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The Suit of Disks An Analysis by Keith Rowley |
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Alchemical Earth - The Fruit of Creation As we continue our analysis of the Thelemic Tarot of Aleister Crowley, so we continue to be inspired to new paintings, poems and other Occult Art. This image by Hettie Rowley represents the Ace of Disks. This essay is a part of our Thelemic Tarot Analysis, which we will in due course publish as a book. Join our Thelemic Tarot Forum and contribute your own thoughts and points of analysis. We really want to hear from you. (IMAGE TO FOLLOW - WE ARE CREATING IT). In the Crowley Tarot Deck, each of the four suits represents one of the four alchemical principles, which are Fire, Air, Earth and Water. Now much has been said concerning the definitions of these elements, but I shall do my utmost to provide a fresh perspective whilst always acknowledging that my initial knowledge is derived from the great masters such as Aleister Crowley. However, I do hope to inject an element of personal gnosis here, without which this work would be of considerably diminished value. Let us continue. As we said in our introduction, these suits also represent the four levels of creation in Kabbalah:
Atziluth:The Idea, The Archetype, The Emanation (Fire - Wands)
Beriah: Precipitation of the Archetype, Creative Concept, One to Many, Implementation (Air - Swords) Yetzirah:Shapes, The idea given form but fluid (Water - Cups) Assiyah: The material world permeated by the higher worlds (Earth - Disks) We see in the above definitions that the Suit of Disks is associated with certain Archetypal Ideas. Now consider Alchemical Earth as a metaphor for the outcome of the universal creative process. In this age, we are able to utilize scientific insights that were not available to Aleister Crowley, and so, it is incumbent on us to expand the definitions applied to this suit. There is a degree of risk in taking this approach, as we need to accommodate both the concept of Earth as an element and an outcome, as representative of Malkut, and yet only a part of Malkhut along with the other elements. Let us see where out journey takes us: maybe we will retrace our steps a little later and adjust our emerging picture of the ever evolving Tarot... What is the Universe? Let us first approach this issue of what the Universe actually is. As we understand it, we have three dimensions of space populated with matter and energy. But this space is expanding as the Big Bang theory informs us. However, it is not expanding as we understand the consequences of an explosion of say a cluster bomb. When we detonate such a device, its fragments expand outwards from the centre, from the point of detonation as an expanding sphere. The universe is not like that, because every point in 3D space is expanding, pushing away from its neighbour-point. That is why the universe does not have a boundary that we can ever reach. The next question is obvious, I guess: If 3D space is expanding, what is it expanding into? The answer to this profound question can only be - The Fourth Spatial Dimension. This is not superstition or make-believe, but rather an elegant mathematical construct that allows us to comprehend just a little more of the enormous, unbelievable complexity and wonder of nature. Let's enlarge on this a little. Flatland as the Gateway to Understanding Imagine a universe with only two dimensions i.e. you can move right and left, forwards and backwards, but not upwards or downwards. This is Flatland. In such a universe, imagine you have a house, square in shape, with flat (zero height) walls and with a single door. To get in and out of the house, you must open the door (which is also flat!). FOr you, there is no way into the house except the door, because there is no up and down - you cannot move into the third dimension and go over the wall - there is no 'over'. Now imagine sitting in your lounge when a person from the third dimension passes a sphere through your world. What you would see is a point, then a small and growing circle which would get to maximum seize and then shrink back to a point and disappear. You might infer the existence of a third dimension, but you might also think that god had appeared! This analogy makes it much easier to imagine the 4th dimension. If a four dimensional sphere appeared in our world, it would appear as a sphere, grow in volume, shrink back to its original size and then disappear. Now here's an interesting thing: in Flatland, if a three dimensional being wanted to, she could simply look down and take anything she wanted from your two dimensional house simply by reaching downwards - through the third dimension. You would think of this as magic. Similarly, a four dimensional being could reach into your stomach, your house or the inside of a safe by simply moving through the fourth dimension. Burglary would be rather simple! So we all live in a four dimensional universe, but for whatever reasons are restricted to a daily experience of three. Within Three Dimensions As the universe expands around