The Tarot of Eli 2, LLC: Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot- 8 of Swords & The Animal Totem Tarot - 8 of Swords

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The Rider-Waite-Smith- 8 of Swords and The Animal Totem Tarot -8 of Swords, implies a certain amount of fear of change, of moving out of a binding or restricting situation. This is emphasized by the bound person on the Rider-Waite-Smith and the image of the mole-person peeking out of its sword surrounded mole hill on the Tarot of Sacred Kingdoms- 8 of Swords card.

The RWS Tarot and Mystic Palette character both seem to be in a prison of Swords, representing thoughts that cause a narrowness and/or restriction of mind along with shortened will power. Many of us know this as being narrow-minded or short sighted (moles are extremely short sighted). The positive side of this card is that change, no matter how resisted, will soon come. The Good Fortune of Jupiter will show up.

The Animal Totem Tarot-8 of Swords well depicts the anxiety produced by feeling trapped, restricted, and isolated. Represented here is a feeling of helplessness shown as being placed in a vulnerable position. Moles spend their life underground eating juicy worms and being a slow digging underground animal, rarely like being above ground where they are easy prey. Not needing eyes in lightless kingdom, the mole senses its environment by feeling its way through tunnels, being above ground, it can't sense its environment which is all the more worrying. Decision making is now retarded and the usual way decisions are made will no longer aid one. Time to dig deeper and find a new way around this situation.

What is again implied, is stop wasting time bound up in the Nephesh of the soul, dig deeper into your soul and proceed with change; your outdated scattered efforts will not stop it, only interfere with your wholesome transition.

*In the Western Hermetic Qabalah, the human psyche or soul is often described in five levels or divisions, adapted from older Jewish Kabbalistic teachings. These “soul levels” help the student understand the different layers of consciousness and spiritual essence that comprise the human being. While there are various interpretations, the following framework is commonly used:

1. Nephesh (נפש) – The Vital or Animal Soul

• Nature & Function:
  • Nephesh is the animating life force and the seat of instincts, drives, and basic emotions.
  • It governs bodily functions, survival impulses, and is connected to physical sensations and desires.
• Qabalistic Correspondences:
  • Often associated with the lowest Sephiroth (e.g., Malkuth) on the Tree of Life, symbolizing the foundation of earthly existence.
  • Related to the Element of Earth, as it is the most tangible and corporeal aspect of the soul.

In daily life: Nephesh encourages awareness of your body, instincts, and needs. Balancing Nephesh means honoring physical limits, cultivating healthy habits, and channeling desires responsibly.

2. Ruach (רוח) – The Intellectual or Thinking Soul

• Nature & Function:
  • Ruach represents the mind, intellect, and rational faculties—our ability to analyze, learn, and apply moral reasoning.
  • It mediates between the instinctual urges of Nephesh and the higher spiritual insights of Neshamah.
• Qabalistic Correspondences:
  • Often linked to the central Sephiroth on the Tree of Life—particularly Tiphareth (the heart-center) and sometimes extending through Yesod, Hod, and Netzach.
  • Related to the Element of Air, reflecting logic, communication, and clarity of thought.

In daily life: Ruach is active in problem-solving, planning, and ethical decision-making. Cultivating Ruach involves refining your intellect, nurturing emotional intelligence, and maintaining spiritual discernment.

3. Neshamah (נשמה) – The Higher or Intuitive Soul

• Nature & Function:
  • Neshamah is the spiritual essence that taps into intuition, divine inspiration, and higher understanding.
  • It is often associated with an inner sense of guidance and a connection to the Higher Self or the Divine.
• Qabalistic Correspondences:
  • Commonly associated with the upper Sephiroth, especially Binah (the Great Mother, understanding) or bridging Binah and other higher spheres.
  • Related to the Element of Water or sometimes conceptualized as the higher mind above ordinary reason.

In daily life: Neshamah becomes active in moments of spiritual revelation, deep insight, or contemplative practice. Developing Neshamah involves meditation, prayer, ritual, and aligning your daily life with higher principles.

