A Closer look at the Tarot:
Twos
Jason Rath
The shell of creation has been broken.—J.R.
This axiom relates the essence of the four Twos and Chokmah (Wisdom). The `shell' is the negative veils and `creation' is Kether itself. The action of breaking the shell and the result of that action is Chokmah. The axiom could represent Life, Death, or Initiation. Initiation and force are the currents behind the Word and the Will of Chokmah. The four Twos signify the four Elements in their highest, most pure state. Crowley confirms this in The Book of Thoth when he says:
"Kether is completely concealed, so that nobody knows anything at all. Hence, only on reaching the Deuces does the Element appear as the Element itself." The four Twos represent the Elements in complete harmony and balance. Thus, the following cards of the Tarot are the archetypal Elements defined.
In Buddhism, there are forty sacred meditations. Each meditation has a particular virtue and focus. The meditation of "Joy" is associated with the Sphere of Chokmah and the four Twos. The following diagram gives four ideas to meditate upon in relation to the four Twos of the tarot.
Two of Wands The joy of power.
Two of Cups The joy of sexual union.
Two of Swords The joy of serenity.
Two of Pentacles The joy of controlled change.
Pathingworking with the Tarot
I have heard people discussing pathworking and other meditative Tarot exercises say, "that's all in your mind, it won't do you any good." They do not understand how powerful an effect the mind has on a person and his environment. What you put into your mind directly affects what manifests in your life. By using the Tarot as a tool to help `program' the mind in a positive manner, you can directly affect your immediate environment in a variety of ways.
The mind is similar in many ways to a computer. The mind receives, processes and acts upon information. The mind turns this information into what we recognize as emotions, health conditions, etc. But these are only superficial effects. The mind also affects many other areas—physical, mental and spiritual.
By the time we are about five years of age, our mind has been molded to fit a certain form. A sort of `program' has formed. This program is responsible for our likes and dislikes, our personalities, attitudes and even the way we view ourselves. This program could be called our perspective. Unfortunately, by the time we are old enough to realize this, most of us have either become conditioned to this program—not even aware of it's existence—or we have decided subliminally to accept this approach to life. Our parents are largely responsible for the programming that takes place at such an early age. They act as our role models, teaching us their version of right and wrong. They instill within our hearts—a better phrase might be, `program our impressionable minds'—to behave the way they see fit. Gradually we begin to assimilate the ideas of those around us. The mind that never forgets any experience we have encounter, begins to act on its own. It expands upon the viewpoints we seemingly have arrived at on our own. We begin to make decisions for ourselves, no longer in need of an external programmer. Thus, we begin to add to our program.
There are many programmed traits within each of us. Many we would like to change or just plain eliminate. How do we begin to do this? The first step to reshaping your program is to become aware of your subconscious view on that which you wish to change. Begin by keeping a general diary of your daily experiences and dreams. This is one of the most important tools of the modern occultist. Understanding the nature of your mind the first step in your magical training. Get a notebook especially for your experiences, both magical and otherwise. Keep as detailed a dairy as time allows. If you find that you haven't the time to enter a record one day, simply enter "I don't have the time to make my entry today." The following day, or whenever, you may take the time. Explain in detail what went on during the previous day. If you don't understand the value of keeping a dairy, just try it! Soon you will begin to the value it.
When you practice the pathworking exercises or any other magical or meditative exercise, your journal becomes essential. Your experiences drawn from any sort of meditative exercise act as links with your subconscious and superconscious mind. If you wish to interpret your visions, dreams, etc., feel free to do so, but be sure that you enter
your interpretation.
When pathworking with any card of the Tarot. You shall first assume your astral form. Once you have done this, you will then use the card itself as a doorway to the astral. Those who have difficulty, should wait until they have become comfortable with visualization and astral travel. There are hundreds of books that cover these topics. You should have no trouble finding them at your local metaphysical bookstore. An excellent book for building your concentration and visualization skills is The Master Key, by De Lawrence, which is about $15. Another is Astral Doorways, by J. H. Brennan, which is about $3.
