Book T - The Tarot

Comprising Manuscripts N, O, P, Q, R, and an Unlettered Theoricus Adeptus Minor Instruction

“What thou seest write in a Book, and send it unto the Seven Abodes that are in Assiah.”

“And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat upon the Throne a book sealed with Seven Seals.” “And I saw a strong Angel proclaiming with a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to open the Books and to loose the seals thereof.’"

H. R. U.

THE GREAT ANGEL IS SET OVER THE OPERATION OF THE SECRET WISDOM

THE TITLES OF THE TAROT SYMBOLS

1. Ace of Wands is called the Root of the Powers of Fire.
2. Ace of Cups is called the Root of the Powers of Water.
3. Ace of Swords is called the Root of the Powers of Air.
4. Ace of Pentacles is called the Root of the Powers of Earth.
5. The Knight of Wands is called the Lord of Flame and Lightning. The King of the Spirits of Fire.
6. The Queen of Wands is The Queen of the Thrones of Flames.
7. The King of Wands is The Prince of the Chariot of Fire.
8. The Knave of Wands is The Princess of the Shining Flame, and The Rose of the Palace of Fire.
9. The Knight of Cups is The Lord of the Waves and the Waters, and The King of the Hosts of the Sea.
10. The Queen of Cups is The Queen of the Thrones of the Waters.
11. The King of Cups is The Prince of the Chariot of the Waters.
12. The Knave of Cups is The Princess of the Waters and the Lotus [of the Palace of the Floods].
13. The Knight of Swords is The Lord of the Wind and the Breezes, The Lord of the Spirits of the Air.
14. The Queen of Swords is "The Queen of the Thrones of the Air.
15. The King of Swords is The Prince of the Chariots of the Wind.
16. The Knave of Swords is The Princess of the Rushing Winds, The Lotus of the Palace of Air.
17. The Knight of Pentacles is The Lord of the Wide and Fertile land, King of the Spirits of the Earth.
18. The Queen of Pentacles is The Queen of the Thrones of Earth.
19. The King of Pentacles is The Prince of the Chariot of Earth.
20. The Knave of Pentacles is The Princess of the Echoing Hills, The Rose of the Palace of Earth.

THE DESCRIPTIONS OF THE 78 TAROT
SYMBOLS TOGETHER WITH THEIR MEANINGS

OF THE ACES

First in order and appearance are the four Aces, representing the force of the Spirit acting in, and binding together the four scales of each element and answering to the Dominion of the Letters of the Name in the Kether of each. They represent the Radical or Root- Force. The Four Aces are said to be placed on the North Pole of the Universe, wherein they revolve, governing its revolution, and ruling as the connecting link between Yetsirah and the Material Plane of Universe.

I. The Root of the Powers of Fire.
ACE OF WANDS

A white radiating angelic Hand issuing from Clouds and grasping a heavy Club which has three branches in the colours and with the Sigils of the Scales³. The right and left hand branches end respectively in three Flames and the centre one in four Flames, thus yielding ten the number of the Sephiroth. Two and Twenty leaping Flames or Yods surround it, answering to the Paths of these. Three fall below the right branch for Aleph Mem and Shin. Seven above the central branch for the double letters. And between it and that on the right, twelve-six above and six below-about the left hand Branch. The whole is a great and Flaming Torch. It symbolises Force, strength, rush, vigour, energy, and it governs according to its nature various works and questions. It implies natural as opposed to Invoked Force.

II. The Root of the Powers of the Waters.
ACE OF CUPS OR CHALICES

A Radiant white Angelic Hand issuing from clouds and supporting on the palm thereof a cup, resembling that of the Stolistes. From it rises a fountain of clear and glistening Water; and spray falling on all sides into clear calm water below, in which grow Lotus and water lilies. The great letter Heh of the Supernal Mother is traced in the spray of the Fountain. It symbolises Fertility, Productiveness, Beauty, Pleasure, Happiness, etc.

III. The Root of the Powers of Air,
ACE OF SWORDS

A white radiating Angelic Hand, issuing from clouds, and grasping the hilt of a Sword, which supports a white radiant celestial Crown from which depend, on the right, the olive branch of Peace, and on the left, the Palm branch of suffering. Six Vaus fall from its point.

It symbolises invoked as contrasted with natural Force; for it is the Invocation of the Sword. Raised upward, it invokes the Divine Crown of Spiritual Brightness. But reversed it is the invocation of demoniac force, and becomes a fearfully evil symbol. It represents therefore very great power for good or evil, but invoked. And it also represents whirling force, and strength through trouble. It is the affirmation of justice, upholding Divine authority; and it may become the Sword of Wrath, Punishment and Affliction.

IV. The Root Powers of the Earth.
ACE OF PENTACLES

A white radiant Angelic Hand, holding a branch of a rose Tree, whereon is a large Pentacle, formed of five concentric circles. The innermost Circle is white, charged with a red Greek cross. From this white centre 12 rays, also white, issue. These terminate at the circumference, making the whole something like an astrological figure of the Heavens.

It is surmounted by a small circle, above which is a large Maltese Cross, and with two white wings; four roses and two buds are shewn. The hand issueth from the clouds as in the other three cases. It representeth materiality in all senses, good and evil, and is therefore in a sense illusionary. It shows material gain, labour, power, wealth, etc.

The Sixteen Court or Royal Cards.

THE FOUR KINGS

The Four Kings or Figures mounted on Steeds represent the Yod forces of the Name in each suit, the Radix, Father, and commencement of Material Forces. A Force in which all the others are implied and of which they form the development and completion. A force swift and violent in action, but whose effect soon passes away, and therefore symbolised by a figure on a steed riding swiftly, and clothed in complete armour.

Therefore is the knowledge of the scale of the King so necessary for the commencement of all magical working.

THE FOUR QUEENS

Are seated upon Thrones, representing the Forces of Heh of the Name in each suit, the Mother, and bringer forth of material Force, a Force which develops, and realises the Force of the King. A force steady and unshaken, but not rapid though enduring. It is therefore symbolised by a figure seated upon a Throne but also clothed in armour.

THE FOUR PRINCES

These Princes are figures seated in chariots, and thus borne forward. They represent the Vau Forces of the Name in each suit; the Mighty son of the King, and the Queen, who realises the Influence of both scales of Force. A prince, the son of a King and Queen, yet a Prince of Princes, and a King of Kings. An Emperor, whose effect is at once rapid (though not so swift as that of a king) and enduring (though not as steadfast as that of a Queen). It is therefore symbolised by a figure borne in a chariot, and clothed with armour. Yet is his power illusionary, unless set in motion by his Father and Mother.

THE FOUR PRINCESSES

Are the Knaves of the Tarot Pack. The Four Princesses or Figures of Amazons standing firmly by themselves, neither riding upon horses, nor seated upon Thrones, nor borne on Chariots. They represent the forces of Heh Final of the Name in each suit, completing the influences of the other scales. The mighty and potent daughter of a King and Queen: a princess powerful and terrible, A Queen of Queens, an Empress, whose effect combines those of the King, Queen and Prince. At once violent and permanent, she is therefore symbolised by a figure standing firmly by itself, only partially draped and having but little armour. Yet her power existeth not save by reason of the others, and then indeed it is mighty and terrible materially, and is the Throne of the Forces of the Spirit. Woe unto whomsoever shall make war upon her when thus established!

The Sphere of Influence of the Court Cards of the Tarot Pack.

The Princesses rule over the Four Parts of the Celestial Heavens which lie around the North Pole, and above the respective Kerubic Signs of the Zodiac, and they form the Thrones of the Powers of the Four Aces.

