Many of the conceptual diagrams presented here are devoted to presenting a theoretical model of existence that attempts to describe the essence of being that surrounds and contains every manifest entity in the universe. But there is more to this theoretical model than just describing static lines of force that emanate from a core. The same model can also be used to describe paths of progress through events in time. Whether occurring in short intervals or long intervals, events in time become entities unto themselves, with beginnings, middles and ends. With or without satisfactory closure, events in time can be defined with the same theoretical parameters as a static manifest entity. When an event in time is viewed as an entity to be experienced, as a dynamic sequence of ideas, a predictable pattern of progress results. We pass through an event in time, just as if it were a manifest entity. We know nothing of it. We encounter it. We drill through its mass. We reach its conclusion. We leave it behind.
Here is a diagram that describes several important concepts regarding the number line of numerology as an event over time. In it, you will see how the number line describes both a static model of ideas concerning the parameters of existence, as well as a signature of nature that is seen in events over time. Described here with deliberately and purposefully abstract terminology, followed (in parentheses) by a more subjective progression of sexual encounter, and below that [in brackets] as a progression of creative thought, both of which vividly display the characteristically explosive end, the smoking gun which informs us of the existence of this pattern's influence. To learn more about the "smoking gun" being described within this signature of nature, read the essay The Cosmic Engine, elsewhere on this site.
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This diagram is of course a highly idealized and highly stylized representation of a complex process that does not always occur in such perfectly spaced and perfectly timed increments. However, as a simplified map of ideas, this diagram is great for visualizing several important concepts that the number line of numerology attempts to describe. The most fortunate being the way the roller coaster idea conveys the immediate and direct nature of the first three, and last three concepts. This not only shows how creation of an idea [Formulation] comes in like a lightning bolt out of the blue, but also shows how the finding of one's way to the perfect outward expression of that idea is also governed by a sudden and explosive end [Illumination]. In the middle, the idea of a roller coaster mechanically cranking itself up a slope conveys how an idea must be developed through research, experimentation, invention and lots of hard work, before it can be expressed or actualized.
With the numbers 3 and 7 falling at the trough and crest of a wave, the idea of a pause, at the moment of [Formulation] and [Realization] is visually displayed. This advent and issuant pause then corresponds, in isomorphic fashion, to the Planetary Model (seen elsewhere on this site), where immediate and direct passage through the Circumsphere (1) and the Atmosphere (2) are paused by the advent encounter with that model's surface (3). Thus showing how we encounter events in time in an isomorphically similar way as we encounter manifest entities.
The idea of a roller coaster mechanically cranking itself up a slope then corresponds, in isomorphic fashion, to one's mechanical passage through the substance of the Planetary Model (the path of least resistance), where a second exiting encounter with the surface (7) marks an issuant pause before re-entering, in immediate and direct fashion, the Atmosphere (8) and Circumsphere (9). Like hitting "a rough patch of road" you fly along 1, 2, 3... hit a patch of substance that slows you down, that you must work through 4, 5, 6... then break out and fly along to a conclusion 7, 8, 9.
By combining the Creativity Model with the Sexual Model, the importance of development, and the reaching of a "critical mass", is brought out. The [buildup] of the sexual progression, reinforces the idea of the same kind of buildup occurring in the thought process of creativity. This incubation period is vital. Ideas are examined and considered. There is a buildup. Then, often without warning, a critical mass or quorum of sensing is achieved and ideas fuse together in the mind as one wholistic vision of imagined truth [Realization]. There is a characteristic pause, as [Arrival] at this point of [Realization] occurs. This realization is then followed, immediately and directly by an explosive [Illumination] of enlightenment, which leads to [Education] or increase of knowledge.
Lots of philosophies, both tarot and otherwise, point out the immediate and direct characteristics of creation, especially as it applies to creativity and inspiration. Many also choose to describe this phenomenon with three steps... thinking that the idea of a trinity is significant when talking about God-like things such as creation. But what most of them fail to realize is the existence of an equally significant trinity of equidistant design, devoted to the perfect expression of that creation, back to its God-like creator. By seeing the numberline of numerology this way, we can really begin to appreciate the significance of this signature of nature.
