#tarottraditionalqabalahmagickelitarot2strikingly.com

The Rider–Waite–Smith 2 of Pentacles illustrates the ceaseless alternation of matter and spirit in the phenomenal world. The image of the juggler balancing two Pentacles, enclosed within a looping lemniscate, conveys the eternal interplay of polarity. This figure is not merely “juggling coins”—he embodies the archetypal dance of the Infinite Feminine and Infinite Masculine, which are not separate forces but One Energy. This is the mystery of 0=2: the Fool (Spirit), the Zero that turns upon itself, manifests duality as an eternal rhythm. The lemniscate (Greek: ribbon) is thus the symbol of infinity, the perpetual weaving of opposites into harmony.

In the background of the card, two ships rise and fall upon stormy seas. These vessels are not incidental decoration—they reveal the truth that all manifestation must ride the waves of duality. Just as the ships are lifted and lowered by the tide, so too does the aspirant’s consciousness rise and fall in the flux of opposing currents. Yet the hidden teaching is that these oscillations are governed by a higher intelligence: the Second Sephirah, Chokmah.

Chokmah (Wisdom), the Second Emanation upon the Tree of Life, is the ruling power behind all Twos and their corresponding Kings. Where Kether is pure, silent Being—the Crown, the Observer—Chokmah is the first dynamic outpouring of force.

Chokmah is:

• The Active Supernal Father, who arises as the first positive expression of the One.

• The Will to Force, in eternal union with Binah, the Will to Form—together enacting the Divine Marriage that produces the Will to Be.

• Dynamic Vital Life-Force, the primal current before form, before boundary, before measure.

• Uncompensated Energy, which later finds balance and order in Chesed, the Fourth Sephirah, the seat of mercy and stability.

• The Great Stimulator, forever impelling creation into movement.

Thus, the 2 of Pentacles is far more than a card of daily juggling or balancing tasks. It is a glyph of Wisdom’s primordial pulse, the very motion by which Spirit descends into matter. Every fluctuation, every alternation of gain and loss, joy and sorrow, expansion and contraction, reflects Chokmah’s primal current. The juggler teaches us: to resist the waves is to be capsized, but to dance with them is to know the rhythm of creation itself.

Archeon Tarot – The Feminine Juggler and the Weight of Egregores

In the Archeon Tarot, the 2 of Pentacles takes on a more archetypal tone. The feminine juggler becomes an image of the World-Soul herself, spinning the wheels of Macrocosm and Microcosm in her hands. This vision elevates the balancing act to a cosmic scale: she is the axis upon which the universe turns, the guardian of motion itself.

Upright, the card signifies the same fluctuations—ups and downs, the strain of juggling, the turmoil of loss of balance. Yet in its reversed form, the Archeon version reveals a deeper shadow: debt, overwhelm, mishandling of resources, impulsive choices. Here the imagery directs us to the impact of social egregores—the collective hypnosis of words, doctrines, and indoctrination that warp our perception of value and success.

Thus, where the RWS points inward to the soul’s balancing faculties, the Archeon points outward, showing how imbalance is often imposed by external cultural forces. It warns that the aspirant must resist being defined by the egregore, and instead recover the rhythm of balance from within.

The 2 of Pentacles / 2 of Disks – A Threefold Comparative Analysis

The Two in every suit is the emanation of Chokmah, the Second Sephirah on the Tree of Life: pure Wisdom, the Will-to-Force, the primal outpouring of dynamism. Where Kether is silent Being, Chokmah is the first vibration, the pulse of energy that must manifest as polarity. In the Twos, this pulse is expressed through each elemental suit. When Earth is paired with Chokmah, we arrive at the 2 of Pentacles (Disks)—the glyph of motion, balance, and perpetual change within matter itself.

Let us examine this card as it appears in three different decks: the Rider–Waite–Smith, the Archeon, and the Thoth.

Rider–Waite–Smith – The Juggler of Balance

The RWS 2 of Pentacles presents the well-known image of a juggler looping two coins within the figure-eight of the lemniscate. Behind him, ships rise and fall upon stormy seas. Here we see the quintessential lesson of duality: the rise and fall of fortune, the tides of emotion, the fluctuations of gain and loss.

