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Sephirotic Tree of Life: initiatory keys

By : Veronique - Categories : All about symbols

In Kabbalah (mostly limited to the esoteric tradition of Judaism), the Tree of Life symbolically represents the laws of the Universe (some authors compare it to the Tree of Life mentioned in Genesis). Its description is considered to be that of the cosmogony (explanation of the formation of the world) of Kabbalistic mysticism.

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What does Kabbalah mean?

The word Kabbalah comes from "Ka-Ba-La": this term comes from the ancient land of the Pharaohs, the Sons of the Sun. It refers to the body, soul and spirit of the Tradition of the Children of Light.

" Ka" designates the body of Tradition manifested in the world by Pharaoh, i.e. the Master, the embodied representative of Tradition. He is the guarantor of the transmission of the body and memory of this timeless, primordial tradition. This is why Jesus, in his own time, would say: "No one can go to the Father without going through me", without going through the living Tradition incarnated by a man prepared and consecrated for this mission.

" Ba" refers to the soul of Tradition, which opens the way to flight into the higher worlds and union with the Spirit.

" La" is the Spirit of Tradition, the Father. In the musical scale, it's the note that harmonizes all the others. Thus, "A" represents the origin, the center and the summit, the living unity of multiple voices.

The word "Kabala" means "Tradition", "transmission", but the secret lies in the one who transmits . The esoteric doctrine of the Hebrews traces this tradition back to Moses, who, after receiving the tablets of the Law through Enoch, transmitted only part of it to the people, reserving the rest for those initiated into the most sacred mysteries.

Omraam Mickael Aivanhov called Kabbalah "a very special science, a study different from all others: it requires special qualities on the part of those who wish to undertake it. It's even advisable not to start before the age of forty. And not just anyone: only those who are predestined for it, who have the mental and psychic capacity for it, but who also possess moral qualities that will prevent them from using this knowledge for personal gain."

Who is the Kabbalah god?

In Kabbalah, the concept of God is complex and often goes beyond traditional definitions. Kabbalah teaches that God is the ultimate divine Essence, beyond all human understanding. This Essence is often called the Ein Sof, which literally means "endless" or "limitless." To go further, the Ein Sof is considered the source of all creation and existence, transcending the limits of space, time and form.

In Kabbalah, Ein Sof is often described as infinite light, a primordial energy that fills the entire universe. This divine Essence is both immanent, that is to say present in every aspect of creation, and transcendent, beyond any physical manifestation. It is both the source of existence and existence itself, the alpha and omega of all reality.

Kabbalah also teaches the existence of ten divine emanations, called sephirot, which act as channels through which divine energy manifests in the world. These sephirot represent different aspects of divinity, such as wisdom, mercy, strength, beauty, etc. Each sephira is a manifestation of the Ein Sof in the material world, and together they form the Tree of Life, symbolizing the structure of the universe and the relationship between God and creation.

What are the 10 Sephiroth?

Kabala's entire teaching is based on a diagram that represents all the hierarchies of Creation working under the sacred command of the Father, the one God, who manifests Himself through a multiplicity of visible and invisible creatures. Indeed, the word "hierarchy" etymologically means "sacred commandment".

This diagram, found in different forms in many traditions, is called the Tree of Life in the Bible.

It's made up of ten spheres (plus one hidden one): the one at the top is called Kether, meaning "the crown"; the one at the bottom, which carries the whole structure, represents the earth and is called Malchut, meaning "the kingdom".

It could also be called "the world of royalty"; it's the Earth of the living, not just the earth as we see it with our outer senses, but the earth as the living book of the high knowledge of the Gods, guardian of all the secrets of man and the universe.

In the Tree of Life diagram, the sphere of Malkout, like that of Kether, is divided into four parts. It is the Earth of the living, the perfect world, i.e. Kether, the crown of the King of kings. Thus, the four elements that make up the earth (Malkout) are reunited with their divine origin, kept pure by the four Archangels (Kéther).

We find all these mysteries in Egyptian civilization through the four-sided pyramids and the Sphinx, as well as in Christianity through Christ (the King of kings, Osiris) surrounded by the four Holy Animals (the four Archangels) of the Sphinx and on earth by the four Evangelists.

Kabbalists divide the universe into ten regions or sephiroth, corresponding to the first 10 numbers. These numbers are originally purely abstract realities, but as they descend into denser regions, they become clothed in matter.

This is why each of the ten sephiroth possesses not only a spirit (the number), but also a soul, an intellect, a heart and finally a physical body to house them. As this structure is repeated in all ten sephiroth, there are five aspects to study for each.

