Tabula Mundi Tarot: “Planetary Archetypes” – Moon (Priestess) + Mercury (Magus) + Venus (Empress)

THE PRIESTESS (MOON): As I type this, I’m looking at the Middle Pillar within the Tree of Life and seeing the 13th path of the Priestess as the conduit of pure enlightenment in Kether, traveling down to the 6th Sephira of Tiphareth (Sun) that reveals the hidden “spiritual beauty” of the Priestess, then leading to the 9th Sephira of Yesod (Moon). The place where intuitive energy is created and regenerates through the spiral water flow that is seen in the Priestess archetype. She is the mediator and translator between these spheres. The alignment between the light and dark, the masculine and feminine, and what is hidden that is yet to be revealed. The Full Moon is her divining crown in Kether. The Priestess is turned away from the Moon and allowing its light to spiritually guide her with messages of esoteric knowledge. She holds the secrets in her right hand in a gesture that a revelation is about to be revealed, There is a soft movement to the flow of water that drapes her, this gentleness is through her inner nature, We are presented with an opportunity to reveal the spiritual mysteries and to transform aspects of the ‘Self. The Priestess has opened her heart, if you are ready to listen.

THE MOON: Is a luminary force that we are affected by on a daily basis. It influences the water energy that our body is made of as well as the tides of the ocean. It moves through each astrological sign every 2.5 days and moves through the eight moon phases (NEW, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, FULL, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, Waning Crescent, NEW) in 29.5 days. The power of these phases shifts us at an emotional and intuitive level. The four elements of the astrological signs are influenced by these shifts, but in different ways. Those whose Sun and Moon signs are both in the water element will feel the amplification of the lunar shifts. The other sign elements of fire, air, and earth benefit from the affects that the lunar cycles offers by slowing energy down and being more reflective about one’s Self. This is best experienced by those who understand the flowing energies of the Moon. Knowing when it can be either illusionary or healing.

MAGUS (MERCURY): Placed on the 12th path between Kether (Higher Conscious) and Binah (Form). The Magus is inspired from the forces of the higher cosmos and communicating it down into the earthly realm. Hence, “as above, so below”. The Caduceus with the quartz crystal activates the Magus’ will to create and to shift speed when necessary. Meleen describes the Magus as “sound” as he tunes in to the vibrational forces that surround him. He is the controller/master of many things all at once. Mixing, changing and cueing up records, connecting to his physical environment and the higher cosmos. The key to this multi-crafting of skills is how his heart and mind are harmoniously in sync, as seen with the handheld sword rising from the golden cup. These are like soulmates who understand each other. There is a liberation of the soul within the Magus which allows him to be adaptable with the tools that are made available to manifest ideas into form. Though caution is needed as the greatness of the Magus’ skill can turn his influence into deception for those who may be misled by his ideas.

MERCURY: In the Tree of Life, Mercury is placed in the 8th Sephira of Hod. Blending in the Martian forces of of Geburah (5th Sephira) and the beauty of Tiphareth (6th Sephira). There is a transformative dynamic between these two spheres that awakens the conscious in a higher form. This is the “A HA” moment of brilliance when Mercury is fully activated. This makes sense with Mercury being the planet closest to the Sun which is no more than a 28° distance. Mercury (the intellect) gets its inspiration from the Sun (the will) and is housed in the physical body (Earth). It is the joining of these conditions that creates a refinement of the intellect. It is said that when the Sun and Mercury are in close conjunction, the conscious Self experiences a closer connection to the Will and Intellect. Thus quickly inspiring to create and manifest ideas into a purpose. Keep in mind, the intellect is non duality. Neither male/female except the body it is in. What differentiates this is the experience that is being perceived. Ultimately, seeing both sides of a situation allows the mind to make a rational decision based on the experience itself. By understanding and activating the four functions of the human will, emotions, thoughts, and consciousness, the Magus alchemizes these functions into the one form of our Self.

THE EMPRESS (VENUS): “The Great Mother of All” is Meleen’s description of the Empress. She is Creation, Mother, and Protection. I see the Empress as a evolved form of the Priestess. Her intuitive heart and the keeper of secret knowledge is being utilized in the earthly realm of the Empress. The Empress is on the 14th path of Daleth (door) between the 2nd Sephira of Chokmah (Knowledge) and 3rd Sephira of Binah (Form). This placement bridges these forces for the Empress to apply knowledge into her creativity. Her heart has been transformed into a honeycomb (natural made resource) from the Priestess’ heart filled of pomegranate seeds (knowledge). The female worker bees add further strength and dedication to the Empress. The core energy of the Empress is creation through natural forms. Nothing modified. Pure creative forces at work. She knows what needs to be done and watches over, but doesn’t control. Nature is powerful and she respects this. She is flanked by opposing crescent moons that guide her intuition through the creative process. A devoted mother of the land and nurturer of the earth (the body). Her alchemical symbol is Salt, which crystallizes, condenses, and grounds the body (earth). Her completed work is then placed to the Emperor who then devises a plan for her work.

VENUS: In the Tree of Life, Venus is in the 7th Sephira of Netzach (Desire/Intuition). Combining the 4th Sephira of Chesed (Jupiter-Love/Kindness) and the 6th Sephira of Tiphareth (Sun-Beauty). We see the result in Netzach. The manifestation of love and desire are qualities that are influenced by Venus. It inspires what we value and care for at a physical and spiritual level. It also affects our relationships with others and the love that we surround ourselves with. But what I find most important with Venus is how we can learn to develop self love to create beauty within the inner ‘Self which in turn reflects outward for others to see. The Empress is the true emanation of Venus in its higher realm. Her heartfelt desires fuels creativity and personal expressions.