The Cubic Stone Oracle

The Cubic Stone Oracle

November 1, 2009

The Cubic Stone Oracle A Kabbalistic Tool For Meditation & Divination Patrick Mulcahy

The Cubic Stone Oracle

November 1, 2009

The Cubic Stone Oracle A Kabbalistic Tool for Meditation & Divination By Patrick Mulcahy

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Author: Patrick Mulcahy AstroQab Publications 2009 Copyright © Patrick Mulcahy 2009 Original Release Date: 11th October, 2009 (If the page header date is different to the above then this is a later edition.) Cover Pictures: Copyright Patrick Mulcahy. All Tarot images used in this book are from the 1909 edition of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. Artist: Pamela Coleman Smith. ―These Tarot card images are unambiguously in the public domain in the United States, and differ only slightly from the US Games Tarot deck. This deck is the one known as the 'Pamela-A' deck with the dried mud pattern on the back of the cards.‖ [Sourced from: http://www.sacred-texts.com/tarot/index.htm.]

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Other Books by Patrick Mulcahy

Formation of the Tree of Life The Hexagonal Geometry of the Tree of Life The Metaphysical Significance of Pi Astrology and the Devas of the Planes Esoteric Harmonics

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Table of Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 5 The Structure of the Cubic Stone Oracle ..................................................................................... 10 The Symbolism of the Cubic Stone Oracle .................................................................................. 13 The Vertical Axis ....................................................................................................................... 13 The Upper Face ..................................................................................................................... 14 The Lower Face ..................................................................................................................... 16 The Horizontal Plane ................................................................................................................ 19 The Eastern Face—Fire.........................................................................................................28 The Western Face—Water .................................................................................................... 35 The Southern Face—Air........................................................................................................40 The Northern Face—Earth ................................................................................................... 45 The Perfect Symmetry of the Cubic Stone .................................................................................. 50 Construct Your Own Cubic Stone Oracle .................................................................................... 53 Tarot Cube Divination .................................................................................................................. 55 Shuffle and Spin ........................................................................................................................ 55 The Reason for the Spin ........................................................................................................... 55 The Nine Square Spiral............................................................................................................. 56 Esoteric Services ...........................................................................................................................60

Table of Figures Figure 1: The Brute Stone............................................................................................................... 7 Figure 2: The Cubical Stone ........................................................................................................... 7 Figure 3: Cubic Stone – The Basic Pattern of Archetypes .......................................................... 11 Figure 4: Cubic Stone - The Elemental Interface ....................................................................... 12 Figure 5: The Horizontal Plane .................................................................................................... 19 Figure 6: Cubic Stone - Northern Face (Earth) .......................................................................... 21 Figure 7: A Popular Version of the Tree of Life .......................................................................... 21 Figure 8: The Esoteric Solar System ........................................................................................... 25 Figure 9: The Sun Face, the Four Elemental Faces, and the Sefirot ......................................... 26 Figure 10: The Six Faces of the Cube & the Tree of Life ............................................................28 Figure 11: The Miniature Tree of Elemental Fire ....................................................................... 31 Figure 12: The Miniature Tree of Elemental Water ...................................................................38 Figure 13: The Four Highest Sefirot ............................................................................................ 52 Figure 14: The Spiral Layout - Square and Diamond Orientations .......................................... 56

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Introduction The history of the ‗cubical stone‘ symbol extends back to biblical times, and its symbolism is still prevalent today in the esoteric teachings of Masonry.

The Stone of Foundation is supposed, by the theory which establishes it, to have been a stone placed at one time within the foundations of the temple of Solomon, and afterwards, during the building of the second temple, transported to the Holy of Holies. It was in form a perfect cube, and had inscribed upon its upper face, within a delta or triangle, the sacred tetragrammaton, or ineffable name of God. Oliver, speaking with the solemnity of an historian, says that Solomon thought that he had rendered the house of God worthy, so far as human adornment could effect, for the dwelling of God, "when he had placed the celebrated Stone of Foundation, on which the sacred name was mystically engraven, with solemn ceremonies, in that sacred depository on Mount Moriah, along with the foundations of Dan and Asher, the centre of the Most Holy Place, where the ark was overshadowed by the shekinah of God." The Hebrew Talmudists, who thought as much of this stone, and had as many legends concerning it as the masonic Talmudists, called it eben shatijah [Heb: ‫שתייה‬ ‫ ]אבך‬or "Stone of Foundation," because, as they said, it had been laid by Jehovah as the foundation of the world; and hence the apocryphal book of Enoch speaks of the "stone which supports the corners of the earth."1

In the ancient book ‗The Zohar‘ the Cubical Stone (or ‗Stone of Foundation‘) is described as a divine template that is anchored at the centre of the universe—i.e. in the same sense that human DNA is fixed as a blueprint within the nucleus of each cell of the human physical body. Thus, the Cubical Stone is like a kernel of divine life-force (or ‗divine Light‘) located at the centre of existence, and the manifested universe surrounds it (and is attached to it) in the manner of an aura (or energy field).

“…when the Holy One, blessed be He, was about to create the world, He detached one precious stone from underneath His Throne of Glory and plunged it into the Abyss, one end of it remaining fastened therein whilst the other end stood out above; and this other and superior head constituted the nucleus of the world, the point out of which the world started, spreading itself to right and left and unto all directions, and by which it is sustained. That nucleus, that stone, is called sh'thyiah (foundation), as it was the starting point of the world.”2

1 2

The Symbolism of Freemasonry. Albert G. Mackey. 1822. The Zohar, Vol IV. Pp 258-59. The Soncino Press. 1984.

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Importantly, the Cubical Stone is said to contain the secret of the Tetragrammaton—i.e. YHVH, the sacred four-fold name of God.

In the masonic legend, the Foundation Stone first makes its appearance, as I have already said, in the days of Enoch, who placed it in the bowels of Mount Moriah. There it was subsequently discovered by King Solomon, who deposited it in a crypt of the first temple, where it remained concealed until the foundations of the second temple were laid, when it was discovered and removed to the Holy of Holies. But the most important point of the legend of the Stone of Foundation is its intimate and constant connection with the tetragrammaton, or ineffable name. It is this name, inscribed upon it, within the sacred and symbolic delta, that gives to the stone all its masonic value and significance. It is upon this fact, that it was so inscribed, that its whole symbolism depends.3

The Cubic Stone Oracle reflects at its very heart the elemental symbolism of the Holy Name YHVH. The Holy Name is associated with the four major elemental archetypes—Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. These four archetypes are central to the symbolism of the Cubic Stone Oracle because they unite the vertical and horizontal planes of the Cube. Thus, ultimately, it is the four Elements of the Holy Name that make possible the manifestation of the universe—i.e. because the universe surrounds the Cubic Stone in the same way as an electron field surrounds the nucleus of an atom.

Another important part of the symbolism of the Cubic Stone involves its transmutational properties. This aspect of the nature of the Cubical Stone relates it to the alchemical ‗Stone of the Philosophers‘. The transmutation process is built into the fabric of our universe, and is directed from the vertical axis towards the four elemental sides of the Cubical Stone. Esoterically speaking, the four lateral faces fix in place the four cardinal directions: North, South, East, and West.

The four Elements and the four cardinal directions symbolize four distinct aspects of the psycho-physical nature of a human-being. These four aspects become purified, enhanced, and elevated during the transmutation process. It is said that four Cherubs (i.e. with the faces of a Bull, a Lion, an Eagle, and a Man) supervise this process, and hold us bound to the cross of the four elements until we have fulfilled our evolutionary requirements.

In the Masonic Tradition the unevolved (or unrefined) personality of the Apprentice (1 st Degree Initiate) is represented by a rough hewn stone (or ‗Brute Stone‘) that gradually becomes transformed and perfected as the Order‘s esoteric teachings are assimilated and followed. Control of the personality (or ‗ego‘) is achieved at the 3rd degree when the title

3

The Symbolism of Freemasonry. Albert G. Mackey. 1822.

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‗Master Mason‘ is bestowed. The Brute Stone is then said to have been transmuted into the Cubical Stone.

Figure 1: The Brute Stone

Figure 2: The Cubical Stone

[The images above are from an engraving by P. Lambert R.A. published in London in 1789.]

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Although the basic symbolism of the Cubic Stone Oracle is related to the traditional Cubical Stone of the Masonic tradition (etc), the symbolic blueprint overlayed onto the surface of the Cube (i.e. as described in this book) is presented here for the first time.

The Cubic Stone Oracle is a sacred object, and indeed, its esoteric blueprint could be used to construct an altar for your personal temple. It is much more than a divination cube. It is merely for convenience that I have included the names of the Tarot‘s trump cards on the Cube‘s twenty-two major squares. For the more serious occultist however, these are merely superfluous adornments, and are not necessary to the Cube‘s esoteric application.

