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MASTERY OF EXERCISE AND
BUILDER OF NEW WORLDS
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"A
master of prosperity, everything Tiger touches turns to
gold. He’s courageous and methodical in his approach to
meet a goal, and leaps upon a solution when challenged
with a problem. Tiger is a natural leader, and supports
others in their goals while consistently working toward
meeting his own. He’s satisfied with his life, and
enjoys his peaceful place of retreat whenever he needs
to unwind. Tiger is your guide in making a commitment to
a long-term goal, and reminds you that you can reap
rewards just as he has done. Take pride in your
achievements, and be on the lookout for great
opportunities."
- Paulina Cassidy
(Spiritsong Tarot) |
The
Prince of Disks
is the Universal Archetype and Worldly principle
representing MASTERY OF EXERCISE AND BUILDER OF NEW
WORLDS.
In The Tarot Handbook by Angeles Arrien, The
Prince of Disks is the architect, the
designer, and the builder of
new forms. With steel-like determination (the
chariot),
he builds new worlds that are beautiful and abundant
(flowers and fruits in the golden tapestry) and worlds
that are less obstructive and difficult (the many little
boulders on the back of the chariot).
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"He
is the sportsman who through exercise has
mastered the capacity to build and recreate
structures, which include reforming the body
through exercise. The Queen of Disks reforms the
body through diet."
- Angeles
Arrien (The Tarot Handbook) |
The
Prince
of Disks forges ahead like
Taurus the Bull, to
implement
structures and forms that are solid, abundant and
beautiful. He holds the double helix as a reminder of
his capacity to build new worlds that can be implemented
consciously (the winged-bull helmet) in
concrete,
aesthetic ways.
The Prince
of Disks represents mastery of the body,
especially through sports and exercise. When you are
drawn to this card, it is an indication that you can
achieve mastery concerning physical activity, architecture,
design, building and sports.
During the month of
Taurus or with Taurus people in your
life, you have the capacity to move in new directions
where new fruitful forms can be built. The
Prince
of Disks can also indicate a desire to travel
or relocate either in the month of Taurus or from now
until Taurus (April 21st
to May 21st).
It can also mean meeting new
people that inspire your moving in new directions
as a result of taking a trip or relocating to a new
environment.
The Prince of Disks can represent a younger man or
Taurus person that you are
inspiring to be more active
in exercise or, you may be motivating him to move in new
directions that are more fruitful for him. Also, a
younger man in your life, or
Taurus person of any age,
might be a motivating force in your life at this time.
For women, this symbol represents the
dynamic youthful
part of yourself that loves activity. This is the
inner
animus of your nature that is determined to build solid
and abundant structures.
In the elegant Shadowscapes Companion Tarot by Stephanie
Pui-Mun Law and Barbara Moore, The
King of Pentacles
bears a seed in his hand. It gleams golden, with an
inner light, and it pulses as if it contains a
heartbeat
that speaks with a humble promise to sprout. The leaves
strain forth to bask in that radiance. The branches
offer ripe, honeyed fruits, each luscious globe swelling
with tantalizing, sweet juices. His branches strain
upwards like the proud tines of a
stag. He is at once
man and tree and dragon; all intertwined, interlocked,
entangled; he is a king of the material world.
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"This
king is an enterprising individual, a man
possessing of multifarious talents. He has the
golden touch of Midas, gilding everything around
him with a sumptuous gleam. When he lays his
hands upon a venture, it is bound for success.
When he sets his mind to an idea, it becomes
polished brilliance. He is reliable and adept at
what he does. He is a steady and solid support
should you need someone to lean on. The eternal
strength and stability of the trees is his to
draw from. Roots spread far and deep, taking
energy from the dark, loamy wells of the earth –
from the caverns of the earth guardians, from
the lairs of dragons, and from the ancient
stones and bones of the deep. With that
stabilizing force, he stretches branches and
arms and aspirations to the stars." |
He is an
inspiration for success and still is generous and
willing to share his wealth and
fortune. Partake of the
fruit he offers. He knows that wealth will be shared and
shared again, and from those fruits, new seeds will
sprout and grow to be mighty trees.
In the beautiful Fantastical Creatures Tarot by
Lisa
Hunt
(illustration)
and D.J. Conway
(writer)
The Prince
of Disks/King of Pentacles is known as “Lord of the
Greenwood”.
