Slackmaster_C
I wanted to continue the Mystery of the Three Magi a bit more...the last discussion was three weeks ago, and instead of reviving a dead thread I thought I'd post a new one on the topic.
Here's my take. There are three types of basic ritual in Western Occultism. The first is Hermetic, or Greek (Hermes, right?). The second is Egyptian, and the third is Qabalisitc. This to me clearly reflects the three magi in Crowley's Thoth Deck.
The Qabalistic Magi is the one with the lemscinate behind his head and has many arms, you'll notice that one of his hands holds a scroll bearing the Tree of Life.
The Hermetic Magi is the white one that looks like a greek statue. If I remember correctly, he has wings on his feet, too, like Hermes.
The remaining Magi is the Egyptian Magi, and that is the magi that appears to be standing on his side, "walking like an egyptian".
I think that this model seems to explain why there are three magi: Crowley thought that there were three distinct types of magicians. If you practice more of one kind than another, use just the one magi to signify you. Otherwise, leave 'em all in there and perhaps they'll catch those different vibrations. But your chance of drawing the Magi will have increased, screwing with our conception of the Tarot a little bit.
Here's my take. There are three types of basic ritual in Western Occultism. The first is Hermetic, or Greek (Hermes, right?). The second is Egyptian, and the third is Qabalisitc. This to me clearly reflects the three magi in Crowley's Thoth Deck.
The Qabalistic Magi is the one with the lemscinate behind his head and has many arms, you'll notice that one of his hands holds a scroll bearing the Tree of Life.
The Hermetic Magi is the white one that looks like a greek statue. If I remember correctly, he has wings on his feet, too, like Hermes.
The remaining Magi is the Egyptian Magi, and that is the magi that appears to be standing on his side, "walking like an egyptian".
I think that this model seems to explain why there are three magi: Crowley thought that there were three distinct types of magicians. If you practice more of one kind than another, use just the one magi to signify you. Otherwise, leave 'em all in there and perhaps they'll catch those different vibrations. But your chance of drawing the Magi will have increased, screwing with our conception of the Tarot a little bit.