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Spirituality: The Kabbalah

 

The Kabbalah (also Cabala, Kabala, Qabalah) is system of thought which was originally included in Jewish theosophy, philosophy, science, magic and mysticism. 'Kabbalah' is Hebrew for "that which is received" and refers to a secret oral tradition of teaching which extends from teacher to pupil.

Kabbalah refers to oral mystical teaching not normally revealed to the general population, but passed on from the adepts to the initiates.The term "Kabbalah" itself was first applied to secret mystical teachings in the eleventh century by Iba Gabriol, a Spanish philosopher, and has since become applied to all Jewish mystical practice. The Kabbalist seeks two things: a union with God while maintaining a social, family, and communal life within the framework of traditional Judaism.

In legend, God taught the Kabbalah to some angels, who in turn, after the Fall, taught it to Adam. The Kabbalah was to help humankind to return to God. It then passed to Noah, to Abraham, and Moses. Moses included the first four books of the Pentateuch, leaving out Deuteronomy, in the Kabbalah before he initiated seventy Elders into it. The Elders initiated others into it. It is thought that David and Solomon were Kabbalistic adepts. Eventually the oral tradition ended and the knowledge was written down. Many of the basic ideas and principles found in the Kabbalah are also found in Gnosticism because both were in the Eastern Mediterranean near the time of Christ.

Both attach an importance to knowledge, called the 'gnosis' or the knowledge of God. As in Gnosticism, sin is not considered to be wrongdoing, but ignorance which separates humankind from God. The knowledge, specifically the 'gnosis', unites humankind to God--to know God is to be God. Those sharing this 'gnosis' are the enlightened ones who share the knowledge of God, although they may not lead perfect lives.

The Kabbalists share similar goals as did the Gnostics: each group set out to answer the religious paradoxical questions of life. Such as why does the world possess both good and evil characteristics when it was created by a God who is all good? Why is the world finite when it was created by an infinite God? Similar questions which are asked concerning the world can also be asked of humankind. Of all of the questions concerning God's relationship with the world and humankind, there seems to be one ultimate question: God, by his very nature of being infinite, all good and knowing, seems unknowable; then, how is it possible for humankind to know Him?

The Kabbalah seems to answer this question in two ways: the first is in the explanation that every idea contains its own contradiction, and God Who is the sum of all ideas contains all contradictions. Therefore God is both good and evil, just and unjust, merciful and cruel, limitless and limited, unknowable and knowable. All things, which contain their contradictions or opposites, unite to form a greater whole which is God.

From this first answer comes the Kabbalah's second answer which indirectly relates God to the world. God is seen as a mirror from which shines a brilliant light. This brilliant light is then reflected onto a second mirror, then onto a third, then to a fourth, and so on. With each succeeding reflection the light loses some of its brilliancy until when it finally reaches the finite world it shines very dimly. Within this concept of the reflection of light lies the Kabbalist's theory for the creation of the world.

In the beginning there was just God, and from himself he sent an emanation, often described as light. From this first emanation evolved nine more, ten in all, called the "sephiroth." The ancient Kabbalists taught that the brilliant lights of the sephiroth constitute the sacred name of God. Their reasoning was that the sephiroth was the world, or universe, and God is the world. Therefore, the sephiroth are the facets or parts of God, and they also are facets of the universe.

tree of lifeThe origin of the Kabbalah centers around a short book titled "Sefer Yetzirah" (Book of Creation). The origin dating of the book is unknown but it is known to have been used in the tenth century, but may have been composed as early as the third century. The book tells that God created the world by the means of thirty-two secret paths of knowledge which are the ten "sephirots" and the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. It is believed the ten sephirots were originally thought as referring to numbers but later representing emanations from which the cosmos was formed.

Each of the ten emanations within the sephiroth is called a "sephirot," and together they form what is called the Tree of Life. This Tree is the central image of Kabbalistic meditation; for again, each sephirot describes a certain aspect of God, and taken together as the sephiroth they form the sacred name of God. The Tree also describes the path by which the divine spirit descended into the material world, and the path by which humankind must take to ascend to God.

