The Tarot of Eli 2, LLC: Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot- Six of Cups & The Archeon Tarot - 6 of Cups

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The Rider-Waite-Smith Six of Cups Tarot card adheres more closely to a mundane interpretation of pleasure, especially when compared to the more metaphysically rich symbolism of the Thoth Tarot. In the RWS deck, six golden cups overflow with blooming flowers, symbolizing innocent delight and the sweetness of memory. The card’s bright yellow background reflects the influence of the Sun, suggesting warmth, vitality, and an animating joy rooted in the past. The image of two children in a garden evokes nostalgia, simplicity, and a return to a more innocent time—specifically, childhood. Thus, the card often implies a sentimental reflection on pleasures and emotional experiences that have since passed; memories that still echo in the soul, even as the moments themselves have vanished.

Arthur Edward Waite, bound by his oath to the Order of the Golden Dawn, encoded only fragments of the deeper Mysteries within his Tarot. As a result, the images designed by Pamela Colman Smith, though evocative, remain veiled and subdued, particularly in the Minor Arcana. The esoteric depth, though subtly implied, is not fully revealed, and many of the deeper Hermetic layers remain inaccessible to the uninitiated eye.

In contrast, Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris undertook a bold and revolutionary project with the Thoth Tarot, determined to unveil the complete symbolic architecture of Hermetic, Qabalistic, astrological, and alchemical wisdom. Every line and color in the Thoth deck pulses with layered significance. Crowley, ever the rebel, disliked secretive lodges and hierarchical initiations. He believed that the arcane knowledge of Self—the keys to one's Divine Identity—should not be hidden away but rather made available to all who truly will to seek. To walk the paths of the Tree of Life is to reject the dull security of indoctrination and step beyond the Archonic control grid that shackles the collective social mind.

The Six of Cups in the Thoth deck, titled Pleasure, represents the harmony of emotional forces emerging from balanced self-awareness. It shows how beauty, emotional renewal, and joy can be consciously cultivated rather than merely remembered. Unlike the sentimental backward gaze of the Rider-Waite, the Thoth version asserts the active power of the soul to generate pleasure through spiritual equilibrium. It is not a memory—it is a radiance of the now, rooted in the foundation of the soul’s inner Sun.

The number 6 is not merely a symbol of accomplishments; it is also a profound emblem of spiritual integration. In Western Hermetic Qabalah, it corresponds to the sixth Sephirah on the Tree of Life—Tiphareth, the sphere of Beauty. This Sephirah represents the Christ-Buddha consciousness, the harmonized center of divine-human awareness, where the lower personality aligns with the Higher Self or Solar Logos.

Tiphareth is the radiant heart of the Tree, situated at its very center. From it, all the paths converge and diverge, making it the spiritual Sun of the Soul. Here, the fragmented aspects of the psyche are unified through sacrificial transformation, a mystery deeply understood by initiates like A.E. Waite, who, despite his outward conventionality, was a dedicated Hermetic Qabalist.

Moreover, the number 6 is encoded within the carbon atom, the basis of all organic life. Carbon contains six electrons, six protons, and six neutrons, forming the elemental skeleton of physical incarnation. Thus, the number 6 becomes the alchemical bridge between the spiritual Sun (Tiphareth) and the material basis of life (carbon)—a microcosmic reflection of the macrocosmic truth: as above, so below.

In this light, the number 6 reveals the divine harmony between form and spirit, matter and consciousness, where the Solar Self orchestrates the music of creation through the law of Beauty, Balance, and Sacrifice.

Therefore, the Sixes in the Tarot are expressions of the Soul’s intelligence, signifying the highest state of consciousness that the incarnate personality can attain. They radiate from Tiphareth, the Sephirah of Solar Beauty, which is the seat of the Redeemed Self—that which mediates between the Divine and the Human. Yet, this elevated harmony does not come without a price.