The stages of this divine progression can happen in a very short period of time, or a very long period of time, depending on whay type of cycle of nature we wish to examine. Everything vibrates. Physicists are currently speculating that the basic building block of everything is vibrating strings. The model of existence being put forth on this site is no different - it too vibrates. In more than one place we have mentioned how the infinite inbetween state of the 5, positioned at the middle of the number line as a representation of the center of a three dimensional model, fluctuates between the two sides of the number line. This fluctuation is endless, for the life of an entity. Fluctuations are how we measure time and detect motion. Time can be broken down into any number of increments - an epoch, an ara, a season, a moment. Motion can be fast or slow. The cycle of seasons takes a year to complete. The duration of a single event in someone's life might only take a fraction of that time. The individual steps taken during that single event, will take even less. As an event in time, the number line is equipped to address all types of cycles, events and steps. Cycles come in waves. Each undualtion of a wave confirms the binary, dualistic nature of our existence.
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As an event in time, the number line is equipped to address all types of cycles, events and steps. Cycles come in waves. Each undualtion of a wave confirms the binary, dualistic nature of our existence.
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The cycles of events over time can also happen over and over, as a process of refinement. Meaning that each [Illumination] is not necessarily an ultimate universal truth, only an elevated state of truth - or a projection of personal perception. One must "run the program again" to utilize newfound information in subsequent examinations. This idea of a signature of nature repeating over and over, is conveyed by the numbers 1 and 9 occupying what would be the same place, if further waves are realized.
In another progression (the Geometric progression, seen elsewhere on this site), I compare a 1 to the geometric concept of a point, and the 9 to a sphere. An important concept to extract from this is how all points radiate a sphere of influence, and all spheres of influence converge upon a central point - thus making point and sphere essentially the same, in a microcosmic vs. macrocosmic way.
By seeing point and sphere, or 1 and 9 as the same, endless progressions are possible with each sphere being the beginning point of the next progression. This idea is conveyed here, as answers [Education] lead to questions [Invocation].
Finally, by combining a progression of sex with a progression of thought, the idea of one-to-one isomorphic translation is conveyed. By describing these paths with abstract, reductionist terminology one can conceptually apply this fundamental idea over other more subjective representations (like tarot!), and possibly find this signature of nature in other places. And ... by finding this signature of nature in other places, one might possibly understand the nature of other things better.
That's the dream anyway... : /
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Archetypes of Tarot
But how, you ask, does this relate to Tarot?
Some people see the 22 cards of the Majors as paths on The Tree of Life, or as a "Salvation Cycle" of concepts that take us from the mundane to the divine. I too see the deck as a salvation cycle of sorts, taking us from ignorance to knowledge - a path of enlightenment... in nine easy steps.
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In the Creativity progression:
1) Invocation - I see the intelligence of the Magician as the spark that ignites the flame of inquiry.
2) Revelation - I see the High Priestess as a representation of mysteries to be revealed. An indication that something is afoot. This may be a stretch for some. For some the High Priestess is all about mystery and the concealment of things. But to me, there is enough ambiguity in her purpose for me to also see her as a source of inspiration and the revealing of things - what A. E. Waite identifies as a Shekinah. The veils of mystery and occultation are like the shell of an egg waiting to be cracked open. What is inside is inspiration and motivation. You have to crack some eggs to make an omlette.
3) Formulation - I see the perfect beauty of the Empress as a representation of ideas taking shape. To quote Oswald Wirth she is "... the abstract conception which generates ideas and shapes the Supreme Ideal, thought conceived but not yet expressed." That sounds like a good fit to me. The rest of the number line then represents the steps taken toward the expression of those ideas... which takes place in beautifully symmetrical form, when we get to the final three numbers of the number line.
4) Determination - I see the courage of the Emperor as a representation of a mind taking charge of a idea. An idea conceived but not yet expressed is of no use without someone to take it to where it needs to go. The Emperor is the hero on that journey. The Emperor is the guide on that journey. The Emperor is the architect who will do the work. Like the roller coaster cranking itself up a slope, the Emperor has the strength, drive and determination to penetrate and find his way through to perfect outward expression.
5) Experimentation - I see the obedience being paid to the Hierophant as a representation of the discipline of experimentation. This my be a stretch for some. For some, the Hierophant is all about religion. To me, the Hierophant is not so much about religion or spirituality as he is about LAW. Religious law perhaps, but law first and foremost... the moral and dogma of organized religion, and the administration of religion upon the masses. Back in the olden days, church and state were not so separate. In many ways, the church was the government - making the Pope, or Hierophant akin to an autocrat. So, in my mind, not so much about spirituality, but more about control, law and order. In my nine card arrangement, the 5 is the axis, that controls the two sides of the number line. So the idea of mixing, and comparing, and experimenting is not such a stretch.