4. Chiah (חיה) – The Life Force or Living Essence

• Nature & Function:
  • Chiah is often described as the force of Divine Will or life energy that animates one’s higher purpose.
  • It is not bound by ordinary reasoning, nor is it concerned solely with personal emotion; rather, it connects to cosmic life and the flow of creative power.
• Qabalistic Correspondences:
  • Frequently related to Chokmah (Wisdom) and the masculine principle in the Supernal Triad.
  • Some link it to the “fire” of divine inspiration—an ongoing creative spark.

In daily life: You might experience Chiah as profound bursts of inspiration, visionary ideas, or a strong sense of destiny. Cultivating a relationship with Chiah involves surrender to a higher will or spiritual impetus, allowing the creative flow to guide you.

5. Yechidah (יחידה) – The Unity or Divine Spark

• Nature & Function:
  • Yechidah is the innermost and highest aspect of the soul, a spark of pure divinity.
  • This level represents oneness with the Absolute, transcending individuality while paradoxically containing the essence of it.
• Qabalistic Correspondences:
  • Associated with Kether (the Crown) at the top of the Tree of Life, symbolizing the unified source of all creation.
  • Considered beyond the four elements, as it is the primal unity from which all arises.

In daily life: While Yechidah is often only sensed in mystical experiences of cosmic unity or enlightenment, it underlies all layers of the soul. Spiritual practices—deep meditation, ritual invocation, contemplation of the Divine—can offer fleeting glimpses of Yechidah’s unity consciousness.

Why These Distinctions Matter

• Holistic Self-Understanding: Recognizing the five levels helps practitioners integrate the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of self.
• Spiritual Growth: Western Hermetic Qabalah posits that personal development involves harmonizing each level, gradually awakening to the higher aspects of consciousness and ultimately uniting with the Divine.
• Magick & Ritual: In Western Hermetic practice, rituals often aim to purify and align each soul level, elevating awareness and refining one’s ability to work with spiritual forces.

In Practice

1. Ground and Care for the Body (Nephesh): Through diet, exercise, and ethical living.
2. Educate and Refine the Mind (Ruach): Study, thoughtful conversation, moral reflection.
3. Open to Spiritual Insight (Neshamah): Meditation, prayer, ritual, contemplative reading.
4. Channel Creative Will (Chiah): Align personal will with the higher will, embracing inspired action.
5. Seek Union with the Divine (Yechidah): Pathworking, mystical experience, surrender to the Absolute.

In essence, the five divisions of the soul in Western Hermetic Qabalah offer a map of consciousness from our most basic physical instincts to our highest unity with the Divine. By studying and harmonizing each level, the initiate aspires to live a more integrated, enlightened, and spiritually potent life.

The Mole, as a power animal, totem, and spirit guide, embodies themes of intuition, hidden wisdom, grounding, and navigating the unseen realms. This subterranean creature operates in darkness, relying on senses beyond sight, making it a potent symbol for those attuned to inner knowing and the mysteries of the unseen.

As a Power Animal (Animal you call upon for guidance and strength)

• Deep Intuition & Psychic Awareness – The mole, though nearly blind, has heightened senses, symbolizing a reliance on intuition over external appearances. It teaches you to trust your inner vision and instincts.
• Navigating the Unseen – As a tunnel-dweller, the mole moves beneath the surface, reminding you that much of reality is hidden. It is a powerful guide for those seeking hidden truths, occult knowledge, or ancestral wisdom.
• Grounding & Earth Magic – Moles are intimately connected to the earth, helping one stay grounded in spiritual work. They remind you to be in harmony with the cycles of nature.
• Perseverance & Determination – The mole tirelessly digs and creates tunnels, representing persistence and the ability to carve your own path even when obstacles arise.
• Shadow Work & Subconscious Healing – Because they live underground, moles are symbolic of the subconscious mind, dreamwork, and the process of uncovering hidden wounds for healing.