The oldest form of The Green Man comes from
Celtic
Legends. God of the Woodlands,
animals and
fertility,
the Lord of the Greenwood is portrayed in old English
church carvings as a half-seen face peering out of the
leaves. Antlers crown his head, and his eyes are
brilliant and
piercing.
On this card, Lord of the Greenwood merges with the
Goddess, Earth Mother. The web of life is strung behind
him between two trees. Shown are some of the animals
within his protective domain. He deeply
loves, and cares
for each child that is born of his union with the Goddess.
If a person, this card represents a wealthy,
secure man
who is experienced in handling money. The appearance of
such a man will help you in a business. You find new
meaning and spiritual comfort in nature.
In the informative thesis “Learning the Tarot” by
Joan
Bunning, the author makes some excellent points;
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"The
personality of the King of Pentacles is a
combination of the positive earth energy of the
Pentacles suit and the active, outward focus of
a King. He might as well be called King Midas as
he turns everything he touches to gold (riches
of all kinds). He finds opportunity everywhere
and succeeds at whatever he sets his mind to. He
is enterprising and adept. Whatever the task, he
handles it competently, drawing on his wide
range of skills and practical knowledge. He’s a
jack of all trades, and master of all as well.
He is always dependable and responsible. Others
rely on his completely because he never fails
them. He gives generously of his time and
resources because he knows that by giving more,
you receive more. He encourages others in their
accomplishments and lends his support whenever
it is needed. He has a steady and even
temperament that adds an element of stability to
any situation. When he has set a goal for
himself, he pursues it with firm resolve until
he’s successful." |
In readings,
the King of Pentacles asks you to take the kinds of
actions he might take. For example: keeping a
commitment, fixing something that’s broken,
making money
or sponsoring a new enterprise. This
King can also
represent a man or woman who is acting as they do, or an
atmosphere of steady, reliable competence. In a reading,
he tells you that his special energy has meaning for you
at this time. Let yourself be inspired by this
King in
whatever form he appears in your life.
We find along our journey comparisons to all forms of life. This
is shown bountifully in the
Animals Divine Companion by
Lisa Hunt.
The Prince of Disks is
Ahau Kin from
Mayan Legend,
symbolizing Material and Business Success, plans for the
future.
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"Jaguars
are mystical creatures that possess the powers
of darkness. Primitive instincts reflect the
shadow aspects of the psyche. If we tap into
inner shadows and allow them to manifest in a
productive manner, we will be able to access a
wealth of energy that can facilitate ambition
and drive. The forest represents the material
world. The exterior world can influence dream
states. The moon influences the psyche and
enables shadows to emerge. The tree roots serve
as a bridge between the ego-driven subconscious
and the more collective elements of the
unconscious psyche. The medallion represents the
sun and serves as a reminder that we need the
balance of day and night. Dreams are changeable
and sometimes elusive, much like the low-level
fog that obscures the earth. But within the
dream realm, we can learn to harness energy and
inspiration that can be applied to our waking
lives." |
Ahau Kin is
the
Mayan sun god who was connected to both the
daytime
aboveworld and the nocturnal underworld. Once the sun
sank into the horizon, Ahau Kin assumed the shape of a
jaguar and roamed the nocturnal landscape. His markings
are symbols of his connection with the
divine cat.
During the day, he would transform back into his human
appearance. The sun god could cause human suffering by
burning crops during times of drought.
The jaguar was considered to be one of the most sacred
animals of the Mayan culture. Its countenance was carved
into some temples as a means of honoring the god.
Ahau Kin’s ability to traverse the nightly forests in
the form of an animal is a reminder that we, too, should
try to recognize our own internal animalistic strengths
in order to pave new roads of ambition. The inner animal
spirit that is represented by the shadow in our psyches
can provide the essential ingredient for
financial
success. Without the stamina of our strong inner animal,
perhaps we would become too easily discouraged in the
face of obstacles. Analyze dreams and
tap into your own
inner animal energies as a means of striving for
success. Plan carefully and identify the means you must
take in order to pursue goals for a more financially
robust future.
The Art Nouveau Tarot by Antonella Castelli, shows the
Prince of Disks as a powerful man who clutches a kicking
maid. This is the symbol of arrogance, of
cupidity and
of greed. A warning of the
darker side of the Prince of
Disks. Always Know Thyself !
In Tarot of the Old Path by Howard Rodway, the
King of
Pentacles is shown as a
black-haired and dark eyed man. A person who has
found
success in his vocation or business. A shrewd,
sensible,
well-established man, symbolizing
intellectual aptitude.