6) Deliberation - I see the choices and decisions commonly associated with the Lovers as a representation of the incubation process. This seems like a pretty safe fit to me. Practically every interpretation I've ever heard of the Lovers involves decisions and choices. Some decks just show two lovers. Other decks show a man choosing between two women. This may not be the most important aspect of the Lovers card, but it is certainly one that fits this model just fine.
7) Realization - I see the spiritual connection of the Chariot as a representation of the realization of an idea. This may be a stretch for some. For some, the Chariot is not about spirituality at all. One interpretation that I've heard a lot for the Chariot is that of triumph. Many people describe and illustrate the Chariot as carrying a triumphant king. That's fine too. Triumph and Arrival are almost synonymous - in my mind anyway. Arrival at a point of triumph, and a pause in activity to be admired for said triumph, fit pretty well here. This position represents a crowning moment. Realization is then the beginning of the three steps of expression, equidistantly similar in design to the first three steps responsible for Supreme Ideals not yet expressed.
8) Illumination - I see the overpowering level of concentration in the Strength card as a representation of enlightenment. Unfortunately, traditional interpretations of the Strength card almost never have as much POW! in them as I would like. So to the traditional mind, the all-important "that's it" - "eureka" - NOVA moment of an 8 will probably never be seen in the Strength card. In my deck I fix this, so that the 8s have more oomph. For those who recognize the inclusion of a Lion in the card of Strength as symbolic of Solar Energy, that oomph might be there. For those who interpret that Lion to represent the taming of our animal nature, the oomph might not be there.
9) Education - I see the lamp of knowledge carried by the Hermit as a representation of education. This seems like a pretty good fit, except that traditional minds who view the Majors as an unbroken string of 22 ideas may not see the Hermit as a terminal point of any kind. So seeing this as the end of a progression may be a stretch for some. But I think the Hermit is old for a reason - because he represents the end of life - or endings in general. The idea of being at the top of a mountain also fits with the idea of reaching a goal, and an end point.
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In the Sexual progression:
1) Interest - I see the acute awareness of the Magician as a component of interest. The Magician is always thinking. He is always thinking of you. He is interesting, and takes an interest.
2) Attraction - I see the mysterious allure of the High Priestess as a representation of attraction. This may be a stretch for some. But again, the ambiguity of the High Priestess allows me to see her mysterious side as a source of arousing curiosity that attracts. If we view the High Priestess as a representation of inspiration, then attraction fits this model perfectly, as we are typically attracted to things that inspire us.
3) Intimacy - I see the sensitivity of the Empress as a representation of intimacy. This seems pretty obvious to me. To some however, the idea of sensitivity may not be that important to the Empress.
4) Foreplay - I see the assertive nature of the Emperor as the instigator of foreplay. I see the firm establishment of his phallic, masculine energy as necessary for this idealized, textbook progression of heterosexual encounter to continue. Foreplay is also important, as a certain level of physical and emotional "preparation" is required to continue. This "preparation" is then equivalent to the pouring of a foundation on which to build.
5) Intercourse - I see the negotiating of control, found within the Hierophant, as a representation of intercourse, sexual or otherwise. OK, this is a total stretch. If this were my deck, a figure like Temperance would be used instead of a Hierophant, thereby conveying the back and forth mixing idea of intercourse. But even still, if you see the Hierophant as an administrator of law (see above comments), then the idea of negotiating law might be seen as isomorphic to the idea of negotiating intercourse.
6) Buildup - I see the sexual nature implied within the Lovers as a representation of the rhythm of intercourse building up. This idea may not be so prevalent in the interpretation of existing tarot, so a bit of a stretch. But, as lovers, I see sex as an important component.
7) Arrival - I see the triumph of the Chariot as a representation of cresting, or the crowning moment of sex... the arrival at the critical point-of-no-return, just before climax. See comments above about triumph. This may be a stretch for some. Many people describe and illustrate the Chariot as a master of opposing sides (symbolized by his mastery of the two creatures that pull his chariot). If this is so, I see his position as an infinitesimal point where those two creatures fuse to become one within him. Oneness, and connectivity before climax is what this cresting position is about.
8) Orgasm - I see the overpowering level of concentration in the Strength card as a representation of climax. See comments above about the POW of an 8. If you don't see this kind of energy in an 8, you may be inclined to reject this whole pattern - or at least its alleged association to tarot. That would be sad. There is a lot of energy in the card of Strength, but the illustration of a woman holding open, or closing, the mouth of a lion does not even begin to illustrate the kind of energy I'm thinking of. I we interpret that Lion as symbolic of Solar Energy, we might come close.
