It seems natural that the Moon should emanate from Netzach, but I wonder what effect it has on Malkuth? It always seemed a kind of "shortcut" to me, seemingly nice and motherly but ultimately leading to animal passions before having overcome them.
Overcome animal passions? If it weren't for that same 'desire-force', it's unlikely that the Crayfish would want to climb out of the water and begin to
evolve. That's one reason why a crustacean of some sort is usually present on Atu XVIII. It's a symbol of the process whereby a 'primitive' individual emerges from the collective.
Also, what effect do you think the Star/Emperor in that neighborhood has on the Moon, assuming the two are somewhat interchangeable in their positions (kind of... you know what I mean).
For a start I'm not convinced that the Star belongs on the Path of Tzaddi. It's too good a fit for the Path of Heh.
The Emperor (The Sun of the Morning) is a different kettle of fish though. Although I'm not entirely sure how to articulate the reason why without it sounding a bit weird and far fetched. But here goes anyway.
If we go back to the evolutionary theme on the Path of Qoph for a moment, there comes a point when that same evolving life form (with it's primitive consciousness) reaches a certain stage of development. Up until that point it has, according to occult tradition, been moulded and developed
subconsciously by the Life Power (or whatever you want to call Atu 0 The Fool) into ever more complicated forms. But at a certain stage it will slowly begin to become aware of this process and will want to
consciously participate in it. (And you probably thought it was your idea to get involved in all this occult mumbo-jumbo.
) And that's where the Emperor comes into the picture.
From Netzach to Yesod the Emperor represents our ability to
consciously mould and impress our
subconscious with patterns of our own making. To all intents and purposes it is self directed evolution.
In addition to this there is the Yesod to Netzach aspect of this card that corresponds to the growing power of purposefully raising and directing sexual, procreative energy towards self development, while still retaining control. The normal 'animal' response is to discharge (orgasm) the energy when it gets too much to handle. But this sort of work requires the use of 'higer voltages' than normal. Raja Yoga, that is
Royal Yoga, is one method of strengthening the mind and body to tolerate this increased energy. The Emperor looks like the kind of guy who can take the heat.
I think Atu XVIII shows this new development by the 9 Yod-shaped drops. 9 is Yesod and the Moon. But the letter Yod is 10. And 9x10 = 90 - Tzaddi.
(On a different level the Yod's may also represent the 'Elixir' of a sex magick operation. Which is essentially a 'talisman' imprinted with a particular desire. Although the previous paragraph should make it clear why merely knowing the mechanism isn't enough to practice it.)
Crowley diary: 9th July 1930.
Aleister Crowley said:
I think knowledge of the IX° has quite upset Frater E.N.L. [Israel Regardie] It is too much like a short cut, and is a very dangerous practice indeed for one untrained by long years of ceremonial. My success, and immunity, may well be due to the fact that I did not know it till after 14 years' hard work.
Visually, it almost seems as if either is giving the Moon its light, but who's light is it that the Moon reflects?
The light is the L.V.X. that originates on the Path of Aleph, reflected in the Path of Heh (Thunderbolt) and consciously directed on the Path of Tzaddi.