SPIRIT’S JOURNEY INTO MANIFESTATION

(A Story from the Atu of Thoth)

 

Issued by the Sanctuary of Thoth

On behalf of

The Great Order of the Universe

 

Copyright © 2008 Sanctuary of Thoth.  All rights reserved.

 

 

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.

 

The following is a story from the Atu of Thoth, which are sometimes referred to as the “Trumps” of the Tarot.  At the Sanctuary, we generally work with two different Tarot decks.  The first is Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot deck.  The second is the Rider-Waite deck.  You are also referred to the drawings of the Atu by Paul Foster Case.  Although the Thoth deck is particularly attuned to the 93 (Thelemic) Current, all of these are instructive and provide insight in their own way into the Great Work.   For this reason, all of these sources of information are recommended to supplement each other. 

 

For purposes of the story being told below, the references below are to the imagery of the Atu as presented in the Ride-Waite deck and by Paul Foster Case.  To assist your initiation into the story, it is suggested that you view the corresponding Atu (have it out before you) when reading the story of the Atu.  The Atu is the picture, which is described by the words. 

 

The story is brief.  The Journey is great.

 

The process of initiation involves the Way of Return, which is movement up the Tree of Life.  Through magickal, spiritual and material evolution, the aspirant “climbs” the Tree of Life by way of the Path of the Serpent, which is the Royal Path of Initiation. 

 

Our story here involves Spirit’s journey down the Tree of Life.  It begins at the Crown, which is Kether – the Holy One. 

 

Atu 0 – The Fool.  God moves.  A decision has been made.  Change is afoot.  Unity utter most showed, I adore the might of Thy Breath, Supreme and Terrible God.  Thy Breath is our breath, and gives life to All.  Thou art the Air and the Spirit of the Aethyr, permeating and moving every minute particle in the Universe, down to the smallest atom and molecule.  Movement at this level is simple and easy, and comes from within.  The Crown cannot be divided.  It is ever One.  There appears to be no God (symbolized by the Circle and the number Zero, which shows Nuit, Our Beloved Lady of the Stars), as God is everywhere (symbolized by the Cross, which shows our Lord Hadit).  The Circle is united with the Cross (thus showing Ra Hoor Khuit, the Crowned and Conquering Childe, arising from the union of Nuit and Hadit).  The numbers begin at zero, setting a background of nonchange against which change may take place in both linear (sequential) and circular (cyclical) form.  God extends Itself into Its Creation, constantly renewing, refreshing and evolving, in the Great Work of making a New Creation.  BRAShITh.  The Creative Life Force which is phallic or masculine in nature is in action.  This is balanced against the feminine aspect of Atu I, which simultaneously appears.  The workings of Spirit are shown.  The Fool is ever young, vital and prepared for the Journey, which causes the change which God has ordained.  The Great Work is in progress.  Here, we follow Spirit’s Journey into Manifestation, to assist you on the Way of Return which involves reducing all numbers back to zero.  Amen. 

 

Atu I – The Magician.  Just as God, who is the Yechidah, moves along the Path of Aleph as the Fool, so does God simultaneously move along the Path of Beth as the Magician.  The House of God is formulating.  The movement along the Path of Aleph formulates the All-Father, who is the Man, and ultimately formulates the White Pillar of Mercy, representing the Powers of Life.  The movement along the Path of Beth formulates the All-Mother, who is the Woman, and ultimately formulates the Black Pillar of Severity, representing the Powers of Death.  The movement along the Path of Beth is creative and dualistic, as is the nature of Mercury.  The Mercury of the Path of Beth creates the Universal Substance (Alchemical Mercury) through which the Word is transmitted and by which House of God is built.  This precedes the Woman, who is Nature, Understanding, Love and Compassion.  She formulates to manifest Him.  He manifests in and through Her.  She is the hollow tube of the Wand of Prometheus, and He is the Fire running through.  The Powers of Life and Death are balanced and applied in the process of creation and manifestation.  This is represented by the Wand of Mercury, which is the Caduceus, and shows by its imagery the nature of the Serpent Power used in the process.  Note that Mercury also appears as the Wisdom of Chokmah.  Mercury is the Tongue of Ra (God in Kether) and the Scribe, Magician and Messenger of the Gods.  Mercury is an aspect of God, which assists in the manifestation of God and God’s Word through the Spirit and Soul of Nature, which are the Light and Love of the Crown.  Amen.

