The Tarot of Eli 2, LLC: Rider-Waite-Smith-Five of Cups & The Archeon Tarot- 5 of Cups

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Arthur Edward Waite, a prominent figure in the Western Hermetic Qabalah, understood well the esoteric tension embedded in the number 5, which is ruled by the fiery Sephirah of Geburah—the sphere of Severity, Force, and dynamic disruption. When this martial energy is expressed through the Suit of Cups, which corresponds to the element of Water, a natural elemental antipathy arises: fire agitates and disturbs the serene, receptive nature of water.

This card, the Five of Cups, becomes even more complex when we consider its astrological attribution: Mars in Scorpio. Here, Mars is in its domicile, yet on the densest level of manifestation—aligned with the Qabalistic energies of Geburah. In this context, Mars doesn’t blaze outward but rather burrows into the subconscious depths of Scorpio, bringing a slow-burning, internalized heat that catalyzes putrefaction, the first alchemical stage of dissolution. This process represents emotional decomposition—a necessary, if painful, decay of past attachments and expectations.

Yet this is not the dramatic conflagration of surface-level anger or loss. Instead, it is a deep inner frustration, a melancholic severance where the desired emotional fulfillment is withheld or corrupted. Mars' assertive power does not explode, but restrains—turning the yearning inward, fostering emotional entropy. This internalized suffering, though unpleasant, serves a sacred Hermetic function: it purifies the emotional body by burning away sentimentality, illusion, and false desire.

Mars in the house of Scorpio is a powerful and intense placement in astrology. Since many aspirants have an interest in metaphysics and astrology, I'll provide you with some insights into the characteristics of Mars in Scorpio:

1. Intensity: Mars represents action, energy, and drive, and when placed in Scorpio, the sign of deep transformation and intensity, it amplifies these qualities. Individuals with this placement tend to approach their goals with great intensity and determination.

2. Passion: Scorpio is known for its passion, and Mars here intensifies that passion. People with Mars in Scorpio are passionate about their desires and pursuits, which can make them very focused and persistent in achieving their goals.

3. Determination: Mars in Scorpio individuals are determined and unwavering in their pursuits. They are not easily swayed from their path and are willing to put in the effort required to achieve their objectives, no matter how challenging.

4. Sexuality: Scorpio is a sign associated with sexuality and sensuality, and Mars in Scorpio individuals may have a strong and passionate sexual nature. They can be very intense and deeply connected in their intimate relationships.

5. Resilience: Scorpio is a fixed sign, and Mars in this position gives individuals a great deal of resilience. They have the ability to bounce back from setbacks and are not easily defeated by obstacles or adversity.

6. Investigative Mind: Scorpio is also associated with investigation and uncovering hidden truths. Those with Mars in Scorpio may have a natural inclination toward research, detective work, or anything that involves digging beneath the surface to discover hidden information.

7. Emotional Depth: This placement can bring emotional depth and intensity to one's actions. Mars in Scorpio individuals may have a powerful emotional drive that fuels their actions and decision-making.

8. Jealousy and Possessiveness: On the downside, the intensity of Scorpio can also manifest as jealousy and possessiveness. Mars in Scorpio individuals may need to be mindful of these tendencies in their relationships.

9. Power and Control: Scorpio is associated with power and control, and Mars here can make individuals highly attuned to power dynamics. They may have a desire to be in control of situations and may excel in leadership roles.

10. Transformation: Ultimately, Mars in Scorpio can lead to profound personal transformation. It encourages individuals to confront their own desires, fears, and limitations, leading to a process of inner growth and change.

Remember that the exact influence of Mars in Scorpio can vary depending on other factors in your natal chart, such as aspects and house placements. If you have specific questions or need a more detailed analysis, it's a good idea to consult with a professional astrologer who can provide personalized insights based on your complete birth chart.

While Waite is the surname of the man: the academic and mystic Arthur Edward Waite. It was only a couple of years later that some started calling this deck Rider-Waite-Smith cards. Smith for Pamela Colman Smith, the other co-creator and artist of the deck.

Waite’s Five of Cups, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, vividly conveys the theme of emotional loss and sorrow. The central figure, cloaked in a dark robe, stands with head bowed in mourning—a posture of despair and internal collapse. Behind him, a distant castle hints at what has been left behind, while a flowing river represents the emotional current that separates the past from the present. A bridge arcs across this river, symbolizing the potential for transition or integration, though the figure has yet to cross it.

In the foreground lie three overturned cups, their contents—resembling wine or blood—spilled upon the ground, evoking the imagery of sacrifice, lost joy, or emotional ruin. Two cups remain upright behind the figure, unnoticed, suggesting that something of value still endures, though veiled by grief. The spilled cups imply not just loss, but the aftermath of emotional conflict or psychic wounding—a battle perhaps won in the outer world but lost in the soul. The cost of whatever victory was achieved has rendered the moment hollow; rather than triumph, it yields mourning and regret, illustrating a deeper truth: some gains come at too great a price.