9) Resolution - I see the old age of the Hermit as a representation of things ending. Don't forget, in early decks the Hermit carried an hourglass and was called Father Time, or The Old Man. Again many, who don't see the Hermit as a terminal point of any kind within the unbroken string of 22 trumps, may have a problem with this. One popular idea that I see a lot is to describe and illustrate the Hermit at the top of a mountain. To me that's a terminal point - a goal reached... a resolution. The Hermit represents answers and resolution.
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And, yes, there is an equivalent progression on the negative side. That progression would describe the steps of an entity toward an undignified death. I'll give you a hint as to how it might go, but don't expect it to fit that well, because traditional tarot has a few gaps in what might otherwise be perceived as a progression of ominous degenerative cards. So if you can use your imagination, and imagine cards 10 thru 18 as nothing but evil, bad and scary, then you might find what follows to be of interest (see The Spine of Tarot elsewhere on this site). However, if you reject the notion of cards 10 thru 18 being bad, evil and scary, then what follows will probably sound pretty stupid and "inaccurate" to what you've memorized about tarot from traditional sources.
1) Omen - In The Wheel of Fortune, I see a representation of a downward turn of fate, a turning of ones world upside down. There is in fact historical precedent to suggest that the fickle or changeable nature of fate was the intent within wheel of fortune imagery of the past... or at least that the folly or stupidity of thinking that fate is secure was intended. Lady Fortune is often pictured balancing on a ball or globe, to symbolize the unstable nature of fate. Thus we mark our entry into an unstable, random world of decline.
2) Vexation - The card of Justice does not fit a negative progression toward death very well at all. Unless you can see it as the judgement of one's life as they approach death. But then, most traditionalist would want to reserve that for the Judgement card. So, maybe not such a good fit here. If the Justice in your deck is blind, then a losing of one's way through blindness might fit. In my decks, I illustrate just such a lost, blinded person, or person who causes such fogginess of mind. If death is coming, it is probably best that we not see it anyway.
3) Pain - I see the Hanged Man card as a representation of sadness, tragedy, trauma, pain and suffering. There is in fact some historical precedent for thinking of this card in this way. Some earlier decks titled this card The Traitor. Traitors are hated. Being hung upside down is not nice. As a symbolic icon on a path toward death, the pain and sadness of dying is evident. This card also repeats the idea presented in the Wheel, that our world has been turned upside down. In other words, we are in decline - i.e. not up, but down.
4) Corruption - Interestingly enough, I don't see the Death card as a representation of death! I see this card as a representation of things falling apart - destruction of the corrupt body... unwanted change-for-the-worst. It is a card of weakness in the face of death. No more fight. The people kneeling before Death are showing weakness, not fight. The dead people trailing behind Death are showing a complete absence of fight. We are giving up.
5) Incontinence - Temperance is another card that does not fit a negative progression toward death very well at all. Unless you can see it as a representation of control that is tempered, relinquished, or completely lost. In my decks, I illustrate this kind of loss of control with a witch and demon, and a cauldron rife with troubles. Like the positive progressions mentioned above, this is a pivot point. When we loose control of our bodily functions, the end is near.
6) Decay - I see the Devil card as a representation of things going astray - of decay, to the point of critical intolerance and letting go, or complete surrender. In my world, the Devil does not so much tempt as it perverts, and steers us away from life affirming things. Thus we confirm again that we are in decline or decay. Reaching that critical intolerance, and letting go, giving up, giving in to death is what this stage of the process is about.
7) Suffering - I see the Tower card as a similar kind of point-of-no-return type of realization as that mentioned above in the sexual progression, only this time, a realization of disaster, catastrophe and the horror of imminent doom and demise. This card reprresents the victory or Triumph of Death over the dying, and the horrified realization of imminent death causes much suffering. There is a famous painting by Pieter Bruegel the Elder called The Triumph of Death, that illustrates a similar landscape of destruction and suffering as that seen in the Tower card. This is the card of that.
8) Purgation - I see the Star card as expressing a similar kind of burst-of-energy phenomenon as described above in both the sexual and creativity progressions, only in this case, I see it as a final, last gasp... that might seem like a breath of hope, but isn't. Sorry. To me, the star in the Star card represents distant, fading energy, and the liquid being poured out represents the purging of life forces to a rapid end. In addition, the nakedness of the woman represents wasted energy on a cold night, and the idea of exiting this world the way we came in - with nothing.
