the 11th path the scintillating (fiery) intelligence chokmah...

Elizabeth Schermer The Alchemy Mystery School November 2017

אThe 11th Path

The Scintillating (Fiery) Intelligence

Chokmah Atziluth YH, Yah Briah Ratziel “Secrets of God” Yetzirah Auphanim “Wheels” Assiah Zodiac, light of the Stars

preceding form; Neptune

Tarot The Twos; the Knights

Color: Pearlescent Gray Virtue Devotion Vice None Symbols The Phallus, Tower,

Rod, Standing Stone

Spiritual Experience: Vision of God Face-to-Face.

Hebrew: Aleph Ox , אTarot: 0, The Fool “The Spirit of Ether”

Color: Pale Yellow / Sound: E Name of God: YHVH

Astrology: Elemental Air,

also Uranus ♅

Mythology: The Child of the Primal Void

Meditation: Freedom from Limitation

Kether Atziluth AHYH, Eheieh Briah Archangel Metatron Yetzirah Chayoth ha Qodesh Assiah First Swirlings; (Pluto) Tarot The four Aces Color: White Virtue Attainment of the

Great Work Vice None Symbols Swastika, Lamp, Crown

Spiritual Experience: Union with God

The eleventh path joins Kether and Chokmah, preceding all form. Since form and polarity don’t begin until Chokmah, it’s difficult to find any way to talk about this path since it has no form in and of itself.

This path is associated with elemental Air and the planet Uranus, the planet of flashing insight and revolution. The traditional role of “The Fool” to society is as the magician, the madman (and woman) who exists outside of convention. “To be a magician is always, in some sense, to be outside the boundaries traced by society, and from this comes both freedom and vulnerability” (Greer, p.346). Wang says we can recognize we have touched the 11th path through thoughts that are “dangerous and disruptive.” This is an important way to understand the principles of this path of initiation to the All-That-Is. The Fool, who exists outside of the norms of culture, who sees and speaks truth unfiltered, is a threat to every aspect of status quo and every existing form.

Although it’s a paradox for those of us who live in the world of form to fully grasp the path that precedes form, the personal experience of 11th Path can be explored through the concept of “pure potential.” The concept of pure potential was taught by philosopher Alfred North Whitehead who said, “Our minds are finite, and yet even in these circumstances of finitude we are surrounded by possibilities that are infinite. The purpose of life is to grasp as much as we can out of that infinitude.” The mythology of Aleph, The Child of the Primal Void, echoes the mystery. This child appears at the beginning of creation, without parents, fully formed.

In the same way that the Fool in tarot holds the signature of every other card in the deck, so the path of Aleph holds all potentials and can best be understood in relationship to other paths and experiences on the Tree. First is the connection between Aleph and Lamed, Ox and Ox-goad, Fool and Adjustment, the primal forces of creation and the container that guides creation. Second, Aleph is connected to Yesod through the quality of ether and the process of magic in the astral realm. Finally, the relationships between the paths and tarot cards for Aleph (Air), Mem (Water), and Shin (Fire) hold keys to the evolution of the elemental forces of creation.


בThe 12th Path

Binah

Atziluth Elohim Briah Archangel Tzaphkiel Yetzirah Arelim – “Thrones” Assiah Saturn Tarot The Threes; the Queens Color: Black Virtue Silence Vice Avarice

Hoarding Wisdom Symbols Chalice, Vesica Piscis,

the Veil, the Yoni Spiritual Experience: Vision of Beauty Triumphant. Experience of perfection in physical form.

The Intelligence of Transparency

Hebrew: Beth ב, House Tarot: I, The Magician “The Magus of Power”

Color: Yellow / Sound: E Name of God: Elohim Tzabaoth

Astrology: Mercury ☿

Mythology: Creation of the World Experience: Vision of creation; Form emerging from no-form;

Visions of past, present & future Entities: Adam Cadmon; Shape-changing beings Meditation: To develop

concentration and memory.

Kether Atziluth Eheieh "I AM" Briah Archangel Metatron Yetzirah Chayyoth ha Qodesh Assiah First Swirlings; (Pluto) Tarot The four Aces Color: White Virtue Attainment of the

Great Work Vice None Symbols Swastika, Lamp, Crown

Spiritual Experience: Union with God

The path of Beth joins Kether to Binah and is associated with all aspects of creation. The letter Beth means “House” and speaks to the way that this path is a container or dwelling-place to deliver the potential for form from Kether to Binah.

In Hebraic Kabbalah the letter Beth, being the first letter of the first word of Genesis, is associated with creation. BRAShYTh, Berashith, “In the beginning” or “At first, in principle.” (Wang p.238) In this way the path of Beth speaks to these first principles of creation. Transparent Intelligence refers to this transmission of life force from above to below. Through transmission, the one who transmits is also the transmission itself. This is one of the mysteries of this path and can help us understand the initiatory power of The Magician in tarot.

The principle of language as a primary force of creation is a key to understanding the path of Beth. The association of Mercury with the deities of Thoth (Hermes) intrinsically connects the power of the force of creation with the power of the Word. Thoth is known as the One who brought language to the world and transmitted the wisdom teachings to the ancient scribes. The Cynocephalus, dog headed ape, was companion to Hermes. He is shown in the tarot image at the feet of the Magus and represents the power of words as well as their potential for misuse and misunderstanding.

The 12th path has several correspondences to other locations on the tree. First are the Name of God and planet Mercury, which both connect the 12th path with Hod. This association with Hod speaks to the ways in which the 12th path (above Binah at the top of the Pillar of Form) comes to its fruition in Hod, at the base of that pillar. There are also correspondences within the Supernals. First are the many ways in which the Magus and Fool relate to each other as a complementary pair. This can best be understood through reflection and meditation. In addition, the 12th Path is related to the Pillar of Force through Chokmah, the Sephirah associated with the Magician. Chokmah descends to Chesed where the powers of the Magus into form. These correspondences clearly show how the Sephirah and paths of the Supernals are interrelated and balanced as a unit of wholeness.


גThe 13th Path

Tiphareth

Atziluth Jehovah Aloah va Daath

Briah Archangel Raphael Yetzirah Malachim Assiah The Sun Tarot The four Sixes Color: Golden Yellow Virtue Devotion to the Great Work

Vice Pride Symbols Lamen, Rose Cross,

Truncated Pyramid, Cube Spiritual Experience: Vision of Beauty Triumphant. Experience of perfection in physical form.

The Uniting Intelligence

Hebrew: Gimel, Camel ג Tarot: II, The Priestess

“Princess of the Silver Star”

Color: Blue / Sound: G#

Name of God: Shaddai El Chai

Astrology: Moon ☽

Mythology: Descent of the Divine Experience: Silence, empty

spaces, still temples, crossing the desert, the Star in the East, angels,

silent priests and priestesses. Meditation: “To develop far

memory.”

Kether Atziluth Ehyeh (Eheieh) “I

AM” Briah Archangel Metatron Yetzirah Chayyoth ha Qodesh Assiah First Swirlings, Zodiac Tarot The four Aces Color: White Virtue Attainment, Completion

of the Great Work Vice None Symbols Swastika, Crown,

Thousand-petaled Lotus Spiritual Experience: Union with God

The 13th path joins Tiphareth to Kether at the top of the middle pillar. This is the most direct route across the Abyss and the only path that crosses Daath, the direct point of contact between the upper and lower worlds. Known as “Lower Chokmah,” on this path we learn the essence of consciousness and light. The archetype of High Priestess relates to the first receptive aspect of Life Force, the Prima Materia. She is the Mind that receives the impulse that the Magician initiates, and carries forward what will be brought to form. She is our connection to the inner mysteries, while the Hierophant is our experience of the mysteries in the world.

