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The 7's are ruled by the 7th Sephira-Netzach which means Victory. Victory may sound pleasing, but one must remember that Victory requires a battle to be fought and won, sometimes with little reward. The Rider-Waite-Smith 7 of Pentacles is again of a more banal bent. Illustrated is an exhausted farmer, under gray skies, examining his blighted plant of six pentacles from which one pentacle has been harvested and lying on the ground. A disappointing harvest which has taken much work to produce emphasizes the theme of disappointment and a great deal of work for little reward. Much reminiscent of the Greek legend of Sisyphus. This repetitive work towards a goal, with less reward than envisioned applies to a few of the Tarot Cards.

Legend of Sisyphus

The legend of Sisyphus originates from ancient Greek mythology and symbolizes the human struggle against futility, repetition, and existential dread.

Sisyphus was a cunning king who repeatedly tricked the gods and cheated death itself. As punishment for his defiance, Zeus condemned him to an eternity of pushing a heavy boulder up a steep hill, only to have it roll back down each time he neared the summit.

Hermetic & Qabalistic Insights:

In Hermetic philosophy and Western Qabalah, Sisyphus' punishment reflects profound metaphysical and psychological truths. His endless task symbolizes the soul's cyclic struggle toward spiritual enlightenment. From a Hermetic standpoint, the boulder represents matter, earthly attachments, or the dense energies of Malkuth, the physical realm. The hill symbolizes the ascent along the Tree of Life toward Kether—the ultimate spiritual awakening. Each roll back to the bottom indicates the necessity for repeated purification, discipline, and mastery before true elevation can occur.

Qabalistic Pathways & Tarot:

On the Tree of Life, Sisyphus' labor can mirror the path between Hod (Mercury) and Geburah (Mars)—represented by the Tarot card "The Tower" (Atu XVI). This card signifies the constant destruction and rebuilding necessary for true spiritual evolution. The Tower embodies the breaking down of ego-based illusions, a task endlessly repeated until enlightenment is genuinely achieved.

Alternatively, the myth may also resonate strongly with Atu X, Fortune (Wheel of Fortune), reflecting the relentless turning of cosmic cycles, karmic repetition, and the soul's perpetual reincarnation until profound spiritual insight is attained.

Forward-Thinking View:

Rather than solely an emblem of futility, Sisyphus’ tale can offer profound empowerment to the Hermetic practitioner. It symbolizes persistent alchemical labor—the disciplined repetition required for refining the soul (the Philosopher’s Stone within) from lead into spiritual gold. Seen from a forward-thinking, initiatory perspective, Sisyphus embodies resilience and defiance in the face of cosmic absurdity, resonating with the magician’s dedication to inner mastery despite repeated setbacks. Each apparent failure becomes an incremental refinement in the alchemical Great Work.

Thus, from the Hermetic standpoint, the legend becomes less a punishment and more an invitation: a reminder that spiritual ascent demands perpetual courage, persistence, and the continuous transformation of adversity into illumination.

The Animal Totem Tarot- 7 of Pentacles illustrates an adolescent Elk awaiting harvest time while contemplating his situation of being too young to mate and too old to play with the younger elk. His plans may seem to be moving slowly; However, time is a perspective and may be moving along at a faster pace than realized. Hence, Plans may seem to be moving slowly especially to a mind that is instant in a timeless mindscape of imagination, but the pace is often quicker than we perceive. Hence, the 7 of pentacles is a holding pattern card.

Astrologically the 7 of Pentacles card is Saturn in the house of Taurus. The plodding pace of the Earth bull is extra slow due to the lead weight of Saturn who is the god of myth called Cronos which is Time and whose metal is lead.

When Saturn is in the house of Taurus in an astrological chart, it influences the individual's approach to responsibilities, structure, and limitations within the realms associated with Taurus. Here are some characteristics:

1. Material Stability: Saturn in Taurus emphasizes the need for material stability and financial security. Individuals with this placement are likely to be disciplined and practical when it comes to managing their resources.

2. Slow and Steady Growth: Taurus is an earth sign known for its slow and steady approach. Saturn reinforces this trait, indicating that achievements and personal growth may come through patient and persistent efforts over time.

3. Conservative Values: The combination of Saturn and Taurus tends to make individuals value tradition and conservative principles. They may be cautious and reserved, preferring the familiar and proven rather than taking unnecessary risks.

4. Challenges in Change: Taurus is resistant to change, and Saturn's influence can amplify this quality. People with this placement may find it challenging to adapt to new situations or embrace change, preferring the comfort of the known.

