2. The 6th Major Arcanum of the Tarot
Image: a young couple (with a serpent present) blessed by an angel, or the chained maiden rescued by the hero
Hebrew letter: Zayin
Divinatory meaning: release, inspiration, new start
Path on the Tree of Life: the 17th path connecting Tiphareth to Binah.
Qabalistic Description. The 6th Key, the 17th Path. Children of the Voice Divine, Oracles of he Mighty Gods. This Path connects Tiphareth (the Solar Center of the Higher Self) to Binah (the Great Sea of Superconsciousness). This is the uniting of the Sun (male) and the Moon (female) energies within the initiate. Zayin means sword, the weapon of the Will
Card Description. The impact of inspiration on intuition, resulting in illumination and liberation—the sword striking off the fetters of habit and materialism, Perseus (acting as the Higher Self) rescues Andromeda (the Personality) from the Dragon of fear and the waters of stagnation. (Incidentally note that this is the design of the Order [of the Golden Dawn] card. Andromeda is shown manacled to a rock, the dragon rising from the waters at her feet. Perseus is depicted flying through the air to her assistance, with unsheathed sword. The design is wholly different from that of the Waite pack.—Israel Regardie)
The colors are orange, violet, purplish grey and pearl grey. The flashing color of orange gives deep vivid blue while the flashing color for violet is golden yellow. The flashing colors may always be introduced if they bring out the essential color meaning more clearly. In practice this card usually signifies sympathetic understanding.
Interpretation. Inspiration (passive and in some cases mediumistic, thus differing from that of the Hierophant and Magician and Prophet.) Motive, power, and action, arising from Inspiration and Impulse.
Psychological Value. This Arcanum should be used when you feel the need to do some tidying up in your mind, to sort what is best among all the ideas you have stored there. It can help you make balanced choices that promote harmony. It also helps in developing acute intelligence and quick thinking. (According to the Divine Arcana of the Aurum Solis—Divinity: Apollo; Greek Letter: Kappa.)