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Both the Rider-Waite-Smith ACE OF CUPS (RWS) and the Animal Totem Tarot-Ace of Cups represent the all-encompassing Maternal Force. The RWS and Animal Totem Tarot Ace of cups symbolizes this maternal force as water pouring dramatically from the Cup and becoming calm underneath as a placid lake decorated with rose colored water lilies, the flower associated with the Divine Feminine and romance.

Waite shows the Ace of Cups as the perfection and formalization of Tetragrammaton (the All Encompassing-YHVH)) evolving towards matter. The 26 drops of water are the gematria number of Tetragrammaton, the Divine Creative and I would suggest you get and read the A. Crowley book 777 for in-depth understanding of gematria which is Qabalistic numerology.

In the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, the Ace of Cups card is rich with symbolic imagery. The drops of water are particularly significant.

The 26 drops of water falling from the cup are indeed a direct reference to the sacred name of God in the Hebrew tradition, known as the Tetragrammaton (יהוה, YHWH). This name is considered to be of utmost importance and is sometimes referred to as the "unutterable name" or the "four-letter name."

The number 26 comes from the numerical values of the Hebrew letters that make up the Tetragrammaton. In Hebrew, each letter has a corresponding numerical value:

• Yod (י) = 10
• He (ה) = 5
• Vav (ו) = 6
• He (ה) = 5

When you add these values together (10 + 5 + 6 + 5), you get 26. Therefore, the 26 drops symbolize the divine presence and the sacred name of Divine Creative. This association imbues the card with a sense of divine love, grace, and spiritual purity.

The Ace of Cups itself is often interpreted as a card of emotional and spiritual abundance, new beginnings, and overflowing love. The connection to the Tetragrammaton emphasizes the divine source of these blessings, suggesting that the love and fulfillment symbolized by the card are gifts from a higher power.

In the context of Tarot readings, this symbolic reference can deepen the understanding of the Ace of Cups, highlighting themes of divine inspiration, spiritual awakening, and the presence of a higher, sacred force in one's emotional and spiritual life.

The White Dove is the symbol for Venus as the Loving Mother, who produces the circle and the equal armed cross of Earth (4 Universal Elements-Fire-Air-Water-Earth), illustrated as being held in the dove's beak. The Great white hand from the clouds symbolizes the Divine Creative. The Five Streams of Water flowing from the Cup, are symbolic of the number of humankind, 5, which is often shown as a pentagram.

The Animal Totem Tarot Ace of Cups displays a Kingfisher perching on the overflowing Ace of Cups. The watery overflow from the chalice like cup is nurturing the grounds floral growth and filling a pond. The Kingfisher as a Totem animal carries great significance.

The Kingfisher bird carries rich symbolic meaning in the language of totem, spirit, and power animals. It represents themes of peace, prosperity, intuition, and bold action, often blending stillness with dynamic movement. Here's a breakdown of its significance:

Totem Animal

As a totem, the Kingfisher symbolizes patience and precision. It teaches the value of waiting for the right moment before taking action. It also represents resourcefulness and the ability to seize opportunities, making it an emblem of self-reliance and decisiveness.

Spirit Animal

When the Kingfisher appears as a spirit animal, it often serves as a guide toward calm clarity in turbulent situations. Its presence encourages:

• Connection to water energy, representing emotional depth and healing.
• Intuition and psychic vision, reminding you to trust your inner knowing.
• Creativity and inspiration, helping you unlock hidden potential.

The Kingfisher as a spirit animal might appear during times of transition, urging you to navigate change gracefully while trusting in the abundance ahead.

Power Animal

As a power animal, the Kingfisher embodies confidence and boldness. It empowers you to:

• Take swift, decisive action when necessary.
• Embrace joy, freedom, and light-heartedness, even in challenging times.
• Seek new perspectives and opportunities by stepping out of your comfort zone.

It also reinforces the idea of being fully present in the moment, like the Kingfisher poised above water before diving for its catch.

Cultural Symbolism

In various traditions, the Kingfisher carries layered meanings:

• Celtic traditions view it as a symbol of peace and prosperity, often linked to calm waters and bountiful harvests.
• Native American lore may connect it to divine timing and harmony with nature.
• In Greek mythology, the Kingfisher was associated with the "Halcyon days," a time of peace and calm seas.

In essence, the Kingfisher teaches balance between action and stillness, encouraging trust in life's flow while offering guidance in achieving emotional and spiritual fulfillment.

What corresponds to the suit of cups, is Imagination, the sense of sight, and the spiritual emotional sphere. Here the Cups is shown fruitful and resides near a pond in a fecund forested shoreline. The Ace of Cups represents the Divine Womb, and the Wisdom of the Divine Feminine and in modern metaphysics is associated with the "Holy Grail" (Divine Feminine wisdom).

