1.Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011 2010 Edition If you like this bookplease consider a small donationThank you!pg. 2

2. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011AstroQab Publishing 2010First Electronic Edition 2007Date of Original Publication: 3rd April, 20072010 Edition First Published: 21st June, 2010Author: Patrick MulcahyEmail: mallukh_ahi@yahoo.comWebsite: www.astroqab.co.nrpg. 3 3. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011ContentsCONTENTS ............................................................................................... 4 ILLUSTRATIONS ......................................................................................................... 6PREFACE 2010 ........................................................................................... 9INTRODUCTION .................................................................................... 11FORMATION OF THE TREE OF LIFE ............................................... 21 AIN SOF ...................................................................................................................21 KETER ......................................................................................................................27 HOCKMAH AND BINAH..........................................................................................31 DAAT.......................................................................................................................35 HESED......................................................................................................................41 GEBURAH ................................................................................................................43 HOD .........................................................................................................................45 TIFARET ...................................................................................................................47 YESOD......................................................................................................................49 NETZAH ...................................................................................................................53DIVISION OF THE TREE OF LIFE .....................................................57 LIGHT AND DARKNESS ..........................................................................................57 DAY AND NIGHT ....................................................................................................61TWO TREES OF LIFE .............................................................................65 TREE OF THE SOUL ................................................................................................65 THE TWELVE SIMPLE LETTERS.............................................................................79 TREE OF THE UNIVERSE ........................................................................................95 MALKUT.................................................................................................................103 THE TWELVE TRIBES ...........................................................................................107 THE SHEKINAH.....................................................................................................113THE POLYHEX KEY TO THE PATHWAYS...................................... 121 pg. 4 4. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011 THE GEOMETRIC MODEL................................................................................... 121THE ELEMENTS AND THE TREE ................................................... 143 ALEF ...................................................................................................................... 143 MAYM .................................................................................................................... 145 SHIN....................................................................................................................... 151 ALEF, MAYM, AND SHIN ..................................................................................... 163SECRET PATHWAYS ............................................................................ 167 THE NOSE OF MACROPROSOPUS ....................................................................... 167 THE LIPS OF MICROPROSOPUS ........................................................................... 174 THE HIDDEN PATHWAYS OF QOF AND SAMECK............................................. 179 THE MYSTERY OF DAAT .................................................................................... 187THE HOLY NAME: YHVH - HVHY ................................................... 193 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................... 193 VH - HV ............................................................................................................... 194 YH - HY................................................................................................................ 199 BREATH FROM BREATH ....................................................................................... 205CONCLUSION ....................................................................................... 213APPENDIX ONE .................................................................................... 239 THE MYSTERY OF THE TEN SEFIROT ................................................................ 239APPENDIX TWO.................................................................................... 251 SOME RELATED ESOTERIC COMMENTS ............................................................ 251 Mothers, Doubles, and Elementals ....................................................................... 251 Malkut - Twelve Simple Letter Pathways............................................................. 252 Thought, Understanding, Voice, Utterance ........................................................... 254 Joseph Represents Yesod ....................................................................................... 257 The Mystery of Daat .......................................................................................... 259 The Mystery of Daat - Part Two......................................................................... 261 The Community of Israel ..................................................................................... 263 The Great Voice ................................................................................................. 270 The Fall of Adam ............................................................................................... 272 pg. 5 5. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011The Naming of Seth.............................................................................................274The Holy Covenant ..............................................................................................277The Four Hayyoth ...............................................................................................279Esau Corresponds with Hod.................................................................................283The Well of Daat - Part One ............................................................................287The Well of Daat - Part Two ............................................................................291Jacob Wrestles with Samael ..................................................................................295Samael... A Further Elaboration .........................................................................298The Four Sons of the Concubines ..........................................................................299The Shekinah and the Twelve Tribes ....................................................................303The Shekinah and the Twelve Tribes - Part Two ..................................................307The Eight Firmaments .........................................................................................309The Ways and Paths............................................................................................312Nefesh, Ruach, and Neshamah ............................................................................316ESOTERIC SERVICES .......................................................................... 319IllustrationsFigure 1 : Tree of Life (One of many variations) ...................................................13Figure 2 : The Berashit Sequence of Sefirotic Unfoldment ..................................17Figure 3 : Leadbeaters Anu.....................................................................................18Figure 4 : Ain Sof........................................................................................................25Figure 5 : Keter ...........................................................................................................29Figure 6 : Hockmah & Binah ....................................................................................32Figure 7 : Daat............................................................................................................36Figure 8 : Hesed ..........................................................................................................42Figure 9 : Geburah .....................................................................................................44Figure 10 : Hod ...........................................................................................................46Figure 11 : Tifaret .......................................................................................................48Figure 12 : Yesod ........................................................................................................52Figure 13 : Netzah ......................................................................................................54Figure 14 : The Seven Double Letter Sefirot ..........................................................55Figure 15 : Three Sefirot of Light; Three Sefirot of Darkness .............................59Figure 16 : Three Sefirot of Day; Three Sefirot of Night .....................................63Figure 17 : Four sides from one portion .............................................................69Figure 18 : Four sides from the part of His countenance .................................73pg. 6 6. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011Figure 19 : Four sides from another part of the periphery ............................... 73Figure 20 : One above the skull ........................................................................... 74Figure 21 : The Seven Double Letter Facial Features and Major BodilyAttributes .................................................................................................................... 75Figure 22 : The Four Compass Points .................................................................... 82Figure 23 : Compass and Astrological Wheel ......................................................... 83Figure 24 : The Three Eastern Boundaries ............................................................. 85Figure 25 : The Three Southern Boundaries .......................................................... 