The number 6 is also the number of the Dying God archetype—Osiris, Dionysus, Christ, and other solar figures who undergo voluntary sacrifice for transfiguration. This reflects the initiatory death of the personality, a deconstruction of the egoic self so that the Greater Self—the Soul or Solar Genius—may emerge more fully formed. The “death” is not annihilation, but a sacred reconstitution: the shedding of conditioned forms to reveal the radiant core within.

To the aspirant who seeks union with the Higher Mind or Greater Self, this knowledge is essential. It marks a turning point where one begins to live from the Solar Center, no longer guided by lunar reflections of desire, but by the inner Sun of purpose, balance, and compassion.

Even from a more practical, worldly perspective, the Sixes reveal a universal principle: true success demands sacrifice. Whether in business, relationships, or personal development, achieving mastery requires a reorganization of one’s skills, priorities, and time. The lower must be offered up so the higher can be born. Thus, the Sixes weave together the metaphysical and the mundane, declaring that beauty, success, and spiritual realization all require disciplined surrender and conscious choice.

The Archeon Tarot – Six of Cups takes a more melancholic and introspective approach to this traditionally nostalgic card. Here, the image is sparse in overt Hermetic symbolism, yet it subtly conveys profound truths through absence rather than presence. The empty mask and discarded clothing suggest the fading of identity—a dissolving of past roles, personas, and emotional imprints. These are the fragments of memory, once vital, now ghost-like, drifting into the aether of time.

Scattered pages of writing, lost and weathered, hint at the forgotten secrets of the magus—knowledge that was once personal and potent, now half-remembered or inherited without understanding. This evokes the Hermetic axiom: “That which is below forgets that it is from above.” The soul's past expressions—friendships, teachings, emotional states—have dissolved, and their forms have become shadows.

This card speaks of departed friends, emotional echoes, and psychic inheritances—not just from childhood, but from past selves, even prior incarnations. The gifts and burdens of memory are here, and the presence of emptiness becomes a message: You cannot go back. You must now go forward.

In reversal, the message inverts with clarity: a change in emotional direction. New companions, fresh emotional insights, and the courage to release the weight of past associations emerge. This shift signifies the aspirant beginning to step into the Solar Self of Tiphareth, where the past is integrated—not clung to—and the inner cup is refilled with new soul vitality.

The inner child—that curious, joyful, and imaginative part of you—is the untouched emissary of your Soul. This child is the authentic self, sent into incarnation from Tiphareth, the sixth Sephirah of the Tree of Life, also known as Beauty. It is from this Solar Self that the living spark descends into Malkuth, the Kingdom of Earth, to experience, create, and awaken.

Yet, over time, the child is buried beneath layers of social conditioning, parental programming, and cultural dogma. The radiant core of being is obscured by what modern life calls the "adult self"—but which is often nothing more than a constructed persona, shaped by survival instinct and the demands of conformity. This "adult" is not your true maturity, but an egregore-born mask, a psychic formation shaped by collective expectation and fear-based obedience.

This so-called adult consciousness becomes the internal oppressor of the true Child, suppressing play, imagination, vulnerability, and joy. In Hermetic terms, it is the profaned aspect of Hod (intellect) trying to override the innocence of Tiphareth (the Soul).

But the Great Work requires reconciliation. The Child and the Adult must embrace—must hold hands as integrated polarities within the Self. When the Higher Self mediates this reunion, the wounded adult becomes a Guardian, not a jailer. The inner child becomes a Guide, not a ghost.

Thus, the aspirant must learn to listen again to that Solar voice within—the voice that sings, dreams, and dares. This is the alchemical marriage within the psyche: the inner Sun melting the false masks of ego, restoring the original image of the Divine Child in Malkuth, awake and whole.

What is not shown on either the RWS or Archeon Tarot-6 of Cups Card is the Western Hermetic astrological association applied to this card which is the Moon in Taurus. The Moon represents emotions, intuition, and the subconscious mind, while Taurus is associated with stability, sensuality, and material possessions. When the Moon is in the house of Taurus in a birth chart, it influences the individual's emotional nature in specific ways.

