English
Arcanum 5 The Hierarch
Description of the Plate
In this plate we find the Hierarch with his armor of war. He is holding in his right hand the staff of power. He utilizes the mask of a jackal only when he is officiating to do justice. This symbolizes the supreme mercy and the supreme mercilessness of the law.
The scale of justice is in the waters of life indicating that the movements, actions and reactions of the physical body are based on energy.
Arcanum 6 Indecision
Description of the Plate
Standing in the waters of life is the disciple in front of a triangle that has its vertex pointing downwards. His left arm is placed on top of the right arm. All of this signifies that the disciple has fallen. That is why he feels more attracted towards the Medusa (the psychological “I”) located to his left. At his right is a female master.
This arcanum is called Indecision because the disciple does not know which path to choose.
Arcanum 7 Triumph
Description of the Plate
In the waters of life appear two sphinxes, a white and a black one, that are pulling the chariot. This symbolizes the masculine and feminine forces.
A warrior, who represents the Inner Self, is standing in his chariot of war, which is the Cubic Stone (sex).
He also stands between the four pillars that constitute science, art, philosophy, and religion, which he channels himself through. The four pillars also represent the four elements, indicating that he dominates them.
Arcanum 8 Justice
Description of the Plate
In the waters of life appears a serpent eating its tail, which forms the sign of the Cosmic Mother, the infinite, the number zero.
A woman kneels on a platform of three steps, representing the Arcanum A.Z.F. (water + fire = consciousness).
In her left hand, she holds the sword of power which is pointing upwards. With her right hand, she balances a scale, which points out that equilibrium should exist between the mind, the heart, and sex.
Arcanum 9 The Hermit
Description of the Plate
In this Arcanum, we find a rising moon in the waters of life. In the middle part of the plate is an old Hermit who is advancing forward, pointing out the path by holding in his left hand a lamp known as the lamp of Hermes, wisdom. With his right hand he holds on to the staff of the patriarchs, which represents the spinal column with its seven churches.
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