The Tarot mix-up with The Choice

Strictly Law of One
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Having deeply engaged with the Ra Material, I’ve grown particularly interested in its unique interpretation of the Tarot system. A new understanding of the cards XXII and XXI has recently come to light for me, suggesting a potential misalignment with the present interpretations. I aim to explore and substantiate this perspective, inviting further discussion from this community.

Thesis

I propose that traditional interpretations of Archetypes XXII and XXI in the Ra Material may benefit from revision: Archetype XXII, traditionally understood as The Choice, aligns more closely with ‘The World’ or ‘The Universe’, while Arcana XXI (The Way of the Spirit) is better represented by ‘The Fool’.

Key Evidence and Analysis

What can be surly concluded

  1. Ra does not explicitly state that The Fool is associated with Arcana XXII or that The World is associated with Arcana XXI.
  2. Ra independently discusses The Fool, The World, and The Choice, providing information about each.

Interpretation of Question 80.21

80.21 Questioner: Then I would guess that the twenty-first archetype would represent the contact with intelligent infinity. Is that correct?

Ra: I am Ra. This is correct; ***although*** one may also see the reflection of this contact, as well as the contact, with intelligent energy which is the Universe or, as you have called it somewhat provincially, the World.

A critical piece of evidence comes from question 80.21, where Ra connects the twenty-first archetype to the contact with intelligent infinity. However, Ra’s nuanced language, particularly the use of “although,” suggests there is more to consider:

  1. Initial Affirmation: Ra agrees that the twenty-first archetype relates to contact with intelligent infinity.

  2. Qualification: The addition of “although” suggests a more complex relationship involving reflection and interaction, which fits better with the concept of ‘The World’ or ‘The Universe’.

Supporting evidence and interpretations

  1. The Fool is described as the great aspect of faith, and is characteristic of the spiritual neophyte (67.30).

    • As we know, Faith is blind and one-directional, this aligns much more with the idea of the Fool.

  2. The Choice is described as the foundation of transformation and the basic architecture of the Logos’ plan for this density (77.12).

    • Conceptually, this tracts much more with the themes present on The World/The Universe. Present in the symbolism are most of the parts present throughout the others, as well as the three string harp.

  3. The Choice is relatively fixed and single compared to other archetypes (77.13).

    • I think The World represents this:

    • Each symbol is presented as having specific, consistent meanings. These meanings are tied to fundamental principles, they are the core symbols in the Arcanum.

    • Integral Structure: The various components of the Arcanum are presented as part of an integral whole, with each symbol playing a necessary role in the overall meaning. The relationships between the symbols (such as the animals, winged fish, 3 three string harp, cycle, etc.) further reinforce this sense of an underlying, fixed structure.

    • Fixed meaning it’s symbolism isn’t fluid or open to individual variation. The Fool is most certainly open to individual meaning as evident in 67.28-30. The World’s symbolism on the other hand is fixed in both its integral structure and its relationship to the rest of the Major Arcanum.

  4. The adept calls directly through the spirit to the universe for its power (80.14).

    • This suggests a distinction between the spirit and the universe, making it more natural to associate faith (The Fool) with the Way of the Spirit, rather than the Universe.

  5. Consciousness disciplined by will and faith can contact intelligent infinity directly (80.20).

    • This further supports the idea of faith being associated with the Fool and the Way of the Spirit.
    • Consider the Way of the Body, Arcana 14, traditionally known as Temperance which aligns well to will. Consciousness aligns well with the Way of the Mind likewise. These are the three strings of the harp.

  6. Contact with intelligent energy is the energy of the Logos, which heals, builds, removes, destroys, and transforms (80.22).

    • This description aligns with what Ra discloses about the Choice and its connection to the Logos.
      The World actually features each of these symbols:
      • Heals - Man
      • Builds - Bull
      • Removes - Bird
      • Destroys - Lion
      • Transforms - Winged Fish (center)

Additional points supporting the association of The Choice with “The World”

  1. The Choice is described as the archetype that was not fully understood or properly emphasized in Ra’s own experience but is key to unlocking the transformative potential of the entire archetypical system (88.16, 89.26).

    • This suggests a culminating, integrative function that resonates with the symbolism of “The World” card.

  2. The Choice is characterized as the “unifying archetype” and is linked to the Logos (77.12, 77.16).

    • This aligns with the overarching, comprehensive nature of “The World.”

  3. The archetypes are meant to orient the seeker toward “the central consideration of unity,” with The Choice serving as the ultimate signpost or gateway to this realization (97.9).

    • This reinforces the idea of The Choice as representing the culmination of the evolutionary journey.

  4. The Significators of Mind, Body, and Spirit are linked to the imagery of the aging process and the removal of the individual from third-density incarnation (105.19).

    • This supports the concept of The Choice as the completion of the evolutionary journey, where the veil is lifted and the deeper unity of all things is revealed.

Conclusion

While Ra does not explicitly equate The Choice with “The World,” the characteristics ascribed to this archetype align closely with the themes of wholeness, integration, and cosmic unity typically associated with that tarot card.

The connection is further strengthened by Ra’s statement that the archetypes after The Choice (i.e., the Minor Arcana) have not been dealt with by them and are outside the scope of their evolutionary model. The evidence and interpretations provided support the argument that Archetype XXII, The Choice, should be associated with “The World” or “The Universe,” while Arcana XXI (The Way of the Spirit) should be linked to “The Fool” (Faith).

Finally, while it is certainly very easy to look at the Fool card and say, ‘Hey, that looks like The Choice’, I think there is a stronger case for the same argument to be applied to, ‘Hey, that looks like the Way of the Spirit’. The life of most great sages and teachers of wisdoms, ie. their way, is certainly represented by this symbolism in the Fool. Likewise, when you switch the World to all the spots in the recommended sequences, (the 3x7 rows: 1,8,15… and columns: 1,2; 3,4; 5, 22; 5,7…) it makes so much more sense. The symbolism of the World in the context of the choice is so much more dynamic.

What are your thoughts?

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