The Twelve Cards, 4 Kings, 4 Queens, and 4 Princes, rule the Dominions of the Celestial Heavens between the realm of the Four Princesses and the Zodiac, as is hereafter shewn. And they, as it were, link together the signs.

WANDS

V. The Lord of the Flame and the Lightning.
King of the Spirits of Fire.

KNIGHT OF WANDS

A winged Warrior riding upon a black horse with flaming mane and tail. The Horse itself is not winged. The Rider wears a winged Helmet (like an old Scandinavian and Gaulish Helmet) with a royal Crown. A corselet of scale-mail and buskins of the same, and a flowing scarlet mantle. Above his Helmet, upon his cuirass, and on his shoulder pieces and buskins he bears, as a crest, a winged black Horse’s head. He grasps a Club with flaming ends, somewhat similar to that in the symbol of the Ace of Wands, but not so heavy, and also the Sigil of his scale is shewn.

Beneath the rushing feet of his steed are waving flames of Fire. He is active, generous, fierce, sudden and impetuous. If ill-dignified he is evil-minded, cruel, bigoted, brutal He rules the celestial Heavens from above the 20th degree of Scorpio to the First two Decans of Sagittarius and this includes a part of the constellation Hercules (who also carries a club).

Fire of Fire. King of the Salamanders.

VI. Queen of the Thrones of Flame.

QUEEN OF WANDS

A crowned Queen with long red-golden hair, seated upon a Throne, with steady Flames beneath. She wears a corselet and buskins of scale mail, which latter her robe discloses. Her arms are almost bare. On cuirass and buskins are leopards’ heads winged. The same symbol surmounteth her crown. At her side is a couchant leopard on which her hands rest. She bears a long Wand with a very heavy conical head. The face is beautiful and resolute.

Adaptability, steady force applied to an object. Steady rule; great attractive power, power of command, yet liked notwithstanding. Kind and generous when not opposed. If ill-dignified, obstinate, revengeful, domineering, tyrannical and apt to turn suddenly against another without a cause. She rules the Heavens from above the last Decan of Pisces to above the twentieth degree of Aries, including a part of Andromeda.

Water of Fire, Queen of the Salamanders or Salamandrines.

VII. The Prince of the Chariot of Fire.

KING OF WANDS

A Kingly figure with a golden winged Crown, seated on a Chariot. He has large white wings. One wheel of his chariot is shewn. He wears corselet and buskin of scale armour, decorated with winged Lions’ heads, which symbol also surmounts his crown. His chariot is drawn by a lion. His arms are bare, save for the shoulder pieces of the corselet, and he bears a torch or fire wand, somewhat similar to that of the Z. A. M. Beneath the Chariot are flames, some waved, some salient.

Swift, strong, hasty, rather violent, yet just and generous, noble and scorning meanness. If ill-dignified, cruel intolerant, prejudiced, and ill-natured. He rules the Heavens from above the last decan of Cancer to the 2nd decan of Leo. Hence he includes most of Leo Minor.

Air of Fire, Prince and Emperor of Salamanders.

VIII. Princess of the Shining Flame.
The Rose of the Palace of Fire.

KNAVE OF WANDS

A very strong and beautiful woman, with flowing red-golden hair, attired like an Amazon. Her shoulders, arms, bosoms and knees are bare. She wears a short kilt, reaching to the knees. Round her waist is a broad belt of scale mail, narrow at the side, broad in the front and back, and having a winged tiger’s head in front. She wears a Corinthian shaped Helmet, and crown, with a long plume. It also is surmounted by a tiger’s head, and the same symbol forms the buckle of her scale-mail buskins.

A mantle lined with Tiger's skin falls back from her shoulders. Her right hand rests on a small golden or brazen Altar, ornamented with Ram’s heads, and with Flames of Fire leaping from it. Her left hand leans on a long and heavy club, swelling at the lower end, where the sigil is placed. It has flames of fire leaping from it the whole way down, but the flames are ascending. This Club or torch is much longer than that carried by the King or Queen. Beneath her firmly placed feet are leaping Flames of Fire.

Brilliance, courage, beauty, force, sudden in anger, or love, desire of power, enthusiasm, revenge.

Ill-dignified, superficial, theatrical, cruel, unstable, domineering. She rules the heavens over one quadrant of the portion round the North Pole.

Earth of Fire. Princess and Empress of the Salamanders. Throne of the Ace of Wands.

CUPS

IX. Lord of the Waves and the Waters.
King of the Hosts of the Sea.

KNIGHT OF CUPS

A beautiful youthful winged Warrior, with flying hair, riding upon a white Horse, which latter is not winged. His general equipment is similar to that of the Knight of Wands, but upon his helmet cuirass and buskins is a peacock with opened wings. He holds a Cup in his hand, bearing the sigil of the Scale. Beneath his horses’ feet is the sea. From the cup issues a crab.

Graceful, poetic, venusian, indolent, but enthusiastic if roused. Ill-dignified, he is sensual, idle, and untruthful. He rules the heavens from above 20° of Aquarius to 20° Pisces including the greater part of Pegasus.

Fire of Water. King of Undines and of Nymphs.

X. Queen of the Thrones of the Waters.

QUEEN OF CUPS

A very beautiful fair woman like a crowned Queen, seated upon a Throne, beneath which is flowing water, wherein Lotuses are seen. Her general dress is similar to that of the Queen of Wands, but upon her Crown, Cuirass and Buskins is seen an Ibis with opened wings, and beside her is the same Bird, whereon her hand rests. She holds a Cup, wherefrom a cray fish issues. Her face is dreamy. She holds a Lotus in the hand upon the Ibis.

She is imaginative, poetic, kind, yet not willing to take much trouble for another. Coquettish, good natured, underneath a dreamy appearance. Imagination stronger than feeling. Very much affected by other influences, and therefore more dependent upon good or ill-dignity than upon most other symbols. She rules from 20° Gemini to 20° Cancer.

Water of Water. Queen of Nymphs and Undines.

XI. Prince of the Chariot of the Waters.

KING OF CUPS

A winged Kingly figure with a winged crown, seated in a chariot drawn by an Eagle. On the wheel is the symbol of a Scorpion. The Eagle is borne as a crest upon his crown, cuirass and buskins. General attire like King of Wands. Beneath his chariot is the calm and stagnant water of a Lake. His scale armour resembles feathers more than scales. He holds in one hand a Lotus, and the other a Cup, charged with the Sigil of his scale. A serpent issues from the Cup, and has its head tending down to the waters of the Lake.

He is subtle, violent, crafty and artistic. A fierce nature with calm exterior. Powerful for good or evil, but more attracted by the evil, if allied with apparent Power or Wisdom. If ill-dignified he is intensely evil and merciless. He rules from 20° of Libra to 20° Scorpio.

Air of Water. Prince and Emperor of Nymphs and Undines.

XII. Princess of the Waters and Lotus of the Palace of the Floods.

KNAVE OF CUPS

A beautiful Amazon-like figure, softer in nature than the Princess of Wands. Her attire is similar. She stands on a sea with foaming spray. Away to her right is a Dolphin. She wears as a crest on her Helmet, belt and buskins, a Swan with opening wings. She bears in one hand a Lotus, and in the other an open cup from which a Turtle issues. Her mantle is lined with swans-down, and is of thin floating material.

Sweetness, poetry, gentleness, and kindness. Imagination, dreamy, at times indolent, yet courageous if roused. Ill-dignified she is selfish and luxurious. She rules a quadrant of the Heavens around Kether.

Earth of Water. Princess and Empress of Nymphs and Undines. Throne of the Ace of Cups.