I have numbered the elemental squares of the cube, and given them astrological correspondences that are based on a popular Hermetic system, and that is commonly employed in the symbolism of the four suits of the Tarot. This system‘s roots however, can be

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traced back to an ancient metaphysical treatise called The Sefer Yetzirah (or Book of Formation).4

In naming the elemental squares of the Cube I‘ve gone back to basics. Instead of identifying the squares by their tarot suit correspondences I refer to them chiefly by their elemental attributions. For example, instead of referring to the third square of the elemental Fire face of the Cube as the Three of Wands, I will often refer to it as the Three of Fire. I do however also mention the four tarot card suits so that the reader who is unfamiliar with the pure elemental attributions will have a clearer understanding of my meaning. All you need to remember is that:

Fire (Red) = Wands Water (Blue) = Cups Air (Yellow) = Swords Earth (Green) = Pentacles

As you will see, the symbolism of the Cubic Stone (as I have described it herein) encapsulates the entire kabbalistic Tree of Life diagram. All the sefirot and pathways are included in the Cube‘s esoteric design. And in case you find yourself wondering… the final sefirah called Malkut is represented by the Cube itself (i.e. in its completeness).

See for example, Aryeh Kaplan‘s translation and commentary included in his book The Sefer Yetzirah. 4

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The Structure of the Cubic Stone Oracle The Cubic Stone Oracle physically resembles a ‗magic cube‘ puzzle toy. 5 Additionally however, the Cubic Stone has a symbol (or universal archetype) associated with each of the nine individual squares on each of its six faces. Its surface is therefore overlaid with 54 (i.e. 6 x 9) unique symbolic forms.

The symbolic structure of the Cubic Stone is similar in some respects to the structure of a deck of Tarot cards. Like the Tarot, the Cubic Stone includes twenty-two major symbols6, and four other distinct groups of symbols7.

The main difference between the Cubic Stone Oracle and the Tarot is that the Cubic Stone does not include the symbolism of the sixteen so-called ‗Court Cards‘.8

Like the Tarot 9 however, the symbolism incorporated into the Cubic Stone Oracle is fundamentally based on the ancient metaphysical system known as the Kabbalah, and in particular, the primary kabbalistic text called the Sefer Yetzirah.

On first consideration you may reject the idea that the symbolism of the Tarot could possibly fit neatly onto the 54 (i.e. 6 x 9) individual squares of the Cubic Stone.10 But as you will see below, the Tarot‘s system maps easily and naturally into the structure of the Cube. Indeed, surprisingly, it can be mapped in a way that appears simple, sublime, and ‗organically‘ perfect. In fact, the structural ‗perfection‘ of the Cubic Stone suggests that its geometric design may be the original source for the symbolic structure of both the Tarot and certain elements of the Kabbalah.

The figure below shows four ‗linking‘ archetypes that unite the twenty-two major archetypes with the 36 minor archetypes. These four linking archetypes correspond to the four letters of the Holy Name YHVH. The two main groups of archetypes—the 22 ‗majors‘ and the 36

Or Rubik‘s Cube. Corresponding to the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet, and the twenty-two Major Arcana cards of the Tarot. 7 Associated with the four Elements and the four ‗suits‘ of the Tarot: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Coins. 8 The Court Cards are not an essential component of the Tarot. They are more like a supplement that has been later added to a pre-existing system. 9 The link between the Tarot and the Kabbalah is not historically proven, but seems obvious. 10 That is, because the Tarot consists of 78 component cards. 5

6

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‗minors‘—both contain as members the four linking archetypes. (This concept is explained more clearly below.)

Figure 3: Cubic Stone – The Basic Pattern of Archetypes

The four linking archetypes are fundamental within the symbolism of the Cubic Stone because they correspond to the letters of the Holy Name YHVH (Heb: ‫)יהוה‬, and represent the four primordial roots of the four Elements: Fire, Water, Air, and Earth.

The following figure shows how the four primary elemental archetypes form an interface between the twenty-two major archetypes of the Cube‘s vertical plane and the 36 minor archetypes of its horizontal plane. In the figure, the nine major archetypes of the Upper (i.e. Sun) face are shown as well as the four primary elemental archetypes.11 The four elemental archetypes extend outward from the Upper face and then expand/unfold (i.e. in nine stages) to form the four elemental sides of the Cubic Stone. The four elemental sides face the four cardinal directions: North, South, East, and West.

11

Here represented by their associated Tarot trumps and astrological correspondences.

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Figure 4: Cubic Stone - The Elemental Interface

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The Symbolism of the Cubic Stone Oracle The Cubic Stone, like all cubes, has six faces. Each of its faces symbolizes one of the six spacial directions 12 that support the manifestation of our three-dimensional universe. These six ‗extremities‘ are divided into two main groups:

Vertical Axis Upper (Sun) Lower (Moon)

Horizontal Plane East (Fire) West (Water) South (Air) North (Earth)

The Vertical Axis The vertical axis of the Cubic Stone incorporates its Upper and Lower faces. These two faces balance, complement, and oppose13 each other.

The Upper face symbolizes soul consciousness. It includes the three main faculties of the soul, as well as its natural domain—i.e. its main fields of expression and experience.

Similarly, the Lower face includes the three main faculties of the human personality (or ‗ego‘), and its natural domain and major fields of experience.

Called six ‗extremities‘ in the book Sefer Yetzirah. The human personality and soul are said to oppose each other until an evolutionary state of inner harmony between them is reached. Basically, this is achieved as the human ego learns to harmonize itself with the higher organ of consciousness—the soul. 12 13

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Table 1: Some Vertical Axis Correspondences

Upper Face Sun Head + Upper Torso14 Human Soul Three Higher Chakras Three Higher Sefirot Zodiac – Six Upper Signs Day

Lower Face Moon Lower Torso Human Personality Three Lower Chakras Three Lower Sefirot Zodiac – Six Lower Signs Night

The Upper Face The entire Upper face of the Cubic Stone is associated with ‗daytime‘ and thus has the Sun (☉) as its ‗ruling‘ archetype positioned precisely at its centre. Above and below the Sun are two rows each containing three zodiacal signs. These six signs are located above the horizon of the natural zodiacal circle, and are consequently symbolically associated with the twelve daylight hours.15

Astrologically speaking, the central square of the Sun also represents the MC 16 of an astrological chart. The MC indicates the cusp (or line of demarcation) between the ninth and tenth Houses of a birth-chart, and similarly here within the Upper face of the Cube the central Sun/MC square is located between the ninth and tenth signs of the zodiac—that is, between Sagittarius (♐) and Capricorn (♑). You will follow my meaning here if you trace the natural order of the zodiacal signs of the Upper face from Libra to Pisces. The diagonal crossover point (i.e. where the Sun/MC square is located) is between Sagittarius and Capricorn. (See the figure below.)

The symbolism of the Cube‘s Upper face is associated with the illumination of the soul. Its central square corresponds to the Sun—the major light source for our planet Earth. The physical Sun is central to our solar system, and esoterically it symbolizes the ‗causal body‘ or spiritual Ego. The causal body is the centre of the human psycho-spiritual ‗solar system‘. On

The arms and legs of the human body are associated with the four faces of the horizontal plane. For information on how this astrological Day/Night symbolism is connected with the kabbalistic Tree of Life please see my book: Formation of the Tree of Life. 16 Medium Coeli. Also called the ‗Midheaven‘. 14 15

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the kabbalistic Tree of Life diagram it corresponds to the central (i.e. sixth) sefirah Tifaret 17, and the Hebrew ‗double‘ letter Kaf (‫)כ‬. In the Tarot it is represented by ‗The Sun‘ trump card.

Positioned to the left of the Sun square is the Mars (♂) archetype square. It symbolizes the Will aspect of the soul and is associated with the fifth sefirah Geburah, the Hebrew ‗double‘ letter Dalet (‫)ד‬, and the Tarot trump ‗The Tower‘. The Mars square has a special symbolic connection with (and is physically adjacent to) the Pluto (♇) square positioned at the top of the elemental Fire (i.e. left) face of the Cube.

To the right of the Sun square is the Jupiter (♃) archetype square. This square represents the intuitive aspect of the human soul and is associated with the fourth sefirah Hesed, the Hebrew ‗double‘ letter Gimel (‫)ג‬, and the Tarot trump ‗Fortune‘. The Jupiter square has a special symbolic connection with (and is physically adjacent to) the Neptune (♆) square positioned at the top of the elemental Water (i.e. right) face of the Cube.

Note that the centre squares of the four elemental faces of the Cubic Stone are all numbered six. These four squares are also associated with Tifaret, but they represent four elemental expressions of the pure Tifaret archetype of the Upper face. 17

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The Lower Face The Lower face of the Cubic Stone symbolizes ‗night-time‘ and fittingly it has the Moon archetype positioned at its centre. Like the Sun square (of the Upper face), the Moon is also placed between two rows of three zodiacal signs (i.e. on the Lower face). These six signs are located below the horizon of the natural zodiacal circle, and are associated symbolically with the twelve hours of night-time.

Astrologically speaking, the central square of the Moon also represents the IC 18 of an astrological chart. The IC indicates the cusp (or line of demarcation) between the third and fourth Houses of a birth-chart, and similarly here within the Lower face of the Cube the central Moon/IC square is located between the third and fourth signs of the zodiac—that is, between Gemini (♊) and Cancer (♋). You will follow my meaning here if you trace the natural order of the zodiacal signs of the Upper face from Aries to Virgo. The diagonal

18

Imum Coeli.

