The Tree of Life

"Through the process of initiation we begin our ascent upward on the Tree. We must purify and learn deeply of the four elements first. Then we must learn to coordinate the four elements under the rulership of Spirit. The process of the elemental initiations changes our microscopic sphere of sensation to a given element on a daily basis. We then learn of the rewards and challenges of that element. Only initiation can concisely bring about these necessary changes in the microcosm.

The paths on the Tree of Life are the archetypal aspects of our Microcosm, whereas the Sephiroths are considered macrocosmic. This diagram is basic showing the elemental nature of each Sephiroth:

Zelator	Malkuth	Earth	1 = 10
Theoricus	Yesod	Air	2 = 9
Practicus	Hod	Water	3 = 8
Philosophus	Netzach	Fire	4 = 7

Keep in mind the Morning Star only goes from 0 = 0 to 4 = 7. Higher Grades are achieved through a completely different Order called the Second Order. The Paths show the Hebrew letter with its Tarot counterpart and heavenly influence. In its simplicity this diagram of the Tree of Life is the backdrop for all work of mastery and development in the Morning Star and above."

…….........…………………………….Contributed by The Cyber Lord of Espace


The Sephiroth

The ten spheres or Sephiroth, connected by the 22 paths of the Hebrew alphabet, form the Tree of Life (Oz Chaim), the central glyph of the qabalah. The Tree of Life (shown below) describes the steps between mundane consciousness (Malkuth) and the divine (Kether).

The column formed by the spheres on the left side of the tree is referred to as the Pillar of Severity or Judgment (symbolized by the black pillar in qabalistic ceremonial temples). The column formed by the spheres on the right side of the tree is called the Pillar of Mercy (symbolized by the white pillar). The Middle Pillar (also called the Pillar of Mildness) is viewed as balancing the polar forces of the other two columns.

The descent of divine power during creation is represented by the Flaming Sword) or ”Lightning Flash”) moving from Kether to Malkuth. The ascent of matter evolving towards godhead (the ”journey of return”) is symbolized by the serpent climbing the Tree. The Sword and serpent together represent the complete cycle of creation (descent of God into matter) and evolution (towards reunion with the One).

In the traditions of ancient Judaic mysticism, the world was created by the utterance of the word (logos) of God (equivalent to the Lightning Flash). Like many other cultures, the ancient Hebrew believed that the letters of their alphabet (viewed as intrinsically connected to their sounds and meanings) were the literal building blocks of creation. The Sepher Yetzirah, or book of creation (a work of Hebrew mysticism greatly influenced by Greek gnosticism, written by an unknown author around the fifth or sixth century) describes the ”22 elemental letters” as having been engraved in the spirit (ruach, or primeval breath) of the living God.

The 22 letters are usually divided into three groups:

The Three Mother Letters

The Seven Double Letters

The Twelve Simple Letters

Tree of Life Graphic