The 18th Path is the Path of Cheth is called the Intelligence of the House of Influence, by the greatness of who abundance the influx of good things on created beings is increased, and from its midst by investigation are drawn forth the arcana and hidden senses, which dwell in its shadow and which cling to it, from the cause of all causes.The focus of symbolism deepens when considering the path text for this path. The term 'house of influence' is adopted from the traditional language of Astrology, and refers to the aspect of the universe which a given power of capable of affecting. As the intelligence of the house of influence ... the path of Cheth can be seen as the interaction which marks out those different areas or aspects, a role that has obvious connections with the spheres this path connects to.
There are two sides to this role for this path. One as part of the way of creation and one as that of redemption. As a creative power the greatness of abundance increased the influx of good things on created beings. As a redemptive power the path leads straight to the secrets of the visionary practices of magick. The phrase 'hidden senses' come not from the path but from Kether itself and can be related to hidden meanings or allusions. By probing the secrets of limitations secrets and hidden meanings derived from the highest image of existence attainable by any level of self can be brought within reach of the conscious mind.
The Esoteric Title of this path is 'Lord of the Triumph of Light' and 'Child of the Power of the Waters' .. the latter links to the dominant role of water symbolism on the entire Pillar of Severity and because the path descends from Binah, the Great Sea. The Zodiac sign Cancer is linked to this path ... the crab symbolism relates to the combination of containment and power which is central to the meaning of this path.The Tarot image associated with this path is the Chariot ... its role in esoteric traditions being a long and complicated one. It is often seen as an image of self with the horse imagery ... the various drives and forces which must be harnessed and guided by the higher levels of self. Implied here is the Neshamah which is the Spiritual Self ... in its relationship with the will in Geburah. In the Chariot image it is the Neshamah which is the charioteer ... the conscious will is simply the vehicle through which the higher aspects of the self operate.
The letter associated with the 18th path is 'Cheth' which means fence or enclosure.This is also like the shell of the crab. The Charioteer has "led captivity captive," according to The Waite tarot. Speech is attributed in the sense that words "enclose" concepts. This refers to the right use of speech, as well as thought/words.The fence also contains the personality, differentiating it from the infinite Reality of Brahman, or Keter. The walled city is another fence.. The balanced, contained self leaves behind the seductions and confusion of the city. The river and trees in the background show a mix of The High Priestess and the Empress, watery fecundity, contained in a canal. The chariot is a moveable fence. Its cube shape is connected to The Emperor. The starry canopy refers to the influence of celestial bodies, and the astral plan