 

Atu II – The High Priestess.  The Fool and the Magician are hermaphrodites.  Their Paths on the Tree of Life form the “roof” of the House of God.  Structure has been provided.  It is now stabilized by the formulation of the High Priestess, which is a feminine aspect of God, whose Path on the Tree of Life is Gimel.  She is the first appearance of the Triple Goddess (whose other aspects are shown by the Atus entitled the Empress and the Star). She is the Virgin Moon, Pure and Perfect.  In this aspect, She has not entered into Union with the Man.  Rather, She sits in perfect equilibrium to receive the Word of Her God, which She transmits into Nature.  Her Path is perfectly balanced on the Tree of Life and is the inception of the Middle Pillar.  Through the Path of Gimel, the High Priestess communes directly with the Son in Tiphareth, without tainting Her purity.  The Brilliance of the Crown forms a veil which conceals Her.  Her purity allows Her to perfectly receive and transmit the Brilliance of the Crown, and so She may appear Brilliant.  However, when light is perfectly absorbed, it is invisible or black.  It is only when the light is broken that it appears as the light.  The High Priestess is the pure and perfect equilibrated vessel for the Crown, which manifests below the Abyss in another aspect as the Holy Guardian Angel.  God communes with the High Priestess, who communes with the Holy Guardian Angel, who communes with and moves man.  Thus, we are shown through the Middle Pillar a direct link between God and man, and the Crown manifesting in different aspects through man.  Amen.

 

Atu III – The Empress.  Lovely Venus in the Garden of Eden, which is also where the Magician of Atu I works.  She sits, however, and the Magician stands.  This is the second appearance of Triple Goddess.  The Crown has moved.  The Supernal Man has been formulated from the pulse sent along the Path of Aleph.  The Supernal Woman has been formulated from the pulse sent along the Path of Beth.  The Virgin Goddess has been formulated from the pulse sent along the Path of Gimel.  Now, the Woman enters into Union with the Man.  In this aspect, Venus is the Wife   She receives His seed.  She is pregnant.  The Garden is fertile and in bloom.  She is Nature and the Mother.  She is Mother Nature.  She is an aspect of Nuit.  She is Love, Pure and Simple.  Her substance is the Salt of all manifestation.  From Her Womb, all things are born.  To Her Womb, all things return.  This Atu is attributed to the Path of Daleth, which connects Chokmah and Binah.  Daleth is the Door, which is the Gate of Heaven.  Just as the High Priestess sits between the Pillars of Mercy and Severity, so also does the Path of Daleth lie between these Pillars.  Nature is shown through the Circle and the Cross, which make the Symbol of Venus.  The Creative Will and the Creative Imagination unite out of Love to create their Magickal Children and all things in Nature.  The Elements are the manifest powers of the All-Father, who is the Man.  These are organized by the Magician of Atu I in Nature, which is the Goddess.  This all occurs by an Act of Love in the Supernal Realm, which manifests the lower planes in accord with the Word and the Law.  Love is the Law, Love under Will.  Amen.

 

Atu XVII – The Star.  The manifestation of Nuit, our Beloved Lady of the Stars.  We adore Thee in all Thy many aspects.  The Woman is no longer pregnant.  She has born a Childe.  There are offspring.  She is shown caring for them.  The One is as adorable as the many, as the many is adorable as the One.  They are of Her.  The Universe is of Her, as is all within Her Womb.  She is here seen manifesting on a lower plane in the third aspect of the Triple Goddess revealed in this Journey which corresponds to the Path of Heh and Heh Tetragrammaton.  Her nature is Love.  She is Love.  Love tempers Will.  Light and Love balance, and nourish the Children with Liberty and Life.  These are the Four Glories of Thelema which emanate from the Crown.  The Children have Liberty in the genesis of ideas, and movement through the Mind.  They have Life as the Chia (the Life Force) runs through their bodies, which they have been given of the substance of the Goddess.  The Glories abide with, and manifest them.  They have the Spirit and Soul of Nature.  They are the Children of the Supernal Mother and the Supernal Father.  The operation of the Path of Daleth was wholly in the Supernal Realm.  The Path of Heh, however, connects Chokmah and Tiphareth.  It descends into the Yitziratic Plane.  This shows the Supernal Father communing with the Son of Tiphareth by way of the Mother, who nourishes as described.   The Son of Tiphareth is the perfect manifestation of the Childe.  Tiphareth is the abode of the Holy Guardian Angel, which embodies the combined powers of His Parents, and controls the manifestation of all below Tiphareth.  Unto Thee Nuit!  Amen.