SWORDS

XIII. Lord of the Winds and Breezes.
King of the Spirit of Air.

KNIGHT OF SWORDS

A winged Warrior with crowned and winged Helmet, mounted upon a brown steed, his general equipment is as that of the Knight of Wands, but he wears as a crest a winged six-pointed star, similar to those represented on the heads of Castor and Pollux, the Dioscuri, the Twins-Gemini (a part of which constellation is included in his rule). He holds a drawn sword with the Sigil of his Scale upon its pommel. Beneath his Horse’s feet are dark, driving, stratus clouds.

He is active, clever, subtle, fierce, delicate, courageous, skillful, bit inclined to domineer. Also to overvalue small things, unless well-dignified. Ill-dignified, deceitful, tyranical and crafty. Rules from 20° Taurus to 20° Gemini.

Fire of Air. King of Sylphs and Sylphides.

XIV. Queen of the Thrones of Air.

QUEEN OF SWORDS

A graceful woman with curly waving hair, like a Queen seated upon a Throne, and crowned. Beneath the Throne are grey cumulous clouds. Her general attire is similar to that of the Queen of Wands. But she wears as a crest a winged child’s head (like the head of an infantile Kerub, seen sculptured on tombs.) A drawn sword in one hand, and in the other a large bearded newly-severed head of a man.

Intensely perceptive, keen observation, subtle, quick, confident, often perseveringly accurate in superficial things, graceful, fond of dancing and balancing. Ill dignified, cruel, sly, deceitful, unreliable, though with a good exterior. Rules from 20° Virgo to 20° of Libra.

Water of Air. Queen of the Sylphs and Sylphides.

XV. Prince of the Chariots of the Winds.

KING OF SWORDS

A Winged King with a winged Crown, seated in a chariot drawn by Arch Fays, archons, or Arch Fairies, represented as winged youths very slightly draped, with butterfly wings, heads encircled with a fillet with Pentagrams thereon, and holding wands surmounted by Pentagram-shaped stars. The same butterfly wings are on their feet and fillet. General equipment is that of the King of Wands, but he bears as a crest, a winged Angelic Head, with a Pentagram on the Brow. Beneath the chariot are grey rain clouds or nimbi. His hair long and waving in serpentine whirls, and whorl figures compose the scales of his armour. A drawn sword in one hand, a sickle in the other. With the sword he rules, with the sickle he slays.

Full of ideas and thoughts and designs, distrustful, suspicious, firm in friendship and enmity, careful, slow, over-cautious. Symbolises Alpha and Omega, the Giver of Death, who slays as fast as he creates. Ill-dignified: harsh, malicious, plotting, obstinate, yet hesitating and unreliable. Ruler from 20° Capricorn to 20° Aquarius.

Air of Air. Prince and Emperor of Sylphs and Sylphides.

XVI. Princess of the Rushing Winds.
Lotus of the Palace of Air.

KNAVE OF SWORDS

An Amazon figure with waving hair, slighter than the Rose of the Palace of Fire (Knave of Wands). Her attire is similar. The feet seem springy, giving the idea of swiftness. Weight changing from one foot to another, and body swinging round. She resembles a mixture of Minerva and Diana, her mantle resembles the Aegis of Minerva. She wears as a crest the head of Medusa with Serpent hair. She holds a sword in one hand and the other rests upon a small silver altar with grey smoke (no fire) ascending from it. Beneath her feet are white cirrus clouds.

Wisdom, strength, acuteness, subtleness in material things, grace and dexterity. If ill-dignified, she is frivolous and cunning. She rules a quadrant of the Heavens around Kether.

Earth of Air. Princess and Empress of the Sylphs and Sylphides. Throne of the Ace of Swords.

PENTACLES

XVII. Lord of the Wild and Fertile Land.
King of the Spirits of Earth.

KNIGHT OF PENTACLES

A dark winged Warrior with winged and crowned helmet; mounted on a light brown horse. Equipment as of the Knight of Wands. The winged head of a stag or antelope as a crest. Beneath the horse’s feet is fertile land, with ripened corn. In one hand he bears a sceptre surmounted with a hexagram, in the other a pentacle like a Z. A. M's.

Unless very well dignified, he is heavy, dull, and material. Laborious, clever and patient in material matters. If ill-dignified he is avaricious, grasping, dull, jealous, not very courageous, unless assisted by other symbols. Rules from above 20° of Leo to 20° of Virgo.

Fire of Earth. King of the Gnomes.

XVIII. Queen of the Thrones of Earth.

QUEEN OF PENTACLES

A woman of beautiful face with dark hair, seated upon a throne, beneath which is dark sandy earth. One side of her face is dark, the other light, and her symbolism is best represented in profile. Her attire is similar to that of the Queen of Wands. But she bears a winged goat’s head as a crest. A goat is by her side. In one hand she bears a sceptre surmounted by a cube, and in the other an orb of gold.

She is impetuous, kind, timid, rather charming, greathearted, intelligent, melancholy, truthful, yet of many moods. Ill-dignified, she is undecided, capricious, foolish, changeable. Rules from 20° Sagittarius to 20° Capricorn.

Water of Earth. Queen of Gnomes.

XIX. Prince of the Chariot of Earth.

KING OF PENTACLES

A winged kingly figure seated in a chariot drawn by a bull. He bears as a crest the symbol of the head of a winged bull. Beneath the chariot is land with many flowers. In one hand he bears an orb of gold held downwards, and in the other a sceptre surmounted by an orb and cross.

Increase of matter, increase of good and evil, solidifies, practically applies things, steady, reliable. If ill dignified [he is selfish], animal, material, stupid. In either slow to anger, but furious if roused. Rules from 20° Aries to 20° of Taurus.

Air of Earth, Prince and Emperor of the Gnomes.

XX. Princess of the Echoing Hills.
Rose of the Palace of Earth.

KNAVE OF PENTACLES

A strong and beautiful Amazon figure with red brown hair, standing on grass and flowers. A grove of trees near her. Her form suggests Here, Ceres, and Proserpine. She bears a winged ram’s head as a crest, and wears a mantle of sheep’s skin. In one hand she carries a sceptre with a circular disc, in the other a pentacle similar to that of the Ace of Pentacles.

She is generous, kind, diligent, benevolent, careful, courageous, preserving, pitiful. If ill-dignified, she is wasteful and prodigal. Rules over one Quadrant of the Heavens around the North Pole of the Ecliptic.

Earth of Earth. Princess and Empress of the Gnomes. Throne of the Ace of Pentacles.

Herein are Resumed The Especial Characteristics of the Four Court Cards of the Suits

Suits	Cards	Crests	Symbols	Hair	Eyes
☤ Wands	King	Winged black horse's head	Black horse, waving flames. club. Scarlet cloak.	Red-gold	Grey or hazel
	Queen	winged Leopard	Leopard. Steady flames. Wand with heavy head or end.	Red-gold	Blue or brown
	Prince	winged Lion's head	Wand and salient flames. Fire wand of Z. A. M.	Yellow	Blue-grey
	Princess	Tiger's head	Tiger, leaping flames. Gold altar, long club, largest at bottom	Red-gold	Blue
Cups	King	Peacock with open wings	White horse, crab issuing from cup. Sea.	Fair	Blue
	Queen	Ibis	Crayfish is issuing from river.	Gold-brown	Blue
	Prince	Eagle	Scorpion, Eagle-serpent is issuing from lake.	Brown	Grey or brown
	Princess	Swan	Dolphin, Lotus. Sea with spray, turtle from cup.	Brown	Blue or brown
⚔ Swords	King	Winged hexagram	Winged brown horse, driving clouds, drawn sword.	Dark-brown	Dark
	Queen	Winged child's head	Head of man severed. Cumulous Clouds. Drawn sword.	Grey	Light Brown
	Prince	Winged Angel's head	Arch -Fairies winged. Clouds. Nimbi. Drawn swords.	Dark	Dark
	Princess	Medusa's head	Silver Altar. Smoke. Cirrus Clouds. Drawn sword.	Light-brown	Blue
Pentacles	King	Winged stag's head	Light brown horse. Ripe corn land. Sceptre with Hexagram as Z. A. M.	Dark	Dark
	Queen	Winged goat's head	Barren land. Face light one side only. Sceptre with orb of gold.	Dark	Dark
	Prince	Winged bull's head	Flowery land. Bull; sceptre with orb and cross. Orb held dowmwards.	Dark-brown	Dark
	Princess	Winged ram's head	Grass, Flowers, grove of trees. Sceptre with disk. Pent, as all.	Rich brown	Dark

THE THIRTY-SIX DECANS

Here follow the descriptions of the smaller cards of the 4 Suits, thirty-six in number, answering unto the 36 Decans of the Zodiac.