9) Death - I see the Moon card as expressing death, literal or figurative. A fade to black. In my Isomorphic deck, I drew a representation of the moon that I heard described somewhere before, and then witnessed for myself at a later date. Walking along Lake Michigan one dark Autumn night I witnessed a moonrise. It was amazing! At first I thought I was seeing the glow of some huge fire across the lake in Michigan. I went back to my nearby apartment to get some binoculars. By the time I had returned, it was apparent that it was a moonrise. At the point where the full moon was complete, and resting on the invisible horizon line, I knew why and how it could be used as a symbol for death. Looking out across the vast blackness of the lake and sky and seeing nothing except this big yellow hole in the darkness, and a reflection upon the water that looked, and felt, like a road beckoning me to travel, I could see how someone might see that big hole as a portal to the Great Beyond, and the road as a pathway to the blackness of death. I haven't seen too many Moon cards showing a pathway of light reflecting across water, but quite a few of them do show a road, or pathway, leading toward a moon that is low on the horizon. That leads me to suspect that they are trying to convey the same meaning as I have put forth here - the moon as a portal to death, sitting at the end of a long and winding road.
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Two other places I might look for expressions of this wave/climax pattern would be music and meditation ... and maybe the life of a star. Remember that scene in the movie "10" where it was suggested that sex be enhanced by the accompaniment of Ravel's Bolero? Other popular pieces of music derive pleasure by following a similar path of 123 intro, 456 buildup, 789 crescendo! In meditation, the emptying of the mind reaches its own kind of "critical mass" after an appropriate incubation period:
1) Isolation - It is often suggested that meditation take place in quiet isolation. In any case, it produces a state of isolation.
2) Detachment - Usually mediation includes a closing of the eyes, which creates a detachment from the outer world. Imagine there is no world outside of the Self.
3) Numbness - After detachment from the outside world, we are to detach from our body. Imagine there is no body getting in the way. No arms. No legs.
4) Vulnerability - Meditation is not sleep, but it has similarities in the need to accept a state of vulnerability as we destroy or deconstruct the ego. We let down our guard. We tear down walls.
5) Resignation - Letting go of all sense of conscious control.
6) Surrender - Giving in and letting go of all conscious thoughts to clear the mind and empty it. A mantra helps build, or incubate, the desired decrease to a "critical mass" or "lack of mass" as thoughts about our conscious existence are put down and elimintated.
7) Hallucination - There is usually a "vision" near the end as we connect to the unity of nothingness.
8) Depletion - When all is renounced, relinquished, destroyed, abandoned and emptied, and we've connected to the unity of nothingness, we achieve Nirvana, and we pass through the portal of the 7 and leave the body through Astral Projection.
9) No Mind - We achieve a blank mind, a tabla rasa... ready for renewal.
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Who knows, you may even see hints of syllogism and the Hegelian Dialectic within this pattern: (1,2,3) Thesis [Formulation] Major Premise, (4,5,6) Antithesis [Experimentation/Accomodation] Minor Premise, (7,8,9) Synthesis [Realization] Logical Conclusion. Something perceived, 123 (thesis/major premise), something developed, 456 (antithesis/minor premise), something expressed, 789 (synthesis/logical conclusion).
I believe this to be such a universal signature of nature, I use it as a guiding template for my tarot deck design. I may never be able to prove that this pattern exists as a universal signature of nature, but by speculating that it does, I can use it in a TRANS (not cross) cultural way. By using a trans-cultural pattern I move a step closer to objectivity and a step further from subjective personal projection upon the icons of tarot - which is always my goal. For more examples of both positive and negative progressions try reading the essays The Greatest Story Ever Told, or the essay An Alchmistic Recipe seen elsewhere on this site.
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The Transient, Yin Yang, Sine Wave, Mobius Mandala
Here is a mandala thay you can use to meditate on some of these ideas. At the center, there is a combination Yin Yang symbol, Sine Wave symbol, and Mobius Band symbol all in one! On the outside, there are rulers, one on the light side, and one on the dark side. Birds through the swirling air, trace a path that transforms the sine wave into Yang. Fish through the swirling sea, trace a path that transforms the sine wave into a Yin. At each end, there is a point... or sphere, depending on your point of view. At the trough and crest is a rolling ball, rolling across waxing and waning crescents. Within the Mobius are the gears that crank the roller coaster up the sine wave of time. Sometimes the intervals of a temporal progression are even and regular, and sometimes they are not.
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Sometimes the intervals of a temporal progression are even and regular, and sometimes they are not.
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