- Kether, royal diadem or crown (Center of Creative Will, inspiration of the Universe.)
- Hokmah, prudence and wisdom (Source of Cosmic Energy, pure Love and Wisdom.)
- Binah, construction or formation (Center of Crystallization, Form and thus, Feminine pole of the Universe.)
- Hésed (Center of Organization and Concretization, Abundance, Power and Autonomy.)
- Gébourah (Abode of the "celestial surgeon" who acts to ensure that Cosmic Laws are respected. It is the Masculine Center of the Universe.)
- Tiphéret (Link between the Spirit Worlds and Material Realities, this Center implants Consciousness in Man.)
- Netzach (Center of Inspiring Beauty, of the Materialization of Love.)
- Hod (Center that applies the Laws of the Binah Sphere at a level close to the Material Dimension. This is the final stage of Life Plan Elaboration.)
- Iésod (Center that produces Material Reality. It transmits information from Higher Consciousness Tiphereth to the Physical World and vice versa.)
- Malkout (Center representing Physical Reality, associated with Planet Earth.)

All symbolic representations, all magical ceremonies, all theurgy, all rituals, even mass, are inspired by the Tree of Life. Numbers, colors and symbolic shapes are to be found everywhere, all coming in bits and pieces from this Kabbalistic tradition. Even the 22 tarot cards have their origins in the Tree of Life.

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Kether (Crown)

The highest sephira of the Crown tree (Keter). It is the beginning of a manifestation, positive, but indefinable because it still has no connection with anything else. It symbolizes divine infinity, the Ein Sof. Kether is the starting point of creation, the source of all energy and manifestation. It embodies the pure essence of divine will and the driving force behind the very existence of the universe.

Tipheret (Beauty)

With Tipheret, meaning beauty, another dimension is added; as well as the four elements and “above” and “below”. The number six brings the notions of past and future and self-awareness. Tipheret is the divine beauty, harmony and balance that emanates from the union of opposing forces. It represents the perfection of creation, the integration of the masculine and feminine aspects, as well as the forces of mercy and rigor. Tipheret is the center of balance of the tree, reflecting the splendor of the universe in all its diversity.

Hokmah (Wisdom)

To the right of Keter, just below, is the sephira of Hokhmah or Divine Wisdom, the creative force that gives birth to the universe. It represents intuitive inspiration, mystical knowledge and the ability to perceive the deepest truths of existence. Hokmah is the starting point for the manifestation of divine energy in the world, the first spark of consciousness in the ocean of existence.

Netzach (Victory)

Netzach, or victory, is the next of the sephira. It is located below Hesed. It represents the notion of emotional nature and the pure joy of existing. Despite the possibility of suffering, the soul is happy to manifest itself in human form. Netzach is divine victory, the force of perseverance and creativity that triumphs over adversity. It represents the life force, passion and determination necessary to achieve spiritual goals. Netzach embodies success in life, victory over challenges and the ability to manifest one's highest aspirations.

Binah (Intelligence)

To the left of Hokhmah is Binah, which means “understanding.” This forms a triangle and the three numbers define each other. These first three Sephiroth represent Atziluth, the element of fire. Binah is divine understanding, the force that gives structure and form to creation. It symbolizes the ability to understand, discern and synthesize knowledge. Binah is also associated with the feminine dimension of divinity, representing fertility, creativity and nurturing power.

Hod (Glory)

Hod, or Glory, symbolizes the intellectual nature, or thought. Hod is the divine glory, the intellect and reflection that guides the understanding of the universe. It symbolizes clarity of thought, self-control and the discipline necessary to achieve wisdom. Hod is associated with the analysis and understanding of the mysteries of existence, as well as the practice of spiritual discipline.

Hesed (Mercy)

Then, descending from the Tree, below Hokhmah, is Hesed, or Mercy. From now on, the Universe contained in the Tree can have four elements and four directions, and form a square. Hesed is divine mercy, the force of kindness and generosity that spreads throughout the universe. She embodies unconditional love, compassion and grace. Hesed is the principle of abundance and benevolence, providing balance to the more rigorous forces of the tree.

Iesod (Foundation)

Yesod, the Foundation, the Ground, brings the notion of Sense of Being, adding to the emotional and intellectual natures of Tiphereth and Netzach to give man a sense of reality. Iesod is the divine foundation, the channel between the higher and lower dimensions of the Tree of Life. It represents stability, connection and loyalty. Iésod facilitates the communication and manifestation of divine energies in the physical world, serving as a bridge between the spiritual and material worlds.