 

Atu V – The Hierophant.  The Son appears as the first Magickal Childe of the Man and the Woman.  The Man expresses the Will and Wisdom of God.  The Woman is the Love, Compassion and Understanding of God.  She receives, tempers and transmits the Fire of His Will.  The Man and the Woman are in Union.  She has become flush with His Fire making Her the Scarlet Woman (who is the sacred Harlot).  The Woman here is the Venus of Taurus (which is the second Zodiacal Sign of the Fire Tide). She is an aspect of Babalon the Beautiful.  The Father is manifesting through the Mother as the Son, who is the Hierophant in this aspect.   The Son is shown flush with the Fire of His Father, as the “Scarlet Son”.  The Son is in Holy Communion.  The Word is being actively communicated, and is descending through the Planes in the Journey into Manifestation.  This Atu is attributed to the Path of Vau, which connects Chokmah to Chesed.  The Law is being established in Chesed by the Word.  The Son is the Redeemer.  He is Vau Tetragrammaton.  He carries the Word into manifestation, and has the combined Powers of His Parents to do so.  He speaks the Word, and so the Word is heard.  He brings the Word down to Earth.  He is a link between the Father and the Mother, and the Daughter.  There appears to be a separation from the Supernal Parents.  However, there is not.  This is due to the Grand Illusion of the Abyss.  Unity is uttermost showed.  The Male and the Female produce another Male, who is of His Father and Mother.  His transparency allows the Light and Love of His Parents to shine through unobstructed.  He manifests Them.  Amen.

 

Atu VI – The Lovers.  When we think of action on the Male Side of the Tree, there is in the same flash counterbalancing action on the Female Side of the Tree.  Here, we see such action on the Path of Zain, which begins on the Female Side of the Tree and leads from Binah to Tiphareth.  Its counterpart on the Male Side of the Tree is the Path of Heh attributed to Atu XVII – The Star, which was previously encountered on Spirit’s Journey.  This Atu is of great importance.  Perhaps, more than others, this Atu is subject to such varied interpretations depending on the perspective from which it is viewed, whether following Spirit’s Journey into Manifestation down the Tree or contemplating the Atu from the particular perspective attained by an aspirant on the Way of Return up the Tree.  Here, we stay focused on Spirit’s Journey down the Tree.  The Son has been created.  The process of creation continues.  The parts of the Soul are now to be distinguished.  We have the Yechidah of the Crown, which is the Soul of All.  We have the Chia of Chokmah, which is the Spirit of All and the Male Creative Life Force.  We have the Neschamah of Binah, which is the Feminine Soul of Nature, Pure and Perfect.  The Journey now moves into the Yitziratic Realm.  The Ruach and the Nephesch are distinguished from what has preceded in the formulation of the Microcosm.  The Pillars of Mercy and Severity, which commenced in the Supernal Realm, are reflected into the Microcosm.  There appears to be a separation (which is the Grand Illusion of the Abyss), but there is not.  Each Microcosm is unique but an indivisible part of the Macrocosm.  Amen.

 

            Atu VII – The Chariot.  O’ Beautiful Childe, adorations unto Thee!  Go forth to the Glory of the Holy Names of God.  The Microcosm is complete, and embodies all that preceded.  This is the Charioteer, who is the Microprosopus.  The Charioteer wears the Crown of God.  The Charioteer is God manifesting to carry the Word into the lower planes.  Atu VII is attributed to the Path of Cheth, which is the last Path on the Journey originating in the Supernal Realm.  By its position, it shows the Influence of the Supernals on all motion in the Universe.  This motion, including that of the Chariot, is shown to be under the presidency of the Name (YHVH), symbolized by the four Pillars of the Chariot.  The Yechidah moves.  The Fire of the Holy One is expressed.  The Chia is received by the Neschamah, which transmits the Word to the Ruach.  Mental offspring are produced and sent forth, some of which are received in the form of silent speech.  These form a basis for all of the Childe’s thoughts, words and deeds, which bring the Word into manifestation.  This is the sole task of the Childe – to bear the Holy Grail – to receive, carryout and manifest the Word of God.  Although the Magician of Atu I (who is also the Mercury of Gemini attributed to Atu VI) continues to perpetuate the Grand Illusion of the Abyss, this is to be cast out.  There is no separation between God and man.  The Microprosopus is a manifestation of God, and embodies God’s Hands to work on the lower planes.  The Childe’s actions manifest God’s Will.  By speaking the Word, the Childe brings the Word into manifestation.  Amen.

