Quantum James
The Egyptian Five Bodies Spread
spread diagram: http://www.strangeflesh.net/stuff/fivebodiesspread.jpg
Introduction:
This spread comes out of my interest in Kemetic (Egyptian) magic and spirituality, and is influenced by the elegant form of Malencholic’s Simple Cross spread – although it is structurally quite different, it does borrow a few ideas from that.
Most importantly, it is inspired by The Fifth Way, which a Kemetic magico-spiritual system transmitted by Robert Masters. However, it should be accessible to anyone regardless of interest in Egyptian cosmology – it uses some specialised terms, but these are explained and are for the most part commonly accepted concepts (to most tarot readers anyway).
The spread uses elemental dignities, so if you are not familiar with that system its probably best if you familiarise yourself with it first. It works well with Egyptian themed decks of course!
The spread itself is a diagnostic tool for working with the “five bodies” and creates a divinatory model for the querents total reality as an integrated whole. The idea is that by using the wisdom divined one can fine tune and act remedially - physically, mentally, emotionally and magically to gain full integration and personal power. It also reflects the influence of benevolent and malevolent forces in the spiritual architecture of the querent.
I must add that I am not connected to Masters or his school other than enjoying his ideas and book…
The Five Bodies:
As mentioned, the Five Bodies spread is based on the work of Robert Masters, which he refers to has the Fifth Way. The Fifth Way is introduced in his book The Goddess Sekhmet: Psycho-spiritual Exercises of the Fifth Way – and describes an Egyptian psycho-spiritual model for working with the energetic structure of the entire human, ranging from the most subtle spiritual body to the most gross physical body – this structure is described as:
AUFU – Physical body
KA – The Mental body, which is the Double
HAIDIT – The Shadow, or unconscious and collective unconscious.
KHU – The Magical body, the magical will/ability of the individual
SAHU – The Highest Spiritual Body, which is awakened or activated by the balanced integration of all the previous four bodies.
The Fifth Way strives to fully awaken, integrate and individuate all 5 bodies.
The spread reflects the current state of integration and balance of the five bodies as well those spheres in which the bodies operate and influence. The spread also reflects the extent to which the forces of Cosmos and Chaos are operant in the individual’s world and the influence this has on the integration of the querent’s five bodies.
In addition to the five bodies Masters identifies two Soul aspects of the whole being:
BA – The immortal Soul, which can be described as the Higher Self.
SOKHIM – The mortal Soul, which is born and dies with the body and acts as “foundation of consciousness”, linking body and mind. It contains the personal “blueprint” or personal myth of the individual for THIS life.
Masters’ full treatment of the Five Bodies is put forth here on his website http://www.robertmasters.org:80/sekhmet/1.html reading through each of the five bodies’ description will give the reader greater insight into its application. I recommend his book too – although most of the information regarding the five bodies is contained on the website, so its not required to use the spread.
Cosmos and Chaos:
Our reality arises out of the interaction of these two primal principles - each ultimately seeking the other’s transformation to its own state, as Master’s explains:
“According to this Way there are two primordial, co-existing, interactive and absolutely antagonistic realities: Cosmos (the Powers and Principalities of Order) and Chaos (the Disordered Powers and Principalities).
The essentially irrepresentable Powers are functionally represented by Neters, or beings experienced by humans as Gods and Goddesses, angels and demons, and others known to religion and mythology. These Powers, in their Principalities, and for us, are hierarchical and, in our terms, good or evil. They are locked in a thus far perpetual struggle, each seeking the other's transformation. They are indestructible, but subject to such transformation, so that a final resolution would be the transforming of Chaos into Cosmos, or that of Cosmos into Chaos. Out of this conflict, sometimes called The War in Heaven, have arisen "intermediate" realities including the human.” (Masters 2002:3)
These two Principles are reflected in positions 1 and 9 in the spread. Position 1 is always WELL dignified, no matter which card it is – this card represents the tools or forces which fully aid awakening. Position 9 is always ILL diginified, or reversed – which is reflected in the way its placed too, by placing the card horizontally in a blocking position at the bottom of the spread (see diagram).