Gebourah (Strength)

To the left of Hesed is Gebourah, which means strength. This implies the idea of time, without which nothing can happen in the Universe as we experience it. Gebourah is the divine force, rigor and discipline necessary to maintain order in the universe. It represents divine judgment, justice and the ability to make difficult decisions. Gébourah is responsible for the strict application of the laws of the universe and the balance of cosmic forces.

Malkout (Kingdom)

The last sephira, located at the foot of the tree, is called Malkhut, or the Kingdom. Here, the emptiness represented by zero has become manifest and self-awareness is fully developed within a physical world. It is ideally located at the base of the tree since it constitutes the sphere of all life on Earth. Malkut is the divine realm, the final manifestation of divine energy in the material world. It represents the realization of ideas and spiritual aspirations in daily life. Malkout embodies the materialization of divine will in the world, the realization of divine designs through human existence.

What is the Cabalistic Tree in practice?

The number 10, made up of 1 and 0, represents spirit and matter. The 1 represents the masculine principle and the 0 the feminine principle, and the two together represent matter animated by life. The Seal of Solomon, with the male and female triangles entwined, represents the same 2 principles.

How do we work with the ten, which is the number of Malkout?

Malkout is the tenth sephira, summing up all that is above and all that is below (the 1 and the 0, spirit and matter) and indicating to the disciple the work to be done: rise by thought to the summit, then descend to animate, vivify and purify the physical body (for this is what Malkout is), in order to imbue it with the qualities and virtues of the other nine sephiroth.

In this way, a new body is formed, a new etheric body, the body of light.

Whoever succeeds in linking in himself Malchut to the other sephiroth realizes the ten and possesses wealth, plenitude.

The number 10 is that of success, symbolizing the realization of all the other numbers.

It is also possible to work with the Sephirotic Tree by considering the division into three pillars.

On the left, the pillar that joins Binah to Hod is the pillar of rigor, of severity: Jakin.

On the right, the pillar that joins Hokmah to Netzach is the pillar of mercy, of clemency: Boaz.

These are the two pillars of Solomon's Temple.

In the middle, the pillar of balance, which carries Malchut, Iesod, Tipheret, Daath and Kether.

The Kabbalistic or Sephirotic Tree of Life

The symbolism of this Tree of Life is much deeper, more esoteric, and it's perhaps for this reason that little information of this kind can be found on the web.

Omraam Michael Aivanhov said of it: "The Sephirotic Tree of the Kabbalah, or Kabbalistic Tree of Life, is not a scientific description of our universe, but a mystical system of explanation of the world. Through meditation and contemplation, the exceptional minds who conceived it managed to grasp a cosmic reality, which they translated into images and symbols.

From Ain Soph Aur, the Endless Light, to Malhut, the Earth, the Sephirotic Tree tells us how divine Life circulates in the universe. Try to nourish yourself daily with its fruits. You may never fully understand this figure, let alone realize the virtues and powers it represents, but it will be there for you as the image of an ideal world that will always pull you upwards.

The tree of Kabbalah is the Tree of Life in the middle of the cosmic ocean. Kabbalists call this cosmic ocean Aïn Soph Aour, the endless light, the universal creative energy.

The ancient Egyptians called it Nut, meaning the primordial waters.

The Tree of Life is you, it's me, and you are in the middle of this ocean of energy.

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History tells us that the Father created a being we might call Adam-Eve, who was God-like. There was no division in him, he was unique, perfect, but he had this capacity within him to bring forth falsehood and to choose good or evil.

The Kabbalah tells us that Eve associated with Samael, the Archangel of the Sephira (from the Hebrew sefira, plural sefirot; designates a creative power, a force of action in our reality) Geboura, and that Adam associated with Lilith, the principle of the moon, the Sephira Iesoda.

Rudolf Steiner says that Adam associated with Iévé, and Eve with Élohim, meaning "the Gods". Eve was associated with the gods, i.e. with everything visible. Animals, trees, stones, water, air and earth are divine, but we can no longer see them because of the fall.

Eve was therefore seduced by the environment, i.e. she turned her senses outwards, separating herself from Adam, who is inward. Adam sought to keep in touch with a higher world, while Eve wanted to go towards existence, towards matter.

This is where the fall takes place.

Adam-Eve turned their eyes from the divine world to nothingness. And since these beings were bearers of the divine seed, they created the world of non-existence in which all beings were led into prison.