us, we gaze in wonder at the stars and galaxies that populate our night skies, at the quiet fury of the Sun's nuclear fusion that breathes live into our planet, at the cold and serene beauty of the moon and the transitory paths of the wanderers in the heavens, the planets, comets and meteors. And yet, most of the space across fifteen billion years of time, is empty of matter as we know it. Billions and billions of light years separate the bright stellar objects we see above us. But is empty space really empty? Physics informs us that as a function of quantum mechanics, 'virtual particles' are constantly appearing and disappearing in the vacuum of space and that vacuum is but a facet of the space-time continuum: the 'face of space' if you wish. The appearence of such particles may be a consequence of the physical impossibility of any part of the universe reaching 0K (absolute zero) at some -273 degrees C. This has enormous implications for our understanding of the universe and the total amount of energy it contains. Indeed, is a serious object of research in modern physics, as it implies that an infinite source of energy lies at our disposal, although it may be forever beyond reach. Another recent finding in cosmology is that there simply isn't enough matter in the observable universe to provide the gravitation needed to 'keep things together'. Everything we see, from the shapes of and rotation periods of galaxies to the clustering of galaxies and the expansion rate of the universe simply cannot be as we observe it unless there is a huge unknown component. This component we have dubbed Dark Matter and Dark Energy, Consider the following calculated components of our universe: Stars and Galaxies: 0.4% Intergalactic Gas: 3.6% Dark Matter: 22.0% Dark Energy: 74.0% And so it appears we don't understand the basic nature of 96% of the stuff around us. But simply to know this, we have come a long, long way. Disks and The Universe In our all too brief on the nature of the universe, we have been compelled to somewhat disagree with the good Master Therion in his estimation of the universe in the aeon of Horus as a whirling disk of energy (in essence). Crowley was not wrong, but whereas his words seem to imply the opening of the gates of mystery at the dawn of the new aeon, we have in fact descended deeper into mystery. For this reason I have dubbed the disks The Treasure-House of Infinite Secrets. Every time we dig just a little deeper into reality, using either the magician's mind or the tools of science, we reveal another well of infinite depth, another layer of infinite secrets and wonder. And that is as it should be. As we proceed, we will meld this analogy with the more traditional Qabalistic and Magical interpretations of this suit.   The Ace of Disks If you enjoy these essays, please go back to our Thelema Tarot forum and le4ve an opinion, question or observation. The Ace of Disks represents the potential of the alchemical element Earth. It is important to understand at once that in contrast to the Atu that represent coherent personalities, the small cards represent the blind power of their elements in each phase of their existence. They contribute to the nature of all things in the universe, which they permeate and comprise. In the case of Earth, as we stated in our brief. Given our brief treatise above, we must conclude that the root power of Earth is of multi layered complexity, of eternal creation and fruition of process, of eternal depth and mystery. It is interesting to note that the most archaic of interpretations of this suit attribute cold and damp and darkness to its chief characteristics. In the aeon of Horus though, we expect brilliance and illumination, the fruition of a return to open minded innocence and joy. My insights though reveal the other side of this bright coin - of a journey at an end that will yet continue for all eternity, for their is no 'bottom to the well', no 'Theory of Everything', no volume that can ever reveal the final and ultimate knowledge of natures' secrets. And thus shall our wonder be infinite and our joys unbounded as we delve ever deeper into the infinity of existence. As we find in Liber Al: "In the sphere I am everywhere the centre, as she, the circumference, is nowhere found. Yet shall she be known & I never." Al 2: 3-4 And so, as Aiwass revealed, every point of knowledge, of Hadit, disappears into the infinity of Nuit, and our quest is eternal. The Number One One, the number of Keter, indivisible unity. In our universe, nothing exists without its counterpart of opposite polarity, be we discussing humans, magnetic poles, subatomic particles, good, evil, or anything whatsoever. So in metaphysics, the number 1 is the concept of potential; it is that which encompasses the unborn ideas of good and evil, of positive and negative, of male and female. As such, One is a concept in the mind of man, an identification of the root powers of the cosmos. It finds its ultimate expression in the idea of monotheism and as such it is a late development in human history, although neither so late nor so strange as the Zero from whence it