| From;
http://www.silvermoonsanctuary.org/tarot17.html
Key 17, The Star, Tzaddi (Fish-Hook)
Daughter of the Firmament. Dweller between the Waters.
The 28th Path, The Natural Intelligence
“The Twenty-eighth Path is called the Natural Intelligence; by it the
nature of all that exists beneath the Sun is completed and perfected.”
– Sepher Yetzirah
The 28th Path of the Natural Intelligence and Key 17 connects the Sphere
of Netzach (emotion/passion) with Yesod, the subconscious mind. This Pathway
contains the workings of creative imagination within the human vehicle. Yet,
it also implies a change in the current flowing within the Pathway, allowing
one’s imagery to come from above rather than from the shadows of the
subconscious mind. This ability to receive clearer, purer images from the
True Self is the essence of the Natural Intelligence.
It is important to keep in mind that the greater powers and potencies of
the True Self – those abilities that indicate one is a Divine Being
– are completely “Natural,” not “super-natural”
as some would believe. The western occult traditions do not believe in anything
“super” natural, rather they hold that even the greatest powers
of the Divine are natural; that is, they are an inherent part of our being.
The only unnatural thing about these powers is our separation from them,
and our denial of their existence.
Things that appear to be beyond our capabilities, such as the acts of
manifestation and healing performed by great world teachers such as the Master
Yeheshua, only appear so due to our inability to see what we really are.
Since this is a Pathway existing in the lower and denser levels of the Tree,
and since it connects Spheres that represent functions at the personality
level of being, the powers contained therein can become unbalanced when activated
for the wrong reasons. Unbalanced potencies along this Pathway can manifest
psychologically as compulsions, obsessions, and paranoia – all obviously
“unnatural,” maladjusted, and disordered expressions of this power.
It is usually necessary for the aspirant to spend some time seeing, and then
disengaging from the reversed current between the subconscious mind and the
imaginative/emotional nature. It takes many years of practice in meditation,
and many years of restructuring the lower vehicles, before the imagery seen
in meditative states actually originates fully from the True Self. Most humans
have a great deal of shadow and obstacles to clear, and thus their preliminary
imagery (often for many years) is derived almost completely from repressed
material held in the subconscious mind. Acting upon images received from
the lower personal mind, as if they were derived from the higher mind does
indeed create great confusion for the aspirant, and one’s ego is also
likely to be well activated and dominant in such actions.
Another common complication found along the 28th Path, is the confusion of
the inner Self with outer humans. Passion and sexual energy reside as potencies
in Netzach. Their true purpose is to provide power to fuse Higher Consciousness
into the lower vehicles. This is why it is said that the emotional body is
the source of all power in the human vehicle. Humans operating to satisfy
the demands of the lower nature, turn this energy outward toward other humans.
The result of this outward flow of the “strong force of all forces,”
is further entrenchment in the illusion of duality, and it often brings the
consequence of divorce, bad relationships, and empty sexual encounters.
When the polarity of these two aspects of being – subconscious and
imaginative/emotional – are brought into proper alignment, one’s
passion is inflamed toward the True Beloved, the God-Self that is Divine.
The magnetic current actually increases as one moves closer to bio-psychological
fusion of the True Self into its lower vehicles. This indicator along the
Path to liberation is thus often described in sexual or erotic terms among
mystics and occultists. It is, therefore, critical that the spiritual aspirant
avoids intimate, sexual, or emotional relationships during the period of
training in which this strong current is consciously reversed.
The result of this process of increase and elevation of the sexual energy
to higher levels is an opening and awakening of the inner senses. The awakening
of the inner senses brings about interior hearing – messages from deep
within, inner sight –visions, images, and forms, and inner touch –
sensations that arouse the physical body. These capabilities constitute
“revelation,” the key word for The Star. The Hebrew letter, Tzaddi,
also refers to this process of quieting the outer drives while intensely
inflaming the interior senses, and waiting in a state of complete alertness
and arousal for the revelation from within. Tzaddi means “fish hook,”
and refers not only to the lower self “fishing” in the waters of
the subconscious mind for the True Self, but also to the True Self patiently
waiting for the “fish” to grasp the Truth.
This is the third stage of spiritual development, “revelation through
meditation.” Meditation is the stream of consciousness that underlies
all physicality. Revelation can only come when the rational, reasoning, logical
mind is completely still and the outer senses are shut down. These are the
preliminary steps that the aspirant must take if s/he desires to obtain true
and clear revelation from the higher realms, and not to confuse it with seemingly
powerful visions that originate in the lower mind.
Meditation has long been associated with Tzaddi, the fish-hook. As a verb,
Tzaddi also means, “to contemplate.” In the beginning practices,
an object or symbol structure is chosen as a device to focus the attention.
