Why, finally, are there two “dialects” of Voynichese? Why Currier A and B?
At this point, by my model – in which the text is cosmological -, I can offer a simple explanation.
The difference between A and B is the difference between dividing a quarter of the year in half or in thirds.
This is to say:
The difference between A and B is the difference between dividing the year into eight parts or into twelve.
It is the difference between the eight and the twelve – a tension we see in the circles and illustrations.
It is the difference between 45º and 30º.
It is the difference between bisecting and trisecting a right angle.
It is the difference between 45 x 2 = 90 x 4 = 360 and 30 x 3 = 90 x 4 = 360.
The Currier A text is based on bisection, bifurcation.
The Currier B text is based on trisection.
Accordingly, the A text concerns the elements and seasons – the eightfold division of the year.
The B text concerns the stars and zodiac – the twelvefold division of the year.
The distinction between eightfold symbolism and twelvefold symbolism is fundamental to the text.
Indeed, at this stage, I can be bold enough to propose that it is the fundamental matrix of the entire work.
It is a distinction inherent to astrology and, in essence, it is what the Voynich manuscript is about.
In short, Currier A is elemental. Currier B. is zodiacal.
* * *
The astrology of this is not difficult – it is basic – but we live in a ‘New Age’ of mass confusion about such issues, so it bears being explained again.
We must distinguish between the principles or celestial Forms of the four elements, and their manifestations in the world (nature).
The zodiac describes the principles of the elements, and how they manifest.
Each of the four elements has three modes: cardinal, fixed and mutable.
In reality – although this is somewhat forgotten in Western astrology, but is current in Indian and other systems – these are the movements:
Descending – horizontal – ascending.
Each element is able to descend into the world, to spread out in the world, and to dissipate from the world and return to its source.
The descending form is cardinal. Raw and pure. Direct from heaven.
The horizontal form is fixed. Stablized. Fixed into the order of the world.
The ascending form is mutable. Dissipation. Dissolution. Spent.
This symbolism produces the twelvefold division of the zodiac: 4 x 3 = 12.
These are, if you like, the celestial, inherent powers or qualities of the elements.
Or we can think of it in terms of resources. The resources of FIRE descend from the celestial to the earthly abode, are assembled and distributed, and then are used and spent.
Each of the four elements has the inherent ability to be deployed in the world (sub-lunary realm). These three modes, or movements, are inherent in each of the four elements.
This is what the zodiac represents: a systematization of the inherent modes of the four elements.
There are four sequences of cardinal, fixed and mutable.
These are anchored to the four quarters of the year marked by the solstices and equinoxes.
The twelvefold division of the ecliptic represents the celestial order.
* * *
In the terrestrial realm, however, we do not encounter the principles of the elements, but their manifestations.
In the zodiac, the manifestation of the elements is marked by the fixed signs – the point where the raw elements of the cardinal phase are stablized and “fixed” into physical realities. (“Fixation” is an alchemical term here.)
These four fixed zodiacal signs therefore mark out the elemental cross: these are the four elements of nature.
(The cardinal signs, in contrast, are the four elements of the heavens.)
The fixed signs are subject to their own symbolism, including celebrated Biblical references. They are often called the four kerubic signs – four ‘kerubs’ in Judaic angelology.
In Christian symbolism, they are assimiliated to the four gospel writers.
In any case, these points represent the elements of nature, thus:
In the cycle of the year, these points are matched to the half-quarter days, the midpoints between the solstices and equinoxes.
The quarter and half-quarters of the year make an eightfold division. The octogram:
This represents the terrestrial order.
Celestial = Twelvefold division
Terrestrial = Eightfold division
In such a cosmology we have to imagine, therefore:
A system of twelve in the sky above us, but a system of eight in the world around us.
This, essentially, is the framework of the traditional astrological cosmos.
* * *
A simple way to describe this distinction is: do we divide by two or by three? Do we bisect or trisect?
Bisection is primordial. But dualities demand reconciliation. Two breaks apart. Three separates but binds. Three, in a sense, is a better, stronger, more robust version of two! Duality with unity.
In the arc between solstice and equinox do we divide by three – marking three cusps? Or do we divide by two, dividing the arc into two equal halves?
* * *
The tripartite division has the advantage of (roughly) corresponding to lunar months. It is inherently soli-lunar in this respect.
This is not true of the bipartite division, but instead the mid-point (roughly) corresponds to the lunar node – the astrological dragon.
The lunar node moves through the ecliptic (roughly) one zodiac sign per and a half years; i.e. 45º.
In the traditional astrological cosmology the nodal axis – the dragon – functions as a conduit between the celestial and terrestrial orders.
It actualizes the aforementioned ascending and descending phases of the elements, bringing things (celestial resources) into and out of the world.
And, importantly, it is at the nodes that eclipses occur.
As well as the fixation of elements, then, the bipartite (kerubic) division carries with it all the symbolism and associations – not of the lunar phases (months) – but of the lunar nodes.
* * *
My general proposal is that the Voynich ‘language’ is based upon these cosmological (astrological) systems, and specifically the twelvefold/eightfold distinction, the distinction between celestial and terrestrial.
I idntify two paradigmic words or templates: QOKEEDY and CHOLDAIIN.
The tripartite model QOKEEDY is the celestial paradigm, and is proponderant in Currier B.
CHOLDAIIN, which bifurcates into CHOL + DAIIN, is the terrestrial template and dominates Currier A.
QO+KEE+DY = divide by three
CHOL+DAIIN = divide by two
The two ‘dialects’ of Voynichese express two different ways of dividing the ecliptic, the celestial order and the terrestrial order, the twelve and the eight.
Currier A concerns the manifest elements of nature – and by extension the cycle of the lunar nodes.
Currier B concerns the zodiacal divisions – the elements in their celestial, potential, forms – and by extension the soli-lunar cycle.
The distinction between the divisions – two or three – is fundamental to the very structures of the text and, I propose, is the very process by which the text has been generated (unfolded by division).
R.B.
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