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crossover point (i.e. where the Moon/IC square is located) is between Gemini and Cancer. (See the figure below.)

The Lower face of the Cubic Stone represents the ‗darkness‘ of the human personality (or ego). The consciousness of the ego is extremely limited compared to the enlightened awareness of the human soul. The Moon rules the night-time from its central location within the Lower face. It corresponds to the human emotional body, which like the physical Moon, is changeable, and sheds little illumination—sometimes none at all19. Like the Moon, the human emotional body is more likely to ‗darken‘ our perception of the ‗reality‘ of a situation than lighten it. It is during the darkness of night that our irrational, subconscious fears and insecurities tend to arise and to interfere with our ability to think clearly and act wisely. Similarly, the emotional body‘s fears and sentimental attachments can prove to be a hindrance as we seek to move forward on our ‗soul path‘.

On the kabbalistic Tree of Life diagram the Moon square corresponds to the ninth sefirah Yesod, and the Hebrew ‗double‘ letter Tav (‫)ת‬. In the Tarot its correspondence is ‗The Priestess‘ trump card. Obviously, the Priestess is an image that represents a very high expression of the lunar principle, and indeed, when the human emotional body has been

19

That is, during the period of a New Moon

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stabilized, stilled, and aligned with the soul then it becomes possible for transcendent knowledge to be acquired through the auspices of the Universal Mother principle.

Positioned to the right of the Moon square is the Mercury (☿) square. The Mercury square is placed vertically below the Mars (i.e. Geburah) square of the Upper face, and thus (with the Mars square) it forms the base of the Cube‘s vertical left-hand Pillar of Severity. It symbolizes the Lower mind and is associated with the eighth sefirah Hod, the Hebrew ‗double‘ letter Raysh (‫)ר‬, and the Tarot trump ‗The Magician‘. The Mercury square has a special symbolic connection with (and is physically adjacent to) the Nine of Fire square positioned at the bottom of the elemental Fire face of the Cubic Stone.

To the left of the Moon square is the Venus (♀) archetype square. The Venus square is placed vertically below the Jupiter (i.e. Hesed) square of the Upper face, and thus (with the Jupiter square) it forms the base of the Cube‘s vertical right-hand Pillar of Mercy. This square represents the astral body and is associated with the seventh sefirah Netzah, the Hebrew ‗double‘ letter Peh (‫)פ‬, and the Tarot trump ‗The Empress‘. The Venus square has a special symbolic connection with (and is physically adjacent to) the Nine of Water square positioned at the bottom of the elemental Water face of the Cube.

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The Horizontal Plane If you place the Cubic Stone on a flat surface you can position it so that its four lateral sides face toward the four cardinal compass points: East, West, South, and North. These four faces merge together and establish the horizontal plane of the Cubic Stone.

The allocation of East to the left side of the cube is based on an astrological convention that assigns the ‗rising‘ zodiacal sign (and the Ascendant degree) to the left side of an astrological chart. Also by convention, the northerly direction is symbolically associated with the lowest point of the zodiacal circle.20

Figure 5: The Horizontal Plane

Metaphysically, the four horizontal directions can be assigned to the four elements as follows…

Table 2: The Four Cardinal Directions

East Fire Spiritual

West South North Water Air Earth Emotional Mental Physical

The nine individual squares on each of the four elemental sides are numbered one to nine, but the number one is replaced (in each case) by one of the four primary elemental archetypes. These four archetypes actually belong to the vertical plane group of twenty-two major archetypes, but they extend into (energize and sustain) the horizontal plane. They thus serve as linkages between the two archetypal planes—horizontal ‗Form‘, and vertical ‗Consciousness‘. They are associated with the four elements as follows… This arrangement of the four Elements is also mirrored within the kabbalistic Tree of Life diagram. Binah-Shin (Fire/Left), Hockmah-Maym (Water/Right), Keter-Alef (Air/Back), and Da‘at-Bayt (Earth/Front). 20

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Table 3: The Four Cardinal Directions (2)

East West South North Element Fire Water Air Earth Energy Creative Will Love/Emotion Mind/Mental Body/Physical Hebrew21 Shin (‫)ש‬ Maym (‫)מ‬ Alef (‫)א‬ Bayt (‫)ב‬ Tarot Suit Wands Cups Swords Coins Tarot Trump Judgement Hanged Man Fool World Astrology Pluto Neptune Uranus Saturn Cherub Lion Eagle Man Bull Human Body Left Arm Right Arm Left Leg Right Leg

The four major elemental archetypes—Shin, Maym, Alef, and Bayt—summarize within themselves four evolutionary processes that are associated with each of the four cardinal directions of our universe. Each of them embody a complete nine-stage process of transmutation. Esoterically, these four elemental processes are what bind us to the psychophysical universe of mundane consciousness. They were fixed in place by the Logos as Humanity descended into this realm, and they effectively prevent us from leaving the mundane (i.e. ‗physical‘) world of being until we have completed each one of the four transmutation processes.

Traditionally, four ‗cherubs‘ guard the way back to the ‗Garden of Eden‘, and it is they who are associated with the four cardinal point processes.

Genesis 3:24. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubs, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.22

The ‗cherubs‘ only allow entry back into the Garden to those human-beings who have passed through and completed the four processes of Elemental transmutation. (See below.)

The four elemental archetypes (i.e. Alef, Maym, Shin, and Bayt) also represent the numbers one and ten in the evolutionary numerical series. The number ten signifies the end of an old cycle of transmutation and (when reduced to the number one) the beginning of a new cycle. The four major elemental archetypes therefore symbolize the transition from the end (10) of one cycle to the beginning (1) of the next. In terms of the kabbalistic Tree of Life, this The four elemental archetypes are represented by four (of the twenty-two) Hebrew letters. Although the quote only mentions the Easterly direction, the ‗cherubs‘ (also called, ‗angels‘, or ‗genii‘) are usually depicted in esoteric literature as attending all of the four cardinal compass directions. 21

22

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transition is understood as a shift from the tenth sefirah Malkut to the first sefirah Keter. In fact, the numbers from one to nine are arranged on each of the four elemental faces of the Cubic Stone according to the sefirotic pattern of the kabbalistic Tree of Life diagram.

Figure 6: Cubic Stone - Northern Face (Earth)

Figure 7: A Popular Version of the Tree of Life

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Some students of the modern Hermetic Qabalah may have difficulty in accepting the assignment of the Hebrew letter Bayt (‫ )ב‬to the Earth element. This is due to the current prevalence and popularity of today‘s standard Western Hermetic correspondence system. The modern Hermetic system popularly ascribes the Earth element to the Hebrew letter Tav (‫)ת‬.23

The reason why modern Hermeticism assigns the Earth element to Tav is because of Tav‘s imagined link to the astrological planet Saturn.24 According to ancient tradition however, the seven ‗double‘ Hebrew letters are commonly25 assigned to the astrological planets as follows:

Table 4: Traditional Correspondences

Double 1. Bayt (‫)ב‬ 2. Gimel (‫)ג‬ 3. Dalet (‫)ד‬ 4. Kaf (‫)כ‬ 5. Peh (‫)פ‬ 6. Raysh (‫)ר‬ 7. Tav (‫)ת‬

Planet Saturn Jupiter Mars Sun Venus Mercury Moon

Tarot World Fortune Tower Sun Empress Magician Priestess

Tav was originally associated with the Moon. The ancient tradition follows the natural order of the seven Hebrew ‗double‘ letters as they parallel the original geocentric sequence of the seven visible planets from Saturn to the Moon.

The geocentric system assessed by Aristotle (384-321 BC) was officially adopted at the beginning of the second century AD, by Ptolemy in his Almagest—a work in thirteen books, the aim of which was to summarise the astronomical knowledge of that time. In the following centuries the Aristotelian-Ptolemaic cosmology was strongly supported by the Christian Church as proof of the human excellence within God's creation. Thus 'geocentrism' represented the perfect mix of science and religion—a reasonable view of the Universe, with Man placed at the very centre and the Holy presence manifested by the perfect circles drawn by the celestial bodies in the skies.26

In one sense, the ‗simple‘ letter Tav represents the substance aspect of the Form principle, while the ‗double‘ letter Bayt symbolizes its structural aspect. 24 That is, because Saturn rules Capricorn—the Cardinal Earth sign. 25 These correspondences are found in most extant versions of the ancient metaphysical Hebrew book called the Sefer Yetzirah, or Book of Formation. 26 Celestial Mechanics. Alessandra Celletti and Ettore Perozzi. Praxis Publishing, 2007. Pg. 3. 23

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The geocentric planetary sequence is deeply embedded in the esoteric teachings that have been passed down to us by our ancient forebears. For example, the ancient system of ‗planetary hours‘ is based on this traditional planetary sequence…

In traditional astrology, the period between sunrise and sunset was subdivided into 12 hours, each ruled by a different planet. The tradition, to which there have been no serious modifications since the discovery of planets beyond Saturn, stipulates that the day should be divided into 12 equal segments between sunrise and sunset, which will thus vary in length according to the season. On a particular day, the first of these hours is ruled by the planet ruling that day of the week. In other words, on Saturday, the first hour would be ruled by Saturn; on Sunday, the first hour would be ruled by the Sun; and so forth. The succeeding hours are ruled by the next planet in the following order: Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, the Sun, Venus, [Mercury] and the Moon. After reaching the Moon, one begins again with Saturn and repeats the same order. Ancient astrologers were careful to carry out certain activities during appropriate hours. It was said, for example, that Paracelsus (a sixteenth-century German alchemist and physician) always chose to prepare chemical compounds on days and during hours when the ruling planet matched the therapeutic intent behind his compounds.27

Also, the common Hermetic decanate system that is regularly used in the Tarot today is based on this geocentric sequence of the planets. The system begins with the first decanate of the zodiacal sign Leo:

Table 5: The Tarot's Decanate System

Tarot Card Five Wands Six Wands Seven Wands Eight Coins Nine Coins Ten Coins Two Swords Three Swords Four Swords (etc)

27

Planet Saturn Jupiter Mars Sun Venus Mercury Moon Saturn Jupiter (etc)

Zodiac Leo Leo Leo Virgo Virgo Virgo Libra Libra Libra (etc)

The Astrology Book. James R. Lewis. Visible Ink Press, 2003. Pp. 335-336.

