Robert Fludd-Interference, Disturbance, Submission, Withdrawl
A highly-accomplished man who worked as a physician in London, Robert Fludd was one of the first western scholars to incorporate the eastern concept of yin/yang into western thought. This symbol may be pointing out that a seemingly dark and foreboding situation does have rays of light peeking through here and there. You may be faced with the need to take action on something you have been avoiding. You may have to get out of a relationship or a job that may have been good for you at one time, but has now become harmful and a drag on your spirit. You may have to weigh all the pros and cons of a certain situation, and decide if you want to stick with it, or if now is time for a change. The answer is inside you, because only you know all the factors involved. You may find that what looks like it comes from the light is more frightening than what you see in the darkness.
Robert Fludd, Reversed
You may be holding on to old ideals and outdated philosophies. You are now called upon to undertake a radical departure from old ways, so look with honesty and clarity at your situation, then choose wisely the course you must take, no matter how new, different or unfamiliar a path it may be. To refuse to change at this time, to stay with the old way of doing things, means the pain and unpleasantness will continue. Above all, trust yourself. If your instincts are telling you to bail out of a bad relationship, a bad business venture or a bad job, then obey your instincts.
Giordano Bruno-Wealth, a Tribute, a Spiritual Path, the Unseen
Giordano Bruno was a Dominican priest whose work in the area of the mind, science and magick was so forward-thinking, the Church eventually burnt him at the stake as a heretic, mainly because he wouldn’t shut up about what he saw as the truth. The truth is becoming clear to you now, and the things you once saw as true and good are looking different when seen from your new perspective. This can refer to your faith, your philosophy or your outlook on life, but this new way of thinking will lead you to take the road less travelled and you will see new and amazing things along the way. Stay true to this path, in spite of any disapproval, suspicion and competition from bystanders. You will reach the goal you were always meant to reach, so long as you remain directed by your own truth.
Giordano Bruno, Reversed
You are on the right path now. The darkness is behind you and significant things will now happen for you, indeed, you may already be seeing signs of success and prosperity. Remain mindful of your past mistakes, so as not to repeat them. Do not get too far ahead of yourself, nor fall off your spiritual path by indulging in more earthly forms of celebration. Enjoy your winnings, but do not overspend them. More negatively, this symbol reversed may instead indicate you know what your truth is, but you are refusing to look at it, because facing the truth might well mean facing pain and having to make changes in your life and that looks like too much trouble. You are only hurting yourself and eliminating fresh new possibilities when you do not honor your truth.
Lao Tzu-Tranquility, Simplicity, Joy
Lao Tzu, which translates as either ‘Old Master’ or ‘Sage’ was an ancient Chinese Philosopher who wrote the classic book of wisdom, the “Tao Te Ching.” This symbol upright advises you to relax and let the joy of simplicity take over. If your life is complicated, this symbol could be advising you to strive to simplify it. Now is the time to receive blessings which come to you without either guilt, judgement, or delay. Whether these blessings are of the material kind or simply a greater sense of emotional contentment, rejoice and be still in your gain. Remember to spend time in nature and just ‘be.’
Lao Tzu, Reversed
You may be in need of a change; not necessarily a big change, just a change. This symbol reversed may be suggesting you need to learn how to relax. You may need to take a mental health day and sit this one out. If your plans aren’t coming to fruition like you’d hoped, then maybe you need to direct your attentions and efforts elsewhere. The universe may be suggesting you search for emptiness now; set aside the technological devices for a time and take up meditation, preferably out in nature, for only by such means will you achieve the tranquility you seek.
Imhotep-The True Male Significance, Divine Silence, Emotional Transition
Imhotep, whose name translates as, ‘the one who comes in peace,’ was known to be one of the architects who erected the first pyramid in Egypt. Depicted in literature and movies as an evil, supernatural monster, he is believed by most scholars today to have been a wise and kindly magus. This symbol upright indicates a time of emotional transition is in motion now. This transition may be unforeseen and silent in its approach, but a psychic shift is occurring within you now. This symbol could also herald the approach of an inner storm, where secret passions and hidden emotions must surface. This symbol may herald a need for self-control as you experience this transition. Trust yourself, be patient and sincere, and let this process complete itself naturally. This may herald a time of great introspection and even joy. Such transitions are always challenging, but the outcome will be favorable to you and bring new opportunities and wisdom as your reward.
Imhotep, Reversed
Reversed, this symbol indicates you may be in a questionable emotional state right now. You may be carrying too much of a spiritual and emotional load on your back right now. See what you can do to lighten your load and ease-up on your daily stress as much as possible. Attending to your physical and emotional health will make space for positive growth and a healthy contentment with your life. It could be you have chosen to take on others’ burdens, or that others may be either deliberately or unknowingly taking advantage of you. If so, level with them, name what they’re doing, or what you’ve been doing for them, and tell them you must set down their burden for your own good. Failure to ease up on the stress and burdens you carry will sooner or later deteriorate your physical health. Step away, show restraint, and ease up a bit. Your true friends will understand and stay with you.
Honorius of Thebes-Darkness and Light, Co-Existing Differences, Misconception, Judgment Credited with being the creator of the Theban Alphabet, not much is actually known about Honorius. He wrote a seven-volume, ninety-three-chapter set of books on the subject of magick, known as the ‘Liber Juratus’ or ‘The Sworne Booke of Honorius’ but only a few fragments of this set have survived. This symbol represents that which contains elements of both good and evil. There are many aspects of what we consider truth, and it all depends on the perspective of the viewer. What appears virtuous and kind to some may seem shameless and evil to others. There are battles taking place, either within you or outside of you and some may see you as ‘the enemy.’ Endure, have faith and prepare to do what is appropriate, regardless of how others see you or judge you. Your task now is to be mentally, emotionally and spiritually-prepared to complete your endeavors without doubt. You know the truth and you know what you must do. Your spiritual gallantry and moral dedication will not go unnoticed.
