The Goddess Skandamata in her transformation of the emotion courage has a smaller figure with six heads on her lap. This small detail is important and should not be overlooked by the faithful. A reward will be achieved if each of the Goddess statues where studied and arranged carefully in a proper order. The emotion shown in the statue is called (वीर) veera or vira it is one of the necessary nine emotions required in alchemy. The Goddess and her trusted mount can be depicted in the Tarot of Fortitude. The law of repetition is an occult law. The taro image of the woman breaking a pillar merely by holding the structure has an image of a lion repeated. One on her head, one on her face, and on on her breast plated armor. Is it possible for a human face to bear resemblance to a beast? The drawing of a lion at the bottom left appears small and neutral in emotion. Almost at peace. A restful state. Many will disregard how the tarot is constructed. This is a shame as the principles reveal the universe patterns of the solar system and the constellations. The 78 cards show the position of the stars through every season. Just how this is achieved is informative. When the August sun rays grow weaker a new constellation appears. This is of a woman. The constellation is called Virgo. When Leo finally arrives the summer heat turns on. The days are very warm. Life derived from the sun can be understood by this stellar example. The energy from the sun rays will enter the animals, people, earth and plants. There is no need for a coat or sweater at this point. The grass may turn brown from the intensity of the sun rays. When the constellation of Virgo arrives. The power of the sun decreases. The Tarot shows a gentle lion in the presence of the woman. Can you control your emotions to achieve a desired outcome? Emotion that is out of control can not provide useful works. The Sun when properly used can help in the harvest. The Waite Tarot has a figure that is calm. The advantage of this painting is often ignored. Look at the mountain in the background on the left side. This mountain represents the Great Work. It is the mountain that symbolizes the mountains Lot and Moses climb. When you go to that mountain you are in the process of meditating. Hence by looking at tarot art you are invoking the process of meditating. The steps to meditate require you higher personality the angel gaining control over the savage nature of your lower thoughts. Once under control you can go to the mountain you can inhibit thought. A hermetic deck can provide more information. This work is by Godfrey Dowson. A determined woman unmoved with the power of Leo at her command. The fire spilling from the cup is known as divine fire. This is thought originating from heaven. It is a pure will that negates unpleasant passions. When the passions are tamed their powers can be used to forge the necessary virtues. The taro in particular reminds us of Daniel 6:1-28 when the angel closed the mouths of the lions in the den. The lions here refer to the savage beasts within our personality. The control over these beasts comes from prayer. The messenger. The angel makes the beasts unable to reveal their fangs in the presence of an adept. The woman holding the cup has a halo. This feature is present in art of divinity ruling over lower thoughts. In Tarot the halo can be displayed as a lemniscate. In mathematics it is borrowed as a concept for infinity. The so called figure eight in a horizontal position. The cross upon the woman of Virgo represents the balancing of archangel Michael "Mika-el" in the ancient Egyptian. This balance upon the stars directs the emotional centers. Question: What is the importance of the five petal flower above the alchemical symbol of Saturn? Lady Freida Harris shows Tarot designs can be very different and do not have to conform to blind copying. How many suns can you find in the card named Lust? One glance will not find all of them. Where are these suns located? The faces on the lion, where are they and in which direction are they looking? Do not forget to check out the face on the tail. Some of the faces are male and female humanoid. Some are animal like. Some have crowns some have halos. Above the beast are drawings of serpent tails. Notice the central pair in the middle. They resemble horns of a sheep. The figure below the multi-headed lion also must be studied. That figure has the eyes closed. This particular taro displays the different personalities we have command over. Which personality appears is based on which collection of emotions are observed. A Marseille Tarot. Differences can lead to discoveries about the universe. Simple explanations point to clues that are covered up. The number sequence presented in Tarot is suggested by interpreting passages from a book called Sefer Yetzirah. One version is translated by William Westcott, 1893. The pictures offer the neglected