The Emperor

Key phrase – Reasoned Authority
Archetype – The Father and the Hero

Symbolism - fatherhood, masculine sexuality, confidence, courage. Masculine Authority and power.

· Developed strength and vigilance; producer and planter of seeds, determining which ones are worthy of growing – seeds can represent ideas and opportunities
· Passing on secrets of success, showing you how to survive, he is at the heart of order, rationality and a methodical approach.
· Clear thinking, discipline, going ahead with decision with extreme confidence.
· Announcing principles, assuming responsibility for actions.
· Mythologically related to Zeus, metaphysically – the masculine aspect of the God Self and Supreme Authority.
· He tells us to use reason in handing out problems, to set limits, respect and live within societies regulations, to pursue out ambitions with confidence and courage.
· Discipline leads to self-sufficiency, however he is positioned to resist change other than his own.
· Presence in a layout could signify delegating responsibility; examine own authoritative behaviour or lack thereof.
· Look for control issues

Shadow: getting angry or vindictive when out authority is challenged exercising oppressive self-control or hardly any; depending on others to control our behaviour; difficulty making definitive decisions and carrying them out; confusing authority with aggressiveness or domination.

When you draw this card:
· Check your recent behaviour for signs of stubbornness or lack of responsibility
· Recognise and appreciate how you utilise your strengths and self-discipline
· Use more logical reasoning when evaluating your immediate problem.
· Consider accepting more responsibility for your project or for your actions in a relationship.
· Review your ideas or behaviour regarding a current authority in your life.

(Echols, Mueller & Thomson 1996)

The Fool meets The Emperor
The next person the Fool encounters is the Father in the figure of the Emperor (4). He is the representative of structure and authority. As a baby leaves his mother's arms, he learns that there are patterns to his world. Objects respond in predictable ways that can be explored. The child experiences a new kind of pleasure that comes from discovering order.

The Fool also encounters rules. He learns that his will is not always paramount and there are certain behaviours necessary for his well-being. There are people in authority who will enforce such guidelines. These restrictions can be frustrating, but, through the patient direction of the Father, the Fool begins to understand their purpose.
(http://www.learntarot.com/journey.htm)

Image: http://www.newmoontradingco.com/page/page/5565623.htm

The Sphinx - The Sands of Time

Well this is the last entry in the Eye of Horus divination book... I've really enjoyed going through each of these, learning some of the basics :) And there are still more I want to do too. I've heard of Thoth - so I will look into him. There are a couple of others, I can't think of their names right now. I sort of feel sad in a way - but now I can move into deeper stories... I've already looked into Isis and some more to share there... hope you enjoyed them :) Feel free to suggest any that I should cover or look into!

So here we are with the Sphinx:

• The Sphinx is a composite creature with a lion's body and a human head.
• The most famous of the Sphinxes is the Great Sphinx at Giza which is thought to date from the reign of Khafre, the fourth king of the fourth dynasty.
• However it is also thought that the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Egypt were built long before then by a highly evolved people from a forgotten time.
• The Great Sphinx has witnessed numerous changes and is the guardian of many secrets.

(Lawson 1996)

The Pyramids - Structures of Power

The pyramids are awe- inspiring. When we look at them from a 'modern' point of view, we wonder how the Egyptians did it. Moving all those heavy rocks and pieces of stone into an amazing formation - true feats of the human endeavour. Did aliens make them? Did slaves make them? Did they use some kind of machinery? Their minds?

There is so much we don't know about Ancient Egypt - all we are left to surmise is the hieroglyphics, archaeological evidence and logic. However we are coming to a point of time where logic doesn't quite have the hold on us anymore - human consciousness is shifting, slowly but surely, to a place beyond the five sensory logic. Maybe there is some untapped universal source within us that can perform 'miracles'? We will know in time. 

• The pyramids are a monument to the collective genius of Ancient Egyptian culture.
• They are the collective achievement of the gods and Pharaohs who inspired them, the architects who designed them and the vast workforce of stone masons and labourers who built them.
• The exact interpretation of their purpose, the technology of their design, the precise engineering and the manner in which the building materials were manoeuvred continues today.

How exciting!

(Lawson 1996)

For more information - you should really check out this link: http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/pyramid-code/

 

Imhotep - Sacred Scribe and Architect

 

 

Imhotep

 

• Served as a high courtier with King Djoser in the third dynasty.
• Was a living historical figure given the honour of deification.
• Immortalised as the embodiment of the scribal wisdom and a god of creative, scientific and architectural skill.
• Held the office of chief executive and master sculptor.
• Credited with the invention of building with cut stone and an author of a book of instructions.
• He was possibly the architect of the step pyramid at Saqqara.
• Depicted with open papyrus across his lap.
• His colours are oranges and yellows. 

(Lawson, 1996)
Image : http://www.vopus.org/en/gnosis/great-characters/imhotep-master-of-sciences.html

Meretseger - Lover of Silence

When I opened the book to this page, I found a note from 19/10/1997 which said "Number one - best path to spirituality" with the date. Fascinating. I was 16 then, my whole life before me. And then instead of reading "Silence" when I made the picture, I read "Science" and I was like, wow. Lover of Science, being the best way to spirituality. What a spin out. Lately I have been thinking about a different style of Witchcraft, and if it is even possible - Scientific Witchcraft. I love that the term is traditionally an oxymoron.. not possible. But EVERYTHING is possible. We are only restricted by our imagination.

