Archetypes of Body

[Cainite]

I can also add, in case to those who are wondering the merit of the study of Archetypes, that once a given archetype is moderately well understood, invoking the archetype to evolve (likely for other reasons as well, ie magical workings) is very very powerful, though I haven't experimented too much in the area since they are so powerful.

I remember Ra emphasizing this.
It is an integral part of the two steps of knowing the self and becoming the creator probably.

One of us should make a thread about it if one isn't already made.

In regards the archetypes in question, I think some good observations have been made by everyone in this thread.

From my perspective, the catalyst of the body (the wheel of fate) is the result of the interaction of the matrix (balance) with the potentiator (wisdom).

It is actually space/time itself. As Ra said when talking about physical incarnation:

"Each mind/body/spirit or mind/body/spirit complex has an existence simultaneous with that of creation. It is not dependent upon any physical vehicle. However, in order to evolve, change, learn, and manifest the Creator the physical vehicles appropriate to each density are necessary. Your query implied that physical vehicles accelerated growth. The more accurate description is that they permit growth."

As was already mentioned by others in the thread, in slightly augmented description, the devil symbolizes involutionary bodily catalyst (negative catalyst) and the anubis/angelic character represents evolutionary bodily catalyst (positive catalyst). The sphinx on top is a symbol of strength and wisdom. It guards the wheel of fate, and ensures that neither the involutionary forces, nor the evolutionary forces gain the upperhand indefinitely. They are both given equal sway in this archetype in order to present the opportunity for contrasting catalyst to be experienced.

Whereas the catalyst might be interpreted as the "thing in itself" in the domain of the body, the "experience of the body" might be likened unto the "interpretation" of the "thing in itself". As a flame is to fuel, so is the experience to the catalyst. The nature of the catalyst will provide a varying interpretation (or "experience") of said catalyst.

So this is more where polarity comes into play, like Jade was mentioning. In the experience of the body card, sometimes called "strength", sometimes called "the enchantress", we see a woman holding open the jaws of a lion. Typically, a female figure would represent either a subconscious portion of the archetypal mind, or a more passive director of energies. The fact that she is not rippling with muscle is a big clue right there in and of itself. By what power does she hold open the powerful jaws of the lion? What sorcery is this? The birds atop the head are indicative that the power of spirit is at play in this archetype. There are two of them, denoting polarity, but notice they simply look forward, and are not in flight, indicating a kind of passivity. So it would seem it is by spiritual magic that the jaws of death are kept at bay. But is the magic negative, or positively polarized? That is what the experience, or interpretation, archetype is all about.

At all times in the body, there is the constant threat of death, like the jaws of the lion in the picture. There are innumerable unconscious forces working in your body at all times. These processes could stop at any time, causing cessation of life in that form. You could have an anuryism, stroke, or any number of other maladies in the blink of an eye. What magic keeps these threats at bay? Could it be the enchantress, with her magical strength?

So from my perspective, the card represents that the subconscious intelligence of your body is what is keeping the jaws of death at bay. She has a magical, or spiritual, relationship with catalyst being experienced (the metaphorical fuel being burned providing the energy for growth). But we get to choose how we relate to the catalyst of the body, whether to control it, or accept it. The unconscious part of this archetype is the enchantress holding the jaws open, but we get to choose, using the mind, indirectly if she relates to the catalyst in a negative or positive way, because the physical ultimately reflects the spiritual.

So polarization will indirectly influence this subconscious archetype. She will either control the jaws with magic, or make friends with the lion (the magic of friendship). She will follow the example of the male, or conscious, part of the mind in how she relates to catalyst. Or if one failed to polarize, the lion will clasp its jaws and get its meal, resulting in death. As Ra said, illnesses are often caused because of a failure to polarize, be it negative or positive. That's when the magic loses its power, and the lion can no longer be kept at bay. The catalyst, having not been used, causes distortion in the functioning of the body complex.

Wow. now I get it. lol
That was satisfying to read.