Honorius of Thebes, Reversed
Look at your motives with a clear eye and meaningful intent. Take a good look at your affairs now, because you may be putting too much effort into any one situation or goal. This symbol reversed may be a warning about the dangers of poor synchronicity. Consider well how much time you devote, and when you give it, to a particular subject, cause or person. You may be expending too much effort in trying to convince a person or group of people who are misjudging you to think more favorably of you. Care and show respect for others’ opinions, but don’t let their poor opinion of you drain your emotional, spiritual, or material resources. There are those who would gladly drain you of what you have to offer, because they know you’re trying vainly to change their opinion about you. Stand firm in what you believe, stand firm in your own power, and don’t give hostile others the power to decide how you feel about yourself.
Albertus Magnus-Cherubic Protection, Security, Divine Mortality
This Dominican friar and honored magus, later canonized as Saint Albert the Great, was an early advocate for the peaceful co-existence between science, religion and magick. He believed humans could eventually evolve into a more noble and peaceful species. If you have drawn this symbol upright, it could be foretelling a time-honored tradition coming to a close, and that you may soon experience a release from a negative or painful situation, transitioning into a new and positive role. An intellectual or philosophical fog may soon lift in your life, and you will find refuge in a new philosophy. This change has the work of angels behind it, so you may rejoice in the knowledge that is it a correct change. But remember, in whatever change you face right now, concentration and a serious outlook are in order here. Do not go blindly into your new state of being; look ahead try to map out your journey, and keep an eye out for pitfalls.
Albertus Magnus, Reversed
Slow down and take a look at your situation. Nothing is as easy as it looks and don’t become discouraged at whatever arises. You may be experiencing stagnation in a long-term relationship, whether it is a friendship or romance, or it could be a way of life that has worked for you for so many years is no longer generating feelings of contentment. Release whatever long-time tradition or habits of mind which are keeping you in place or presenting stumbling-blocks for you. Now is the time for spiritual progress. But before you do, consider well your motives; are you holding onto this stagnation or blockage for a good reason, and is your sacrifice of this state of affairs being done for any other reason than truly noble gains? Once you have carried out this necessary internal inquest, proceed with a clear conscience. This symbol reversed means you have Divine permission to move on.
Merlin-a Portal or Entrance, an Elevated Disposition
The everyday life you have been living is about to come to a close, whether you know it or not. You will experience an ending, followed by a new beginning. Change is inevitable, and resisting the inevitable will only delay the natural progression of things. Whether you are leaving a relationship or life situation, do a final assessment of all you have learned or gained. Then let it go, and know that in spite of whatever doubts or fears follow, you will be led to a brighter and fresher state of being, where more growth and renewal can happen. Prepare yourself to take a much-larger step into an even larger universe.
Merlin, Reversed
You know that change is inevitable, and may be required in this situation, but still, you hesitate. You may be hearing quiet calls for transformation from somewhere in your soul, but are turning a deaf ear to your intuition. Even if you know there is no need to fear this change, you still fear. It is time to face your fears and acknowledge that now is the time to walk through the life-altering doorway which stands before you. Enter the dark and scary forest, and know you will reach the other side without incident or failure. What lies beyond this doorway is far less scary than you think.
The Ending Letter-the End of a Life Process, Life Transition, Concurrence You’re either finished with something in your life, or are transitioning to a new stage in life. It’s possible you’re in a point in time where the new way of life and the old are overlapping. This Theban letter is regarded as the period at the end of a sentence. This ending in your life may be spiritual, emotional or physical, but it’s either coming or it’s here. You may be forming a union with another aspect of your existence. The emphatic nature of this letter is such that you are discouraged from drawing a clarifier for this reading. Instead, look at the other Theban letters you have already drawn—what are they saying? This letter emphasizes their message. This letter is Dad saying, “I told you NO.” You may be forced to drop the subject altogether.
The End Letter, Reversed
When you draw this letter up-side-down, as with the right-side-up meaning, you are encouraged to look again, and more thoughtfully, at the Theban letters you have already drawn in the reading. If you wish, you may put this card back in the deck and draw another one. If you use the Theban alphabet as a daily oracle or omen, and you draw this symbol, then stick it back in the deck and ask no more questions that day. Rely on your own guidance and re-think the matter. This Theban letter reversed can represent something special or amazing. Since this is The End Letter, turned on its head, it can represent a surprise-ending to something; a matter may be resolved in a way no one foresaw!
Bethany-the Mystery Stone, an Unknowable Path, the Mystery of Arcane Origins, Spiritual Freedom Bethany was an anonymous woman who lived in New England in the early 1800s and practiced magick in secret. Living in a day and age which had officially given up belief in magick, she pursued it in private, while probably having to present a different face to the world. As such, Bethany represents the principles of both mystery and spiritual freedom. Where Bethany first learned the principles of magick is another unknown, so she also embodies the mystery of arcane origins. This represents the great mystery that is your life (and others, for the face they present to you may not be who they are inside). When you draw this Theban card in a reading, have the courage to pursue your path wherever it leads, even if you can’t see what’s around the bend. Let go of emotional and spiritual baggage and give thanks to the vast internal universe which has always existed within you. Embrace self-love, fearlessness and the unknown.
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!