So then I make the picture, and see its not Science. Ooops. Instead of making a new one I changed the word - hence the stars - couldn't get the overlay the right green colour :)

And looking at the affirmations of Meretseger, they still sound like me right now. There are still values I can (and probably should) adopt here. And no, its not honesty! You can't bullshit a bullshitter blah blah.. but what if the stories are true?

Anyway,

Meretseger :)

• Cobra goddess said to dwell on the mountain that overlooks the Valley of the Kings
• Often depicted as a coiled snake or a snake with a human head, or even a female headed scorpion.
• Meretseger is translated as "she who loves Silence" or "beloved of him (Osiris) who makes silence'.
• Was often endowed with the guardianship of secluded tombs.
• She is both  merciful and potentially dangerous - said to bring healing to those who are honest and respectful and retribution to those who are not.
• Her colour is dark green

(Lawson, 1996)


Image:http://www.creaturemag.com/tag/ed-j-brown/

APIS - Bull God

More about Apis:

• He was a living deity, represented by a series of living bulls especially chosen from the herd and decorated for ceremonial purposes.
• He was thought to be a manifestation of the creator god Ptah and he worshiped the energy of creation.
• Often called the son of Ptah and was seen to be his messenger.
•  Frequently depicted with a sun or moon disk resting between his horns and bearing the "Uraeus', the cobra emblem of royalty.
• Often shown with the wings of the vulture goddess placed protectively on his back. The hairs of his tail are split and plaited into two, perhaps representing Upper and Lower Egypt.
• His colour is violet.

(Lawson 1996)




Image: http://the-ancient-pharaohs.blogspot.com.au/2010/12/some-gods-of-egyptians.html

HEKET - Frog Goddess

I find something really calming about Heket. I like frogs too. And green is my favourite colour. There is something about Heket :)

• She is the divine midwife of Ancient Egypt, the protector of new life.
• Depicted as a frog or a woman with the head of a frog.
• She was frequently invoked to bring protection to the process of childbirth, or to defend the family unit and guard the home.
• Women would wear amulets and scarabs with her image during childbirth, and she brought relief to mothers.
• Her influence brings the first signs of life, the quickening, to the unborn child and hastens the last stages of labour.
• Midwives were often given the title 'servants of Heket' in honour of their work.
• Her colours are green and pink.

(Lawson 1996)
Image : http://www.elfwood.com/~cuypers/Heket.2650721.html

Min - God of Fertility

Wow. This is awkward. I'm guessing I have a lot of repressed sexual energy, cos I feel like a total prude right now. Hahaha! I didn't really know about Min before I googled his image - just saw the name was the next one in the list - and all of a sudden, all this pictures of statues and drawings of the god with a massive erect penis are in my face.

He should be proud. It is no 'min(i)'. And typically, like any man, there are statues of him proudly holding it. I dunno. I had to find the most unobvious picture of Min and is doodle I could. Call it my prudish western modern sensibilities. I was tempted to add the sentence "I have a giant donger" to the affirmations above. I'm sure as far as affirmations go, this one could be helpful! 

Also watching the Pyramid Code, I learnt that the crowns on their heads actually depict the lymph glands - which coincide with the chakras. I find that fascinating - so I gotta find out which one this is. Probably one of the lower chakras... :)

So in case you are wondering about Min

• He represents sexual procreation. His fertility and blatant sexual power are symbolised by his erect phallus at a right angle to his body.
• He protected the eastern desert and often shown with a whip to destroy enemies.
• He has two high plumes on his head with ribbon (ok, so not lymph glands)
• Similarities to Pan, the Greek God. He could have been his forerunner, as he is a nature spirit who celebrates the fertility of the earth and the free sexuality of living things.
• Associated with fertile vegetation and thunder.
• His colours are orange, yellow and green.

(Lawson 1996)

Four of Pentacles



http://paintedonmysoul.deviantart.com/art/Four-Of-Pentacles-98617702

Key phrase: feeling truly wealthy – a subjective attitude and inner evaluation

·         Feeling possessive over what you have worked for.

·         Protecting your money, position, and crafts from others who might want to copy and steal.

·         Feeling as though you need to put material comfort before spiritual comfort.

·         Take note – being miserly is no an impetus for spiritual growth.

·         The 4 of Pentacles assumes responsibility for himself – having gained success, he feels it is better to hang on to position, power, people, attitudes of money.

·         He is insulated, defensive, feeling that he has no need for others’ input. He has difficulties in sharing.

·         Spontaneity and generosity are absent. This card’s opposite is the inability to structure and organise life.  Are we giving too much of ourselves away without recognising our own needs and priorities?

·         Delusion that we are separate from other things in our environment. Inference that wealth marks the end of illusion and recognition of our god-self and oneness with all.

The 4 of pentacles is a Shadow card when representing Greed.