Yet the esoteric heart of this image lies in the juggler’s inner poise. The lemniscate shows that the opposites he holds are not two but one eternal rhythm, the Fool (0) turned upon itself into 0=2. The balance he maintains is not merely financial or practical—it is the integration of Ruach (reasoning mind) and Neshamah (soul-breath) into a wealth of Spirit, Mind, and Body working in harmony.

The RWS emphasizes that even amid external turmoil, the aspirant can remain centered by participating in the eternal dance rather than resisting it.

Thoth Tarot – The 2 of Disks: Change

Crowley and Harris rename this card Change, and here we encounter the most esoteric key. Two serpents, entwined within the great Wheel of the Zodiac, form a lemniscate as they devour and renew themselves. Around them, the cycles of nature, the tides of the seasons, the turning of time—all revolve in ceaseless motion.

The Thoth deck reminds us that this card is not merely about balancing—it is about the necessity of Change itself. Chokmah’s outpouring into Earth is the pulse of perpetual transformation: creation and destruction, ascent and descent, birth and death. Energy unorganized and uncompensated in Chokmah later finds stability in Chesed, but here it is pure flux.

Thus, the Thoth card brings the lesson to its cosmic root: all manifestation is motion. To cling to stasis is to invite collapse, for true Wisdom is to move with the tides, to allow the Wheel to turn, and to discover balance within change rather than against it.

The Pentacle and the Body

In all three decks, the suit of Pentacles (Disks) reminds us that the human body itself is the stage of this dance. The pentagram—the head, arms, and legs of the human figure—encodes the geometry of Spirit in matter. Whether inscribed as a pentacle or drawn as a star, it symbolizes that incarnation is itself the great balancing act.

To juggle the Pentacles is to juggle life within a body: the daily interplay of Spirit and flesh, Microcosm and Macrocosm. The body is not a prison but the glyph of motion itself, the vessel through which the soul experiences Change.

Hermetic Meditation: Riding the Dance of Change

When working with the 2 of Pentacles/Disks, one might meditate:

• Envision the lemniscate looping infinitely around your head and heart.

• See within it the opposites you hold—light and shadow, gain and loss, joy and sorrow.

• Allow them to turn, exchange, and transform, until you no longer resist their alternation.

• Whisper the formula “0=2”, and feel yourself becoming the axis of the dance.

The lesson of the Two is simple yet profound: balance is not stillness, but movement. To master this card is to learn to ride the waves of duality with grace, to embrace flux as the wisdom of Chokmah, and to know that in every change lies the seed of renewal.

The Pentagram and Pentacle, both associated with the number five (the number of humankind), are powerful esoteric symbols representing a deep connection to the elements and the human experience. Here's how they relate to the human figure and the elements:

The Pentagram

The Pentagram is a five-pointed star, often depicted upright, where each point symbolizes one of the five elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit (or Aether). In esoteric traditions, especially within the Western Hermetic Qabalah and High Magick, this representation serves as a microcosmic reflection of the universe's macrocosmic order. Here's the breakdown:

• Earth (lower left point): Physicality, stability, the material world, and groundedness. This element corresponds to the legs or feet in the human figure.
• Air (upper left point): Intellect, communication, and mental clarity. This corresponds to the left arm.
• Fire (upper right point): Passion, willpower, and transformation. This corresponds to the right arm.
• Water (lower right point): Emotions, intuition, and fluidity. This corresponds to the lower limbs or right leg.
• Spirit (top point): The connecting force that unites and transcends the four physical elements. This is often viewed as the head or crown, representing the higher consciousness or divine self.

When the Pentagram is shown upright, it symbolizes harmony and balance between the physical and spiritual realms. Spirit, or Aether, takes the lead, controlling and balancing the material elements. An inverted Pentagram, in contrast, is traditionally associated with matter dominating spirit, representing imbalance or disorder (depending on the tradition, this can be viewed either positively or negatively).

  The Pentacle

A Pentacle is often depicted as a Pentagram enclosed within a circle. The circle signifies unity, wholeness, and protection. It binds the five elements, emphasizing their interconnectedness and harmony. In this form, the Pentacle represents a fully integrated being, with Spirit guiding and balancing the material forces.