One then allows the subconscious mind to free-associate – flowing from
one connected idea to the next. The imagery that arises through this process
comes first from the personal mind. Later, when focusing devices are no longer
needed, imagery may arise spontaneously, indicating that the Higher Self
is beginning the process of downward communication. Still, even the advanced
practitioner may occasionally use specific symbol structures to bring on
prophetic states, and allow the flow of revelation to increase.
It is interesting to note that the “fish-hook” of meditation seeks
to capture the “fish.” Fish is the meaning of the Hebrew letter,
Nun, and is associated with Key 13, Death. A review of the meanings of Key
13 will reveal the need for elevating the sexual forces of the body to obtain
expanded states of consciousness. The image of the “hook” also
relates to Vav, Key 5, which is the nail. The nail is that which connects,
just as the hook is a device for connecting. Key 13 is assigned to Scorpio,
Key 5 to Taurus. These zodiac signs are directly opposite each other on the
wheel of the universe, and each relates to chakras within the body that must
be fully open and charged in order for the 3rd stage of spiritual development
to be completed. Take time to review the lessons on Keys 5 and 13 in order
to gain more insight and understanding into the processes detailed in Key
17.
In meditation, we must learn to wait patiently, but actively, for the Higher
Self to respond. This is much like the fisherman who must keep his line steady
in order to hook the fish. One’s attitude in this process must, however,
be very active. We must feel the power and passion of the quest for the True
Self every minute. We cannot simply sit passively and expect enlightenment.
The passion, sexual drive, and emotions must be fully activated and focused
toward the INTENTION of receiving contact from above. We must want this inner
communion more than anything else in life. And, we must be willing to sit
with this intense desire burning in our souls for as long as it takes to
receive that contact.
Because of the many associations of water to Key 17 – the personal and
universal “seas” of the unconscious, the fish, creative imagination,
and emotions to name a few – one of the esoteric titles of The Star
is “Dweller between the Waters,” implying that which mediates between
the lesser and greater “waters.” The other esoteric title,
“Daughter of the Firmament,” refers to the passage in Genesis,
where creation comes forth from the firmament, the starry archway of the
heavens. This reminds us of the Sphere of Binah that contains the waters
of creation. In a similar way, the waters of the lower mind also create.
When one has become the Daughter of the Firmament, s/he has become completely
receptive to the higher imagery that leads to true and pure creation.
The number 17 indicates the powers of Key 7, The Chariot, working through
Key 1, the Magician. This is the Higher Self in full control of its vehicle,
and that vehicle is totally focused and dedicated to carrying out whatever
its driver desires. The chariot itself symbolizes the receptivity needed
to attain the true meditative state. We must always remember that the personality
is only a vehicle for the Spirit. It is not who or what we really are in
essence. We are actually the Driver, and must constantly work toward reversing
our identity from the lower to the higher.
Aquarius is the zodiac sign assigned to Key 17. Aquarius is symbolized by
a water-bearer. Its two wavy lines are the alchemical symbol for dissolution,
and further indicate dissolving one’s identification with the personality.
This symbol also shows the lower “water” as a perfect and exact
reflection of the higher “water.” Uranus and Saturn are the co-rulers
of Aquarius. Uranus is assigned to The Fool, the first Tarot Key, and Saturn
is associated with Key 21, The World, the last Tarot Key. This indicates
that the forces of Tzaddi are those that are called, “the Alpha and
the Omega,” the beginning and end of all things.
The title, The Star, refers to the Light of the Universe, the essential energy
that congeals itself into the stars of the heavens. This same Light is the
essence beneath all physical forms. As the consciousness of Light expands,
the Star transforms and becomes a Sun. The Star also indicates the interior
stars, or the seven planets of the ancients, known in the east as the chakras.
The details in the symbolism of Key 17 support all of the teachings regarding
revelation through meditation. The central figure is a nude woman. She is
Isis, the only Truth. Her nudity shows that when Isis reveals herself to
the seeker, she hides nothing of Truth. Physical manifestation serves as
her support as her left knee rests on earth. Her right foot rests upon the
pool of meditation, which serves as her balance. Her perfect equilibration
of the physical and spiritual indicates that meditation has reached a point
where its quality is as real and tangible as the physical world.
Isis pours water out of two vessels. The vessels are orange, the color of
Hod, Sphere of the Mind. They contain ellipses of blue, with bands of white
and red around their centers. The ellipse is the symbol of the element of
Spirit, called Akasha Tattva in the east. Isis pours one vase onto the land,
and its contents flow into five streams, indicating the five senses purified
and perfected through meditation. The other vase is poured into the pool,
causing the water to spiral outward in waves. This symbolizes the outward
and downward radiation of Spirit into the lower mind, expanding it with waves
of ecstatic vibration.