As a Totem Animal (A lifelong spiritual archetype or soul essence)

If the mole is your totem animal, you are likely:

• Highly intuitive and can sense things before they happen.
• More comfortable in solitude and prefer working behind the scenes.
• Able to see beyond illusions, detecting hidden motives and underlying truths.
• A natural “digger”, researching, investigating, and uncovering mysteries.
• Deeply connected to the earth, preferring stability, routine, and security.
• A master of patience and persistence, not afraid to work toward long-term goals.

Challenges for those with the Mole as a totem may include:

• Struggling with social interactions due to a preference for solitude.
• Becoming too focused on details, potentially losing sight of the bigger picture.
• Getting stuck in mental loops or overanalyzing instead of taking action.

As a Spirit Guide (A messenger appearing during certain phases of life)

• The Mole spirit guide appears when you need to rely on inner senses rather than logic or external validation.
• It comes to help you unearth hidden truths—whether in personal relationships, spiritual practices, or self-discovery.
• Encourages patience and persistence when faced with obstacles or long-term projects.
• Reminds you to connect with the earth for stability and recharge.
• Helps with dreamwork, divination, and shadow integration, guiding you to explore hidden realms within yourself.

Mole Symbolism in the Esoteric and Occult

• In Western Hermetic Qabalah, the mole’s underground existence connects to the Sephirah of Malkuth, the Earthly sphere, yet its ability to “see” without eyes aligns with Yesod (the Lunar subconscious and dream realm).
• As a lunar creature, the mole is associated with the Moon card in the Tarot, which represents mystery, intuition, and the hidden aspects of life.
• In alchemy, the mole embodies nigredo, the black phase of transformation—digging into the depths of the self to prepare for transmutation.

Final Thoughts

The Mole is an ancient, wise, and patient guide, assisting those who seek hidden wisdom, deep healing, and connection to the unseen. If this animal appears in your life, it may be a call to trust your intuition, dig deeper into mysteries, and stay grounded as you navigate the unknown.

The Rider-Waite-Smith- 8 of Swords card shows a person believing she is trapped in a situation. This is a false assumption for she can easily shake lose the bindings, she feels she can't rely on her senses as they seem bound. Here the false personality of indoctrination and reaction to the assumed environment has convinced her ego that she is restricted in her actions. She has failed to see that we are the Creators of our motion (emotions) and not created by them. There is also a tendency to overextend one's thinking here and therefore be uncertain of what action to take.

In Western Qabalah, Gnosis requires the blending of many philosophies; Hence, astrological signs assigned to this card help us see even deeper into this internal conflict. The benevolent Jupiter aspect of this card (our Emperor within) is trying to get the Gemini twins of personality and ego to stop arguing and get on with the impeccability that only cooperation can supply.

Jupiter in Gemini: The Expansive Mind in the Realm of Air

Jupiter, the Great Benefic, represents expansion, wisdom, philosophy, abundance, and higher knowledge. In the mutable air sign Gemini, ruled by Mercury, Jupiter takes on a curious, intellectual, and versatile nature. However, this placement is considered in detriment because Jupiter prefers broad, deep wisdom (as in Sagittarius) rather than the scattered, detail-oriented, and restless tendencies of Gemini.

Key Traits of Jupiter in Gemini

1. Expansive Intelligence & Curiosity

   • People with Jupiter in Gemini have a voracious hunger for knowledge and can absorb vast amounts of information.
   • They are often polymaths, interested in multiple disciplines, though they may struggle to go deep into one subject.
   • Their knowledge expands in a Mercurial way—quick, adaptable, and ever-changing.

2. Gifted Communicators & Storytellers

   • This placement produces brilliant speakers, writers, and teachers who can articulate complex ideas with ease.
   • Jupiter amplifies Gemini’s love for communication, making these individuals charismatic conversationalists and witty intellectuals.
   • They excel in storytelling, journalism, public speaking, and broadcasting.

