Abu-Ma’Shar-Life Cycle, Natural Order, Cosmic Upheaval
There is a cyclic order to things and you are coming to the end of a cycle in your life right now, bringing transformation with it. Something in your life is coming to its natural end, and let this end happen, embrace it. When you understand and accept this, it brings knowledge and blessings for you. Every ending is followed by a new beginning, and there will be new encounters now, new situations, opportunities and people coming into your life. Welcome and nurture this new set of circumstances, as it will be a source of fortune for you in the near future.
Abu-Ma’Shar, Reversed
You are aware there is a cyclic order to things, and that change is the one constant in life, but you are resisting this change, because the way things are now feels like a safe harbor for you. It is time to cast off and let the current carry you where it will; know that the universe has a plan for you. You may be battling a certain amount of fear and confusion right now, but this change is both natural and inescapable, so accept it and go with the flow, trusting that you will end up where you should be.
Johannes Trithemius-Discipline, Regulation, Self-Order, Divine Nourishment
‘Anything which is sacrificed in one area must be favorably replenished elsewhere, in one form or another.’ There may be a need to institute some sort of balance or restitution here. When you let go of old and outdated habits or ways of being, you must replace them with new and hopefully-wiser habits which lead to better outcomes. You are, or are shortly going to be, drawn to pursuit higher learning and further education, but in order to be successful at this, you are going to have to institute a rigorous self-discipline. Be steadfast, positive, and persistent in this self-discipline and move forward. You don’t need to look back.
Johannes Trithemius, Reversed
Somewhere in your life, you are lacking self-discipline. There is no need to be ashamed of this; we all lack self-discipline at one time or another. This symbol reversed means you need to sit down and do a serious self-assessment of your character and present status. Are you making the right choices, and taking the right actions? Are you blocking your own progress in some way? Are you just being lazy? Is there a proper degree of order, self-discipline and structure in your life? Now is the time to do some serious thinking about your life, where you’re going, and where you want to be in the future. Whatever conclusions you come to, this symbol hints that a little more self-discipline is the answer.
Dr. Simon Forman-Stagnation, Languishing, Persecution, Surrender
Now is a time for submission instead of action. Now is a time for restraint and keeping your eyes and ears open and learning, rather than engaging in skirmishes or conflicts. You may be in a situation where you can’t do anything but submit and be still. You may be feeling vulnerable and powerless right now and hating it, but keep in mind, this is temporary. You are funding your will and strengthening your character, so stand tall, but think before you act or speak right now. Be patient and resolute as you continue your current path. Know that there may be some who are savoring your current adversity, but ignore them. This can be galling, as it may look like other, less-capable people are passing you by. This time in your life cycle is for hibernation and contemplation, deep thinking and observing the behavior of others. Your fortunes may appear to be on the downside right now, but in the end, you will win the race with a clear conscience.
Dr. Simon Forman, Reversed
You may be giving-in to the small-mindedness of those around you. You may have been playing the comedian for your friends and acquaintances, which is amusing at the time, but for some reason you don’t feel good after the laughter ends and everyone has left. Someone in your life may be draining your energies, a sort of ‘psychic vampire’. This stone is alerting you to look into the ‘whys’ of all your friendships and acquaintances and to analyze their motives and goals. Do these relationships benefit you, or are you just a catalyst for someone else’s progress? You may need to withdraw right now while you think seriously about your situation, and how it relates to others’ motives, passions, and apparent goals.
Gilles De Rais-Rage, Negative Temperament, the End of Innocence
Gilles De Rais was once a highly-regarded man in France. He was seen as a man of sterling character. A Marshal of France, he shares with Joan of Arc the glory of having turned the tide of the Hundred Years’ War. Unfortunately, Gilles De Rais also had a very dark side, which was eventually discovered and he was executed for it. The presence of this symbol may be warning that either you or someone around you is harboring a dark secret which will soon come to light. This symbol can also indicate a change is coming which will offer you a higher level of understanding, and which will liberate you from certain habits, emotional ties or other restrictions in your life, and lead to spiritual growth. This symbol connotes growth-by-loss.
Gilles De Rais, Reversed
An apparently drastic change is about to happen in your life, and you may well incur severe loss or damage in the process. Whatever happens, accept it as a sign from the universe that you are being called upon to change and grow now. The more severe the shock, the greater necessity for you to change and grow. This symbol reversed can also be a serious warning about some negative aspect of your character, some unproductive or unpleasant habit of yours, which needs serious attention right now. You must make every effort to kill it and to institute positive changes in yourself, or this ‘shadow’ side of your nature will come to light and you will be made to pay. This symbol reversed calls for serious contemplation and, where necessary, restitution on your part.