A loyal friend.
On the reverse side, it warns of someone
not to be
trusted. A person who will use any means to achieve the
desired end. Fraud. Vice.
Stay Alert !
In the ancient Haindl Tarot by Hermann Haindl, the
Prince of Disks is represented as the “Father of
Stones”. The footprints of animals and the dark prints
of a Spirit being show on the ground. The Old Man is a
helper Spirit for the Earth. This shows the
fundamental
male principle, someone who cares deeply for family and
for nature. A Hard Worker.
On the reverse it shows a bigot, cold and
uncaring,
lacking success, carrying the pain at the suffering of
the world. Dark, brooding, dangerous.
In the wonderful Kleopatra Tarot by Etta Stoico and
Silvana Alasia, the King of Pentacles is cognizant of
Shu. A merchant, entrepreneur or stock market agent,
well-disposed towards the consultant. A
shrewd
investment.
The marvelous Robin Wood Tarot by Robin Wood and
Michael
Short shows a rich man
(materially and spiritually),
steady, reliable, earthy, helpful, sensual.
On the reverse it warns of being too materialistic. A
tendency toward stupidity and
stubbornness. Perverse use
of talents. A dangerous man when angry. Addiction to
physical comfort. Don’t get complacent !
In the traditional Rider-Waite Tarot there is an account
of the following;
The figure calls for no special description. The face is
rather dark, suggesting also courage, but somewhat
lethargic in tendency. The bull’s head should be noted
as a recurrent symbol on his throne. The sign of this
suit is represented throughout as engraved or blazoned
with the pentagram, typifying the correspondence of the
four elements in human nature and that by which they may
be governed.
Valor, realizing intelligence, business and normal
intellectual aptitude, sometimes mathematical gifts and
attainments of this kind – success in these paths.
On the reverse; vice, weakness,
ugliness, perversity,
corruption, peril. Review your progress, and decide
whether you’re taking the right steps in meeting your
goals. Set yourself a healthy routine, and be open to
changes.
In the Connolly Tarot by Eileen Connolly
(writer)
and
Peter Paul Connolly
(illustrator)
the Prince of Disks is
in lieu with good position in industry. This man is
mathematically competent. A generous soul who is
friendly and affectionate.
On the reverse, it symbolizes a most materialistic man
who talks a lot and often appears stupid. He is
opinionated and easily led.
In The New Palladini Tarot by David Palladini, we see
the silhouette of a strong, crowned man. Inside his head
is the cosmic universe, with a jeweled pentacle floating
therein. He is the King in contemplation of all that
exists.
In The Book of Thoth by The Master Therion, Aleister
Crowley, the Prince of Disks is given a tremendous
applause;
The Prince of Disks
represents the airy part of Earth, indicating the
florescence and fructification of that element. He rules
from the 21st
degree of
Aries to the 20th
degree of
Taurus.
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"The
figure of this Prince is meditative. He is the
element of Earth become intelligible. Clothed in
light armour, his helmet is crowned with the
head of a bull; and his chariot is drawn by an
ox, this animal being peculiarly sacred to the
Element of Earth. In his left hand he holds his
disk, which is an orb resembling a globe, marked
with mathematical symbols as if to imply the
planning involved in agriculture. In his right
hand he bears an orbed scepter surmounted by a
cross, a symbol of the Great Work accomplished;
for it is his function to bring forth from the
material of the element that vegetation which is
the sustenance of the Spirit itself.
The character denoted by this card is that of
great energy brought to bear upon the most solid
of practical matters. He is energetic and
enduring, a capable manager, a steadfast and
persevering worker. He is competent, ingenious,
thoughtful, cautious, trustworthy,
imperturbable; he constantly seeks new uses for
common things, and adapts his circumstances to
his purposes in a slow, steady, well-thought out
plan.
He is lacking almost entirely in emotion. He
is somewhat insensitive, and may appear dull,
but he is not; it so appears because he makes no
effort to understand ideas which are beyond his
scope. He may often appear stupid, and is
inclined to be resentful of more spiritual
types. He is slow to anger, but, if driven,
becomes implacable. It is not very practicable
to distinguish between the good and evil
dignities in this card; one can merely say that,
in case of his being ill-dignified, both the
quality and quantity of his characteristics are
somewhat degraded. The reaction of others to him
will depend almost entirely upon their own
temperaments." |
In the YÎ
King, the airy part of Earth is represented by the
53rd
hexagram, Kien. The commentary concerns the
flight of wild geese, “gradually
approaching the shore”, then “the
large rocks”, then “advanced to the dry plains
– the trees – the high mound”; finally, to “the
large heights”. It thus symbolizes slow, steady
emancipation from repressive conditions.
