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The Magician & The Wheel of Fortune The Sun Ones & Nines In The Numerical Tarot:The Twos
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TWOS & EIGHTSThe 2s and 8s contain the symbols of balance, motion, energy and space. The easiest to see, of all these, are the two examples of balance within the 2 of Cups and the 2 of Swords. In the 2 of Cups we have a simple expression of balance in a man and a woman mirroring each other, with eyes locked. By coming together this way they express the attraction found at this stage in the sexual progression (seen elsewhere on this site). The balance between them is harmonious and productive. Their eyes are open, their lives are parallel.On the other hand, in the 2 of Swords we have a blindfolded woman with arms crossed. Her crossed arms, holding two swords, symbolizes tension between opposites or, balance that is NOT harmonious and productive, but rancorous and unproductive.Positioned equidistantly across the number line from the 2s are the 8s. Here we have two examples of ENERGY. In the 8 of Pentacles we see a craftsman working diligently at his trade. To The Numerical Tarot this card symbolizes the energy of enthusiasm toward an activity one enjoys. This is the card of optimism and adrenaline, of positive energy and euphoric excitement.On the negative side, in the 8 of Wands, we see how the same energy has now become sporadic and out of control. The Numerical Tarot views this as the card of the final burst - of - energy phenomenon described in the dying progression (seen elsewhere on this site). In this card, we find a handful of wands being hurled all at once, across a field, in one final burst of energy (before landing at the feet of the 9 of wands - the dead end card). The downward angle of the wands (when read left to right) symbolizes exhaustion, as energy is about to fail.Moving on to the intangible side of the 8s, we see two examples of space. In the 8 of Cups we see the positive aspects of space, wide open panoramic spaces, the kind of spaces dancers like to fill with light and airy movement and expression. But for reasons specific to the Rider/Waite/Smith deck they have choosen to express a darker, more somber side to what The Numerical Tarot thinks should be a positive condition, with a man who has turned his back on his wealth of cups to venture into the moonlit night. His spaces are still wide open, but the mood looks much sadder?Across from the positive 8 of Cups is the negative 8 of Swords. The 8 of Swords shows us the opposite of wide open spaces with a woman surrounded by swords, bound with cloth and blindfolded. Actually, as we can see, this woman has just as much space to move into as the 8 of Cups, but because of the inhibiting factors around her, she is unable, or unwilling. Her blindfolded condition puts her in the same 'fear of dark' predicament as the following 9, only here that darkness is limiting her spatial expression. Also by repeating the symbol of a blindfold, this card reveals equidistant similarities between itself and the 2 of Swords mentioned earlier.In continuing, we can jump back to the 2 of Pentacles and the 2 of Wands to observe two different expressions of motion. First a juggler, with a mobius-like lemniscant, dances in front of undulating waves on the ocean. While it is possible that we could interpret undulating waves as indirect motion, and therefore misplaced as a symbol of an immediate and direct ameliorate 2, I see undulating waves as a simple expression of motion itself, while the ships that navigate the waves symbolize the 'path of least distance' type of motion associated with the 2 of Pentacles.On the negative side, the 2 of Wands has what appears to be a symbol of NO motion, or arrested motion. Here we see another navigator of sorts, evidenced by the globe in his hand. Only this navigator is not out on the water doing his thing, instead he is patiently, or perhaps impatiently, waiting for his fleet to return. By not being out on the undulating waves this card also symbolizes the frustration of inhibited motion or motion that is not allowed to move. We see this man as eager, and waiting. Actually, the emotion of frustration would be in the 2 of Sword. This kind of frustration, seen in the physical blockage of the 2 of Wands, and the emotional tension of the 2 of Swords, is what eventually leads to the uncontrolled burst-of-energy found in the equidistant 8 of Wands, as well as the feelings of inhibition and limited space in the 8 of Swords.ON THE MATRIX - So in this matrix formation, we see how the 2 of Pentacles equals the action of motion, while the 8 of Pentacles represents the thought process of a mind that is exhilarated in its work. The 2 of Cups represents the timeless state of being dual, while the equidistant 8 of Cups expresses the emotions of an explorer, entering into the space around him.On the negative side, the 2 of Wands again relates to the physical limits of motion, while the 8 of Wands refers to the thought process of an exhausted mind. The 2 of Swords shows us a state of tension, while the 8 of Swords represents the emotions behind restricted space and how the physical exhaustion in the 8 of Wands leaves you feeling burnt out and incapable of radiating any personal space at all.BACK TO MAJORS - In relating these cards to the Majors, we see how the enthusiastic energy of the 8 of Pentacles is expressed in the card of Strength. Perhaps the card of Strength should be renamed 'Energy'. We also see how the exhausted energy of falling wands relates to the pouring of water from vessels in the Star card. The cards of duality, the 2 of Cups and 2 of Swords reinforce the concepts of balance found in both the High Priestess as well as Justice.IN THE ISOMORPHIC TAROT DECK, direct motion is seen in the path of an airplane taking off. On the negative side, an obstructed path symbolizes intermittent motion or blocked motion. In the suit of Roses, we have balance and harmony and the scales of justice. On the negative side, we have crossed swords, not unlike those of the Rider Waite design, showing tension and disharmony.The explosive energy of an 8 is seen in a radiating sphere. While on the negative side, failing energy is seen in the dropping of wands from a crucified hand. In the suit of Roses, wide open spaces are symbolized by doves flying free. While on the negative side, confined space is symbolized with bondage and circling swords.IN THE NUMERICAL TAROT DECK, (UNDER CONSTRUCTION, COME BACK LATER!) |
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