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So it is somewhat ironic (and inconsistent) that the Hermetic Qabalah has used a different planetary sequence in relation to the seven ‗double‘ letter tarot trump cards.

The founders of ‗Western Hermeticism‘ chose, for their own reasons, to chaotically rearrange these correspondences as per the following table…28

Table 6: Modern Hermetic Correspondences

Double 1. Bayt (‫)ב‬ 2. Gimel (‫)ג‬ 3. Dalet (‫)ד‬ 4. Kaf (‫)כ‬ 5. Peh (‫)פ‬ 6. Raysh (‫)ר‬ 7. Tav (‫)ת‬

Planet Mercury Moon Venus Jupiter Mars Sun Saturn

Tarot Magician Priestess Empress Fortune Tower Sun World

To my knowledge, these correspondences do not occur in any version of the ancient source text The Sefer Yetzirah. There appears to be no esoteric rhyme or reason for them.

Any system of symbols can be said to have value and validity in a subjective sense, but my many years of practical experimentation and research with the Jacob‘s Wheel system of kabbalistic astrology29 have demonstrated to me (and to other users of JW) that the original Sefer Yetzirah ‗double‘ letter astrological correspondences possess a validity that is more verifiably objective. What I mean by that statement is that only the original Sefer Yetzirah correspondences accurately reflect the manifestations that arise during the various phases of the astrological cycles of Jacob‘s Wheel. Thus, during an eight hour Peh (‫ )פ‬phase (for example) the manifestations that arise, consistently reflect the Venus archetype as opposed to the Mars30 archetype. The Venusian nature of the Peh phase of the Jacob‘s Wheel cycle has been verified countless times by many users of the Jacob‘s Wheel system. Indeed, it is my hope that eventually, the Western Esoteric Tradition will return to its original kabbalistic roots in the Sefer Yetzirah and free itself from the imperfect system that in recent history has been imposed upon the seven ‗double‘ letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

And thus most ‗magical orders‘ in existence today use these altered correspondences in their curriculum. 29 The Jacob‘s Wheel system has its roots in the Sefer Yetzirah. It maps out a series of archetypal cycles and phases that are based on specific combinations of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. 30 That is, the modern Hermetic correspondence for Peh. 28

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The Sefer Yetzirah associates the three ‗mother‘ Hebrew letters—i.e. Alef, Maym, and Shin— with the three primary elements: Air, Water, and Fire. My practical work with Jacob‘s Wheel has demonstrated to me that they also have the following astrological correspondences…

Table 7: The Three Mother Letters

Mother Alef (‫)א‬ Maym (‫)מ‬ Shin (‫)ש‬

Element Air Water Fire

Astrology Uranus (♅) Neptune (♆) Pluto (♇)

At the time the Sefer Yetzirah was written, the three outer planets—Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto—were undiscovered. It is possible therefore, that the ‗spiritual intelligences‘ who originally communicated the text of the Sefer Yetzirah were obliged to subtly veil the secret planetary correspondences of the three ‗mother‘ letters behind the more general attributions of the three primary elements: Air, Water, and Fire.

With these additional planetary correspondences for the three ‗mother‘ letters, a very interesting esoteric picture of our solar system is produced. (See figure below.) The natural sequence of the outermost planets from farthest (i.e. Pluto) to closest (i.e. Saturn) follows the YHVH formula of Fire, Water, Air, and Earth.

Figure 8: The Esoteric Solar System

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The planet Saturn is closest to us. Its Hebrew letter Bayt is the first of the seven ‗double‘ letters. The seven ‗double letters‘ correspond with the seven inner planets, and Bayt/Saturn heads the hierarchy of ‗double‘ letters. Bayt/Saturn also corresponds with the cosmic Earth element 31 —i.e. in terms of the outer planetary sequence: Pluto, Neptune, Uranus, and Saturn.

Within the Cubic Stone, the four primary elemental archetypes have a direct association with four of the six lower sefirot of the kabbalistic Tree of Life (as per their colour-coding in the figure below).32 The four elemental faces of the Cubic Stone are governed by their ruling major elemental squares.

Figure 9: The Sun Face, the Four Elemental Faces, and the Sefirot

Even though the four primary elemental archetypes head the four elemental faces of the Cubic Stone, they are also associated with the Upper (or ‗Sun‘) face of the Cube. They represent ‗monadic‘ (or ‗spiritual‘) forces that flow (from Logoic levels of consciousness) through the Sun face and extend outward to bind the human soul to the four elemental pillars of the psycho-physical universe.

More specifically, the ‗double‘ letter Bayt represents the deepest structural aspect of the Earth element. Its sefirotic correspondence is Da‘at. The outer substance aspect of the Earth element is represented by the ‗simple‘ letter Tav. Its sefirotic correspondence is Yesod. In this very limited sense the Western Hermetic system is (I believe) correct in its allocation of Tav to Earth. 32 See my book Formation of the Tree of Life where this version of the Tree of Life diagram is discussed in detail. 31

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The transmutation of the four elements involves the purification of each base element as it exists within each human-being, and the raising of its vibration so that the spiritual dimensions (i.e. the higher planes of being) are able to merge harmoniously (and interact creatively) with it.

The transmutation process has nine fundamental stages that are symbolized by the classic numerological sequence from one to nine. The Tarot‘s system includes ten stages—i.e. as symbolized by the ten minor cards of each suit, but the Tarot‘s tenth stage is (in a sense) superfluous because it merely represents a facet of stage one. In reality there are only nine stages because ‗the end (10) is contained in the beginning (1) and the beginning (1) in the end (10)‘. Similarly, the tenth sefirah of the Tree of Life is but an appendage to the higher ninefold sefirotic configuration.33

Each of the primary elemental archetypes incorporate the transition process from the numerological nine to the numerological one, and therefore they include the symbolism of the tenth card of the four tarot suits. This fact should be taken into account when using the Cubic Stone as a divination tool.

The following diagram depicts the simplest way to understand the six faces of the Cubic Stone as they relate to the kabbalistic Tree of Life.

The figure below shows the sefirah Tifaret (Sun) surrounded by its companion sefirot— Hesed (Water), Geburah (Fire), Hod (Air), Netzah (Earth), and Yesod (Moon).

The transmutation of the four elements can be understood as occurring within the context of the four sefirot—Hesed (Water), Geburah (Fire), Hod (Air), and Netzah (Earth).

The sefirot Tifaret (Sun) and Yesod (Moon) very basically represent the ‗soul‘ and ‗personality‘ aspects of a human-being, and they are thus associated with the two faces of the vertical axis of the Cube.

33

See my book: Formation of the Tree of Life.

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Figure 10: The Six Faces of the Cube & the Tree of Life

The Eastern Face—Fire The Eastern face embodies the Fire element in general, and more specifically it is associated with the Creative Will (or ‗Enterprise‘) aspect of human consciousness. It is especially concerned with the action of the evolutionary principle as it impacts upon and influences the Creative Will.

The transmutation process that occurs within the East face of the Cubic Stone is associated with the left-hand Pillar of Severity (i.e. of the kabbalistic Tree of Life). The transmutation of

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the Fire element is focussed in the sefirah Geburah, but it also involves the sefirah Hod, and thus occurs within the general context of the Mental plane—i.e. in its higher (Geburah) and Lower (Hod) aspects. The purpose of the transmutation process is to unify and harmonise these two sefirot so that the Mental body becomes an effective vehicle of manifestation for the spiritual impulse (i.e. Will) of the human Monad.

The initiating (i.e. the first) archetype of the ninefold numerological sequence is the primary archetype of the Fire principle—i.e. Shin (‫)ש‬, as represented by the tarot trump ‗Judgment‘. It occupies the top centre square of the East face, and is adjacent to the Mars archetype (or ‗Tower‘) square of the Upper face of the Cube. This latter square symbolizes Geburah, the fifth sefirah of the Tree of Life.

