How does one learn discrimination? Sensation leads to desire & temptation which leads to action. By reaping the results of our actions we eventually learn discrimination, which then brings us Inner Harmony and then Outer Harmony - Love.
Hebrew Name: Zain (sword, weapon)
Zain means "Sword". A sword is in many ways the
opposite of a nail (nail is the meaning of the Hebrew letter Vav &
intuition). While a nail binds things together, a sword cuts them
apart. Thus Zain implies "acuteness, sharpness, like a sword's
edge". A sword carves out distinctions, and so does
discrimination. Carving out distinctions accurately leads to harmony as
things, objects, thoughts, etc., are placed in right relationship to
each-other and to the guiding principles which govern the situation.1
The sense of smell is attributed to Zain, because smell has always been "associated with keen perception and sagacity."2
Qabalistic Intelligence: The
Disposing Intelligence
"To dispose is literally to 'place apart', to arrange, to distribute,
to apportion, to divide. [...] Analysis, classification, organization,
preparation, and adjustment are all related meanings of this mode of
consciousness" 3
Astrological Correspondence: Gemini
Gemini, the Twins, suggests intelligence, communication, duality,
division. "It is difficult to tell twins apart, and to do so requires
nice discrimination." Gemini is ruled by Mercury (K1). Thus,
discrimination is ruled by the Self Conscious. Discrimination requires
directed, concentrated attention.4
Number: 6
The meanings for the number 6 include: "Balance, equilibration,
symmetry, beauty; harmony of opposites, reciprocity; complementary activities,
polarity, love."5
Color / Note: Orange / D
Symbolism:
(Summarized from "The Tarot", by P.F.Case)6
The Scene: A man and a woman stand beneath the Archangel Raphael. The man looks at the woman who looks at the Archangel. The meaning is that our self conscious intellectual mind (the man), becomes aware of super-consciousness (the Archangel) through careful observation of the activities of the subconscious (the woman).
The Sun: The Life Power.
The Archangel: The Archangel Raphael, the Higher Self, representing Super consciousness. The Archangel represents the Unity behind the apparent pairs of opposites (male/female). He represents the "Face of the Beloved" behind the mask of appearances. True discrimination is what reveals the loving face behind all appearances. Raphael is the angel of healing, and healing is the result of establishing a harmonious balanced relationship between the self-conscious and subconscious aspects.
The Man: Adam. Generic Humanity. He is the Magician of Key 1 - Self Consciousness. It is the job of the self conscious to free the subconscious from bondage to false suggestions, in order for subconscious to be able to reflect super-conscious awareness into the field of attention.
The Flaming Tree: Each leaf is a triple flame, representing the 36 basic sub types of personality.
The Woman: Eve. She is the High Priestess and the Empress - Subconsciousness. She is looking at the Archangel and not the man. The man (Self conscious acts of attention and discrimination) has helped free her from bondage to suggestions formerly based upon superficial observation and hasty generalization. She now acts as a receiver and a reflector for divine love and guidance.
The Tree of knowledge: The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Contains five circular fruits - the five senses. Up the tree climbs the serpent of sensation because temptation arises from subconscious memory of sensation. The Serpent is also a symbol of wisdom and redemption because wisdom and liberation result from the right adaptation of the very forces which, at first, tempt us into mistaken action.
The mountain: Climbing above our present level, what alchemists call the Great Work.
The challenge is to consciously apply the principle of discrimination to everyday life:
 | Discrimination: Sensation tempts you into actions from which you learn to discriminate. By learning to experience opposites as just different aspects of an over arching unity, you become discriminating. Then, you free your subconscious to reflect God's love and grace into your awareness. The resulting inner harmony between your self conscious and subconscious modes of being leads to a more loving nature, which in turn attracts more love to you as well. |
In "Living the Tarot", Amber Jayanti provides some suggestions for integration and application of The Lovers:
| The Imagery of The Lovers can be used as a reminder to:7 Examine situations more carefully before acting. Be unashamed of your feelings. Look to your Higher Self for responses to life situations [Remind yourself of the Unity that exists behind all appearances of opposites.] |
| Ask yourself the following questions:8 What am I afraid to lose by taking action? How is loving another a distraction from, or an attraction to loving myself? How am I embracing and expanding my male and female sides? Is the relationship I am in supportive of who I truly am? What issues need to be decided or acted upon? What communication might be uncomfortable yet healing at this time? |
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.