Liber LXXVIII

Publication in Class B.

A Description of
The Cards of the Tarot
With Their Attributions; Including a
Method of Divination by Their Use

"All divination resembles an attempt by a man born blind to obtain sight by getting blind drunk."
— Fra. P.

A Description of

The Cards of the Tarot

H R U
The Great Angel

is
set over the operations of the Secret Wisdom

Α και Ω

The First and the Last

"What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the Seven Abodes which be in Aushiah."

"And I saw in the Right Hand of Him that Sate upon the Throne a Book, sealed with Seven Seals."

"Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the Seals thereof?"

S.Y.M.B.O.L.A. Ankh

THE FRONTISPIECE

Consists of a Crux Ansata, which is a form of the Rosy Cross. One arm is scarlet, with the symbols of Leo and the Wand in emerald green.

Another is blue with Eagle and Cup in orange.

A third is yellow, with Aquarius and Dagger in violet.

The last is in the four colours of Malkuth, with Pentacle and Taurus in black.

Ring is white, having at the top the Name of the Great Angel Ρ ♏ Ϟ H U A; below cross-bar are Pentagrams, one enclosing Sol and the other enclosing Luna.

The whole space in the ring contains the Rose of 22 Petals bearing the Names of the 22 Keys. In the centre a white circle, and a red cross of four equal arms.

About the whole symbol are the words —

L.I.F.E. B.I.O.S. V.I.T.A.,

and the letters —

T. A. P. O., Tarot.

Of the Thirty-Six Decans

Here follow the descriptions of the smaller cards of the four suits, thirty-six in number, answering unto the thirty-six Decans of the Zodiac.

Commencing from the sign Aries, the "Central" Decans of each sign follow the order of the Days of the Week. Thus —

Card	Meaning	Day
3 of Wands	Established Strength	Sun
6 of P.	Material Success	Moon
9 of S.	Despair and Cruelty	Mars
3 of C.	Abundance	Mercury
6 of W.	Victory	Jupiter
9 of P.	Material Gain	Venus
3 of S.	Sorrow	Saturn
6 of C.	Pleasure	Sun
9 of W.	Great Strength	Moon
3 of P.	Material Works	Mars
6 of S.	Earned Success	Mercury
9 of C.	Material Happiness	Jupiter

Being thus the Four Threes, Sixes, and Nines.

The first and third Decans follow the same order: Sunday beginning the First Decan of Virgo and in the Third Decans of Gemini and Capricorn.

The planets govern respectively Decans with the following Titles —


1.	Strife	5	of Wands.
2.	Sorrow	3	of Swords.
3.	Oppression	10	of Wands.
4.	Abundant Success	8	of Cups.
5.	Success Unfulfilled	7	of Pentacles.
Or in two wands: 1 each of the other suits.

1.	Victory	6	of Wands.
2.	Rest from Strife	4	of Swords.
3.	Harmonious Change	2	of Pentacles.
4.	Material Happiness	9	of Cups.
5.	Shortened Force	8	of Swords.
Or in two swords: 1 each of others.

1.	Valour	7	of Wands.
2.	Loss in Pleasure	5	of Cups.
3.	Material Works	3	of Pentacles.
4.	Perfected Success	10	of Cups.
5.	Dominion	2	of Wands.
6.	Despair and Cruelty	9	of Swords.
Or in 2 W. 2 C.: 1 each of others. One more Decan than the others.

1.	Prudence	8	of Pentacles.
2.	Pleasure	6	of Cups.
3.	Earthly Power	4	of Pentacles.
4.	Established Strength	3	of Wands.
5.	Ruin	10	of Swords.
Or in 2 Pentacles: 1 each of others.

1.	Material Gain	9	of Pentacles.
2.	Illusionary Success	7	of Cups.
3.	Defeat	5	of Swords.
4.	Perfected Work	4	of Wands.
5.	Love	2	of Cups.
Or in 2 Cups: 1 each of others.

1.	Wealth	10	of Pentacles.
2.	Swiftness	8	of Wands.
3.	Earned Success	6	of Swords.
4.	Material Trouble	5	of Pentacles.
5.	Abundance	3	of Cups.
Or in two Pentacles: 1 of each of the others.

1.	Peace Restored	2	of Swords.
2.	Great Strength	9	of Wands.
3.	Unstable Effort	7	of Swords.
4.	Material Success	6	of Pentacles.
5.	Blended Pleasure	4	of Cups.
Or in two Swords: 1 of each of the others.

There being thirty-six Decans and seven Planets, it follows that one of the latter must rule over one more Decan than the others. This is the Planet Mars

, to which are allotted the last Decan of Pisces

, and the first of Aries

, because the long cold of the winter requires a great energy to overcome it, and initiate spring.

And the beginning of the Decanates is from the royal Star of Leo, the great Star Cor Leonis: and therefore is the first Decan that of Saturn

in ☋.

Here follow the general meanings of the small cards of the suits, as classified under the nine Sephiroth below Kether.

חכמה The Four Twos symbolize the Powers of the King and Queen just uniting and initiating the Force; but before the Prince and Princess are thoroughly brought into action. Therefore do they generally imply the initiation and fecundation of a thing.

בינה Realization of action owing to the Prince being produced. The central symbol on each card. Action definitely commenced for good or evil.