 

Atu XI – Lust (Strength).   Babalon the Beautiful nourishes Her Lion-Childe with the Serpent Power.  The Journey now continues wholly below the Supernal Realm.  This Atu is attributed to the Path of Teth, which lies between Chesed and Geburah.  Although there is no given Path on the Tree of Life from Binah to Chesed, the current of the Flaming Sword is not broken in its course.  Rather, it flows continuously for Chesed is a manifestation of that which preceded in the Womb of the All-Mother.  From this, we see a proof of the phrase “Love is the Law, Love under Will”, which further defines the nature of the Law of Thelema  The current received by Chesed is sent forth to Geburah.  It precedes the Mars Force of Geburah and is informing of the Law established in Chesed.  It is the “Fire Informing”, which forms a basis of all motion.  It is also Solar in nature, as shown by this Atu’s attribution to the Zodiacal Sign of Leo.  However, it is of higher nature than that expressed by Tiphareth.  The Serpent Power is the purest energy expressed below the Supernal Realm.  It nourishes the Lion-Childe with the Light, Love, Liberty and Life of the Crown.  Right nourishment, selection and digestion are all suggested.  This occurs when the Eye of the Childe is focused on the Love of the Goddess which sets the Pentagram aright within the Childe.  Motion will then be set in accord with the Law.  This existence of the Nephesch is acknowledged in these statements.  The Word carries with it the Serpent Power.  When the Eye is rightly focused, the Pentagram is set aright, the Crown is worn and the Word may be spoken, which wields the current of the Flaming Sword.  Amen.

 

Atu IX – The Hermit.  This Atu is attributed to the Path of Yod and the Zodiacal Sign of Virgo.  These correspondences speak to the creation and movement of earthly man in Spirit’s Journey.  A Holy State of Union always exists.  Adam Qadmon, who is the Heavenly Man, creates earthly man in His Image.  We are reminded by the number of the Atu that Spirit is the basis of all manifestation.  As we have seen, the Macroprosopus produces from Itself the Microprosopus which is a unique yet indivisible part of Itself.   Earthly man is an extension of this, created from God and remaining a part of God.  Yod is the first letter of the Tetragrammaton.  It is also the first letter of the words Yechidah (the Soul of All attributed to Kether) and Ygdrasil (the Name of the Ancient Tree in Kether, whose Malkuth contains all worlds below and is the connecting link to the Malkuth of the 30th Aire).  The Fire of Yod Tetragrammaton descends from the Elohim, who transmit their Influence to illumine the Six-Fold Star and move earthly man.  We are so moved.  The Hermit is one who has been made aware of his starry heritage.  He is a Chosen Initiate.  He has been shown how to rightly focus the Eye and set the Pentagram aright.  His Sword flames with the Fire of his God, and so he is moved harmoniously in accord with the Law.  He dispenses with terrestrial matters in accord with God’s Will, and is a source of Light and Love to others.  And so does the Hermit assist in the Great Work of a new creation, and the redemption of the human race.  And so does the Hermit assist in healing the Womb of the Goddess and reversing the Curse of the Fall of Man.  You know.  Be thou the Hermit!  Amen.

 

Atu X – Fortune (Wheel of Fortune).  This Atu is attributed to the Path of Kaph and the Planet Jupiter.  It is said that the Hebrew letter Yod (mentioned in relation to Atu IX) is a symbol of the open Hand of God and potential power, while the Hebrew letter Kaph is a symbol of the Palm or closed Hand of God and the use of power.  It is also to be observed that Jupiter is attributed to Chesed, which emanates the purest energy below the “Abyss”.  This correspondence follows through to the Yitziratic Hexagram.  However, Jupiter is attributed to Kether on the Heavenly Hexagram, whereon Venus assumes Jupiter’s former attribution to Chesed.  This is another demonstration that Love is the Law.  Further, as we have already seen in the Journey, the Law below the Supernal Realm is established in Chesed (in part by the Word of the Hierophant), and Chesed is the source of the Serpent Power of Atu XI which precedes the Mars Force.  This Atu is the eleventh of the Atu.  The number 11 signifies magickal power.  This Atu is a glyph of the assertion of magickal power below the Supernal Realm in the administration of the Law.  The Wheel of Fortune exists in the Womb of the Goddess, and is turned by the Hand of God.  The Forces of the Universe are asserted as necessary in the administration of matters throughout the Planes.  It is said that the Wheel turns both ways.  This may appear to manifest as luck.  However, there is no luck or accidental circumstance.  To the Initiate (symbolized by the Sworded Sphinx), all motion within the Universe is perfectly in accord with the Law.  The Serpent Power is used by Spirit to move all within the Universe below to manifest the Word.  Amen.