derives. Here then, in the Disks, we have the infinite complexity of Malkhut buried in the infinite simplicity of Keter. The Position of the Ace on the Tree of Life All four of the Aces dwell on Keter, the point source that is everywhere, the Hadit to the infinite space of Nuit. There is not much more to be said of this, as it should be quite clear by now that Keter is the domain of indivisible unity and yet contains all the complexity of the universe. The Ace of Disks and its Impact on General Readings When we find the Ace of Wands in our spread, we are looking at the potential for infinite complexity, for secrets buried in the earth, in the minds of men and circumstance. And yet, these secrets have not been hidden through conscious agency; rather they arise from the unfolding of processes, from the natural unfolding of complexity through evolution. Bear in mind though, that solving one mystery but leads to another, although, within the ambit of the querent's circumstances, unveiling one point of truth may be enough. That is for the Tarot reader to assess. In the Book of Thoth, Crowley describes the card as illustrating the Sun and the Moon, and emphasises the importance of the numbers 6 (Tiphareth, The Sun), 7 (Netzach, Venus), 156 (Babalon, a reverberation of 7 and of naturue's cyclical fertility). The identity of The Beast with this card is of course complimentary to that of Babalon and indicates revelation of the musteries. All of these ideas may be seen as cognate with but a little meditation and analysis. Comments? Observations? Go to our Thelema Tarot Forum.  The Two of Disks The Number Two and The Tree of Life The number 2 devolves on Chockmah, the unrestrained force driving all of the universe, untamed and unguided prior to its sublimation by the power of the Law of Binah, the Great Mother. But the number two is also the first expression of duality, representing the first manifestation of the The Janus-Father as an aspect of duality, albeit above The Abyss, and beyond the conception of faculties honed by reason alone. So in this number we find purpose without Law, and from this we may deduce the Exertion of Pure Will. Now my analysis is in accordance with that our dear prophet, Aleister Crowley, but how he himself arrives at this conclusion I have not yet divined, for The Book of Thoth is silent on such matters. When we consider Will beyond Law, we are struck by a number of historical examples such as Adolf Hitler, who was by his nature of the Black Brotherhood, and who attempted to create and live within a domain founded on laws in obscene contravention of those that govern the universe. And so was his demise inevitable. The Astrology of The Two of Disks Aleister Crowley assigns Jupiter in Capricorn to The Two of Disks. These attributions immediately bring to mind earthly wealth and benevolence, and yet, in the sign of The Goat, a somewhat isolated and contemplative nature. I seem to recall Crowley somewhere alluding to the lonely nature of The Goat as it wanders alone through the high places of mountainous domains. Capricorn is governed by Saturn, so the effect of Jupiter is not dominant here. Crowley's imagery in this card shows a concise glyph containing:
Contextual Interpretation of the Two of Disks A moderate benevolence stands ready to unfold into everyday events. The outcome of current events promises a degree of good fortune in material issues, but as with all things, this is a transient state and all will continue to change.  The Three of Disks The Number Three and The Tree of Life The number three is referred to the Sephirah Binah, the Supernal Mother, The Bright Fertile Mother, The Dark Sterile Mother, The Great Sea, Saturn and Time, Law and Constraint. Here we also find the first representation of illusion as The Moon, Concealment and Rebirth find their first archetypical expression. As such, we see in Binah the imposition of Law upon the primeval forces channelled from Chockmah. Binah sits atop the Pillar of Severity on the Tree of Life and is quintessentially the Laws of the Universe. Here we find the potential for growth through the agency of time, and the longing for a long gone golden age, for a return to Eden. And yet, Binah sits above the Abyss and is the home of the Masters of the Temple who have shed their blood into the cup of eternity. The Astrology of The Three of Disks Aleister Crowley assigns Mars in Capricorn to this card. Why? This attribution is one of the most puzzling in astrology, and dates back to the ancient Mesopotamians. Just why is fiery Mars exalted in the earthy cold dryness of Capricorn? The nearest intuitive meaning I am able to assign to this is that Mars plays the role of Prometheus is bringing Fire to human beings and is thus exalted. If we take this viewpoint then, the impact of fire from the heavens strikes us as a key driver of the unfolding universe within Binah. And so we see the element of Fire, through the agency of Mars, infusing all of creation with passion and energy. This Contextual Interpretation of the Three of Disks Time and space have emerged from the womb of Binah. Somehting great has been achieved. A great process of synthesis has reached its conclusion, and the beginning of a new phase is at hand - but always above the Abyss, this is a shadow, a premonition of that which is to come, an echo of events that reverberates backwards and forwards in time. Look elsewhere for fulfillment of these things, for not all that can be will be. Crowley's design illustrates these things trough the pyramid sstanding frim in three dimesions on the sea of Binah, standing on three corners of the key elements of Fire, Water and Air, (Alpeh, Meim and Shin), although he rather uses the alchemical symbols of Salt, Sulphur and Mercury here.  