The final (i.e. the ninth) archetype of the elemental Fire numerological series is associated with the Nine of Wands in the Tarot. It represents the final stage of the transmutation process and the end of the evolutionary cycle within the realm of Fire. The Nine of Fire square is located bottom centre of the East face of the Cube, and sits adjacent to the Raysh archetype of the Lower face. The Raysh (or ‗Magician‘) square corresponds to Hod, the eighth sefirah of the Tree of Life.34

Note that the four cardinal zodiacal signs—Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn—are also adjacent to the Fire face of the Cubic Stone. 34

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The East face of the Cubic Stone thus resembles a miniature Tree of Life that extends between the fifth sefirah Geburah and the eighth sefirah Hod of the Tree of Life.35

The miniature Geburah-Hod Tree of Life traces the course of the monadic impulse as it descends from the sefirah Geburah to the sefirah Hod. Whether or not the impulse reaches Hod with its spiritual integrity in tact is another matter. The evolutionary forces located within the miniature Tree of elemental Fire (i.e. within the East face of the Cubic Stone) work to assist the original impulse as it makes its journey from Geburah to Hod. We experience the evolutionary forces working within the miniature Tree as internal (i.e. psychological) and external (i.e. environmental) pressures that impel us to clear blockages and overcome personal challenges that would otherwise prevent us from faithfully translating the monadic impulse from Geburah to Hod.

We will examine a similar configuration that extends between the sefirot Hesed and Netzah on the opposite side of the Tree of Life when we look at the West face of the Cubic Stone. 35

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Figure 11: The Miniature Tree of Elemental Fire

Interpreting the Oracle The Cubic Stone is naturally suited for use as a divination tool. The name I ascribe to it when it‘s used for this purpose is a Tarot Cube, or Divination Cube.

The nine elemental archetypes of the East face describe the transmutation of the Creative Will (i.e. Fire) aspect of a human-being. The Will aspect has its source and expression within the mental plane. The dual nature of the mental plane is represented by the sefirot Geburah and Hod of the Tree of Life.

The sefirah Geburah represents the higher mental plane. This is where the human abstract mind is located. The first three cards of the suit of Fire are associated specifically with Geburah and the exercise of the power of the abstract mind. They are also closely aligned with (and adjacent to) the Upper face of the Cube, and are therefore receptive to the creative impulse of the human Monad—i.e. as this impulse issues from the sefirah Binah (Shin) to Geburah (Dalet).

The sefirah Hod signifies the Lower mental plane wherein the human rational mind is located. The final three cards of the suit of Fire are especially associated with Hod and the

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expression of the Creative Will within the rational mind. These final three cards are also closely aligned with (and adjacent to) the Lower face of the Cube, and therefore are in close natural rapport with the human personality (or Nefesh).

The middle three cards of the Fire suit form a bridge between the higher three and the Lower three cards and express something of the influence of the human soul (or Ruach).

The elemental trump card ‗Judgment‘ represents the beginning (i.e. Ace of Wands) and the end (i.e. Ten of Wands) of the transmutation process, and basically exemplifies the transition that occurs as a new cycle commences. Each new cycle begins with a monadic impulse (i.e. from Binah to Geburah) that establishes a new course for the creative expression of the Will aspect.

The tarot card Judgment is numbered XX in the series of trump cards, and significantly, the imagery of the Rider-Waite version of the card is based on the Book of Revelation, Chapter XX.

Revelation XX:12-15 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

The metaphorical sea from which the dead rise up to be judged symbolizes the astral plane. Following the death of the physical body human consciousness retreats to the astral realm before rising to the mental plane. It is not possible for human consciousness to rise above the mental plane (i.e. to the buddhic plane) until the obligatory transmutation program that is attached to planet Earth has been successfully completed.

An angel (i.e. Cherub) guards the way that leads onto the buddhic plane, and it oversees the ‗judgment‘ process. The angel blows a trumpet to which is attached the flag of St George.

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Only those who, like St George, have slain the ‗dragon‘ can enter the buddhic plane. Those who don‘t make the grade must enter the ‗lake of fire‘ and from there begin once again the process of reincarnation.

The ‗second death‘ is a reference to the necessary loss of consciousness that is involved as reincarnation occurs. Continuity of consciousness is only experienced by those who are able to rise to the buddhic plane. Their names are found written in the ‗book of life‘.

The ‗lake of fire‘ wipes the slate of consciousness clean. This does not however include the loss of ‗soul consciousness‘. The lake of fire only removes the lower mental and astral layers of human consciousness as the reincarnation procedure unfolds. The human soul (or ‗causal body‘) remains embedded (and maintains its continuity) within the higher mental plane, and is always potentially accessible to a reincarnated human-being.

The remaining members of the numerological series (of the Fire face of the Cubic Stone) represent the various differentiated stages that occur within the overall Fire transmutation process. In the Tarot these stages are represented by the series of minor cards from the Two of Wands to the Nine of Wands.

The main astrological symbols associated with the four elemental groups of tarot cards (i.e. 4 x 9) are the 36 decanates36 of the zodiac. The suit of Fire incorporates the symbolism of the nine decanates of the three Fire signs—Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.

Table 8: The Nine Fire Decanates

Tarot Card Judgment Two Wands Three Wands Four Wands Five Wands Six Wands Seven Wands Eight Wands Nine Wands

Planet Saturn Mars Sun Venus Saturn Jupiter Mars Mercury Moon

Zodiacal Sign Sagittarius Aries Aries Aries Leo Leo Leo Sagittarius Sagittarius

A decanate (or decan) is a ten degree sector of the 360 degree circle of the Zodiac. Each of the twelve zodiacal signs consists of three ten degree decanates. The decanates are traditionally given planetary rulerships that are determined according to the particular system used. The system of correspondences used here has its origins in the ancient book The Sefer Yetzirah. 36

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It is recommended that the nine Fire element archetypes are interpreted with the above astrological symbols in mind.

Spirit Judgment: The end of one major project (or important phase of a project) and the beginning of another. The meaning of this card is akin to a ‗Boardroom Meeting‘ where the success or failure of a recent project is discussed and determined, and a new idea (or major development) is considered. Your own monad (i.e. operating through the vehicle of your soul) is the CEO of this company, and will decide the fate of an existing project and give the go ahead for any new enterprise. Expect to be making a major decision regarding your future very soon. Two of Fire: Monad/soul inspired motivation. New ambition. Identifying the goal. The elimination of personal barriers and conflicts that obstruct the commencement of a new project. Reconfiguring personal relationships so as to enable commencement. Political dealings. The King of Wands may feature at this time. Three of Fire: Setting project parameters based on personal integrity. Evaluating available personal resources. Committing oneself and one‘s personal resources to the project at hand. The Queen of Wands may feature at this time.

Soul Four of Fire: Establishing alliances with co-workers. Signing contracts. Setting the wheels in motion. Organising key aspects of the project. Managerial duties. Organising subcontractors. Five of Fire: Departmental friction and conflict. Challenge from existing authorities. Struggle for authority and control. Re-establishing order from chaos. The need for patience, emotional control, self-discipline, self-belief, and spiritual faith, as order is restored. Six of Fire: The creative process moves harmoniously forward to its next stage. A surge of creative energy, and/or a powerful expression of the Self. Personal achievement. Recognition. Your creative idea is acknowledged and accepted by colleagues. The Knight (or Prince) of Wands may feature at this time.

Personality Seven of Fire: Ego conflict. Ego battles with co-workers (etc). The reassertion of personal authority and control. Courageous expression of the ego. Victory is assured if you take a stand based on personal integrity (i.e. genuine soul-personality alignment). Eight of Fire: Networking. Marketing. Advertising. Consulting. Research. ‗Hands on‘ business and commerce. The need for communication and the exchange of information.

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Nine of Fire: The establishment of a solid business foundation. Support mechanisms are set firmly in place. A secure foothold has been achieved. Deserved success after a concerted effort. Now there is little left to do except hold a steady course in the established direction. The end of the cycle. The Page (or Princess) of Wands may feature at this time.

The Western Face—Water The Western face of the Cubic Stone is responsible for the transmutation of the human emotional nature, and the harmonious integration of its two major components—the astral body and the buddhic (i.e. intuitional) body.

The buddhic intuition is the higher emotional component. It is a faculty of the human soul that remains difficult to access consciously until a certain stage of evolution has been reached. It is responsible for the higher emotions—for example, the sense of ‗spiritual devotion‘ that is felt when you are aligned with your true soul purpose (or ‗life calling‘).

The astral body is the lower emotional component. It is a faculty of the human personality (or ‗ego‘) and its influence tends to dominate the emotional nature and disposition of most human-beings. The astral body contains the material and physical desires of the lower human nature. Many of the desires contained within the astral body are based on the glamour and illusion of the physical plane. These are eventually dispelled during the process of emotional transmutation—a process that can take many lifetimes to fully achieve.