clues that are never consulted. The Tarot itself is a book. The pictures offer knowledge about the numerical sequence. Our queen wears a 6 pointed crown. It may perhaps be difficult to see directly. This is our divine principal within us. You have one. That is your sense of right verses wrong. If you let that guide you. You will foster that connection within you. For you to hear you must be silent within. The deeper connection between this Marseille tarot and the control of your human emotions requires further information. To find this information requires a trip to India. The Visconti Di Modrone Tarot is very beautiful. This emphasizes the importance of controlling the beast with the higher form of divinity within your very self. The use of Gold background an the verdant field below upon which the lion and woman stand represent the unification of higher thoughts with the lower carnal thoughts. Color and shape are carefully considered in the planning of a tarot key. The use of gold hair and golden crown indicate the halo surrounding her head and the active conscious ruling godhead in the symbol of the crown. The lady is the hidden symbol of the divine soul awakened. That is why in this picture the artist has the lady sitting upon the lion as the vehicle. In devotional paintings the higher form of intellect is quite often observed to be riding an animal mount. Notice how the tail is forming part of a lemniscate. This resembles a figure 8 and will touch the staff of the trident. The trident is called ( त्रिशूल ) Trishula. This symbol is related strongly to the three prong ש shin. The physical mind, The mental mind, and the spiritual mind can be accessed through the trident. You can guess that the trident plays an important role in emotional rulership. The description in Exodus of a serpent eating other serpents is actually the reincarnation of nine Goddesses into one Goddess (Durga). This is celebrated in India and is known as the Durga Puja. It is a celebration of nine nights and is thus called the Navaratri. The Nava means nine and the ratri means nights. The serpent motif is an emotion. There are nine sacred emotions. As a day passages into a night one of the emotions is introduced and the Goddess employed to harness control over the emotion is taught in foods story and imagery. Each night is marked for each serpent. The Bible passage Exodus 7:7-13 tells how the staffs of the magicians of Egypt are transformed into serpents. These nine serpents are then according to the parable swallowed completely by a tenth serpent. This is the encompassing feature. This Goddess Durga is honored by the 10th day of the celebration and represents the final reincarnation. Durga offers the gifts of purification. A prisoner of emotion is a prisoner without realizing it. The mind is described as a prison with a jailor known as friend your conscious self. The role of this art work (see above) is to gain freedom over yourself. Durga दुर्गा means inaccessible fortress. Your heart must be protected at all times. various spirits. Called thoughts can invade. Therefore a strong defense is necessary. This is why Durga appears so fierce. Note how the three fires arise from the spinal chord are represented by the trident which Durga grasps. The trident also reminds us of the three qualities rajas, tamas, and sattva. They go into making the response of the emotions. The halo of the sitting Goddesses is centered at the solar plexus. Nine emotions require control for each these nine. The art work allows for a way to gain the upper hand. There is a language in the poses of the figure riding the mount. Some of this information can be presented. All nine are said to be transformations of Durga. The numerical assignments of the pictures are from left to right beginning at the top left row. Each number represents the day of a festival honoring each of the aspects of our emotions. As noted previously finding the order reveals how emotions once tamed can be used for a higher noble purpose. The रस Rasas (juice, essence or flavors) are composed of nine types. These are 1 शृङ्गार Sringara Love, 2 हास्य Hasaya Mirth, 3 करुन्या Karunya Compassionate, 4 रौद्र Raudra Fury, Wrath, 5 वीर Veera (Vira) Courage, 6 भयानक Bhayanaka Fear , 7 बीभत्स Bibhatsa Disgust, 8 अद्भुत Adbutha Wonder, Surprise, 9 शान्तरस Shanta, peace, calm, content. Each of the Rasas are assigned to one of the representations of Durga. Day 1 Shailaputri Her mount is the Ox. The rasas number 1 is called Shringara शृङ्गार this is Love. We begin the search for love and to grow love within. The first day calls forth the seeking of the inner beauty and love. These two can heal. Love is the greatest strength. This refers again to the tarot image of the lady with the lion. The importance to understanding the art work is observation and careful attention. Please Make a note of where the legs are positioned. In this statue the