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Tarot Tip
NEGATIVE CARDS IN POSITIVE POSITIONS
(PART 2)
For the sheer pleasure of the pun, we're going to
propose a "theory of general negativity" and a
"theory of special negativity" in tarot. In this
issue, we'll talk about general negativity.
The blueprint, the intellectual and magical floor
plan, for the esotericism that underlies 200 years
of meaning in tarot, is qabalah. You don't have to
know qabalah to do a tarot reading, just as you
don't need to know electrical engineering to use a
light switch. But knowledge systems are what make
it possible for things to work, whether they are
visible or not.
In qabalah, there is a single great principle at
work from which everything else flows. Mysticism
flows from it, magic flows from it, and tarot
flows from it. That principle is as simple to say
as the great mathematical formula of the 20th
century, E=mc2, and as difficult to understand and
to use.
The formula for general negativity in qabalah, and
in tarot, is "Something comes from No-thing." In
fact, in one way or another, that formula is the
basis for most of the great spiritualities of the world.
The first level of that principle in qabalah is
called "Ain" in Hebrew, which is the language of
qabalah. Ain means "Not." It is the first and
purest negative. It is the realm of purest
non-existence that can be stated in words by a
human being. It is the farthest away from us that
we can imagine divinity to abide. In this no-place,
it is said that divinity abides in non-existence.
Not even No-thing has been imagined here.
The second level of our principle of general
negativity is called "Ain Soph," which means,
approximately, "Not -- without end" or "the
limitless no." Ain Soph is the subject of
considerable mystical pondering and practice in
qabalistic circles. On this level of negativity,
divinity draws closer to considering the
possibility of actually existing, but No-thing
has not yet happened.
The third and final level of this divine negativity
is called "Ain Soph Aur," which loosely translated
means "Endless negative light." Here at last,
divinity reaches the stage of seriously considering
the possibility of existing. No-thing is in the state
of not existing, waiting for its moment to become
something at last. Light is still the primal darkness,
waiting for its chance to shine.
The number One is the inconceivable transformation
of the original incomprehensible Zero. Non-existent
divinity becomes an existent god. The world and
everything in it, including light, is born in a kind of
existential big bang. The symbol of that explosion in
tarot is the Ace. There are four Aces, because this
explosion happens four times, once for each of the
four elements and the four worlds and suits that
arise from them.
Everything that happens after that is commentary.
Everything that happens from that point on becomes
the world we know. Everything, and the light that
illuminates it, is positive from that moment on.
Even what we see as darkness and experience as
pain is a form of positive light.
Negativity is the original condition from which
even God is born. It is the annihilation of all
that is. It is the source and opposite of everything
that can be described by tarot.
From the perspective of the theory of general
negativity, everything that happens to us in this
world is positive. We know this is not the usual
understanding, but you know, as a student of
tarot, that a chance of perspective changes
everything.
In the next issue of Tarot Tips, we'll give you
part 3 of this series, a theory of special
negativity in the cards themselves. We'll give
some specific examples of how to reinterpret
"negative" cards in a positive light.
Tarot Card Showcase
In this section we will feature tidbits on a
specific tarot card. While there are many
systems and decks to choose from in the world
of tarot, here we use the Universal Waite
Tarot images and symbols.
Copyright 1992 U.S Games.
3 OF PENTACLES
Esoteric Title: Lord of Material Works
Astrology: Mars in Capricorn
Element: Earth
Qabalah: Binah (Understanding) in
Assiyah (Manifestation)
The 3 of Pentacles is Mars in Capricorn,
suggesting energy and persistence in pursuit of a
goal. Something important has been planned and
begun, with the knowledge that it will be a long
time until the project is completed.
Steady effort and cooperation with others, a long
view, the patience that comes with faith, and the
value of a goal that transcends personal gain are
the themes of this card.
Hard work is rewarded as the apprentice becomes
a master.
Positive Keywords: right livelihood, promotion;
renown, glory and initiation within an inner circle.
Negative Keywords: laziness, pettiness,
mediocrity, profiting at the expense of the
general good.