Nungali

I found a half drowned 'mouse' in a bucket of water, but it wasn't a mouse... it looked so strange wet! It was a feather-tail glider. I dried him and kept him warm and fed him honey water, 2 days later he seemed bright and frisky so I let him go in the tree where they usually congregate. Four bound - gone ! Cute little fellah. I filmed it on my phone, but here are some internet pics of them

Now the thank you button is relevant ! < press press press >

a 'piggy squid' ... he looks happy .

Then this is a helix and not a vortex ?

old gold

I bet you can transmute a paper check into a rubber one .

I am embarrassed to admit that I thought a vortex was an expression of a helix ... am I a genius or do I change my avatar pic ?

.... I dont rub no guys any which way . Although i might rub two wooden sticks together to get a fire going under your arse at times . .... You're welcome !

Is the miracle of New Avatar Power ... more powerful than the Necronomicon ? I assume you have tried both systems - I haven't . .

I tried to find it by having a lightning tour of this thread ... My Goodness, what a little 'magical diary' it is ! There is stuff waaay back and ... well, only like daobums can get lets just say, if you are interested in the refs. I made to it - and you dont want to wade though that amusing journey I referenced ; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daemon_(classical_mythology) and check out the 'see also' links and the Zoroastrian perspective, 'Fraveshi' : http://heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/overview/index.htm

I would like the reference so I can follow up the fuel. Maybe I will find something new and interesting?. The transmission of magical 'authority' is certainly an interesting and not unknown thing, Have you read the earlier posts, I put up heaps of similar concept back there with refs. I am interested in the 'process' but perhaps not in the way this thread title implies. Nowadys I sway towards the Zoroastrian concepts ( links provided back tin this link about that too )

Certainly not, unless you can give a good reference to this claim; " The "HGA" is said to be the departed manipura chakra of a dead magician. It can be abused for power or it can be used to help cross the abyss - but it was meant to be your master's investment to you. " ? ? ?

I told you it would not be as painful afterwards . Are you ready for the next bit yet ?

Ses you ! - I will get out of here some day !

Michael , here is the GD source for attributing some court cards to constellations off the zodiac ; " Knight of Wands If ill dignified, he is evil-minded --- cruel --- bigoted --- brutal. He rules the celestial heavens from above the Twentieth Degree of Scorpio to the First Two Decans of Sagittarius: and this includes a part of the Constellation Hercules. (Hercules is always represented with a Club.) * " " Queen of Wands She rules the heavens from above the last Decan of Pisces to above the 20 Degree of Aries: including thus a part of Andromeda. " ... and KC Pegasus , but not the others . http://www.tarot.org.il/Library/Mathers/Book-T.html#KnightWands sidereal constellational zodiac. Its the GD 'astro tilt'. * * bear in mind what I said about Hercules elsewhere ( as a depiction on that tarot trump XI you posted) and the ill -dignification ... and Crowley's comments on the card. [ and to add a top spin ... BoT ref is : (Samuel Weiser 1989 ) p. 282 ; 4 tables entitled " The Court cards of the Tarot with the Spheres of their Celestial Dominion. But in these tables, the only off zodiac constellations are KW - Hercules & KC - Pegasus (and the Princess , of course. ) * It probably is not in online stuff, the GD Book T has supplementary papers, including 'unlettered T.A.M. instruction ' . This section is tricky and libel to be mis-interpreted but, it makes a staterment about the GD astrology generally; " The Planets' sphere which illustrates this manuscript, a part of the Z.A.M. 's Abstract of the Tarot, has been drawn by S.R.M.D. as instructed. It represents our heavens polarised on the plane of the Ecliptic, not on the plane of the Equator of our Earth, so that its North Pole is the veritable North Pole of our Heavens and not merely that part of them to which the North Pole of our Earth now points.." Now, is this a mean central point of the orbiting polar circle over a great astrological cycle, as a pole ? And will that put the ecliptic 'off' to include those constellations of Andromeda, Pegasus and Hercules ?

When its defined that way I do . Which deck do you mean ?

One would think so .... but ... Oh, I haven't confused them , but I feel they 'should' be joined ( its a simple matter, on line nowadays, to cast a 'sidereal' chart that has aspects to fixed stars ) but .... see below. besides its .... in the GD book .... of course ... where did you think the old boy .... lifted it from. (scuse the dots .... I am typing in time .... to Annie .... PS. check the bird .... in the clip ) .... see ya there. Great card work by the way

... and the alien is even worse !

