Arcanum 10 Retribution
Description of the Plate
In the waters of life, we find two serpents: the positive solar serpent that healed the Israelites in the wilderness, and the negative serpent, the tempting serpent of Eden which is related to the lunar bodies, the bodies of sin.
In the middle of the plate is the Wheel of Fortune, the Wheel of Samsara, or the wheel of death and birth. The evolving Hermanubis ascends on the right side, and on the left side, the devolving Typhon Baphomet descends. After 108 lives, the wheel makes one complete turn. As it rises, we pass through the process of evolution in the mineral, vegetable, animal, and human kingdoms. On descending, we fall through the same path. The Wheel of Samsara makes 3,000 turns, after which the Essence, after so many purifications and sufferings, returns to the Absolute. However, it returns without realization of the Self.
Arcanum 11 Persuasion
Description of the Plate
In the waters of life is found the Cubic Stone. Within the Stone is the bird and the long-legged creature; upon it is the dove of the Holy Spirit.
In the middle of the plate, a woman closes the jaws of a furious lion, indicating that she is superior to violence. On her head is a crown with a serpent projecting out from the forehead indicating her mastery.
Arcanum 12 The Apostolate
Description of the Plate
In the waters of life is the pentacle of Solomon, a variant of the six pointed star.
The three upper points represent the three traitors of Hiram Abiff (the Internal Christ), Judas, Pilate, and Caiaphas (desire, mind and evil will).
Arcanum 13 Immortality
Description of the Plate
In this arcanum, the sheaves of wheat and the flowers represent rebirth. The flowers symbolize the beginning of life; the wheat symbolizes the end.
A hierarch of the law cuts some stalks of wheat that have large and small grains, which are called Bobbin-Kandelnosts. They represent the values, the capital, that each human being carries in the three brains (intellectual, motor, emotional).
Arcanum 14 Temperance
Description of the Plate
In the waters of life we find three flowers. A serpent is climbing the middle one. These three flowers represent:
- Sat, the Innermost, Atman
- Chit, Buddhi, the Spiritual Soul
- Ananda, Superior Manas, the Human Soul
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