Another basic teaching shared by Gnosticism and the Kabbalah was that the divine spirit, or the soul, had descended from God and became trapped in the human body or matter. This was a prevalent theory shortly after time of Christ within the Mediterranean area.

The first nine sephirots form three triangles with the sephiroth with the tenth sephirot forming the foundation or base. When meditating upon the sephiroth the Kabbalist can concentrate upon any one of the three images which the triangles are said to represent. The images are analogous to God's relationship to humakind and the world. The first triangle represents in impregnation of the female by the male thus creating the world and child, the second triangle represents the development of the world and child, and the third triangle is the adult person or the finished product of the world.

 

 

 

tree of lifeThe triangles also depict the human body: the first triangle is the head, the second is the trunk and arms, the third being the legs and reproductive organs which is based on the analogy of the relation between man and God. An illustration of the sephiroth or Tree of Life is as follows:

 

 

1. Kether, the supreme crown, God

Kether (Crown) or Kether Elyon (Supreme Crown)
All that Is; the Breath of That which Is Not
The Source of Energy from the Infinite Unmanifest
The First "Motion"
God the Creator
That from Which we come, and to Which we shall return.
Divine Name : Eheieh ("I am")
Archangel / Angelic Host : Metatron / Chioth Ha Qodesh
Planetary Correspondence : Rashith ha-Gilgalim / The Primum Mobile / Pluto
Tarot Correspondence : The four Aces
Symbols: Crown, Point, Swastica
Planet: Pluto
Color: White

Of the Thirty-Two Paths of Wisdom the First is known as the Admirable or Hidden Intelligence. In Kether is the Divine White Brilliance, the scintillation and coruscation of the Divine Glory-- that light which lights the universe-- that light which surpasses the glory of the Sun and beside which the light of mortals is but darkness, and concerning which it is not fitting that we should speak more fully. The Sphere of its Operation is called Rashith ha-Gilgalim, the beginning of whirling, the Primum Mobile or First Mover, which bestows the gift of life in all things and fills the whole Universe. And Eheieh is the name of the Divine Essence in Kether; and its Archangel is Metatron, the Prince of Countenances,he who brings forth others before the face of God. The name of its order of Angels is called Chaioth ha-qadesh, the Holy Living Creatures which are also called the Order of Seraphim.

2. Chokmah, wisdom

Chokmah (Wisdom)
The Supernal Father or Great Generatrix
The Will to Force
Dynamic Outpouring Energy, Unorganized
and Uncompensated
The Great Stimulator
The First Positive
Divine Name : Yah ("Lord")
Archangel / Angelic Host : Ratziel / Auphanium
Planetary Correspondence : Mazloth / The Zodiac / Neptune
Tarot Correspondence : The four Twos / Kings
Symbols: The Phallus, the Line, Yod
Planet: Neptune
Astrological Reference: The Sphere of the Zodiac
Color: Grey

Of the Thirty-Two Paths of Wisdom the Second is known as the Illuminating Intelligence.The Sphere of the Operation of Chokmah is that of Masloth, the Starry Heaven, wherein it disposes the forms of things. And Yah is the Divine Ideal Wisdom, and its Archangel is Ratziel, the Prince of Princes of the knowledge of hidden and concealed things, and the name of its order of Angels is Auphanium, the Wheels or the Whirling Forces which are also called the Order of Kerubim.