3. Luck Through Networking & Learning

   • Opportunities often come through social connections, writing, teaching, or intellectual pursuits.
   • They may have a natural ability to turn knowledge into prosperity—whether through publishing, media, or business.
   • Their openness to new ideas and adaptability ensures they find success in a variety of fields.

4. Restless & Scatterbrained Tendencies

   • While incredibly intelligent, there is a tendency to jump from idea to idea without deep mastery.
   • They can become overwhelmed by too many interests and struggle with focus.
   • There may be a tendency to overextend mentally, leading to burnout or anxiety.

5. Philosophy of Life: The Eternal Student

   • Jupiter in Gemini believes truth is relative and enjoys playing with different perspectives.
   • They reject dogma, preferring to explore multiple viewpoints, making them natural skeptics or intellectual rebels.
   • Their philosophy is based on adaptability and learning—truth is found in the process of questioning, not fixed answers.

Strengths of Jupiter in Gemini

✔ Brilliant intellectual mind—quick thinkers, fast learners, and adaptable.
✔ Versatile & innovative—able to excel in multiple fields at once.
✔ Natural teachers, writers, and communicators—able to share wisdom effectively.
✔ Socially skilled—knows how to connect and make opportunities happen.
✔ Lucky in media, communication, and travel—benefits from expanding horizons.

Challenges of Jupiter in Gemini

⚠ Scattered energy—struggles with consistency and depth.
⚠ Overloads the mind—prone to mental exhaustion, stress, and superficial knowledge.
⚠ Tends to debate rather than commit to one truth—can be seen as unreliable or contradictory.
⚠ Over-promises, under-delivers—so many ideas, but execution can be lacking.

Jupiter in Gemini & The Occult/Hermetic Wisdom

• This placement aligns with Mercury’s esoteric wisdom, the Magician in the Tarot, who channels divine energy through knowledge, words, and symbols.
• It resonates with Hermes Trismegistus, the messenger between divine and human realms, and Thoth, the keeper of sacred knowledge.
• In Qabalistic terms, this placement thrives in Hod (Mercury’s sphere in the Tree of Life), where knowledge and intellect are paramount.
• Jupiter in Gemini can indicate a natural talent for learning and decoding esoteric languages, from astrology to sacred geometry, though the challenge is deep mastery over fleeting curiosity.

Final Thoughts

Jupiter in Gemini is a brilliant placement for communication, learning, and adaptability, but it requires discipline to focus and go deeper rather than staying at the surface of wisdom. It thrives in teaching, media, writing, and intellectual pursuits, making it a powerful placement for those engaged in Hermetic studies, the occult, and esoteric knowledge. However, the key lesson here is to channel knowledge with purpose rather than scattering it to the winds.

The concepts of personality and ego are often confused or conflated, but they represent distinct aspects of the self, particularly in psychological and spiritual frameworks.

Personality:

Personality is the sum of an individual’s characteristics, including behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and attitudes. It represents how one interacts with the world and others, shaped by experiences, environment, upbringing, and inherent traits. It is often seen as a multi-dimensional structure, encompassing factors like temperament, social skills, emotional tendencies, and preferences.

Key points:

Expression of the Self: Personality is how you present yourself to others—how you behave in different situations and how others perceive you.

• Flexible and Changing: While core traits may remain stable over time, aspects of personality can evolve based on life experiences, personal growth, and changes in environment.
• Influenced by the External World: Personality is largely shaped by the external environment, societal norms, and interactions with others.

Ego:

In psychology, particularly in Freudian terms, the ego is one part of the psyche, distinct from the id (instinctual desires) and the superego (moral conscience). The ego mediates between these forces and helps an individual navigate reality. More broadly, the ego refers to the sense of "I" or self-identity—how one perceives oneself as separate from others.

