The Equinox (Volume I, Number VII)

DESCRIPTION OF THE CARDS OF THE TAROT III THE ROOT OF THE POWERS OF THE AIR Ace of Swords A WHITE Radiating Angelic Hand, issuing from clouds, and grasping the hilt of a sword, which supports a White Radiant Celestial Crown; from which depend, on the right, the olive branch of Peace; and on the left, the palm branch of suffering. Six Vaus fall from its point. It symbolizes Invoked, as contrasted with Natural Force: for it is the Invocation of the Sword. Raised upward, it invokes the Divine crown of Spiritual Brightness, but reversed it is the Invocation of Demonic Force; and becomes a fearfully evil symbol, It represents, therefore, very great power for good or evil, but invoked ; and it also represents whirling Force, and strength through trouble, It is the affirmation of Justice upholding Divine Authority; and it may become the Sword of Wrath, Punishment, and Affliction. IV THE ROOT OF THE POWERS OF THE EARTH Ate vf Pentax/es A VVIII'J‘E Radiant Angelic Hand, holding a branch of a Rose Tree, whereon is a large Pentacle, formed of Five con— centric circles. The Innermost Circle is white, charged with Ι55