5. Work Ethic: Saturn in Taurus indicates a strong work ethic. Individuals may approach their tasks with a methodical and pragmatic mindset, focusing on achieving tangible results.

6. Financial Prudence: There is a tendency to be financially conservative and prudent. Saturn's influence may lead individuals to carefully plan and manage their finances, avoiding unnecessary risks.

7. Potential Challenges: While the disciplined and structured approach is an asset, individuals should be mindful not to become overly rigid or resistant to change. Learning to adapt without compromising values is a key lesson for those with Saturn in Taurus.

Remember, the interpretation of Saturn in Taurus can vary based on the entire birth chart, including aspects and placements of other planets. It's advisable to consider the broader context for a more comprehensive analysis.

The number 7 holds profound symbolic significance within both Gematria (Hebrew/Qabalistic numerical symbolism) and classical Numerology. Let's explore these together through a Western Hermetic lens:

Gematria & Qabalah Insights

In Hermetic Qabalah, 7 relates directly to several significant themes and correspondences:

Sephirah Netzach:

• Netzach (נצח), the seventh Sephirah on the Tree of Life, means "Victory."

• Ruled by Venus, Netzach symbolizes beauty, love, harmony, emotional depth, artistic expression, and the intuitive aspect of consciousness.

• Netzach embodies creative inspiration and the passion that drives spiritual ascent, connecting human emotions to divine aspiration.

Tarot Connection (Thoth Tarot):

• Associated with the Tarot’s "Seven" cards, particularly embodying tests, struggles, spiritual trials, and overcoming difficulties.

• Examples from the Thoth Tarot:

  • 7 of Wands (Valour): Mars in Leo, signifying courage and determination in spiritual struggle.

  • 7 of Cups (Debauch): Venus in Scorpio, representing illusions, temptations, and the need to overcome emotional and astral excesses.

  • 7 of Swords (Futility): Moon in Aquarius, signifying intellectual confusion or indecision, urging clarity and discipline.

  • 7 of Disks (Failure): Saturn in Taurus, indicating patience and endurance through apparent stagnation—understanding cycles and timing.

Hebrew Letter Zayin (ז):

• Zayin, the seventh Hebrew letter, means "sword," symbolizing discernment, intellectual sharpness, and the power of the intellect to separate illusion from reality.

• Gematria value: 7, highlighting spiritual insight, self-reflection, analytical contemplation, and the necessity of intellectual balance.

Numerological Insights (Classical):

In classical Numerology, 7 is the quintessential mystical number:

• Associated with introspection, spiritual awareness, and philosophical thought.

• Represents seekers of deeper truths, hermits, and mystics who transcend mundane interests to pursue metaphysical wisdom.

• Connected to esoteric knowledge, intuition, psychic sensitivity, and heightened perceptive faculties.

• Often indicates solitary reflection, contemplation, and a quest for profound inner truth and higher meaning.

Integration of Hermetic and Numerological Themes:

• Both systems agree that 7 symbolizes the pursuit of wisdom through introspection and the necessity of a quiet, contemplative mind for spiritual advancement.

• Alchemically, 7 represents the stages of transformation in spiritual alchemy (such as the seven classical planets and metals)—illustrating an inward journey toward perfection, self-realization, and illumination.

Forward-Thinking Hermetic View:

Viewed from a contemporary Hermetic perspective, 7 is also associated with the process of integrating intuitive wisdom with rational understanding—essential for achieving balance in a rapidly changing, interconnected world. It urges the practitioner toward clarity, discernment, and inner stability amidst outer chaos.

In today's context, embracing the number 7 invites one to cultivate quiet spaces within, creating a bridge between analytical reason and intuitive knowing. This harmonization paves the way for genuine spiritual growth and effective magickal workings in alignment with cosmic principles.

Thus, the number 7 serves as a beacon guiding the modern magician toward deeper insights and balanced mastery on both intellectual and intuitive levels.

The concept of the Seven Hathors is deeply embedded in Ancient Egyptian cosmology and metaphysics, often interwoven with celestial associations, notably the star system Orion and Sirius. Let’s explore this connection from a Hermetic and forward-thinking Qabalistic perspective.

Who are the Seven Hathors?

The Seven Hathors were a prominent collective of goddess figures in Ancient Egyptian religion. Hathor herself was an Egyptian goddess embodying motherhood, joy, love, fertility, music, beauty, dance, sexuality, and celestial illumination.

The group of Seven Hathors served as divine guardians of destiny, fate, and childbirth. They were often depicted as celestial midwives who announced the fate and destiny of newborns at their birth, determining both their earthly and spiritual destinies.