חסד Perfection, realization, completion: making a matter settled and fixed.

גבורה Opposition, strife and struggle: war; obstacle to the thing in hand. Ultimate success or failure is otherwise shewn.

תפארת Definite accomplishment. Thing carried out.

נצח Generally shew a force transcending the Material Plane: and is like unto a Crown; which, indeed, is powerful, but requireth one capable of wearing it. The Sevens then shew a possible result: which is dependent on the action then taken. They depend much on the symbols that accompany them.

הוד Solitary success: i.e. success in the matter for the time being: but not leading to much result apart from the thing itself.

יסוד Very great fundamental force. Executive power, because they restore a firm basis. Powerful for good or evil.

מלכות Fixed, culminated, complete Force, whether good or evil. The matter thoroughly and definitely determined. Ultimating Force.

Follow the particular descriptions of each of the thirty-six cards: with full meanings.

Decan-cards are always modified by the other symbols with which they are in contact.

XXI
THE LORD OF STRIFE

Five of Wands

Two White Radiant Angelic Hands issuant per nubes dexter and sinister. They are clasped together in the grip of the First Order, i.e. the four fingers of each right hand crooked into each other, the thumbs meeting above; and they hold, at the same time, by their centres, five wands or torches which are similar unto the wands of a Zelator Adeptus Minor. One wand is upright in the middle; the others cross each other. Flames leap from the point of junction. Above the middle wand is the sign Saturn

, and below is that of ☊: thus representing the Decanate. Violent strife and boldness, rashness, cruelty, violence, lust, desire, prodigality and generosity; depending on whether the card is well or ill dignified.

Geburah of י (Quarrelling and fighting).

This Decan hath its beginning from the Royal Star of Leo

: and unto it are allotted the two great Angels of the Schemhamphorash והויה and יליאל.

[The proper meaning of the small cards is to be found by making thorough meditation and harmony between these four symbols of each card. It will be seen that this is how the meanings have been done; but the advanced student can go beyond this rude working.]

XXII
THE LORD OF VICTORY

Six of Wands

Two hands in grip as the last, holding six wands crossed three and three. Flames issue from the point of junction. Above and below are short wands with flames issuing, surmounted respectively by the symbols of Jupiter

and ☊, representing the Decan.

Victory after strife: Love: pleasure gained by labour: carefulness, sociability and avoiding of strife, yet victory therein: also insolence, and pride of riches and success, etc. The whole dependent on the dignity.

Tiphareth of י (Gain).

Hereunto are allotted the great Angels סיתאל and עלמיה of the Schemhamphorash.

XXIII
THE LORD OF VALOUR

Seven of Wands

Two hands holding by grip six wands, three crossed. A third hand issuing from a cloud at the lower part of the card, holding an upright wand which passes between the others. Flames leap from the point of junction. Above and below the central wand are the symbols of Mars

and

, representing the Decan.

Possible victory, depending on the energy and courage exercised; valour; opposition, obstacles and difficulties, yet courage to meet them; quarrelling, ignorance, pretence, and wrangling, and threatening; also victory in small and unimportant things: and influence upon subordinates.

Netzach of י (Opposition, yet courage).

Therein rule the two great Angels מהשיה and ללהאל of the Schemhamphorash.

XXIV
THE LORD OF PRUDENCE

Eight of Pentacles

A White Radiating Angelic Hand, issuing from a cloud, and grasping a branch of a rose tree, with four white roses thereon, which touch only the four lowermost Pentacles. No rosebuds even, but only leaves, touch the four uppermost disks. All the Pentacles are similar to that of the Ace, but without the Maltese cross and wings. They are arranged like the geomantic figure Populus. Above and below them are the symbols Sun

and

for the Decan.

Over-careful in small things at the expense of great: "Penny wise and pound foolish": gain of ready money in small sums; mean; avaricious; industrious; cultivation of land; hoarding, lacking in enterprise.

Hod of ה (Skill: prudence: cunning).

Therein rule those mighty Angels אכאיה and כהתאל.

XXV
THE LORD OF MATERIAL GAIN

Nine of Pentacles

A White Radiating Angelic Hand, holding a rose branch with nine white roses, each of which touches a Pentacle. The Pentacles are arranged thus 22122

: and there are rosebuds on the branches as well as flowers. Venus

and

above and below.

Complete realization of material gain, good, riches; inheritance; covetous; treasuring of goods; and sometimes theft and knavery. The whole according to dignity.

Yesod of ה (Inheritance, much increase of goods).

Herein those mighty Angels הזיאל and אלדיה have rule and dominion.

XXVI
THE LORD OF WEALTH

Ten of Pentacles

An Angelic Hand, holding by the lower extremity a branch whose roses touch all the Pentacles. No buds, however, are shewn. The symbols of Mercury

and

are above and below.

The Pentacles are thus arranged 212212

Completion of material gain and fortune; but nothing beyond: as it were, at the very pinnacle of success. Old age, slothfulness; great wealth, yet sometimes loss in part; heaviness; dullness of mind, yet clever and prosperous in money transactions.

Malkuth of ה (Riches and wealth).

Herein are לאויה and ההעיה set over this Decan as Angel Rulers.