Gimel has many attributes related to the significance of the 13th path. On this path we are carried across the Abyss by the camel, known as the “ship of the desert,” a reference to transportation, commerce, and movement in the world. The prominent aspect of the visual glyph of Gimel is the vertical axis which represents the spinal column in the body. It’s the camel’s spine which enables survival and travel across the desert. In the same way, our spinal column is the throne of our spiritual body. Indeed, “all that power that you are using to penetrate into the superior dimensions of nature is found in the spinal column.” –Glorian Publishing website. We must learn to draw down the light, which is the yod at the top of the letter, and then anchor it in Yesod. The lower yod is the foot, symbolizing action as well as sexual energy.

The astrological aspect of this path is the Moon, which relates to Mystery, to rhythm and also to the balance and paradox of light and dark. This is the Moon in her highest aspects, the Mystery of consciousness descending as Light. Because it originates above the Abyss, the 13th encompasses the entire spectrum from full dark to full light. Here we learn the very nature of light. In Crowley’s words, “In high initiation it is important to regard Light not as the perfect manifestation of the Eternal Spirit, but rather light is the veil which hides that Spirit.” The name of God associated with this path is “Shaddai El Chai,” which is the same as for Yesod. This is another expression of the way the two are connected, and can help us further understand how the Moon helps us to connect to consciousness and draw down the light.


In practical terms, balance is the key requirement of this path. We must navigate all three vertical paths in order to connect to Yesod and Malkuth. The Name of God (Shaddai El Chai) as well as the astrology (Moon) are both associated with Yesod, speaking to the necessity of balance above and below in order to navigate the journey of incarnation. In crossing the desert alone we must use our tools and simultaneously release all that we know in order to fully step into the unknown. The middle pillar is the path of the mystic. This is a hidden and internal journey, not revealed on the exterior.“Things are not as they appear.” Pope Joan was the traditional version of the Priestess, and she traveled in the word in disguise. The name “Silver Star” refers to the Star of the East, a mystical visitation of light. On the path of return from Tipharath to Kether we move from Separation to Oneness, from Individual to Source. Tiphareth is the only sphere below the Abyss that makes direct contact with Kether. In this sense it is the individual self who reflects the divine, and it is to the individual Self that the Divine makes its most direct descent into the world. Crowley says that he path of the Sliver Star refers to one’s contact and ability to receive messages from the radiance of one’s personal Angel (HGA). On this path we come face-to-face with free will and the secrets of life and death. The experiences of the three paths of Initiation (Chariot, Lust, and Hermit) can all be experienced on the 13th path which crosses the abyss directly to Source. The experience is “Divine reconciliation through isolation.” (need citation here) Case said that the card summarizes all seven principles of the Kabalian (Hermetic Law). “The Priestess is the truth behind the Veil of Light.” As she unifies all polarities, the bow of Artemis is also a musical instrument. This is the birth of all potential and the idea behind all form. - Crowley


ד

Binah Atziluth Elohim Briah Archangel Tzaphkiel Yetzirah Arelim – “Thrones” Assiah Saturn Tarot The four Threes; the

Queens Color: Black Virtue Silence Vice Avarice

Hoarding Wisdom Symbols Chalice, Vesica Piscis,

the Veil, the Yoni Spiritual Experience: Vision of Sorrow

The 14th Path The Illuminating Intelligence

Hebrew: ד Daleth, Door Tarot: III, The Empress

“Daughter of the Mighty Ones”

Color: Emerald Green/Sound: F♯

Name of God: YHVH Tzabaoth

Astrology: Venus ♀

Mythology: Marriage of Heaven & Earth

Experience: The beauty of Nature, polarity and sexuality,

the light of the stars and zodiac Entities: Goddesses and Gods

Meditation: Imagination

Chokmah Atziluth YH, Yah Briah Ratziel “Secrets of God” Yetzirah Auphanim “Wheels” Assiah the Zodiac; also

Neptune Tarot The four Twos Color: Pearlescent Gray Virtue Devotion Vice None Symbols The Phallus, Lingam,

Tower, Uplifted Rod, Standing Stone


The 14th Path of Daleth joins Binah, the Eternal Mother, with Chokmah, the Eternal Father. This is the top of the three horizontal paths and the primary path of creation, anchoring the template for all forms of polarity that follow below the Abyss. Daleth is also known as the path of Mother Earth, who gives birth to all life in our world. The Empress unites the divine Father with the Mother, which why she is called the “Daughter of the Mighty Ones.” The letter Daleth means Door. This Door is the threshold of travel and unification between the Dark of infinite Source and the Light of manifest form, the non-physical and physical realms, the Macro and Micro worlds.

The “Illuminating (Luminous) Intelligence” refers to the light that radiates from within, the light of spirit and inner force from which all form is born. This is the Light of the One Mother. The Luminous Intelligence unites all polarities, and all seeming contradictions, father and mother, light and dark, body and spirit, life and death, beauty and sorrow. This is because Love is the glue that binds the Universe together. There are several alchemical symbols that illustrate this truth. The first is the symbol for Venus, which is the only planet that touches all Sephiroth (the glyph for Venus covers all 10 realms). Another symbol is the triangle, the geometry of Binah, which is the strongest of all forms and unites all polarities. The third symbol is the energy of Renewal, which unites the polarities of the left and right pillar, the complementary forces of growth and decay All three processes are happening simultaneously, at all levels, within all life forms. This mystery of the renewal of life is held within the 14th Path.

Imagination is the capacity of the realm of the Empress. It is Gaia, Mother Nature, who “builds all form around the spirit of Life,” (Wang). She rules the subconscious, the realm of ideas, from which all form is born. She establishes law in the Macroprosopus and gives birth to Microprosopus. It’s the power of Venus that associates Beauty with form. One of the deepest mysteries of life is expressed in the complementary planetary associations of the Supernal (top) and the Astral (bottom) triangles on the Tree. Mercury rules the 12th path (Magician) as well as Hod; Venus rules the the 14th path (Empress) as well as Netzach; and the Moon rules the 13th path (Priestess) as well as Yesod. These association of the lower Sephirah with the upper Paths reflects the maxim “As Above, So Below.” Whichever way one travels on the Tree, the upper triad is reflected below and vice versa.


הThe 15th Path

Tipareth Atziluth YHVH Aloah va Daath

Briah Archangel Raphael Yetzirah Malachim Assiah The Sun Tarot The four 6’s Color: Golden Yellow Virtue Devotion to the Great

Work Vice Pride Symbols Lamen, Rose Cross,

Truncated Pyramid, Cube

Spiritual Experience: Vision of Harmony

The Constituting Intelligence

Hebrew: ה Heh, Window Tarot: IV, The Emperor “Son of the Morning”

Color: Scarlet / Sound C Name of God: Elohim

Astrology: Aries ♈

Mythology: Monarch of the Golden Age Experience: Symbols of springtime and new life, the Sun and the stars, creation

of the world, endless space, Entities: images of royal figures, angels,

and enlightened leadership. Meditation: To improve sight.

Chokmah Atziluth YH, Yah Briah Raziel “Secrets of God” Yetzirah Auphanim “Wheels” Assiah Zodiac, the light of the

Stars that precedes form Tarot The four 2’s Color: Pearlescent Gray Virtue Devotion Vice None Symbols The Phallus, Lingam,

Tower, Uplifted Rod, Standing Stone


The 15th Path, Heh, joins Tiphareth, Solar light and self-knowledge, with Chokmah, creative Wisdom. As the Sun is exalted in the sign of Aries, so too on this path we are supported in the increase of light as we move from Tiphareth to the darkness of the Supernals. Greer says that it is the solid anchoring in Tiphareth that ultimately enables us to make this journey to higher consciousness. Further, the name of God, Elohim, speaks to the understanding of existence as a cycle of transformation.

The letter Heh means Window. It refers to a structural element (form) that transmits light from the sun (consciousness and spirit). Eakins says that Heh literally means “eye of the wind,” being the “transparent pane that illuminates the structure of all form.” What’s significant is that the window (the initiate on the path) is NOT the source of illumination, just the vessel through which it passes. This is one of the mysteries of the Constituting Intelligence, which refers to bringing the world to order.

