The Gnostic Church of L.V.X.

ART:
Consummation of the Royal Marriage

Paul Joseph Rovelli

Atu XIV represents the path on the Tree-of-Life which leads from Yesod to Tiphareth, and has Sagittarius and the Hebrew letter Sameck attributed to it. This Atu is the natural complement of Atu VI: The Lovers which has Gemini, the zodiacal counterpart to Sagittarius, attributed to it. Hence we complete the idea which began there of 'analysis' with its' complement 'synthesis'.

Sameck which translates as 'Prop' and refers to the framework by which these two contradictory forces are unified. In the former Atu, we spoke of the sword as double-edged, taking unity and dissecting it to examine its structure. In this path, components are melded into an unified whole through a natural transmutation of substance for the alchemist. These contradictory elements are then fused together into a complete and unified whole. We are speaking of a resolution of opposites in all four worlds of the Qabbalah that would in Jungian terms equate with the idea of Integration.

The alchemical formula of V.I.T.R.I.O.L. is demarcated by this card. It is the initials of a Latin phrase that translates as: "Visit the interior of the earth: by rectification thou shalt find the hidden Stone." The 'Hidden Stone' is of course, the "Universal Medium" or "Stone of the Wise"; the sought after 'Philosopher's Stone" which Paracelsus used in his wondrous works, especially of healing. It is said to give its' possessor immortality. Psychological health (Fire and Water) as well as body and mind (Earth and Fire) are thus brought to their true and proper relation in preparation for the attainment of Adepthood.

When this is brought about the Archer (Sagittarius) becomes poised in his divine aim for the betrothal of the Beloved; the Knowledge and Conversation of Thine Holy Guardian Angel. V.I.T.R.I.O.L. as a formula, is the direction the aspirant journeys to align his entire being with his True Will. The arrow in the Archers' bow represents the directed will and hints at in both this and Atu VI that Love is the force which directs the course of Will. The entire being is swallowed up in the inertia of the universe as it becomes uniquely aligned through the true force of its' natural attraction to and right relation with the universe.