 

Atu VIII – Adjustment (Justice).  Innate to the Serpent-Power is the quality of a Woman.  Upon High, She is Nuit in Her aspects as the Empress and the All-Mother, whose Love tempers the Fire of the All-Father.  She is also the High Priestess of the Path of Gimel, who sits in perfect equilibrium.  Here, She appears in a lower aspect as the Venus of Libra.  This Atu is attributed to the Path of Lamed, which connects Geburah to Tiphareth.  The Law established in Chesed has been communicated.  The Serpent-Power (which is the “Fire Informing”) has been expressed and is received by Geburah, which is the Sword of Chesed.  Action is now taken to manifest the Word according to the Law.  This action is wholly below the “Abyss”, and results in the ultimate fulfillment of the Word in Spirit’s Journey into Manifestation.  The energy expressed here is of such a nature as to cause this to occur.  This Atu describes the qualities and function of this energy, now appearing as the Mars Force.  The Universe is in a state of perfect equilibrium, although it may not seem so at times.  The Forces of Nature balance each other – Light and Love, Life and Death, and all else that derive from these.  Venus is Love.  The Venus of Libra enforces or administers the Law.  In so doing, the energy expressed promotes Justice, Balance, Harmony and Love.  It also promotes Liberation and Initiation.  This energy is transmitted to Tiphareth, which also is perfectly balanced on the Tree of Life.  This energy then appears as Solar energy, which moves all things below, including man.  We are reminded, however, that within the Light of the Sun shines the Invisible Light of Kether, which is ever guiding.  Amen.

 

Atu XII – The Hanged Man.  We are immortal spiritual beings living a human life, not human beings clamoring for a spiritual life.  God moves us.  We do not move God.  Our lives are dependent on God.  Every breath is a gift.  Every waking moment is partaking of the Sacrament.  The true perspective generally represents a complete reversal of general human views.  This explains why the Hanged Man is suspended upside down.  When we are given proper perspective, we surrender to it – to Divine Providence, completely, totally and with confidence.  Following the Journey down the Tree, this Atu represents the initiation of man.  Spirit illumines the Childe’s mind with the LVX, the Light of the One True Life.  The Childe’s Eye is then opened to the true perspective and the Childe’s starry heritage.  Progress may then continue along Path of Liberation, which is the Royal Path of Initiation and the Way of Return.  This is the Path which leads to true Wisdom, perfect peace and happiness.  The Atu is attributed to Water, which is telling of the workings of Spirit in the context of man.  Spirit descends through the Living Water, and inspires us.  There is cause and effect.  Our thoughts are seeds for our words and deeds.  Spirit manifests through our personalities.  Consider the qualities of Water.  It is silent and transparent. The initiate keeps silence to hear the Word of God, and is moved rightly along the Path which leads to True Wisdom, peace and happiness.  When the Eye is closed to the True Perspective, pain, suffering and dis-ease result, which are educative and engines for truth and beauty.  You are a watery vessel for Spirit, reflecting the Light of the Crown.  You are truly a Star.  Amen.

 

Atu XIII – Death.  We have seen the Influence from above.  This continues through the Work of the Holy Guardian Angel.  The image is of a Yod as a Fiery Ruby Red Jewel descending upon the center of a Crown (formulated as described in the Ritual of the Crown), whose Influence illumines the Six-Fold Star and moves man.  The forces of Life and Death undulate and appear in varying aspects in Spirit’s Journey into Manifestation.  These cause the changes which produce earthly manifestation.  Spirit produces the human vessels to manifest the Word and serve as God’s Hands on the terrestrial (earthly) plane.  As it is written on the back of every Rosy Cross, “Deus et homo”.  God is man.  Every Childe of Earth embodies the Tree of Life.  Every Childe of Earth wears the Crown and embodies the Six-Rayed Star.  This Atu is attributed to the Path of Nun and the Zodiacal Sign of Scorpio.  The Path of Nun shows the Angel’s direct influence on the will of man.  The Zodiacal Sign of Scorpio is ruled by Mars.  This shows the Mars current in a lower aspect moving the will of man.  Netzach is attributed to Venus in a lower aspect than spoken of above.  Further, Scorpio is the fixed sign of Water.  We thus see again a tempering of the Will currents by Love.  The Curse of the Fall of Man has caused the Children of Earth to forget their starry heritage.  They are over-whelmed by desire and physical sense experience.  Physical death assists in perpetuating the Grand Illusion that there is a separation of God and man.  There is no such separation.  God is with you.  You are of God.  Set the Pentagram aright, and remember.  Let the Eye open and be transformed, as the “old man” dies.  Amen.