In terms of the human form, the five points of the Pentacle align with the shape of a standing person with arms and legs outstretched. The symbol thus becomes an emblem of man as a microcosm, a miniature universe, where the human is seen as a synthesis of the material world (four elements) and the divine essence (Spirit).

Esoteric Significance

In many metaphysical traditions, the Pentagram and Pentacle represent the perfected human—one who has mastered the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of life. This concept is often reflected in Hermeticism and other mystical traditions, where the journey of spiritual evolution is the integration of the divine (Spirit) with the earthly (the four elements).

The number five, therefore, becomes symbolic of not only humanity but also balance, evolution, and transformation, as we strive to rise above the purely material and embody a more spiritual existence.

In magickal practice, the Pentagram is one of the most potent and versatile symbols. It serves as both a seal of protection and a key of invocation, depending on how it is drawn, oriented, and charged with will. The upward-pointing Pentagram—Spirit ruling over the four elements—reminds the Magus that the material world is to be harmonized and mastered through the guidance of Spirit.

As a ritual gesture, the Pentagram becomes a living glyph of balance. Through the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP), for example, the Magus sweeps away unbalanced or disharmonic forces, reestablishing the central axis of Self within the cosmos. Conversely, through invocatory forms, the Pentagram can open channels to specific elemental powers, inviting them to participate in the work. (You will find the LBRP on magickeli.com)

In this way, the Pentagram is both protective shield and magickal gateway—a symbol of humanity’s role as mediator between the earthly and the celestial. It is at once a reminder of our incarnational limits and our spiritual sovereignty.

Above all, the Pentagram is a visual and energetic reminder of humanity’s connection to the cosmos. It encodes the transformative power of Spirit to order, purify, and renew the elements of the body and soul. Whenever the Pentacle or Pentagram appears in a Tarot card—particularly in the 2 of Pentacles/Disks—it signals the sacred task of balancing the forces of Spirit, Mind, and Body, and directing them toward conscious change.

In Western Hermetic Qabalah and Tarot each card is assigned a symbol of astrology and a number. The 2 of pentacles card is assigned Jupiter in the house of Capricorn which brings together the expansive energy of Jupiter with the disciplined and structured qualities of Capricorn. Here are some characteristics of Jupiter in the house of Capricorn:

1. Ambition and Success: Capricorn is associated with ambition and career success, and when Jupiter is in this house, it can enhance these traits. Individuals may be driven to achieve their goals and climb the ladder of success.

2. Practical Wisdom: Jupiter is the planet of wisdom, and in Capricorn, this wisdom takes on a practical and grounded nature. People with this placement may possess a practical approach to life and decision-making.

3. Structured Beliefs: Capricorn is known for its structured and organized nature. Jupiter in this house can indicate that one's beliefs and philosophies are grounded in a structured framework. There may be a conservative or traditional outlook.

4. Discipline and Responsibility: The combination of Jupiter's optimism with Capricorn's sense of responsibility can result in disciplined individuals. They may approach challenges with a positive mindset and a commitment to hard work.

5. Financial Prudence: Capricorn is associated with financial stability and responsibility. Jupiter in this house may bring a sense of financial prudence, encouraging individuals to make wise and calculated financial decisions.

6. Authority and Leadership: Capricorn is a sign associated with authority and leadership. With Jupiter in this house, individuals may find themselves in positions of authority, or they may aspire to take on leadership roles.

7. Balancing Optimism and Realism: While Jupiter is often associated with optimism, Capricorn tends to be realistic. Individuals with this placement may find a balance between staying optimistic about possibilities and being realistic about the challenges they face.

It's important to note that the overall interpretation can be influenced by the specific aspects and other factors in the individual's birth chart. Astrology is a complex field, and interpretations can vary based on the unique combination of planetary position.

The number 2 holds significant meaning in both numerology and Western Hermetic Gematria, each offering unique insights into its characteristics and symbolism. While both systems explore the deeper meanings of numbers, they do so through different lenses. Here’s an exploration of the characteristics assigned to the number 2 in both numerology and Gematria:

Numerology Characteristics of the Number 2

1. Duality and Balance:

   • The number 2 is often associated with duality, representing pairs and opposites like light and dark, masculine and feminine, and positive and negative. It embodies the principle of balance, showing that harmony is achieved through the interaction of opposites.

