Ra-Hoor-Khuit Network's
Magickal Library

 

Death.

The Child of the Great Transformers: the Lord of the Gates of Death. Nun. Scorpio

Death.  Scorpio.  Nun.  This card means redemption through putrefaction, the seed in the ground decays, but rises again to new life.  Death, crowned with the headdress of Osiris, is raising from his scythe the reincarnation bubbles of life.  Behind him is the eagle, symbol of immortality, and below him are the embryonic amoeba.

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The alchemical sense of Death is not so much destruction as change.  Thus we have, in this card, the Scorpion, representing primitive energy always ready to commit suicide (according to the legend) when heavily beset, but prepared to undergo any transformation which will permit its continued existence in a different form.  Thus potassium, thrown upon water, becomes ignited and accepts the embrace of the hydroxyl radicle.  The fish and serpent, here represented, have been objects of worship in cults which taught the doctrines of resurrection or re-incarnation.  The central figure is executing the Dance of Death (skeleton and scythe are both Saturnian figures), and on his head he wears the crown of Osiris.  The influence of Saturn is expressed in the negative aspect of Death as representing those essential forms which are not destroyed by the ordinary changes of nature; the positive and creative side is seen in the sweep of the scythe, which calls into being bubbles, symbolising new lives.  The highest aspect of the card is the Eagle, which represents exaltation above solid matter.

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Transformation.  Change voluntary or involuntary, perhaps sudden and unexpected.  Apparent death or destruction that is illusory when viewed from a higher perspective.

 

This page last updated: 03/01/2018