XXVII
THE LORD OF PEACE RESTORED

Two of Swords or Pikes

Two crossed swords, like the air dagger of a Z.A.M., each held by a White Radiant Angelic Hand. Upon the point where the two cross is a rose of five petals, emitting white rays. At the top and bottom of the card are two small daggers, supporting respectively the symbol Moon

thus, and

representing the Decanate.

Contradictory characters in the same nature, strength through suffering; pleasure after pain. Sacrifice and trouble, yet strength arising therefrom, symbolized by the position of the rose, as though the pain itself had brought forth beauty. Arrangement, peace restored; truce; truth and untruth; sorrow and sympathy. Aid to the weak; arrangement; justice, unselfishness; also a tendency to repetition of affronts on being pardoned; injury when meaning well; given to petitions; also a want of tact, and asking question of little moment; talkative.

Chokmah of Vau. Quarrel made up, yet still some tension in relations: actions sometimes selfish, sometimes unselfish.

Herein rule the Great Angels יזלאל and מנהאל.

XXVIII
THE LORD OF SORROW

Three of Swords or Spears

Three White Radiating Angelic Hands, issuing from clouds, and holding three swords upright (as though the central sword had struck apart the two others, which were crossed in the preceding symbol): the central sword cuts asunder the rose of five petals, which in the previous symbol grew at the junction of the swords; its petals are falling, and no white rays issue from it.

Above and below the central sword are the symbols of Saturn

and

Disruption, interruption, separation, quarrelling; sowing of discord and strife, mischief-making, sorrow and tears; yet mirth in Platonic pleasures; singing, faithfulness in promises, honesty in money transactions, selfish and dissipated, yet sometimes generous: deceitful in words and repetitions; the whole according to dignity.

Binah of ו (Unhappiness, sorrow, and tears).

Herein rule the Great Angels הריאל and הזמיה as Lords of the Decan.

XXIX
THE LORD OF REST FROM STRIFE

Four of Swords

Two White Radiating Angelic Hands, each holding two swords; which four cross in the centre. The rose of five petals with white radiations is reinstated on the point of their intersection. Above and below, on the points of two small daggers, are Jupiter

and

, representing the Decanate. Rest from sorrow; yet after and through it. Peace from and after war. Relaxation of anxiety. Quietness, rest, ease and plenty, yet after struggle. Goods of this life; abundance; modified by dignity as is usual.

Chesed of ו (Convalescence, recovery from sickness; change for the better).

Herein do לאויה and כליאל bear rule.

XXX
THE LORD OF LOSS IN PLEASURE

Five of Cups or Chalices

A White Radiating Angelic Hand, holding lotuses or water-lilies, of which the flowers are falling right and left. Leaves only, and no buds, surmount them. These lotus stems ascend between the cups in the manner of a fountain, but no water flows therefrom; neither is there water in any of the cups, which are somewhat of the shape of the magical instrument of the Zelator Adeptus Minor.

Above and below are the symbols of Mars

and

for the Decan.

Death, or end of pleasure: disappointment, sorrow and loss in those things from which pleasure is expected. Sadness, treachery, deceit; ill-will, detraction; charity and kindness ill requited; all kinds of anxieties and troubles from unsuspected and unexpected sources.

Geburah of ה (Disappointment in love, marriage broken off, unkindness of a friend; loss of friendship).

Herein rule לוויה and פהליה.

XXXI
THE LORD OF PLEASURE

Six of Chalices

An Angelic Hand, as before, holds a group of stems of water-lilies or lotuses, from which six flowers bend, one over each cup. From these flowers a white glistening water flows into the cups as from a fountain, but they are not yet full. Above and below are Sun

and

referring to the Decan.

Commencement of steady increase, gain and pleasure; but commencement only. Also affront, detection, knowledge, and in some instances contention and strife arising from unwarranted self-assertion and vanity. Sometimes thankless and presumptuous; sometimes amiable and patient. According to dignity as usual.

Tiphareth of ה (Beginning of wish, happiness, success, or enjoyment).

Therein rule כלכאל and יייאל.

XXXII
THE LORD OF ILLUSIONARY SUCCESS

Seven of Chalices

The seven cups are arranged as two descending triangles above a point: a hand, as usual, holds lotus stems which arise from the central lower cup. The hand is above this cup and below the middle one. With the exception of the central lower cup, each is overhung by a lotus flower, but no water falls from these into any of the cups, which are all quite empty. Above and below are the symbols of the Decanate Venus

and

Possible victory, but neutralized by the supineness of the person: illusionary success, deception in the moment of apparent victory. Lying, error, promises unfulfilled. Drunkenness, wrath, vanity. Lust, fornication, violence against women, selfish dissipation, deception in love and friendship. Often success gained, but not followed up. Modified as usual by dignity.

Netzach of ה (Lying, promises unfulfilled; illusion, deception, error; slight success at outset, not retained).

Herein the Angels מלהאל and חהויה rule.

XXXIII
THE LORD OF SWIFTNESS

Eight of Wands or Torches

Four White Radiating Angelic Hands (two proceeding from each side) issuant from clouds; clasped in two pairs in the centre with the grip of the First Order. They hold eight wands, crossed four with four. Flames issue from the point of junction. Surmounting the small wands with flames issuing down them, and placed in the centre at the top and bottom of the card respectively, are the symbols of Mercury

and

for the Decan.

