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A Closer Look at the Tarot
Sixes
Jason Rath
Tiphareth and the Sixes
"The Sixth Path is called the Mediating Intelligence, because in it are multiplied the influxes of the Emanations; for it causes that influence to flow into all the reservoirs of the blessing with which they themselves are united." —Yetzirah Text
The sixth Sephira, Tiphareth (beauty) issues forth from Geburah. The beauty of Tiphareth is that of balance. Tiphareth is the central Sephira of the Tree, maintaining balance among the Sephiroth. Tiphareth is the veil between normal consciousness and that of the perfected Man. Tiphareth marks the point where the worlds of force meet, or rather become, the worlds of form. The passive qualities of Chesed and the active qualities of Geburah form Tiphareth. Or, the Fours and Fives create the Sixes. Thus, Air is assigned to this sphere.
" . . . Tiphareth itself, supported by Geburah and [Chesed,] represents seership, or the higher psychism of the individuality. Each Sephira, of course, has its subjective and objective aspects—its factor in psychology and its plane in the universe."
The four Sephiroth below Tiphareth represent the personality or Lower self; the four Sephiroth above Tiphareth are the individuality, or Higher Self. (Kether, the fifth Sephiroth above Tiphareth, is the Divine Spark or nucleus of manifestation.) Tiphareth is not isolated; it is a link, a focal point, and a center of transition or transmutation.
"The Central Pillar is always concerned with consciousness. The two side Pillars with the different modes of operation of force on different levels."
Tiphareth's geometric symbol is the hexagram. The six-pointed star represents the six mystical planets (Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and the Moon). The center of the hexagram represents Sol and the center of our universe. When the hexagram is placed upon the Tree of Life so that Tiphareth is the center, the uppermost point of the hexagram lies within Daath, the invisible Sephiroth. Daath is the "Abyss" between the inaccessible Supernal Triangle and the World of Man. Saturn is attributed to the apex of the hexagram and could be assigned to Daath, rather than its popular attribution to Binah. In this scheme, Binah would have no planetary attribution, unless perhaps the trans-saturnian planets.
Tiphareth and the Sixes represent the complete harmony and stability of the Element or idea at hand. Tiphareth communicates directly with Kether (the Aces) through the path which the High Priestess card represents. This relationship gives integrity and harmony to the Sixes. Tiphareth also communicates directly with all the Sephiroth of the Tree of Life except Malkuth (the Tens). Thus, the Sixes represent the center of the divine idea of evolution.
Tiphareth is the last Sephiroth of the Moral Triad in the World of Briah. The spiritual idea behind Tiphareth is devotion to the Great Work, or to spiritual evolution—whatever that may be for you. Tiphareth's magickal image is threefold: child, king and sacrificed god. This alludes to the mysteries of the symbolic death of Man's mundane conscious and the birth of his higher conscious and the mysteries of the crucifixion. We all have a cross to bear—the Elements, the physicality that we must overcome. Thus, devotion to the Spirit is the key to all symbolism in Tiphareth. We must not forget that we are the physical form of the Divine Spirit. We struggle until we realize that this plane is a test of our spirituality. But we need not worship a deity to prove our sincerity; we must look inward to see the beauty of Tiphareth.
Six of Wands
The sphere of Tiphareth influences the Six of Wands through the Element of Fire: Tiphareth of Yod. The Six of Wands is Lord of Victory, Tiphareth in the Atziluth (Archetypal) World. In this card, Tiphareth acts through the World of the Divine or Primordial Spirit—the Divine Union. Chesed and Geburah give birth to a child, the Son, Tiphareth. The extremes of polarity that Chesed and Geburah represent, collect and unite to give birth to the veil between the material world and subtler ones. The Five of Wands represented the fiery nature of Tiphareth—the dynamic laws and energy in the situation at hand. "The Six of Wands is called Victory. The outburst of energy in the Five of Wands, which was so sudden and violent that it even gave the idea of strife, has now completely won success." —The Book of Thoth, Aleister Crowley.