The Archeon Tarot – Five of Cups portrays a solitary, shadowed figure walking away across a reflective surface under a cloudy, moonlit sky. Unlike the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith depiction, only one goblet is overturned, while four remain upright. This subtle shift in imagery changes the emotional tone—from despair to a more introspective sorrow, one that still holds potential. The moonlight and its cloudy veil suggest hidden truths, emotional uncertainty, or grief obscured by time and distance.

The single spilled cup resembles a tear upon the earth, emphasizing that sorrow is present but not overwhelming. It whispers of a wound, not a ruin—a poignant loss that still leaves room for resolution and healing.

This card speaks of mourning, regret, or emotional reevaluation, especially regarding something or someone that once held great meaning. There may be guilt or sorrow involved, but the presence of the four upright cups hints that all is not lost. The number Five, ruled by Geburah in Qabalistic tradition, signals a moment of disruption, forceful change, or spiritual trial. It is the hand of divine Severity pressing upon the soul to awaken transformation through loss.

Though sorrow clouds the present, the Five of Cups in this deck reminds you: new beginnings often arrive hidden within grief. Do not become so absorbed in what has been spilled that you fail to recognize what remains—and what can still be filled anew.

In Western Hermetic Gematria, the number 5 holds several significant characteristics and meanings across various traditions, particularly within Jewish mysticism and the Western esoteric tradition.

Jewish Gematria

1. Letter and Numerical Value: The number 5 corresponds to the Hebrew letter "ה" (Heh). Each letter in the Hebrew alphabet has a numerical value, and Heh is the fifth letter, representing the number 5.

2. Symbolism of Heh:

   • God's Grace: The letter Heh is often associated with divine grace and benevolence. In Kabbalistic/Qabalistic thought, it symbolizes the breath of God and creation.
   • Names of God: The Tetragrammaton (YHWH) contains two Hehs, emphasizing its importance in the divine name.

3. Pentateuch (Torah): The number 5 is significant as it corresponds to the five books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), which form the Torah. These texts are foundational to Jewish religious tradition and law.

Western Esotericism

1. Pentagram: In Western esoteric traditions, the number 5 is often represented by the pentagram, a five-pointed star.

   • Microcosm: The pentagram is seen as a symbol of the microcosm, or human being, with each point representing a limb or the head.
   • Protection: It is also used as a protective symbol, representing the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and spirit) and their harmony.

2. The Fifth Sephirah - Geburah:

   • Tree of Life: On the Qabalistic/ Kabbalistic Tree of Life, the fifth sephirah is Geburah, which means strength or severity. It is associated with discipline, judgment, and the application of justice.
   • Mars: Geburah is connected to the planet Mars, symbolizing action, courage, and sometimes conflict.

Tarot Correspondences

1. The Hierophant: In the Tarot, the number 5 corresponds to the Major Arcana card The Hierophant. This card represents tradition, spiritual wisdom, and religious guidance.
2. Minor Arcana: In the Minor Arcana, the fives of each suit (Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands) typically indicate challenges, changes, or disruptions, reflecting the transformative power of the number 5.

General Symbolism

1. Human Experience: The number 5 often symbolizes human life and experience. It is connected to the five senses, indicating perception and interaction with the material world.
2. Balance and Change: As a prime number, 5 represents independence and self-determination. It also symbolizes dynamic balance and adaptability, as it stands at the midpoint between 1 and 9, suggesting a pivotal point of transition.

In summary, the number 5 in Gematria and various esoteric traditions embodies themes of creation, divine grace, human experience, protection, discipline, and transformation. Its significance is multifaceted, reflecting both spiritual and material aspects of existence.

Here is Western Hermetic Sigil for Emotional Resilience, designed using Hermetic symbolism:

• The circle represents wholeness and the eternal soul.

• The inverted triangle signifies emotional alchemy and the transformation of grief.

• The vertical line is the Axis Mundi, your will anchoring light into shadow.

• The crescent is the vessel of emotion—receiving, holding, and eventually releasing.

Affirmation for Emotional Resilience:

"I honor what was lost, and I embrace what remains.
Through sorrow, I deepen. Through endurance, I rise.
I am the vessel. I am the flame. I am the stillness after the storm."

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Being highly emotional, the Five of Cups tells the reader that the querent is experiencing:

• Disappointment in love and marriage. 
• Unkindness from friends, whether the querent deserves it or not, as shown by accompanying cards.
• The end of pleasure, sorrow, and the loss of things from which pleasure is expected.
• Sadness, deceit, treachery, ill-will, detraction and ill requited charity and kindness.
• Will be or is trouble from unexpected sources.
• Death of what was loved. This is one of the cards that could mean death of a loved one, depending on the support of such a supposition by the accompany cards.

If reversed and/or ill dignified by the surrounding cards in the layout:

• News.
• Alliances.
• Affinity.
• Consanguinity. 
• Ancestry.
• Return.
• False projects.

Thank you for your interest and comments. May you live long and prosper.

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