Too much force applied too suddenly. Very rapid rush, but quickly passed and expended. Violent, but not lasting. Swiftness, rapidity, courage, boldness, confidence, freedom, warfare, violence; love of open air, field-sports, gardens and meadows. Generous, subtle, eloquent, yet somewhat untrustworthy; rapacious, insolent, oppressive. Theft and robbery. According to dignity.

Hod of י (Hasty communications and messages; swiftness).

Therein rule the Angels כתהיה and האאיה.

XXXIV
THE LORD OF GREAT STRENGTH

Nine of Wands or Torches

Four hands, as in the previous symbol, holding eight wands crossed four and four; but a fifth hand at the foot of the card holds another wand upright, which traverses the point of junction with the others: flames leap herefrom. Above and below are the symbols Moon

and

Tremendous and steady force that cannot be shaken. Herculean strength, yet sometimes scientifically applied. Great success, but with strife and energy. Victory, preceded by apprehension and fear. Health good, and recovery not in doubt. Generous, questioning and curious; fond of external appearances: intractable, obstinate.

Yesod of י (Strength, power, health, recovery from sickness).

Herein rule the Angels ירהאל and שאהיה.

XXXV
THE LORD OF OPPRESSION

Ten of Wands

Four hands holding eight wands crossed as before. A fifth hand holding two wands upright, which traverses the junction of the others. Flames issuant. Saturn

and

Cruel and overbearing force and energy, but applied only to material and selfish ends. Sometimes shows failure in a matter, and the opposition too strong to be controlled; arising from the person's too great selfishness at the beginning. Ill-will, levity, lying, malice, slander, envy, obstinacy; swiftness in evil and deceit, if ill dignified. Also generosity, disinterestedness and self-sacrifice, when well dignified.

Malkuth of ו (Cruelty, malice, revenge, injustice).

Therein rule רייאל and אומאל.

XXXVI
THE LORD OF HARMONIOUS CHANGE

Two of Disks or Pentacles

Two wheels, disks or pentacles, similar to that of the Ace. They are united by a green-and-gold serpent, bound about them like a figure of 8. It holds its tail in its mouth. A White Radiant Angelic Hand holds the centre of the whole. No roses enter into this card. Above and below are the symbols of Jupiter

and

. It is a revolving symbol.

The harmony of change, alternation of gain and loss; weakness and strength; everchanging occupation; wandering, discontented with any fixed condition of things; now elated, then melancholy; industrious, yet unreliable; fortunate through prudence of management, yet sometimes unaccountably foolish; alternatively talkative and suspicious. Kind, yet wavering and inconsistent. Fortunate in journeying. Argumentative.

Chokmah of ה (Pleasant change, visit to friends).

Herein the Angels לכבאל and ושריה have rule.

XXXVII
THE LORD OF MATERIAL WORKS

Three of Pentacles

A White-Winged Angelic Hand, as before, holding a branch of a rose tree, of which two white rosebuds touch and surmount the topmost Pentacle. The Pentacles are arranged in an equilateral triangle. Above and below the symbols Mars

and

Working and constructive force, building up, creation, erection; realization and increase of material things; gain in commercial transactions, rank; increase of substance, influence, cleverness in business, selfishness. Commencement of matters to be established later. Narrow and prejudiced. Keen in matters of gain; sometimes given to seeking after impossibilities.

Binah of ה (Business, paid employment, commercial transaction).

Herein are יחויה and להחיה Angelic Rulers.

XXXVIII
THE LORD OF EARTHLY POWER

Four of Pentacles

A hand holding a branch of a rose tree, but without flowers or buds, save that in the centre is one fully blown white rose. Pentacles are disposed as on the points of a square; a rose in its centre. Symbols Sun

and

above and below to represent the Decan.

Assured material gain: success, rank, dominion, earthy power, completed but leading to nothing beyond. Prejudicial, covetous, suspicious, careful and orderly, but discontented. Little enterprise or originality. According to dignity as usual.

Chesed of ה (Gain of money or influence: a present).

Herein do כוזיה and מנדאל bear rule.

XXXIX
THE LORD OF DEFEAT

Five of Swords

Two Rayed Angelic Hands each holding two swords nearly upright, but falling apart of each other, right and left of the card. A third hand holds a sword upright in the centre as though it had disunited them. The petals of the rose, which in the four had been reinstated in the centre, are torn asunder and falling. Above and below are Venus

and

for Decan.

Contest finished and decided against the person; failure, defeat, anxiety, trouble, poverty, avarice, grieving after gain, laborious, unresting; loss and vileness of nature; malicious, slanderous, lying, spiteful and tale-bearing. A busybody and separator of friends, hating to see peace and love between others. Cruel, yet cowardly, thankless and unreliable. Clever and quick in thought and speech. Feelings of pity easily roused, but unenduring.

Geburah of ו (Defeat, loss, malice, spite, slander, evil-speaking).

Herein the Angels אניאל and חעמיה bear rule.

XL
THE LORD OF EARNED SUCCESS

Six of Swords

Two hands, as before, each holding two swords which cross in the centre. Rose re-established thereon. Mercury

and

above and below, supported on the points of two short daggers or swords.