On the kabbalistic Tree of Life the Water element is basically represented by the fourth sefirah Hesed, and the astral body is associated with the seventh sefirah Netzah. The West face of the Cubic Stone is specifically associated with the sefirah Hesed, but its nine stages constitute a miniature Tree of Life that extends between Hesed and Netzah. The numerological Water sequence maps the descent of the monadic love-wisdom impulse as it descends from Hesed to Netzah.

The process of emotional transmutation occurs within the West face of the Cube. It clears the way for the descent of the love-wisdom impulse (i.e. from Hockmah to Hesed), but it is unlikely to reach its destination (i.e. Netzah) if the astral body is distracted by physical desires and the glamour of the material plane.

As the transmutation process occurs within the West face of the Cube the human personality comes to realize the illusory nature of its material desires. At the same time it begins to sense

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the love-wisdom impulse emanating from the buddhic body (i.e. Hesed). It recognizes the impulse as expressing the higher desires of the spirit-soul, and eventually it surrenders to that higher guiding principle. In other words, as the evolution of the Water element proceeds, the astral body gradually surrenders itself to the governance and influence of the buddhic (i.e. intuitional) body.

Interpreting the Oracle The crowning (i.e. primary) archetype of the West face of the Cubic Stone is represented by the Hebrew ‗mother‘ letter Maym (‫)מ‬, the planet Neptune (♆), and the tarot trump called ‗The Hanged Man‘. The Maym square is positioned top-centre of the Water face of the Cube and is adjacent to the Gimel (‫ )ג‬square of the Upper face. As per the general rule, the final archetype of the numerological sequence is positioned bottom-centre of the Water face. It lies adjacent to the Peh (‫ )פ‬square of the Lower face of the Cube.37

Note that the four mutable zodiacal signs—Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces—are also adjacent to the Water face of the Cubic Stone. 37

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The symbolism of the tarot trump ‗The Hanged Man‘ exemplifies the entire process of emotional transmutation. It also represents the end of an old cycle of emotional involvement (i.e. corresponding to the Ten of Cups) and the beginning of a new cycle (i.e. corresponding to the Ace of Cups).

A little emphasized aspect of The Hanged Man tarot trump is the notion that the figure pictured in the card is suspended over (and being lowered into) a body of water. This procedure represents an esoteric baptism by water, just as the Judgment tarot trump represents an esoteric baptism by fire (i.e. in the ‗lake of fire‘ of Revelation XX).

Thus, the image of The Hanged Man is related to the Norse myth of Odin.

The Hanged Man is often associated with Odin, the primary god of the Norse Pantheon. Odin hung upside

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down from the world-tree, Yggdrasil, for nine days to attain wisdom and thereby retrieved The Runes from the Well of Wyrd, which the Norse cosmology regarded as the source and end of all Mystery and all knowledge. The moment he glimpsed the runes, he died, but the knowledge of them was so powerful that he immediately returned to life. This interpretation highlights the necessity of undertaking acts of personal sacrifice in order to achieve one's own higher spiritual good.38

The remaining members of the numerological series (of the Water face of the Cubic Stone) represent the various differentiated stages that occur within the overall Water transmutation process. In the Tarot these stages are represented by the series of minor cards from the Two of Cups to the Nine of Cups.

Figure 12: The Miniature Tree of Elemental Water

The suit of Water incorporates the symbolism of the nine decanates of the three Water signs—Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.

38

Quoted from Wikipedia.

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Table 9: The Nine Water Decanates

Tarot Card Hanged Man Two Cups Three Cups Four Cups Five Cups Six Cups Seven Cups Eight Cups Nine Cups

Planet Mars Venus Mercury Moon Mars Sun Venus Saturn Jupiter

Zodiacal Sign Pisces Cancer Cancer Cancer Scorpio Scorpio Scorpio Pisces Pisces

It is recommended that the nine Water element archetypes are interpreted with the above astrological symbols in mind.

Spirit The Hanged Man: The end of one major emotional involvement (or experience) and the beginning of another. A period of suspension as old emotional energies are processed. A forced confrontation with astral/physical glamour and illusion. A time of disillusionment, emotional cleansing, and purification leading eventually to an emotional rebirth. A new heart-centred experience is approaching, but will not manifest until the necessary processing of the past is completed. Two of Water: Effortlessly, male and female complements draw towards each other. The male approaches the receptive female. A new opportunity arises for the expression of Love. The King of Cups may feature at this time. Three of Water: The natural environment supports and nurtures the evolution of the growing form. An atmosphere of unconditional love and abundance. Emotional support is received. The Queen of Cups may feature at this time.

Soul Four of Water: Self-nurture. Personal needs are contemplated. A time for recharging your batteries. Every soul has different requirements for growth. Now is the time for you to focus on your own special needs as an individual soul. Five of Water: You are confusing your own desires with the desires of others. Do not covet your brother‘s house, or your neighbour‘s wife. This only leads to disappointment. The key to your happiness depends on your ability to sense the deep desires of your soul, and then to move forward on your own Heart‘s Path towards their fulfilment.

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Six of Water: Love‘s rejuvenation, reinvigoration, replenishment. The object of the soul‘s desire is clearly identified. Deep whole-hearted involvement. Surrender to the beloved. Engagement. The Knight (or Prince) of Cups may feature at this time.

Personality Seven of Water: The temptation posed by the glamour and illusion of materialism. The sacred desire of the soul is temporarily obscured by the worldly allure of riches, honours, property, knowledge, sex, power, etc. There is a need to refocus on the nature of your deepest soul desires. Eight of Water: You may have strayed from your Heart‘s true Path. Depression. Re-evaluate your current emotional involvements and establish some much-needed personal boundaries. Refocus your energies on your own unique spiritual Path. Nine of Water: Desires fulfilled. Wisdom gained through love. Personal refinement. The joyful sharing of love-wisdom with others. Infectious enthusiasm. Generosity and bigheartedness. The climax or high-point of the cycle of desire. The Page (or Princess) of Cups may feature at this time.

The Southern Face—Air The South face of the Cubic Stone describes the transmutation of the ideation and thoughtprocessing faculties of the human mind. Its element is Air, and its ruling archetype is represented by the Hebrew ‗mother‘ letter Alef (‫)א‬.

The South face of Air is associated with the sefirah Hod of the kabbalistic Tree of Life. The miniature Tree of Life that the South face represents is understood as being wholly contained within the sefirah Hod.

Hod represents the lower mental body—i.e. the rational mind located within the lower levels of the mental plane. The transmutation of the Air element involves clearing away emotionally-charged and negative thought-forms, fears, prejudices, erroneous ideas, and old mental conditioning. The abstract mind must be developed, and a bridge of light built between the lower and the higher mind. Wisdom must be cultivated, and a medium for its communication established.

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Interpreting the Oracle The initiating (i.e. primary) archetype of the Air face of the Cubic Stone is represented by the Hebrew ‗mother‘ letter Alef (‫)א‬. Its planetary correspondence is Uranus, and its tarot trump is ‗The Fool‘.

The Uranus/Fool square is located top-centre of the Air face and lies adjacent to the Aquarius/Star square of the Upper face. This is an appropriate alignment because the planet Uranus astrologically rules the sign Aquarius.

The conclusion of the Air cycle is indicated by the Nine of Air located bottom-centre of the Air face. It‘s positioned adjacent to the Leo/Strength square of the Lower face of the Cube.

We can say then, that the transmutation of the Air principle (i.e. human consciousness) is especially associated with the Aquarius-Leo axis of the Fixed Cross of the Zodiac.39

Similarly, the transmutation of the Earth principle (i.e. human form) is especially associated with the Scorpio-Taurus axis of the Fixed Cross. (See below.) 39

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The tarot trump called ‗The Fool‘ is the crowning tarot card of the Air face of the Tarot Cube, and it epitomizes (and summarizes) the process of transmutation that occurs within the Air (or South) face.

The prominently placed Sun in the top-right corner of the card represents the human ‗causal body‘, as does the effeminate (or asexual) figure of the Fool himself. The obedient and devoted little dog at his feet symbolizes the lower mind. In some versions of this card the little dog is pictured as being possibly mischievous, untrained, and/or disobedient. In such cases the dog represents the human mind in an undisciplined, unevolved state.

The Fool is standing upon the Earth, but he is located at the highest possible altitude. He is carefree and contemplative—completely detached from worldly concerns. He walks towards the edge of a precipice and takes a deep revitalizing breath of fresh air. He prepares to cast a white rose blossom into the abyss. The white rose

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represents a pure abstract idea (charged with the energy of love-wisdom).40 On leaving the Fool‘s hand the rose will plunge over the precipice and descend into the Lower levels of physical manifestation.

The remaining members of the numerological series (of the Air face of the Cubic Stone) represent the various differentiated stages that occur within the overall Air transmutation process. In the Tarot these stages are represented by the series of minor cards from the Two of Swords to the Nine of Swords.

The suit of Air incorporates the symbolism of the nine decanates of the three Air signs— Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.

Table 10: The Nine Air Decanates

Tarot Card Fool Two Swords Three Swords Four Swords Five Swords Six Swords Seven Swords Eight Swords Nine Swords

Planet Sun Moon Saturn Jupiter Venus Mercury Moon Jupiter Mars

Zodiacal Sign Gemini Libra Libra Libra Aquarius Aquarius Aquarius Gemini Gemini

It is recommended that the nine Air element archetypes are interpreted with the above astrological symbols in mind.