Oh great ! Now look what you got me into !

Excuse me ? ! ? So much for my post # 37

I had a Buddhist friend who used to like playing this board game, called the Game of Enlightenment. I suppose its a video game now. Electronic enlightenment ?

Excellent start. I am looking forward to reading some of the research I know you have been doing on this. I will, for a start . offer three things ( some you will be aware of, I am hoping others will contribute ideas too ) 1. (minor and in passing ) Crowley seems to have got it wrong, he depicted phurbas but calls them dorjes , but that is of little imprt considering the decans. 2. ( my big one ) Okay, so where do these images and faces come from ... why look at a 10 degree segment 'floating in space' that is really only a division from the equinoctal point ( as, I think you said decans are tropical ) and decide it is a man carrying his head. (My contention is, I think you know, it is not a tropical association, but a sidereal one and the decans got their ID from the stars and asterisms in that segment 'of the stars'. Besides, they both { sidereal and tropical} matched around 130 BCE when Hipparchus defined it. It seems related to Gamma Arietis { Aries Gamma}, or ' Mesarthim' ' the 'first star in Aries'. ) 3. You have seen this before I think, but I will put it here as a start. Also I think it reveals something interesting in that ; " the decans' images as found in the Sublime Books, Liber Hermetis, Indian astrological tradition, Latin Picatrix, Agrippa's Three Books of Occult Philosophy, Giordano Bruno's De Umbris Idearum, ..... " Ramblings on the Thoth 7 of swords. We are in Aquarius . Two main things then; it’s a seven ( Netzach / 'Venus' energy) and the Moon. Both are ‘weak’ energies and relate to the soluble, dissolving nature of Venus and that of the Moon (due to its relationship with Water). Of course, in context with 'air' . The Moon is not altogether weak, it has a subtle and irresistible ‘persuasion’ ( like water) and can have strong influence through the unconscious and subtle realms. It could further with the Aquarius energy and lead it along but the Moon can relate (in the gross world) to ‘delusion’, illusion, distorted reflection and influences effected by the deep unconscious and emotions. That coupled with the Aquarian ‘un-grounded’ aspiration and vision, with no other practical and grounding influences doesn’t seem to make a good combination. Further; we still have the original Venus/Aquarius 'problem' (as it is a 7 ), now it is coupled with the Moon. In the five of swords the Venus/Aquarius energy was coupled with Mars (as it is a 5) and that provided some direction and energy (but no grounding to the Aquarian vision), however it can provide the energy to ‘put up a fight’ – but it led to defeat. Here, in the 7, that Mars energy is absent, Moon and Venus are ‘weak’; the title is Futility, not only will one be defeated, as in the 5, here, one should not really be bothered to put up a fight in the first place … it would be futile. Often we get these swords ( i.e. a negative mental state … in the mind = a sword.) ; these negative states of consciousness, arising to subvert our aspirations. It’s a bad way of thinking and can disrupt an aspiration … one can get past the influence of The Moon and Venus here, but first one has to sort out this mental state that brings the idea of futility in the first place and realise how it can be turned to an advantage. The Moon has cycles and rhythms and pulses, many of them, about 6 major ones to start with. It moves quickly too, from one state to another; the Sun spends a month in each sign, the Moon 2 days (approx.) , the Moon’s seasons (inclinations) are again swifter than the Sun, and of course, the most obvious, the phases. All these cycles and patterns and influences can complicate the lack of grounding that is needed here. When we translate this onto the mental plane … and it all goes on in our heads … that is what makes it futile. Those many cycles of the Moon, all those swords ( 7 ) take us a very long way from the purity of the Ace of Swords and the still, meditative mind. So much going on in the head … and so many variant ideas clamouring for attention … and mostly negative! The Sun (handled) sword is trying, it has aspiration … it has vision … it is the symbol of the essential self and its expression through the mind, it stands upright. But the weak influences don’t support the Sun King, the mind has split into factions; conflicting clamouring and doubts. Here, the gifts given to the mind by the planets, instead of working in unison with the Sun have split off and started to manifest as ‘demons’ … concepts and complexes within us that start to develop their own ‘identity’ (sense of importance separate from the whole). The Solar sword stands upright, it handle on the vision of Aquarius, directing the vision, it points at the Moon, ‘charging’ the Moon, conjoining it with the Sun (the Great Operation; Sun Moon conjoined). But the uncontrolled mind is casting doubts represented by the sword handles; Going around (from right to left): Saturn, Mercury, Jupiter, Mars and Venus. The Sun / Moon sword make up the 7 planets. But that only gives 6 swords, hence the 7th sword with the unusual, unidentified (?) ‘unknown’ symbol. The sort of thoughts (doubts) these swords can generate are; Saturn; it ( the project, idea, enterprise, undertaking, etc.) is too hard, it will require too much discipline and organisation and focus, I will be restricted from doing other things. Mercury; it’s too much to work out, I don’t have the network or the communication skills, it’s all going too quick, by the time I work something out it will have changed into something else. Jupoiter; it’s too large, too big, growing all the time, I can’t get a handle on it. Mars; I don’t have the energy anyway, it will require a lot of energy and direction to see it through, I feel burnt out already. Venus; I don’t really even care about it, deep down I don’t have passion for it, I am not fixated or entranced by it. And the mysterious symbol (the north and south nodes of the Moon?); There is an element here that I don’t understand, I am going into new and unfamiliar territory, it’s all different and will not be like I am used to. When they all work in opposition we see the Sun / Moon