Success after anxiety and trouble; self-esteem, beauty, conceit, but sometimes modesty therewith; dominance, patience, labour, etc.

Tiphareth of ו (Labour, work, journey by water).

Ruled by the Great Angels ההעאל and ייוהל.

XLI
THE LORD OF UNSTABLE EFFORT

Seven of Swords

Two Angelic Radiating Hands as before, each holding three swords. A third hand holds up a single sword in the centre. The points of all the swords just touch each other, the central sword not altogether dividing them.

The Rose of the previous symbols of this suit is held up by the same hand which holds the central sword: as if the victory were at its disposal. Symbols of Moon

and

Partial success. Yielding when victory is within grasp, as if the last reserves of strength were used up. Inclination to lose when on the point of gaining, through not continuing the effort. Love of abundance, fascinated by display, given to compliments, affronts and insolences, and to spy upon others. Inclined to betray confidences, not always intentionally. Rather vacillatory and unreliable.

Netzach of ו (Journey by land: in character untrustworthy).

Herein rule the Great Angels הההאל and מיכאל.

XLII
THE LORD OF ABANDONED SUCCESS

Eight of Chalices

A White Radiating Angelic Hand, holding a group of stems of lotuses or water-lilies. There are only two flowers shown, which bend over the two central cups, pouring into them a white water which fills them and runs over

into the three lowest, which later are not yet filled. The three uppermost are quite empty. At the top and bottom of the card are symbols Saturn

and

Temporary success, but without further results. Thing thrown aside as soon as gained. Not lasting, even in the matter in hand. Indolence in success. Journeying from place to place. Misery and repining without cause. Seeking after riches. Instability.

Hod of ה (Success abandoned; decline of interest).

The Angels ruling are ווליה and ילהיה.

XLIII
THE LORD OF MATERIAL HAPPINESS

Nine of Chalices

A White Radiant Angelic Hand, issuing from a cloud holding lotus or water-lilies, one flower of which overhangs each cup; from it a white water pours. Cups are arranged in three rows of 3. Jupiter

and

above and below.

Complete and perfect realization of pleasure and happiness, almost perfect; self-praise, vanity, conceit, much talking of self, yet kind and lovable, and may be self-denying therewith. High-minded, not easily satisfied with small and limited ideas. Apt to be maligned through too much self-assumption. A good and generous, but sometimes foolish nature.

Yesod of ה (Complete success, pleasure and happiness, wishes fulfilled).

Therein rule the Angels סאליה and עריאל.

XLIV
THE LORD OF PERFECTED SUCCESS

Ten of Cups or Chalices

Hand, as usual, holding bunch of water-lilies or lotuses, whose flowers pour a white water into all the cups, which "all run over." The uppermost cup is held sideways by a hand, and pours water into the left-hand upper cup. A single lotus flower surmounts the top cup, and is the source of the water that fills it. Above and below the symbols Mars

and

Permanent and lasting success and happiness, because inspired from above. Not so sensual as "Lord of Material Happiness," yet almost more truly happy. Pleasure, dissipation, debauchery, quietness, peacemaking. Kindness, pity, generosity, wantonness, waste, etc., according to dignity.

Malkuth of ה (Matter settled: complete good fortune).

Herein the Great Angels עשליה and מיהאל rule.

[This is not such a good card as stated. It represents boredom, and quarrelling arising therefrom; disgust springing from too great luxury. In particular it represents drug-habits, the sottish excess of pleasure and the revenge of nature.]

XLV
THE LORD OF DOMINION

Two of Wands

A White Radiating Angelic hand, issuing from clouds, and grasping two crossed wands. Flames issue from the point of junction. On two small wands above and below, with flames of five issuing therefrom, are the symbols of Mars

and

for the Decan.

Strength, domination, harmony of rule and of justice. Boldness, courage, fierceness, shamelessness, revenge, resolution, generous, proud, sensitive, ambitious, refined, restless, turbulent, sagacious withal, yet unforgiving and obstinate.

Chokmah of י (Influence over others, authority, power, dominion).

Therein the Angels והואל and דכיאל bear rule.

XLVI
THE LORD OF ESTABLISHED STRENGTH

Three of Wands

A White Radiating Angelic Hand, as before, issuing from clouds and grasping three wands in the centre (two crossed, the third upright). Flames issue from the point of junction. Above and below are the symbols Sun

and

Established force, strength, realization of hope. Completion of labour. Success after struggle. Pride, nobility, wealth, power, conceit. Rude self-assumption and insolence. Generosity, obstinacy, etc.

Binah of י (Pride, arrogance, self-assertion).

Herein rule the Angels ההשיה and עממיה.

[This card is much better than as described.]

XLVII
THE LORD OF PERFECTED WORK

Four of Wands

Two White Radiating Angelic Hands, as before, issuing from clouds right and left of the card and clasped in the centre with the grip of the First Order, holding four wands or torches crossed. Flames issue from the point of junction. Above and below are two small flaming wands, with the symbols of Venus

and

representing the Decan.

Perfection or completion of a thing built up with trouble and labour. Rest after labour, subtlety, cleverness, beauty, mirth, success in completion. Reasoning faculty, conclusions drawn from previous knowledge. Unreadiness, unreliable and unsteady through over-anxiety and hurriedness of action. Graceful in manner, at times insincere, etc.