Here are some characteristics of the Moon in Taurus:

1. Emotional Stability: Taurus is an earth sign known for its grounded and stable nature. When the Moon is in Taurus, individuals tend to have a steady and reliable emotional state. They may approach their feelings with a practical mindset, seeking security and comfort in their emotional connections.

2. Sensuality: Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of love and beauty. The Moon in Taurus enhances the sensual and pleasure-seeking aspects of one's emotions. These individuals may find comfort and emotional satisfaction through experiences that engage their senses, such as good food, music, or physical touch.

3. Attachment to Material Security: Taurus is associated with material possessions and financial stability. People with the Moon in Taurus may feel emotionally secure when surrounded by comfort and luxury. They may have a strong attachment to their material possessions and use them as a source of emotional grounding.

4. Resilience: Taurus is a sign known for its endurance and resilience. When the Moon is in Taurus, individuals may handle emotional challenges with patience and persistence. They are less likely to be easily swayed by emotional upheavals and may prefer a calm and steady approach to resolving conflicts.

5. Resistance to Change: Taurus is a fixed sign, indicating a resistance to change. Individuals with the Moon in Taurus may find comfort in routine and may be resistant to emotional upheavals or sudden changes. They prefer a steady and predictable emotional environment.

It's important to note that the complete astrological profile, including the positions of other planets and the overall birth chart, provides a more nuanced understanding of an individual's personality and life experiences. Additionally, individual interpretations may vary based on the astrologer's approach and perspective.

The numbers attributed to each Tarot card are more than just an organization of the cards. They also supply a deeper clarity to the meaning of each card.

In numerology and Western Hermetic gematria, the number 6 carries significant symbolism and attributes. Here's an exploration of its characteristics in both contexts:

Numerology

In numerology, the number 6 is associated with:

1. Harmony and Balance: The number 6 is often seen as a symbol of harmony, balance, and equilibrium. It represents the need for stability in all aspects of life, including relationships, work, and personal well-being.

2. Responsibility and Service: It is considered the number of responsibility, service to others, and domesticity. Those influenced by the number 6 are often nurturing, caring, and concerned with the welfare of others.

3. Love and Compassion: The number 6 is closely linked to love, compassion, and empathy. It signifies a deep connection to family, friends, and community, emphasizing the importance of caring for and supporting others.

4. Aesthetic Appreciation: People associated with the number 6 often have a strong sense of beauty and aesthetics. They are drawn to creating harmonious and pleasing environments, whether through art, design, or simply their living spaces.

5. Healing and Protection: The number 6 is also related to healing and protection. It is considered a guardian number, providing a sense of security and safety to those around it.

Gematria (Western Hermetic numerology)

In gematria, the number 6 has different associations depending on the tradition (Hebrew, Greek, etc.). Here are some key points:

1. Hebrew Mysteries/Western Hermetic Gematria: In Hebrew gematria, each letter has a numerical value. The letter Vav (ו) has the value of 6. Vav is a connecting letter, often used as a conjunction meaning "and." This can be seen as a symbol of connection and continuity.

2. Symbolism in Judaism: The number 6 is significant in Judaism as it represents creation. According to the Torah, God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. This makes 6 a number of completion and creation.

3. Hexagon and Star of David: The hexagon and the Star of David (a six-pointed star) are geometric representations associated with the number 6. The hexagon is considered a symbol of harmony and balance in nature (e.g., honeycombs).

4. Tiphareth: In the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, the number 6 corresponds to the sephirah Tiphareth, which represents beauty, harmony, and compassion. Tiphareth is central to balancing the other sephiroth and is associated with the heart.

5. Greek Gematria: In Greek gematria, the number 6 is less emphasized compared to its prominence in Hebrew tradition. However, it still retains symbolic significance, often representing the physical world and humanity.