You can use the following exercise with both the major and minor arcana. There are, of course, many other rewarding and enjoyable avenues of pathworking available besides the Tarot. The hexagrams of the I Ching have provided me with some of my best meditations. I highly recommend them. But whatever symbol you choose, you will want to compile as many correspondences with it as you can. For instance, if you decide you will use the Two of Wands, you should read about the card's meaning. Research the Two of Wands as thoroughly as you can. After you have performed your meditation, reflect on the meaning of the card itself. Does your meditation reflect the meaning of the card, or does it clash in some way? Try to discover the meanings of the symbols in your meditation and why they come when working with this card. Sometimes a dream dictionary is helpful in identifying the meaning of a particular symbol. It is essential to own a dream dictionary. Dreams and What They Mean to You, by Migene Gonzalez-Wippler, is an excellent book and only $4—a worth while investment for any Magickal library. Once you establish what the meditation means, see how you can apply this insight to everyday use.
Pathworking Exercise
Sit comfortably where nothing will disturb you during the exercise. Be sure that you are not tired, angry, or disturbed in any way. You may want to take a bath beforehand so that you are clean and calm. Be sure that you are completely familiar with the card or symbol you have chosen. Place the card against a white background three to four times the size of the card itself. Plain white paper or cardboard will do fine. Either set this in front of you or hold it. Now gaze at the card closely. Look at every part of it. After you have done this for a few moments, close your eyes and imagine the card becoming larger until it is large enough to walk through. Next, focus on your astral body. See your astral image standing before you. After you have done this, step through the card itself. Be sure to vividly image your astral body passing through the symbolic gateway! Once you have done this, imagine opening your astral eyes to look around you. Vividly imagine your surroundings and feelings. Listen, touch, smell, and hear all things about you. Don't worry about what you see or don't see, just observe everything. When you decide to leave the astral world, see yourself passing back through the same doorway by which you entered. Next, see your physical body absorbing your astral body. Now open your eyes and look about. Stand up and feel the weight of your physical body. Be sure to record all your experiences, the time and date and the symbol or card you used. Continue to work with the same symbol for about a week as often as you can, then move on to a different symbol or card.
Element Plane of Existence Letter Fire World of the Archetypes Yod
Water World of Creation Heh
Air World of Formation Vau
Earth World of Action Heh'
Two of Wands
The Sphere of Chokmah (Wisdom) influences the Two of Wands through the Element of Fire. This card is the "Lord of Dominion." The energies that the Two of Wands represents are perfectly balanced. The forces of Fire are here in their most exalted state. Thus, the Two of Wands symbolizes great power. Here the creative shell of Kether has been broken. All actions have great intensity and strength. Though this state of activity is short lived, it implies great force. This suggests contemplation of all motives and emotions relating to the matter at hand. Creative will and freedom of choice are here present. Thus, you should be wary of hasty decisions that may affect the matter at hand. This card also suggests great authority and control over others.
Because of your ability to be constructively independent, you can use your strong will to inspire others to trust in themselves as you do. But you must be wary of egotistic and impulsive behavior. Do not alienate those about you without cause. Be careful not to move so quickly that you pass up useful opportunities. Changes approach you both within and without. Be aware of these changes for they shall affect your future most assuredly. Because you have been in a state of `waiting,' you have stored up much internal strength. Many potential directions to move shall present themselves soon. Remember not to boast of your accomplishments. Those about you are well aware of your deeds already. Also, be sure that your actions are constructive and useful. Do not bother wasting your time with matters of little importance In general, this card symbolizes strength, authority, force, rapid change and sometimes spiritual devotion.
The Hebrew angels that rule the Two of Wands are Vehooel (He who is great and lofty) and Denayel (He who is a merciful judge). Mars in Aries is assigned to the Two of Wands, as is the geomantic symbol, Puer. The affirmations for each card you can make on a daily basis, to help instill the qualities of the card. Use my examples to help you formulate some affirmations of your own.