Chesed of י (Settlement, arrangement, completion).

Herein are ככאאל and כיתאל Angelic rulers.

XLVIII
THE LORD OF MATERIAL TROUBLE

Five of Pentacles

A White Radiant Angelic Hand issuing from clouds, and holding a branch of the white rose tree, but from which the roses are falling, and leaving no buds behind. Five Pentacles similar to the Ace. Above and below are Mercury

and

Loss of money or position. Trouble about material things. Labour, toil, land cultivation; building, knowledge and acuteness of earthly things, poverty, carefulness, kindness; sometimes money regained after severe toil and labour. Unimaginative, harsh, stern, determined, obstinate.

Geburah of ה (Loss of profession, loss of money, monetary anxiety).

Herein the angels מבהיה and פניאל rule.

XLIX
THE LORD OF MATERIAL SUCCESS

Six of Pentacles

A White Radiant Angelic Hand holding a rose branch with white roses and buds, each of which touches a Pentacle. Pentacles are arranged in two columns of three each ::: . Above and below are the symbols Taurus

and

of the Decan.

Success and gain in material undertakings. Power, influence, rank, nobility, rule over the people. Fortunate, successful, liberal and just.

If ill dignified, may be purse-proud, insolent from excess, or prodigal.

Tiphareth of ה (Success in material things, prosperity in business).

Herein rule the Angels כממיה and יילאל.

L
THE LORD OF SUCCESS UNFULFILLED

Seven of Pentacles

A White Radiating Angelic Hand issuing from a cloud, and holding a white rose branch. Seven Pentacles arranged like the geomantic figure Rubeus. There are only five buds, which overhang, but do not touch the five uppermost Pentacles. Above and below are the Decan symbols, Saturn

and

respectively.

Promises of success unfulfilled. (Shewn, as it were, by the fact that the rosebuds do not come to anything.) Loss of apparently promising fortune. Hopes deceived and crushed. Disappointment, misery, slavery, necessity and baseness. A cultivator of land, and yet a loser thereby. Sometimes it denotes slight and isolated gains with no fruits resulting therefrom, and of no further account, though seeming to promise well.

Netzach of ה (Unprofitable speculations and employments; little gain for much labour).

Therein הרתאל and מצראל are ruling Angels.

LI
THE LORD OF SHORTENED FORCE

Eight of Swords

Four White Radiant Angelic Hands issuing from clouds, each holding two swords, points upwards; all the points touch near the top of the card. Hands issue, two at each bottom angle of the card. The pose of the other sword symbols is re-established in the centre. Above and below are the Decan symbols Jupiter

and

Too much force applied to small things: too much attention to detail at the expense of the principal and more important points. When ill dignified, these qualities produce malice, pettiness, and domineering characteristics. Patience in detail of study; great care in some things, counterbalanced by equal disorder in others. Impulsive; equally fond of giving or receiving money or presents; generous, clever, acute, selfish and without strong feeling of affection. Admires wisdom, yet applies it to small and unworthy objects.

Hod of ו (Narrow, restricted, petty, a prison).

Therein rule the Angels ומבאל‎[1] and יההאל.

LII
THE LORD OF DESPAIR AND CRUELTY

Nine of Swords

Four Hands, as in the preceding figure, hold eight swords nearly upright, but with the points falling away from each other. A fifth hand holds a ninth sword upright in the centre, as if it had struck them asunder. No rose at all is shewn, as if it were not merely cut asunder, but utterly destroyed. Above and below are the Decan symbols Mars

and

Despair, cruelty, pitilessness, malice, suffering, want, loss, misery. Burden, oppression, labour, subtlety and craft, dishonesty, lying and slander. Yet also obedience, faithfulness, patience, unselfishness, etc. According to dignity.

Yesod of ו (Illness, suffering, malice, cruelty, pain).

Therein do עכואל and מהיאל bear rule.

LIII
THE LORD OF RUIN

Ten of Swords

Four hands holding eight swords, as in the preceding symbol; the points falling away from each other. Two hands hold two swords crossed in the centre, as though their junction had disunited the others. No rose, flower or bud, is shewn. Above and below are Sun

and

, representing the Decan.

Almost a worse symbol than the Nine of Swords. Undisciplined, warring force, complete disruption and failure. Ruin of all plans and projects. Disdain, insolence and impertinence, yet mirth and jollity therewith. A marplot, loving to overthrow the happiness of others; a repeater of things; given to much unprofitable speech, and of many words. Yet clever, eloquent, etc., according to dignity.

Malkuth of ו (Ruin, death, defeat, disruption).

Herein the Angels דמביה and מנקאל reign.

LIV
THE LORD OF LOVE

Two of Chalices

A White Radiant Hand, issuant from the lower part of the card from a cloud, holds lotuses. A lotus flower rises above water, which occupies the lower part of the card rising above the hand. From this flower rises a stem, terminating near the top of the card in another lotus, from which flows a sparkling white water, as from a fountain. Crossed on the stem just beneath are two dolphins, Argent and Or, on to which the water falls, and from which it pours in full streams, like jets of gold and silver, into two cups; which in their turn overflow, flooding the lower part of the card. Venus

and

above and below.