There being 36 Decanates and only seven Planets, it follows that one of the latter must rule over one more decanate than the others. This is the Planet Mars which is allotted the last decan of Pisces and first of Aries, because the long cold of the winter requires a great energy to overcome it and initiate spring.

The beginning of the decanates is from the Royal King Star of the Heart of the Lion, the great star Cor Leonis, and therefore is the first decanate that of Saturn in Leo.

Here follow the general meanings of the small cards of the Suits, as classified under the Nine Sephiroth below Kether.

CHOKMAH

The Four Deuces symbolise the Powers of the King and Queen; first uniting and initiating the Force, but before the Prince and Princess are thoroughly brought into action. Therefore do they generally imply the initiation and fecundation of a thing.

BINAH

The Four Threes, generally, represent the realisation of action owing to the Prince being produced. The central symbol on each card. Action definitely commenced for good or evil.

CHESED

The Four Fours. Perfection, realisation, completion, making a matter settled and fixed.

GEBURAH

The Four Fives. Opposition, strife and struggle; war, obstacle to the thing in hand. Ultimate success or failure is otherwise shown.

TIPHARETH

The Four Sixes. Definite accomplishment, and carrying out of a matter.

NETZACII

The Four Sevens. Generally shows a force, transcending the material plane, and is like unto a crown which is indeed powerful but requireth one capable of wearing it. The sevens then show a possible result which is dependent on the action then taken. They depend much on the symbols that accompany them.

HOD

The Fours Eights. Generally show solitary success; i.e., success in the matter for the time being, but not leading to much result apart from the thing itself.

YESOD

The Four Nines. Generally they show very great fundamental force. Executive power, because they rest on a firm basis, powerful for good or evil.

MALKUTH

The Four Tens. Generally show fixed culminated completed Force, whether good or evil. The matter thoroughly and definitely determined. Similar to the force of the Nines, but ultimating it, and carrying it out.

These are the meanings in the most general sense.

Here follow the more particular descriptions and meanings. Decan cards are always modified by the other symbols with which they are in contact.

Saturn in Leo, 1°-10°, XXI. The Lord of Strife.

5 OF WANDS

Two white radiant angelic hands issuing from clouds right and left of the centre of the card. They are clasped together as in the grip of the first Order, and they hold at the same time by their centres Five Wands, or torches, which are similar to the wand of a Z. A. M. Four Wands cross each other, but the Fifth is upright in the centre. Flames leap from the point of junction. Above the central Wand is the symbol Saturn and below it that of Leo representing the Decanate.

Violent strife and contest, boldness, rashness, cruelty, violence, lust and desire, prodigality and generosity, depending on well or dignified.

Geburah of Yod. (Quarrelling and fighting.) This decan hath its beginning from the Royal Star of Leo, and unto it are allotted the two Great Angels of the Schemhamephoresch, Vahaviah and Yelayel.

(Note: the Hebrew spellings of these Angelic Names are provided in Volume One, with the preliminary knowledge material,-I.R.)

Jupiter in Leo, 10°-20°. XXII. Lord of Victory.

6 OF WANDS

Two hands in grip, as in the last, holding six Wands crossed, 3 and 3, Flames issuing from the point of junction. Above and below are two short wands with flames issuing from a cloud at the lower part of the card, surmounted respectively by the symbols of Jupiter and Leo, representing the Decanate.

Victory after strife, success through energy and industry, love, pleasure gained by labour, carefulness, sociability and avoiding of strife, yet victory therein. Also insolence, pride of riches and success, etc. The whole depending on dignity.

Tiphareth of Yod. (Gain.) Hereunto are allotted the Great Angels from the Schemhamephoresch, Saitel and Olmiah.

Mars in Leo, 20°-30°. XXIII. Lord of Valour.

7 OF WANDS

Two hands holding by grip, as before, 6 Wands, three crossed by three, a third hand issuing from a cloud at the lower part of the card holding an upright wand, which passes between the others. Flames leap from the point of junction. Above and below the central wand are the symbols Mars and Leo, representing the Decan.

Possible victory, depending upon the energy and courage exercised; valour, opposition, obstacles, difficulties, yet courage to meet them, quarrelling, ignorance, pretence, wrangling and threatening, also victory in small and unimportant things, and influence over subordinate. Depending on dignity as usual.

Netzach of Yod. (Opposition yet courage.) Herein rule the two great Angels Mahashiah and Lelahel.

Sun in Virgo, 1°-10°. XXIV. Lord of Prudence.

8 OF PENTACLES

A white radiating Angelic hand issuing from a cloud and grasping a branch of a rose tree, with four white roses thereon which touch only the four lowermost pentacles. No rosebuds seen, but only leaves touch the four uppermost disks. All the Pentacles are similar to that of the Ace, but without the Maltese cross and wings. These are arranged as the figure Populus:

Above and below them are the symbols Sol and Virgo for the Decan.

Over-careful in small things at the expense of the great. “Penny-wise and pound-foolish.” Gain of ready money in small sums. Mean, avariciousness. Industrious, cultivation of land, hoarding, lacking in enterprise.

Hod of Heh. (Skill, prudence, cunning.) There rule those mighty angels Akaiah and Kehethel.

Venus in Virgo, 10° to 20°. XXV. Lord of Material Gain.

9 OF PENTACLES

A white radiating angelic hand as before holding a Rose branch with nine white roses, each of which touches a Pentacle arranged thus:

and then are more buds arranged on the branches as well as flowers. Venus and Virgo above and below.

Complete realisation of material gain, inheritance, covetousness, treasuring of goods and sometimes theft, and knavery. All according to dignity.

Yesod of Heh. (Inheritance, much increase of goods.) Herein rule the might angels Hazayel, and Aldiah.

Mercury in Virgo, 20°-30°. XXVI. Lord of Wealth.

10 OF PENTACLES

An angelic hand holding a branch by the lower extremity, whose roses touch all the pentacles. No buds however are shown. The symbols of Mercury and Virgo are above and below Pentacles thus:

Completion of material gain and fortune, but nothing beyond. As it were, at the very pinnacle of success. Old age, slothfulness, great wealth, yet sometimes loss in part, and later heaviness, dullness of mind, yet clever and prosperous in money transactions.

Malkuth of Heh. (Riches and wealth.) Herein rule the Angels Hihaayah and Laviah.

Moon in Libra, 1°-10°.
XXVII. Lord of Peace Restored.

2 OF SWORDS

Two crossed swords, like the air dagger of Z. A. M., each held by a white radiating angelic hand. Upon the point where the two cross is a rose of five petals, emitting white Rays, and top and bottom of card are two small daggers, supporting respectively the symbols of Luna (in horizontal position) and Libra, representing the Decan.

