The Magical Ritual of The Sanctum Regnum
Eliphas Levi
XVIII. The Moon - La Lune
The Moon exercises a very considerable amount of influence upon the magnetic fluid of the earth, as is shown by the ebb and flow of the waters of the seas; you should then examine carefully the effects of the influences of the Moon in her several phases, and take note of the days and hours of the Moon's course. The quarter of the New Moon is favourable for the commencement of all magical enterprises; the first quarter gives an influence of heat, the full moon an influence of dryness, and the last quarter a cold influence.
These are the special characters of the days of the Moon, distinguished by the twenty-two Tarot Keys and the signs of the Seven Planets.
I. The Juggler, or the Magus. The first day of the Lunar course: the Moon was created, says Rabbi Moses, on the fourth day.
II. The Gnosis, or La Papesse. The second day, whose genius is named Enodiel, the fish and birds were created; it is propitious for the works of occult science.
III. The Mother, or Empress. The third day saw the creation of humanity. The Kabalists often call the Moon by the name Mother, and allot the number three to her: this day is propitious for generation.
IV. The Despot, or Emperor. The fourth day is baneful, for on this day Cain was born; but it is a powerful day for unjust and tyrannical acts.
V. The Pope, or Priest. The fifth is a day of happiness; it was the birthday of Abel.
VI. The Lovers, or the Struggle. Birth of Lamech, a day marked by contest and anger; suitable for conspirators and for revolt.
VII. The Chariot. Birth of Hebron; a day very propitious for religious ceremonial.
VIII. Justice. Death of Abel; the day of expiation.
IX. The Hermit. Birth of Methuselah; a day of joy for children.
X. The Wheel of Fortune. Birth of Nebuchadnezzar; a day for conjurations of plagues; a baneful day: reign of brute force.
XI. Strength. Birth of Noah. The visions of the day are deceitful; but children born this day are healthy and long lived.
XII. The Hanged Man, the Tau. Birth of Samael; a day favourable for Kabalah and prophecy, and for the accomplishment of the Great Work.
XIII. Death. Birth of Canaan, the cursed son of Ham; an evil day and an evil number.
XIV. Temperance. Benediction of Noah. On this day Cassiel of the hierarchy of Auriel presides.
XV. The Devil, or Typhon. Birth of Ishmael; a day of reproof and exile.
XVI. The Tower. Birth of Esau and Jacob; the latter is predestined to ruin Esau.
XVII. The Star. The Ruin of Sodom and Gomorrah; this day is under the rule of Scorpio. Health for the good, ruin for evil persons; dangerous when it falls on a Saturday.
XVIII. The Moon. Birth of Isaac; a day of good augury.
XIX. The Sun. Birth of Pharaoh; a day of danger.
XX. The Judgement. Birth of Judah; a day propitious for divine revelations.
XXI. The World or the Sphynx. Birth of Saul; a day for physical force and material prosperity.
XXII. Saturn. The birth of Job.
XXIII. Venus. The birth of Benjamin.
XXIV. Jupiter. The birth of Japhet.
XXV. Mercury. The Tenth plague of Egypt.
XXVI. Mars. The passage of the Red Sea by the Israelites.
XXVII. Luna. The victory of Judas Maccabeus.
XXVIII. Sol. Samson carries off the gates of Gaza.
XXIX. The Tarot Trump called Le Fou, the unwise man; a day of abortion.
Notes
The Tarot Trump, No. xviii., represents the Moon in the sky letting fall drops of dew; below is the land on which stand two towers, and between them are a dog and a wolf; in the foreground is water in which a crayfish is swimming.
The occult meanings ascribed to this trump by Lev are: The elements, the visible world, reflected light and symbolism.
Christian says that the meanings are the abyss of the infinite; the shadow which enshrouds the human ego when it accepts the rule of the instincts unchecked by spiritual aims; and on the lowest plane, the assaults of hidden enemies.