| |
| |
Mathematics has an event called "Origin Symmetry." The Origin is the starting point for all axis lines in math. The Origin is also the point on which an ellipse or a circle is drawn from, that is the focus at the center. Origin Symmetry is such, that when a line is drawn through the origin, every coordinate on one side of the origin will have an equal but opposite coordinate.
 |
 |
 |
In Hermetic Lore, we have four qualities distilled out of the Origin. These are Hot and Cold, Dry and Wet. Each of these form the extremes on a single pole. When the Hot and Cold pole is crossed with the Dry and Wet pole, lines may then be drawn perpendicular to form a square. The point where the two poles cross is the Origin axis of symmetry. Where the lines of this new square meet, we will discover a Hermetic Element.
The mingling of Hot and Dry will produce Fire.
Fire is writen with the letter Yod (
), symbolised by the Flowering Rod of Aaron.
Fire grants Will, Desire, Pleasure. He is associated with the weak interactions in physics. He is male in essence and appearance and originates in action. He is the old Yang and shares this element with the God Archetype.
Also called the wand, the rod is the instrument of impregnation and may suggest the phallus. It is the "Great Primal Beginning" read of in Genesis. As the Tai-chi or great ridgepole, fire represents balanced reciprocating force. He is the instrument of rule, and order. In other forms the rod represents the will of the Magus.
We may use the Rod to issue directives and to construct the ritual forms. We may also us it to project positive masculine forces. Held upright, he symbolizes action. Held in recline, and it suggests both repose and horizons.
The mingling of Cold and Wet will produce Water.
Water is writen with the letter Hé (
), symbolised by the Cup of Joseph.
Water grants the power of the Dream, creative thought, Emotion. She is associated with the strong interactions in physics. She is male in essence and female in appearance and originates in dreams. She receives and transforms the impulse of fire. She shares this element with the Lady of the Lake archetype.
The Chalice, Cup, Cauldron or Grail receives and transforms the impulses of the Fire. She is the flower, or womb, ready to receive a catalyst. Once received, she modifies it, nurtures and protects it. The Chalice bears the image of God within her. Consequently, the fluid medium is often used for scrying and astral travel. Mirrors have inherited this gift for the very same reasons.
Held upright, she is open and waiting to receive the gifts of the Rod. She will then give form to something new. When inverted, she is the symbol of birth and the realization of that something. She may also be “closed for business,” and the rod will need to go elsewhere. At this time, she may represent cleansing.
The mingling of Cold and Wet will produce Air.
Air is writen with the letter Vau (
), symbolised by the Sword of David.
Air grants speech, and the thoughts of speach. He is associated with the electromagnetic interactions in physics, those electrically charged, dynamic, arousing force that manifests itself in the thunderstorm. He is female in essence and male in appearance and partakes of the mingled qualities of fire and water. He shares this element with the Hunter Archetype.
Air partakes of the mingled qualities of fire and water. The Sword, weapon of air, is an instrument of violation. He suggests thrusting and piercing, and can represent unbalanced forces. This idea of thrusting and piercing is the ideal of the mind of the Magus. We may use the sword to command through the threat of force. He can cause great discomfort to psychic entities, as can any pointed steel or iron objects. Generally, he symbolizes justice and retribution.
Held with the point up, he is the symbol of liberation. Held point down, and it is symbolic of frustration or waist.
Swords can represent language and logic. He associates with the fell strength of the Irresistible Thunderbolt or Vajra.
The mingling of Cold and Dry will produce Earth.
Earth is writen with the letter Hé final (
), symbolised by the Shekel of Gold.
Earth grants Strength. She is associated with the gravitational interactions in physics. She is female in essence and appearance. She is the crystallization of Fire, water and air. Although she has no pure essence, human minds perceive her compound nature as separate and unique. She shares this element with the Goddess Archetype.
The shield, the disk, the pentacle, the coin, the magic circle. It is the symbol of the earth. The shield is the only one of the Holy regalia that is symmetrical. It suggests completeness and thus androgyny. She is the origin of all other entities. Gravity, is a manifestation of this element. It is self-contained, giving nothing and taking nothing. The shield symbolizes frigidity, aridity, and inertia; the virgin and the maidenhead. Yet the other side of the coin, she is remorseless strength.
Magically the shield is used as a protection against Hostile forces. It imposes a freeze similar to that associated with the Celtic cross. The shield neither moves nor can be moved, although we can shatter it if we apply sufficient force. The Sword rapes and violates the shield.
Since it has no top or bottom, inversion cannot change it. One may see a different image on one side of the coin or the other, but the value of the coin is the same.