The Matrix of the Body

[Plenum]

and so we arrive at Card 8, which is the Matrix of the Body. It begins a new cycle of 7.

this is all that Ra says specifically about this card:

"In the body the matrix may be seen as Balanced Working or Even Functioning. Note that here the matrix is always active with no means of being inactive."

I like the choice of the word Homeostasis to reference this card. I will again bring in the Thoth card representing this energy/archetype as an alternative lens to uncovering the meaning behind this card.



in all three cards, the most common and obvious feature is the scales and the sword. One might leap to the conclusion that this card is referencing the astrological sign Libra, and that is most clear in the Rider-Waite card by calling it 'Justice'. But Ra talks about the corruption of the original tarot by astrological/prognosticative forces, so we should be careful about bringing in that system to analyse what we have before us. The Major Arcana are complete in themselves; and need no outside support.

so let us begin at the source:

Card 8 is the Matrix of the Body. In that, it shares something in common with the Magician (matrix of the mind) and the Devil (matrix of the spirit). Ra exhorts us to study the cards in groups of 3 once we have mastered the basic meanings. As a mind/body/spirit complex, we are interwoven at all levels; and each matrix does not stand absolutely alone; they influence and work on each other.

at the most basic level, the matrix of the body is the Physical Body itself; it is the vessel or instrument through which we experience this 3d reality. And what it seeks most is a sense of homeostasis, or balance, with its environment. When it is hot, our bodies sweat to maintain a core temperature, when it is cold, we shiver and burn fat to raise the heat level. When we have exercised, we seek food so we can replenish the energies that we have expended. The physical instrument is programmed for self-survival, and self-maintenance at a somewhat pre-programmed level. The Body tips the scales back to level when the environment or circumstance changes.

a consequence of this 'habit' is that we can become prisoners of the body; we seek comfort and safety and ease, sometimes at the expense of becoming STS oriented when resources are scarce.

another correspondance of the matrix is that it is an aspect of the root or red ray chakra. As such, any blockages here can limit the energies that can climb the kundalini ladder; if we feel threatened, the red ray closes up, and catalyst is only seen in terms of fight/flight; our consciousness becomes extremely primal, almost violent. Maybe this is the sword??

we can work with the body at its genetic level with the following advice from Ra:

"The body is a creature of the mind’s creation. It has its biases. The biological bias must be first completely understood and then the opposite bias allowed to find full expression in understanding."

"It is necessary to know your body well."

as always: know yourself. But also know that you as a being are inhabiting a 'physical instrument' that has its own programming and habits, ones that are distinct from you. In that way, it is almost like a pet that you have to understand and work with; you can't 'force' your body to do something it doesn't want to.

and that's all I can say about the Matrix of the Body.

peace