The decan attributed to the Six of Wands is Jupiter in Leo. Jupiter in Leo symbolizes peace, harmony and pleasure. This decan indicates self-confidence and inner strength—one that expands his horizons with abundant energy and strength. Jupiter in Leo also indicates religious rituals, festivals, music and magnificent gatherings. If this card afflicts the other cards in the layout, it could indicate the loss of a child or romantic relationship. This card warns against gambling and egotism. At the same time, the Six of Wands suggests it is time to learn how to be of service to those around you. Achieving this assures success in all things. Those who give to others are great and shall be loved and admired. Herein is the great mystery of success and victory. Inner aid and assistance and rapid change lie ahead. You gain the victory that this card represents through labor and celebration.
The divinatory meaning as a whole is success in the matter at hand after the strife, the sudden confusing change, represented by the Five of Wands. With the Six, the matter at hand is accomplished. The problems you have faced recently now no longer exist. The result is gain, inner strength, rest, peace, and the successful completion of the matter at hand. The Six of Wands also represents growth, humility, illumination, sacrifice, rebirth and an expanding awareness of the universe both within and without. A painful or trying time has past. These difficulties have been a trigger for the growth you make. The picture on the card gives a feeling of reunion, tolerance, harmony, spiritual growth, a belief in one's self stemming from success.
The Six of Wands suggests self-sacrifice breaking through tension to harmony. Now you have the dedication and strength to easily reach your goals. Therefore, you should meditate on your goals. Now is the time to plan for the months ahead. The matter at hand is finished and no longer a problem. The Six of Wands also represents faith in one's creator or a realization of life after death. This card also warns against egotism and selfishness.
The two Hebrew angels that rule this card are Saitel (He who is a Refuge and Strength) and Olmiah (He who is concealed and Strong). The angelic names also point to the inner strength this card indicates.
Incense Mixture for the Six of Wands:
1 part Saffron
1 part Cedar
1 part Cinnamon
1 part Frankincense
Six of Cups
The sphere of Tiphareth influences the Six of Cups through the Element of Water: Tiphareth of Heh. The Six of Cups is known as the Lord of Pleasure, Tiphareth in the Briah (Creative) World—Tiphareth acting through the Mental or Emotional World. Beauty in the Creative World indicates harmony and pleasure derived from the matter at hand on a subconscious level. The instincts of Man unite with his highest, most spiritual self. Emotion is in harmony with reason. "The fear of disappointment (Five of Cups) has been overcome. Body and soul have been purified and are ready for pleasurable interaction with the beloved." —Tarot, Mirror of the Soul, GerdZiegler.
The decan attributed to the Six of Cups is Sun in Scorpio. This can indicate realization or detection and sometimes strife. But here the decan indicates a renewed realization of the Higher Self. One understands that, though the body must die, the soul shall live eternally—that the Divine Spirit is the seed of all life and structure. This knowledge tears down the walls of fear and strife. Now you see the pleasure in living, the joy of the struggle of material existence. Water, the Element that rules Scorpio, is closely tied with unconscious emotion. The Sun and Scorpio represent the creative forces of regeneration. This energy creates and destroys the excess or unbalanced energies focused in the matter at hand.
The divinatory meaning of the Six of Cups is pleasure and well being, joy, renewal, natural balance, love, wishes fulfilled, emotional strength, lust and increase. In the Six of Cups, you begin to realize your need for emotional and sexual fulfillment. Take the time to dive into your emotions and lose yourself in love. We all need affection, but many of us refuse to accept love from others and ourselves. "So as the Sun activates the Scorpio energies, the gain or pleasure commences. There is the implication, though not the assurance, that it will build."
—Qabalistic Tarot, Robert Wang.
The two Hebrew angels that govern this card are Nelokhiel (He who is Thou alone) and Yeyayiel (He who is your Right Hand).
Incense Mixture for the Six of Swords:
2 parts Frankincense
2 parts Storax
1 part Dragon's Blood
1 part Peppermint
Six of Swords
The sphere of Tiphareth influences the Six of Swords through the Element of Air: Tiphareth of Vau. The Six of Swords is Lord of Earned Success, Tiphareth in the Yetzirah (Formative) World—Tiphareth acting through the Astral World. Tiphareth in Atziluth gave Victory. Tiphareth in Briah gave birth to pleasure. Tiphareth in the astral world brings success in the matter at hand, after labor.
