"This drawing represents the more ancient form of the 14th Key of
Tarot, for which the later and more usual form of Temperance was soon
substituted, as better representing the natural symbolism of the Path
Sagittarius. The earlier figure was considered not so much a representation of
this Path alone, as the synthesis of that and the others conjoined. The later
figure, therefore, is better adapted to the more restricted meaning. The more ancient forms
shows a female figure crowned with the crown of five rays, symbolising the Five
Principles of Nature, the concealed Spirit and the Four Elements of Earth, Air,
Water and Fire. About her head is a halo of light. On her breast is the Sun of
Tiphareth. The Five-rayed Crown further alludes to the Five Sephiroth Kether,
Chokmah, Binah, Chesed and Geburah. Chained to her waist are a Lion and an
Eagle, between which is a large cauldron whence arise steam and smoke. The Lion
represents the Fire in Netzach—the Blood of the Lion, and the Eagle represents
the Water in Hod, the Gluten of the Eagle whose reconcilement is made by the
Air in Yesod, uniting with the volatilised Water arising from the cauldron
through the influence of the Fire beneath it. The chains which link the Lion
and the Eagle to her waist, are symbolic of the Paths of Scorpio and
Capricornus as shown by the Scorpion and the Goat in the background. In her
right hand, she bears the Torch of Solar Fire elevating and volatilising the
Water in Hod by the fiery influence of Geburah, while with her left hand, she
pours from a vase the Waters of Chesed to temper and calm the Fires of Netzach.
The 25th Path of the Sepher Yetzirah to which the Tarot Key of Temperance is referred, is called the Intelligence of Probation, and it is so called because it is the primary temptation by which the Creator tries all righteous person. That is, that in it, there is ever present the temptation to turn aside to the one hand or to the other."
from 'The Portal degree'...
The 25th Path of the Sepher Yetzirah to which the Tarot Key of Temperance is referred, is called the Intelligence of Probation, and it is so called because it is the primary temptation by which the Creator tries all righteous person. That is, that in it, there is ever present the temptation to turn aside to the one hand or to the other."
from 'The Portal degree'...
The Hermanubis Golden Dawn Temperance cards
Created by Soror A.K. and Frater I.I.I.
Created by Frater P.
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