The Four of Disks The Number Four and The Tree of Life The number four is referred to the Sephira Chesed (Mercy or Greatness). This is the first of the Sephiroth below The Abyss and it represents benevolence, kingship, tolerance, anabolism, creativity. The Astrology of The Four of Disks Aleister Crowley assigns The Sun in Capricorn to this card. Capricorn we know is an Earth sign and The Sun is usually designated to the Sephirah Tiphareth, the abode of the sacrificed god. Above all, Chesed and the number 4 represent building of the status-quo, of authority unchallenged and accomplishment as an affirmation of convention. Here, these positive aspects of Chesed are complimented and reinforced by the power and influence of the Sun, and so we have solid, benevolent power, balanced by all four elements in equal measure. This is a glyph of immeasurable benevolence. This type of power is much more characterised by the individuality of a King (both literally and metaphorically) rather than the barely disguised malevolence of collective, democratic power that bleeds the vitality of the strong but which is weak in itself. Contextual Interpretation of the Four of Disks Crowley call the Four of Swords: Power. Other than our observations regarding the benevolence of this power, its honesty and great strength, little more is to be said.  The Five of Disks The Number Five and The Tree of Life The number five is referred to the Sephira Gevurah (Fear or Severity). This is the second of the Sephiroth below The Abyss and it represents the catabolism of war, the severity required to sweep away that which is outmoded and effete. It is a root cause of the regenerative processes of nature. It is the destroyer that makes possible al of life. The Astrology of The Five of Disks Aleister Crowley assigns Mercury in Taurus to this card. Taurus we know as we know is a Earth sign and Mercury is the word of the Logos, the intelligence of AIR. These energies sit at opposite ends of the alchemical spectrum, and so they may be thought of as contenders for power in this card. Contextual Interpretation of the Five of Disks Crowley call the Five of Disks: Worry. This we might well interpret as imbalance, strain and impending destruction or realignment. On this place on The Tree of Life, we will always be faced with strife in one form or another. Here in the material realm of the Suite of Disks, we find stress in material matters, a clash between the intellectual, analytic powers of Air and the mundane powers of Earth. It is conflict of escape from restriction, of rebellion against the effeteness of the old King of Chesed, and a desire to instigate great change at any cost. But the Bull of Taurus will not be easily defeated.  The Six of Disks The Number Six and The Tree of Life The number Six is referred to the Sephira Tiphareth (Beauty). This Sephirah is at the centre of the whole Qabalistic scheme and represents the synthesis of all that has come before. It is the mirror of the perfection of Keter which stands undivided and alone. It is the placeof the Dying God, of ultimate balance and harmony, the center of the Tree of life. The Astrology of The Six of Disks Aleister Crowley assigns The Moon in Taurus to this card. Taurus we know as we know is a Earth sign and The Moon as a sign of mystery and illusion. So here we have the element of Earth in perfection, and yet haunted by the ghosts of imagination and spiritual wandering and deceit. The Moon is exalted in Taurus, and so her influence is particularly powerful. Contextual Interpretation of the Six of Disks Crowley call the Six of Disks: Success and inasmuch that Earth has now found its first form, this seems intuitively correct. Here we see a harmonius synthesis of mundane affairs, with the planets all in their proper place, each the beneficiary of the radiance of the Sun. And yet, the sun must perforce set each night before its daily renewal. So to complement and offset the perfection of achievement here, we have the powerful potential for illusion of the Moon and the awareness that we must not be complacent, for our current success is but a staging post. | The 22 Atu - Introduction | Atu 0 to III | Atu IV to VII | The Suit of Disks | The Suit of Cups | The Suit of Swords | The Suit of Wands | Thelema Tarot Forum | | Return Home | Art Mall | Thelema Literature | Contact | Magick | Thelema Prints | The Crowley Tarot | Blogs and Forums | Thelema Guest Book | |
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