right leg is extended below and the left leg is raised in a near cross position but not completely crossed. These notes must be compared with the other statues. On this day forth we start with two arms. The right are holds the trident. The left are welds the lotus flower. Day 2 Brahmacharini Austerity. This statue is one the few where the Goddess actually does not sit on a throne or a mount. The number 2 Rasa is Hasaya हास्य this is Mirth. The figure still uses only two arms. The complexity of the arms will continue. The right arm holds a Japa Mala Rosary. The left arm holds a Kamandalu. The contents of water symbolizes Amrita. This is the elixir of life. Day 3 Chandraghanta Compassion Pity. Rasa number 3 is Karunya करुन्या This is Compassion. The mount is a lion. Here the legs are completely different. The case for pity has the Goddess crossing her right leg and extending her left leg fully. The right leg is over the left leg in order for the control of pity to be successful. On day three more arms are required. Ten arms in all. Pity is an emotion that is draining. Day 4 Kushmanda Rasa number 4 is Raudra रौद्र this is Fury, Wrath. Again a clue to the way to overcome the power of the emotional pain from fury can be obtained by examining the legs. Here the right leg is partially raised at an angle. The left leg at the shin is extended. More of the weight of the rider is on the mount. If no rider were present wrath becomes out of control and results in much destruction. Your higher form of YOURSELF must be present. Avoid the temptation to leave your vehicle unattended. The fourth day demands eight arms. Four arms on each side. The two closed fists on the left side are the Mushti mudras. This releases suppressed emotions that are built up. The lower right hand has the dual honor of performing the Abhaya mudra and holding vessel by the thumb of honey elixir. This mudra conveys blessing. The lower left arm holds the pot of blood. The left hand has the fist Mushti mudra. The release of pent up emotion. The upper left hand holds the Sudarshana Chakra. The second left hand holds the Mace. The third left hand is the Mushti mudra fist (pointed downward). The upper right hand holds a lotus. The second right hand holds an arrow. The third right hand holds the bow. Day 5 Maa Skandamata Courage. The mount is a lion. The child is Karthikeya. The child is given the title Lord Skandamata or Lord Skanda. Note the six heads. Lord Skanda is assigned to Gevurah (Geburah) גבורה and is called strength. Hence the connection between courage and strength. This statue is unique among the nine for it is the only one where the legs of the rider form a perfect cross. The head and chest form an arrangement to allow the trace of a perfect triangle. The design of a triangle with a cross below is the alchemical symbol for sul-phur. This was no accidental coincidence The pose of the Goddess was design this way intentionally so. Rasa number 5 is Veera वीर this is Courage. In this form the right leg is fully extended and the left leg forms a perfect cross over the right leg. This day the number of arms is four upon the Goddess and four upon her child. The four arms relate to the four elements of fire air water and earth. In the case of courage the Goddess grasps a lotus flower in both left and right hands. The way they are held and the orientation of the hands holding no tools are really mudras. By understanding the mudras the unwritten symbolism of these sculptures can be learnt. The child holds the bow and arrow. These are the tools to form the state of union with the God Head. To utilize the full potential of the emotion of courage we must establish communion with the all. Only by the act of forcing the soul as the arrow can spirit be fixed into the flesh. This unification is necessary in order to perceive higher worlds. Here we can see how the sulphur symbol is designed into the statue. This approach can be observed in the creation of the tarot paintings. Scholars wishing to study the tarot would be wise to examine the art found in shires and temples throughout the world. Day 6 Katyayani Fear. Rasa number 6 is Bhayanaka भयानक this is Fear. The pose of the rider is completely different. The right leg is crossed over the left leg but only the ankle rests upon the the thigh of the left leg. The left leg itself is extended at the shin and the left foot is resting upon the floor. This configuration allows the mount to be stationary and not move. The emotion of fear immobilizes us. To ensure this note how the right arms are free of tools. The lower right hand is the Varada mudra. The upper right hand is the Abhaya mudra. These mudras are seen on buddha statues sitting with legs folded. This is the gesture of protection. This is known as the fearlessness mudra with the palm shown and the fingers extended. The left arms hold tools. The lower arm holds the Khadga (long sword) sword of truth and victory. The higher arm holds the lotus flower. 