these a bit earlier, although I like taking the whole day to think about the path. It percolates better that way. :)
Yesterday I didn't feel particularly connected to the path - maybe it's a hard one to connect with. Today was better.
The path of Kaph connects Netzach (basic emotions and sensuality) with Chesed (generosity, emotions on a higher level.) This is how we learn to apply our emotions to spiritual matters, and to deal with others compassionately. Chesed means mercy, giving its name to this Pillar. As one moves up the tree, the paths seem to have more to do with relating to others and to spiritual things than purely personal matters.
Kaph means palm of the hand. It's the hand reaching out in generosity, or the hand grasping opportunities. This second interpretation ties in well with today's Tarot card. This is another card that represents a dynamic process, but less (for lack of a better word) "singleminded" than Adjustment. Looking at the Adjustment card, I get the sense that yes, things are always shifting, but Ma'at will always hold the center. (As it should be.) On this path, though, the Wheel is always turning, and the balance of power always changes.
This path represents luck and changes in circumstances, for good or bad. It's activity after the passivity of the Hanged Man. It's also another card that balances out and distributes the intense energy of the previous paths. This is where inertia is overcome.
Chesed is the last sephira below the Abyss to be "introduced". As we work our way up the Tree, multiplicity begins to be resolved into unity. We also understand better how the universe works. The Wheel represents this as well. Its ten spokes symbolize the 10 sephiroth (the card is also numbered 10). It is set amid whirling chaos, yet there is a sense of order crystallizing out of it, particularly with the stars at the top of the card.
Both this path and Chesed are associated with Jupiter. (Incidentally, the chapters of Liber VII are associated with planets and the chapters of Liber LXV are associated with elements. The latter took me a bit to figure out. The paths associated with Zodiac signs are a grab bag, Liber-wise.) This gives them a connotation of rulership. (Many of the higher sephiroth seem to be associated with how power of different sorts is used.) Jupiter is also apparently associated with luck.
The meanings of changing circumstances and generosity connect well. First of all, generosity is usually appreciated by those whose fortunes have taken a turn for the worse. Also, when we understand the cycles of success and failure, activity and inertia, we can be more understanding of other people's circumstances and more likely to help them.
This is another path dealing with change of perspective. This is absolutely necessary as we approach the Abyss. It also helps us see patterns.
Not too surprisingly, I've noticed some changes in my own perspectives as I've been working along these paths. I've especially noticed that I've been thinking about the Realms more. I've been more Ariana, if that makes sense. I'm continuing to work on opening my awareness. I had somehow forgotten that an important part of the Work of the Department, and my Work in general, is being sensitive to "interesting" people and situations. I can't do that if I'm stubbornly holding on to one way of thinking and perceiving.
93 93/93