The description is even happier that that given by the
Qabalah, although in every way congruous with it.
Practical considerations are never absent from Chinese
thought, even at its most abstruse and
metaphysical. The
fundamental heresy of the Black Lodge is contempt for
“the world, the flesh, and the devil”, all which are
essential to the plan of the Universe; it is cardinal to
the Great Work for the Adept so to order affairs that
“even the evil germs of Matter shall alike become useful
and good”.
The error of Christian Mystics on this point has been
responsible for more cruelty, misery, and
collective
insanity than all others put together; its poison can be
traced even in the teachings of
Freud, who assumed that
the Unconscious was “the devil”, whereas in fact it is
the instinct which expresses, beneath a veil, the
inherent Point-of-View of each, and, properly
understood, is the key to Initiation, and a hint of what
seed may blossom and fructify as the “Knowledge and
Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel”. For every man
and every woman is a star”.
But no doubt the judgement of the Adepts Exempt (for it
is they who determine, under the guidance of the Masters
of the Temple, all such details of
doctrine) in respect
of this card has been influenced by its transition from
Aries to Taurus. It is too often forgotten that Taurus
is the
House of Venus, and that
Luna is exalted therein.
The new doctrine set forth in this present Essay makes
the primary colour of Earth not black, but
green; it
insists that every Disk is a living and revolving
symbol. The central thesis of the Book of the Law
asserts the Perfection of the Universe. In its
pantheistic conception all possibilities are equal in
value; each and every Point-Event is “a play of Nuit”,
as it is written in the Book of Wisdom or Folly, “Bind
nothing! Let there be no difference made among you
between any one thing & any other thing; for thereby
there cometh hurt. But whose availeth in this,
let him
be the chief of all!” Liber Al. I. 22. Or, yet more
comprehensively and simply” “Every number is infinite,
there is no difference.” Ib I. 4.
In the great thesis Understanding Aleister Crowley’s
Thoth Tarot by Lon Milo DuQuette, the author reminds us
a few simple facts; The Prince of Disks is
Air of Earth, 20° Aries to 20° Taurus, April 11th
to May 10th.
Rules 4 of Wands; 5 of Disks; 6 of Disks.
Original Titles are The Prince of the Chariot of Earth;
Prince and Emperor of the Gnomes.
The Crest is that of a Winged Bull’s head. It’s symbols
are; Flowery Land. Bull. Dark scepter with orb and
cross. Orb held downward. The hair is
dark brown and the
eyes are dark.
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"The
Prince of Disks is a devil. I’ve been a whole
week on him & he is engendering a nervous
breakdown in me coupled with starvation as he
gives me no time to eat. He is a bastard.
However, I hope I have caught him today. He
swells & swells & I can’t get him in the picture
with all the farm produce & bulls you suggest."
- Harris to
Crowley, date uncertain |
A devil
indeed! But what a devil! I don’t think it’s a good idea
to put too many Princes of Disks in the same room. These
fellows change the world with their “great energy
brought to bear upon the most solid of practical
matters.” Consider this short roster of
Prince of Disks:
Marcus Aurelius, William Shakespeare, Catherine the
Great, Thomas Jefferson, Robespierre, Ulysees S. Grant,
Sigmund Freud, Karl Marx, Nikolai Lenin, Adolf Hitler,
Emperor Hirohito, Robert Oppenheimer, Harry Truman,
Golda Meir and Saddam Hussein.
Harris’s Prince is seated in a chariot filled with
globular seeds that seem to be ready to burst into
plants at any moment. He is a very cool character. His
eyes are closed in meditation, as if he were mentally
directing the brooding fecundity of the
entire universe.
He is the picture of someone who is in control on the
material plane. He may seem a bit dull and emotionless,
but he’s not. He’s just not a snob, and he doesn’t
bother with things he considers impractical. He’s the
ultimate handyman.
This is the darkest card of the suit of Disks, full of
rich browns and blacks.