This is a path of power as well as order. As Cardinal Fire, Aries initiates the annual cycle of time with the pure force of new potential. The archetype of Emperor can help us understand this interplay of power and order. Case calls the Emperor the “Grand Architect” of the Universe, bringing order to the world through all forms of structure and systems of organization and thought. Eakins says he is also an adventurer and pioneer, an artist of new thought. Greer takes this to another level by saying that this is the path of the ritual Magician, who learns to connect with the Power of the Universe (Chokmah) through the alignment and foundation of inner self (Tiphareth).

Because of the force of power and solar light, this path creates the strongest materialization of Chokmah on the tree. The word “Emperor” represents this highest form of human leadership, which is to apply the laws of universal order in the world. The Thoth image references magic by showing the Emperor’s upper body as a triangle and the lower as a cross, a reference to the alchemical symbol of Sulfur, creating the alchemical triad of Magus (Mercury/Air), Empress (Salt/Earth) and Emperor (Sulfur/Fire). The Emperor is also seen in profile. We see only his left eye, the traditional (hidden) Qabalistic representation of the ‘Ancient of Days’ of Kether, another reference to power.


וThe 16th Path

Chesed Atziluth El, root for All (Allah) Briah Archangel Tzadkiel,

Righteousness of God Yetzirah Chasmalim Assiah Jupiter Tarot The four Fours Color: Blue Virtue Obedience Vice Bigotry, Tyranny Symbols The Wand, Pyramid,

Cross, Orb Spiritual Experience: Vision of Love

The Triumphal Intelligence

Hebrew: ו Vav, Nail or Hook Tarot: V, The Hierophant

“Magus of the Eternal Gods”

Color: Red-Orange / Sound: C♯

Astrology: Taurus♉

Name of God: Adonai Mythology: The Keeper of Wisdom

Experience: Pilgrimages to temples & mountain hermitages, communication of

wisdom teachings, priestly figures and wise beings, visions of all time.

Meditation: To improve intuition and connection to inner light (inner hearing).

Chokmah Atziluth YH, Yah Briah Ratziel “Secrets of God” Yetzirah Auphanim “Wheels” Assiah Zodiac; Neptune Tarot The Twos; the Knights Color: Pearlescent Gray Virtue Devotion Vice None Symbols The Phallus, Lingam,

Tower, Inner Robe of Glory, Uplifted Rod, Standing Stone


The 16th Path forms the top of the Pillar of mercy, and has a yang polarity that connects Chokmah with Chesed. This is a path of primal force and balance, in which Chokmah crosses the abyss and enters the world of form. The letter

Vav, nail, holds the key teachings of this path. A nail or hook binds and holds things together. In Hebrew ו is used to join other words, as we use the conjunction “and.” In the same way this path binds the spiritual and physical realms, the macro and microcosm. Vav is a simple letter associated with hearing, which is the intuitive sense that enables us to hear the inner voice of higher self.

A Hierophant is a mystical priest, the revealer of sacred things. The name of God, Adonai, expresses the entire cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. He is the active counterpart to the High Priestess, representing our self as the embodied Initiate, the one who receives and holds the binding force of the universe. As the Priestess connects us directly to the mystery of what lies beyond the light, it is the Hierophant who teaches us how to bring the light into the world, into our bodies as well as physical form. The elephants and bull that form the Hierophant’s throne signify the strength, patience and grounding of Taurus. Although this is a male principle of action, it is Venus who rules Taurus with the Moon exalted. These aspects of the Mother force are illustrated as the Priestess of Adjustment in the root chakra, as well as the Flower of Venus behind the Priest’s head, and the dark blue starry sky of Nuit. There are nine nails at the top of the card, signifying the connection through Moon to Yesod, and the ways that the Moon binds us to our world.

This path is a balanced down-rush of power. Paul Case called the Hierophant a bridge, providing the link between outer experience and inner illumination. This path, like Cheth, enables us to personally anchor the primal powers of creation. While ritual magic is an expression of the down-rush of Heh, inner alchemy is the expression of the force of Vav. Creating this bridge to the world is “the core of all magickal work.” Thoth Tarot, p. 78. In this passage Crowley says that the dancing male child of the new Aeon, shown within the central pentagram, is leaving behind the myth of the dying God. The trefoil on the wand represents the union of Isis, Osiris and Horus. We are now in the dawn of this new Age. Crowley says that the secrets held within this enigmatic archetype will only be revealed over time, and that it is the Hierophant who initiates these new cycles of evolution, to be fully expressed in the Aeon and Universe cards.


זThe 17th Path

Tipareth

Atziluth YHVH Aloah va Daath



Truncated Pyramid, Cube

Spiritual Experience: Vision of Harmony

The Separating (Disposing) Intelligence

Hebrew: ז Zayin, Sword Tarot: VI, The Lovers

“Children of the Voice Divine ” Color: Orange / Sound: D♮

Name of God: YHVH

Astrology: Gemini ♊, Mutable Air

Mythology: Love between human and the divine.

Experiences: Symbols of duality and unity; images of sexual love; symbols of crossing the abyss.

Meditation: The release of negative mental and emotional

patterns.

Binah

Atziluth YHVH Elohim Briah Archangel Tzaphkiel Yetzirah Arelim – “Thrones” Assiah Saturn Tarot The four 3’s Color: Black Virtue Silence Vice Avarice, hoarding

wisdom Symbols Chalice, Vesica Piscis,


The Path of Zayin connects Tiphareth and self-realization, with the eternal Mother of Binah. On this path we experience the deep Mystery of oneness and separateness. This polarity can be understood by the name “Disposing Intelligence,” which refers to the separation of incarnation, in contrast to “Children of the Voice Divine” which refers to the return to Oneness.

Another way to experience the polarity of this path is through Zayin, which means “sword” and is associated with the Zodiac sign of Gemini. This is the sword of Mind that separates universal Source into individual sparks of Essence. The sword is also expressed in the clear mental qualities of awareness and communication which are associated with Gemini. Zayin is also associated with the sense of smell, which is our most ancestral physical sense, linking us with deep awareness and a visceral connection to inner truth.

On this path we explore high-level secrets of the Great Work. Crowley said that this is one of the two most difficult paths to master. We must practice inner Alchemy as we re-connect with Binah, Oneness, and the birth of all form, while at the same time maintaining our connection to Tipareth, which requires the experience of individual identity and the central point of all manifestation. (The other “most difficult” path is Temperance/Art. Note the parallel symbology of alchemy within both cards.) The Lovers card represents much more than finding one’s “true love.” The archetype of the Gemini twins holds the secret to who the Lovers really are: our own inner “split self.” The Gemini Twins represent our inner world and the work required to rectify and balance our experiences of separation and duality. The Garden of Eden resides in Binah. This is our path of return. The Great Work of Tiphareth can be understood as the Initiate’s inner path of return to Paradise, Oneness and healing. Wang says that of all the representations of The Lovers card, Crowley’s is “daringly explicit” in the clarity with which he communicates the secrets held within this Path.


ח

Geburah Atziluth Elohim Gebor Briah Archangel Khamael Yetzirah Seraphim, Fiery

Serpents Assiah Mars Tarot The four Fives Color: Red Virtue Courage Vice Cruelty Symbols The Sword, the

Pentagram

Spiritual Experience: Vision of Courage

The 18th Path The Intelligence of the House of Influence

Hebrew: ח Cheth, Fence/Enclosure Tarot: VII, The Chariot

“Child of the Power of the Waters” “Lord of the Triumph of Light”

Color: Amber / Sound C♯

Name of God: AL, El Astrology: ♋Cancer, Cardinal Water

Mythology: The Once and Future Monarch Experiences: Boundaries, borders, journeys

between worlds and times, relics of the distant past, an intense or brooding sense of waiting.

Entities: A sleeping queen or king who will return. Meditation: Experiencing form as protection

rather than limitation.