 

            Atu XIV – The Art (Temperance).  Here we see the Holy Guardian Angel performing His Holy Works, practicing the Art.  The Angel mingles and applies the three forms of energy (Alchemical Mercury, Sulphur and Salt) to create or destroy substance as appropriate.  The Powers of the All-Father run through the Angel to manifest the Elements of Fire, Water, Air and Earth, which are blind forces Divinely guided.  Below Tiphareth, the elements have correspondence to the human senses of sight, taste, smell and touch.  All humans are moved in this way.  This Atu corresponds to the Path of Samekh, which is perfectly equilibrated on the Tree of Life and connects Tiphareth to Yesod.  The Path is attributed to the Zodiacal Sign of Sagittarius, which is ruled by Jupiter.  Various correspondences to Jupiter have been noted above.  Most simply, we are shown by this attribution the Crown working through the Angel administering the Law.  The magickal currents are vibrations.  They move as directed in accord with the Law.  They have correspondence with different colors and sounds.  They combine to create all life and forms that we see.  They are at the root of all human consciousness and automatic movement within the human body.  The Holy Guardian Angel, who is the Son, is the source of all of our thoughts, words and deeds.  The Angel is always with the Microprosopus, as is God who acts through the Angel.  It seems like we act on our own volition.  However, we do not.  We are always performing Spirit’s work.  The Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel comes from realizing your True Self.  YHShVH, Yeheshuah.  Amen.

 

            Atu XV – The Devil.  Dispel with all concepts of the Devil.  The Devil is the Holy Guardian Angel appearing in a different form to us.  The Devil is viewed as our adversary.  He represents the forces of nature which seemingly oppose us.  However, there is nothing opposing you.  Your only opposition is ignorance.  The Devil is a symbol of ignorance, and the darkness caused by ignorance.  As a result of the Great Curse resulting in the Fall of Man, the Children of Earth have to deal with human desire and the limitations imposed by their physical senses.  These create a “veil” or “mask” of the true workings of Spirit.  However, these also can be a source of inspiration to us to apply ourselves to the Great Work.  We are shown in this Atu how to set things right.  The averse Pentagram is commonly associated with this Atu.  This shows the physical senses over the Spirit point of the Pentagram, which is pointing down.  This is an indicator that things are not right.  The Pentagram must be set aright, with the Spirit point up, showing Spirit presiding over the Elements, which is truly the case as shown above.  We are given only one true choice in our human lives, which is to use our lower will to focus our Eye to God.  When the Pentagram is averse, the Devil and the demons teach.  When the Pentagram is aright, the Holy Guardian Angel sets the course.  This Atu is attributed to the Path of Ayin, which connects Tiphareth to Hod.  The word “Ayin” means Eye.  This Atu sends a message.  By using the lower will to rightly focus the Eye and set the Pentagram aright, we may unloose the bonds of ignorance, attain right knowledge and reverse the Great Curse on the Path of Liberation.  Amen.

 

            Atu XVI – The Tower.  Here we see the Mars force in action again, but this time completely below Tiphareth.  It is being applied through the lower will to inspire thought.  The Mars force promotes Justice and liberation as we have seen.  This is always the case, regardless of whether the Holy Guardian Angel of Atu XIV or the Devil of Atu XV teaches.  The Mars force encourages the Eye of a Childe to open the true nature of things by “blasting” notions of personal separateness, which is an illusion.  This inspires the Childe to rightly focus the Eye to God.  It also assists the Childe in setting the Pentagram aright.  As noted above, the Childe is given only one real choice, which is to assert the lower will to rightly focus the Eye.  You are constantly being guided to do this.  As you do this, the “crown” of the false self will be unloosed by the power of the Son, and will fall.  The Childe will then begin to attain right knowledge which will change the Childe’s outlook from a materialistic to a Universal perspective.  As the tower of the false self is blasted, the Eye is opened to the House of God.  Some versions of this Atu depict a man and woman falling from a tower.  This is because the Universe as they knew it has been destroyed.  They are being placed on the Path of Liberation, which is attained through right knowledge.  Darkness prevails until ignorance is dispelled.  The bonds of the Great Curse may be lifted if you simply heed the guidance you are receiving, which has its origin in Spirit.  We are centers of expression for Spirit.  By listening to our Self, and acting accordingly by right use of the lower will, the Eye will open to the House of God and Liberation will come.  Amen.