Elohim became a descending being, the satanic principle, which is materialization and matter. Iévé also degenerated and sank into the fall, becoming the Luciferian principle, which seeks to ascend and keep the link with the divine world.

These two satanic and Luciferian principles materialized and incarnated through men called Cain and Abel. Cain, the strong, the violent, the creator of destruction, killed Abel, crushing the lamb, gentleness, beauty and purity.

The same symbolism can be found in ancient Egypt, with Seth in the place of Cain and Osiris in the place of Abel: earth and sky.

Seth killed his brother Osiris, not to make him disappear, but to enslave him, to put him at his service. Osiris goes to the worlds beyond, while Set takes control of the earth.

Isis is the central figure who, together with Horus, reconstitutes Osiris' body to gain kingship over the earth and balance the two worlds. It's obviously a parable, but these three worlds, these three currents, exist today, and we're inevitably inside them.

In the Eve/Cain/Seth lineage, we find the chosen ones, the kings, the rulers, the politicians, the businessmen, while in the Adam/Abel/Osiris lineage, we find the people, behind whom there are intelligences at the service of a divine world that has been false and usurped since the fall.

Is the usurper negative? No, we live with this being every day of our lives.

The important thing is to observe and study this knowledge in order to understand our environment and our inner state of being. It's a path to knowledge. Only knowledge can save us.

At the top of the Tree of Life, we find a triangle in which there is an eye, the eye of Horus who triumphs over Set because of this divine eye, which is the path of pure initiation.

The two paths go up and unite at this point, which becomes the union of worlds, the divine world, eternity.

The two worlds engendered by Adam and Eve, the lineages of Abel and Cain, are divided into eight degrees of evolution, from the totally unconscious human being to the being who has climbed to the top of the human ladder through his knowledge of esoteric laws and who governs the world.

This human hierarchy can help us develop our discernment in the face of the invisible worlds that surround us and can manipulate us without our knowledge.

There is something that unifies everything. This is what Pythagoras called esotericism.

What is esotericism?

Esotericism is what we can't see with our physical eyes. Thoughts, feelings and will are esoteric: they are subtle worlds that act through us and animate us. What we think, what we feel, what we want cannot be seen, unless we manifest these worlds through our actions.

If we go towards this esotericism, towards this science which consists in looking behind things, we see that behind thought, behind feeling, behind will are hidden beings and worlds. It's a fundamental vision.

Man doesn't naturally gravitate towards the esoteric. He only looks at what falls under his gaze, under his senses. It takes a great deal of internalization, meditation andobservation to begin to discern the things we can't see at first glance. We must observe with great neutrality, without any judgment.

Meaning and explanation of the Tree of Life in Kabbalah

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Human beings are created in the image of the Tree of Life. kether is in him, and also Hokmah, Binah, Hessed.... With all their elements, entities, activities and materials. This is why true self-knowledge comes through the Tree of Life.


Kether is the head.
Hokmah the right eye and the right side of the face.
Binah is the left eye and the left side of the face.
Hessed the right arm.
Gebourah the left arm.
Tiphéret the heart and solar plexus.
Netzach the right leg.
Hod the left leg.
Iésod the sex.
Malkout the feet.

To know oneself is to see the immensity that man represents internally, with all the regions and links that exist between them. For the ten sephiroth of the Kabbalistic tree are not separate from one another, but linked, and a whole life circulates between them. This is expressed by the 22 paths that lead from one to the other.

Unfortunately, in man the tenth sephira, Malkut, earth, has become detached from heaven. This is why we must now re-establish the link, re-establish the number ten.

The ten sephirot exist in the universe, they exist all ten together, but it's in man that they don't exist together because man has severed the link. And it is this link that must be re-established.

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Sources (and to go further on the subject):

Les Fruits de l'Arbre de Vie - la tradition kabbalistique, Ed. Prosveta
La voie de l'illumination, Ed. Essénia

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3 comments

Mandalashop - 04/25/2024 13:49:56


To Lma: I guess you are talking about Kabbalah, right? Esoteric teachings often delve into areas of mysticism that can be perceived as magical to those unfamiliar with them. Kabbalistic teachings often employ intricate symbols, rituals and practices aimed at spiritual elevation and connection with the divine. Some of thes rituals and symbols might appear magical or occult.

Ima - 03/23/2024 12:09:22


Why was Kalala associated with magic?

Walter - 05/21/2022 18:32:21


Muchas gracias Excelente explicación, genial para empezar un trabajo espiritual y así conocerse uno así mismo, de quien somos verdaderamente.