Contradictory characteristics in the same nature. Strength through suffering. Pleasure after pain. Sacrifice and trouble yet strength arising therefrom symbolised by the position of the rose, as though the pain itself had brought forth the beauty. Peace restored, truce, arrangement of differences, justice. Truth and untruth. Sorrow and sympathy for those in trouble, aid to the weak and oppressed, unselfishness. Also an inclination to repetition of affronts if once pardoned, of asking questions of little moment, want of tact, often doing injury when meaning well. Talkative.

Chokmah of Vav. (Quarrels made up, but still some tension in relationships. Actions sometimes selfish and sometimes unselfish.) Herein rule the great Angels, Yezalel and Mebahel.

Saturn in Libra, 10°-20°. XXVIII. Lord of Sorrow.

3 OF SWORDS

Three white radiating angelic hands issuing from clouds and holding three swords upright (as if the central sword had struck apart from the two others which were crossed in the preceding symbol.) The central sword cuts asunder the Rose of Five Petals (which in the preceding symbol grew at the junction of the swords), its petals are falling, and no white rays issue from it. Above and below the central Sword are the symbols of Saturn and Libra, referring to the Decanate.

Disruption, interruption, separation, quarrelling, sowing of discord and strife, mischief-making, sorrow, tears, yet mirth in evil pleasures, singing, faithfulness in promises, honesty in money transactions, selfish and dissipated, yet sometimes generous, deceitful in words and repetition. The whole according to dignity.

Binah of Vau. (Unhappiness, sorrow, tears.) Therein rule the Angels Harayel and Hoqmiah.

Jupiter in Libra, 20°-30°.
XXIX. The Lord of Rest from Strife.

4 OF SWORDS

Two white angelic radiating hands, each holding two swords, which four cross in the centre. The rose of five petals with white radiations is reinstated on the point of intersection. Above and below, on the points of two small daggers arc the symbols of Jupiter and Libra representing the Decan.

Rest from sorrow, yet after and through it. Peace from and after War. Relaxation of anxiety. Quietness, rest, ease and plenty, yet after struggle. Goods of this life, abundance. Modified by the dignity as in the other cases.

Chesed of Vav. (Convalescence, recovery from sickness, change for the better.) Herein rule Laviah and Kelial.

Mars in Scorpio, 1°-10°.
XXX. Lord of Loss in Pleasure.

5 OF CUPS OR CHALICES

A white radiating angelic hand as before holding Lotuses or water lilies of which the flowers are falling right and left. Leaves only and no buds surmount them. These lotus stems ascend between the cups in the manner of a fountain, but no water flows therefrom, neither is there water in any of the Cups, which are somewhat of the shape of the magical implement of the Z. A. M. Above and below are the symbols of Mars and Scorpio, representing the decan.

Death or end of pleasures. Disappointment. Sorrow and loss in those things from which pleasure is expected. Sadness, deceit, treachery, ill-will, detraction, charity and kindness ill-requited. All kinds of anxieties and troubles from unexpected and unsuspected sources.

Geburah of Heh. (Disappointments in love, marriage broken off, unkindness from a friend, loss of friendship.) Therein rule Livoyah and Pehilyah.

Sun in Scorpio, 10°-20°. XXXI. Lord of Pleasure.

6 OF CUPS

An angelic hand as before, holds a group of stems of Lotuses or water lilies from which six flowers bend, one over each cup. From these flowers a white glistening water flows into the cup as from a fountain, but they are not yet full. Above and below are the symbols of Sun and Scorpio, representing the Decanate.

Commencement of steady increase, gain and pleasure, but commencement only. Also affront, defective knowledge, and in some instances, contention and strife, arising from unwarranted self-assertion and vanity. Sometimes thankless and presumptuous. Sometimes amiable and patient, according to dignity.

Tiphareth of Heh. (Beginning of wish, happiness, success or enjoyment.) Therein rule Nelokhiel and Yeyayel.

Venus in Scorpio, 20°-30°. XXXII. Lord of Illusionary Success.

7 OF CUPS

The Seven of Cups are thus arranged⁴:

A hand as usual holds the lotus stems which arise from the central lower cup. The hand is above this cup and below the middle one. With the exception of the central lower cup, each is overhung by a lotus flower, but no water falls from them into cups which are quite empty. Above and below are the symbols of the decanate, Venus and Scorpio.

Possibly victory, but neutralized by the supineness of the person. Illusionary success. Deception in the moment of apparent victory. Lying error, promises unfulfilled. Drunkenness, wrath, vanity, lust, fornication, violence against women. Selfish dissipation. Deception in love and friendship. Often success gained, but not followed up. Modified by dignity.

Netzach of Heh. (Lying. Promises unfulfilled. Illusion. Error. Deception, slight success at outset, but want of energy to retain it.) Therein rules Melchel and Chahaviah.

Mercury in Sagittarius, 1°-10°. XXXIII. The Lord of Swiftness.

8 OF WANDS

Four white Angelic Hands radiating: (two proceeding from each side) issuing from clouds, clasped in two pairs in the centre with the grip of First Order. They hold 8 wands crossed four and four. Flames issue from the point of junction. Surmounting two small wands with flames issuing down them. Placed in the centre at top and bottom of card are the symbols of Mercury and Sagittarius, representing the Decan.

Too much force applied too suddenly. Very rapid rush, but too quickly passed and expended. Violent but not lasting. Swiftness. Rapidity. Courage, boldness, confidence, freedom, warfare. Violence, love of open air, field sports, garden, meadows. Generous, subtle, eloquent, yet somewhat untrustworthy. Rapacious, insolent, oppressive. Theft and robbery, according to dignity.

Hod of Yod. (Hasty communication and messages. Swiftness.) Therein rule Nithahiah and Haayah.

Moon in Sagittarius, 10°-20°. XXXIV. The Lord of Great Strength.

9 OF WANDS

Four Hands as in the previous symbol holding eight wands crossed four and four, but a fifth hand at the foot of the card holds another wand upright, which traverses the point of junction with the others. Flames leap therefrom. Above and below the symbols Luna (depicted horizontally) and Sagittarius.

Tremendous and steady force that cannot be shaken. Herculean strength, yet sometimes scientifically applied. Great success, but with strife and energy. Victory preceded by apprehension and fear. Health good and recovery not in doubt. Generous, questioning and curious, fond of external appearances, intractable, obstinate.

Yesod of Yod. (Strength, power, health. Recovery from sickness.) Herein rule Yirthiel and Sahiah.

Saturn in Sagittarius, 20°-30°. XXXV. The Lord of Oppression.

10 OF WANDS

Four hands upholding 8 wands crossed as before. A fifth hand at foot of card holding two wands upright which traverse the junction of the others. Above and below the symbols Saturn and Sagittarius. Flames issue therefrom.

Cruel and overbearing force and energy, but applied only to selfish and material ends. Sometimes shows failure in a matter, and the opposition too strong to be controlled arising from the person’s too great selfishness at the beginning. Ill-will, levity, lying, malice, slander, envy, obstinacy, swiftness in evil [and deceit], if ill-dignified. Also generosity, self-sacrifice, and disinterestedness when well-dignified.

Malkuth of Yod. (Cruelty, malice, revenge and injustice.) Therein rule Reyayel and Avamel.

Jupiter in Capricorn, 1°-10°. XXXVI. Lord of Harmonious Change.

2 OF PENTACLES

Two wheels, discs or Tentacles similar to that of the Ace. They are united by a green and gold Serpent, bound about them like a figure of Eight. It holds its tail in its mouth, A white radiant angelic hand (grasps the centre or) holds the whole. No roses enter into this card. Above and below are the symbols Jupiter and Capricorn. It is a revolving symbol.