7 Kalratri Disgust Her mount is the donkey. Rasa number 7 is Bibhatsa बीभत्स this is Disgust. In this emotion the rider does not form a cross with either of the legs. The right leg is bent but rests upon the mount. The left leg is extended with the foot facing the viewer. The two arms on the right side are free of tools. The arms on the left side contain tools. Her upper left hand holds the snake. This is the attempt to rise in wisdom by gaining higher consciousness. Her lower left hand holds the hooked Vajra. Her upper right hand is the gesture of the Abhaya mudra. This is the gesture of fearlessness. 8 Mahagauri Wonder Rasa number 8 is Adbutha अद्भुत this is Wonder. Here the rider is relaxed. The right leg is extended and the left leg is about to form a cross. This differs from the previous days. Here the right arms contain a tool and a free hand. The left arms are asymmetrical. Her upper right hand welds the trident. Her lower right hand displays the Abhaya mudra. The upper left hand of the Goddess is the Varada mudra. The Varada mudra is the seal. This mudra represents the offering, welcome, charity, giving, compassion and sincerity. It is performed with the help of both the hands in which palm of right hand is facing forward and fingers extended and left hand palm placed near omphalos (sacred stone, navel of the earth) with extended fingers. The lower left hand holds the Damaru (Tambourine). Day 9 Maa Siddhidatri Tranquility This statue does not demand a mount. Here a throne is provided. Rasa number 9 is Shanta शान्तरस this is peace. This statue is different from the others. Instead of standing erect or sitting upon an animal the figure sits upon a lotus. The mount has transformed into as higher being. The pose has the right leg slightly bent. The left leg forms a cross, but does not intersect the right leg. The left foot almost is about to touch the knee joint of the right leg. The last day the four arms each hold tools. These are the same tools Vishnu welds. The rear right hand holds the Sudarshana Chakra. The lower right hand holds the Gada (mace). The upper left hand displays the shankha (Conch), while the lower left hand grasps the padma lotus. The tools displayed in this arrangement of Siddhidatri's hands are the same as in the arrangement displayed for Vishnu's hands. Vishnu is observed to be standing on a lotus. The globe shows the representation of the ark in the sky. If the paintings were studied a story can be realized. The figure of a man part horse part human is emerging from ship. The figure is in combat with an animal. That animal is called THE BEAST. The higher nature of ourself must overcome the lower debased nature. Notice how the mounts and legs differ for each of the 9 emotions. Why does Tranquility require the lotus? The order of the animals and plant suggest an evolution of change. This means the emotion if understood is actually a tool to mentally evolve your own mind. Even by these careful observations knowledge can be obtained. On the days assigned for Love 1, Courage 5, Wonder 8, and Tranquility 9 the right leg is extended toward the ground. The day for Mirth 2 requires both legs on the ground. The days assigned for Pity 3, Wrath 4, Fear 6, Disgust 7 require that the left foot be extended toward the ground. This is not by chance. The structure shows how two different forces can be used in aid. This concept is underlying the design present the pillar of Mercy and Pillar of Strength which can be seen in Tree of Life diagrams. The same concept is seen yet again in the Tao symbol of 陰 Yin and 陽 Yang. This is also seen in the Mason Boaz בֹּעַז and Jachin יָכִין pillars. This repeatability can be realized as to what it actually means when considering the twelve signs of the zodiac. Six of the signs are assigned as winter constellations and six are assigned as summer constellations. If you ignore for a moment the desire to think only of climate then you can fully realize that the constellation assignments are really pointing to a way of controlling your emotions and achieving the gradual change in character and personal development. Schematic of the leg positions. Days 1, 5, 8, and 9 the Goddesses have their right leg extended. Days 3, 4, 6 and 7 the Goddesses have their left leg extended. Day two the Goddess stands upon both feet. Why are diagrams and finding relations in art so important to the student? One who begins the study of this science [חכמה] must know that as students we must first learn all of the drawings [הציורים], and how all the worlds descend [משתלשלים] one after another. And all of these representations must be drawn [מצוירים] before the study can proceed. This is so that the students can comprehend and understand the matters of the universe without blind concepts and second guessing.
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