86Figure 26 : The Three Western Boundaries............................................................ 87Figure 27 : The Three Northern Boundaries ......................................................... 88Figure 28 : The Twelve Simple Letter Pathways .................................................... 90Figure 29 : Tree of Life (Soul) ................................................................................. 93Figure 30 : The Tree of Life (Universe) .................................................................. 95Figure 31 : The Seven Lower Sefirot and the Zodiacal Circle ............................. 96Figure 32 : The Astrological Pyramid ...................................................................... 97Figure 33 : The Astrological Pyramid (Upright) .................................................... 98Figure 34 : The Addition of Malkut ...................................................................... 104Figure 35 : Malkut: Astrological and Hebrew Versions ...................................... 105Figure 36 : Tree of the Universe : Twelve Tribes Version ................................ 112Figure 37 : Aligning Consciousness with the Shekinah....................................... 118Figure 38 : The Merging of Spirit & Form ........................................................... 122Figure 39 : Tree of Life Polyhexagon .................................................................... 123Figure 40 : The Genesis & Tree of Life Polyhexes ............................................. 124Figure 41 : The Merging of the Spirit & Form Polyhexes .................................. 125Figure 42 : The Tree of Life Polyhexagon ............................................................ 126Figure 43 : The Soul Principle (Green) ................................................................. 127Figure 44 : Polyhexagon Tree of Life Hebrew ............................................... 129Figure 45 : Tree of Life Traditional & Polyhex Designs ............................... 131Figure 46 : The Hierarchical Arrangement of the Hebrew Letters ................... 134Figure 47 : Tree of Life : 3+7+12 Pathways ........................................................ 138Figure 48 : The Polyhex Tree of Life (Revised) ................................................... 140Figure 49 : The Path of Alef .................................................................................. 144Figure 50 : The Path of Maym ............................................................................... 149Figure 51 : The Path of Shin .................................................................................. 153Figure 52 : The Astrological Pyramid (plus Shin) ................................................ 155Figure 53 : The Lower Sefirot and Zodiac (plus Shin and Maym) .................... 157Figure 54 : The Sefirot and the Chakras ............................................................... 158Figure 55 : The Tree of Life (Full Hebrew Version) ........................................... 159Figure 56 : The Tree of Life (Full Astrological Version) .................................... 160Figure 57 : Tree of Life (Full Twelve Tribes Version) ........................................ 161pg. 7 7. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011Figure 58 : The Hidden Paths of Maym and Shin ................................................169Figure 59 : The Qof and Sameck Pathways ..........................................................180Figure 60 : The ShM Pillar.......................................................................................184Figure 61 : The ShM Pillar & the Octahedron .....................................................185Figure 62 : The Cup of Salvation............................................................................191Figure 63 : The Astrological Pyramid ....................................................................197Figure 64 The Reconfigured Tree of Life .............................................................210Figure 65 : Edenic Consciousness ..........................................................................219Figure 66 : Paths of Judgment ................................................................................222Figure 67 : Elemental Fire and Water ....................................................................225Figure 68 : Covenant and Circumcision ................................................................228Figure 69 : The Shabbat and the Tree of Life .......................................................231Figure 70 : The 42 Copulations & BRAShTh .......................................................268Figure 71 : The Covenant The Pathway of Shin ...............................................269Figure 72 : The Four Mutable Pathways Green ................................................302 pg. 8 8. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011Preface 2010This 2010 edition of my book Formation of the Tree of Life contains some minor editing of the original text as well as some cosmetic changes, but the Tree of Life formation formula1 that I initially expounded in the 2007 edition remains unaltered and continues in its role as the centralfocus of this work.I have used a larger book format in this 2010 production (i.e. following asuggestion made to me a long time ago by one of my readers). The conversionturned out to require a lot of work, but hopefully it will make this edition easierto read.Please excuse the variant English spelling of some Hebrew word transliterationsfound in this book. They are mostly due to the personal spelling preferences ofthe translators whose passages I have quoted.Ive added a new chapter to this edition called The Polyhex Key to thePathways. This chapter was going to be included in my upcoming book HolyTemple of Magic, but its content relates so strongly to the theme of this book thatI decided to include it here instead.Ive also added a concluding chapter that was originally going to serve as anintroduction to my upcoming book Holy Temple of Magic. It too, seems to fitmore comfortably in the present volume because it ties together a lot of theesoteric principles outlined in this book.In this new 2010 edition I have added a couple of appendices containingmaterial that readers of my website and newsgroups might recognize. AppendixOne contains an article that I wrote a while ago about the ten sefirot and theSefer Yetzirah.1 That is, the formula that determines the arrangement of the ten sefirot and twenty-two Hebrewletter pathways. pg. 9 9. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011Appendix Two is composed of a string of short esoteric comments and Zoharcommentaries that I posted to my newsgroups over the last few years. They alldeal with topics germane to the theme of this book.I also decided to add a new chapter that touches on the hidden (orreconfigured) pathways of Qof and Sameck. I knew of the existence of thesetwo hidden Maym and Shin pathways (i.e. extending to Daat) when I wrotethe first edition of this book back in 2007, but I didnt know (back then) theidentity of the two Hebrew Simple letters that are associated with them. Theiridentity was only revealed to me this year (2010) as an unexpected consequenceof my discovery of the polyhex key to the pathways.There are some other changes and additions that youll discover as you perusethis book. The unlabeled plates that appear throughout are merely space-fillers,but interesting none-the-less. Theyre artistically enhanced photocopies froman old Latin manuscript of Kabbala Denudata.I dont know when my new book Holy Temple of Magic will be completedperhaps in 2011. It will provide a practical kabbalah component thatcomplements the theoretical principles described in this book. I also have abook on astrological angel magic due for release.I hope you enjoy this new 2010 edition of Formation of the Tree of Life.Patrick Mulcahy19th June, 2010 & 25th May, 2011pg. 10 10. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011IntroductionWhat follows is essentially an extended meditation on the kabbalistic Tree of Life mandala during which a new vision of the Tree of Life is formulated. Perhaps paradoxically, this new vision is derived from information encoded in several well-known ancient traditionalkabbalistic sources: The Book of Creation (Sefer Berashit)2, The Book of Formation(Sefer Yetzirah)3, The Book of Concealed Mystery (Sefer Dtzenioutha), The GreaterHoly Assembly (Ha Idra Rabba Qadisha), and The Lesser Holy Assembly (Ha IdraZuta Qadisha)4. There is a common thread running through all of these classictexts. Formation of the Tree of Life seeks to follow that thread and by means of it tounify (to a certain extent) the knowledge contained in those five ancient books.This book is filled with hypotheses and speculations. I had originally planned tomake it simply a picture book without any accompanying commentary, but Iwas asked by a friend: What is my personal interpretation of this series of Treediagrams? So I decided to include my own interpretations, along with thediagrams, for those who might be interested. The diagrams however, can beusefully studied without reading my commentary at all. In fact, you willprobably discover levels of meaning that I have altogether missed as you perusethem. Essentially, this book is meant to be a visual meditation on the Tree ofLife mandala, and should be treated as such.2The first book of the Pentateuch. Its called the Book of Genesis in the English Bible. Berashitliterally translates as in the beginning. All quotes used in this book are from the King James version.3 The Sefer Yetzirah is of unknown origin, but is considered to be ancient. It is one of the most reveredbooks of the Kabbalah. All Sefer Yetzirah quotes used in this book are taken from Aryeh Kaplanstranslation of the GRA version. See: Sefer Yetzirah, by Aryeh Kaplan. Weiser, 1990. Quotes can beidentified by the abbreviation: SY.4 These last three books belong to the larger work known as the Zohar. Quotes used in this book arefrom the Soncino Edition, and from Mathers translation of Knorr von Rosenroths Latin version.See: The Kabbalah Unveiled, by S. L. MacGregor Mathers. Weiser, 1968. Quotes from the Zohar can beidentified by the abbreviations: BCM, GHA, and LHA. pg. 11 11. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011If you are already well-versed in the Kabbalah and familiar with the Tree of Lifediagram, then as you delve into these pages it is probable that my newarrangement of the twenty-two Hebrew letter pathways will challenge yourexisting preconceptions about the Tree of Life. You may even think to yourself:Not another path arrangement! Read on however, and you will soon realisethat these placements are by no means arbitrary or superficial. On the contrary,there is a definite and profound reason and purpose for each and everyplacement. In fact, I think you will be surprised at the amazing simplicity andobviousness of the schemes basic metaphysical premise. The formula is, infact, so simple and so obvious that once you have grasped it there is no need tomemorise the Hebrew letter pathway correspondences. You can easilydetermine the Hebrew letter attribution of any Tree of Life pathway merely byapplying the formula to the Tree diagram.The kabbalistic Tree of Life diagram consists of thirty-two organised andinterdependent components. Its structure defines the basic metaphysicalarchitecture that underlies, supports, and sustains the universe and everything init. Kabbalists throughout the centuries have put forward many and variousconfigurations of the ten sefirot and their twenty-two interconnecting pathways,and there have been many proposed arrangements of the twenty-two Hebrewletters upon the pathways. What I am presenting here is a new configurationthat differs considerably to previous versions because its based on the formulaof Creation. As such, it demonstrates in a step-by-step process how the Treeunfolds into manifestation, and it reveals very plainly the fundamental dynamicsoperating within the kabbalistic Tree of Life.In all my writings I have never sought to appeal to kabbalists of thetraditionalist, ultra-orthodox5 variety. I believe the Kabbalah is a living tradition,and my work an exploration into new kabbalistic realms and possibilities. Thesenew ideas have been received by me after years of studying the existingfoundation of kabbalistic thought (and other metaphysical knowledge systems).Thus, although this book builds on the past it also offers some alternative5That is, those who adhere strictly to an old version of the Kabbalah and who refuse to believe thatany useful innovation (or new interpretation) is possible or even desirable. pg. 12 12. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011interpretations of various primary source texts, and challenges some long-heldpresent-day assumptions.Figure 1 : Tree of Life (One of many variations)In bygone days traditional commentators of the Kabbalah tended to distributethe Hebrew letters amongst the pathways so that the three Mother letters weregiven to three horizontal paths, the seven Double letters were assigned to sevenvertical paths, and the twelve Simple letters were attributed to twelve diagonalpathways. (For example, see Figure 1.) That may be a valid numerically-basedpg. 13 13. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011arrangement, but I have not yet found any deeper metaphysical explanationfor those placements.The premise for the geometric arrangement is based on a particular way ofinterpreting the Sefer Yetzirah, but nowhere in the Sefer Yetzirah is it explicitlystated that the three Mother letters are assigned to three horizontal pathways, orthat the seven Double letters are assigned to seven vertical pathways.In Aryeh Kaplans translation of the Sefer Yetzirah the twelve Simple letters aredescribed as...Twelve Elementals: hwz, xjy, lno, euq. Their foundation is thetwelve diagonal boundaries [GBVLY ALKSVN, Nwokla ylwbg]...6The Hebrew phrase gvulei alakson is somewhat ambiguous. The preferredtranslation of Saadia ben Joseph is limit of the angles7. Kaplans translationdiagonal boundaries does not accurately describe the twelve diagonal pathwaysof the Tree of Life diagram. Yes they are sloping (or diagonal), but in whatsense are they boundaries?8 The Hebrew word alakson actually refers to theside of a triangle9a concept that (as you will see) resonates quite nicely withmy newly discovered path arrangement.6 Sefer Yetzirah, 5:2.7 Saadia ben Joseph (al-Fayyumi). Commentaire sur le Sfer Yesira ou Livre de la Cration par Le Gaon Saadyade Fayyoum, trans. & ed., M. Lambert, Paris, Emile Bouillon, Editeur, 1891); translated into Englishfrom the French & Hebrew by Scott Thompson and Dominique Marson, San Francisco, 1985.8 Of course, the well-known cube of space provides one explanation for the term boundaries, butthe Tree of Life can also be shown to fulfil the diagonal boundary requirement.9 According to the mathematician C. P. Benton it specifically refers to the longest side of a triangle.See: An Introduction to the Sefer Yetzirah, by Christopher P. Benton. Published in: The Maqom Journal forStudies in Rabbinic Literature, Vol VII, Winter 2004. My feeling though, is that the author of the SeferYetzirah is being more general and is referring to any side of a triangle. pg. 14 14. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011In this new arrangement, every Simple letter pathway forms one side of atriangle whose other two sides are also occupied by Simple letters. Hence, it canbe said that all the Simple letters are diagonal boundaries (or sides) of Simpleletter triangles.As you may know, the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alefbet are much morethan simply elements of language. They symbolise the twenty-two primordialarchetypes (or fundamental ideas) that are the building-blocks of Creation.In chapter one of the Sefer Berashit, the Creator is described as manifesting His 10Creation through speech. In other words, He combines and sounds forth thetwenty-two archetypes (in the pattern of the Tree of Life) and in so doingbrings the universe into being.In its commentary on the Sefer Berashit the Zohar reminds us that the Creation isbuilt upon the twenty-two universal archetypes: He [the Creator] enfolded Himself in a covering of a supernal radiance of thought and created therefrom a world. He produced from the light of that supernal radiance mighty cedars of the upper world, and placed His chariot on twenty-two graven letters which were carved into ten utterances and infixed there.1110I have assigned the masculine gender to the Creator merely for the sake of convenience. It shouldbe understood that the Creator is actually beyond the concept of gender as we conceive it. TheHebrew name used to define the Creator in the Sefer Berashit is Elohim (Myhla) which literally means:powers, rulers, judges, divine ones, angels, or gods.11 Soncino Zohar. Vol I, Pg. 111. Bereshith, 29a. Bracketed text is my own.pg. 15 15. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011The following pages illustrate how the twenty-two Hebrew letter archetypes areprogressively combined12 to produce the Tree of Life diagram. 13 In other words,this book reveals how the Creator is thought to combine the twenty-twoprimordial archetypes to produce the manifested universe.The arrangement of the twenty-two Hebrew letters upon the Tree of Lifediagram (i.e. as depicted in this book) is based on the universal kabbalisticformula: YHVH (Yud-Heh-Vav-Heh).Table 1 : Mothers, Doubles, and Simplesy - Yud Father... ? ... Ain Sofh - Heh Mother3 Mothers Keter-Hockmah-Binahw - Vav Son 7 Doubles Daat to Yesodh - Heh Daughter12 SimplesMalkutFrom the primal void (Ain Sof) emerge the three Mother letter archetypes. Thethree Mothers are inseminated by Ain Sof (the Father of All) and consequentlythey give birth to the seven Double letters archetypes (who are associated withthe Son principle). The twelve Simple letters archetypes (representing theDaughter principle) emerge into manifestation after the seven Doubles, andform Malkut. The twelve Simples become illuminated by the masculine force ofthe seven Doubles. These esoteric concepts will become clearer as you studythis book.12This process does, of course, occur outside the dimension we call Time, and therefore any orderedsequence is purely symbolic.13It is a mistake to think that the ten sefirot are divorced from the Hebrew letters, or that they arebased solely on number. The ten sefirot are called utterances in the Zohar because they arevoiced into existence by the Creator as He pronounces the Hebrew alefbet. The Hebrew letters alsorepresent numbers, but the letters themselves are considered primary forces.pg. 16 16. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011The sequence of sefirotic unfoldment used in this book is the order suggestedby the first chapter of the Book of Creation. Nine stages are identified as perFigure 2. Figure 2 : The Berashit Sequence of Sefirotic Unfoldmentpg. 17 17. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011This sequence especially emphasises the important vertical relationships thatexist between the various sefirot. It reveals in its imagery the fact that thesefirah Hod (#6 in Figure 2) is derived from Geburah (#5b); that Tifaret (#7a)and Yesod (#7b) come from Daat (#4); and that Netzah (#8) is derived fromHesed (#5a). (See: Figure 2.) Figure 3 : Leadbeaters AnuWhen the universe was created, the twenty-two primordial archetypes arrangedthemselves according to the symbolic structure of the Tree of Life and thisdesign became the archetypal basis of the ultimate atomic unit (or anu)14 of ouruniverse. It could be said that the Trees energy pattern describes the DNA of14See the book: Occult Chemistry, by Annie Besant and C. W. Leadbeater. Theosophical PublishingHouse. 1919. The anu was clairvoyantly observed by Leadbeater. Like the Tree of Life, it has a 3 + 7geometric structure. (See Figure 3.)pg. 18 18. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011Adam Kadmon15the Universal Man. Every fundamental atom (physical,astral, and mental) of our universe is built according to that divine blueprint.There are thirty-two components (i.e. thirty-two paths of wisdom)16 that constitutethe kabbalistic Tree of Life, but there are only twenty-two Hebrew letterarchetypes. Therefore, some of the twenty-two archetypes are used twice duringits construction. Each archetype however, is only used once in relation to theten sefirot, and once in relation to the twenty-two pathways.For example, there is a sefirah whose attribution is the Hebrew letter Gimel,and there is a pathway whose attribution is also Gimel. These two componentsrepresent different expressions of the Gimel archetype because one is a sefirahand the other is a pathway. A special relationship exists however, between theGimel sefirah and the Gimel pathwaya relationship whose significancebecomes self-evident when the Tree of Life structure is examined. (See below.)15Adam Kadmon is a kabbalistic representation (drawn in human form) of the macrocosm, oruniverse.16 Sefer Yetzirah, 1:1. pg. 19 19. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011pg. 20 20. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011Formation of theTree of LifeAin Sof1. In the beginning God [ALHYM, Myhla] created the heaven and the earth.2. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon theface of the deep. And the Spirit of God [RVCh ALHYM, Myhla xwr]moved upon the face of the waters [MYM, Mym].17These verses from the Sefer Berashit describe the creative breath of the Elohim.This is the inhaled breath that precedes the exhalation (and divine utterance)that brings the universe into manifestation. It is therefore associated with AinSof18.It is also closely connected to what is termed the Holy Breath and Breath of theLiving God in Sefer Yetzirah, 1:9.17 Berashit, 1:1-2.18Ain Sof (AYN SVP, Pwo Nya) means Limitless. It represents a state of being that exists prior to theformation of the Tree of Life.pg. 21 21. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011Ten Sefiroth of Nothingness: One is the Breath of the Living God.Blessed and benedicted is the name of the Life of Worlds; The voice ofbreath and speech; And this is the Holy Breath. 