The decan attributed to the Six of Swords is Mercury in Aquarius. The forces of the Six of Swords are impersonal and corrective by nature. This gives you the ability to see the truth behind the matter at hand. Conflicts may arise simply because you need to know the truth. People around are not giving you the security you desire. You need to work with others in group projects. But be careful that you receive as much as you freely give. Friends are all around you, but you need to develop better relationships with them now. This card indicates that the matter at hand will affect your world for a long time to come. So be sure that you consider the consequences of your decisions. Use your ability to see the broad picture, but do not overlook the obvious problems of the present. Spend as much time concentrating on the present as the future.
Right now you need mental stimulation. You might consider going back to school or involving yourself with friends that will satisfy your need to know. Science and philosophy may interest you now, and you have the skills to understanding them. You should consider what you really want from life and start planning toward those goals. Success is yours if you persist, and you have the dedication you need. Whether or not you realize it, you have begun a journey towards great understanding and spiritual fulfillment. Begin concentrating on projects that will help better not only you but also the all humanity.
The divinatory meaning of the Six of Swords is change for the better in all areas of your life, success after strife and pain, travel by water. The stagnant pool of defeat that Five of Swords represents is now abandoned. The problems of the past are resolved. Whereas the Five of Swords indicated pain and fear of change, the Six shows that your spirit of renewal has at last triumphed. This indicates new direction and growth, and success through labor. Although you have made great progress you still need to set goals. The fears and pains of yesterday cannot be forgotten, but they can be used to initiate a fresh start in life.
Consider the matter at hand as a temporary phase that offers the opportunity for knowledge and self-worth. Be careful not to fall into the old traps of fear of change, discouragement, and negative attitude. By assuming a positive attitude you not only express your true potential, but you inspire those around you to do so as well. "Success is the result of Saturn's work aspect. Thus the card is called the Lord of `Earned' Success. Here, again, the cutting qualities of the Swords are turned to positive advantage . . ." —The Qabalistic Tarot, Robert Wang.
The two Hebrew angels that rule this card are Rehaayel (He who is Swift to Condone) and Yeyaziel (He who is making all Joyful).
Incense Mixture for the Six of Swords:
1 part Cinnamon
1 part Frankincense
2 parts Benzoin
Six of Pentacles
The sphere of Tiphareth influences the Six of Pentacles through the Element of Earth: Tiphareth of Heh' (Heh-final). The Six of Pentacles is the Lord of Material Success, Tiphareth in the World of Assiah (Material or Active World)—the active principle of Tiphareth acting upon the Material Plane, the waking consciousness of Mankind.
The Decan attributed to the Six of Pentacles is the Moon in Taurus. This suggests strong will and assured success in the matter at hand. The Moon in Taurus is in its exaltation. Taurus represents the Kerub of Earth and the Moon is our subconscious mind and emotions. Thus, this card indicates the need for financially security in order to have emotional security and a stable home environment. Also, this card indicates new projects begun and brought to an end, and good management and business skills. The intuition of the Moon with the labor of Taurus ensures growth and good fortune in material matters.
Tiphareth and the number Six represent the complete fulfillment and manifestation of the energy of the matter at hand. The archetypal energies of the Ace of Pentacles find its way into perfect harmony in both form and force. This card indicates enjoyment of simplicity and nature. The Moon strengthens the maternal, fertile, homely and preserving nature of Taurus; indicating great mundane power or power to manifest things. Be careful not to allow people or things around you to disturb your peaceable nature. Although you (or the matter at hand) are gentle by nature, there is the potential for emotional pain to trigger violence and coercion.
The divinatory meaning of the Six of Pentacles is riches and growth, material wealth, things stolen and recovered, good fortune, kindness, pleasantness, honor, practicality, influence and nobility, return from a journey, pride, good health and success in all mundane matters.
The two Hebrew angels that rule this card are Nemamiah (He who is Lovable) and Yeyalel (He who is the Hearer of Mortal Cries).
Incense Mixture for the Six of Pentacles:
1 part Frankincense
1 part Lotus
1 part Dittany of Crete | 