Other shadow aspects:  mistaking material possession for our sense of identity; using material or financial gains to insulate ourselves; having limited interests in anything but wealth; keeping our feelings from being readily accessible or understandable.

When this card appears:

·         Consider what you are holding onto and whether it might really be holding onto you.

·         You may need to reorganise your situation or project, including getting more input from others.

·         You may be too inflexible in your demands or your view of your issue/situation.

·         Determine whether you now have the security and confidence to permit you to be more generous in situations or relationship, or, conversely, whether you give too much away and now need to protect yourself.

 

(Echols, Mueller, Thomson, 1996)

Three of Pentacles

Key phrase – the spiritual force of work.

 

         Nobility of work – perform your tasks with divine intent, or as a conduit for the divine within you.

Ground your creative visions in physical effort.

Pay attention to progress and put value on your – this will lead to self-worth and nourish your soul.

 

This card indicates the mastery of skills and their use in the market place.

 

Emphasises the person and spiritual benefits of creating great quality, setting standards of integrity, committing to focus physically, mentally and spiritually for the best outcome.

 

        Shows a need to build out own inner temple – the Sanctuary of the Self.

 

Shadow: failure to establish goals, priorities, neglecting to carry out our responsibilities or being indifferent to the way we do carry them out and thinking that we can or have to do everything ourselves.

When the 3 of Pentacles shows up:

·         Consider the gains that may be available or made by working with others.

·         Develop an overall plan for your situation or project.

·         New tasks or projects may offer you the opportunity to recognise the spiritual aspects of your work.

·         Expand your satisfaction or pleasure with your work. You may have to change your style of working, your attitude or redefine your role so you can express glory through your efforts.

Image: http://grosenberg.wordpress.com/2013/02/04/tarot-post-three-of-pentacles/

ANAT - Warrior Goddess

More about Anat:

• Depicted with a high crown flanked with plumes and carried a shield, lance and battle axe.
• She originated near the coast of Syria and her influence extended into Egypt.
• Legends cast her as one of the wives of Seth, others depict her as a sister and sexual partner of Baal, the god of stormy weather.
• Was seen as a protectress and had the courage and determination of an avenging angel.
• Also viewed as a fertility goddess and was linked to the fertility god Min.
• Her connection with life-blood was indicative of her ability to bring prosperity to the land and the people who worshipped her.
• Her colour is red.

(Lawson 1996)

Cerridwen

Festival of Cerridwen: July 3rd

Colour of the day: Turquoise
Incense of the day: Carnation

July 3rd is dedicated to the goddess Cerridwen, the Welsh goddess of fertility, wisdom, magic, and divination. This festival celebrates the fertility of the land and is a reward for the labours of summer.

Her name means 'White Sow', because the sow was a symbol of divine fertility and rebirth; hence, the sow is her special symbol. Cerridwen is a lunar Goddess and seen both as mother and crone. She was credited with prophetic foresight and magical shape shifting abilities. Cerridwen also keeps the cauldron of rebirth, in which souls are rejuvenated before moving on to a new life.

Honour Cerridwen with a feast involving her symbols. Serve a rich pork roast or barbecued ribs, along with foods that pigs adore, such as corn, nuts, and truffles. Decorate the table or altar with images of white pigs. Include a cast-iron cauldron if you have one.

Invoke Cerridwen with words such as these:

Cerridwen,
Crafty one,
Come and see
What we’ve done.
Cerridwen,
Great White Sow,
We call you—
Be here now!


All information courtesy of my dear Wiccan Sister, Moonflower Willow Phoenix

KHEPRI - Scarab Beetle of the Sun

 



 

Khepri

• The Egyptians likened the activity of the scarab beetle pushing dung across the ground to the Sun as it moves across the sky.
• Khepri is the Sun God and creator in the form of a scarab.
• He is imagined to have created himself, not through reproductive means, thus represents the initial spark of life/creation.
• Usually depicted as a dung beetle, hard-winged beetle or a man with a head of a scarab.
• Sometimes linked to other aspects of the Sun God by being depicted with the head of a Ram.
• His colours are black, blue and gold.

(Lawson 1996)

Maat - Goddess of Cosmic Harmony

Who is Maat?

• The Goddess Maat is often depicted with an Ostrich feather in her head, or kneeling with wings.
• Pharaohs invested themselves with the right to govern, claiming their rulership upheld the laws of the universe that Maat embodied.
• Her wisdom was crucial to the assessment of the dead, allowing those with a blameless life into paradise.
• Her influence rules legal matters and creates sound judgement, maintaining order and balance in the world.
• Her existence made life, and life after death, possible.
• Her colours are whites and mauves.

(Lawson 1996)

Hapy - God of the Flooded Nile

Hapy is:

• The personification of the yearly flooding of the Nile, dwells in an area presided over by Khnum.
• Depicted in human form with aquatic plants on his head, a paunch and hanging breasts - symbolising abundance.
• A god without a temple or sanctuary but he commanded great respect because of the fertility he bestowed on the land.
• A male god with a maternal nature, who blessed the people of Egypt with their livelihood.
• His colours are the greens of the Nile water and vegetation.

(Lawson, 1996)