Key points:

• Self-Identification: The ego defines how you view yourself in relation to the world, often centered around self-preservation and a need for validation.
• Mediator: In Freudian terms, the ego is a mediator between the id (instinctual desires) and the superego (moral conscience), helping balance desires with societal expectations (Egregore).
• Defensive and Protective: The ego often tries to protect the individual’s sense of self-worth and identity, sometimes through defense mechanisms like denial, projection, or rationalization.

Comparison

• Origin: Personality is a reflection of various traits and behaviors developed through interactions with the external world, while the ego stems from an internal sense of self and identity.
• Scope: Personality is broader and covers the entirety of an individual’s traits and behaviors, while the ego is a part of the personality, focusing more on self-identity and defense mechanisms.
• Flexibility: Personality can evolve and change over time, whereas the ego often resists change, as it is focused on maintaining a stable self-image.
• Spiritual Perspectives: In spiritual traditions like Buddhism or certain mystical paths, the ego is often seen as an obstacle to enlightenment, representing a false sense of separateness from the divine or from others. The dissolution or transcendence of the ego is considered essential for attaining higher consciousness. Personality, in this context, may be seen as a useful vehicle for interaction but less of an obstacle.

Conclusion

Personality encompasses the full range of behaviors, attitudes, and traits an individual exhibits, while the ego is specifically the sense of self-identity that mediates internal desires with external realities. The ego is more defensive and rigid, whereas personality is more flexible and shaped by interactions with the external world. Therefore, the ego is being represented on the 8 of Swords as bound in rigid ways of survival thinking and feels trapped by a situation.

There is a numerical aspect of the 8 of Swords that lends itself to deeper explanation of this 8 of Swords card and to further clarify this complex inner argument that often stalls any forward action that is represented by the number 8.

The number 8 holds significant meaning in both numerology and gematria, each offering a distinct perspective on its energy and symbolism. Let's explore both systems in depth.

Numerology of 8

In numerology, the number 8 is often associated with themes of power, ambition, material success, and balance. It is seen as a number of karma, authority, and financial prosperity.

Key Attributes:

1. Power and Authority: The number 8 is often linked to leadership and the ability to manage and control, particularly in worldly affairs. People or situations associated with the number 8 tend to focus on material success, career advancement, and achieving status.

2. Ambition and Materialism: In numerology, 8 embodies the drive for achievement, often through hard work, discipline, and focus on financial gains. It is a number that manifests through practicality, logic, and an unrelenting desire for accomplishment.

3. Balance and Harmony: The number 8 is visually symmetrical and represents balance between the material and spiritual realms. It symbolizes the importance of finding harmony between both worlds, suggesting that success comes when spiritual awareness is maintained while engaging with material pursuits.

4. Karma: 8 is also considered the "karmic number," meaning it reflects the law of cause and effect. In this sense, what you put out into the world, through actions or intentions, will return to you. This karmic balance reinforces the idea of responsibility and accountability in one’s actions.

5. Infinity: The shape of 8 (∞ when horizontal) is often associated with infinity, denoting a cycle of endless flow, continuity, and cosmic balance. It highlights the eternal nature of cycles, whether in life, finances, or the spiritual journey.

Challenges:

The energy of 8 can become too focused on the material world, leading to greed, rigidity, or an overwhelming attachment to power. The challenge is to maintain balance and avoid the potential pitfalls of materialism and control.

Gematria of 8

In Hebrew Gematria and Western Hermetic Qabalah the number 8 corresponds to the letter ח (Chet), which has deep spiritual significance. Let's explore both its basic and mystical characteristics.

Chet (ח):

1. Life (Chai): One of the most well-known associations of 8 in Gematria is with the Hebrew word Chai (חי), which means "life." This gives the number 8 a strong connotation with vitality, health, and the divine spark of life itself.

2. Transcendence and New Beginnings: In Jewish mysticism, the number 7 is often associated with completion (e.g., the 7 days of creation, 7 days of the week), and 8 symbolizes what goes beyond completion—transcendence. It represents a realm above the physical world, one that transcends normal limitations and moves into the metaphysical or divine sphere. For example, the Brit Milah (Jewish circumcision) occurs on the 8th day, symbolizing a covenant with God and the transcendence of physical existence.