The mountain peak in the background represents the attainment of mastery
over one’s body and mind. The tree is an ancient occult symbol for the
human brain and spine, and for the nervous system of the human. It indicates
the physical equivalents of the etheric vortexes, the chakras. The red bird
is an ibis, a bird that fishes, and is sacred to Thoth. The Egyptian god,
Thoth, was also known as Hermes, the Thrice-Great, a very high level initiate
who manifested Divine capabilities through the human form. He is also Mercury,
the messenger god of the Roman pantheon. These god-forms all indicate the
teachers and teachings received through meditation.
The great yellow star at the center of the Key stands for the Quintessence,
the fifth element, which is Spirit. Its eight rays are the sign of the One
Force that creates all stars and suns. The 7 smaller stars are displayed
symmetrically, showing the proper balance and alignment of the chakras. The
Quintessence enters into the physical body through these charged and perfected
centers. Ultimately, the rays of the central star will expand, indicating
growth of consciousness and expansion of being on all levels. This extension
of the light of the Star will be seen in Key 19, The Sun.
Entering into the flow of existence, creation, and consciousness dissolves
the lesser self and our identification with it. From this deep quiet place,
we become aware of greater consciousness, and receive from it everything
needful to our higher purposes in life. Contacting and following this higher
wisdom brings greater clarity, direction, and passion into one’s spiritual
progression. Yet, we must take the time to perform the preliminary work of
purification of the lower expressions of this Great Force.
As one prepares for the state of ultimate reception expressed through the
teachings and imagery of The Star, s/he must now devote him/herself more
firmly to the completion of the Great Work. Nothing outside of this work
can remain more important to the aspirant. One who still has attachments
to the outer world, to emotions, cherished beliefs, the body, or anything
that is perceived to be separate from the One, is not yet prepared to fully
actualize the Natural Intelligence within his/her being. For when one is
so attached, the majority of all imagery, messages, visions, or guidance
received in meditation actually derives from repressed memories, emotions,
and attachments imbedded within the subconscious mind.
Thus, we see why the wise Adepts who constructed the Sacred Tarot, placed
the Devil first in the row of attainments, followed by the Tower. For it
is not until one has realized his/her bondage to the world of illusion, and
those illusions have been completely destroyed by the powers seen in The
Tower, that s/he is really ready to receive the revelations of the Most High
Holy One. For the majority of aspirants, this state of absolute clearness
and detachment will only be attained after many lifetimes of conscious work.
There are so many levels of attachment within the human form, and each one
obscures and blocks the higher, finer vibrations that come from Above and
Within.
So the Higher Self must patiently wait, as a fisherman waits for the fish.
Make no mistake about who is doing the fishing. For even as we constantly
seek for the higher Life, so does the True Self ever wait for us to take
the bait of the promise of Divine Being. What could be more worthwhile? What
else could be important in this world of illusion? Once this goal of spiritual
union with the True Self has become the ONLY interest, desire, or project
of the aspirant, the attainment will manifest. But, do not delude yourself
further, believing that you can cling to one core cherished attachment or
belief of the personality. For all must be sacrificed – family, friends,
lovers, relationships, work, and everything that draws our essence and energy
outward. Until the goal is met, everything that stands in the way must be
eliminated with the Sword of Righteous Discrimination. Until this becomes
your sole and only focus, to which you devote all of your heart, your mind,
and your soul, you shall not attain the blissful peace that comes through
the revelations of the One.
All great Masters have taught this truth of total surrender. The Master Yeheshua
often told those who wished to become disciples that they had to leave
EVERYTHING, and that they could not serve two masters. We cannot serve the
lower personality and the True Self, for they are so different in their ways
and expressions, we cannot imagine the mind of the Neschamah, nor its destiny
in this manifest life. The only way we will ever receive the revelation of
the True Spirit, is by sacrificing our identification with the personality
of this one singular incarnation. The True Self has been thousands and thousands
of personalities throughout the ages. We must admit that Self has far greater
wisdom and experience in the purposes of its vehicles. We must be willing
to die to who and what we have believed we are, and to receive higher guidance
as an empty vessel, without preconceived ideas, beliefs, or attachments.
This is another core reason why there are so few living Adepts in the world.
For few humans are willing or able to commit this ultimate surrender.
“Thinkest thou, O seeker for wisdom,
That thou bringest thyself into the Light
By thine own search?
Not so.
I am the HOOK,
Cast into the waters of darkness,
To bring men forth from the depths
Into the sphere of true perception.
Entering that sphere,
They must die to their old selves,
Even as a fish cast upon the land must die.
Yet, do they die only to live again,
And what before seemed life to them,
Now weareth the aspect of death.
Men think they seek me,
But it is I who seek them.
No other seeker is there than myself,
And when I find mine own,
The pain of questing is at an end.
The fish graspeth the hook,
Thinking to find food,
But the fisherman is the enjoyer of the meal.”
From “The Meditation on Tzaddi” in THE BOOK OF TOKENS, by Paul
Foster Case
©Builders of the Adytum, 1989, Los Angeles.
|
![[IMAGE]](trump17.jpg)
![[IMAGE]](18r17.gif)
