Knight of Swords/Justice. The Knight of Swords (the cusp of Taurus, “I have,” sensual, stubborn, cautious, and Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, dual, intelligent) is brave, insightful, courageous, and logical. Unfortunately, he is not good at seeing and accepting the validity of views that oppose his own. Justice is a card of adjustment, and it corresponds with the element of Air (hot/separates and wet/adapts, and quick, animated energy that usually brings problems or challenges that bring growth), Libra (“we are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation), Lamed (ox goad; training or teaching), and the Path between Tiphareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify) and Geburah (the place where forms and structures are challenged or affirmed). Because Justice is about cause and effect, assuming responsibility and understanding all viewpoints, this card just might have a bit of a calming effect on the energies of my Knight. There is nothing wrong with having confidence in my own viewpoints, but I also need to be open to the perceptions of others.

My Thoth card is the Four of Disks reversed. “Power” is Crowley’s keyword for the Four of Disks (the Sun, the inner core of a person or situation or the deepest self, in Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, authority, caution cunning), and in an upright position this card tells of very solid foundations. This Four is a card of earthy power which brings an awareness of our own possessions, and since it is reversed, I just may find that I am not able to maintain a semblance of order in my physical world today, at least not the order I feel should be there. Perhaps I need to open myself to learning a new way of seeing things.

My Legacy card is the Ace of Swords reversed, flavored by Faith (Marchetti’s version of The Hierophant). The Ace of Swords (Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, caution authority, cunning, Aquarius and Pisces, “I believe,” feeling, duality, soul growth, artistic) can be seen as the birthplace of ideas and concepts, of the understanding of my own “truth,” and of the confidence that overcomes adversity. The element of Air, which corresponds with the suit of Swords, does not have self-generated impulses, but it can easily have an effect when influenced by the other elements. And having a calm center is the starting point for making use of the potentials of this Ace. “The Ace of Swords is the sword of our own personal power and in order to deal with the forces unleashed through the journey of the swords, one must develop discernment and a still centre for tranquility.” From the article “The Ace of Swords: Seizing the Power of Discernment,” by Cheryl Lynne Bradley. Faith/The Hierophant corresponds with Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes), Taurus (“I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn), Vau (the nail which holds tradition in place), and the Path between Chesed (the place where forms and structures are stabilized and nurtured), and Chokmah (dynamic male energy, the origin of vital force and polarity), this card is the nail that holds in place tradition and culture, and it encourages us all to both learn and teach. I am being reminded today that having an educated and wise world view gained through attaining knowledge and experience, and sharing that knowledge and experience with others in order to broaden my own perceptions, is certainly a worthy goal as long as I don’t become mired down in dogma. That Ace of Swords reversed that is being flavored by this Faith card could very well present the perfect storm that allows fundamentalism to creep into the day. Danger, Will Robinson! There seems to be an uncomfortable theme in my cards today, but forewarned is forearmed.

My 6-digit date number is 11 (Archangel Uriel), which reduces further to 2, the number of balance and polarity.

My horoscopes: “Your adventurous spirit is noble, Sagittarius, but you might find that this is one of those days in which you're asked to justify your actions. Other people could be jealous of you and your lifestyle, so they're trying to find fault with the things you do. Don't get tricked into thinking that anything you're doing is necessarily wrong or bad just because someone doesn't agree with it.”

And: “Your imagination is ready for some inspiration, so art and music will hold a great deal of appeal for you today. Even billboards and TV commercials might capture your attention and show you new ways of thinking about things. Your worldview is sophisticated, but you still have a lot more to learn about how people can perceive and express themselves in different ways. Attend a concert if possible, or just put on your earphones and enjoy a new CD.”

Technology: “Be on the lookout for meddlers who would like nothing more than to see you fall flat on your face. If you spot shenanigans, do your best to intervene. Guide meetings to the necessary conclusions and force interests to align to get your work done.”

Before moving on to the 12th Path, I took a moment to re-read Ted Andrews’ information in More Simplified Magic: Pathworking and The Tree of Life, regarding the 13th Path. Several sentences jumped out at me, and seemed to be directly referring to my meditations on the 13th Path over the last few days. “This is the Path of faith and learning to use and depend upon our own resources to achieve success in our endeavors. Through the energies of this Path, we learn to draw upon all of our resources and all of our past experiences. At some point, even these resources may be stripped away, leaving us only with the desire to experience the Crown (Kether).” And “Working this Path brings upon us a tremendous test of faith. When the Test is met, the burdens are ultimately replaced by glorious blessings in all areas of our life.” And “No matter how difficult the Path seems, the rewards will come.” I have indeed breached the boundaries between the worlds and forged a connection between my heart and my mind, and it is with the knowledge that my Deities are with me, every step of the way, that I move forward to the 12th Path.

The 12th Path connects Binah (Understanding) and the concepts of Form and the Sacred Feminine, and Kether (Crown) and The Source. Binah itself can be broken down into two subparts: the higher vibrating energies can be called “The Higher Mother,” and the lower vibrating energies can be called “comprehension.” Kether can also be broken down into two subparts: will within the soul, and pleasure within the soul; faith can be seen as a combination of both. And Kether, the sphere representing the least physical manifestations of energies, has a direct connection to Malkuth, the sphere associated with the physical manifestations of energies through self-expression of the soul (achieved through thought, speech and deed). They are located at either end of the Pillar of Balance, and the 12th Path connects Form to this Balance (which itself is balanced because of the connection between Kether and Malkuth).

The Hebrew letter associated with the 12th Path is “Beth,” which means “house,” “tent,” or “dwelling.” The house is the dwelling (or even the body) of man in the world of duality and illusion; it offers protection and shelter, and is a “containing form.” It represents the Sanctuary, the Temple, and Gnosis (Knowledge), and it contains the Light of Spirit; in fact, it imposes Form onto the Light of Spirit!

I think I am beginning to understand, and I would not have as clear an understanding as I have so far if I did not experience the 13th Path first. What a great foundation for understanding the basis of the entire Tree of Life to be found in the Supernal Triangle!

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