Binah Atziluth YHVH Elohim Briah Archangel Tzaphkiel Yetzirah Arelim – “Thrones” Assiah Saturn Tarot The four Threes Color: Black Virtue Silence Vice Avarice, hoarding

wisdom Symbols Chalice, Vesica Piscis,


The 18th Path of Cheth forms the upper Pillar of Severity, connecting Geburah, the realm of limitation and destruction, with Binah, the eternal Mother of form. This is a path of intense containment and restriction, the most extreme expression of the Pillar of Severity. The restriction of this path, however, produces immense power of motion, because of the alchemy created through the container of Binah and the fire of Geburah. The titles here (powers of waters and triumph of light) refer to Cancer’s water and the light of Summer Solstice.

The Hebrew word Cheth means fence or enclosure. This speaks to the significance of form as an enclosure for carrying the Self through the manifest world, as well as the protection and safety it offers. Cheth both protects us as we travel, and also destroys fences or barriers that obstruct our path.

Many of the mysteries of this path can be explored through the imagery of The Chariot. Pulled by four sphinxes, symbolizing the four Kerubim, the four tattvas, and the four elements of the pentagram of the Sphinx which is crowned by the fifth element of spirit. Significantly, there are no reins. Rather, the warrior holds a spinning vortex. It’s the spiritual Self that directs the chariot, while the Will, symbolized by the red wheels, provides support and form. The four pillars are the four elements and the tetragrammaton that orient us to the world of form. Written across the top of the canopy is “Abrahadabra,” a magical incantation with the same gematria as Cheth (418), implying the mysteries of transcendence expressed here.

On this path we learn to use our will to navigate the journey. Greer says that the magic on this path is the use of talismans, forms through which we transmit our will. On the return to Binah (Perception) this the path of the Visionary, as opposed to the path of Divination associated with Zayin. Both are forms of communication that help us develop inner vision and refine our inner senses. The connection to Geburah is key. “All magic lies in the will.” Eliphas Levi.


ט

Geburah

Atziluth Elohim Gebor Briah Archangel Khamael Yetzirah Seraphim, Fiery

Serpents Assiah Mars Tarot The four Five’s Color: Red Virtue Courage Vice Cruelty Symbols The Sword, the

Pentagram

Spiritual Experience: Vision of Courage

The 19th Path The Faithful Intelligence

Hebrew: ט Teth, Snake Tarot: XI, Lust

“The Daughter of the Flaming Sword” Color: Yellow-Green / Sound: E Name of God: ALHIM, Elohim

Astrology: Leo ♌, ☉

Mythology: Meeting the “animal” Self Experience: Solar images, fire and

sunlight, initiation rituals, tests of will, struggles with animals and animal

nature Meditation: Befriending the shadow

within – connecting with inner power.

Chesed

Atziluth El, root for All (Allah) Briah Archangel Tzadkiel,

Righteousness of God Yetzirah Chasmalim, Assiah Jupiter Tarot The four Four’s Color: Blue Virtue Obedience Vice Bigotry, Tyranny Symbols The Wand, Pyramid,

Orb, Equal-armed Cross

Spiritual Experience: Vision of Love.

The 19th Path of Teth connects Chesed, the realm of creative production, with Geburah, the realm of the universal force of destruction. Chesed manifests the world by pouring its light into Geburah. The path of Teth constantly mediates between the forces of Love and Will, creation and destruction, life and death. This the “Path of the Higher Self.” It is here, midway between Kether and Tiphareth, that we learn to engage with the forces of love and will in our daily lives. As such, it is the “Path of the Higher Self” where we learn to directly connect with the energies of Tiphareth.

The Hebrew letter Teth means Snake or Serpent, which is a common representation of the fire of kundalini that spirals upward through the body from the depths of the earth. Both the lion of Leo and the snake of kundalini embody pure fire and the pure power of essence. The teachings of Teth are about true goodness that is hidden within true power. The letter itself is coiled within, representing that the good is hidden. Teth is also associated with brilliant light, which is the light that emanates from within. Wang says that “On this path fire becomes light.” The dance of light and fire between Geburah and Chesed holds the key secrets to true magic and the consciousness behind all form. This is why the Bota image of Strength bears the Magician’s figure 8 above her head. It’s here that we truly become our full essence and truly learn the hidden secrets of the power and magic of material form.

The most powerful sign of the Zodiac, Leo is ruled by the Sun. Teth holds the strength of solar fire and solar illumination. This is the strength that forms the sword of Geburah. It is of process and of being; it cannot be understood with the intellect. Through this path that mediates between Love and the Sword we discover the truth within, our inner Strength, which uncoils and rises to the surface. On this path we learn to express Spirit in our life. In a practical way this happens through the activation of our chakras by the rising of kundalini. This understanding returns to the power of the Snake, as the force of the path as well as the inner fire of the Earth.


On the 19th Path we truly learn what it means to engage with co-creation in the material world through our inner power. Two images that express the unifying power of this path – Snake – rising kundalini and the path of return. Daughter of the Flaming Sword – Princess of Swords – The point on the tree where we fully engage with the entire force of the Lightening Path. In the practices of this path, we learn to fully navigate the subtle forces of equilibrium and the sword. between the universal forces of love and will, we become masters of our own power. We can understand the significance of Power on this path by realizing that each horizontal path represents a form of Power. The 14th is the Power of Love (Chesed), the 27th is the Power of Conflict (Geburah). On the 19th path we can bridge the two by fully experiencing the Power of Choice. As our deepest essence is expressed we radiate ourexperience “the jubilation that emerges from allowing the creative force to flow freely. Additional Notes: Kundalini, Divine Feminine, and the significance of Earth and Animal Medicine in fully experiencing our own power and Sovereignty in this world. (DAUGHTER of the Flaming Sword – Princesses – Earth realm hold the power of incarnation and true magic)


י

Tiphareth

Atziluth JHVH Aloah va Daath Briah Archangel Raphael Yetzirah Malachim Assiah The Sun Tarot The four 6’s; The

Princes Color: Golden Yellow Virtue Devotion to the Great Work


Truncated Pyramid, Cube Spiritual Experience: Vision of Beauty Triumphant. Experience of perfection in physical form.

The 20th Path The Intelligence of Will

Hebrew: י Yod, Creative Hand Tarot: IX, The Hermit

“The Magus of the Voice of Light”

Color: Yellow Green / Sound: B♭

Name of God: ADNI, Adonai

Astrology: Virgo ♍, Mercury ☿

Mythology: The Wilderness Journey Experiences: Solitude, travel in the desert and wild places, visions of

creation of the world, temptation by hostile entities. Birds.

Meditation: To achieve mystical states. The deepest marriage of unity within.

Chesed

Atziluth El, root for All (Allah) Briah Archangel Tzadkiel,

Righteousness of God Yetzirah Chasmalim, Assiah Jupiter Tarot The four 4’s Color: Blue Virtue Obedience Vice Bigotry, Tyranny Symbols The Wand, Pyramid,


Spiritual Experience: Vision of Love.

The 20th Path connects Tiphareth (Christ consciousness) with Chesed (Architect of Manifestation). This is the path of the beginnings of focused manifestation as the energies of light cross the abyss and enter Rauch, the manifest world. The Intelligence of Will refers to the knowledge that we create the world with our own hands.

Yod is a simple letter meaning “Creative Hand” and associated with sexual energy. It is the only letter suspended in mid-air, signifying how the force of Yod overcomes stagnation and initiates all forms of change. In addition, Yod is the seed form that creates all of the other letters. It’s also the 10th path, and the template that gives birth to all of the other paths. This holds the teaching that it’s the creative hand of the divine, also our own hand, that transforms and manifests the world. As the first letter in the Tetragrammaton, Yod represents the element of Fire and the spark that initiates creation. Many prophets’ names begin with Yod, as does the word for Exodus.

On the journey of return, this is the first of the three Paths of Initiation. (The others are Path 19, Lust , and Path 18, The Chariot.) The 20th Path carries some of the qualities of Daath, represented by the imagery of the desert and the mystic holding his own source of light. Virgo, too, traditionally represents an introspective figure embodying purity, healing, and wisdom. Although the Hermit as mystic can be seen as solitary, the 20th Path is ultimately a path of relationship. This is seen in how it connects the Higher Self (Tipareth) with the Divine Self (Chesed and above). This is another way to understand why the letter Yod is associated with Sexual Love, as this is the Path of ultimate union, the marriage within.