 

            Atu IV – The Emperor.  Hail unto the Emperor, who rules All.  All male figures in the Tarot may be equated to the Man, and all female figures may be equated to the Woman, in their varying aspects.  The Male creative energy sets the Law, which is expressed through the Woman.  This governs and regulates all aspects of Creation, all circumstances of our lives and all manifestation.  Appreciate every day you are given.  It is an opportunity to make a difference.  Focus the Eye on the Shekinah, which is the Love of the Supernals, and be moved ever so rightly in harmony with the Law.  Love is the Law.  Love under Will.  The Emperor represents the Will of God, and one of the three forms of energy known as Alchemical Sulphur, which appears as the Serpent-Power and the Mars Force.  This Atu is attributed to the Zodiacal Sign of Aries, which is ruled by Mars.  It is also attributed to the Path of Tzaddi which connects Netzach to Yesod.  We are thus shown the Mars force moving deeper into the lower planes, causing change in accord with the Law.  The Sun is exalted in Aries.  We are thus shown the nobility of the Crown tingeing the energy in such a way to always promote the Justice, balance, harmony, Love and liberation spoken of above.  All words and numbers are of God.  All things are an expression of God.  Every aspect of Creation is in service of Spirit in the Great Work.  There are no exceptions. Take note of this.  Humbly adore God’s creation.  Use the opportunity you are being given to serve rightly.  Look to your God to move you in your Holy Work.  In the process, sing and praise the Holy Names, and glorify God in all that you do.  Amen.

 

            Atu XVIII – The Moon.  The Moon reflects the Light of the Sun.  Upon high, we see the Moon of Atu II reflecting the Light of the Invisible Sun of Kether.  In this Atu, we see the Moon in a lower aspect reflecting the Light into the lower planes.  This Atu is attributed to the Zodiacal Sign of Pisces and the Path of Qoph.  Pisces is the mutable sign of Water.  This shows communication.  It is the last sign of the Zodiac and a Gateway to Divine Life.  The Path of Qoph connects Netzach to Malkuth.  It is the first Path seen in the Journey directly connecting to Malkuth, which is the abode of Malkah - the Daughter.  The word Qoph refers to the back to the head, suggesting the potencies of the cerebellum.  It is through the operation of the brain that Spirit communes with the Daughter.  Upon being born upon this earth, we are given a body, which is animal in nature.  We are also given an animal soul called the Nephesch in Qabalistic terminology.  The animal in all of us must be trained to reverse the Curse of the Fall of Man.  This is done by taming desire and training the physical senses.  This is taught by the Royal Art & Science of Magick, and the Yoga Sciences.  It begins by using the lower will to rightly focus the Eye on the Love of the Supernals.  Right knowledge then comes to set the Pentagram aright.  Even the lower Moon illumines the Path of Liberation, which is shown on the Atu.  There is darkness if the Eye is not rightly focused.  Anubis, which is lower aspect of Thoth, guides through this darkness.  Dispel ignorance.  Focus the Eye on Love.  You are being shown the Way.  In so doing, you assist the Light of the Son to rise in the hearts of man.  Amen.

 

            Atu XIX – The Sun.  Hail Heru-Ra-Ha, our Lord the Sun!  Hail unto the Lord of Light, Love, Liberty and Life!  Blessed be Thy Holy Names unto the Age of Ages.  Here we see the Son and the Daughter playing together under the Light of the Sun.  Their Life is His Life.  When a Childe issues forth from the Supernals as the Microprosopus, the Childe is given a starry matrix.  The Childe initially embodies a Tree of Life similar to the Supernal Parents but on a Microcosmic basis.  This has been referred to in other writings issued by the Sanctuary as the “Little Tree”.  The Childe also wears a Natal Crown as described in the Ritual of the Crown.  The Crown is ever One, and cannot be divided.  The White and Black Pillars of the Little Tree represent the Son and the Daughter.  They are ever in perfect Union within the Childe, and move under the authority of their Supernal Parents, as shown by the Crown upon the Childe’s head and the Middle Pillar of the Little Tree.  The countenance of the Childe, which manifests as the Childe’s personality, is an expression of Spirit, as is all life and all manifestation here on earth.  These gifts are given as tools for Spirit to guide its Children to perform the Holy Work, to reverse the Curse of the Fall of Man, to “break” the Little Tree, which results in a temporary embodiment of the Great Tree and then even this is “broken” as the Childe becomes the Mother and wholly embodies Her essence.  Once this occurs, the Childe becomes Compassion, Love and Understanding, and works as a Compassionate Witness with no desire.  And so may the Great Curse be lifted, and you may truly enter Eden in the Womb of the Great Mother.  Amen.

