Auguries for the 2006 Autumnal Equinox

AUGURIES FOR THE
2006 AUTUMNAL EQUINOX

By Frater Achad AL

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.

On the Day of Saturn, September 23, 2006, e.v., in Anno IVxiv (102) in the New Aeon of Horus, rites were performed by Frater Achad AL, commencing in the morning Hour of the Sun, to commemorate the Autumnal Equinox on behalf of the members of the Thelemic Order of the Golden Dawn (Order of the T.·.G.·.D.·.). The rites included the initiation of Cindy Allen (now Soror Teneo Incompertus) into the Probationer Grade of the Neophyte, and the Equinox Celebration in which our Soror also participated. May the energies of Sol in Libra and those to follow assist you in the most beneficial, powerful and correct way to develop magickally and spiritually to your utmost, maximum, beneficial and correct potential! So mote it be!!!

The auguries received during the rite were as follows:

Word for the Equinox received from Liber Legis: “Heathen” from the last sentence in Chapter III verse 11 of Liber Legis - “Trample down the Heathen; …”

Note that the initial letter of the word from Liber Legis is capitalized. This emphasizes significance. The word “heathen” is generally defined to mean an irreligious person or pagan. It can also refer to a person who is ignorant and, therefore, in darkness. Yet even the Darkness is truly Divine, and is where all Children of Earth wander until they seek nourishment in the Light. Hence, the language quoted above has its literal meaning. It also may refer to the Qlippoth. It further can be read as a declarative statement by Ra-Hoor-Khuit (being from Chapter III) to dispel Darkness by invoking the Light. The gematria (which follows) lends further insight into the message.

In Hebrew, the word “Heathen” would be spelled Heh (5), Aleph (1), Tau (400) and Nun (700), which adds to 1106, and has the same numerical value as a Hebrew phrase meaning “the giving of the law”. Once the law is given, it must be applied. This is suggested in the preceding paragraph in reference to the language quoted above and by the entire verse in which the word appears. The arrangement of the Hebrew letters also has meaning. The letters Aleph and Tau in the center spell the word “ATh”, which is the Hebrew word for Spirit. The word “ATh” is also a glyph of the totality of Spirit’s work, from beginning to end, and Spirit’s embrace and dominion over the entire Universe. The letters Heh and Nun about the “ATh” add further meaning. The Heh reminds us that the Universe is nourished with the Love of the Star (Atu XVII), who is the Holy Mother in one aspect, in accord with Spirit’s Will through the 6, Tiphareth, and the Holy Guardian Angel. The Nun refers to Spirit’s work on the physical plane of regenerating the human race and inspiring change or evolution from a personal to a universal viewpoint (Death – Atu XIII), which, once attained, is liberating (as the false “self” “dies” within the consciousness of the initiate) and allows the initiate to rightly interpret physical phenomena. We now see the message of the auguries being further developed. The numerical arrangement of “1106” also provides guidance. The “11” is the number of magickal power. The “0” is a reference to Spirit commencing the Holy Work as the Fool. The “6” is a reference to Tiphareth, the Sun and the Holy Guardian Angel. Thus, the number 1106 can be viewed as a glyph of the magickal power of Spirit at work through the Holy Guardian Angel. Reading all of the above together, we begin to glean a message proper to the First Order of the T.·.G.·.D.·., which is to assist in the creation of a new race of humans beings who are initiates governed by the Law of Thelema.

In our English System of the Qabalah (see the T.·.G.·.D.·. paper entitled the “The English Qabalah”), “Heathen” enumerates to 366, which has the same numerical value as Stele, Magus, the Man, Aquila, Raphael, Trance, Bliss and Chakras. These words directly expand upon the Hebrew gematria. The Stele is (among other things) a depiction of the Thelemic Pantheon, the magickal formula of attainment in this New Aeon of Horus and the Great Work in progress. The Magus embodies the Will. The “Man” could be the Archetypical Man (Adam Qadmon), a Child of Earth (doing Will, consciously or unconsciously), a reference to the Pentagram, or all of the above. Aquila is the Latin word for eagle, which is the Kerub of the Element of Water in one context, and a hint to the Tarot and Yi King auguries below. Raphael is the Archangel of Tiphareth, the abode of the Holy Guardian Angel, and the Archangel of the Element of Air (a further reference to the equilibration necessary in the work). We perform this work in Silent Union – Trance. In the course, we experience Divine Rapture - Bliss, and the interior stars or Chakras become illuminated to the initiate. Consider all these ideas in relation to one another. The numerical arrangement of 366 also provides guidance. All of this points to the work of the Holy Guardian Angel, which is the subject of the auguries below.

Tarot Card: Eight of Cups, Indolence.