sword is shattered, the project not only fails, it doesn’t even get off the ground. Because of the mind. … the untrained or unfocused mind. All these parts of the mind (planets) should be working in unison, all those swords should be pointing at the Moon and assisting the Sun sword. Why aren’t they? Because, like the general nature of the mind, they have not been appeased. Just as we need to appease the mind (to take its place in the 3rd elemental position) we need to appease the ‘gifts’ or qualities of the mind. These are represented by the planets. The Hermetic texts outline a system whereby an incarnating soul picks up cosmic influences (relating to its natal stellar make up) and that passes through spheres surrounding the earth for each planet and there it is given the gifts and qualities of each planet to use in life. We need to use these qualities in life, and also triumph over their negative manifestations – the Hermeticists saw this as 'passing' up through the spheres and finally 'connecting' the last sphere into a type of ‘cosmic consciousness’ or level of perception. The Sufis say to really understand something we need to understand it, not from both sides but from 7 sides. (Remember the story of the men and the elephant in the dark room? ) With the qualities of the 7 planets. These are gifts we are given and should use as parts of the mind - in the sword realm ( the 7 gifts or assistants operate in the other elemental levels and suits as well). If they are not appeased or considered they will throw up doubts and not join in with the overall mind. To appease or consider them is to assist them to come to unified decision in their own level, then they will willingly join in and point with the sword of the magician, and not against it. Crowley says (in the 4 sevens); “ … bar miracles, can (not) bring any endeavour to fruition.” – This is the ‘miracle’ ; to be able to turn it all around and get the mind working for you. The G.D. title is The Lord of Unstable Effort. That seems to describe the process as well. This card is the 3rd decan of Aquarius; In the descriptions of these 'decanic faces'; • Ibn Ezra: And angry and deceitful black man who has hair in his ear, and on him a crown from the leaves of a tree, and he turns from place to place. • Picatrix: A man with his head shortened [cut off?] and who has an old woman with him. And this is a face of abundance, of the perfection of the will, and of insulting behaviour. • Agrippa: A black and angry man; and the signification of this is in expressing insolence, and imprudence. The Vedic image of the decan describes a dark man cooking up herbs and medicines in a pot, but he keeps continually changing the recipe. An image of the unfocused mind or plan of action where the smaller planetary swords take over and change the operation. I don’t see any great difficulty with the energy in this card. After analysis, the remedy is also offered. A bit of meditation brings it to light. The Stella influences; Situla, is a western star on the bucket of Aquarius. Situla is applied to this star from the classical Latin term for a Water-jar or bucket, the later Arabian word being the somewhat similar Satl, and the earlier Al Dalw. Gassendi, however, derived it from sitis, thirst, the Waterman's Urn having been figured by some as an Oven! (Hence the man cooking in a water pot as described by the Vedic image above.) Theon the Younger, father of the celebrated Hypatia of our 5th century, termed this star (Greek) Oinochoeia, the Outpouring of Wine, as if by Ganymede; and others, Greek Kalpe, and Urna, the southern edge of which, near the outflow, it marks. [star Names, Their Lore and Meaning, Richard Hinckley Allen, 1889]. There does not seem to be further significant stars in this decan of Aquarius, the ones there are not listed as having significant influence in the old astrology, however there is one on the same longitude outside of Aquarius (which can therefore give influence); Scheat According to Ptolemy Scheat is of the nature of Mars and Mercury; to Simmonite, of Saturn; to other authors, of Saturn and Mercury; and, to Alvidas, of Neptune in square to Saturn or Mars. It causes extreme misfortune, murder, suicide, and drowning. [Robson*, p.206.] Tied up with 'malefics', this could lead the native to lose his life in catastrophes, such as floods, shipwreck, mining accidents, airplane accidents, or maybe suicide. On the other hand, it is possible for a positive influence to emanate from Scheat, but only for some people, it can have a positive effect on their mental creativity, if these people are ready to receive such inflow (examples listed). [Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation, Elsbeth Ebertin, 1928, p.82.] This indicates 'problems' in this decan and could be the source of some of the 'harshness' , particularly with malifics associated, that some interpretations of the card give. " Betrayal, deception, getting away with something, stealth , etc. " ~ Tied up with 'malefics', this could lead the native to lose his life in catastrophes, such as floods, shipwreck, mining accidents, airplane accidents, or maybe suicide. On the other hand, it is possible for a positive influence to emanate from Scheat, but only for some people, it can have a positive effect on their mental creativity, if these people are ready to receive such inflow (examples listed). [Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation, Elsbeth Ebertin, 1928, p.82.] With a malefic and the moon with Sirius (29 Leo), death by fiery cutting weapons or by beasts. If the Moon be with Vega (14 Capricorn), violent death. With Sun: Danger through water and engines, liable to accidents or drowning. With Moon: Worry, loss and gain of friends through criticism, danger of accidents and by water. With Mercury: Many accidents and narrow escapes especially by water, many enemies, trouble through writings, bad for health and domestic affairs. With Venus: Evil environment, suffering through own acts, danger of imprisonment or restraint. With Mars: Many accidents, sickness to native and relatives. With Jupiter: Many voyages, losses through law, friends and relatives, danger of imprisonment With Saturn: Danger of death in infancy, domestic trouble, colds and consumption, death by drowning or accident. [Robson, p. 206 - 207.]