The Prince of Disks is an
affirmation that we are on the
correct path, our Destiny. There is no need to push, the
Universe will provide. Acknowledge the great gift that
has been passed to your everlasting Spirit.
Your inner Prince has
taught you well, together you have built a sturdy
foundation with which other entities can be built
whether on the astral, material plane or for the
mind, the heart, the
soul, the
entire Cosmos !
POSITIVE PATH
-
ENTERPRISING
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makes any
venture successful
finds opportunity everywhere
attracts wealth
takes an idea and makes it work
is a natural manager and businessman
has the Midas touch
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ADEPT
-
informed
about practical matters
has wide range of natural abilities
has quick reflexes
is skilful with hands
handles any situation competently
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RELIABLE
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meets all commitments and promises
assumes responsibility
is dependable and unfailing
can be counted on in a crisis
serves as a rock for others to lean on
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SUPPORTING
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encourages accomplishments of others
readily jumps in to help
is a philanthropist
gives generously of time and attention
sponsors worthwhile projects
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STEADY
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works
toward a goal with firm resolve
avoids mood and behavior swings
has regular habits and activities
maintains a calm, even approach
is a stabilizing influence
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WORLD AND
OCCUPATION
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- Carpe Diem -
robustness, success, excellence, tests, unshakeable
tenacity and conviction, hard work, setting material
goals, loyalty, practicality, genius, creativity,
experience, adventurers, directness, deep belief,
artists, self-sufficiency, strength of body and mind,
completing what was started, pride in work, discovering
natural skills and aptitudes, doing what we love,
learning as we go, early stages of creativity and
professionalism, proving mettle, assuming personal
control, new employment, competition, responsibility,
reliability, discipline, patience, tenacity, sound
investment, manifestation, reliable allies, helping
friends, ownership, experts, tycoons, warriors,
sportsmen, creators, entrepreneurs, builders, sculptors,
inventors, financiers, magnates, teachers, motivators,
priests, politicians, gurus, hierarchy, courage, luxury,
commitment, manifestation, ambition, valor, protection,
determination, security, reward, deep intelligence,
mathematical gifts, business and intellectual aptitude,
success in all matters |
NEGATIVE
PATH
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-
Vigilance of the Self -
crudity, hardness, vanity, banality, lack of
sophistication, contempt for sensitivity,
dogmatism, contempt for inwardness and
spirituality, refusal to offer assistance or
advice
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REVERSED
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- Live in Balance -
warning, poor
investment, negative outcomes, failure, bad
attitude, indecision, laziness, waste,
incompetence, taking the easy road,
short-cuts and prevarication, stubbornness,
avoidance of hard work, dissatisfaction,
leaving things to others, overindulgence,
relinquishing control, instability,
materialistic, avoiding responsibility,
breakdown, capitulation, failure to learn
from past mistakes, illness, reluctance to
develop talents and aptitude, vice,
weakness, ugliness, perversion, peril |
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"Occasionally
the reversed position advises us to become more
easy-going and spontaneous. We need not take
setbacks personally. We may need to be less
obsessed by physical accomplishment and worldly
recognition. We can be easier on ourselves."
- Michael
Tsarion |
- Research sources -
Taroscopes
by
Michael Tsarion
Röhrig
Tarot by
Carl-W. Röhrig
Arcus Arcanum Tarot by
Hager Gunter
The Tarot Handbook by
Angeles Arrien
The Book of Thoth by
Aleister Crowley
Spiritsong Tarot
by Paulina Cassidy
Animals Divine Companion
by Lisa Hunt
Fantastical Creatures
by Lisa Hunt
&
D.J. Conway
Thoth
Tarot by
Aleister Crowley &
Lady Frieda Harris
Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot by
Pamela Colman Smith
Shadowscapes
by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law
& Barbara Moore
Understanding Crowley’s Thoth Tarot
by Lon Milo DuQuette
Sephiroth Tarot
by Josephine Mori,
Jill Stockwell
& Dan Staroff
The New Palladini Tarot by
David Palladini
Tarot of the Old Path by
Howard Rodway
Robin Wood Tarot
by Robin Wood
& Michael Short
Kleopatra Tarot
by Etta Stoico
& Silvana Alasia
Tarot Art Nouveau
by Antonella Castelli
Connolly Tarot
by Eileen
& Peter Paul
Connolly
Tarot Snów
by Ciro Marchetti
Learning the Tarot
by Joan Bunning
Haindl Tarot by
Hermann Haindl
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