The harmony of change. Alternation of gain and loss, weakness and strength, ever varying occupation, wandering, discontented with any fixed condition of things; now elated, now melancholy, industrious yet unreliable, fortunate through prudence of management, yet sometimes unaccountably foolish. Alternately talkative and suspicious. Kind yet wavering and inconsistent. Fortunate in journeying. Argumentative.

Chokmah of Heh final. (Pleasant change, visit to friends.) Herein rule Lekabel and Veshiriah.

Mars in Capricorn, 10°-20°. XXXVII. The Lord of Material Works.

3 OF PENTACLES

A white rayed angelic hand as before, holding a branch of a rose-tree, of which two white rose-buds touch and surmount the topmost pentacle. The latter are arranged in a Triangle thus:

Above and below are symbols of Mars and Capricorn. Working and constructive force, building up, erection, creation, realisation, and increase of material things, gain in commercial transactions, rank, increase of substance, influence, cleverness in business, selfishness, commencement of matter to be established later. Narrow and prejudiced, keen in matter of gain. Modified by dignity. Sometimes given to seeking after the impossible.

Binah of Heh final. (Business, paid employment, commercial transactions.) Therein rule Yechavah and Lehachiah.

Sun in Capricorn, 20°-30°. XXXVIII. The Lord of Earthly Power.

4 OF PENTACLES

A hand holding a branch of a rose-tree, but without flowers or buds, save that in the centre is one fully blown white rose. Four pentacles thus, with Sun and Capricorn above and below:

Assured material gain, success, rank, dominion, earthly power completed, but leading to nothing beyond. Prejudiced, covetous, suspicious, careful and orderly, but discontented. Little enterprise or originality. Altered by dignity as usual.

Chesed of Heh final. (Gain of money or influence. A present.) Therein rule Keveqiah and Mendial.

Venus in Aquarius, 1°-10°. XXXIX. The Lord of Defeat.

5 OF SWORDS

Two rayed hands each holding two swords nearly upright, but falling apart from each other, right and left of card. A third hand holds a sword upright in centre as if it had disunited them. The petals of the rose (which in the four of Swords had been re-instated in the centre) are torn asunder and falling. Above and below the symbols of Venus and Aquarius.

Contest finished, and decided against the person, failure, defeat, anxiety, trouble, poverty, avarice, grieving after gain, laborious, unresting, loss and vileness of nature. Malicious, slandering, lying, spiteful and talebearing. A busybody and separator of friends, hating to see peace and love between others. Cruel yet cowardly, thankless, and unreliable. Clever and quick in thought and speech. Feelings of pity easily roused but unenduring. As dignity.

Geburah of Vav. (Defeat, loss, malice, spite, slander, evil-speaking.) Herein rule Aniel and Chaamiah.

Mercury in Aquarius, 10°-20°. XL. The Lord of Earned Success.

6 OF SWORDS

Two hands as before, each holding three swords which cross in centre. Rose re-established hereon. Mercury and Aquarius above and below, supported on the points of two short daggers or swords.

Success after anxiety and trouble. Selfishness, beauty, conceit, but sometimes modesty therewith, dominion, patience, labour, etc., according to dignity.

Tiphareth of Vav. (Labour, work, journey by water.) Herein rule Rehaayal and Yeyeziel.

Moon in Aquarius, 20°-30°. XLI. The Lord of Unstable Effort.

7 OF SWORDS

Two hands as before, each holding swords. A third hand holds a single sword in the centre. The points of all the swords do just touch one another, the central sword not altogether dividing them. The rose of the previous symbols of this suit is held by the hand which holds the central Sword, as if the Victory were in its disposal. Above and below Luna and Aquarius. (In the small cards, the Lunar Decans are always represented by a crescent on its back.)

Partial success, yielding when victory is within grasp, as if the last reserves of strength were used up. Inclination to lose when on the point of gaining through not continuing the effort. Love of abundance, fascinated by display, given to compliment, affronts and insolences, and to detect and spy on another. Inclined to betray confidences, not always intentional. Rather vacillating and unreliable, according to dignity as usual.

Netzach of Vav. (Journey by land, in character untrustworthy.) Herein rule Michael and Hahihel.

Saturn in Pisces, 1°-10°. XLII. The Lord of Abandoned Success.

8 OF CUPS

A hand holding a group of stems of Lotuses or water lilies. There are only two flowers shown which bend over the two centre cups pouring into them a white water. The Cups are not yet filled.

The three upper cups are empty. At top and bottom Saturn and Pisces.

Temporary success, but without further result. Things thrown aside as soon as gained. No lasting even in the matter in hand. Indolence in success. Journeying from place to place. Misery and repining without cause. Seeking after riches. Instability according to dignity.

Hod of Heh. (Success abandoned, decline of interest in anything.) Herein rule Vavaliah and Yelahiah.

Jupiter in Pisces, 10°-20°. XLIII. The Lord of Material Happiness.

9 OF CUPS

Hand from cloud holding Lotuses or water lilies, one flower of which overhangs each cup, and from which water pours.

All the cups are full and running over. Above and below are the symbols of Jupiter and Pisces representing the Decan.

Complete and perfect realisation of pleasure and happiness almost perfect. Self-praise, vanity, conceit, much talking of self, yet kind and lovable, and may be self-denying therewith. High minded, not easily satisfied with small and limited ideas. Apt to be maligned through too much self-assumption. A good, generous, but, maybe, foolish nature.

Yesod of Heh. (Complete success, pleasure, happiness, wish fulfilled.) Therein rule Saliah and Aariel.

Mars in Pisces, 20°-30°. XLIV. The Lord of Perfected Success.

10 OF CUPS

Hand holding bunch of Lotuses or water-lilies whose flowers pour a pure white water into all the cups, which all run over.

The top cup is held sideways by a hand and pours water into top left hand cup. A single lotus flower surmounts top cup and is the source of the water that fills it. Above and below Mars and Pisces.

Permanent and lasting success, happiness because inspired from above. Not sensual as Nine of Cups, “The Lord of Material Happiness,” yet almost more truly happy. Pleasure, dissipation, debauchery. Pity, quietness, peacemaking. Kindness, generosity, wantonness, waste, etc., according to dignity.

Malkuth of Heh. (Matters definitely arranged as wished, complete good fortune.) Herein rule Aasliah and Mihal.

Mars in Aries, 1°-10°. XLV. The Lord of Dominion.

2 OF WANDS

Hand grasping two Wands crossed. Flames issue from the point of junction. On two small wands, above and below, with flames issuing from them, are Mars and Aries.

Strength, dominion, harmony of rule and justice. Boldness, courage, fierceness, shamelessness, revenge, resolution, generous, proud, sensitive, ambitious, refined, restless, turbulent, sagacious withal, yet unforgiving and obstinate, according to dignity.

Chokmah of Yod. (Influence over others. Authority, power, dominion.) Rule therein Vehooel and Deneyal.

Sun in Aries, 10°-20°. XLVI. The Lord of Established Strength.

3 OF WANDS

Hand issuing from clouds holds three wands in centre. Two crossed and one upright. Flames from point of junction. Above and below Sun and Aries.

Established force and strength. Realisation of hope. Completion of labour, success of the struggle. Pride, nobility, wealth, power, conceit. Rude self assumption and insolence. Generosity, obstinacy according to dignity.

Binah of Yod. (Price, arrogance and self-assertion.) Herein rule Hechashiah and Aamamiah.

Venus in Aries, 20°-30°. XLVII. Lord of Perfected Work.

