we learn
assembled magic:
We march
it
down
streets
in festive times.
Eight is the number of paradise regained. It represents joyous renewal after seven days of fasting and penance. Eight signifies a new "man of grace," a good reason to celebrate.
In Sign One and Sign Two we saw the impression of Spirit's hand on the sign post. Here the actual created hand is on a post, growing from a life-vine and, in a reference to the biblical creation, touching "Adam's craw."
The hand-touch is an important symbol used by many artists�Michelangelo's painting of the creation for instance�in exemplifying the creative act. Here the hand is touching a plate or disk containing magic and occult symbols. In creation, the physical existence here pays homage to its sacred roots by remaining in communication with Spirit. The disk is a symbol closely connected to divinity, power and the renewal of life.
The disk rests within the portal circle, here shown aged and losing its little horns. In the center of the disk are the omniscient eye, the transcendent wisdom and the door to eternity. Surrounding the eye is a hexagram. The two triangles from the previous sign have here interlocked, symbolizing "as above so below." Surrounding the hexagram is a pentagram, the endless symbol that is similar to the circle in its power and eternal nature. Its five points represent spirit, air, fire, water and earth, the five senses of man and the five wounds of the Christ.
Along with the wired teeth and small bones embedded in the disk, planetary astrological symbols (also called sigils) time some unknown event on a strange horoscopic chart. Touching the disk on the left are ancient sun rays on the chart's Ascendent which indicate a past breakthrough to a new ontological plane.
At the lower right of the sign we see a cosmic egg, the life principle or hidden origin and mystery of being. Toward the top are several Wisdom Tablet fragments, two of which seem to be pieces of one whole. Apparently they were once covered over by some green substance, yet time has worn away the shroud and we can now see part of a message, which will be discussed at length later. Between and behind these appears a zygote, perhaps expanding to produce another hand.
The ribboned pole that holds the tableau is also symbolic of the maypole, a phallic symbol common to May Day festivals, and the axis Mundi around which the universe revolves. It is used in ceremonies to symbolize renewed life and resurrection. Near the top is an icon of the crucifiction of Christ and a pine cone, symbols of the potential for immortality and the creative force of yang.