Affirmations
I am strong and yet I am merciful. I shall stand strong even in the face of fear itself.
Incense mixture for the Two of Wands
1 part Vervain/Arcadia Gum mixture
2 parts Dragons Blood Root
1 part Rue
Two of Cups
The Sphere of Chokmah (Wisdom) influences the Two of Cups through the Element of Water. This card is the "Lord of Love." A more appropriate title might be the "Lord of Sacred Love," because this card does not refer to a mundane love. Tantric Yoga is an example of "sacred love." The western equivalent is Spiritual Alchemy. Crowley makes this clear in the Book of Thoth: "The dolphin is particularly sacred to Alchemy." In Crowley's version of the Two of Cups, you can see the two fish resting on a lotus, intertwined and spitting forth the sacred fluids of life. The word dolphin comes from the Greek word delphinos that means "womb." The dolphin, womb, cup and the Element of Water are symbols of the Great Mother. The sacred fluids of the Cup represent here the sexual secretions of the woman. Commonly, this card means love, marriage and partnership. The esoteric meaning behind these definitions again relates to Tantra.
A. E. Waite's version of this card shows a man and woman each holding a cup. The man touches the woman with his hand, symbolizing the union and balance of the masculine and feminine forces. This card expresses the need for balance and the cooperation of opposite energies. Tantric exercises can achieve this intimacy through sexual union, awakening the higher consciousness of the two participants. This card also refers to the awareness of the higher self. We must establish a love with our spiritual bodies, as well as with one another, in order to grow spiritually. The Two of Cups expresses the unity of the masculine and feminine forces within each of us. One must learn to balance the polarities of positive (male) and negative (female) energies. Thus does one establish a true understanding of Man, God and the universe we live in. Thus does one evolve spiritually and become more than human.
We must learn to love not only ourselves and our mates, we must express true love for our higher selves. This card suggests that you have a natural gift of unconditional love for others. You must look for the spiritual meaning of a relationship, yet be wary of some that may take advantage of your loving, gentle nature. You must always feel secure and trust yourself before another may love you—as above so below. Just as sexual union produces life, so does mental equilibrium produce wholeness of spirit. Remember, too, that this card does not so much represent attraction or sexual desire. It represents "Sacred Love" and the cooperative result thereof. The general meaning of this card is then the esoteric marriage, partnership, pleasure, love, unity, balance, the pleasure of balance, the harmony of the masculine and feminine energies and the unity of the higher with the lower.
The two Hebrew angels that govern this card are Ayoel (He who is the delights of the sons of Man) and Chabooyah (He who is a most liberal giver). Venus in Pisces is also attributed to this card.
Affirmations
I am centered in harmony, for balance is my beauty. Life gives me joy and fulfillment never ending.
I find ecstasy in all things that I do, for the gods adorn me with their happiness.
Incense mixture for the Two of Cups:
2 parts Myrrh
1 part Red Rose
1 part Vervain/Arcadia Gum mixture
2 parts Lotus
Two of Swords
The Sphere of Chokmah (Wisdom) influences the Two of Swords through the Element of Air. This card is the "Lord of Peace." The Swords of the Tarot generally imply destructive energies, but this card represents peace. Remember the number two implies wisdom, balance and harmony. The Swords in the Sphere of Chokmah balance each other. There is no tension or destructive tendency, though there may be underlying or evolving tensions. Such tensions are so subtle here, that they are not yet recognizable. The Element of Air is assigned to the World of Formation. Thus, the forces of Formation represent stability in this card. One may be in a state of compromise, a time of decision and rest. To better understand the nature of this card, imagine two men swinging two large swords at each other. The swords meet with explosive force, but for a moment there is peace. At the height of conflict there is stability. When the two swords rest upon each other, for just a split second is that `peace' which this card refers to.