4 OF WANDS

Two hands as before, issuing from clouds each side of card, and clasped in centre with First Order grip, holding four wands crossed. Flames issue at point of junction. Above and below on two small flaming wands are Venus and Aries, representing the Decan.

Perfection, a completion of a thing built up with trouble and labour. Rest after labour. Subtlety, cleverness, beauty, mirth, success in completion. Reasoning faculty, conclusions drawn from previous knowledge. Unreadiness, unreliable, and unsteady, through over anxiety and hurriedness of action. Graceful in manners. At times insincere, etc.

Chesed of Yod. (Settlement, arrangement, completion.) Herein rule Nanael and Nithal.

Mercury in Taurus, 1°-10°. XLVIII. Lord of Material Trouble.

5 OF PENTACLES

Hand holding a branch of White Rose Tree, from which roses are falling, leaving no buds behind. Five pentacles similar to Ace. Mercury and Taurus for Decan.

Loss of money or position. Trouble about material things. Toil, labour, land cultivation, building, knowledge and acuteness of earthly things, poverty, carefulness. Kindness, sometimes money regained after severe toil and labour. Unimaginative, harsh, stern, determined, obstinate.

Geburah of Heh final. (Loss of profession, loss of money, monetary anxiety.) Therein rule Mibahiah and Pooyal.

Moon in Taurus, 10°-20°. XLIX. Lord of Material Success.

6 OF PENTACLES

Hand holding a rose branch with white roses and buds, each of which touch a pentacle, arranged thus:

Above and below Luna and Taurus represent the Decanate.

Success and gain in material undertakings, power, influence, rank, nobility, rule over the people. Fortunate, successful, just and liberal. If ill-dignified, may be purse-proud, insolent from success, or prodigal. Tiphareth of Heh final. (Success in material things. Prosperity in business.) Herein rule Nemamiah and Yeyelal.

Saturn in Taurus, 20°-30°. L. The Lord of Success Unfulfilled.

7 OF PENTACLES

Hand from a cloud holding rose branch of seven pentacles thus arranged

Only five of which overhang but do not touch the five upper pentacles. No other buds shown, and none are near or touch the two lower pentacles. Above and below Saturn and Taurus.

Promises of success unfulfilled. (Shown in the symbolism of the rosebuds, which do not as it were come to anything.) Loss of apparently promising fortune. Hopes deceived and crushed. Disappointment. Misery, slavery, necessity and baseness. A cultivator of land, and yet is loser thereby. Sometimes it denotes slight and isolated gains with no fruits resulting therefrom, and of no further account, though seeming to promise well. According to dignity.

Netsach of Heh. (Unprofitable speculation and employment. Little gain for much labour.) Therein rule Herochiel and Mitzrael.

Jupiter in Gemini, 1°-10°. LI. Lord of Shortened Force.

8 OF SWORDS

Four hands as usual, each holding two swords, points upwards, touching near top of card, two hands lower on left, two on right of card. The rose of other sword symbols re-established in centre. Above and below Jupiter and Gemini.

Too much force applied to small things, too much attention to detail, at expense of principle and more important points. Ill-dignified, these qualities produce malice, pettiness, and domineering qualities. Patience in detail of study, great ease in some things, counterbalanced by equal disorder in others. Impulsive, equally fond of giving or receiving money, or presents. Generous, clever, acute, selfish, and without strong feeling of affection. Admires wisdom, yet applies it to small and unworthy objects.

Hod of Vav. (Narrow, restricted, petty, a prison.) Herein rule Vemibael and Yehohel.

Mars in Gemini, 10°-20. LII. The Lord of Despair and Cruelty.

9 OF SWORDS

Four hands (somewhat as in preceding symbol) hold eight swords upright but with the points falling away from each other. A fifth hand holds a ninth sword upright in the centre, as if it had disunited them, and struck them asunder. No rose at all is shown (as if it were not merely cut in pieces but completely and definitely destroyed). Above and below Mars and Gemini.

Despair, cruelty, pitilessness, malice, suffering, want loss, misery. Burden, oppression, labour, subtlety and craft, lying, dishonesty, slander. Yet also obedience, faithfulness, patience, unselfishness, etc., according to dignity.

Yesod of Vav. Therein rule Aaneval and Mochayel.

Sun in Gemini, 20°-30°. LIII. Lord of Ruin.

10 OF SWORDS

Four hands (as in previous symbol) hold eight swords with points falling away from each other. Two hands hold two swords crossed in the centre (as if their junction had disunited the others). No rose, flower or bud is shown. Above and below Sun and Gemini.

(Almost a worse symbol than Nine of Swords.) Undisciplined warring force, complete disruption and failure. Ruin of all plans and projects. Disdain, insolence and impertinence, yet mirth and jolly therewith. A Marplot, loving to overthrow the happiness of others, a repeater of things, given to much unprofitable speech, and of many words, yet clever, acute, and eloquent, etc., depending on dignity.

Malkuth of Vav. (Ruin, death, defeat, disruption.) Herein rule Dambayah and Menqal.

Venus in Cancer, 1°-10°. LIV. Lord of Love.

2 OF CUPS

Hand at lower part from cloud holds lotuses. A Lotus flower rises above water, which occupies the lowest part of card, and rises above the hand holding the Lotus. From this Lotus flower a stem rises, terminating nearly at the top of the card in another Lotus or waterlily flower, from which a white water gushes like a fountain. Crossed on the stem just beneath are two Dolphins, gold and silver; on to which the water falls and from which it pours in full streams, like jets of gold and silver, into two cups, which in their turn overflow, flooding the lower part of the card. Above and below Venus and Cancer.

Harmony of masculine and feminine united. Harmony, pleasure, mirth, subtlety, sometimes folly, dissipation, waste, and silly action, according to dignity.

Chokmah of Heh. (Marriage, home, pleasure.) Herein rule Ayoel and Chabooyah.

Mercury in Cancer, 10°-20°. LV. Lord of Abundance.

3 OF CUPS

Hand as before holds group of Lotuses or Waterlilies, from which two flowers rise on either side of, and overhanging the top cup, pouring into it the white water. Flowers in the same way pour water into the lower cups. All the cups overflow, the topmost into the two others, and these upon the lower part of the card. Above and below Mercury and Cancer.

Abundance, plenty, success, pleasure, sensuality, passive success, good luck and fortune. Love, gladness, kindness and bounty. According to dignity.

Binah of Heh. (Plenty, hospitality, eating and drinking, pleasure, dancing, new clothes, merriment.) Herein rule Rahael and Yebomayah.

Moon in Cancer, 20°-30°. LVI. The Lord of Blended Pleasure.

4 OF CUPS

Four cups, the two upper overflow into the two lower, which do not overflow. A hand grasps a bunch of lotuses from which ascends a stem bearing one flower at the top of the card, from which water issues into two top cups. From the centre two leaves pass right and left, making as it were a cross between the four cups. Luna and Cancer above and below.

Success or pleasure, approaching their end. A stationary period in happiness which may or may not continue. It does not show marriage and love so much as the previous symbol. It is too passive a symbol to represent perfectly complete happiness. Swiftness, hunting and pursuing. Acquisition by contention; injustice sometimes. Some drawbacks to pleasure implied.

Chesed of Heh. (Receiving pleasure, but some slight discomfort and anxieties, therewith. Blended pleasure and success.) Therein rule Hayayel and Mevamayah.

NOTE

Here finishes the description of the 36 smaller cards, referring to the 36 Decanates of the Zodiac. Although the Angels of the Schem ha-Mephoresch have been linked with the Decanates, yet their dominion is far more exalted, extended, and important than this would at first sight seem to imply. In all of this I have not only transcribed the symbolism, but have tested, studied, compared, and examined it both clairvoyantly and in other ways. The result of these has been to show me how absolutely correct the symbolism of the Book T is, and how exactly it represents the occult Forces of the Universe.

