" This Key represents the fifth stage of spiritual unfoldment. It is a degree of adeptship, that of liberation from the limitations of physical matter and circumstances. It is also a stage of conscious self-identification with the One Life. Yet it is not final [... ,for] a person who has reached this grade still feels himself to be a separate, or at least distinct entity. [ It is the] stage in which all physical forces are dominated by the will of the adept, because he is an unobstructed vehicle for the One Will which always has ruled those forces, since the beginning."1
Hebrew Name: Resh (head)
"Resh" means the head and face of man. "In the head are
gathered together, or collected, all the distinctively human powers. The
word "countenance," in fact, is derived from a Latin verb meaning
"to hold together, to contain." Again, the head of any project
is its organizer, director, guiding power, manager, controller. Thus we
may expect to find in the symbols of Key 19 plain intimations of authority and
leadership."2
Being a Hebrew double-letter, Resh is attributed to the opposites of
Fruitfulness and Sterility. Thus it represents the "extremes of
expression in the manifestation of solar force. The sun causes all growth, but
it also makes deserts."3
Qabalistic Intelligence: The
Collecting Intelligence
"To collect is to assemble, to bring together, to combine, to unify, to
embody, to synthesize. [ This intelligence] concentrates all the modes of
consciousness which have gone before, and combines them in a new form. Thus it
is a regenerative mode consciousness, Incorporating all the elements of control
In a new realization of personality."4
As the physical sun collects gases and compresses them until ignition is
achieved, so too the Collective Intelligence signifies the outpouring of light
from one whose consciousness has been refined, purified and compressed until it
has ignited.
Astrological Correspondence: The Sun
The Sun is attributed to Resh. The following ideas are associated with
the Sun: Concentrated energy; light and life; gold; warmth; love; the
heart; rulership; the One Ego.
The sun is also the symbol for alchemical gold, of which Eliphas Levi wrote: "The gold of the philosophers is, in religion, the absolute and supreme reason, in philosophy it is truth; in visible nature it is the sun, which is the emblem of the sun of truth, as that itself is the shadow of the First Source whence all splendors spring; in the subterranean world it is the purest and most perfect gold. For this reason the search after the magnum opus is called the search after the Absolute, and the Great Work is itself called the work of the sun." This radiant energy of the sun (both physical and subtle non-physical) is also known as "living gold" and as the "First Matter" of the Great Work.
The Sun rules the sign of Leo. The Sun is a symbol of the dominant force manifested by the process depicted in Key 8. The Law of Suggestion (Leo) is the process by which the One Will shapes the substance of itself (the radiant solar force or First Matter) into ALL forms. The Sun is a self-conscious entity, which shapes the substance of itself into all forms, including us. We are truly children of the Sun.
The Sun is exalted in Aries. The radiant solar force finds its highest form of expression in the Supreme and Sovereign Reason attributed to K4 / Reason / The Emperor / Aries.
Number: 19
The Power of 9 (The Hermit) acting through the Agency of 1 (The
Magician). The Law of Response in action. The Expression of the One
Will through human self-consciousness. Human personality as an
unobstructed vehicle for the One, shining his/her lantern as the One Will's
direct agent in service to humanity. 19 "is also the final term of
the series of Keys representing self-conscious intellection, viz., 1, 4, 7, 10,
13 and 16."5
Color / Note: Orange / D
Symbolism:
(Summarized from "The Tarot", by P. F. Case)6
The Sun: The Sun has a face representing the truth that the " seemingly material forces of nature really are modes of conscious energy, essentially human in character and potencies."7 The rays of the Sun are alternatively waved (vibration) and straight (radiation).
4 Sunflowers: " Four sunflowers, representing the four Qabalistic worlds, the four kingdoms of nature (mineral, vegetable, animal, and human) turn, not towards the sun, but towards the little child, as if to hint that all creation turns to man for its final development."8
Wall: " The wall in the background represents human adaptation of natural conditions."9 It is a stone fence and thus a symbol of The Chariot (Key 7) and the idea of speech. The fence indicates that all language is limited to describing things derived directly from sensory experience. " This is Why language fails whenever one attempts to use it to describe experiences which go beyond the range of physical sensation. This is why mystics and seers are forced to resort to symbolic uses of language."10 Since human language cannot express the highest forms of realization, the child turns his back to this wall indicating that he turns his back on the life based upon appearances and sensation. "He leaves behind the artificial erections of race-consciousness, and fares forth free and joyous on his journey home." 11
Child: The child is nude to show his Eden like innocence. The child represents regenerated self-consciousness and subconsciousness.
Horse: Symbolic of solar energy, the animal nature, as well as being a vehicle (body) for travel. In this stage, the regenerated self-conscious & subconscious modes ride upon (reside within) a fully humanized & regenerated vital animal soul (Yesod) and physical body, resulting in perfect balance and control.
Red Banner: Symbolic of Universal Volition or Will (Geburah), vibration and action. Indicates that the regenerated personality is a standard bearer for the One Will and carries out its actions. Carried in left hand indicating that the measurement and control of this force has passed from self-consciousness (right hand) to subconsciousness (left hand) and has thus become automatic. "Thus it is easy, and the great standard seems no burden to the boy."12
The challenge is to consciously bring Regeneration into our life:
 | Love: Love is experienced in the sun center near the heart in the form of waves. To get love, you must become love. You must be conscious of receiving it in order to believe that you are loveable. Like a flower opens its pedals to the Sun, you open your heart to receive love and reclaim the renewed innocence of youth. |
| Regeneration: Like the Sun whose light results from the collection and compression of gas, you collect love with an open heart, and thus refreshed, shine your love on others, aiding their growth and making yourself a channel for doing God's work; a conscious co-creator with God. |
In "Living the Tarot", Amber Jayanti provides some suggestions for integration and application of The Sun:
|
The image of The Sun can be used to:
13
Let your own light shine or encourage another to do so. Seek out and follow the Source of Life for genuine well-being and sustenance. [To appreciate the physical Sun as a living conscious being.] |
| Ask yourself the following questions: 14 What accomplishment would I like to bask in? In what ways might I bring my inner teacher out into the world? In what aspect of my life can being too energetic or enthusiastic be a hindrance? Why am I feeling burned-out and what can I do about it? How can I be a more effective source of light? In what situation is my heart opening? What person or project can I be more supportive of? How might I create a healthier, happier, more enjoyable life? How am I seeing "the light" in all? Where might I bring enthusiasm and energy without making others feel wrong for their attitudes and beliefs? In what ways can I shine in service to another or my community? Where in my personal or professional life might I benefit from working collectively? |
Illustrations from the Universal Waite Tarot Deck reproduced by permission of
U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902 USA. Copyright ©1990 by U.S. Games
Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited.