niedziela, 15 marca 2015

TdM reflections - XIIII TEMPERANCE and XXI LE MONDE



Temperance is one of virtues, but that's very abstract, so let's see what is visible on the card. There's an angel - a symbol of goodness. He (or she) has two jugs - just like XVII The Star. These jugs look very similar indeed. Maybe the angel is preparing some liquid for the Star to pour over? I will have to think about it when I stop by card XVII...
The angel teaches us about patience (you have to be patient to pour the liquid so that you don't spill a drop!), focusing on our tasks.
How is this angel connected to IIII The Emperor? The angel, like the Emperor, is controlling the situation, but in a more understanding way. He/she is leading us by setting an example, not pressing us to follow the lead. The angel has wings, so the card might be a hope for us - that even if now we feel trapped or oppressed, there will be a chance to break free.

There's an angel also on XXI The World card. We have all the "beast" symbols traditionally connected to the four Evangelists: a lion (Mark), an eagle (John), a bull (Mark) and an angel (Matthew). They all have an older and complex meaning, but let's stop at that. What is interesting, one of the creatures - the bull - has no halo, although all the other have. It's just like Coins court differs from other three (no numerals on pips) and Jodorowsky suggests the creatures symbolize the courts: the lion - Wands, the eagle - Swords, the angel - Cups and the bull - Coins. And the lady in the middle? She's probably the spirit of Major Arcana...

Oh, and an important thing: she's often described as "androgynous", but what I see here is definitely a lady! I know there were such representations of Christ, but here I see a woman.
The World, number XXI, is connected to I Magician and XI Strength. Even visually: the naked woman holds similar objects in her hands that Le Bateleur has and there's a beast and a lady, like on the Strength card. The Wolrd is the completion of the journey, but it means also new beginnings (as connected to number 1). It means we have all the resources we need and now it's time to act. The world will be on our side.

Brak komentarzy:

Prześlij komentarz