The Layout:
-------------1-------------
-------------2-------------
---------3-------4--------
-------------5-------------
---------6-------7--------
-------------8-------------
-------------9-------------
My full colour spread diagram with elemental positions, terms and labels can be found here http://www.strangeflesh.net/stuff/fivebodiesspread.jpg
1. COSMOS
This position describes the influence of the cosmic forces of order and harmony - the UrGods, spirit and angels. This card represents this influence in the querents life at this moment, and is always well dignified. No matter which card it is, the card is read and understood in its most positive or spiritual light. These are archetypal forces and energies most healthy and ideal for the transformation and empowerment of the querent – who should seek alignment with the energies and events the card represents.
2. BA – The immortal Soul/ Higher Self
This is the guidance from the Higher Self, it is in dialogue with the Cosmos card and is read elementally dignified to the Cosmos card. It in turn elementally modifies the SAHU card. The SAHU and BA continually work together to bring awakening of the five bodies.
The BA card presents the BIG view of the situation for an individual, and also describes the relationship between the Cosmos (position 1) and the querent. If there is a blockage or warning here it is a message from the BA revealing how one can correct and enhance our alignment with Divine principle. It is NOT describing the BA itself, which is transcendent and not subject to modification in any sense we can comprehend – it is a message from the BA regarding the totality of the human being in question - from the highest perspective.
3.KHU – The magical body
This position describes the magical climate, health and development of the querent’s magical identity, or magical will, as well as the magical-energetic forces that the KHU is learning to negotiate and develop within its matrix. It directly or indirectly alludes to any magical action or energy work that might be taken to further awakening and integration of the bodies, if the querent or reader has the skill to do so.
The KHU position has an elemental base of FIRE – the card placed here is read elementally dignified to fire.
4.HAIDIT – The Shadow
The position describes any unconscious (collective, personal or transpersonal) material or psychological “stuff” that is ready for integration. This card’s interpretation reveals the way in which that which unconscious can be made conscious and integrated with the KA, KHU and AUFU, which in turn leads to total awakening of SAHU. As its name suggests, the HAIDIT or Shadow card represents the denied, repressed, or disowned/projected qualities and desires of our deepest self. When these parts are acknowledged and integrated into greater whole the Shadow’s energy becomes liberated and no longer controls one unconsciously, instead aiding development. The Shadow is extremely creative and full of energy and when acknowledged becomes an essential component to the high-octane blend of the 5 bodies.
The HAIDIT position has an elemental base of WATER – the card placed here is read elementally dignified to water.
5. SAHU – The Awakened Self
The card in this position holds the KEY to the awakening and integration of the SAHU, which is the goal of all spiritual and magical work from this perspective. This is accomplished by functionally strengthening, integrating as well individuating the AUFU (Body), KA (Mind/Double), KHU (Magical Will) and HAIDIT (Shadow). Based on the interpretation of the card in this position, which is always read in relationship with the surrounding four cards, the querent is given insight into HOW, and WHAT is needed for this integration to be accomplished.
The SAHU card has no elemental base and all four surrounding cards are always read as elemental modifiers for the SAHU card in order to determine its overall strength and dignity. Contrastingly, the four surrounding ‘body’ cards are only ever modified by their own elemental bases. Analysis of the dignity of the SAHU key card, read in relation to these surrounding cards, will reveal where integration is weakest and strongest as well what those relationships look like.
It is important to remember that this card does NOT necessarily describe the condition of SAHU itself, which is the IDEAL of the spiritually awakened self which the querent is growing towards – rather, it gives insight into how this ideal can become actualised, or what is hindering that realization. It is the KEY, and has been marked with golden key on the spread diagram for this reason.
The SAHU card is the constant used for interpreting each of the “Integration and Awakening” triads discussed later on.
6. KA – the Mental Double
The KA card describes the querent’s mental climate, thought patterns, as well as self-image – in other words ones general state of mind. The KA directly influences the AUFU and its health through its thinking. The card in this position offers advice for transformation of thinking and imagination, which when combined with the magical will of KHU and the knowledge of HAIDIT lead to the manifestation of whatever the KA can dream of. When this process happens in a non-integrated way the KA manifests all sorts of fears, sicknesses and problems fuelled by the Shadow. When the KA is integrated harmoniously then the querent becomes empowered, and indeed, powerful.