 

            Atu XX – The Aeon (Judgement).  Let the trumpets sound, and the Word of the Lord of the Aeon be heard!  Arise Children of Earth in the Knowledge and Conversation of Thee.  May the Breath of the Holy One fill you with Life.  The Holy Spirit manifests through you, and the Holy Fire moves thee.  It is time for change.  Hear thou the Word.  It is as soft as a whisper and yet louder than a lion’s roar.  Be transformed.  Be rightly moved in the Holy Work.   You have been shown how to do this.  The choice is a simple one.  Rightly focus the Eye.  Allow it to open to Spirit and the workings of Spirit through all that you see.  The Holy Spirit and Will of God runs through you.  There is no time to waste.  Every moment is an opportunity.  Use each one wisely and well.  Our magick is practiced through the symbols we are given, and how we live our lives.  Our work is transforming.  As we evolve as sources of Light and Love, those around us are so evolved and transformed.  This is how the Great Work is accomplished.  This is how a new race of men and woman are created to perform God’s work here on earth.  Each one of us makes a difference.  The Blessings of the Most High confer greater gifts than any other thing we which may acquire here on Earth.  They bestow true peace and Eternal Joy.  Every one of us is equipped to perform and accomplish this Work.  There are no exceptions.  This is why we are here, to perform this Work.  It is our Holy Duty to do so.  No other responsibility compares.  Your life circumstance, no matter what it may be, has been arranged to foster this.  Look to your God to be moved rightly along the Royal Path, and be awakened to Life on the higher planes. Amen. 

 

            Atu XXI – The Universe.  Hail unto the Daughter, who Dances with Heru-Ra-Ha.  We see in this Atu the completion of the formula of the Tetragrammaton (YHVH).  The Dancer is the Fool, who has completed Its Journey into Manifestation.  Just as all male figures in the Tarot may be equated with the Man, and all female figures may be equated to the Woman, all figures in the Tarot may be equated as expressions of Spirit in Its Journey.  The first is the last.  The Daughter is the Mother, but She is also the Son and Father.  She is a Crowned Childe of Earth, a Magickal Childe.  She dances showing a celebration of Life throughout all planes.  Every moment is an opportunity to express the Light and Love of the Crown.  Appreciate every moment.  Use each one wisely to express Love under Will according to your magickal formula.  In so doing, you will find Wisdom in Understanding, and enter the Holy Cities of God.  This Atu is attributed to both Saturn and Earth.  It is a culmination of all the other Atu.  Forms are defined and made heavy as they manifest here on Earth.  These forms must, however, change and return to their original Essence in all due time.  We thus see in this Atu the revolution of the formula of the Tetragrammaton, and the ultimate redemption of the Daughter.  This will eventually occur.  However, you are given a great opportunity in this life-time to evolve as a Childe of God and come to know the Crown through direct experience.  As you do so, your Eye will be opened to the nature of your Great Work and how best to perform and accomplish it.  Glorify God in all that you do.  Use what you have been given, and may your Eye open unto your God, who is your True Self and the Soul of the Universe.  Amen.

 

Spirit’s Journey into Manifestation shows that All is of God, including all movement and manifestation in the Universe.  There are no exceptions.  All serve God.  The Way of Return involves the Childe of Earth coming to realize the Divinity that resides within, which causes a transformation of the Childe to be something more than human. 

 

May this story of Spirit’s Journey into Manifestation assist you in the Way of Return.  Unto Thee Nuit!

 

Ateh Gibor Le’Olam Adonai.  Amen!!!

 

Love is the Law, Love under Will.

 

Received by

Frater AHBH AL, as Scribe

(Brian Goldstein)

On behalf of the Sanctuary of Thoth

 

Completed

Die Luna, Sol in Scorpio, Luna in Libra

Anno IVxvi in the New Aeon of Horus.

(October 27, 2008 e.v.)

 

A

AB

ABR

ABRA

ABRAH

ABRAHA

ABRAHAD

ABRAHADA

ABRAHADAB

ABRAHADABR

ABRAHADABRA

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