To: K-list
Recieved: 2000/05/30 20:35
Subject: Re: [K-list] serpent dreams-an interpretation
From: Mrkstavish
On 2000/05/30 20:35, Mrkstavish posted thus to the K-list:
Dear List,
It was requested that some more details be said regarding serpent dreams and
Tarot symbolism.
The fundamental symbol of almost all western esoteric movements is the
qabalistic Tree of Life. This diagram is of ten spheres arranged into three
columns of three on each side and four in the middle. They are connected by
a series of lines called, "Paths", with those issuing from the top, moving to
the right, then left, then right again, and so forth down to the bottom
center sphere, being known as "The Lightning Flash" and representing the
creative action of diety from the most abstract to the most concrete, and is
called "Mezla". When these actions are reversed, this is known as "The Path
of Return" (mostly in French occult circles), and is symbolized by a rising
serpent.
Seven of the spheres have planetary correspondences, and all represent some
form of energy in the cosmos, the physical world, our psychic 'bodies', and
our physical bodies (organs,etc.).
Through a method of counting, there are ten spheres and twenty-two 'paths'
for a total of thirty-two paths (number of vertabre, 33 if you include the
'atlas' upon which rests the skull). During the mid- to late- 19th century,
it became fashionable to place the tarot cards on these paths and to
associate their Hebrew letters with them. The cards of couse are of older
origin, the Middle Ages, but take their modern form at this time. The
symbols were derived from Jewish mysticism or qabala, practical alchemy, and
astrology. Some mythology also crept into the symbolism.
As some may know, the zodiac is known as 'Tali' or the 'Dragon' and
constitutes the twelve (12) stages that something goes through when it
completes a level of evolution. Thus, twelve solar months in the year.
Twelves steps on symbolic ladders, knights of the round table, disciples of
Jesus, etc.
Seven represents the seven ancient planets (also areas we can effect though
our efforts) and the seven double laws of creation. Thus, each planet has a
virtue and a vice; each 'chakra' a god and goddess; creative and destructive
power, etc.
When we look at Cancer (the Moon) and the Hermit (Virgo) we see profound
symbols of the unconscious creative force (luna), and its dual aspects as
they relate to the mental realm (Mercury) , as well as our evolution (the
caduceus wand of dual serpents in mercurius' hand).
Thus, through a judicious mental application of our unconscious creative
forces, we can become the magus (or alchemist) that thing we call and 'adept'
.
Cancer also represents a time of the year when lunar forces are strongest.
If we wish to master the astral world (which gives defacto mastery of the
material world) entry into it is easiest at this time.
The secret symbol of Cancer is the furnace, or the inner heat that give life
and purification to our psyche.
The moon suggests psychic development, as well as unconscious forces; mercury
is mental development, as well as resourcefulness, and magical and occult
interests on a technical level.
The virtue of luna is independence, its vice idleness; Mercury is honesty,
and vice dishonesty. Luna has a gerat deal to do with sexual forces (hence
female cycles) and mercury with the image of the hermaphrodite (inner balance
of the creative forces in the body proper).
Thus, the dream suggest to me, that for the dreamer, the full moon during
Cancer would be a good time to meditate on what it means to follow the Path
they have chosen, especially as it relates to their ideas of self-perfection
and solitude (ideas associated with the Hermit). What is you perfect image
of your perfect self? How do you nurture it?
I do not ask you to answer these questions, simply to state them as they are
what is stated in the dream ACCORDING to the above interpretation using the
archetypes of Western esotericism.
On a more simple level it is mercury/hermit/wise old guy saying keep your
head about you when you encounter the astral forces (luna), and call on me
(reason) if you need help.
I hope this is of use to you.
Sincerely,
Mark Stavish, M.A.
The Wyoming Valley Society for Esoteric Studies
http://hometown.aol.com/esoteric777/myhomepage/index.html
http://www.hermetic.com/stavish/
"Oser, Vouloir, Se Taire. - Dare, Will, Keep Silent"
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symbol.