The meditation of this path is the marriage within, which is the experience of union and bliss when we experience the inner light and personal power that resides within the heart. Thus the Hermit presides over the marriage of the Lovers on Trump XI. Ultimately the wisdom and knowledge of the Hermit’s Path empowers us to create the world with our own hand. We are not alone, but carry within the light and love of Creation.


כ

Netzach

Atziluth Jehovah Tzabaoth Briah Archangel Haniel Yetzirah Elohim Assiah Venus Tarot The four 7’s Color: Emerald Green Virtue Unselfishness/altruism Vice Lust

Symbols Lamp, Girdle, Rose

Spiritual Experience: Vision of Beauty Triumphant. Experience of perfection in physical form.

The 21st Path The Intelligence of Conciliation

Hebrew: כ Kaph, Fist Tarot: X, Fortune

“Lord of the Forces of Life”

Color: Violet / Sound: B♭

Name of God: AL, El

Astrology: Jupiter ♃

Mythology: Aspiration (Achievement) Experiences: Flight, journeys in

mountains, views from a high place, emotional exhilaration, rainbow light Meditation: The Law of Periodicity.

Chesed Atziluth El, root for All (Allah) Briah Tzadkiel,

Righteousness of God Yetzirah Chasmalim, Assiah Jupiter Tarot The four 4’s Color: Blue Virtue Obedience Vice Bigotry, Tyranny Symbols The Wand, Pyramid,


Spiritual Experience: Vision of Love

The 21st path of Kaph and Fortune connects the personality self of Netzach with the higher self in Chesed. Kaph means fist. It implies intentionality and willpower. It speaks to the ability to grasp, as in completion and closure of activity. Kaph is a double letter, a gateway of the soul, associated with the qualities of riches and poverty. The planet Jupiter helps to regulate these qualities in the physical plane. In this way Kaph is associated with both abundance and the creative desire for change.

The Wheel associated with Fortune is not about chance, it is about cycles and duality and the interchange of energies. We live within the paradox of fate and freedom, learning how to spin with perfect balance. The ‘intelligence of conciliation’ refers to the balance of emotions and interactive mediation of action and activity. At the outer rim of the wheel we experience cause and effect, and react to circumstances. At the inner calm center we experience surrender and prayer. Wang uses the image of a gyroscope to illustrate the equilibrium of this path, with dual rotating wheels, cycles of opposites that fluctuate and rotate in rhythms.

The image of the Sphinx holds a great deal of symbolism for the path of Fortune. It is the holder of wisdom and mysteries and the altar of the Earth, at once the gate keeper and the gate to our higher self. It represents all the secrets of manifestation. It is also known as the “synthesis of the Elementals,” representing the element of Spirit that integrates and activates all four other elements into wholeness and life. It is said in the Enochian mysteries that when the Sphinx and Pyramid (Chesed) are united they hold the magic of nature and the wisdom of all time.

The other two figures, Hermanubis and Typhon represent Horus/Anubis and Set, the Egyptian deities who are the forces of light and dark and the balances of nature. The three together represent Sulphur, Mercury, and Salt, the three gunas: rajas (brilliance), sattva (balance, calm), and tamas (darkness). These forces make the wheel spin.

“By balancing opposites with exactitude unfailing I bring mastery of all conditions and circumstances. Such a one will master days and seas and times. Ever by balance do the wise attain.” ~Paul Case, The Book of Tokens.


ל

Tiphareth

Atziluth Jehovah Aloah va Daath



Truncated Pyramid Spiritual Experience: Vision of Harmony.

The 22nd Path The Faithful Intelligence

Hebrew: ל Lamed (Ox-goad) Tarot: VIII, Adjustment

“The Spirit of Inner Truth” Color: Emerald Green

Sound: F# Name of God: YHVH, Yehowa

Astrology: Libra ♎, Venus ♀

Mythology: Justice of Heaven Experiences: Narrow paths and

bridges, gates and barriers, visions of past lives. Angels,

gate guardians. Meditation: To abreact karma.

Geburah

Atziluth Elohim Gebor Briah Archangel Khamael Yetzirah Seraphim, Fiery

Serpents Assiah Mars Tarot The four 5’s Color: Red Virtue Courage Vice Cruelty Symbols Sword, Spear, Scourge,

Chain, the Pentagram Spiritual Experience: Vision of Courage

The 22nd path of Lamed connects Tiphareth with Geburah. On this path Justice mediates the banishing sword of Geburah with the illuminated consciousness of Tiphareth. Lamed means Ox-goad, which is a sharp-pointed stick used to drive oxen on a straight path and guide them forward. One of the 12 elemental letters, Lamed is associated with the Zodiac sign of Libra and the activity of education (ox-goad) through Work or Action.

This path is connected with karma, which means ‘action’ in Sanskrit. The universal force of karma is created by the principles of balance (Libra) coming into alignment with the “One Will.” (Lamed). Karma as the action of “Adjustment” (Justice) requires us to come into balance with all circumstances in life, including our past and future actions. The meditation to ‘abreact karma’ means to release it through the actions of Tiparath and Geburah. (Abreaction is defined as the release of repressed emotion by bringing it to the surface.)

There is a hidden mystery in this path, revealed in the relationship of Paths 22 Lamed (Ox-goad) and 11 Aleph (Ox). In the same way that the Ox-goad keeps the oxen on track, it is the the internal and dynamic equilibrium of Lamed that harnesses and guides the active principle of creative will on Path 11, Aleph. The divine feminine principle of Adjustment provides the container for the divine masculine principle of The Fool. This is what is meant by “Faithful Intelligence:” being faithful to the creative intelligence of Aleph. Lamed is our “Inner Guide.” In Case’s words this is “The inward capacity for Self Direction.” Wang says that Lamed is the “regulator…of Divine Life Force,” and that “Aleph could not function as it does without Lamed.” In another expression of the foundational aspect of Lamed, the number of this path (22) represents the sum total of all paths on the tree.

The Egyptian goddess Ma’at embodies the principle of Justice. She is an archetype and Guide to help us learn to embody the qualities of balanced equilibrium, including kindness, fairness and truth. When developed through the sword of Justice, these qualities balance karmic debt, both internally and in relationship with others.


מ

Hod

Atziluth Elohim Tzabaot Briah Archangel Michael Yetzirah Benin Elohim, Sons of

God Assiah Mercury Tarot The four 8’s Color: Orange Virtue Truthfulness Vice Lies/Falsehood Symbols Names (sound),

Versicles (mantra), Apron (tool)

Spiritual Experience: Vision of Splendour – The beauty of the manifest world.

The 23rd Path The Sustaining Consciousness

The Stable Intelligence

Hebrew: מ Mem, Water Tarot: XII, The Hanged Man “Spirit of the Mighty Waters”

Color: Deep Blue / Sound: G#

Astrology: Element of Water ∇

Name of God: AL, El Mythology: Self-Sacrifice (Surrender)

Experiences: Images of water, travel in water, underground cities, drowning,

sunken ships, underground caves Meditation: To attain Samadhi

Mystery: Lose yourself to find yourself.

Geburah Atziluth Elohim Gebor Briah Archangel Khamael Yetzirah Seraphim, Fiery

Serpents Assiah Mars Tarot The four 5’s Color: Red Virtue Courage Vice Cruelty Symbols The Sword, the

Pentagram Spiritual Experience: Vision of Courage

The 23rd path of Mem connects the mental world of Hod with Geburah, the great destroyer. On the 23rd path the intellect of Hod releases limitations by developing discipline through relationship with the will. Mem is also one of the four paths that crosses the veil, connecting the personality with Higher Self, and as such is a path of initiation. Each path crossing the veil (Nun, Samech, and Ayin) develops a particular ability. The significance of the 23rd path can be understood by working with the alchemical properties of the letter Mem.

