Book IV Study Group

[3D Sunset]

I wonder if specific elements refer to specific processes.

Good question. I think that perhaps some do, but not all. Let's consider some of them (below are my interpretations of the images and possible meanings... Please share yours if they differ):

1. The swaying fan - Is this perhaps associated with regulation of body temperature and/or breathing?
2. The flying bird - Birds are frequently associated with reincarnation (a la the Phoenix in Egyptian mythology). Perhaps the bird here also represents the rapid passing of time in this life, that will lead to another (and also implies that our past is brought with us into this life).
3. The flying angel(?) - I think angles always have a spiritual association, perhaps here it represents that freedom (denoted by its flying) from life is to be achieved through the spirit. I have also read that angels symbolic meaning in dreams is that we should examine our motives.
4. The walking sphinx - Perhaps this represents the guard to the riddles of life (recall the riddle of the sphinx). I have also read the sphinx associated with the human senses.
5. The stalking lion - Perhaps the importance of hunger and the need to feed the body.
6. The swinging sword - I find it hard not to see this implying mortality. Ultimately life is a function of the matrix of the body. Without the body there is no life, so attention must be paid to the workings and needs of the body. If the body is ignored, it can always "pull the plug", so to speak.

Could be. But I'm not comfortable putting too much weight on the names like Justice or Balance given that Ra didn't always find them appropriate (ie the World is "somewhat provincial").

I agree, but in this case, I was basing my weight on this quote by Ra:

In the body the matrix may be seen as Balanced Working or Even Functioning

I would love to go through the cards in the manner Ra suggested: first in groups of three -- one, eight, fifteen, etc.; then in pairs -- one, two; three, four; five; six, seven.

This is fine, but I suggest that we complete our discussion of Card VIII first.

Love and Light,

3D Sunset