3. Binah, understanding

Binah (Understanding or Intelligence)
The Supernal Mother or Great Womb
The Organizer and Compensator
The Will to Form
The Dark Sterile Mother; the Bright Fertile Mother
The Great Sea
Divine Name : Yhvh Elohim ("Lord God")
Archangel / Angelic Host : Tzaphkiel / Aralim
Planetary Correspondence : Shabbathai / Saturn
Tarot Correspondence : The four Threes/ Queens
Symbols: The Yoni, the Triangle, the Cup, Heh
Planet: Saturn
Color: Black

Of the Thirty-Two Paths of Wisdom the Third is known as the Sanctifying Intelligence. The Sphere of the Operation of Binah is that of Shabbathi, or rest, and it gives forms and similitudes unto chaotic matter and it rules the sphere of action of the planet Saturn. And Jehovah Elohim is the perfection of Creation and the Life of the World to Come. Its Archangel is Tzaphqiel, the Prince of the Spiritual Strife against Evil, and the name of the Angels is Aralim, the strong and mighty Ones who are also called the Order of Thrones.

4. Chesed, mercy, greatness

Chesed (Mercy or Grace) or Gedullah (Greatness)
The Builder
The Framework of Manifestation
The Loving Father who is King
The Receptacle of All Powers
The Kindly Shepherd
Divine Name : El ("God")
Archangel / Angelic Host : Tzadkiel / Chasmalim
Planetary Correspondence : Tzedek / Jupiter
Tarot Correspondence : The four Fours
Symbols: The Pyramid, The Square, the Orb and Equal-armed Cross, the Crook, the Sceptre.
Planet: Jupiter
Color: Blue

Of the Thirty-Two Paths of Wisdom the Fourth is known as the Measuring, Cohesive or Receptacular Intelligence.The Sphere of the Operation of Chesed is that of Tzedek or Justice and itfashions the images of material things, bestowing peace and mercy; and it rules the sphere of action of the planet Jupiter. Al is the title of a God strong and mighty, ruling in Glory, Magnificence and Grace. And the Archangel of Chesed is Tzadkiel, the Prince of Mercy and Beneficence, and the name of theorder of Angels is Chasmalim, Brilliant Ones, who are also called the Order of Dominions or Dominations. The Sephira Chesed is also called Gedulah or Magnificence and Glory.

5. Geburah, strength, rigor

Geburah (Severity or Power), Din (Judgement) or Pahad (Fear)
The Destroyer
The Warrior King
The Power of Judgement
The Clarifier
The Eliminator of the Useless
Divine Name : Elohim Gibor ("Almighty God")
Archangel / Angelic Host : Khamael / Seraphim
Planetary Correspondence : Madim / Mars
Tarot Correspondence : The four Fives
Symbols: The Pentagon, The Tudor Rose of Five Petals, the Sword, the Spear, the Scourge
Planet: Mars
Color: Red

Of the Thirty-Two Paths of Wisdom the Fifth is known as the Radical Intelligence.The Sphere of the Operation of Geburah is that of Madim or violent rushing Force and it brings fortitude, and war and strength and slaughter, as it were, the flaming Sword of an avenging God, ruling the sphere of action of the planet Mars. Elohim Gibor is the Elohim, Mighty and Terrible, judging and avenging evil, ruling in wrath and terror and storm, and at whose steps are lightning and flame. And its Archangel is Kamael the Prince of Strength and Courage, and the name of the order of Angels is Seraphim the Flaming Ones who are also called the Order of Powers. The Sephira Geburah is also called Pachad, Terror and Fear.

6.Tiphareth, beauty, harmony

Tifereth (Beauty) or Rahamim (Mercy)
God the Son
The Sacrificed Gods
Consciousness of the Higher Self and of the Greater Masters
The Vision of the Harmony of Things
Healing and Redemption
The Elemental Kings
Divine Name : Yhvh Eloah ve-Daath ("Lord God of Knowledge")
Archangel / Angelic Host : Mikael / Malakim
Planetary Correspondence : Shemesh / Sun
Tarot Correspondence : The four Sixes / Knights
Symbols: The Calvary Cross, The Rose Cross
The Truncated Pyramid, The Cube, Vau
Planet: The Sun
Color: Yellow

Of the Thirty-Two Paths of Wisdom the Sixth is known as the Intelligence of the Mediating Influence.The Sphere of the Operation of Tiphareth is that of Shemesh, the Solar Light,and bestoweth Life, Light and Brilliancy in metallic matter, and it rules the sphere of action of the Sun. And YHVH Eloah va-Daath is a God of Knowledge and Wisdom, ruling over the Light of the Universe; and its Archangel is Raphael,the Prince of Brightness, Beauty and Life. The name of the order of Angels is Melechim, that is Kings or Angelic Kings, who are also called the Order of Virtues, Angels and Rulers.

