The Structure of human machine

[arpaxad]

One of the central ideas of the Fourth Way is that the human "machine" consists of three "brains," or centers. I believe it was Ouspensky who has also introduced the idea that these centers are further divided into the intellectual, emotional, and mechanical parts. One easy way to look at this idea is actually by using a deck of playing cards (not the Tarot deck!) in the following manner:

Suit of Diamonds - the Intellectual Center

Suit of Hearts - the Emotional Center

Suit of Spades - the Moving Center

Suit of Clubs - the Instinctive Center

Further:

Kings - the intellectual parts of centers.

Queens - the emotional -"-

Jacks - the "moving/instinctive," or "mechanical" parts of centers.

Even further:

2 - the moving/instinctive part of the Jack.
3 - the emotional part of the Jack.
4 - the intellectual part of the Jack.

5 - the moving/instinctive part of the Queen.
6 - the emotional part of the Queen.
7 - the intellectual part of the Queen.

8 - the moving/instinctive part of the King.
9 - the emotional part of the King.
10 - the intellectual part of the King.

The Jack of Diamonds is also referred to as the "formative apparatus," or the "formatory center."

The King of Hearts is considered: a) the location of the properly developed magnetic center; b) the location of the Steward; c) the gateway to the Higher Centers.

The King of Clubs is the "mind behind the machine," and is often considered as a force opposing the Work.

 

[arpaxad]

Other distinctions:

Jack of Clubs - the most mechanical, typically unconscious, functions of the body: digestion, excretion, metabolism, etc.

Queen of Clubs - senses, sensuality.

King of Clubs: may often be the place for the so-called "super-powers," such as ESP, etc. Some aspects of the functioning of the King may appear as an expression of Will (while True Will, actually, belongs, rather, to the Higher Centers, and thus has more relation to the King of Hearts).


Jack of Spades - the most mechanical movements of the body's skeletal system (muscles, nerves): walking, eating, etc.

Queen of Spades - enjoyment of movements; probably, most sports; also, a kind of subtle harmonizing influence on all other centers.

King of Spades: Certain kinds of activities, that is, those that require somewhat prolonged learning (such as driving, typing, etc.) begin in this card and then proceed to the Jack. Controlled, precise movements. The idea of processes. Structure. Complex spatial arrangements.


Jack of Hearts - most basic, everyday, human emotions, such as friendliness, politeness. Also, coarseness, rude humor.

Queen of Hearts - extreme emotions, such as rage, anger, romance, i. e. what most people normally call emotions. Very conspicuous. Probably the most energy-intense place in the machine. It could be said that experiences of this card may be regarded by some people as Higher States (i. e. states engaging the Higher Centers or the 3rd and 4th states of consciousness).

King of Hearts - most subtle human emotions, such as humility. Much less conspicuous than the Queen. In people in whom this card is not active (which is, likely, most people) may manifest in dreams.


[Jack of Diamonds has been explained elsewhere.]

Queen of Diamonds - curiosity, fascination with studying.

King of Diamonds - abstract ideas, higher math. Works closely with the King of Hearts.

 

[striveforselflessness]

You might find this useful:

http://thecasswiki.net/index.php?title=Centers_(Fourth_Way)#Playing_card_analogy_for_the_centers

I think I must have read something similar in Psychology of Man's Possible Evolution? Or another Ouspensky book. Anyway that is a helpful 'map.'

 

[arpaxad]

You might find this useful:

http://thecasswiki.net/index.php?title=Centers_(Fourth_Way)#Playing_card_analogy_for_the_centers

I think I must have read something similar in Psychology of Man's Possible Evolution? Or another Ouspensky book. Anyway that is a helpful 'map.'

Right on, diligence. I wondered if this idea is part of the Cs' armamentarium.