see above ^

I meant tropical modern astrology not western tropical astrology ... you know, that 'Leo fellow' post GD. ( He was post GD wasn't he ? ) Ummmm .... it is ? Oh ... * Even Crowley lists things in the Book of Thoth siderally. Some will say Knight of Cups is Pisces in the Thoth deck. Thothites will correct them ; " Ahem ... 20 deg Aquarius to 20 deg Pisces ! " But the table on BoT says ; 20 deg Aquarius to 20 deg Pisces including most of Pegasus . ... and the Knight of Wands, part of Hercules ..... but * * yeah, sorry ... I just found it an interesting side line ..... I will restrain my comments to 11:11

To me, it looks like a depiction of Hercules ... note the club. Here we have the opposite of how the woman seems to be dealing with the lion. A type of 'Brute Strength'. IMO the Hercules myth demonstrates a failure of the journey; considering the story and what ends up happening. The Shamanic journey is one of acceptance ; it would depict more of a 'taming' of the lion, or even a devouring by the lion. The Shaman does not see his 'transformers' as a threat to be subdued with a club. IMO the myth shows the failure of trying to navigate through the mythological world using the vehicle of the ego. * ' Domination by manly virtue' , yes, that is a good phrase. 'Depends on the outlook of the author' - indeed ! If one is using one's tarot 'spiritually' or as an 'esoteric knowledge input', one better choose the 'right' deck for oneself. * a further example of this is seen in the 'modern shamanic journey' , say a UFO abduction; the experience seems passive, the person often in a type of hypnotic state, not happy about it,, but compliant, often 'against their will', but you never hear in these stories; " So I jumped off the table, kicked the probe out of his hand and punched him in the face." Thats the 'ego hero' .... the 'manly virtue' .... it does happen in mythology (and boasting ) and fiction, and because of the nature of our usual consciousness, those type of guys are pop and a 'hero'