7. Netzach, victory, force

Netsach (Victory or Constancy)
Love
Feelings and Instincts
The Group Mind
Nature
The Arts
Divine Name : Yhvh Tzabaoth ("Lord of Hosts")
Archangel / Angelic Host : Auriel / Elohim
Planetary Correspondence : Nogah / Venus
Tarot Correspondence : The four Sevens
Symbols: The Girdle, The Rose, The Lamp.
Planet: Venus
Color: Green

Of the Thirty-Two Paths of Wisdom the Seventh is known as the Occult Intelligence. The Sphere of the Operation of Netzach is that of Nogah or External Splendor, producing zeal, love, harmony, and it rules the sphere of action of the planet Venus and the nature of the Vegetable World. Jehovah Tzabaoth is a God of Hosts and of Armies, of triumph and of Victory, ruling the Universe in Justice and Eternity. And its Archangel Hanial is the Prince of Love and Harmony, and the name of the order of Angels is Elohim, or Gods who are also called the Order of Principalities

8. Hod, splendor

Hod (Glory or Majesty)
Reason
The Individual Mind
Systems: Magick, Science
Contact point of the Masters
Language and Visual Images
Divine Name : Elohim Tzaboath ("God of Hosts")
Archangel / Angelic Host : Raphael / Beni Elohim
Planetary Correspondence : Kokab / Mercury
Tarot Correspondence :The four Eights
Symbols: Names and Versicles, Apron.
Planet: Mercury
Color: Orange

Of the Thirty-Two Paths of Wisdom the Eighth is known as the Absolute or Perfect Intelligence. The Sphere of the Operation of Hod is that of Kokab, the Stellar Light,bestowing elegance, swiftness, scientific knowledge and art, and constancy of speech, and it rules the sphere of the action of the planet Mercury. Elohim Tzabaoth is a God of Hosts and of Armies, of Mercy and Agreement, of Praise and honor, ruling the Universe in Wisdom and Harmony. And its Archangel is Michael, the Prince of Splendor and of Wisdom, and the name of its order of Angels is Beni Elohim, or Sons of the Gods, who are also called the Order of Archangels.

9. Yesod, foundation

Yesod (Foundation) or Tsedek (Justice)
The Astral Light
The Storehouse of Images
The Cycling Energies underlying Matter;
the Coiled Energies of Kundalini
Divine Name : Shaddai El Chai ("Almighty Living God")
Archangel / Angelic Host : Gabriel / Ashim
Planetary Correspondence : Levanah / Moon
Tarot Correspondence : The four Nines
Symbols: The Perfume and Sandals
Planet: The Moon
Color: Violet

Of the Thirty-Two Paths of Wisdom the Ninth is known as the Pure Intelligence.The Sphere of the Operation of Yesod is that of Levanah, the Lunar beam,bestowing change, increase and decrease upon created things and it rules the sphere of action of the Moon and the nature of mankind. Shaddai is a God who sheddeth benefits, Omnipotent and Satisfying, and Al Chai is the God of Life, the Living One. Its Archangel is Gabriel, the Prince of Change and Alteration.And the name of the order of Angels is Kerubim or Kerubic Ones who are also called the Order of Angels.