3. Spiritual Regeneration: The number 8 in Gematria is a symbol of new beginnings and regeneration. It suggests a rebirth, renewal, or an ascension beyond the limits of the physical or temporal world. This is linked to the spiritual transformation and growth that occurs when one transcends lower forms of consciousness.

Additional Associations in Kabbalistic/Qabalistic Thought:

• Hod (Glory/Splendor): In the Tree of Life, the eighth Sephirah is Hod, representing glory, humility, and the ability to yield. This echoes the idea of balancing personal ambition (often linked with the material world in numerology) with humility and submission to a higher will.

• Connection to the Messianic Era: In certain Kabbalistic traditions, 8 is linked to the concept of Mashiach (Messiah) and the Messianic age, which is believed to transcend the cycles of the current world (represented by 7). The Messianic age is seen as a time of peace, eternal life, and divine presence.

Comparison of Numerology and Gematria Perspectives

• Material vs. Spiritual: In numerology, 8 is strongly tied to material success, power, and ambition. In gematria, however, it takes on a more spiritual dimension, symbolizing life, transcendence, and divine covenants.

• Balance: Both systems emphasize balance—whether it’s between material and spiritual worlds (numerology) or between lower and higher realities (gematria). In either case, 8 serves as a bridge between two realms, suggesting mastery of both.

• Karma and Life: In numerology, 8 is karmic, representing cause and effect. In gematria, the connection to life (Chai) gives it a life-affirming quality, where life itself is a cycle, renewed through divine energy and spiritual evolution.

Conclusion

The number 8 is powerful in both numerology and gematria, symbolizing balance, ambition, life, and transcendence. Numerologically, it represents the mastery of the material world and the karmic consequences of our actions. In gematria, it is deeply spiritual, pointing to life, divine covenants, and moving beyond the limitations of the physical plane. Both systems converge on the importance of finding equilibrium between the earthly and the divine.

The perspicastic reader may have noticed the 2 different spellings of Kabbalah/Qabalah.The differences in spelling between Western Hermetic Qabalah and Hebrew Kabbalah arise from a variety of historical, linguistic, and philosophical factors. These include transliteration methods, cultural interpretations, and the distinct purposes of each system.

Key Factors Behind the Differences

1. Transliteration Variations

One of the main reasons for the different spellings between "Kabbalah" and "Qabalah" is the transliteration of Hebrew words into Latin characters. Since Hebrew uses a different alphabet, there are multiple ways to represent its sounds using the Latin script.

• Kabbalah: This is the most common transliteration used in the context of Jewish mysticism. It adheres closely to the Hebrew spelling קבלה (Kaf, Bet, Lamed, Heh). The "K" represents the Hebrew letter Kaf (כ), and the use of double "b" reflects the Hebrew letter Bet (ב), which can be transliterated as either "b" or "v" depending on the context.

• Qabalah: In Western Hermeticism, "Qabalah" often uses the "Q" to represent the Hebrew letter Kaf. The "Q" gives it a more mystical or esoteric feel, often favored by practitioners of the Western Mystery Tradition. The spelling with a "Q" is an attempt to distinguish this version from the traditional Jewish Kabbalah, indicating that the Western approach incorporates additional elements from astrology, alchemy, and ceremonial magic that may not be part of the Jewish system.

2. Cultural and Historical Influences

The Western Hermetic Tradition absorbed many elements from Jewish Kabbalah during the Renaissance, when Christian scholars became fascinated with Hebrew mysticism, viewing it as a key to unlocking ancient wisdom. This led to the adaptation of Kabbalistic concepts into Hermetic systems.

• Jewish Kabbalah: Kabbalah developed within the framework of Judaism, focusing on the mystical interpretation of the Torah and the relationship between God, the universe, and humanity. Its primary texts, such as the Zohar and the Sefer Yetzirah, explore the nature of the divine, the soul, and creation.