Spirit The Fool: Air is the first element because it represents the ‗Breath of God‘. It is associated with unmanifest creation because it carries and transmits the divine creative Idea, and thereby infuses the universal Aethyr with creative potential. The divine Idea needs to combine with the other three elements to produce physical manifestation. This archetype represents the loftiest and most nebulous of visions. It signifies a new beginning, but it is unclear where it will lead, or what form it will take. It is an image of the highest abstract thought, and carries with it the potential for great innovation and intellectual revolution.

The white rose represents the Hebrew letter Yud (‫—)י‬the first letter of the Holy Name YHVH. Notice that the rose is in the hand (Yud) of the Fool. Also, if you compare the Fool‘s posture to the shape of the Hebrew letter Alef (‫ )א‬you will notice that the rose is located in the same relative position as the Alef‘s small Yud (i.e. located top-right of the Alef). 40

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Two of Air: A fundamental principle agreed upon by two or more people. A universal maxim. A basic premise that forms the basis for further discussion, debate, and development. The further development of this principle requires cooperation, fair-mindedness, detachment, and objectivity. The King of Swords may feature at this time. Three of Air: Certain boundaries and limitations are fixed in place. This is necessary to keep the mind (or group mind) focussed within appropriate guidelines. Unavoidably, some people will be excluded from further involvement due to the nature of the limitations imposed. Only like-minded souls will be able to participate in the further development of this idea. The Queen of Swords may feature at this time.

Soul Four of Air: Now that the boundaries have been clearly defined and established, a process of adjustment and adaptation must proceed. Any incongruent thoughts will need to be reconciled with the overarching main concept. This is likely to require some meditation and contemplation. Your soul will provide the resolution you seek. Five of Air: Some old ideas (and outmoded conceptions) will need to be relinquished as the process of adjustment, adaptation, and reconciliation continues. There is no room here for personal sentimentality or ego attachment as the mind adjusts to a new paradigm. Six of Air: When all outstanding issues are reconciled (and self-limiting preconceptions eliminated) you will be ready to begin the journey into new realms of the mind (i.e. mental exploration). You will only be able to bring the essentials with you on this journey. The free expression of the creative mind. The Knight (or Prince) of Swords may feature at this time.

Personality Seven of Air: The appropriation of ideas from existing systems of thought. You will need to be careful that your ego‘s attachment to a particular belief system (or personal interest) does not cause you to try and fit a square peg into a round hole. It is important not to mix apples with oranges. Eight of Air: An intellectual (or mental) dead-end. You have strayed far from the path of Reason and now find yourself trapped in a ‗mental-loop‘. A closed mind. Release yourself from the Self-limiting influence of the Lower mind and allow your intuition to guide you safely back to your fundamental principles. Nine of Air: The end of the mental cycle. When our current belief system (or ideology, personal perspective, way of thinking, etc) is unable to provide the answers we need to life‘s important questions and challenges then it is time to look for new inspiration and to begin a major new cycle of growth in consciousness. Obsession. Fanaticism. It is time to seek after a new path of enlightenment. The Page (or Princess) of Swords may feature at this time.

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The Northern Face—Earth The process of physical transmutation symbolically occurs within the Northern face of the Cubic Stone. The numbers one to nine represent stages of the transmutation process, and as mentioned earlier, the number one is replaced with its ruling elemental archetype—the ‗double‘ letter Bayt (‫)ב‬. Its main correspondences are elemental Earth, the planet Saturn (♄), and the ‗World‘ trump card of the Tarot.

The transmutation of the Earth element facilitates the harmonious communion of Spirit and Matter. Symbolically speaking, this union demonstrates on the physical plane as ‗bringing Heaven down to Earth‘, or as the re-emergence of the ‗Garden of Eden‘ on planet Earth. Other congruent symbols for this process are the re-building of the ‗Temple of Solomon‘, and the building of the ‗Temple of New Jerusalem‘.

The crowning archetype (i.e. Bayt/Saturn) is positioned adjacent to the Nun/Scorpio square of the Upper face of the Cubic Stone. The planet Saturn and the sign Scorpio are resonant with each other because they‘re both associated with the death and rebirth of the form principle.

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The final archetype of the Earth face is the Nine of Earth. It lies adjacent to the Vav/Taurus square of the Lower face of the Cube. Thus the transmutation of the Earth element appears to be strongly associated with the Scorpio-Taurus axis of the Fixed Cross of the Zodiac.

In this scheme, the Earth element is associated with the seventh sefirah (i.e. called Netzah) of the kabbalistic Tree of Life. The miniature Tree of Life that the Earth face represents can be imagined as being wholly contained within Netzah.

Interpreting the Oracle During the practice of divination the numbers two to nine of the Cube‘s North (or Earth) face should be interpreted as per their corresponding cards in the Tarot‘s suit of ‗Coins‘ (also called ‗Pentacles‘, or ‗Disks‘). The primary Earth archetype (i.e. Bayt, ‫ )ב‬corresponds to the ‗World‘ (or ‗Universe‘) major trump card. It also includes however, the symbolism of the Ace/Ten of Coins. Basically, the primary Earth archetype encapsulates the entire process of transmutation of the Earth element, and the ‗World‘ tarot card image is a very useful visual mnemonic of that process.

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The symbols presented in the card are located within the blue of the sky. Four cherubs float within white clouds and guard the perimeter of the Garden of Eden. The Garden is the place of manifestation of the Shekinah, or divine Mother/Daughter principle. The perimeter of the Garden is defined by a green ovular wreath held together by two red ribbons. Within the wreath, the Daughter is crowned, and a royal sash (deep purple, or indigo in colour) is entwined around her body like a serpent. In each of her hands is held a white wand, or baton.

This Tarot image could be given the additional title: ‗The Garden of Eden‘. It represents the end of one major physical experience, enterprise, or expression, and the beginning of another. What is symbolically depicted in the card is a ‗biological cell‘ or ‗fertilized ovum‘. At its centre is located a strand of DNA (i.e. a double helix) within which is contained (in potential) a fully evolved divine manifestation of life—i.e. a ‗life-form‘. This symbol indicates that a new manifestation is beginning to emerge from out of an old form. The old gives birth to the new, the Mother gives birth to the Daughter. This symbol indicates that an old cycle is closing, and that a major new cycle (in the ongoing process of manifestation of the ‗Garden of Eden‘) is about to be initiated. We are all seeking to transmute our existing personal world into a more divinely inspired creation, and this symbol is a portent that a major new development (in this regard) is about to occur.

‫ב‬

Table 11: The Nine Earth Decanates

Tarot Card World Two Coins Three Coins Four Coins Five Coins Six Coins Seven Coins Eight Coins Nine Coins

Planet Mercury Jupiter Mars Sun Mercury Moon Saturn Sun Venus

Zodiacal Sign Virgo Capricorn Capricorn Capricorn Taurus Taurus Taurus Virgo Virgo

The numerological series two to nine (of the Earth face of the Cubic Stone) represents the various differentiated stages that occur within the overall Earth transmutation process. In the Tarot these stages are represented by the series of minor cards from the Two of Coins (or Pentacles) to the Nine of Coins.

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The suit of Earth incorporates the symbolism of the nine decanates of the three Earth signs— Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.

It is recommended that the nine Earth element archetypes are interpreted with the above astrological symbols in mind. (See the table above.)

Spirit The World: The final and complete unfolding of something to its fullest manifestation. A relative state of perfection of form is achieved. A natural boundary of limitation has been reached and must now be surpassed. The final product of the creative process. The creation of a new world must now begin. Two of Earth: Entering into a new environment requires some adjustment and adaptation to alien conditions. Significant physical (or environmental) change is forecast with all the organizational challenges that go along with that process. When a tree is transplanted it takes some time for it to establish (and settle itself into) its new environment. The King of Pentacles may feature at this time. Three of Earth: The emphasis here is on the basic design of a new edifice. Important foundational elements must be fixed in place before the larger structure can be erected. The design of the corner stone must reflect spiritual principles because it is the basis upon which everything else is established. The Queen of Pentacles may feature at this time.

Soul Four of Earth: A new structure is established, but the house must now be put in order. You are required to assert some control (i.e. establish your authority) and impress your creative influence within your domain. A strong inner sense of security must be cultivated and expressed as you mark out the limits of your personal territory. Five of Earth: It‘s time to reconnect with your deepest inner values and desires. Free yourself from material concerns and financial worries. Be willing to invest your resources (no matter how apparently limited they seem to be) into what you feel is your soul‘s deepest desire. Have no fear, the universe will provide for your basic needs as you channel your resources towards your Heart‘s desire. Six of Earth: A time of steady progress in material affairs. The creative use of personal energy and resources. Money well spent, time well utilized, effort well applied. You attract what you need in this situation, and also deal with others in a balanced and equitable way. The Knight (or Prince) of Pentacles may feature at this time.