Mem is one of the three Mother letters and means Water, which represents consciousness. This is the same elemental water as that of Chesed. As the middle path on the Pillar of Form, Mem holds a kind of stability. It doesn’t interact with polarity as the horizontal paths do, and it doesn’t connect with the rest of the tree as do the paths that join with Tiphareth. There is a kind of neutral stabilizing form in Mem, shown in the consistency of the element of water throughout its correspondences.

The journey from Hod (the mind) across the veil can take two directions: The seeking mind can choose action or inaction. The path of Ayin to Tiphareth is a path of action, and uses the creative power of the imagination to expand the mind, while the path of Mem is a path of non-action, using will to discipline the mind. These paths are challenging for the novice and unless the veil has already been pierced by Samech, both paths rising from Hod can be dead ends. Ayin can lead to sorcery and Mem to passivity. Once the veil is pierced, however, the initiate is able to travel these paths from Hod without getting lost or stuck.

The meditation of this path is the experience of attaining Samadhi, which is the Hindu term for the experience of union. This is the union achieved through the meditative state when a person becomes suspended in trance and the perception of the individual becomes merged with the divine.


Mem shares the symbology of sacrifice with Nun, which are the two paths crossing the veil that move toward form. The self-sacrifice on this path is embodied in the Hanged Man. The outdated myth of martyrdom is not the ultimate sacrifice called for. What is sacrificed on this path are the limiting beliefs and securities of the personal self in order to expand more fully into relationship with the larger Self. Ultimately successful work with Mem requires complementary work with Kaph and Samech, otherwise it can easily become unbalanced or static.


נ

Netzach Atziluth Jehovah Tzabaoth Briah Archangel Haniel Yetzirah Elohim Assiah Venus Tarot The four Sevens Color: Emerald Green Virtue Unselfishness/Altruism Vice Lust Symbols Lamp, Girdle, Rose

Spiritual Experience: Vision of Beauty Triumphant. Experience of perfection in physical form.

The 24th Path The Imaginative Intelligence

Hebrew: נ Nun (Fish) Tarot: XIII, Death

“Lord of the Gates of Death” Color: Blue-Green / Sound: G

Name of God: אל, El

Astrology: Scorpio ♏; Mars ♂

Mythology: Meetings with Death Experiences: Images of death,

burial, decay, travel through deep water or blood, skeletons, visions

of the dead or the future, cold blooded fish.

Meditation: Transformation.

Tiphareth Atziluth Jehovah Aloah va Daath Briah Archangel Raphael Yetzirah Malachim Assiah The Sun Tarot The four Sixes Color: Golden Yellow Virtue Devotion to the Great

Work


Truncated Pyramid, Cube Spiritual Experience: Vision of Harmony. The perfection of the unfolding of the Universe.

The 24th path connects the emotional world of Netzach (Victory) with Tiphareth(Beauty) at the center of the tree, the realm of healing and re-connection of the personal Self with the Higher Self. Nun is a path of transformation. This can be understood by meditating on transformation from both directions. On the lightening path (Tipareth down) it is the point at which the Higher Self first enters the realm of matter. On the path of the Initiate (Netzach up) it represents the release of form, and transcendence into new form.

The letter Nun means Fish. There are many alchemical secrets and principles associated with the symbolism of the fish, including that of life and form emerging from the Sea, the Great Mother, Binah. Since ancient times fish have been a symbol of mystery. Since they can breathe underwater, which we cannot, they represent travel to the underworld. In many cultures the depths are associated with the ancestors and the realm of death. Likewise, the symbol of Scorpio is also associated with travel to the depths of our being. We can understand the Mysteries by meditating on their appearance in the physical, visible world. It is said that meditation on the symbol of the fish reveals the entire “Secret Doctrine.” The term “Secret Doctrine” refers to the hidden teachings of transcendence, such as those summarized in Hermetic Law. Two of these understandings are fundamental: First is the principle of consciousness: “All is Mind,” which allows us to understand that creation emerges from within (and/or above). Second, “As above, so below,” which is the principle of equilibrium, balance, and universality of the patterns in the physical and non-physical realms. As a verb, Nun means to sprout or grow. The symbol of the skeleton as central framework for outer growth can be understood through the teaching of the seed, which survives through the winter when the plant dies and reproduces a new form in the spring. The cycle of seed, plant, seed perpetuates. Meditation on this mystery is said to be another way to understand the Mystery of the Secret Doctrine.


ס

Yesod Atziluth Shaddai El Chai Briah Archangel Gabriel Yetzirah Kerubim, the Strong Assiah Moon

Tarot The four Nine’s Color: Violet Virtue Independence Vice Idleness Symbols Perfumes, Sandals

Spiritual Experience: Vision of the Machinery of the Universe – experiencing the natural order and one’s part in the whole.

The 25th Path The Testing Consciousness

The Intelligence of Probation Hebrew: ס Samekh, (Prop, Support)

Tarot: XIV, Art/Temperance “Daughter of the Reconcilers, the

Bringer Forth of Light”

Color: Blue / Sound: G♯

Name of God: ALHIM, Elohim

Astrology: Sagittarius ♐, Jupiter ♃

Mythology: Ascending to Heaven. Experiences: Upward flight; climbing

stairs or a ladder, meeting the Self; facing a series of barriers or tests.

Meditation: To Temper (modify) the Self; Contact with the HGA.

Tiphareth Atziluth Jehovah Aloah va Daath Briah Archangel Raphael Yetzirah Malachim Assiah The Sun Tarot The four Six’s Color: Golden Yellow Virtue Devotion to the Great



The 25thth path of Samekh connects Yesod (Moon) with Tiphareth (Sun) and is one of the most difficult on the Tree. To ascend requires that we cross the transformative 27th Path (Peh/Tower) as well as the Veil that separates the personality from the expanded awareness of the middle triad and connection to Higher Self.

The journey on this path requires an alchemical process of integrating the personality in order to hold higher frequencies of light. The title of this path (“The Testing Consciousness”) shows that growth on this path is a process of practice through personal experience. The traditional tarot name of Temperance refers to this alchemical process. Crowley calls this Art and says this path is a consummation of the alchemical marriage in the Lovers card. This is a trial by fire. In Hebrew the word BChN, “tried by fire,” adds to 60, which is the same value as Samech. It’s the energy of the arrow (Sagittarius and Fire) unleashed that propels us upward. The personal work of the lower paths prepares us for the journey. This is expressed in the alchemy of Qoph (water), Shin (fire), and Tav (earth). Together these letters spell “Bow” (Qesheth); their complementary spiritual practices work together to form the bow that propels the arrow upward.

The path of Samech is the same blue as Chesed, signifying the importance of this path in receiving the light. Chesed receives the consciousness of form from Binah. Here is the alchemy of fire and water, as the Great Mother, the Sea, is also the YHVH Elohim.“YHVH Elohim is a devouring fire.” and “When thou hast been tried by fire the gold of thy beauty shall be purged of all dross.” (Case)

The word Samekh means prop, or support. Case says this refers to a tent stake, that which anchors the house (i.e. the foundation). The emotional quality of Samekh is Anger. On the surface this signifies the frequency of anger as fire unleashed. Case explains this is a hidden message. The original meaning is “vibration,” the fire that is our source of strength and power and the basis of manifestation (p 154). Above all, traveling the path of Samech signifies our connection to the light through the guidance and support of the higher self (HGA).


ע

Hod


God Assiah Mercury Tarot The four Eights Color: Orange Virtue Truthfulness Vice Lies/Falsehood Symbols Names (sound),


Spiritual Experience: Vision of Splendour – The beauty of the manifest world.

The 26th Path The Renovating Intelligence

Hebrew: ע Ayin (Eye) Tarot: XV, The Devil

“Lord of the Gates of Matter” Color: Indigo / Sound: A

Name of God: ADNI, Adonai

Astrology: Capricorn ♑, Saturn ♄

Mythology: Meeting the Powers of Life

Experiences: Desolate landscapes, storms, human self trapped in animal,

wild animals, feral or half human creatures, wilderness spirits.

