Tarot de Marseille is compound around the number four.
If we live aside LE MAT as an unnumbered card and LE MONDE as the final stage of the whole sequence,we have 20 cards.
a-Tdm cards numbering is additive so not by subtraction.
We have IIII instead of IV,VIIII not IX,XIIII not XIV and XVIIII not XIX.
That suggest to me that for example V is not a continuity of IIII,so V is a "break" and ahead a bridge to the next "block" of four cards.
(Is not IV so minus V )
As a result we have four blocks or rows of four cards linked by the cards V,X and XV
XX works as the final bridge to the end = XXI ( if we reach this of course )
BTW XX + I returns us to the beginning so to LE BATELEVR and his wand.
He and the figure at XXI with his staff are "LINKED"
They are the beginning and the end of the whole sequence.
At XXI we arrived.
Odd numbers works as bridges or a depiction of changes instead of even numbers that works on consolidate a situation given ahead.
b-So we have as follows that :
* I to IIII - V / First bridge
* VI to VIIII - X / Second bridge
* XI to XIIII - XV/ Third bridge
* XVI to XVIIII - XX / Fourth bridge
-XXI - The final stage. / We arrived.
b- Four rows and four bridges,the first symbolized by the number four and the second by the five.
If we multiply 4 x 5 we have 20
c- Four was a depiction of matter on ancient times, a depiction of the square or best of the cube.
If we draw a square and then draw a cross inside it we have two ways.
Put it vertical ( static) or diagonal (in motion) // Yes, the Templar cross...
I choose the diagonal option,the "matter in motion" / See the Swastika on a buddhist sense so not the nazi distorted version please...
The Solar motion,the Universe and ours Souls motion so contrary to the matter motion yet not returning to the Great Spirit.
d-Five was and is a depiction of change because is the human being changing reality.
Trying to pass a row of TdM structure to reach the another.
Five is the depiction of "mind" intelligence and will.
Any changes will happen if we don t do all the "fifth " card meaning.
Four are "work in progress" / Five is the work done searching and waiting find the new " Avenue to go ahead".
Is there but may be because we are tired don t or can t see it...
V is the beginning of the bridge series. ( God bringing his energy to the Universe )
X is the V inverted ( Universe which receive God energy )
XV is the second V ( The matter which receive God energy )
XX is the third V ( The Soul which receive God energy to return matter to God / She or he is the only agent)
-Yes,the Templar diagonal cross,the cross in motion returning to his Creator,not the Catholic Cross btw...
Greek cross at least has equal arms because is not a one of crucifixion.
e-If matter was created by the "Verb" that s implies energy "said".
That suppose a beginning and an end when that energy ends.
Just see the Corpus Hermeticum and compares it with the Gospel of John.
-All created and returning to God.
* All created by us and returning to US.
f-Ours Souls is the link between matter and spirit.
Has the awesome work of bring to ours spirit ours results gained ( with her/his help of course)
She do the Alchemical hard work of change ours natures...
She burns the past and helps us to build the present-future ever.