The KA position has an elemental base of AIR – the card placed here is read elementally dignified to air.
7.AUFU – The Physical Body
The AUFU card describes the health of the physical body, and to some extent querents physical world. It describes ways in which physical integration; health and well-being can be realized. It often deals with exercise, diet or sexuality and it also describes any material concerns of relevance to the AUFU body.
The AUFU position has an elemental base of EARTH – the card placed here is read elementally dignified to earth.
8. SOKHIM – The Second ‘Mortal’ Soul
The SOKHIM card describes a relevant narrative emerging from the personal myth-essence or blueprint of the SOKHIM soul. These are stories or themes that we enact in our life story. The card in this position makes us aware of an emerging aspect of the blueprint or myth pattern that might be influencing us at this time. Some SOKHIM patterns (although not all) are stories we need bring to consciousness in order to transcend or transform them by means of full awaking of SAHU and the five bodies as a whole. Seeing that the SOKHIM forms the basis of our core architecture this is no small feat and, indeed, is the Great Work itself.
The SOKHIM can be read dignified to the SAHU, and any of the other 4 Bodies in order to see how an aspect of SOKHIM myth-pattern might be influencing the actualization of the entire human.
9.CHAOS
The Chaos card describes the malign or entropic forces at work in the system. The card is always read reversed or ill dignified and is placed horizontally to suggest its bad alignment. Caution should be taken not to interpret this as direct demonic interference and such like – which will lead to a thoroughly paranoid and destructive outlook!
The Chaos card is primarily about the PRINCIPLE of Chaos as it is in play in our energetic system, and how it is attempting to bring about transformation of that ordered system to its own chaotic state. It is the MOST valuable card because with this knowledge we can takes steps to counter the motion of entropy in our system. What is more, it is balanced equally by the Cosmos card – which represents the necessary spiritual tools we are given to bring about the transformation of Chaos at present. Like the HAIDIT, the energies and events depicted in the CHAOS card can only have an effect if it remains unconscious or hidden.
It is useful to read this card in relation to the Cosmos card to unpack its role in the querent’s life – although it can and should be read in relation to all of the 5 bodies in the spread – especially the HAIDIT. Full integration of the 5 bodies is what Chaos strives disperse.
Overall Elemental Dignity:
By looking at the overall elemental dignity of the 5 bodies we can determine the level of entropy or evolution prevailing in the system. A lot of ill dignified cards over several readings suggest an energetic imbalance a lack of integration of the five bodies.
Look to the COSMOS card, the BA as well as SAHU card for advice on remedial action, which will allow harmonious integration to the 5 bodies again. Especially the SAHU card holds the key for this transformation. Similarly a lot of well-dignified cards suggest a movement toward integration and awakening of the SAHU – the SAHU card will advice on how to further use this momentum for ever deepening integration.
The Integration and Awakening Triads:
In addition to reading the spread on a card by card basis an analysis certain of triads of cards can be a useful way to get a picture of the more subtle constellations forming in the querent’s reality. There are four principle triads, each containing the vital SAHU key card, which is important for interpreting the information gleaned to bring about transformation.
(1-2-5) Triad of Divine Inspiration and Evolution
(3-4-5) Triad of Power and Hidden Knowledge Revealed
(5-6-7) Triad of Thinking and Being
(5-8-9) Triad of Myth and Entropy
As mentioned, in each of these triads the SAHU card is the principle card and in conjunction with the other two cards in the triad describes the tools the triad reveals for integration and awakening of the 5 bodies. In each instance the SAHU card acts as the principle card and is modified by the other two cards in the triad.
References:
Masters, R. 2002. The Goddess Sekhmet: Psycho-spiritual Exercises of the Fifth Way. White Cloud Press
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thats it! Hope it makes sense, and offers value - feel free to give me a shout and I will do my best to clarify anything confusing.