Meditation: The Mystery of Iniquity.

Tiphareth Atziluth Jehovah Aloah va Daath Briah Archangel Raphael Yetzirah Malachim Assiah The Sun Tarot The four Sixes Color: Golden Yellow Virtue Devotion to the Great



The 26thth path connects the mental world of Hod, Splendor, with Tiphareth, Beauty. Tiphareth at the center of the tree is the realm of healing and the point of connection of the personal Self with the Higher Self. The 26th Path of Ayin is formative and challenging, requiring us to move from the known world of form and the personality at Hod across the Veil to more expanded awareness and understanding. The challenges of this path are related to our experiences of manifest form, including our relationship to history and time.

The letter Ayin means Eye. This is a simple letter associated with the quality of Mirth. It involves seeing the totality of experience, which includes releasing fear of the dark. The archetype of “Eye” symbolizes both light and consciousness as well as the “evil eye” of control and sorcery. The teaching is about embracing both light and dark. On the tree, this is represented by the light and dark pillars. Interestingly, the gematria of Ayin is 130, which is also the gematria for the word ‘pillars.’ The letter Ayin also means look, face, appearance, color.

The Devil in tarot expresses the ways in which this is a path of equal potential for shadow and light. The Devil archetype expresses unrestricted Yang energy, the full vitality and ‘animal’ force of nature. DuQuette says, “This is the Devil that the world has been taught to fear. He is life itself, unrestrained, in mad love and seeking to grow and unite with absolutely everything.” This life force requires us to deal with our fears of density (the word “evil” has the same root as devil), including the density of the past . The “Lord of the Gates of Matter” refers to the capacity to embrace all circumstances, including the dark and what we don’t understand. The shadow side of this path is the practice of sorcery, in which the initiate as Magician chooses to control the forces of nature for personal gain. Ultimately this of course is a dead end because those who choose the route of dark magic can go no farther on the tree. The work of this path includes the ability to hold complete appreciation for everything that exists. The meditation on the “Mystery of Iniquity” refers to the ability to fully embrace all circumstances, which leads us to the capacity to be fully alive. Additional Notes:


Capricorn, which rules Nun, is Cardinal Earth. This holds important keys to the significance and potentials held within the potential density of physical form. It is Capricorn, of all twelve zodiac signs, that occupies the zenith of a chart, and in the annual calendar(highest point) at Winter Solstice. This illustrates the ways in which the element of earth and its physicality and density occurs at the pinnacle and most exalted location of all the twelve signs


פ

Hod

Atziluth Elohim Tzabaot Briah Archangel Michael Yetzirah Benin Elohim Assiah Mercury Tarot The 4 Eights Color: Orange Virtue Truthfulness Vice Lies/Falsehood Symbols Names , Versicles

Apron

Spiritual Experience: Vision of Splendor – the Beauty of the manifest world.

The 27th Path The Exciting Intelligence

Hebrew: פ Peh (Mouth) Tarot: XVI, The Tower

Color: Red Astrology: Mars

Sound: C

Symbols: ♂ △

Experiences: Images of struggle, scenes of mass destruction, conflict between fire and water, sudden change in scene

Entities: Warriors, Gatherers of the Slain, Carrion such as Vultures & Crows

Meditation: “To Overcome Spiritual Obstacles.”

Netzach

Atziluth Jehovah Tzabaoth Briah Archangel Haniel Yetzirah Elohim Assiah Venus Tarot The 4 Sevens Color: Emerald Green Virtue Unselfishness/Altruism Vice Lust/Unchastity Symbols Lamp, Girdle, Rose Spiritual Experience: Vision of Beauty Triumphant – Experience of perfection in physical form. .

The 27th Path resides directly below the Veil that separates the personality from our connection to higher self. This is one of three bridge paths on the tree, directly linking the polarities of Force and Form. It connects Hod, the mental world of the intellect and mind, with Netzach, the emotional world of feelings and senses. This is a path of manifestation, called the “Exciting Intelligence” because it’s here that “every existent being receives its spirit and motion.” Mars represents the quality of Will required to integrate the dualistic forces of our mind and emotions. The balance of the polarities results in higher level capacities of intuition and inspiration.

This path is a cleansing force. Transcending ideas of ‘good’ and ‘bad,’ we learn to fully embrace all of life experience. The fire of Mars is Geburah. It is here in the Tower that Geburah tears away the parts of the personality that are no longer necessary, burning away those aspects of self that are outworn. The dismantling tower also represents the active destruction of the old world (old self) in preparation for the new.

The letter Pei means mouth. This speaks to the active nature of this path in two ways: it represents our ability to take in nourishment, and also the capacity for speech. We grow by digesting our life experience, and our words directly connect to our power. The 27th path is above all a spiritual journey. The tarot archetype of the Tower tells us that this aspect of spiritual development, the meeting of the mind and the heart, is not an easy process. It requires hard work and deep transformation. By committing to this path we allow for the inner process of dismantling that growth requires. It’s here that we integrate the personality in order to intentionally cross the Veil and begin to work on a conscious level with the higher frequencies on the Tree. The lightening flash of the Tower represents the sudden flash of insight that we are not alone. This is the same lightening flash of illumination that connects the Sephiroth and fuels the birth of the entire tree of life.


צ

Yesod

Atziluth Shaddai El Chai Briah Archangel Gabriel Yetzirah Kerubim, the Strong Assiah Moon Tarot The four Nines Color: Violet Virtue Independence Vice Idleness Symbols Perfumes, Sandals

Spiritual Experience: Vision of the Machinery of the Universe. Experiencing the natural order and one’s part in the whole.

The 28th Path The Natural Intelligence “The Raw Forces of Nature”

Hebrew: צ Tzaddi (Fish Hook) Tarot: XVII, The Star

Color: Violet / Sound: A#

Astrology: Aquarius (Fixed Air) Meditation: Imagination.

Myth: Awakening the Heart Images: Forest, gardens & meadows at

night; starlight; mist; boundaries between worlds.

Entities: Nature spirits, animals & birds of the night

Mystery: “The Star is the means and method of perfection.”

Netzach

Atziluth Jehovah Tzabaoth Briah Archangel Haniel Yetzirah Elohim Assiah Venus Tarot The four Sevens Color: Emerald Green Virtue Unselfishness/altruism Vice Lust Symbols Lamp, Girdle, Rose

Spiritual Experience: Vision of Beauty Triumphant. Experience of perfection in physical form. .

The 28thth path connects Yesod, the world of the subconscious, with Netzach, the world of feelings and senses. The 28th Path is called Natural Intelligence and the purpose of this path is to ‘complete and perfect everything that is under the Sun, meaning access to the forces of the natural world that exist beneath Tiphareth. On a personal level this path is about fully inhabiting the natural world.

The letter Tzaddi (Fish Hook) implies a tool applied to the direction of growth. In one sense, the Higher Self is “hooking” the lower personality and pulling us up from the depths. The text states that the Tzaddi looks to the future and makes new creation possible. Processes on this path include meditation and imagination. The zodiac sign of Aquarius is associated with the qualities of clear mind including peace, freedom, and inspiration.

Tzaddi and Qoph are both connected to growth in the physical world by transmitting the Pillar of Force. Qoph transmits through established processes and patterns (biology), while Tzaddi transmits through the interface of relationships between living things (ecology). Both are impacted by time, but Qoph growth occurs through established patterns of evolution, while in Tzaddi growth occurs through individual expansions and innovations. Tzaddi and Resh are related as they connect their respective pillars to the subconscious in Yesod. Tzaddi connection intuition (Netzach) and Resh connects intellect (Hod). On the return path, Tzaddi represents the personality’s highest access to intuition, as the Sun is the highest level of the personality’s access to intellect. Bringing balance to the contrasting polarities of Tzaddi and Resh is part of the preparation to travel to Tipareth.