S. Riochail Ma Dhream.

Manuscript R. TABULATED RULES SHUFFLING, CUTTING, DEALING AND EXAMINING

In shuffling, the mind of the Enquirer should be earnestly fixed on the matter concerning which he desires information. If any cards fall in the process, they should be taken up without being noticed and the shuffling resumed. The shuffling being concluded, and the pack placed upon the table, if any cards fall to the ground, or become turned in a different direction, the shuffling should be done again, in less important matters. In more important matters see previous instructions.

A cut should be clean and decided. If any cards fall from the hand in the performance, the operation of shuffling should be repeated before they are again cut. In dealing, care should be taken not to invert the cards, and their relative order should be strictly maintained. In examining a pack of cards, their relative order should be rigidly maintained, as without care in this respect, one may be easily pushed under or over another, which would of course have the effect of completely altering the counting in the Reading.

Therefore the Significators are to be thus selected. For example, a dark complexioned middle-aged man, King of Pentacles. A fair young woman, Princess (Knave) of Cups, etc.

In the actual reading of the cards, these descriptions can be modified by those which are on either side of them, thus: The Queen of Cups, which indicates a fair woman with golden brown hair, if between cards of the suits of Swords and Pentacles, would show a woman with rather dark brown hair and dark eyes. As before stated, the Knights and Queens almost invariably represent actual men and women connected with the subject in hand. But the Kings sometimes represent either the coming on or going off of a matter, arrival, or departure, according to the way in which they face. While the Knaves show opinions, thoughts, or ideas, either in harmony with or opposed to the subject.

The Keys are not noticed as above, by threes and fours.

BRIEF MEANINGS OF THE 22 TRUMPS

0. Fool. Idea, thought, spirituality, that which endeavours to rise above the material. (That is, if the subject which is enquired about be spiritual.) But if the Divination be regarding a material event of ordinary life, this card is not good, and shows folly, stupidity, eccentricity, and even mania, unless with very good cards indeed. It is too ideal and unstable to be generally good in material things.
1. Magician or Juggler. Skill, wisdom, adaptation. Craft, cunning, etc., always depending on its dignity. Sometimes occult Wisdom.
2. High Priestess. Change, alteration, Increase and Decrease. Fluctuation (whether for good or evil is again shown by cards connected with it.) Compare with Death and Moon.
3. Empress. Beauty, happiness, pleasure, success, also luxury and sometimes dissipation, but only if with very evil cards.
4. Emperor. War, conquest, victory, strife, ambition.
5. Hierophant. Divine Wisdom. Manifestation. Explanation. Teaching. Differing from though resembling in some respects, the meaning of The Magician, The Hermit, and The Lovers. Occult Wisdom.
6. The Lovers. Inspiration (passive and in some cases mediumistic, thus differing from that of the Hierophant and Magician and Hermit.) Motive, power, and action, arising from Inspiration and Impulse.
7. The Chariot. Triumph. Victory. Health. Success though sometimes not stable and enduring.
8. Fortitude or Strength. (In former times and in other decks 8 Justice and 11 Fortitude were transposed.) Courage, Strength, Fortitude. Power not arrested as in the act of Judgment, but passing on to further action, sometimes obstinacy, etc. Compare with 11 - Justice.
9. The Hermit. Wisdom sought for and obtained from above. Divine Inspiration (but active as opposed to that of the Lovers). In the mystical titles, this with the Hierophant and the Magician are the 3 Magi.
10. Wheel of Fortune. Good fortune and happiness (within bounds), but sometimes also a species of intoxication with success, if the cards near it bear this out.
11. Justice. Eternal Justice and Balance. Strength and Force, but arrested as in the act of Judgment. Compare with 8 - Fortitude. Also in combination with other cards, legal proceedings, a court of law, a trial at law, etc.
12. Hanged Man or Drowned Man. Enforced sacrifice. Punishment, Loss. Fatal and not voluntary. Suffering generally.
13. Death. Time. Ages. Transformation. Change involuntary as opposed to The Moon. Sometimes death and destruction, but rarely the latter, and the former only if it is borne out by the cards with it. Compare also with High Priestess.
14. Temperance. Combination of Forces. Realisation. Action (material). Effect either for good or evil.
15. Devil. Materiality. Material Force. Material temptation; sometimes obsession, especially if associated with the Lovers.
16. Tower. Ambition, fighting, war, courage. Compare with Emperor. In certain combinations, destruction, danger, fall, ruin.
17. Star. Hope, faith, unexpected help. But sometimes also dreaminess, deceived hope, etc.
18. Moon Dissatisfaction, voluntary change (as opposed to Death). Error, lying, falsity, deception. (The whole according to whether the card is well or ill-dignified, and on which it much depends.)
19. Sun Glory, Gain, Riches. Sometimes also arrogance. Display, Vanity, but only when with very evil cards.
20. Judgment. Final decision. Judgment. Sentence. Determination of a matter without appeal on its plane.
21. Universe. The matter itself. Synthesis. World. Kingdom. Usually denotes the actual subject of the question, and therefore depends entirely on the accompanying cards.

THE SIGNIFICATION OF THE CARDS

A card is strong or weak, well-dignified or ill-dignified, according to the cards which are next to it on either side. Cards of the same suit on either side strengthen it greatly either for good or evil, according to their nature. Cards of the suits answering to its contrary element, on either side, weaken it greatly for good or evil. Air and Earth are contraries as also are Fire and Water. Air is friendly with Water and Fire, and Fire with Air and Earth.

If a card of the suit of Wands falls between a Cup and a Sword, the Sword modifies and connects the Wand with the Cup, so that it is not weakened by its vicinity, but is modified by the influence of both cards; therefore fairly strong. But if a card pass between two which are naturally contrary, it is not affected by either much, as a Wand between a Sword and a Pentacle which latter, being Air and Earth, are contrary and therefore weaken each other.

Here the question being of the Wand, this card is not to be noticed as forming a link between the Sword and Pentacle.

A FEW EXAMPLES
By
G.H. FRATER S.R.M.D.

PAIRING THE CARDS IN READING

On pairing the cards each is to be taken as of equal force with the other. If of opposite elements they mutually weaken each other. If at the end of the pairing of the cards in a packet, one card remains over, it signifies the partial result of that particular part of the Divination only. If an evil card and the other good, it would modify the good.

If it be the Significator of the Enquirer, or of another person, it would show that matters would much depend on the line of action taken by the person represented. The reason of this importance of the single card is, that it is alone and not modified. If two cards are at the end instead of a single one, they are not of so much importance.

THE EXERCISE OF CLAIRVOYANCE AND INTUITION

In describing any person from a Significator in the actual reading, the Diviner should endeavour, by Clairvoyance and using the card in question as a symbol, to see the person implied using the rules to aid, and restrict, his vision. In describing an event from the cards in the reading, he should employ his intuition in the same manner. Personal descriptions are modified by the cards next to them; e. g., the Knave of Wands represents usually a very fair girl, but if between cards of the suit of Pentacles, she might be even quite dark, though the Wands would still give a certain brightness to hair, eyes, and complexion.

COUNTING

In all cases of counting from the card last touched, the card itself is 1, that next it is 2, and so on.
 From every Ace count 5.
 From every Knave count 7.
 From every other Court card 4 is counted.
 From every small card the number of its pips.
 From every Key answering to an Element (Aleph, Mem, Shin) 3 is counted.
 From every Key answering to a Sign 12 is counted.
 From every Key answering to a Planet 9 is counted⁵.