19The Spirit (or Breath) of God can be interpreted in these texts as kabbalisticcode for the Hebrew letter Shin (s) because like Shin, the phrase RVChALHYM (Myhla xwr) is valued 300.20In the Sefer Yetzirah the letter Shin is associated with the Fire element so thephrase Breath of God can also be understood to be associated with themovement (or action) of divine elemental Fire.You will discover as you read through the pages of this book that the Tree ofLife mandala is fundamentally based on the interaction of three primaryelements: Fire, Water, and Air. In this regard the Sefer Yetzirah will be our mainguide and much information from that sacred text will be employed during theTree building process.Divine elemental Fire (s, Shin) and Water (m, Maym) exist within Ain Sof in adormant unmixed state, but when Elohim chooses to actively combine Firewith Water divine elemental Air (a, Alef) is produced. Thus metaphoricallyspeaking, divine elemental Air is like steam that is produced when physical fireand water are brought together, or the hot vaporous breath that issues from themouth on a cold winters day.19 Sefer Yetzirah, 1:9.20The Hebrew letters each have a numerical value attached to them. For example, Shin, s = 300.When the Hebrew letters composing the term RVCh ALHYM are added together they also total 300.This traditional kabbalistic hermeneutic technique is called gematria and was sometimes employed byancient kabbalists to veil the sacred mysteries.pg. 22 22. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011The Shin archetype (as occultly described in Sefer Berashit 1:1-2) can besymbolically understood as referring to the kundalini force located within theCreators (Elohim, Myhla) base chakra. Its movement is upwards towards theMaym archetype that is (metaphorically speaking) located in the Creators crownchakra.21 As these two cosmic forces merge together and interact, a creativespark of divine Consciousness (i.e. AVR, rwa, Light) is awakened. (See below.)This awakening represents the initial point of emergence of the creativeinfluence of the Elohim into a new dimension of being. 22So when the Sefer Berashit states: the Breath of Elohim moved upon the face of thewaters it can be thought of as referring to the action of the Creator as He raiseskundalini Fire (using rhythmic breathing) and blends it with the Water elementwithin His divine consciousness, thereby producing the Air element.23As you will see (below) after the Air element appears it proceeds to separateback into its component elements Water and Fire, but as these two forcesreappear they are stepped down so as to manifest within a denser level of being.This is the basic formula of Creation: Fire and Water combine to produce Air;Air then separates back into Water and Fire, and so on. As it is written in theBook of Formation......It comes out that all that is formed, and all that is spoken, emanatesfrom one Name [ShM, Ms].2421 It is well-known that the practice of rhythmic breathing is able to stimulate the movement of thefiery serpent through the chakra system. Sefer Berashit is describing the same principle, but in a cosmicsense. As below, so above.22This principle is also reflected in the positioning of the Maym and Shin pathways above and below(and also contiguous with) the sefirah Tifaret. (See below.)23 These elements are described more fully further on in this book.24 Sefer Yetzirah, 2:5.pg. 23 23. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011The original Hebrew is: dxa Msm auwy (emanates from one Name)25, and you willnote that it contains the kabbalistic code sequence A-M-Sh-M-A (or, Air-Water-Fire-Water-Air).This process reverberates and repeats down through all the lower worlds untilthe physical universe (as symbolised by the Earth element) comes into being.25The primacy of the divine elements Fire and Water is symbolised in the Hebrew word Name(ShM) which is comprised of the letters Shin (Fire) and Maym (Water). pg. 24 24. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011Figure 4 : Ain Sofpg. 25 25. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011pg. 26 26. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011Keter3. And God said [AMR, rma], Let there be light [AVR, rwa]: and therewas light.26Let there be light (Yehi Aur, rwa yhy). These are the first words spoken by theCreator. They represent the first vibration that arises in the primordial void. TheCreator takes His breath in Ain Sof (i.e. as represented by the previous twoverses of Sefer Berashit), but it is not until He exhales and speaks that the twenty-two letters of the divine alefbet become audible and the Creation begins tomanifest.In this verse the creative Word is spoken, and its vocalisation marks theappearance of the first sefirah of the Tree of Life.From Ain Sof comes Light (AVR, rwa) and its derivative: Air (AVYR, rywa).Divine elemental Air is Light (AVR) expressing itself in the decad (Yud, Y, y).27The insertion of Yud (Y) into AVR to form AVYR represents the implantationin AVR of the structural seed and essence of the ten sefirot (i.e. represented bythe first sefirah Keter).26 Berashit, 1:3.27 Because Yud = 10.pg. 27 27. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011In the Book of Formation elemental Air is represented by the Hebrew letter Alef(A, a). It is assigned to the first sefirah called Keter and is described as Breathfrom Breath (RVCh MRVCh, xwrm xwr)28 and Breath of Air (AVYR RVCh,xwr rywa)29.The sefirah Keter is still considered to be intimately attached to Ain Sof, andtherefore it remains relatively unintelligible, or inaudible.30 The Creation doesnot become intelligible until the second and third sefirot appear.31 (See below.)Thus, within Ain Sof (i.e. the Limitless) emerges Aur (the Limitless Light),and thus also Keter and Auir (elemental Air).28 Sefer Yetzirah, 1:10.29 Sefer Yetzirah, 2:1.30Similarly, Keters associated Hebrew letter archetype Alef (an aspirate) is relatively inaudible in itspronunciation. At this stage of the creative process there is nothing for the embryonic consciousnessprinciple to attach itself to.31The universe is only able to be perceived after the concept of subject and object (or opposites)has been implemented. This occurs in the next section. (See below.)pg. 28 28. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011Figure 5 : Keter pg. 29 29. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011pg. 30 30. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011Hockmah & Binah4. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light[AVR, rwa] from the darkness [ChShK, Kvx].5. And God called the light Day [YVM, Mwy], and the darkness he calledNight [LYLH, hlyl]. And the evening and the morning were the firstday.32The Light (AVR, rwa) is revealed only after it is separated from (and contrastedto) the Darkness (ChShK, Kvx). In Keter the Light (AVR) is concealed becausethere is no separation of Light and Darkness in Keter.Light and Darkness are revealed when the sefirot Hockmah (Light) and Binah(Darkness) come into being (which they do simultaneously).As you will see, what makes the Light distinguishable from the Darkness (andthus what makes the universe intelligible) is represented by the path of Bayt (B,b)the first letter of the Book of Creation (Sefer Berashit).33Elemental Water (Maym, m) is associated with the Light of Hockmah, andelemental Fire (Shin, v) is associated with the Darkness of Binah.Day (YVM, Mwy) and Night (LYLH, hlyl) are also associated with Hockmahand Binah, but these terms refer more particularly to a special division of thelower sefirot. (See below.)32 Berashit, 1:4-5.33In this sense Bayt represents the dividing line that demarcates between the known and theunknown. And note also that Bayts astrological correspondence Saturn also expresses this concept.pg. 31 31. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011Figure 6 : Hockmah & BinahThree: Each one stands alone; one acts as advocate, one acts as accuser,and one decides between them.3434 Sefer Yetzirah, 6:5.pg. 32 32. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011The first three sefirot of the Tree of Life are described by the Sefer Yetzirah asstanding alone because they represent singular fundamental principles (i.e. Alef,Maym, and Shin) upon which the rest of the Tree is built. The pathways thatsubsequently arise between them represent secondary coalescences, and these(in turn) produce the seven lower sefirot.Thus, the seven lower sefirot represent dynamic inter-relationships (or resonances)that are established between the higher sefirot. These resonances are projecteddownward in order to form the lower branches of the Tree of Creation (i.e. asseven lower sefirot). For example, the sefirah Daat represents a dynamicinteraction that arises between the higher sefirot Hockmah and Binah, or inother words, between the fundamental principles Maym (Water) and Shin (Fire).Daats appearance on the Tree of Life is the direct result of that dynamicrelationship between Hockmah and Binah becoming established. (See below.) pg. 33 33. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011pg. 34 34. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011Daat6. And God said, Let there be a firmament [RQYO, eyqr] in the midst ofthe waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.7. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which wereunder the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament:and it was so.8. And God called the firmament Heaven [ShMYM, Mymv]. And theevening and the morning were the second day.35The Light (AVR, rwa) and Darkness (ChShK, Kvx) of Hockmah and Binahbecome reunited in Daat, and this recombination of the Water and Fireelements is named the Firmament of Heaven (ShMYM, Mymv).36Daat thus represents the revelation of Light and Darkness. This distinguishesDaat from Keter because in Keter Light and Darkness are united, but concealed.The path of Bayt and its associated sefirah Daat make it possible for all createdbeings to differentiate between the Light and Darkness principles.The Firmament is named Heaven (ShMYM, Mymv) because the Hebrew wordfor Heaven combines within itself both Fire (Shin, v) and Water (Maym, Mym).3735 Berashit, 1:6-8.36This symbolism is most appropriate because the firmament consists of stars (light) as well as thedarkness that is between them.37 That is, as Sh + MYM where Maym is spelled in full as MYM.pg. 35 35. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011Figure 7 : DaatConsequently, everything that exists beneath 38 (or within) the circularFirmament of Heaven is dominated by the interaction of the Fire and Waterelements.3938 Meaning everything below the sefirah Daat on the Tree of Life diagram.39Or in other words, between what the Zohar calls Judgement (Shin) and Mercy (Maym). You will seebelow that the pathways of Shin and Maym together form the vertical axis (or diameter) of the circleof the Heavens (ShMYM).pg. 36 36. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011The Air element (Alef, a) is concealed behind Fire (Shin) and Water (Maym).This is reflected by Keters position behind Hockmah and Binah (on the Treeof Life diagram) and also by the position of the Alef pathway relative to theother two Mother letter pathways, Maym and Shin. (See below.)The Firmament circumscribes and contains the seven lower sefirot of the Treeof Life. The lower sefirot also symbolise the seven visible planets of our solarsystem.40 Everything above Daat on the Tree of Life is invisible to themicrocosm41 (i.e. because the higher sefirot exist above and beyond theFirmament of Heaven).In Sefer Berashit 1:7 (quoted above) the phrase waters which were above thefirmament refers to the sefirah Hockmah and its archetypal attribute Maym(Water). The phrase waters which were under the firmament refers to the path ofMaym that extends below Daat and links it with the sefirah Tifaret.42 (Theesoteric inter-relationship between the Waters above and the Waters below willbecome clearer later in this book when the path of Maym is examined.)The Book of Creation (Sefer Berashit) begins with the manifestation of the Bayt (B,b) archetype, and so too is Bayt the first pathway to manifest on the Tree of Lifediagram.43 Bayt is the first of the seven Hebrew Double letters. The emergenceof the seven Double letter pathways brings the seven lower sefirot alsosimultaneously into manifestation.40 On the Tree of Life diagram the firmament encompasses the seven visible (i.e. to the naked eye)planets, as well as the starry heaven, or circle of the zodiac. (See below.)41 That is, invisible from the perspective of the seven lower sefirot (representing humanconsciousness).42 And it also refers to the sefirah Hesed (as explained below).43 The path of Bayt is the first to manifest because its appearance is required to bring the first of thelower sefirot (i.e. Daat) into manifestation. The first three sefirot derive their manifestation from thehigher World. (Explained below.) The other six supernal Double letter pathways emerge after Bayt soas to bring the six lower sefirot into manifestation. (See below.)pg. 37 37. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011The seven Double letters are referred to esoterically as Doubles precisely for thisreason. They play a critical role in erecting the sefirotic foundation of thekabbalistic Tree of Life, and they do so by manifesting in two basic formsasoft form and a hard form.The soft forms of the Double letters are referred to the seven Double letterpathways. These pathways represent seven dynamic relationships that existbetween the higher sefirot. They are called soft because of the necessarysuppleness (or hollowness) that enables them, as conduits, to blend theenergies of the higher sefirot.The Double letters manifest their hard forms in the seven lower sefirot of theTree of Life from Daat to Yesod. The sefirot represent relatively fixed (orconsolidated) expressions of the Double letter archetypes while the pathwaysare more fluid in their expression. The Double letter pathways resemble thesoul aspect whereas the Double letter sefirot (in relation to the pathways) arelike the body aspect (i.e. they are a more material expression of the sevenpathways).The hard forms of the seven Double letters are identified in the Hebrewlanguage by a dagesh (small dot) that is located centrally within the form of eachletter. (See my diagrams.)The path of Bayt unites and separates Hockmah and Binah, and it is for thisreason that the Lesser Holy Assembly states that the Creation technically begins inthe sefirah Hockmah (Wisdom).212. This Wisdom is the beginning of all things. Thencefrom areexpanded the thirty-two paths: Nylybs, Shebilin, Paths, I say; and notNyxra, Archin, Byways.213. And in them is the Law comprehended, in the twenty-two lettersand in the ten utterances. 4444 LHA, 212-213.pg. 38 38. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011You may wonder why Rabbi Schimeon emphatically states (in 212 above) hispreference for the Hebrew word Shebilin.The reason may be that the word shebil (Heb: ShBYL, lybs, path) is beingused here as a kabbalistic key that ingeniously reveals the fact that the Bayt ( b)pathway extends between the sefirot Hockmah (Maym, m) and Binah (Shin, s).The final two letters of ShBYLi.e. YL (10 + 30), equal 40. This is also thevalue of the Hebrew letter Maym. Thus, the letter sequence Sh-B-YL isequivalent to Sh-B-M or, Binah-Bayt-Hockmah. (See: Figure 7 above.)The manifestation of the path of Bayt automatically and necessarily results inthe simultaneous appearance of the sefirah Daat (lower down on the Tree).Like the path of Bayt, Daat also represents the special relationship that isestablished between the sefirot Hockmah and Binah, but unlike the path ofBayt, Daat is a sefirotic expression45 of the Bayt archetype.The Greater Holy Assembly has this to say about the sefirah Daat...566. From the third cavity there go forth a thousand times a thousandconclaves and assemblies, wherein ted, Daath, Knowledge, is containedand dwelleth.567. And the hollow place of this cavity is placed between the other twocavities and all those conclaves are filled from either side.568. This is that which is written, Prov. ii. 4: And in knowledge shall theconclaves be filled.4645To put it simply, a sefirah is a stand-alone (or fixed) expression of an archetype, while a pathwayrepresents the same archetype as an expression of relationship. This simple notion is complicatedhowever, when it is remembered that the sefirot themselves are also expressive of relationships thatexist higher up in the Tree of Life (i.e. in the chain of existence). It is all relative.46 GHA, XXVIII: 566-568. pg. 39 39. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011The Lesser Holy Assembly describes the manifestation of Daat as follows:192. But also this Wisdom instituteth another formation, and is extendedand goeth into the head of Microprosopus, and formeth another brain.193. That is the Light from which are produced those two rivulets whichare associated together, carved out hollows in the One Head, which iscalled the depth of the fountain.194. Concerning which it is written, Prov. iii. 20: In ted, Daath,Knowledge, the depths are broken up.195. And it entereth into the head of Microprosopus, and formethanother brain.196. And thenceforth is it extended and goeth into the interior parts ofHis body, and filleth all those conclaves and assemblies of His body.197. This is that same which is written, Prov. xxiv. 4: In Daath shall thesecret places be filled.47The secret places (of 197 above) and the conclaves and assemblies (of 196)refer especially to the sefirot Hesed and Geburah, and the paths of Maym andShin on the Tree of Life diagram. These sefirot and pathways have a specialrelationship with Daat. (See below.) The interior parts of His body is a referenceto the twelve Simple letter pathways because they are associated with theinternal organs of Adam Kadmon. (See below.)47 LHA, 192-197. pg. 40 40. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011Hesed9. And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered togetherunto one place...48The paths of Gimel (G, g) and Dalet (D, d) are the next to manifest, and likeHockmah and Binah, they do so simultaneously.The appearance of Gimel coincides with the establishment of a specialrelationship between the sefirot Keter and Hockmah. The manifestation of theGimel pathway also results in the emergence of the sefirah Hesed (lower downon the Tree diagram).Hesed is called Seas (YMYM, Mymy) because it is the chief distributer of Water 49(MYM, Mym) to the lower sefirot. Its association with Water is derived from itsconnection with the sefirah Hockmah.Once manifested (and after it has been prepared as a suitable vessel), the sefirahHesed continues to draw Water from the sefirah Daat. Thus, in Hesed are theWaters of Maym gathered together unto one place. (Further elucidated below.)48 Berashit, 1:9.49 This technical term will be explained later in this book.pg. 41 41. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011Figure 8 : Hesed pg. 42 42. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011Geburah9. ...and let the dry land [YBShH, hsby] appear: and it was so.10. And God called the dry land Earth [ARTz, Ura]; and the gatheringtogether of the waters He called Seas [YMYM, Mymy]: and God saw that itwas good.50The path of Dalet (D, d) and its associated sefirah Geburah both appear as arelationship is established between the sefirot Keter and Binah.In Sefer Berashit 1:10 Geburah is referred to as Earth 51 (ARTz, Ura). It is theprinciple distributor of Judgement 52 (Shin-Fire) to the lower sefirot. In SeferBerashit 1:9 Earth (Geburah) and the Seas (Hesed) are said to manifestsimultaneously as if to emulate the earlier manifestation of the Darkness andLight principles (i.e. of Binah and Hockmah). These analogies used by the SeferBerashit to describe the Creation process are perfectly apposite because as Lightbecomes localised (and constrained) within space Darkness simultaneouslyencroaches upon it; and likewise, as the waters of the ocean are pulled back dryland simultaneously appears.50 Berashit, 1:10.51 Not to be confused with the Earth symbolism of the sefirah Malkut.52This technical term will be explained later in this book. The Hebrew word used in the Zohar ismishpat (MShPT, jpsm). (See: The Lesser Holy Assembly, Chapter IX.) pg. 43 43. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011In the next verse (1:11) it will be shown that Earth (i.e. Geburah) producesgrass (etc). This symbolises the emergence of the sefirah Hod from Geburah.Figure 9 : Geburahpg. 44 44. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011Hod 11. And God said, Let the earth [ARTz, Ura] bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed [ZRO, erz], and the fruit tree yielding fruit [PRY, yrp] after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. 12. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. 13. And the evening and the morning were the third day. 53Following the manifestation of the sefirah Geburah, a special relationshipbecomes established between Binah and Geburah. This dynamic interaction isrepresented by the path of Raysh (R, r). The establishment of this relationshipproduces (lower down in the Tree) the simultaneous appearance of the sefirahHod.The sefirah Geburah was named Earth in verse 1:10 of the Book of Creation. (Seequote above.) Now, from Geburah arises Hod, or in other words, from Earthcomes grass and herb yielding seed (etc).Significantly, the terms Seed (ZRO, erz) and Fruit (PRY, yrp) mentioned soprominently in Sefer Berashit 1:11-12 both emphasise the Raysh archetype.53 Berashit, 1:11-13. pg. 45 45. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011Figure 10 : Hod pg. 46 46. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011Tifaret 14. And God said, Let there be lights [MARTh, tram] in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: 15. And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. 16. And God made two great lights; the greater light [MAVR GDL, ldg rwam] to rule the day [YVM, Mwy]...54From the Firmament of Heaven (i.e. from the sefirah Daat) come the twoGreat Lights (i.e. the sefirot Tifaret and Yesod). They manifest together belowDaat on the central column of the Tree of Life.The path of Kaf (K, k) represents a special relationship that is establishedbetween the sefirot Hockmah and Daat. The appearance of the path of Kafalso triggers the manifestation of the sefirah Tifaret (lower down on the Treediagram).Tifaret represents the Greater Light (MAVR GDL, ldg rwam) and is said to rulethe Day (YVM, Mwy). The term Day is a technical label given to the three sefirot:Hesed, Geburah, and Tifaret. (See below.) These three sefirot will later beshown to be associated with the six signs of the natural zodiac that are locatedabove the horizon (i.e. where symbolically it is light).54 Berashit, 1:14-16.pg. 47 47. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011 Figure 11 : TifaretEarlier we saw the sefirah Keter become established as the anchor of themiddle pillar of the Tree of Life. It did so as an expression of Light (AVR,rwa). Now we see the two Lights (MAVR, rwam) similarly manifesting on themiddle pillar. In fact, the word MAVR can be interpreted as M-AVR, from theLight (i.e. from Keter).Note also that the first two letters of the word Keter (KThR, rtk) are theDouble letters Kaf (k, representing Tifaret) and Tav (t, representing Yesod). pg. 48 48. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011Because the second sefirah Hockmah is so closely bound to Keter we saw thatit too is defined by the term Light (AVR), but as previously mentioned theLight in Hockmah has been separated from the Darknessa quality thatdifferentiates it from the Limitless Light of Keter.Yesod 16. ...and the lesser light [MAVR QTN, Njq rwam] to rule the night [LYLH, hlyl]: he made the stars [KVKBYM, Mybkwk] also. 17. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, 18. And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. 19. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.55The path of Tav (Th, t) makes its appearance as a special relationship isestablished between the sefirot Binah and Daat. This also results in thesimultaneous manifestation of the sefirah Yesod (lower down on the Treediagram).Its quite significant that the blending of Binah (Shin, s) and Daat (Bayt, b) viathe pathway of Tav (t) brings the Moon (Tav/Yesod) into manifestion. TheTav sefirah is the final (i.e. 7th) double letter sefirah and the final (i.e. 22nd)letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Its emergence as Yesod (the Moon) coincideswith the appearance of the Hebrew word Shabbat (Shin-Bayt-Tav, tbs)55 Berashit, 1:16-19. pg. 49 49. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011amongst the higher sefirot of the Tree. In fact, there is a link between the fullmoon and the Sabbat as stated in the Encyclopedia Judaica. Speculation on the origin of the Sabbath has centered on the apparent Babylonian cognate, apattu, the mid-month day of the full moon, called the day of calming [the gods] heart apparently an auspicious day. The biblical combination of New Moon and Sabbath has been thought, accordingly, to reflect what were originally two holy days, one at the start, the other in the middle of the month. 56And on the connection between the Sabbat and Yesod, it says Inverting the story in Genesis Rabbah 11:8, in which the Sabbath complains to God: You gave a mate to everyone, while I have none, and was given *Keneset Yisrael as her mate, the kabbalists regarded Keneset Yisrael as the symbol of the Sefirah Malkhut, as the feminine mate of the Sabbath, which is the masculine principle in divinity (Yesod or Tiferet). Since according to the kabbalists the souls are the outcome of the union in the system of Sefirot, the idea of the holy union which takes place on the Sabbath is linked to the Sages belief that on Sabbath additional souls are given. In the Sefer *ha-Bahir this word is expounded in connection with the Sefirah Yesod, which maintains all the souls and from which the souls fly. Many sayings of the Sages and the diferent customs they initiated are given a mystical meaning in Kabbalah. The concept of family peace (shelom bayit), which must be kept especially on the Sabbath, is interpreted in Kabbalah as peace, which is the Sefirah Yesod, is at home [bayit] in the Sefirah Malkhut (ibid.).5756 Encyclopedia Judaica. Vol. 17. Pg. 618. Keter Publishing House. 2007.57 Ibid. Pg. 620.pg. 50 50. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011Yesod is called the Lesser Light (MAVR QTN, Njq rwam) and is said to rule theNight (LYLH, hlyl). The Night is represented by the three sefirot: Netzah,Hod, and Yesod. (See below.) These three sefirot will later be shown to beassociated with the six signs of the natural zodiac that are located beneath thehorizon (i.e. the symbolic place of darkness).The Greater and Lesser Lights (i.e. Tifaret and Yesod) are said (in verses 1:14and 1:17 above) to be in the firmament of Heaven. The firmament of Heaven is,as we know, symbolised by the sefirah Daat. (See Sefer Berashit, verses 1:6-8above.) The wording of these verses is very specific and emphasises the ideathat both Tifaret and Yesod emerge into manifestation (along the centralcolumn of the Tree diagram) via Daat.Like the earlier manifestation of Hesed and Geburah, the concurrentappearance of Tifaret and Yesod also emulates the original simultaneousemergence of the sefirot Hockmah and Binah. So appearing together in threestages we have...1. Hockmah & Binah (Light & Darkness)2. Hesed & Geburah (Seas & Earth)3. Tifaret & Yesod (Greater Light & Lesser Light)The Sefer Berashit sequence appears to intimate that (unlike those sefirot listedabove) the other five sefirot: Keter, Daat, Netzah, Hod, and Malkut all arisesingly during the process of Creation.pg. 51 51. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011Figure 12 : Yesod pg. 52 52. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011Netzah 20. And God said, Let the waters [MYM, Mym] bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life [NPSh ChYH, hyx vpn], and fowl [OVP, Pwe] that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. 21. And God created great whales [ThNYNM GDLYM, Myldg Mnynt] , and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl [OVP KNP, Pnk Pwe] after his kind: and God saw that it was good. 22. And God blessed them, saying: Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. 23. And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.58According to the Sefer Berashit sequence, the last of the seven Double letterpaths to manifest is Peh (P, p). It signifies a special relationship between thesefirot Hockmah and Hesed. As the Hockmah-Hesed relationship becomesestablished so too does the sefirah Netzah manifest (lower down on the Treediagram).The sefirah Hesed was named Seas in verse 1:10 of the Book of Creation. Thatwas because Hesed represents the gathering together of the waters. (See: SeferBerashit, 1:10 quoted above.) The sefirah Netzah arises from Hesedan eventsymbolised in verse 1:20 by the Waters bringing forth the moving creature that hathlife. This is another way of saying Hesed brings forth Netzah.58 Berashit, 1:20-23.pg. 53 53. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011The Peh archetype is emphasised in Sefer Berashit 1:20-22 by the key-wordsCreature/Soul (NPSh, vpn) and Winged Fowl (OVP KNP, Pnk Pwe).59Figure 13 : Netzah59Note that NPSh also means emotion, passion, and appetite, which are all qualities ascribed tothe sefirah Netzah (and its associated planet Venus). pg. 54 54. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011 Figure 14 : The Seven Double Letter Sefirot pg. 55 55. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011pg. 56 56. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011Division of theTree of LifeLight and DarknessThe three pathways we term the three paths of Light (AVR, rwa) are Gimel,Kaf, and Peh. That is because they stem from the sefirah of Light calledHockmah. Similarly, the three pathways we call the paths of Darkness (ChShK,Ksx) are Dalet, Raysh, and Tav. That is because they stem from the sefirah ofDarkness called Binah. (See: Figure 15.)Consequently, the three sefirot that are emanations of the Light (i.e. Hockmah)principle are Hesed, Tifaret, and Netzah, while the three sefirot that areemanations of the Darkness (i.e. Binah) principle are Geburah, Hod, andYesod.The path of Bayt and the sefirah Daat unify, objectify, and differentiatebetween the Light and Darkness principles. Here is how The Greater HolyAssembly describes the emanation of the two groups of Light and Dark sefirot:119. It is written, Ps. xxxiii. 18: Behold the eye of the Lord is uponthem that fear Him; and it is written, Zech. iv. 10: They are the eyes ofthe Lord, running to and fro throughout the whole earth.120. There is no contrariety (between these sayings); one is concerningMicroprosopus, and the other concerning Macroprosopus. pg. 57 57. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011 121. And further, although there be two eyes, yet they are converted into one eye. 122. This is pure in its whiteness, and so white that it includeth all whiteness. 123. The first whiteness shineth, and ascendeth and descendeth for the purpose of combining with that which is connected (with it) in connection. 124. This is the tradition: That whiteness darteth forth its rays, and igniteth three lights, which are called dwh, Hod, Glory; rdhw, Vehedar, Majesty; and hwdxw, Vachedoah, Joy; and they radiate in gladness and in perfection. 125. The second whiteness shineth and ascendeth and descendeth, and darteth forth its rays, and igniteth three other lights, which are called xun, Netzach, Victory; dox, Chesed, Benignity; and trapt, Tiphereth, Beauty; and they radiate in perfection and in gladness. 126. The third whiteness radiateth and shineth, and descendeth and ascendeth, and goeth forth from the part enclosing the brain, and darteth forth its rays toward the seventh middle light.60 127. And it formeth a path to the inferior brain, and formeth a path to the inferior, and all the inferior lights are thereby ignited.61In the quote above, the first whiteness refers to the three Double letterpathways: Raysh, Dalet, and Tav. The second whiteness refers to the threeDouble letter pathways: Peh, Gimel, and Kaf. The third whiteness refers to theDouble letter pathway Bayt (i.e. that produces the sefirah Daat).60 The seventh middle light is the sefirah Daat.61 GHA, IX:119-127. pg. 58 58. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011130. The first whiteness [rwx] shineth and ascendeth and descendeth inthree lights on the left-hand side, and they radiate and are bathed in thatwhiteness, like as when a man batheth his body in good unguents andodours, in better than he at first possessed. 62Figure 15 : Three Sefirot of Light; Three Sefirot of Darkness62 GHA, IX:130. pg. 59 59. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011The first whiteness ignites the three sefirot of Darkness. They are Hod,Vehedar (referring to Geburah), and Vachedoah (referring to Yesod).131. The second whiteness descendeth and ascendeth and shineth inthree lights on the right-hand side, and they radiate and are bathed in thatwhiteness, like as when a man batheth in good unguents and odours, inbetter than he at first possessed. 