ק

Malkuth

Atziluth Adonai ha-Aretz Briah Archangel Sandalphon Yetzirah Eschim, Souls of Fire Assiah Sphere of the Elements

Tarot The Four Tens The Princesses

Color: Citrine, Olive, Russet, Black

Virtue Discrimination Vice Lethargy/Avarice Symbols Equal-armed Cross

The Magic Circle Spiritual Experience: Vision of the Holy Guardian Angel - Awareness of one’s higher self.

The 29th Path The Corporeal Intelligence

Hebrew: ק Qoph (Back of the Head) Tarot: XVIII, The Moon

Color: Crimson Name of God: El (Al)

Astrology: Pisces (Mutable Water) Sound: B natural

Symbols: , ☽

Experiences: Journeying over or through water, darkness, intense odors and textures, visions of prehuman past.

Dreamwork Meditation: “To Change the Body”

Netzach

Atziluth Jehovah Tzabaoth Briah Archangel Haniel Yetzirah Elohim Assiah Venus Tarot The Four Sevens Color: Emerald Green Virtue Unselfishness/altruism

Vice Lust Symbols Lamp, Girdle, Rose Spiritual Experience: Vision of Beauty Triumphant. The experience of perfection in physical form.

The 29th path connects the physical world (Malkuth) with the world of feelings and emotions (Netzach

- Victory).

Notes:


ר

Yesod

Atziluth Shaddai El Chai Briah Archangel Gabriel Yetzirah Kerubim, the Strong Assiah Moon Tarot The four Nines Color: Violet Virtue Independence Vice Idleness Symbols Perfumes, Sandals Spiritual Experience: Vision of the Machinery of the Universe – experiencing the natural order and one’s part in the whole.

The 30th Path The Collecting Intelligence

“Divine consciousness, the inner light of the world perfected.”

Hebrew: ר Resh (Head) Tarot: The Sun / Color: Orange

Astrology: Sol (Sun) Sound: D / Symbol: Hexagram

Myth: Awakening the Mind Experiences: Meadows and forests, rich

vegetation; a school or observatory; a temple; flight or ascent; instruction by

non-physical beings. Entities: Lions & solar animals, sages &

teachers. Meditation: “To transmute erroneous

thoughts and emotions.” Mystery: Initiation of inner light.

Hod


God Assiah Mercury Tarot The four Eights Color: Orange Virtue Truthfulness Vice Lies/Falsehood Symbols Names (sound),


Spiritual Experience: Vision of Splendour – Beauty of the manifest world.

The 30th path connects the subconscious world of Yesod with Hod, the world of the Mind. This is the path of human intellect and conscious awareness, including the ability to perceive and focus our attention.

The word Resh means Head, referring to the conscious and intellectual aspect of our nature. This includes the brain and the other organs of perception. Other qualities include leadership and organization. Astrological qualities associated with the Sun, which rules this path, are similar. The Sun is the leader of our Solar System, organizing consciousness and directing our lives.

The term Collecting Intelligence can be understood in terms of the functions of the conscious mind to observe, gather, sort, and discern the world. References to astrologers in the text are implying the entire realm of scientific inquiry and the ways we use our mind to gather data, observe patterns, and understand the Universe. The symbol of the Hexagram is a reflection of the Hexagram of Yesod and represents the integration of personality and higher self. Interestingly, the path of the Sun from Yesod leads to Hod, not to Tipareth. A different quality of awareness is required to cross the Veil.

The tarot image of The Sun communicates the ways that solar illumination interfaces with the physical world, including polarity, boundaries, and symbols from the past. The circling zodiac, the “12 rays of the Sun,” implies the overarching guidance of Nuit and higher consciousness to which the Sun gives us access.


ש

The 31st Path

Malkuth Atziluth Adonai ha-Aretz Briah Archangel Sandalphon Yetzirah Eschim, Souls of Fire Assiah Sphere of the

Elements Tarot The 4-10’s

The Princesses Color: Citrine, Olive, Russet,

Black Virtue Discrimination Vice Lethargy/Avarice Symbols Equal-armed Cross

The Magic Circle Spiritual Experience: Vision of the Holy Guardian Angel –Awareness of one’s higher self.

The Perpetual Intelligence Hebrew: ש Shin (Tooth or Fang) Tarot: XX The Aeon (Judgment)

“The flame of the one life is eternal.” Color: Glowing Orange-Scarlet

Astrology: Element of Fire Sound: C

Symbols: Pentacle. Salt, Tav Cross Mythology:

Experiences: Entities:

Mystery: Resurrection Meditation: “Cosmic Consciousness”

Hod Atziluth Elohim Tzabaot Briah Archangel Michael Yetzirah Benin Elohim, Sons of

God Assiah Mercury

Tarot The 4-8’s Color: Orange Virtue Truthfulness Vice Lies/Falsehood Symbols Names (sound),


Spiritual Experience: Vision of Splendour – the Beauty of the manifest world.

The 31st path connects the physical world (Malkuth) with the world of the mind (Hod). Archangel Michael helps us move up this path, using sword and fire to help us expand our consciousness. He helps us burn through whatever aspects of the personality (ego) hold us back from transcending limiting perspectives. The word Shin means tooth. The work of this path helps us release attachment to outcome. By surrendering limiting perspective we are able to more consciously participate in the infinite potentials of co-creation, which is one of the acquisitions of Hod.


Malkuth

Atziluth Adonai ha-Aretz Briah Archangel Sandalphon Yetzirah Eschim, Souls of Fire Assiah Sphere of the Elements

Tarot The 4-10’s The Princesses

Color: Citrine, Olive, Russet, Black

Virtue Discrimination Vice Lethargy/Avarice Symbols Equal-armed Cross

The Magic Circle Spiritual Experience: Vision of the Holy Guardian Angel, awareness of one’s higher self.

ת The 32nd Path

The Administrative Intelligence

Hebrew: ת Tav (Cross) Tarot: XXI, The Universe Meditation Color: Indigo

Astrology: Saturn Sound:A

Magical Image: An indigo arch bearing

the letter ת in white. The door bears the image of Trump XXI.

Name of God: YHVH ALHIM Meditation: “Cosmic Consciousness” Esoteric Title: Great One of the Night

of Time Mystery: As Above, So Below

Yesod

Atziluth Shaddai El Chai Briah Archangel Gabriel Yetzirah Kerubim, the Strong Assiah Moon

Tarot The 4-9’s Color: Violet Virtue Independence Vice Idleness Symbols Perfumes, Sandals,

Altar Spiritual Experience: Vision of the Machinery of the Universe – Experiencing the natural order and one’s part in the whole.

The 32nd path connects the physical world of form, Malkuth, with Yesod, the nonphysical world of energetic matrices that predate form. It is “all that there is.” Yesod is the realm of integration of all the previous worlds, the funnel that brings energy into form. Malkuth is the realm of physical experience and manifestation in space and time. In this way, through Yesod, the 32nd path connects the entire tree with the physical realm and body of Earth.

The 32nd path mediates between these two worlds. It is called the Administrative Intelligence because it directs the actions of the seven planets in all their operations. Moving upward on the path of the initiate, it represents leaving the known (physical) world and expanding into new realms and realities. Moving down it is the final descent of light into material form. In imagery the 32nd path is often associated with travel to the underworld, such as journeying to inner rivers, caverns and caves; crossing a narrow bridge; the starlit night sky. The Egyptian crocodile deity Sobek is a helper here who teaches us how to navigate the darkness, as is Anubis who assists in all forms of travel including to the underworld. The myth of Persephone and Hades is another archetype of the journey on this path.

One of the mysteries of Tav and the cross is that we are both Kether and Malkuth, both pure light and dense form. We fulfill our highest purpose by recognizing and drawing down our inner light, as well as by recognizing and drawing up the light in all that is. In this way we call forth and evoke the divine in the manifest world. By exploring the mystery of this path, “As Above, So Below,” we discover the light within.

the 11th path the scintillating (fiery) intelligence chokmah...

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