Overall, the number 6 in numerology and gematria is rich with meanings related to harmony, balance, love, service, and connection. Its attributes encourage nurturing, protection, and the creation of beauty and stability in various aspects of life.

For those of you who are interested in your numerology numbers, personality, life path, desire number, and birthday number, here is a brief treatise.

In numerology, a person can figure out their personal number by using two primary methods: calculating the Life Path Number and determining other significant numbers such as the Expression Number, Heart's Desire Number, and Birthday Number. Here’s how to calculate each:

Life Path Number

The Life Path Number is derived from a person’s date of birth and is considered one of the most important numbers in numerology. Here's how to calculate it:

1. Write down your full date of birth: For example, if your birthdate is July 19, 1985, write it as 07/19/1985.
2. Reduce each component (month, day, year) to a single digit:
   • Month: 07 -> 0 + 7 = 7
   • Day: 19 -> 1 + 9 = 10 -> 1 + 0 = 1
   • Year: 1985 -> 1 + 9 + 8 + 5 = 23 -> 2 + 3 = 5
3. Add the reduced components together: 7 + 1 + 5 = 13 -> 1 + 3 = 4
4. The Life Path Number: In this example, the Life Path Number is 4.

Expression Number (Destiny Number)

The Expression Number is derived from the full name at birth. Each letter corresponds to a number (A=1, B=2, C=3, ..., I=9, J=1, etc.). Here's how to calculate it:

1. Write down your full name.
2. Assign each letter a number according to its position in the alphabet.
3. Sum the numbers for each name (first, middle, last).
4. Reduce each sum to a single digit.
5. Add the single digits together and reduce to a single digit if necessary.

Example:

• Name: John Doe
  • J (1) + O (6) + H (8) + N (5) = 1 + 6 + 8 + 5 = 20 -> 2 + 0 = 2
  • D (4) + O (6) + E (5) = 4 + 6 + 5 = 15 -> 1 + 5 = 6
  • Add the results: 2 + 6 = 8

Heart's Desire Number (Soul Urge Number)

The Heart's Desire Number is derived from the vowels in your full name. Here's how to calculate it:

1. Write down the vowels in your full name.
2. Assign each vowel a number.
3. Sum the numbers.
4. Reduce the sum to a single digit.

Example:

• Name: John Doe
  • Vowels: O (6), O (6), E (5)
  • Sum: 6 + 6 + 5 = 17 -> 1 + 7 = 8

Birthday Number

The Birthday Number is simply the day of the month on which you were born, reduced to a single digit if necessary.

• If you were born on the 19th: 1 + 9 = 10 -> 1 + 0 = 1
• The Birthday Number is 1.

Summary

These calculations reveal different aspects of a person's numerological profile. The Life Path Number gives insight into your life’s journey, the Expression Number relates to your natural abilities and talents, the Heart's Desire Number reflects your inner motivations, and the Birthday Number provides additional detail about your personality.

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When the 6 of Cups is thrown in a divination, it implies:

• Emotional pleasure, in a period of 6 weeks or 6 months of giving to and receiving pleasure from others.
• A period of innocence and taking immense pleasure in one's childlike qualities.
• An orgasmic rush of feelings, a wave of ecstasy that even when sad feelings are being actively expressed, the release feels pleasurable.
• Sweet memories of the past, as past efforts bring present rewards.
• Wellbeing, harmony of natural forces without effort or strain.
• The "adorable Fire", a flowing of deep spiritual warmth in a relationship.
• Ease and satisfaction on a deep inner spiritual plane of pleasure.
• Note: Foreign to the Western Hermetic Qabalistic idea of this card, is the gratification of artificial or natural desires, as it is pleasure understood in the highest inner sense.

If Reversed:

• The future.
• Renewal.
• That which will happen presently.
• Moodiness, withdrawal from friends.
• Masochistic behavior. 

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