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The Magician & The Wheel of Fortune The Sun Ones & Nines In The Numerical Tarot:The Hierophant is |
THE HIEROPHANT & TEMPERANCEAs representations of the number 5, both the Hierophant and Temperance represent the ideas of in-betweeness, and the midpoint of the 1 thru 9 number line being presented everywhere on this site, as well as the nucleus of our spherically equivalent model [the logical model of abstract ideas seen elsewhere on this site]. In both cases, the number 5 position was described as a neutral or pivotal point of confluence between fundamental opposites as they converged and diverged, or imploded and exploded. Thus union and exchange become keywords to build upon for both these cards.We have also seen how the number 5 becomes a kind of glue or binding force, marrying the two sides of our number line. The Hierophant is a perfect representation of this very idea. Sometimes labeled The Pope, he is in fact the binding force at the midpoint of the ameliorate side of the Majors. As suggested elsewhere within this analysis, if this deck were laid out symmetrically he would in fact be seen as holding the 4 and 6 together - like a priest at a wedding, standing in the middle and holding a man and a woman together in holy matrimony. When viewed symmetrically, as the midpoint of a 1 thru 9 progression, the Hierophant shows how a firm foundation (Emperor-4) with successful negotiations (Hierophant-5) can lead to a happy union (Lovers-6) (4/5/6).To The Numerical Tarot, the monks standing before the Hierophant represent the idea of opposites converging upon an infinite in-between, as they attempt to behold the secrets that lie within this mysterious point of singularity. But, paradoxically, we find that both of these monks cannot occupy the Hierophant's attention at the same time, and so we find that the Hierophant must alternate his influence between them, thus creating the alternation that leads to the endless fluctuations and undulations of life's pulse.The Hierophant must also insure that a cooperative, orderly, and temperate state prevails between all fluctuating, undulating, converging and diverging opposites. Thus he is about total control. At his best the Hierophant is a neutral mediator, serving the needs of opposing sides, like an elected official enforcing the law of the land. At its worst, he is a controlling force that dictates the needs of opposing sides with oppressive rules, regulations and government.To The Numerical Tarot, the two keys that some decks include in the Hierophant card are the keys of The Absentia, the two pole points of paradox that limit and contain all human thought and consciousness - a concept you can read more about elsewhere on this site. One point of paradoxical absentia lies at the extreme outsides of our theoretcial model of existence, the other at the infinite center, or in this case, midpoint.In continuing, we move on to the card labeled Temperance. In viewing the Majors as an unbroken path of 22 trumps, one might not readily perceive the connection between Temperance and the Hierophant, even though many deck do describe them both as neutral mediators. However, in The Numerical Tarot, this association is very clear. But alas, as we have expressed a preference for balance, symmetry, contrast and consistency, we cannot help but notice that temperance is a concept that has already been used in our descriptions of the Hierophant.Indeed, if we look at the various models of existence seen everywhere on this site, we will see how the temperate core is used to describe the intangible attributes of the ameliorate 5. So within our matrix organization of ideas, we must now consider the card of Temperance as misplaced, and in doing so proceed to describe the characteristics that ought to occupy this space, as dictated by the precise organization of opposites upon a grid matrix of inter-related ideas. When approached this way, we could view Temperance as a correlative icon to the Hierophant, reinforcing the consonance that is his goal. But we CANNOT allow Temperance to remain part of the deteriorate side of the Majors, as an expression of temperance itself. We could, however, choose to view this card not as an expression of temperance perse, but as an expression of a NEED for temperance. Temperance, being somewhat uniquely positive looking within a row of somewhat negative looking cards, could be viewed as being like the calm, temperate eye of a hurricane amid the swirling negativity on either side. But, in pursuing a continutiy of positive and negative sides, we would have to say that such a position ought to represent something less than temperate i.e. something intemperate. In viewing this card this way, it would show us how fear (Death-4) and antagonistic arguments with no middle ground, (Temperance-5, or the need for temperance) will lead to distrust and an unhappy union (Devil-6) (4/5/6). In this way, the card of Temperance can remain an in-between to its equidistant neighbors of Death and Devil.At its best, Temperance is just that, the suggestion to opposing sides to moderate their forces. At its worst it represents a mediator who has no control whatsoever. Perhaps a better symbol for this card would be that of a boxing referee, a marriage counselor, or a police officer responding to a domestic disturbance.IN THE ISOMORPHIC TAROT DECK, I attempt to combine the symbols of Hierophant and Temperance into one card with an image of temperance that emerges from a potion mixed by an alchemist. The alchemist symbolizes the tangible concepts of finite mixtures, orderly exchanges and a finite midpoint, while the angel of temperance symbolizes the intangible attributes of union and confluence. I title the card Consonance, the Affable Wizard.I then choose to replace the deteriorate 5 of the Majors (Temperance) with an image comparable to my alchemist, that of an evil witch, mixing a potion in a cauldron, with a winged demon emerging. Both creatures symbolize the trouble and anarchy that is the essence of a negative deteriorative 5 gone bad. I title the card Dissonance, the Recalcitrant Witch.In both of these cards, the emerging spirit of either angle or demon is carried on to the following cards to become the Altruistic Angel or Sinister Demon discussed in the Lovers and Devil part of this analysis.IN THE NUMERICAL TAROT DECK, (UNDER CONSTRUCTION, COME BACK LATER!)-----NOTE: Go to the DECK section of this site, to learn more about the NAMES and titles of this deck and how they are picked to describe a gridded pattern that utilizes extremes and in-betweens. Each card in this deck is but one possible expression on a spectrum of possibilities. There is a lot more to learn, than what is being shown here. |
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