Harmony of masculine and feminine united. Harmony, pleasure, mirth, subtlety: but if ill dignified — folly, dissipation, waste, silly actions.

Chokmah of ה (Marriage, love, pleasure).

Therein rule the Angels אועאל and הבויה.

LV
THE LORD OF ABUNDANCE

Three of Chalices

A White Radiating Hand, as before, holds a group of lotuses or water-lilies, from which two flowers rise on either side of, and overhanging the top cup; pouring into it the white water. Flowers in the same way pour white water into the lower cups. All the cups overflow; the topmost into the two others, and these upon the lower part of the card. Cups are arranged in an erect equilateral triangle. Mercury

and

above and below.

Abundance, plenty, success, pleasure, sensuality, passive success, good luck and fortune; love, gladness, kindness, liberality.

Binah of ה (Plenty, hospitality, eating and drinking, pleasure, dancing, new clothes, merriment).

Therein the Angels ראהאל and יבמיה are lords.

LVI
THE LORD OF BLENDED PLEASURE

Four of Chalices

Four cups: the two upper overflowing into the two lower, which do not overflow. An Angelic Hand grasps a branch of lotus, from which ascends a stem bearing one flower at the top of the card, from which the white water flows into the two upper cups. From the centre two leaves pass right and left, making, as it were, a cross between the four cups. Above and below are the symbols Moon

and

for the Decan.

Success or pleasure approaching their end. A stationary period in happiness, which may, or may not, continue. It does not mean love and marriage so much as the previous symbol. It is too passive a symbol to represent perfectly complete happiness. Swiftness, hunting and pursuing. Acquisition by contention: injustice sometimes; some drawbacks to pleasure implied.

Chesed of ה (Receiving pleasure or kindness from others, but some discomfort therewith).

Therein rule the great Angels הייאל and מומיה.

Brief Meaning of Twenty-Two Keys

If the question refers to spiritual matters, the Fool means idea, thought, spirituality, that which endeavours to transcend Earth. But if question is material, it means folly, stupidity, eccentricity, or even mania.

Skill, wisdom, adaptation, craft, cunning, or occult wisdom or power.

Change, alternation, increase and decrease, fluctuation; whether for good or evil depends on the dignity.

Beauty, happiness, pleasure, success. But with very bad dignity it means luxury, dissipation.

War, conquest, victory, strife, ambition.

Divine wisdom, manifestation, explanation, teaching, occult force voluntarily invoked.

Inspiration (passive, mediumistic), motive power, action.

Triumph, victory, health (sometimes unstable).

Eternal justice. Strength and force, but arrested as in act of judgment. May mean law, trial, etc.

Wisdom from on high. Active divine inspiration. Sometimes "unexpected current."

10.

Good fortune, happiness (within bounds). Intoxication of success.

11.

Courage, strength, fortitude, power passing on to action. Obstinacy.

12.

Enforced sacrifice, punishment, loss, fatal and not voluntary, suffering.

13.

Time, age, transformation, change involuntary (as opposed to 18, Pisces). Or death, destruction (only latter with special cards). [Specially, a sudden and quite unexpected change.]

14.

Combination of forces, realization, action (material effect, good or evil).

15.

Materiality, material force, material temptation, obsession.

16.

Ambition, fighting, war, courage, or destruction, danger, fall, ruin.

17.

Hope, faith, unexpected help. Or dreaminess, deceived hope, etc.

18.

Dissatisfaction, voluntary change. Error, lying, falsity, deception. This card is very sensitive to dignity.

19.

Glory, gain, riches. With very evil cards it means arrogance, display, vanity.

20.

Final decision, judgment, sentence, determination of a matter without appeal, on its plane.

21.

The matter itself. Synthesis, world, kingdom. Usually denotes actual subject of question, and therefore depends entirely on accompanying cards.

[This table is very unsatisfactory. Each card must be most carefully meditated, taking all its correspondences, and a clear idea formed.]

Princes and Queens shew almost always actual men and women connected with the matter.

But the Kings (Knights) sometime represent coming or going of a matter, according as they face.

The Princesses shew opinions, thoughts, ideas, either in harmony with or opposed to, the subject.

A Majority of	Wands	Energy, opposition, quarrel.
"	Cups	Pleasure, merriment.
"	Swords	Trouble, sadness, sickness, death.
"	Pentacles	Business, money, possessions.
"	Keys	Strong forces beyond the Querent's control.
"	Court Cards	Society, meetings of many persons.
"	Aces	Strength generally. Aces are always strong cards.

4	Aces	Great power and force.
3	Aces	Riches, success.
4	Kings (Knights)	Swiftness, rapidity.
3	Kings (Knights)	Unexpected meetings. Knights, in general, shew news.
4	Queens	Authority, influence.
3	Queens	Powerful friends.
4	Princes	Meetings with the great.
3	Princes	Rank and honour.
4	Princesses	New ideas or plans.
3	Princesses	Society of the young.
4	Tens	Anxiety, responsibility.
3	Tens	Buying and selling (commerce).
4	Nines	Added responsibilities.
3	Nines	Much correspondence.
4	Eights	Much news.
3	Eights	Much journeying.
4	Sevens	Disappointments.
3	Sevens	Treaties and compacts.
4	Sixes	Pleasure.
3	Sixes	Gain, success.
4	Fives	Order, regularity.
3	Fives	Quarrels, fights.
4	Fours	Rest, peace.
3	Fours	Industry.
4	Threes	Resolution, determination.
3	Threes	Deceit.
4	Twos	Conferences, conversations.
3	Twos	Reorganization, recommendation.