QJ
spread diagram: http://www.strangeflesh.net/stuff/fivebodiesspread.jpg
Introduction:
This spread comes out of my interest in Kemetic (Egyptian) magic and spirituality, and is influenced by the elegant form of Malencholic’s Simple Cross spread – although it is structurally quite different, it does borrow a few ideas from that.
Most importantly, it is inspired by The Fifth Way, which a Kemetic magico-spiritual system transmitted by Robert Masters. However, it should be accessible to anyone regardless of interest in Egyptian cosmology – it uses some specialised terms, but these are explained and are for the most part commonly accepted concepts (to most tarot readers anyway).
The spread uses elemental dignities, so if you are not familiar with that system its probably best if you familiarise yourself with it first. It works well with Egyptian themed decks of course!
The spread itself is a diagnostic tool for working with the “five bodies” and creates a divinatory model for the querents total reality as an integrated whole. The idea is that by using the wisdom divined one can fine tune and act remedially - physically, mentally, emotionally and magically to gain full integration and personal power. It also reflects the influence of benevolent and malevolent forces in the spiritual architecture of the querent.
I must add that I am not connected to Masters or his school other than enjoying his ideas and book…
The Five Bodies:
As mentioned, the Five Bodies spread is based on the work of Robert Masters, which he refers to has the Fifth Way. The Fifth Way is introduced in his book The Goddess Sekhmet: Psycho-spiritual Exercises of the Fifth Way – and describes an Egyptian psycho-spiritual model for working with the energetic structure of the entire human, ranging from the most subtle spiritual body to the most gross physical body – this structure is described as:
AUFU – Physical body
KA – The Mental body, which is the Double
HAIDIT – The Shadow, or unconscious and collective unconscious.
KHU – The Magical body, the magical will/ability of the individual
SAHU – The Highest Spiritual Body, which is awakened or activated by the balanced integration of all the previous four bodies.
The Fifth Way strives to fully awaken, integrate and individuate all 5 bodies.
The spread reflects the current state of integration and balance of the five bodies as well those spheres in which the bodies operate and influence. The spread also reflects the extent to which the forces of Cosmos and Chaos are operant in the individual’s world and the influence this has on the integration of the querent’s five bodies.
In addition to the five bodies Masters identifies two Soul aspects of the whole being:
BA – The immortal Soul, which can be described as the Higher Self.
SOKHIM – The mortal Soul, which is born and dies with the body and acts as “foundation of consciousness”, linking body and mind. It contains the personal “blueprint” or personal myth of the individual for THIS life.
Masters’ full treatment of the Five Bodies is put forth here on his website http://www.robertmasters.org:80/sekhmet/1.html reading through each of the five bodies’ description will give the reader greater insight into its application. I recommend his book too – although most of the information regarding the five bodies is contained on the website, so its not required to use the spread.
Cosmos and Chaos:
Our reality arises out of the interaction of these two primal principles - each ultimately seeking the other’s transformation to its own state, as Master’s explains:
“According to this Way there are two primordial, co-existing, interactive and absolutely antagonistic realities: Cosmos (the Powers and Principalities of Order) and Chaos (the Disordered Powers and Principalities).
The essentially irrepresentable Powers are functionally represented by Neters, or beings experienced by humans as Gods and Goddesses, angels and demons, and others known to religion and mythology. These Powers, in their Principalities, and for us, are hierarchical and, in our terms, good or evil. They are locked in a thus far perpetual struggle, each seeking the other's transformation. They are indestructible, but subject to such transformation, so that a final resolution would be the transforming of Chaos into Cosmos, or that of Cosmos into Chaos. Out of this conflict, sometimes called The War in Heaven, have arisen "intermediate" realities including the human.” (Masters 2002:3)
These two Principles are reflected in positions 1 and 9 in the spread. Position 1 is always WELL dignified, no matter which card it is – this card represents the tools or forces which fully aid awakening. Position 9 is always ILL diginified, or reversed – which is reflected in the way its placed too, by placing the card horizontally in a blocking position at the bottom of the spread (see diagram).