Connection to Orion & Sirius in Ancient Egyptian Cosmology:

Ancient Egyptians held Orion (representing Osiris, the divine initiatory force) and Sirius (representing Isis-Hathor, the feminine cosmic source of life and renewal) in reverence, often portraying these stars as divine origin points:

• Orion was the cosmic home of Osiris, the resurrected god-king, embodying spiritual rebirth and resurrection.

• Sirius, the brightest star, was associated with Isis-Hathor, symbolizing spiritual illumination, nurturing cosmic energies, and initiatory feminine wisdom.

• The Egyptians considered Orion and Sirius as celestial homes of divine beings ("gods" and "goddesses") who initiated humanity into wisdom and spirituality.

Hermetic & Qabalistic Interpretation:

From a Hermetic-Qabalistic viewpoint, the Seven Hathors correspond beautifully to symbolic and archetypal principles:

1. Sephirothic Reflection (Qabalah):

• Seven Hathors as Netzachian Forces:
  Netzach (the 7th Sephirah, Venusian in nature) perfectly corresponds to Hathor’s attributes of love, beauty, joy, and destiny. The Seven Hathors, as collective feminine forces, embody the multifaceted Venusian principles—harmonizing destiny, intuition, creativity, and emotional balance.

2. Initiation and Destiny:

• Celestial Midwives & Cosmic Birth:
  The Seven Hathors determine fate at birth, analogous to how Hermetic magicians perceive planetary forces influencing the soul's incarnation and karmic destiny. They represent astral mediators guiding the soul’s initiation journey from celestial realms into manifestation.

• Gatekeepers & Guardians:
  Like Hermetic planetary spirits or angelic intelligences, the Hathors represent guardians at spiritual thresholds, guiding initiates toward rebirth (Osirian mysteries) and facilitating soul transformations.

Forward-Thinking Hermetic Insight:

In modern Hermetic practice, the Seven Hathors can symbolically serve as archetypal guides aiding spiritual rebirth and soul evolution:

• Integrative Feminine Wisdom:
  Representing the awakening of higher intuition, empathy, creativity, and emotional intelligence needed to balance contemporary spiritual evolution.

• Cosmic Consciousness & Higher Destiny:
  Invoking their archetypal energy can help modern magicians attune to cosmic patterns and spiritual destinies, integrating divine feminine wisdom into practical manifestation and ascension work.

• Stellar Alignment & Initiation:
  Practitioners might align rituals, meditations, or invocations with the star systems Orion and Sirius to integrate stellar initiatory energies, mirroring ancient Egyptian practices.

Practical Qabalistic Application:

In a practical Qabalistic-Hermetic working, one could:

• Use Thoth Tarot’s "The Star" (Atu XVII, Aquarius, linked symbolically to Sirius-Orion stellar consciousness) to meditate upon the celestial influence of the Seven Hathors, facilitating visionary insight.

• Utilize Netzachian energies (green candles, rose incense, copper talismans) to invoke Hathor’s joyful, harmonious, and intuitive powers for spiritual destiny-work and creative manifestation.

• Perform pathworkings or guided meditations visualizing the Seven Hathors as guides imparting knowledge about the soul’s cosmic origins and spiritual potentials.

Conclusion:

Thus, while the Egyptians themselves did not literally state "the gods came from Orion," their mythology explicitly tied Orion and Sirius to profound divine beings—such as Osiris, Isis, and the Hathors—representing the celestial origins of wisdom, consciousness, and initiatory spiritual power. The Seven Hathors, therefore, are powerful symbolic intermediaries guiding souls along their destined paths, embodying the sacred celestial harmony between humanity and the cosmos.

When the 7 of Pentacles is thrown during a reading, implied:

• Is a fear of failure with finances, health, and relationships. However, 7 in Netzach is a weak event, and deregulation of the element of earth, so soon the querent's project will be completed if determined to "keep on" and ignoring the feelings of never finishing the task.
• The Determination to release this fear of failure should go on for 7 weeks or 7 months. However, this determination must be hard fought, for there is a tendency to abandon labor, and allow everything to sink in a mire of sloth.
• Yet again, putrefaction is before the transformation of purification, so this is the point where the "lowest fallen becomes the highest exalted".
•  Is that you shall succeed if you don't listen to the thoughts of failure that are tempting your brain. Push harder, you'll soon succeed!

If ill defined by surrounding cards, it implies:

• Deep-rooted blockages.
• Anxiety about money.
• Impatience.

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