63The second whiteness ignites the three sefirot of Light: Netzah, Hesed, andTifaret.132. The third whiteness shineth and ascendeth and descendeth, andgoeth forth the light of the inner whiteness of the brain, and dartethforth its rays when necessary unto the black hair, and unto the head, andunto the brain of the head.133. And it irradiateth the three crowns which remain, when it is needful,so that it may be uncovered, if that be pleasing unto the Most AncientOne hidden from all.64The third whiteness refers to the Double letter pathway of Bayt. The thirdwhiteness65 ignites the sefirah Daat. Daat (not Malkut) is the seventh middlelight (of GHA, 126 quoted above). The three crowns which remain are the threesefirot Hesed, Geburah, and Tifaret. The sefirah Daat only becomes63 GHA, IX:131.64 GHA, IX:132-3.65 The Hebrew word translated here as whiteness is rwx (ChVR). Interestingly, this word is xwr(RVCh), the word for breath (or spirit) written in reverse. In fact, the descent of this whitenessestablishes the six sefirot that kabbalists have traditionally labelled the Ruach (RVCh) portion of theTree of Lifethat is, the six sefirot from Hesed to Yesod. pg. 60 60. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011uncovered (or revealed) to the lower sefirot at those special times when theyreceive an influx from it (i.e. at the behest of the Most Ancient One, orKeter).Day and Night 14. And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: 15. And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. 16. And God made two great lights; the greater light [MAVR GDL, ldg rwam] to rule the day, and the lesser light [MAVR QTN, Njq rwam] to rule the night: he made the stars also. 17. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, 18. And to rule over the day [YVM, Mwy] and over the night [LYLH, hlyl], and to divide the light [AVR, rwa] from the darkness [ChShK, Kvx]: and God saw that it was good. 19. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.66The Day (YVM, Mwy) is represented by the sefirot Hesed (light), Geburah (dark),and Tifaret (light). The Day sefirot are ruled by Tifaret (Kaf, k, Sun).66 Berashit, 1:14-19.pg. 61 61. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011The three sefirot of Night (LYLH, hlyl) are Netzah (light), Hod (dark), andYesod (dark). The Night sefirot are ruled by Yesod (Tav, t, Moon). (See: Figure16.)The Day does not consist of pure Light. Nor does the Night consist of pureDarkness. Below the firmament of Daat the Light and Darkness principlesmerge together to form Day and Night. There is however, a preponderance ofLight in Day, and of Darkness in Night.67The logic of this concept will be further explained (below) when we add thetwelve Simple letter pathways to the Tree of Life diagram.We will now turn to the enigmatic verse 6:5 of the Sefer Yetzirah:Three: Each one stands alone; one acts as advocate, one acts as accuser,and one decides between them.Seven: Three opposite three, and one is the rule deciding between them.Twelve stand in war: Three love, three hate, three give life, and three kill.Three love: the heart and the ears. Three hate: the liver, the gall, and thetongue. Three give life: the two nostrils and the spleen. Three kill: thetwo orifices and the mouth.And God faithful King rules over them all from His holy habitation untileternity of eternities.One on three; three on seven; seven on twelve. And all are bound, one toanother.6867A similar concept is symbolised by the Yin-Yang symbol of Taoism where the white coloured Yangportion has a small black dot of Yin within it, and the black coloured Yin portion contains a smallwhite dot of Yang.68 Sefer Yetzirah, 6:5.pg. 62 62. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011Figure 16 : Three Sefirot of Day; Three Sefirot of NightThe three who stand alone are the three highest sefirot: Keter, Hockmah, andBinah, and their associated Hebrew letter archetypes: Alef (Air), Maym (Water),and Shin (Fire). They are said to stand alone because they represent three pure,primordial, unmixed principles upon which the rest of the Tree of Life is based.The seven lower sefirot, on the other hand, represent various admixtures ofthese three original fundamental archetypes. pg. 63 63. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011Of the three who stand alone, Hockmah is the Advocate (who embodiesMercy), Binah is the Accuser (who characterises Judgment, or Severity), andKeter is the decider who chooses between them.The seven Double letter pathways are arranged as three opposite three. On theright are three paths (of Light) associated with Hockmah (the Advocate), andon the left are three paths (of Darkness) associated with Binah (the Accuser).The path of Bayt is the rule deciding between them. In other words, the path ofBayt is the rule that Keter (the decider) uses when deciding between Hockmahand Binah.Similarly, the six lower sefirot are arranged as three opposite three (i.e. threesefirot of Light opposed to three sefirot of Darkness), with Daat (Bayt)centrally positioned as the rule deciding between them.When verse 6:5 says three on seven it is describing the three highest Motherletter sefirot who over-shadow, support, and energise the seven supernalDouble Letter pathways.Similarly, the statement seven on twelve refers to the relationship between theseven lower Double letter sefirot and the twelve Simple letter pathways. (Seebelow.)Verse 6:5 also mentions one on three which refers to Ain Sof over-shadowingthe three highest Mother letter sefirot: Keter, Hockmah, and Binah. pg. 64 64. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011Two Trees of LifeTree of the SoulThe Book of Formation and the Book of Concealed Mystery also describe the variouscomponents of the Tree of Life diagram anthropomorphicallythat is, ascomponents of the physical body of Adam Kadmon, or the Universal Man.From the Book of Formation:Seven planets in the Universe: Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus,Mercury, Moon.Seven days in the Year: The seven days of the week.Seven gates in the Soul, male and female: Two eyes, two ears, twonostrils, and the mouth.69From the Book of Concealed Mystery:69 Sefer Yetzirah, 4:7.pg. 65 65. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 201116. (When, therefore, the Divine law beginneth): Urah taw Mymsh taMyhla arb tysarb (bRashith Bera Elohim Ath hShamaim vAthhAretz): In the beginning the Elohim created the substance of theheavens and the substance of the earth. (The sense is: Six members werecreated, which are the six numerations of Microprosopus viz., benignityas His right arm; severity as His left arm; beauty as His body; victory asHis right leg; glory as His left leg; and the foundation as reproductive.)For instead of tysarb, bRashith, in the beginning, it may be read, tysarb, Bera Shith, He created the six. Upon these depend all thingswhich are below (principally the Queen, who is the lowest path, or thebride of Microprosopus, and all the three inferior worlds.)18. And the second earth came not into the computation. (That is, thekingdom of the restored world, which elsewhere is called the Bride ofMicroprosopus, came not into the computation when the six memberswere said to be created.70The Skull (GLGLTh, tlglg), or Head of Macroprosopus is represented by thethree highest sefirot. Its not mentioned by name in the Book of Formation, but itis described in the Zohar.In the Lesser Holy Assembly it is written...78. He the Most Holy Ancient One is found to have three heads, whichare contained in the one Head.79. And He Himself is that only highest supreme Head. 7170 BCM, I:16-18.71 LHA, II:78-79.pg. 66 66. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011And in the Book of Concealed Mystery...9. The head which is incomprehensible is secret in secret.10. But it hath been formed and prepared in the likeness of a cranium,and is filled with the crystalline dew.72And further on it states...17. And the dignity of dignity hangeth from the seven conformations ofthe cranium. (This is the beard of the venerable and Ancient One, whichis divided into thirteen portions).73The seven conformations of the cranium are associated with the seven Double letterpathways that join together the three highest sefirot (i.e. the three portions ofthe Skull), and that connect the Skull with the seven lower sefirot (representingthe Body of Adam Kadmon).The beard that hangs from the seven conformations is a reference to the sevenlower sefirot.As we know, the seven lower sefirot are emanations of (or hang down from) theseven Double letter pathways. In other words, the symbolism of the beardrefers to the sefirotic emanation that grows out of the head. Its thirteenportions can be thought of as the twelve Simple letter pathways plus the path ofShin (located in their midst). (See below.)72 BCM, I:9-10.73 BCM, I:17.pg. 67 67. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011We must also alert you to the great secret, and this is the secret of thesupernal embellishments (ha-tiqqunim ha-elyonim) that are called thebeard (zaqan), and they are the secret of Tiferet. This matter is a greatsecret from the secrets of the chariot (sodot ha-merkavah) The onewho knows the secret of the hairs of the beard (searot ha-zaqan) knowsthe secret of Tiferet, and from this secret are born all the parts of thechariot (pirqei ha-merkavah), for they spread forth from Tiferet to hereand to there. This secret is hidden and sealed in what is said by Scripture,It is the splendour of a man (tiferet adam) to dwell in a house (Isa. 44:13).74In the Greater Holy Assembly the subject is elaborated upon in some detail, butthere the Skull is described a little differently...52. THE whiteness of this skull shineth in thirteen carved out sides: infour sides from one portion; in four sides from the part of Hiscountenance; and in four sides from another part of the periphery; and inone above the skull, as if this last might be called the supernal side.53. And thence is the Vastness of His Countenance extended into threehundred and seventy myriads of worlds; and hence Mypa Kra, ArikhAphim, Vastness of Countenance is His name. 75Here the Whiteness of the Skull is depicted as having thirteen carved out sides.These sides are associated with various combinations of the seven Doubleletter pathways (plus two others 76). Notice the reference to the Whiteness of the74 From: Shaarei Orah, 1: 2523. Joseph Gikatilla. Cited in: Venturing Beyond. Elliot Wolfson. Pg.227.75 GHA, 52-53.76The two extra pathways are: 1. The relatively seamless connection that exists between the sefirahKeter and Ain Sof, and: 2. The path of Alef that extends below Keter to Daat.pg. 68 68. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011skull. We saw above (in the previous chapter) how the Whiteness is expressedas three Whitenesses77 (i.e. three groups of Double letter pathways) that descendto manifest the seven lower sefirot. Figure 17 : Four sides from one portionThe thirteen carved out sides are carved out (i.e. opened up) between the threehighest sefirot.There is perhaps a special relationship between the thirteen carved out sides ofthe skull and the thirteen portions of the beard. It would seem that the lattermay be a reflection of the former (i.e. on lower levels of the Tree of Life).Four pathways are carved out by Hockmah. They are Gimel, Bayt, Kaf, andPeh.77 See: GHA, IX:119-127, and 130-133.pg. 69 69. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011In the Zohar the sefirah Hockmah is sometimes referred to as the Forehead ofMacroprosopus because the supernal man is said to display only the right sideof His face.7890. And that forehead is called Nwur, Ratzon, Will-power, because it is theruler of the whole head and of the skull, which is covered by fourhundred and twenty worlds.79The four hundred and twenty worlds that are said to cover the Skull might refer tothe paths of Kaf and Tav (i.e. 20 + 400). These two pathways connect the Skull(i.e. connect the three highest sefirot) to the sefirah Daat.In the Lesser Holy Assembly the word Ratzon is also interpreted as meaningGrace...87. The Forehead, which is uncovered in the Most Holy Ancient One, iscalled Grace.80It is a quality of the forehead that is referred to the path of Gimel (G, g)...108. And when this Head, which is concealed in the Head of theAncient One, which is not known, extendeth a certain frontal formation,78 That is because He is said to be all-merciful, having no severity (which latter is associated with theleft side).79 GHA, 90.80 LHA, III:87.pg. 70 70. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011which is formed for brilliance, then flasheth forth the Lightning of HisBrain.109. And it is formed forth and illuminated with many Lights.110. And it produceth and designeth (a certain effect) in this Light(otherwise, in this opening), in this Forehead, whereon is inscribed acertain Light, which is called Nwur, Ratzon, Grace.111. And that Grace is extended backward into the beard, even untothat place where it can remain in the beard, and it is called the Supernal,dox, Chesed, Mercy.81The path of Gimel is called the Supernal Hesed because it is the higherexpression (and source) of the sefirah Hesed.The energy of Grace (which is a quality of Hesed) represents the spiritual force(or, spiritual strength) that infuses every human soul. We become aware of thisinner source of spiritual power when we are faithfully engaged in treading thespecial Path of the soul. It fosters an experiential awareness that we are a livingpart of the divine Creation, and it produces an inner knowing that we arefulfilling an essential role in the larger divine creative Purpose.The pathways are repeated in the four groups to emphasise the fact that eachone of the three supernal sefirot is involved in the process of carving them out.In other words, the energy flows both ways along each of the nineinterconnecting pathways.81 LHA, III:108-111. pg. 71 71. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011The path of Alef (A, a) is an important part of the skulls conformation. Of thispath it is said...70. One (path) which shineth in the midst of the hairs going forth fromthe Skull, is that path by whose light the just are led into the world tocome.71. Like as it is written, Prov. iv. 18: And the path of the just shineth asthe light.82Alef (and the Air element) is the mediator between Mercy and Judgement (orSeverity) and therefore, it defines absolutely the concept of Justice. This notionis reflected in the position of the path of Alef on the Tree of Life diagram. Thepath of Alef extends vertically below Keter, and thus also stands verticallybetween the sefirot Hockmah (Mercy) and Binah (Judgement). (See below.)Thus, the four sides from the part of His countenance are Alef, Gimel, Dalet, andAin Sof.The four sides from another part of the periphery are Bayt, Dalet, Raysh, and Tav.This group of four pathways emphasises the influence of the sefirah Binah incarving out the paths.82 LHA, 2:70-71.pg. 72 72. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011Figure 18 : Four sides from the part of His countenance Figure 19 : Four sides from another part of the periphery pg. 73 73. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011The one above the skull is referred to Ain Sof. It emphasises the influence thatAin Sof has on the first sefirah Keter, and represents their connecting link.Figure 20 : One above the skullThe Zohar tells us that the three highest sefirotKeter, Hockmah, and Binah,represent the three hollows of the cranium (or skull) of the Universal Adam,or in other words, they are said to collectively represent his head (and brain).In like manner, the Book of Formation describes the seven Double letter pathwaysas representing the seven principal features of his countenance (or, to put itanother way, they signify the seven openings in his Skull).It seems most logical therefore, to position the seven Double letter facialfeature correspondences (of the Sefer Yetzirah) upon the head of the SupernalAdam, at the top of the Tree of Life diagram.There is a simple logical/intuitive way to position these correspondencesamongst the pathways that cover the skulli.e. as illustrated in Figure 21. pg. 74 74. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011Figure 21 : The Seven Double Letter Facial Features and Major Bodily AttributesThis logical Zohar/Yetzirah-based arrangement of the seven Double letterpathways contrasts strongly with the numerically-based arrangement that waspopularised by the original Order of the Golden Dawn. This is not to say thatthe Golden Dawn arrangement is wrong. I am merely pointing out thevariance that exists in the reasoning behind each system. They approach theTree of Life diagram from totally different perspectives; however I believe thatboth systems are useful within their own domains. pg. 75 75. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011There is a profound depth of meaning in the positioning of the three groups ofHebrew letters (i.e. the Mothers, Doubles, and Simples) in the Zohar/Yetzirah-based system described in this book. That esoteric meaning will become clearerwhen we examine the placements of the twelve Simple Hebrew letters on theTree of Life diagram.1. Bayt : b : Mouth : Saturn ( )2. Gimel : g : Right Eye : Jupiter ( )3. Dalet : d : Left Eye : Mars ( )4. Kaf : k : Right Nostril : Sun ( )5. Peh : p : Right Ear : Venus ( )6. Raysh : r : Left Ear : Mercury ( )7. Tav : t : Left Nostril : Moon ( )Table 2 : The Seven Facial AttributesLetterLong/Saadia VersionsMulcahy Version1. b1. Mouth1. Mouth2. g2. Right Eye2. Right Eye3. d3. Left eye 3. Left Eye4. k4. Right Nostril4. Right Nostril5. p5. Left Nostril 5. Right Ear6. r6. Right Ear6. Left Ear7. t7. Left Ear 7. Left NostrilThis particular order of facial feature correspondences is my own. It is based onthe logic of the Tree of Life formation methodology that I use in this book.They are not found in any version of the Sefer Yetzirah (that I am aware of). pg. 76 76. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011Unfortunately, the original Double letter correspondences are lost to us becauseof the corruption (or deliberate concealment) that has entered into the text ofthe Sefer Yetzirah over the centuries. The Saadia and Long versions approximatemost closely my own arrangement.The Double letter planetary attributions (also listed above) however, are quitecommonly found in various versions of the Sefer Yetzirah.8383Specifically, they are found in the Short and Long versions of the Sefer Yetzirah, as well as in severalother authoritative kabbalistic texts.pg. 77 77. Formation of the Tree of LifeJune 5, 2011pg. 78 78. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011The Twelve Simple LettersThe twelve Simple letters represent twelve lower attributes of the Body ofAdam Kadmon. Consequently they occupy the lower half of the Tree of Lifediagram (i.e. below His Skull and facial features). They represent His hands,feet, and bodily organs, but these are difficult to position on the Tree diagram inany obviously symbolic way.84 Thankfully though, the Sefer Yetzirah alsoassociates the twelve simple letters with the twelve signs of the zodiac so we canpostulate an arrangement using the twelve signs.Twelve constellations in the Universe:Aries (hlj, the Ram), Taurus (rwv, the Bull), Gemini (Mymwat, theTwins), Cancer (Njro, the Crab), Leo (hyra, the Lion), Virgo (hlwtb, theVirgin), Libra (Mynzam, the Scales), Scorpio (brqe, the Scorpion),Sagittarius (tvq, the Archer), Capricorn (ydg, the Kid), Aquarius (yld, theWater Drawer), Pisces (Mygd, the Fishes).85The bodily attributes are given as:84The seven double letter facial attributes are located at the top of the Tree of Life diagram and arepositioned roughly in accord with the natural features of a human face. The twelve simple letterbodily attributes however cannot be arranged on the Tree diagram in such an obviously symbolicmanner. (See below.)85 Sefer Yetzirah, 5:4.pg. 79 79. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011Twelve directors in the soul, male and female:The two hands, the two feet, the two kidneys, the gall bladder, theintestines, the liver, the korkeban, the kivah, the spleen. 86We can assign the twelve Simple letters to the twelve astrological signs, andtwelve bodily attributes as follows:871. Heh : h : Intestines : Aries ( )2. Vav : w : Right Kidney : Taurus ( )3. Zayn : z : Right Foot : Gemini ( )4. Het : x : Gall : Cancer ( )5. Tet : j : Liver : Leo ( )6. Yud : y : Left Foot : Virgo ( )7. Lamed : l : Left Stomach88 : Libra ( )8. Nun : n : Left Kidney : Scorpio ( )9. Sameck : o : Left Hand : Sagittarius ( )10. Ayin : e : Right Stomach89 : Capricorn ( )11. Tzaddie : u : Spleen : Aquarius ( )12. Qof : q : Right Hand : Pisces ( )86 Sefer Yetzirah, 5:6.87 The arrangement of these physical correspondences is my own.88 The original Hebrew has Nbqrwq meaning the gizzard or ventriculus found in the anatomy ofsome birds and reptiles. In human anatomy it may refer to the pancreas which is part of the digestivesystem, but I have chosen to label it as the left stomach area.89The original Hebrew word is hbq. It also can be translated as stomach and might specifically referto the human appendix (or perhaps the oesophagus) which is also part of the human digestive system.In any case, I have chosen to label it as the right stomach area.pg. 80 80. Formation of the Tree of Life June 5, 2011We are now able (using verse 5:2 of the Sefer Yetzirah) to intuitively determinesome possibilities regarding the arrangement of the twelve Simple letters on theTree of Life diagram.Twelve Elementals: hwz, xjy, lno, euq, HVZ ChTY LNS OTzQ.Their foundation is the twelve diagonal boundaries [GBVLY ALKSVN,Nwokla ylwbg]:The east upper boundary; The east northern boundary; The east lowerboundary. [hwz]The south upper boundary; The south eastern boundary; The southlower boundary. [xjy]The west upper boundary; The west southern boundary; The west lowerboundary. [lno]The north upper boundary; The north western boundary; The northlower boundary. [euq]They extend continually until eternity of eternities, And it is they that arethe boundaries90 of the Universe.9190 Saadia ben Joseph states: I translate the words gvulei alakson as limit of the angles becausethis is the sense of the words frequently found in the Talmud. [From Saadia ben Joseph (al-Fayyumi), Commentaire sur le Sfer Yesira ou Livre de la Cration par Le Gaon Saadya de Fayyoum, trans. &ed., M. Lambert, Paris, Emile Bouillon, Editeur, 1891); translated into English from the French &Hebrew by Scott Thompson and Dominique Marson, San Francisco, 1985.] Kaplans translation asdiagonal boundaries accurately describes the twelve Double letter diagonal sides of the eightadjacent triangles that combine