You must remember not to expect others to balance with you, or expect them to be compatible without effort. Balance and peace come through change and adaptation to meet needs. Do not be so sensitive to your own thoughts and emotions that you disregard how those around you may be feeling. You must not rely on others to make the effort to change. Instead, assert yourself—find the solution to the problem at hand. Look deep into yourself and find the source of your present situation. Though you may feel at peace at the moment, ask yourself,
"How can I make this `peace' last?" Sometimes you may have a disruptive tendency, due to the attitudes of others. To have a peaceful environment, you must be at peace with your inner self. Do not depend on others for emotional security. Accept error in others and in yourself—accept and move on. Be careful not to disrupt those around you because you feel uneasy. Learn to vent inner feelings and thoughts in a more constructive manner.
This card indicates inner peace, temporary harmony, truce and calmness because of the purity and holiness of Chokmah (Wisdom). The typical disruptive energy of the swords is balanced. All intellectual activities are governed and regulated—a state of rest and meditation, though decisions are immanent. Here is the moment before change. With the change, the strong remain and the weak depart. This card strongly warns against the misuse of acquired power. Doing nothing is sometimes the best policy. Rethink ideas and future plans. Allow others to be themselves without a negative emotional response. Strength comes through sacrifice. Open your ear and not your mouth!
The two Hebrew angels that govern this card are Yezahel (He who rejoices over all things) and Mebahel (He who is the guardian and preserver). The Moon in Libra is also attributed to this card.
Affirmations
Things are only as important as I make them.
I shall accept others' ideas without feeling threatened.
Incense Mixture for the Two of Swords
2 parts Mint Leaves 2 parts Lign-aloes 1 part Rose 2 parts Vervain/Arcadia mixture
Two of Pentacles:
The Sphere of Chokmah (Wisdom) influences the Two of Pentacles through the Element of Earth. This card is the "Lord of Harmonious Change." The Two of Pentacles represents Chokmah in its most fixed state, yet there is still harmony and balance. Here Chokmah is in the World of Action. Here the duality of nature is manifest. Commonly the card depicts the serpent with it's tail in it's mouth, Uroboros, in the shape of the figure eight, encompassing the two pentacles. The serpent is also a symbol of infinity and wisdom—both of these qualities are traits of Chokmah. Often this card means pleasant change, realization of differences, travel, alteration, flux and reflux and transformation.
Here is steady change, be sure that you have a firm foundation. Remember the young child constantly changing as he grows. If not trained and educated, he grows weaker with age. This card symbolizes positive change, good fortune and success in all matters at hand, growth and expansion, open-mindedness to spiritual ideas—but mainly on subconscious level. With swift change, you must have a firm base. But you must also allow flexibility and movement; otherwise the good fortune becomes overwhelming. This card indicates the possibility of increase or decrease in material belongings. Jupiter, the planet of good fortune and luck is also associated with this card. In one sense, the Two of Pentacles indicates simple change and movement. On the other hand, it is similar to the second card of the Major Arcana, The Magician, just as the four Aces are associated with the Fool. The Hebrew letter Beth is assigned to the Magician. Beth translates as "House." The house here represents the physical body. These changes and movements can represent internal changes in physical health and spiritual ideals. You must control the internal movements here. This card also indicates mastery over the physical—organization and structure of the matter at hand.
The Two of Pentacles indicates that you have the ability to succeed in business and politics. You must allow yourself to use your talents to master the matter at hand—stop procrastinating. Self-trust is very important to you right now. Only when you can truly trust yourself will you utilize your hidden talents. In general, this card means internal change, success, travel, communication, swift movements, good fortune through prudent organization, self-trust and increase in all things.
Continued on page 36
Tarot Twos
Continued from page 13
The Hebrew angels that govern this card are Lakabel (He who teaches) and Veshiriah (He who is upright). Jupiter in Capricorn is also assigned to this card.
Affirmations
I am sure of myself in all things. Harmony I find with all things, both within and without.
I listen to the wind and hear the message of truth. Trials have come and may come again, but I shall not fall!
Incense mixture for the Two of Pentacles
2 parts Dittany of Crete
1 part Anise Seed
1 part Civet
2 parts Myrrh
In the next issue we proceed to the Threes. | 