• Western Hermetic Qabalah: This version diverged in purpose and focus, integrating Kabbalistic concepts with elements from Neoplatonism, Gnosticism, and Christian mysticism. Hermetic Qabalah is more eclectic, incorporating alchemical symbolism, astrology, Tarot, and ceremonial magic. The spelling "Qabalah" often reflects this syncretism, setting it apart from the purely Jewish mystical tradition.

3. Philosophical Differences

The different spellings also highlight the philosophical distinctions between these two systems.

• Jewish Kabbalah: The focus in Jewish Kabbalah is deeply rooted in theological and spiritual pursuits, aimed at understanding the nature of God (Ein Sof) and repairing the cosmic order (Tikkun). It follows a religious framework, often requiring a deep commitment to Jewish law and tradition. The knowledge of the Sefirot/Sephiroth or the ten emanations through which God interacts with the world, is at the heart of Jewish Kabbalah, with an emphasis on personal and communal transformation.

• Western Hermetic Qabalah: This tradition is more concerned with esoteric and magical practices aimed at personal empowerment, self-realization, and spiritual ascension. While it incorporates many of the same concepts (like the Sefirot), it often uses these as tools in rituals, meditations, and magical workings rather than strictly for theological contemplation. The Golden Dawn, Aleister Crowley’s Thelema, and other Western occult systems have built their frameworks around this interpretation of Qabalah, often emphasizing personal enlightenment and mastery over the material world.

4. Linguistic Influence of English

The evolution of the English language itself plays a role in the different spellings.

• Kabbalah: Sticking with this traditional spelling often aligns with scholars and religious practitioners focused on the Judaic roots and Hebrew origins of the mystical system. It's also the most commonly recognized spelling in academic and religious discussions about Jewish mysticism.

• Qabalah: The "Q" is frequently employed in Western esoteric literature to signal that the system is not limited to the Jewish mystical tradition but has evolved into something broader. Writers like Aleister Crowley, Dion Fortune, and other Western occultists have consistently used this spelling to delineate their work from traditional Jewish Kabbalah.

5. Distinction for Different Audiences

Another practical reason for these different spellings is to help identify the audience and purpose.

• Kabbalah: Those who spell it this way are often targeting Jewish audiences or scholars interested in the religious and theological aspects of the tradition. For example, scholars and mystics exploring the Zohar or the teachings of Isaac Luria would use this spelling.

• Qabalah: In contrast, "Qabalah" indicates a system adapted for magicians, occultists, and mystics in the Western Mystery Tradition. This distinction helps differentiate between the Jewish mystical tradition and the more eclectic Western approach that blends various esoteric disciplines.

Conclusion

The different spellings of "Kabbalah" and "Qabalah" reflect the divergent paths the two systems have taken. Jewish Kabbalah emphasizes religious, theological, and spiritual growth within the framework of Judaism, using traditional Hebrew spelling and pronunciation. Western Hermetic Qabalah, on the other hand, incorporates a wide array of mystical and occult practices, often opting for a different spelling to signal this blend of disciplines. These variations in spelling help to clarify the intent, audience, and philosophical grounding of each tradition.

All this information is merely educating one to read in depth, the "road map" of a Tarot layout. Once you know how to observe the Alphabet of the Soul and read the life-journey terrain of this map, you can understand the destination it leads to. Above all things, Know thyself!

When 8 of Swords is thrown during a reading, the querent is experiencing:

• Confusion, and a feeling of being trapped, isolated by oppressive ideas.
•  Feeling trapped or ashamed, which are the beginnings of recognizing the need for change and moving on ward with your life.
• The mental dissolution or loss of faith in situations or ideas is a sure sign of progress beyond the old, just take a step in another direction.
• The mind is saying," your perspectives no longer serve your life motion, so new ideas will soon be presented."

If reversed, it implies:

• Time to rethink.
• Absolving Mental blocks.
• Understanding that over analysis of a situation is the problem.

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