Path 22 is the Path of Lamed where Lamed is the Ox-goad ... an unfamiliar tool nowadays, but in the days of animal muscle rather than diesel fuel, this tool provided the basic motivational tool for agriculture. Oxen are very strong, very slow; to get them to move and to keep them going in a straight line took considerable effort.
Experiences of the path include narrow pathways, guarded gates and other barriers, images of duality and divisions
The path bears the esoteric title of 'Daughter of the Lords of Truth. The Holder of Balances'. The 22nd path is the faithful intelligence, and is so called because by it spiritual virtues are increased, and all dwellers on earth are nearly under its shadow.
Much of the symbolism of the Path of Lamed relates to the idea of Justice, which is appropriate enough as it connects Geburah's power & harshness with the balance of Tipareth.
The image of the Ox-goad serves as a symbol of balance in several ways; the conflict of human cleverness and the stubbornness of oxen, forcing each one to conform to the needs and limits of the other. A loss of balance, which the image points out, is likely to result in pain. To the Kabbalah magician, this principle is one of the basic rules of existence.
The pillars, veil, and throne show a connection to the High Priestess. They show a seated person firmly grounded between the pillars of the tree, and the veil of wisdom, also a symbol of virginity, "temenos," or sacred space.
The Goddess Themis holds her arms in the "coagula/solve" position - meaning "coagulate (or join) - and "dissolve." The "coagulation" is a drawing-in of energy. The "solve" is the use of the energy to dissolve, or cut like a laser. Her right hand holds a gleaming sword, symbol of "cutting through intelligence." Swords are associated with air, appropriate for air sign Libra. Swords discriminate; they separate good from bad. The Sword is Key 6, the Lovers - the dual, thinking nature of that card reminds of stereo vision, giving us our ability to estimate distances and perceive depth. The scales in the right hand of Justice reenforce the symbolism, in the sense of judgement. It represents wisdom cutting through ignorance. It is a mystical weapon, a sword used by Divine Intelligence.
MABON - September 23 - (pronounced may-bone) is the name of a Welsh fertility God, Mabon, and marks the Autumn Equinox. Night and day are equal in length again, in a state of balance, and the harvest is near completion. The God nears his death and the Goddess prepares for his rebirth. The bounty of the harvest is celebrated in wine festivals, knowing that soon Winter will bring uncertainty. Facing the winter, we face the mysteries of the inner world.