The Great Cup is sitting on a shoreline supplying a pond with its overflowing waters of life and represents the Collective Unconscious that controls daydreams, mental images, the lure of the unknown and of exotic and adventurous situations. The element of Water is also that part of the attraction which comes from what is irrational, and from romantic desire. Romantic desire is shown by the white and rose-pink blooms blooming around the cup. Here is a suggestion that a romantic and joyful relationship is about to begin.

:

•  Sensuality.
•  Falling in love.
•  And a never-ending stream, to this card, as shown by the streams of water.

The attribution of the four universal elements in Tarot and Western Hermetic Mysteries to the Greek philosopher Pythagoras is deeply rooted in the metaphysical and esoteric traditions that Pythagoras helped shape. While Pythagoras himself did not directly formulate the Tarot as we know it today, his philosophies on numbers, the cosmos, and elements have influenced Western esoteric traditions that have integrated his ideas.

Here’s a breakdown of the connection:

1. The Four Elements:

In both Tarot and Hermetic traditions, the four classical elements are fundamental:

• Fire
• Water
• Air
• Earth

These elements symbolize various aspects of existence, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual planes. They are seen in the four suits of the Minor Arcana in Tarot (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles or Disks), and play a key role in Hermetic teachings and Western Qabalah.

2. Pythagoras’ Influence:

Pythagoras is famous for his contributions to mathematics, especially the theory of numbers, but he also had a cosmological view that saw the universe as ordered and harmonious. In Pythagorean thought, the elements were tied to the fundamental building blocks of reality:

• Fire represented energy, transformation, and spirit.
• Water symbolized emotions, intuition, and fluidity.
• Air stood for intellect, reason, and communication.
• Earth was tied to stability, materiality, and physicality.

His philosophy of the "Tetractys" (a triangular figure consisting of 10 points arranged in four rows) symbolized the progression from unity to multiplicity and encapsulated the idea of the four elements and their importance in structuring reality.

3. The Hermetic Tradition:

Later, Hermeticism adopted and expanded upon many Pythagorean ideas. The Hermetic maxim "As above, so below" echoes Pythagoras’ belief in the harmony and interconnection between numbers, the cosmos, and the elements. The elements were seen as different expressions of divine energy and understanding them was considered essential for unlocking the mysteries of the universe.

• Tarot: The Tarot, especially in its esoteric interpretation, also integrated this elemental framework. The Minor Arcana, for instance, corresponds to these four elements. Wands (Fire), Cups (Water), Swords (Air), and Pentacles/Disks (Earth) reflect the energies and symbolic meanings that Pythagoras' elemental theories set in motion.

• Western Hermetic Qabalah: In the Qabalistic Tree of Life, the four elements correspond to the four worlds (Atziluth, Briah, Yetzirah, Assiah), with Fire at the highest level (divine emanation) and Earth at the lowest (manifestation in the material world).

4. Numerical and Elemental Correspondences:

Pythagoras’ view of numbers as sacred and foundational to the structure of reality plays a role in how esoteric traditions view Tarot. Numbers are more than quantitative—they have qualitative properties that correspond to metaphysical principles. The four elements, each associated with certain numbers, help explain different aspects of reality.

For example, in the Minor Arcana:

• Wands (Fire) often correspond to energy, action, and creative potential.
• Cups (Water) relate to emotional, intuitive, and psychic aspects.
• Swords (Air) are linked with thought, conflict, and intellectual challenges.
• Pentacles (Earth) represent material concerns, prosperity, and the physical realm.

In summary, Pythagoras contributed a foundational philosophical framework that was later woven into the esoteric fabric of the Tarot and Western Hermeticism. The four classical elements he helped popularize became symbolic pillars in these traditions, guiding practitioners in understanding both the physical world and higher metaphysical realities.

The art of the RWS-Ace of Cups represents the "Holy Grail" which is radiating the golden light of the Sun, while at the top of the card is a dove holding a Eucharist with an equal arm cross emblazoned on it, implying the Element of Water (emotion) in the shape of Love. Hence, the artist is implying that this Ace of Cups, is the Holy Grail.

The cup is engraved with an inverted letter M or a letter W. The Ace of Cups is a symbol of potential in the areas of deep feeling, intimacy, harmony, compassion, and love. The Abyssal Womb that has given birth to the Universe of Form and the Human Soul/Sun of God which is the Divine Solar Self and not a gender of a species. The Solar Self is the Soul/Psyche and known as a "Divine Hermaphrodite", which can be seen in the soul copy of the human brain, which is left-side male and right-side female.

