"The Universe is the Hexagram" So goes a cryptic aphorism attributed to the XXIst Tarot Trump - the World. What does it mean? In part, it refers to the fact that 21 is the "mystic sum" of 6, since 1+2+3+4+5+6 = 21. 6 is the Hexagram, 21 is the World. More deeply, it shows us that by means of the hexagram (also known as the Star of David, and the Magen Star), we can compose a world. The 7 classical planets form into this figure, and show us how to create a balanced psychocosmos.
Even more deeply however, if we recognize that the hexagram is dimensionalizable into an octahedron, we find a complete integration of all 22 major arcana of the Tarot. This is as follows: the 22 major arcana are divided into three groups based on the Hebrew letters that are assigned to them. There is a group of three that correspond to the elements of fire (Judgement) water (Hanged man), and air (Fool). There is a group of seven for the planets: Saturn (the World), Jupiter (the Wheel), Mars (the Tower), Sun (The Sun), Venus (Empress), Mercury (Magician), Moon (High Priestess). There is a group of twelve for the Zodiac: Four cardinal signs of Aries (Emperor), Cancer (Chariot), Libra (Justice), Capricorn (Devil), plus four mutable signs of Gemini (Lovers), Virgo (Hermit), Sagittarius (Temperance), and Pisces (Moon), plus four fixed signs of Taurus (Hierophant), Leo (Strength), Scorpio (Death), and Aquarius (the Star).
In the Diagram here you can see how all of these major arcana fit as paths or nodes around the octahedron shape. The corners are the planets, the edges are the zodiac signs (Cardinal signs sloping up to the zenith, Mutable signs sloping down to the nadir and Fixed signs holding the central square). Finally the three internal paths that cross through the centre of the octahedron are the three elemental qualities aformentioned.
So this is a stone, and a lamp, and a synthesis of the tarot into a seed-form, an acorn which will grow into a tree. It is also the blueprint for a temple, and a magickal prism or crystal.
We use such maps to contextualize the energies we encounter in our lives and draw them into tighter integration. The mages and sages carry invisible lamps by which the may illuminate the true paths through confusion, distraction, and distress.
Find your lamp, and walk the ways of the World.
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