From what you say, then, an attempt to descend below Malkuth would seem to take one back to Kether. Is this possible?
I'm not sure I understand the question, but it sounds like an interesting discussion. It would be really good if you could post it as a separate question in the Kabbalah forum, where it can be delved into more deeply.
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Universe is such a solid card, attributed to Saturn as the 'border' or structure of the classical solar system, and also a dual attribution to the Earth element or world of form. I see the Universe has a certain fixidity, or rigidity which isn't always emphasised in a lot of my book readings, I think particularly on the back of the very positive interpretations seen in a lot of RWS work. In the Thoth version even the angels and their wings are solid and unmoving, and despite the bright colours the background behind them appears black and saturnine. Fixed, solid world of form.
Yes, it does seem more solid than the RWS version, which is so much brighter, in the clouds. To me its darkness suggests some form of contraction, such as at the center. Earth has a molten, liquid core, but it is denser and more pressurized than anything found on the surface. But its that same heat, pressure and solid density that allows creation to occur, so its another connection to the beginning and the end thing.
I find Universe as a pathway from Kether (Earth) to Yesod (Moon) somehow less fitting, in comparison to the reverse direction from Yesod to Kether. For an aspirant wanting to move from the solid world of earth, to the more fluid world of Yesod, it seems almost unfitting to get there through such a solid pathway. Maybe this suggests work, or effort. However the inverse, moving from Yesod to Malkuth seems very appropriate to such a solid path.
That's an interesting idea. I think that it is because beginnings are always more difficult, and you have to push through the obstacles of your own making that seem solid, but really aren't. This is perhaps why it leads to Yesod, of the Moon, as there is a certain lightening of the load. Sure, the Moon is illusionary, even at Yesod, but at least you know the difference (or
a difference), unless you're insane and delusional. Or tripping. In any case, someone just learning to play the piano likely sees at first only the Malkuth, practice and work side. In time they begin to see the more emotional and fluid Yesod that allows people to actually connect to music.
Still, one thing I really like about the Universe is its nearness and approachability, and this probably comes from how solid you say it looks. This Universe, compared to the World, actually feels like it's talking about
this universe, physical reality, which of course includes all space and planets and stars, etc. Through that, it makes those remote, far off places feel just a little closer. It's basically a picture of Everything, and because of that, in some ways it feels almost claustrophobic. At some point in the future, the universe will collapse from its own weight, and that will begin the process of universe-building all over again.
Add the Paths: 13th + 25th + 32nd = 70. Ayin - the Eye.
Which makes a lot of sense.