The inverted "W" or "M" on the Rider-Waite-Smith Ace of Cups is a detail rich with esoteric significance, and interpretations can vary depending on one's perspective within the realm of metaphysics and the occult. Here are some key interpretations:

"M" for Mater (Latin for Mother) or Maris (Latin for Sea)

1. Mater (Mother): The "M" could stand for "Mater," which is Latin for "Mother." This aligns with the Ace of Cups' association with nurturing, emotional nourishment, and the feminine divine. The Ace of Cups is often seen as a symbol of the womb, birth, and the life-giving force of water.
2. Maris (Sea): Another interpretation is "Maris," Latin for "Sea." Water is a primary element in the card, symbolizing the unconscious, emotions, and intuition. The sea represents the vast, deep, and mysterious aspects of the psyche and the spiritual life.

"W" for Water or Wisdom

1. Water: The letter "W" directly corresponds to "Water," the suit of Cups' element. Water symbolizes emotions, intuition, and the subconscious. The letter emphasizes the card's connection to these themes, reinforcing the fluid, nurturing, and cleansing nature of water.
2. Wisdom: Another layer of interpretation is "Wisdom." In esoteric traditions, wisdom is often associated with the understanding of deeper truths and the ability to see beyond the surface. The Ace of Cups can be seen as a vessel of divine wisdom, offering insights and spiritual clarity.

Symbol of Unity and Balance

• Unity of Opposites: The dual interpretation of the letter as both "M" and "W" could symbolize the unity and balance of opposites, a common theme in esoteric and mystical traditions. This balance is crucial for emotional and spiritual harmony, represented by the overflowing cup.

Connection to the Divine

• Mystery: The ambiguous nature of the letter also suggests a connection to the mysteries of the divine and the unknown. It invites contemplation and introspection, encouraging seekers to delve into the deeper meanings and spiritual insights the card offers.

Influence of Arthur Edward Waite:

Arthur Edward Waite, the co-creator of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck, was deeply influenced by various mystical and esoteric traditions. His knowledge of alchemy, Qabalah, and the Western Hermetic tradition often infused his symbolism with layered meanings.

In conclusion, the inverted "W" or "M" on the Ace of Cups card in the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot is a multifaceted symbol. It can represent the divine feminine, the life-giving force of water, emotional and spiritual wisdom, and the unity of opposites. This small detail adds depth and richness to the card, enhancing its significance in Tarot readings.

The Ace of Cups is the most emotional card of the deck, and therefore, one of the most powerful of the Minor Arcana. Emotion is energy-in-motion, we know it as "Waves of Water", for the mind is shown as the Ocean of the Great Mother, and motive thoughts/ideas are shown as waves; All is Mind. Therefore, what is suggested here is an emotional upheaval where newly emoted thoughts are substituted for the old, transforming and changing the personal identity of the person into a more loving one. In an individual this may mean a turnabout of emotions toward another person, or a total reversal of personal values or identity. What goes on here tends to transcend external appearances, and most certainly, is related to activity in the Psyche.

This Divine Hermaphrodite is called Adam Khadmon, in Western Hermetic Qabalah. Adam Khadmon represents the Cosmic/Heavenly Human Archetype; Hence, hermaphrodite. As previously stated, the number 5 represents the number of Man, the 4 Universal elements and the Spirit.

As stated, this image implies that the "Holy Grail"/ Divine Feminine/Anima that resides in us all and in all things that are created. She is the mother of All Form (3rd Sephiroth-"Will-to-Form" known as Understanding). Again, the hand from the clouds, on the Rider- Waite-Smith card represents the Divine Creative, who is the 0=2. That union is shown on the Ace of Cups card as the combination of Fire and Water, as the Pure White Light radiates around the cup.

When the ACE OF CUPS or ACE OF SUMMER is thrown during a Divination, it implies:

• Not over-extending or under-extending emotions and reflecting accurately what is going on with your nature.
• As an open channel, you are experiencing empathetic bursts of feelings, sentiment, sympathy or enthusiasm.
• A new emotion or insight.
• The opening spiritual, or psychic channels.
• The gift of Love. A surrender to inner beauty and emotions of pleasure.
• Applying new attitudes brings rewards when in tune with the Law of Love.
• The Vessel or House of the True Heart, joy, contentment, abode, nourishment, abundance, fertility...an enhancement of good feelings.
• House of the True heart.

1. Joy.
2. Content.
3. Abode.
4. Nourishment.
5. Abundance.
6. Fertility.
7. Holy table.
8. Felicity thereof.

If reversed or ill defined by surrounding cards:

• Vagueness.
• Irrationality.
• Hysteria.
• House of false heart.

1. Mutation.
2. Instability.
3. Revolution.

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