The Layout:
-------------1-------------
-------------2-------------
---------3-------4--------
-------------5-------------
---------6-------7--------
-------------8-------------
-------------9-------------
My full colour spread diagram with elemental positions, terms and labels can be found here http://www.strangeflesh.net/stuff/fivebodiesspread.jpg
1. COSMOS
This position describes the influence of the cosmic forces of order and harmony - the UrGods, spirit and angels. This card represents this influence in the querents life at this moment, and is always well dignified. No matter which card it is, the card is read and understood in its most positive or spiritual light. These are archetypal forces and energies most healthy and ideal for the transformation and empowerment of the querent – who should seek alignment with the energies and events the card represents.
2. BA – The immortal Soul/ Higher Self
This is the guidance from the Higher Self, it is in dialogue with the Cosmos card and is read elementally dignified to the Cosmos card. It in turn elementally modifies the SAHU card. The SAHU and BA continually work together to bring awakening of the five bodies.
The BA card presents the BIG view of the situation for an individual, and also describes the relationship between the Cosmos (position 1) and the querent. If there is a blockage or warning here it is a message from the BA revealing how one can correct and enhance our alignment with Divine principle. It is NOT describing the BA itself, which is transcendent and not subject to modification in any sense we can comprehend – it is a message from the BA regarding the totality of the human being in question - from the highest perspective.
3.KHU – The magical body
This position describes the magical climate, health and development of the querent’s magical identity, or magical will, as well as the magical-energetic forces that the KHU is learning to negotiate and develop within its matrix. It directly or indirectly alludes to any magical action or energy work that might be taken to further awakening and integration of the bodies, if the querent or reader has the skill to do so.
The KHU position has an elemental base of FIRE – the card placed here is read elementally dignified to fire.
4.HAIDIT – The Shadow
The position describes any unconscious (collective, personal or transpersonal) material or psychological “stuff” that is ready for integration. This card’s interpretation reveals the way in which that which unconscious can be made conscious and integrated with the KA, KHU and AUFU, which in turn leads to total awakening of SAHU. As its name suggests, the HAIDIT or Shadow card represents the denied, repressed, or disowned/projected qualities and desires of our deepest self. When these parts are acknowledged and integrated into greater whole the Shadow’s energy becomes liberated and no longer controls one unconsciously, instead aiding development. The Shadow is extremely creative and full of energy and when acknowledged becomes an essential component to the high-octane blend of the 5 bodies.
The HAIDIT position has an elemental base of WATER – the card placed here is read elementally dignified to water.
5. SAHU – The Awakened Self
The card in this position holds the KEY to the awakening and integration of the SAHU, which is the goal of all spiritual and magical work from this perspective. This is accomplished by functionally strengthening, integrating as well individuating the AUFU (Body), KA (Mind/Double), KHU (Magical Will) and HAIDIT (Shadow). Based on the interpretation of the card in this position, which is always read in relationship with the surrounding four cards, the querent is given insight into HOW, and WHAT is needed for this integration to be accomplished.
The SAHU card has no elemental base and all four surrounding cards are always read as elemental modifiers for the SAHU card in order to determine its overall strength and dignity. Contrastingly, the four surrounding ‘body’ cards are only ever modified by their own elemental bases. Analysis of the dignity of the SAHU key card, read in relation to these surrounding cards, will reveal where integration is weakest and strongest as well what those relationships look like.
It is important to remember that this card does NOT necessarily describe the condition of SAHU itself, which is the IDEAL of the spiritually awakened self which the querent is growing towards – rather, it gives insight into how this ideal can become actualised, or what is hindering that realization. It is the KEY, and has been marked with golden key on the spread diagram for this reason.
The SAHU card is the constant used for interpreting each of the “Integration and Awakening” triads discussed later on.
6. KA – the Mental Double
The KA card describes the querent’s mental climate, thought patterns, as well as self-image – in other words ones general state of mind. The KA directly influences the AUFU and its health through its thinking. The card in this position offers advice for transformation of thinking and imagination, which when combined with the magical will of KHU and the knowledge of HAIDIT lead to the manifestation of whatever the KA can dream of. When this process happens in a non-integrated way the KA manifests all sorts of fears, sicknesses and problems fuelled by the Shadow. When the KA is integrated harmoniously then the querent becomes empowered, and indeed, powerful.