10. Malkuth, kingdom (world) 

Malkuth (Kingdom) or Shekhinah (Divine Immanence)
The Earth on which we walk
Kether below
The Completion
The Inferior Mother
The Bride of Microprosopus
Divine Name : Adonai ha-Aretz ("Lord of Earth")
Archangel / Angelic Host : Sandalphon / Kerubim
Planetary Correspondence : Cholam Yesodoth / The Elements / Earth
Tarot Correspondencen: The four Tens / Pages
Symbols: The Altar of the Double Cube, The Equal Armed
Cross, The Mystic Circle, The Triangle of Art, Heh Final
Colors: Citrine, Olive, Russet, Black

Of the Thirty-Two Paths of Wisdom the Tenth is known as the Resplendent Intelligence. Cholem Yesodoth, The Breaker of Foundations (also Olam Yesodoth,The World of the Elements) is the name of the Sphere of the Operation of Malkuth which is called the Sphere of Elements from which all things are formed. Adonai ha-Aretz is the God, Lord and King, ruling over the Kingdom and Empire which is the Visible Universe. And its Archangels are three: Metatron, The Prince of Countenance reflected from Kether, Sandalphon, the Prince of Prayer (feminine) and Nephesch ha Messiah, the Soul of the Reconciler for Earth. The order of Angels is Ashim or Flames of Fire. Also called the Order of Blessed Souls or the Souls of the Just made Perfect.

 

 

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With the help of the sephiroth humankind ascends to God by gaining the meaning of each sephirot one at a time. The accomplishment of ascending from one sephirot to the next is an attainment of knowledge.

Making one's way through the sephiroth is exceedingly difficult. Because each sephirot is said to be divided into four sections that run the Four Worlds that compose the cosmos. They are Aziluth, the world of archetypes, from which come all manifestation of forms; Briah, the world of creation, here the archetypal ideas become patterns; Yetzirah, the world of form, here the patterns are expressed; and Assirah, the material world.

Also within the sephirot is the sacred, unknowable and unspeakable name of God: YHVH (Yahweh), or the Tetragrammaron. The Tetragrammaron is so sacred that other names pertaining to God such as Elohim, Adonai and Jehovah are substituted in scripture for it. The letters YHVH correspond to the Four Worlds.

The second description of the sephiroth pictures the world or universe made up of layers, or outer skins such as surrounding an onion. This was generally how the world was viewed from ancient times to the sixteenth century. God was thought to reside in the outer layer, and things closely related to God were within the next outer layers. The most inner layer of this configuration contained the material world. The spiritual soul of humankind descended from the outer layer, or God, to the inner layer, or the material world.

This onion-skin configuration of the world is definitely shared with Gnosticism whose chief teaching was that the divine spirit was entrapped in matter, especially the soul in humankind. It is only through the attainment of knowledge that the spirit can escape its material confinement.

The Kabbalah, which is based on the theory of the soul's descent from and ascent to God, is made up of ten sephirots instead of nine which is due to the influence of the Pythagorean theory. Earth has a separate sphere to itself. Above this the next seven sephirots correspond to the planets, with the top two corresponding to the stars and the Prime Mover or God.

Each sephirot is guarded by angels who determinedly try to turn climbers back on their ascent to God. On the bottom sephirots there are plenty sinister intelligences who can easily trapped a soul in ignorance. The Kabbalist hold that some persons can achieve an union with God even before death.There were many modifications and interpretations made of the Kabbalah through the centuries. In the tenth century the practical Kabbalah was introduced in Italy and then spread to Germany. In it was contained ecstatic practices, magic rituals and mainly techniques of prayer, contemplation and meditation.

The thirteenth century saw the birth of the classical Kabbalah in Provence, France. It moved into Spain where it was developed more extensively by the Spanish Hebrews. The primary work was the "Sefer ba-Zohar (Book of Splendor).

Within both the Kabbalah and Gnosticism, reason and logic are distrusted. The reasons given for such distrust is similar: that they inhibit the abilities of natural man. Viewing such an attitude from the present day viewpoint one might say that their idea of God is even different from that of the average person's. To Kabbalists and Gnostics, God does not restrict man but lets him improve himself through knowledge.

The Kabbalah has been accepted into Western occult ceremonies and practices, and vice versa. In the sixteenth century symbols of alchemy were embodied into the Christian Kabbalah. The Christian Kabbalah is said to have been used to prove the divinity of Christ.

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