The first observation is that this is a Small Card which describes a blind force sympathetic to its Sephirotic origin. What is described is not Divinity itself. Rather, the card describes a sub-element of sorts in the Element of Water (Cups), expressed from the perspective of the 8. This is telling as to what we are working with here. Being an 8, the card corresponds to a mutable sign, which would be Pisces as we are working with the Element of Water. The 8 also refers to the first Decan of the Sign, which is Saturn. Now the correspondences begin to unfold. The 8 directly corresponds to Hod and to Mercury, as well as to Water. However, the natural influence of Mercury is deadened by the influence of Saturn as Decan. The symbolism of the card thus appears dark -- the water shown is stagnant dead pools and the lotuses (which are symbols of creation) droop. This is telling that a change of conditions is necessary for the lotuses to flourish. However, there is light on the horizon. You only need to look to see it. This is the Light of the Sun (the Holy Guardian Angel), which is ever present to those who seek It. The Zodiacal Sign of Pisces is ruled by Neptune and Jupiter, which reminds us that the Light of the All-Father is ever present (through the Holy Guardian Angel) and actively working in accord with the Law (Atu X – Jupiter), even when conditions seem adverse. Further, as Venus is exalted in Pisces, we are reminded that Love is the Law and the fundamental basis of the work. The teachings of the Path of Qoph, which correspond to Atu XVIII – The Moon and Pisces, further relate. As shown in Atu XVIII, there is a Path between Art and Nature. This is the Middle Way, the Royal Path of Initiation, the Path of the Serpent and the Path of the Wise. It is accessed through equilibration. You are constantly being prompted through your subconscious and by the conditions of your life to rise on this Path and evolve, magickally and spiritually. Consider your life circumstances, what your mind is telling you at any point, and your feelings. They are all guiding you how to move rightly, in accord with the Law. If the circumstances in your life are such that you feel you are not flourishing (like the lotuses on the Tarot Card), take action to change them. The Way will reveal itself. There will be trials and ordeals, which is to be expected. However, the trials and ordeals are provided to help show the Way. (This is further addressed in connection with the Yi King hexagram below.) Consider also the title of the card. The word “indolence” refers to those who are indolent, which means lazy or sluggish. We are reminded here that the lazy or sluggish do not necessarily flourish. Rather, action is required. Similarly, action is required to progress on the Royal Path of Initiation. Take action to flourish, Brothers and Sisters, and climb the Path as high as you can! In the process, may you come to understand the loving embrace of your Holy Guardian Angel, and be a source of Light and Love to those around you! So mote it be!!!

Yi King: 29^th Hexagram, K’an/the Abysmal (Water). Water above and water below. What a wonderful expansion this provides on the auguries above.

The word “K’an” means a plunging in. It refers to water from above in motion on earth (below) giving rise to all life on earth. K’an represents the heart, the soul locked up within the body, and the guiding principle of the light enclosed in the dark. Consider how this directly relates to the current of thought developed above in connection with the Tarot Card.

The trigram of water is repeated or doubled in this Hexagram. This refers to a dangerous situation. However, the situation is not subjectively dangerous. Rather, it is objectively dangerous. Analogies can be drawn to the ordeals we face in our lives.

As an objectively dangerous situation, we are given a ravine to consider, with water flowing in and out of it. We are advised that man may pass through the ravine if he behaves correctly. However, sincerity is indicated as necessary for success.

By the repetition of danger, we grow accustomed to it and learn from it. The action of the water within the ravine sets the example for right conduct. The water flows into the ravine, and fills up all the places where it flows. It does not shrink from any dangerous spot or situation. Nothing makes the water lose its own its essential nature. It remains true to itself under all conditions. Likewise, if you are sincere when confronted with difficulties or situations, your heart can penetrate the meaning of the situation, and provide you with guidance. Once this inner mastery is gained, you naturally will take action that will succeed and allow you to flourish.

Danger highlights when protective measures, or a particular course of action, should be taken. Again, consider your life circumstance. Follow the example of the water in the ravine. Be true to your Self. Do your best to act sincerely and with virtue when confronted with situations, so your heart can guide you. Consecrate your creative energy to this. Guidance is constantly being provided. You just need to recognize it. Situations are often repeated until you learn from them, and a particular course of action is chosen.

The Water (or Love) of the Divine is ever present here on Earth. Divinity resides in your heart. This is actually the case, and not simply a symbolic reference or statement. Your natural inclinations and tendencies guide you to proceed rightly, but care must be taken to make sure they are not engulfed by passions and desires.

Sometimes the Way is shown in the negative, by showing you how not to proceed (marked by dangerous or seemingly adverse conditions). Consider, in this regard, the glyph of Atu XVIII (discussed above), where danger appears on both sides of the Path, so the only apparent safe way to proceed is between the perceived dangers, on the Path leading to liberation and redemption.

The 29^th Hexagram also corresponds with the Moon from a higher perspective, which further reinforces the message developed above.

In conclusion, the auguries provide an inspiration and practical message to the members of our Holy Order as to how to approach their lives and the Great Work. They also give insight into the nature and method of the work of the Holy Guardian Angel. We recommend that you meditate upon the meaning of the auguries to determine how they relate to your situation and may assist your work. May you use these gifts wisely and well, and may the blessings of the Most High be upon you! So mote it be!!!

Love is the law, love under will.

Yours in the Great Work,
Frater Achad AL (Brian Goldstein)
Anno. IVxiv: Sol in Libra, Luna in Taurus.