Of the Dignities

A card is strong or weak, well dignified or ill dignified, according to the cards next to it on either side.

Cards of the same suit on either side strengthen it greatly, for good or evil according to their nature.

Cards of opposite natures on either side weaken it greatly, for either good or evil.

Swords are inimical to Pentacles.

Wands are inimical to Cups.

Swords are friendly with Cups and Wands.

Wands are friendly with Swords and Pentacles.

If a card fall between two other which are mutually contrary, it is not much affected by either.

Notes:

[1] ? I can't read this clearly; might be ומכאל

Liber LXXVIII

A Description ofThe Cards of the TarotWith Their Attributions; Including aMethod of Divination by Their Use

A Description of

The Cards of the Tarot

H R UThe Great Angel

Α και Ω

Of the Thirty-Six Decans

XXITHE LORD OF STRIFE

XXIITHE LORD OF VICTORY

XXIIITHE LORD OF VALOUR

XXIVTHE LORD OF PRUDENCE

XXVTHE LORD OF MATERIAL GAIN

XXVITHE LORD OF WEALTH

XXVIITHE LORD OF PEACE RESTORED

XXVIIITHE LORD OF SORROW

XXIXTHE LORD OF REST FROM STRIFE

XXXTHE LORD OF LOSS IN PLEASURE

XXXITHE LORD OF PLEASURE

XXXIITHE LORD OF ILLUSIONARY SUCCESS

XXXIIITHE LORD OF SWIFTNESS

XXXIVTHE LORD OF GREAT STRENGTH

XXXVTHE LORD OF OPPRESSION

XXXVITHE LORD OF HARMONIOUS CHANGE

XXXVIITHE LORD OF MATERIAL WORKS

XXXVIIITHE LORD OF EARTHLY POWER

XXXIXTHE LORD OF DEFEAT

XLTHE LORD OF EARNED SUCCESS

XLITHE LORD OF UNSTABLE EFFORT

XLIITHE LORD OF ABANDONED SUCCESS

XLIIITHE LORD OF MATERIAL HAPPINESS

XLIVTHE LORD OF PERFECTED SUCCESS

XLVTHE LORD OF DOMINION

XLVITHE LORD OF ESTABLISHED STRENGTH

XLVIITHE LORD OF PERFECTED WORK

XLVIIITHE LORD OF MATERIAL TROUBLE

XLIXTHE LORD OF MATERIAL SUCCESS

LTHE LORD OF SUCCESS UNFULFILLED

LITHE LORD OF SHORTENED FORCE

LIITHE LORD OF DESPAIR AND CRUELTY

LIIITHE LORD OF RUIN

LIVTHE LORD OF LOVE

LVTHE LORD OF ABUNDANCE

LVITHE LORD OF BLENDED PLEASURE

Brief Meaning of Twenty-Two Keys

Of the Dignities

A Description of
The Cards of the Tarot
With Their Attributions; Including a
Method of Divination by Their Use

H R U
The Great Angel

XXI
THE LORD OF STRIFE

XXII
THE LORD OF VICTORY

XXIII
THE LORD OF VALOUR

XXIV
THE LORD OF PRUDENCE

XXV
THE LORD OF MATERIAL GAIN

XXVI
THE LORD OF WEALTH

XXVII
THE LORD OF PEACE RESTORED

XXVIII
THE LORD OF SORROW

XXIX
THE LORD OF REST FROM STRIFE

XXX
THE LORD OF LOSS IN PLEASURE

XXXI
THE LORD OF PLEASURE

XXXII
THE LORD OF ILLUSIONARY SUCCESS

XXXIII
THE LORD OF SWIFTNESS

XXXIV
THE LORD OF GREAT STRENGTH

XXXV
THE LORD OF OPPRESSION

XXXVI
THE LORD OF HARMONIOUS CHANGE

XXXVII
THE LORD OF MATERIAL WORKS

XXXVIII
THE LORD OF EARTHLY POWER

XXXIX
THE LORD OF DEFEAT

XL
THE LORD OF EARNED SUCCESS

XLI
THE LORD OF UNSTABLE EFFORT

XLII
THE LORD OF ABANDONED SUCCESS

XLIII
THE LORD OF MATERIAL HAPPINESS

XLIV
THE LORD OF PERFECTED SUCCESS

XLV
THE LORD OF DOMINION

XLVI
THE LORD OF ESTABLISHED STRENGTH

XLVII
THE LORD OF PERFECTED WORK

XLVIII
THE LORD OF MATERIAL TROUBLE

XLIX
THE LORD OF MATERIAL SUCCESS

L
THE LORD OF SUCCESS UNFULFILLED

LI
THE LORD OF SHORTENED FORCE

LII
THE LORD OF DESPAIR AND CRUELTY

LIII
THE LORD OF RUIN

LIV
THE LORD OF LOVE

LV
THE LORD OF ABUNDANCE

LVI
THE LORD OF BLENDED PLEASURE