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Personality Seven of Earth: A time of physical, material, and/or financial restriction and limitation. The depletion of resources. Physical exhaustion. It is important to know your personal limits and establish personal boundaries accordingly. The conservation of energy, and the wise management of available resources is required. Understand that it is not yet time for the harvest. Eight of Earth: The nurture, refinement, and development of practical personal skills. The steady application of your personal skills. Trial and error. Creative art and crafts. Hands-on practical application. Working at the ‗coal face‘. Nine of Earth: The fulfilment of the material/physical cycle. The final harvest. All your efforts finally bear fruit. It is time to reap the benefits of your labour before the cycle of decay commences. A period of abundance during which time your Heart‘s desires are fulfilled by the Universe. The Page (or Princess) of Pentacles may feature at this time.

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The Perfect Symmetry of the Cubic Stone Everywhere within the symbolism of the Cubic Stone complementary archetypes are positioned directly opposite each other. For example, the elemental Fire face of the cube is diametrically opposite the elemental Water face, and similarly, Air is opposite to Earth.

Here is a fairly complete tabulation of complementary archetypes that are stationed precisely opposite each other within the geometric structure of the Cubic Stone:

Table 12: Complementary Archetypes of the Cubic Stone

Archetype One Vertical Plane Soul (Ruach) Upper face Sun square (Kaf/Tifaret) Jupiter square (Gimel/Hesed) Mars square (Dalet/Geburah) Zodiac - Upper Half Aries square (Heh) Taurus square (Vav) Gemini square (Zayn) Cancer square (Het) Leo square (Tet) Virgo square (Yud) Horizontal Plane Fire/Pluto square (Shin) Air/Uranus square (Alef) Fire Element face (Geburah) Air Element face (Hod) Two square (Hockmah) Four square (Hesed) Seven square (Netzah)

Archetype Two Personality (Nefesh) Lower face Moon square (Tav/Yesod) Venus square (Peh/Netzah) Mercury square (Raysh/Hod) Zodiac - Lower Half Libra square (Lamed) Scorpio square (Nun) Sagittarius square (Sameck) Capricorn square (Ayin) Aquarius square (Tzaddie) Pisces square (Qof) Water/Neptune square (Maym) Earth/Saturn square (Bayt) Water Element face (Hesed) Earth Element face (Netzah) Three square (Binah) Five square (Geburah) Eight square (Hod)

The two faces of the vertical plane (i.e. the Upper and Lower faces) are characterized by vertical complementary alignments—i.e. as per their kabbalistic Tree of Life symbolism. For example, just as the sefirah Tifaret (Kaf) is vertically opposite to the sefirah Yesod (Tav) of the Tree of Life, so the Cube‘s Sun face is vertically opposed to its Moon face.

Correspondingly, the four faces of the horizontal plane are mainly characterized by horizontal complementary alignments—i.e. also as per their Tree of Life symbolism. For

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example, just as Geburah, the fifth sefirah, is horizontally opposed to Hesed, the fourth sefirah, so the elemental Fire face of the Cube is placed horizontally opposite to the elemental Water face.

Another very interesting symmetrical correspondence occurs in relation to the zodiacal sign modalities—cardinal, fixed, and mutable. The four cardinal signs (i.e. Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) lie adjacent to the Fire face of the Cube, while the four mutable signs (i.e. Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) are placed along the border of the Water face of the Cube. The four fixed signs are located next to the Air and Earth faces of the Cube. The fixed signs Leo and Aquarius are adjacent to the Air face, while Taurus and Scorpio are positioned adjacent to the Earth face of the Cube.

Also, you will notice that the arrangement of the four elemental faces around the vertical axis of the Cubic Stone mirrors the elemental arrangement of the four highest sefirot of the Tree of Life.

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Figure 13: The Four Highest Sefirot

These and other interesting geometric correspondences are good topics for Cubic Stone meditations.

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Construct Your Own Cubic Stone Oracle Constructing your own Cubic Stone Oracle (or ‗Tarot Cube‘) is relatively easy.

The first thing you need to do is purchase a ‗magic cube‘. You will find these available for a very reasonable price from ‗Two Dollar‘ shops, cheap variety stores, etc. I bought my magic cube (as a Chinese import) from a local discount toy shop in Australia for $2.99.

Remove your magic cube from its packaging and then soak it for 12-24 hours in a container of water and laundry detergent. This will loosen the stickers from their squares. After soaking, remove the stickers from the cube. A plastic kitchen scourer makes this part of the process relatively easy. Do not worry too much about any sticky residue that remains on the cube‘s surface. Let the cube air and thoroughly dry out.

In the meantime you will need to design your own labels for the 54 squares of the cube. The standard size 3x3x3 cube requires stickers of 2 cm (i.e. 20 mm) square. I made sticker templates using Corel Draw version X4. You can fit enough stickers on one sheet of A4 sized paper for two cubes.

When you have finished making your sticker template save it to a PDF document. Then copy the PDF document onto a flash drive (or CD-ROM), and take it to your local print shop. Ask for it to be laser-printed on an A4 size sheet with a single A4-sized label on it. This is one big white A4-sized sticker with a backing that can be peeled off. The type that my local print shop uses is glossy and looks great after the colour template has been laser-printed onto it.

After your sticker sheet has been printed you will need to cut out the individual stickers and affix them to the 54 squares of your cube. This can be fiddly, and I recommend that you use a carpet cutter (i.e. a razor-blade cutter) and a straight-edge ruler for the job. If you can avoid cutting all the way through the paper sheet then the stickers will be easier to individually peel off. (You will see what I mean after some trial and error.)

Apply the stickers and enjoy your ‗divination cube‘.

Here is how your template should look for maximum sticker coverage…

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Tarot Cube Divination Shuffle and Spin To use the Cubic Stone as an oracle requires a very particular procedure.

1. Take the Cube in your hands and think about the issue for which you are seeking guidance. 2. Without looking at the Cube begin shuffling its sides—i.e. by randomly rearranging its squares. Continue to ponder the issue. 3. When you have finished shuffling the Cube place it on a flat surface and give it a spin—i.e. spin the Cube on its base. Alternatively, toss a coin: ‗heads‘ = square, ‗tails‘ = diamond. (See Step 4.) 4. The Cube‘s final orientation (i.e. after the spin) determines the method you will use to read the Cube‘s Upper face. There are two possible orientations—corner up (i.e. ‗diamond‘), or side up (i.e. ‗square‘). If its orientation is ambiguous spin it again until you get a clear orientation.

The Reason for the Spin No matter have many times you shuffle the Cube—or in other words, no matter how much ‗chaos‘ you introduce into the universe that the Cube represents, the archetype that is positioned at the centre of each face is always one of the following: Sun, Moon, Six of Fire, Six of Water, Six of Air, or Six of Earth. Symbolically speaking, these six central archetypes are responsible for stabilizing the manifested universe, and they never leave their central positions within the six faces of the Cube.

Similarly, the other archetypes are limited to certain placements within each face of the Cube. For example, even after shuffling the Cube, the Twos, Threes, Fives, and Eights of each elemental suit are always positioned as corner squares on one or other of the Cube‘s faces. This geometrical restriction would limit considerably the variety of archetype placements in Cube divination IF the Cube was only read in one mode of orientation. But the Cube has, in fact, two modes of orientation—square, and diamond—which removes the limitations and ensures a huge variety of potential archetype placements.

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The diagram below reveals how the Cube‘s changing orientation places a corner square (for example, the square numbered three in the diagram) in a layout position that would otherwise be limited exclusively to a middle-side square. Notice that the diamond orientation (below right) places a corner square in layout position number three. These two orientations mean that any archetype can occur in any position in a layout. The only exceptions to this rule are the six central stabilizing archetypes. As previously mentioned, these six are always limited to one of the six central squares of the Cube.

The Nine Square Spiral Shuffle the cube and place it on the table in front of you. Spin the Cube. The Upper face of the Cube is read.

Figure 14: The Spiral Layout - Square and Diamond Orientations

Position 1: The nature of the issue. The theme. The core issue. The stabilizing factor.

The six possible archetypes for this central square are: Sun – The issue involves the need for full and true Self expression; individuality, independence, personal freedom, and creativity. Moon – The issue involves balancing your personal needs with the needs of others; physical and/or emotional security, home, family, and foundation.

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Six of Fire – The issue involves the application and true expression (and/or transmutation) of your creative will. Six of Water – The issue involves the full and true expression of your Heart‘s desires (and/or the transmutation of your emotional body). Six of Air – The issue involves the honest communication and creative expression of your ideas (and/or the transmutation of your mental body). Six of Earth – The issue relates to your involvement in the physical realm, mundane affairs, career, work, and the practical dimensions of life. The transmutation of your physical conditions so that they accurately reflect the true nature of your Self.

Position 2: How the past has influenced the issue. Position 3: Present circumstances that are effecting the issue. Position 4: Future circumstances coming into manifestation that will effect the issue. Position 5: The main obstacle or challenge. Position 6: A significant outside influence. Position 7: A hope or fear that pertains to the issue. Position 8: The final outcome. Position 9: The best (i.e. most advisable) course of action in relation to the issue. The meaning of this archetype should be combined with the archetype in position ‗1‘ to fully determine your best course of action.

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