The KA position has an elemental base of AIR – the card placed here is read elementally dignified to air.
7.AUFU – The Physical Body
The AUFU card describes the health of the physical body, and to some extent querents physical world. It describes ways in which physical integration; health and well-being can be realized. It often deals with exercise, diet or sexuality and it also describes any material concerns of relevance to the AUFU body.
The AUFU position has an elemental base of EARTH – the card placed here is read elementally dignified to earth.
8. SOKHIM – The Second ‘Mortal’ Soul
The SOKHIM card describes a relevant narrative emerging from the personal myth-essence or blueprint of the SOKHIM soul. These are stories or themes that we enact in our life story. The card in this position makes us aware of an emerging aspect of the blueprint or myth pattern that might be influencing us at this time. Some SOKHIM patterns (although not all) are stories we need bring to consciousness in order to transcend or transform them by means of full awaking of SAHU and the five bodies as a whole. Seeing that the SOKHIM forms the basis of our core architecture this is no small feat and, indeed, is the Great Work itself.
The SOKHIM can be read dignified to the SAHU, and any of the other 4 Bodies in order to see how an aspect of SOKHIM myth-pattern might be influencing the actualization of the entire human.
9.CHAOS
The Chaos card describes the malign or entropic forces at work in the system. The card is always read reversed or ill dignified and is placed horizontally to suggest its bad alignment. Caution should be taken not to interpret this as direct demonic interference and such like – which will lead to a thoroughly paranoid and destructive outlook!
The Chaos card is primarily about the PRINCIPLE of Chaos as it is in play in our energetic system, and how it is attempting to bring about transformation of that ordered system to its own chaotic state. It is the MOST valuable card because with this knowledge we can takes steps to counter the motion of entropy in our system. What is more, it is balanced equally by the Cosmos card – which represents the necessary spiritual tools we are given to bring about the transformation of Chaos at present. Like the HAIDIT, the energies and events depicted in the CHAOS card can only have an effect if it remains unconscious or hidden.
It is useful to read this card in relation to the Cosmos card to unpack its role in the querent’s life – although it can and should be read in relation to all of the 5 bodies in the spread – especially the HAIDIT. Full integration of the 5 bodies is what Chaos strives disperse.
Overall Elemental Dignity:
By looking at the overall elemental dignity of the 5 bodies we can determine the level of entropy or evolution prevailing in the system. A lot of ill dignified cards over several readings suggest an energetic imbalance a lack of integration of the five bodies.
Look to the COSMOS card, the BA as well as SAHU card for advice on remedial action, which will allow harmonious integration to the 5 bodies again. Especially the SAHU card holds the key for this transformation. Similarly a lot of well-dignified cards suggest a movement toward integration and awakening of the SAHU – the SAHU card will advice on how to further use this momentum for ever deepening integration.
The Integration and Awakening Triads:
In addition to reading the spread on a card by card basis an analysis certain of triads of cards can be a useful way to get a picture of the more subtle constellations forming in the querent’s reality. There are four principle triads, each containing the vital SAHU key card, which is important for interpreting the information gleaned to bring about transformation.
(1-2-5) Triad of Divine Inspiration and Evolution
(3-4-5) Triad of Power and Hidden Knowledge Revealed
(5-6-7) Triad of Thinking and Being
(5-8-9) Triad of Myth and Entropy
As mentioned, in each of these triads the SAHU card is the principle card and in conjunction with the other two cards in the triad describes the tools the triad reveals for integration and awakening of the 5 bodies. In each instance the SAHU card acts as the principle card and is modified by the other two cards in the triad.
References:
Masters, R. 2002. The Goddess Sekhmet: Psycho-spiritual Exercises of the Fifth Way. White Cloud Press
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thats it! Hope it makes sense, and offers value - feel free to give me a shout and I will do my best to clarify anything confusing.
QJ
But I need sustenance first.