Dr. Nicholas Flamel-Willpower, a Crusade, a Priceless Gift
You are encouraged to embark on a crusade of goodness. If you are this way normally, continue. Many beneficial rewards will accrue to you when offering love and compassion to others, whether it’s material assistance or emotional support, but do so with the understanding that such rewards may take some time to return to you. Give generously, and without expecting an immediate payback. You must show patience and perseverance in this pursuit which will demand, or develop, a certain amount of willpower on your part.
Dr. Nicholas Flamel, Reversed
You may have been on a crusade of goodness at one time, but this symbol reversed suggests you have shut down emotionally, because your earlier experiences brought you pain, or you may have felt punished for your efforts. It may be time to return to the fray and fight once again. In shutting yourself off, you have shut yourself off from something which once brought you joy and a sense of aliveness. Do it for yourself as well as for others. This symbol reversed also suggests you may be aggravated by something in your life. Are you giving all of yourself, or just enough to get by? Are you feeling overwhelmed by your obligations, or the demands placed on you? Now is the time to reflect on yourself, and to identify what in your nature could be causing your sense of hindrance to your progress in life. This symbol reversed may be encouraging you to show more compassion for both yourself and others.
William Lilly-Divine Understanding, Angelic Overseeing, Transitional Harmony Seventeenth-century English astrologer William Lilly had to survive several political changes over the course of his long life, and he adjusted to each harmoniously. This symbol foretells that you are in for a good adjustment now. It could be merely an attitude adjustment or a new life situation, such as the arrival of a new love, but expect a metamorphosis soon. There may be an improvement in an existing situation; some steady development is occurring now, so sit back, relax, and prepare for something good to happen. Miracles travel at different speeds, but trust in the future. Enjoy your good fortune when it arrives and remember to share it with others; such sharing makes a deposit in your spiritual bank account.
William Lilly, Reversed
You may be having trouble making smooth and steady progress in your life right now. Look with care at your own self to see it there is something you are doing or not doing, some harmful attitude you are taking, which is blocking your progress right now. This symbol reversed could also mean a beneficial change is happening and you are resisting it. You might want to ask yourself why. Then again, this may indicate that a present opportunity may not be the right one for you. Be patient and strong enough to decline this opportunity, steadfast in the knowledge that what is yours will come to you when the time is right.
Paracelsus-A Sacrifice, Solitude, the Sacred Quest
Paracelsus was a very intelligent, capable and innovative physician, alchemist and scholar who made many enemies with his bold and overzealous manner. No matter how wise or important you are, restrain your sense of self-importance and surrender to the demands of the moment. Remain modest, but true to yourself. Trust that others see your value and the worth of your deeds without feeling the need to call everyone’s attention to your accomplishments. Insistence on letting everyone know how great you are will, over time, generate resistance and ill-will and will harm your credibility. You need to do some serious thinking here about how you come across to others.
Paracelsus, Reversed
Your ego and self-importance have led you to mishandle situations and you received the requisite unpleasant results of your ego-led decisions. This symbol reversed indicates you may have recently experienced a humbling and are now having to face some painful and unlovely truths about yourself. If you haven’t experienced such a reckoning, this symbol reversed is a warning that such may be coming if you do not take the time to take a good, hard, thorough look at your unpleasant qualities and resolve to deal with them. This might be a good time to go on a retreat. This self-examination may be painful and messy, but it is necessary. A better you will be the outcome.
Cornelius Agrippa-Endurance, Steadfastness, Rectification, Balance
Agrippa was a highly-regarded and accomplish man in his day, and his Occult Philosophy is still considered by many to be one of the go-to manuals on the subject of magick. He nonetheless had detractors, who either lacked his vision or were jealous of his worldly success. You may be feeling a natural impulse to defend yourself at present, but this symbol suggests that discretion is the better part of valor right now. Your best approach is to remain silent, modest, and not engage those who are attacking your character. Be nice to those who have taken an adversarial position to you. This will make you look good to others and aggravate your adversaries at the same time.
Cornelius Agrippa, Reversed
The feelings of others are at issue now. Try to see things from others’ viewpoints to understand why they are reacting to you the way they are now. It could be that you have been a little too self-congratulatory and have not expressed yourself well to those who oppose you. After considering the feelings and views of your seeming opponents, it may well turn out you need to restrain your ego and launch a public relations campaign to win back the good will you may have lost through your harsh or showy behavior.
Thanks for sharing this! I always learn something fascinating from your posts!
Wow I really enjoyed looking and look forward to learning the meanings of each one, i always just thought of them as a single letter not having
much meaning…So really appreciate this.
I was surprised too. I’ve only found Dr. Jenkins’ book on the subject of the Theban letters’ individual meanings, but it’s a good introduction to the subject. And I’ve found the Theban Alphabet oracle quite on-target about what’s going on in my life at various times.
On behalf of Dr. Jenkins, I can say that he is most impressed and appreciative of your work here. Your work here, along with the beautiful cards (PDF) are simply splendid. He, and all of us at PSIresearcher thank you. With a kind heart, take care.
Oh, thank you! I’m glad you like it!