2. Partnership and Cooperation:

   • In numerology, 2 is the number of partnerships and relationships. It signifies cooperation, diplomacy, and the ability to work well with others. People influenced by the number 2 are often seen as peacemakers who seek harmony in their interactions.

3. Sensitivity and Intuition:

   • The number 2 is connected with heightened sensitivity and intuition. It suggests a deep connection to emotions and an innate ability to sense the feelings of others. This makes those influenced by 2 highly empathetic and compassionate.

4. Peace and Diplomacy:

   • The peaceful nature of the number 2 reflects a strong inclination toward diplomacy and mediation. It seeks to resolve conflicts and create a harmonious environment, whether in personal relationships or broader social contexts.

5. Subtlety and Patience:

   • The energy of 2 is subtle and often works behind the scenes. It’s not a forceful number but rather one that influences gently, with patience and a willingness to wait for the right moment to act.

Gematria Characteristics of the Number 2

1. Division and Creation:

   • In Gematria, which involves the mystical interpretation of Hebrew letters and their numerical values, the number 2 corresponds to the Hebrew letter Bet (ב). Bet is the first letter of the Torah and represents the idea of creation and division. The number 2 signifies the beginning of differentiation from the unity of the divine (represented by the number 1), marking the start of the material world.

2. Duality and Reflection:

   • Similar to numerology, the number 2 in Gematria also represents duality. This includes the dual nature of existence, such as the divine and the earthly, the spiritual and the material. It reflects the idea that everything in creation has a counterpart or an opposite, highlighting the importance of balance and harmony.

3. Relationship and Union:

   • The number 2 is symbolic of relationships and unions, particularly the connection between the divine and the material world. In Kabbalah, this can be seen in the concept of the divine marriage or union between different aspects of the divine.

4. The House of God:

   • The letter Bet (ב) is also associated with the concept of a house, as the word "Bayit" (בית) in Hebrew means "house." This implies that the number 2 represents a container or a space where things come together, much like a house provides a space for family and community.

5. Nurturing and Protection:

   • Given its connection to the letter Bet, which starts the word "Bereshit" (the first word of the Torah), the number 2 in Gematria also suggests the nurturing and protective qualities of the divine, as creation itself is an act of nurturing the universe.

Comparative Analysis

• Common Themes: Both numerology and Gematria emphasize the themes of duality, balance, and relationships when it comes to the number 2. This reflects a universal understanding of the number as one that symbolizes the interaction and harmony between opposing forces or entities.

• Unique Interpretations: Numerology tends to focus more on the psychological and interpersonal aspects of the number 2, highlighting sensitivity, intuition, and diplomacy. In contrast, Gematria places the number 2 within a more mystical and cosmic framework, relating it to the process of creation, divine relationships, and the structure of the universe.

Together, these perspectives offer a rich and multifaceted understanding of the number 2, making it a symbol of harmony, creation, and the dynamic balance between opposites.

When the 2 of Pentacles is thrown it implies that:

• A transition or transformation in the physical.
• A juggling of affairs to balance material life.
• Cause and effect. Recognizing the infinite process of yin yang.
• Handling inner growth and outer achievement at the same time.
• Keeping several propositions going at once. The flow of movement made by skillful manipulation achieves success.
• Time to reflect on the situation and balance both sides most often with unconsidered action.
• This is a card of Change, the most important corrective in the Universe, as it keeps transformation going and thus Life moving as "Alive".  Plus, the combining of opposites makes diversity possible, as it annihilates the individual, forming yet another. For example, if you combine blue with blue, you only get blue. But Blue with Red makes Purple, and the Red and Blue colored individuals are now annihilated. Color is now diversified. Energy alone is just everywhere and no-where at the same moment but energy combined with Magnetism is form/information and thus the measurement of time space.

If reversed, it implies:

• Instability.
• Enforced gaiety.
• Simulated enjoyment.
• Letters of exchange.
• Handwriting.

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

Traditional Tarot Card Comparisons blog. Rider-Waite- Smith and Tarot reading and classes store.

Home page, Tarot Store, Master Thoth Tarot Classes, and Non-Traditional Tarot Card Comparisons-Thoth Tarot.

Western Hermetic Magick Invocation and Ritual site with magick blogs.