Hermetic Tarot - The Hierophant V

caridwen

Magus of the Eternal Gods. Vau. Nail.
http://picasaweb.google.com/Galoregnum/HermeticTarot#5409282945138670018

The seated figure wears the papal tiara. The elephant is of the nature of Taurus and symbolises the strength of the Hierophant's foundation. The star-shaped figure at the top of the card is the monogram of Hermetic Truth and it also represents the seal of the macrocosm. The diagram is actually two triangles formed into a six pointed star; the seal of Solomon and the star of David. The Pentagram to the right is the seal of the microcosm; the microcosm is a reflection of the macrocosm. The Hierophant holds in his hand the philosophic triple crossed wand which represent the particular knowledge essential to all magical work that unties the microcosm. Each ring of the triples cross is also an indicator of the three aeons of Isis. Osiris and Horus. With his right hand. The Hierophant givs the sign of occult wisdom. The symbol at the foot of the card is a horned sigil of Taurus.

This is the first card of the Majors according to the LWB.
 

Elendil

The diagram is actually two triangles formed into a six pointed star; the seal of Solomon and the star of David.
When viewed carefully these 'triangles' are actually a composite of letters of the alphabet (A:Z:X) and an inverted Greek 'OMEGA' symbol. In the centre of the star formed by the triangles is a large 'ALEPH' symbol. Through the top of the 'star' is a Hebrew inscription (ASMODEL = the angel attributed to Taurus).

This is the first card of the Majors according to the LWB.
As mediator between Earth and the Divine Spirit, as initiator into the mysteries, this makes perfect sense - but he is numbered 5, the number associated with human life[ symbol of combination of female(2) and male(3)]