Ashe, Steven - The Complete Golden Dawn Initiate

Steven Ashe was born in 1960, lives in Glastonbury,
England and has been actively involved in the literary and

practical Qabalah since 1979 and has a B.A. (Hons) Degree
in Interactive Multimedia Communication. In addition to
his list of published works, including articles for Prediction
Magazine, Pan Sothis, Thelemic Magic (Volumes 1 & 2):
Mandrake of Oxford 1994, 1995, he has produced a series of
Audio CDs upon the modus operandi of the Hermetic
Qabalah.
His acclaimed published works include Glastonbury Books
editions of the monumental Complete Golden Dawn
Initiate, The Qabalah Codex, The Testament of Solomon
ISBN: 978- 1-4 116-6 164-6, Keys to the Rosicrucian
Qabalah and the audio CDs The Hermetic Qabalah and
The Qabalah: The Book of Calls from the same publisher.
His first published full length work upon advanced
Qabalistic lore 'Qabalah of 50 Gates' (Mandrake of Oxford
2002 / Glastonbury Books 2006) is considered to be one of
the most exciting experimental works of Qabalistic
philosophy in the English language. He is currently working
on the sequel to this masterpiece 'Lucifer in Paradise Qabalah of 32 Paths'.
Steven Ashe
Title:
Author:
The Complete Golden Dawn Initiate

Steven Ashe
Category: Religon & Spirituality

Publisher: Glastonbury Books 2007
Edition: First Edition
http://www.glastonburybooks.co.uk
This work is dedicated to Alex Bennett:

a true brother of the A.'. A.'.
I would like to acknowledge

the hard work & literary editing genius
of my wife Emma Nicol
in the preparation of this work.
My special thanks go to
David Ashe
Patricia Ashe
Brian Radley
Stephen Harrington
John & Sarah Borseth Rasmussen
Steven Ashe
People want to see the king, but do not

know where to find his house (Bayit).
First they ask "Where is the king's
house?" Only then can they ask
"Where is the king?"
Sepher Ha-Bahir Ch 1. Verse 4
The Complete Golden Dawn lnitiate
Qabalah:
The Complete
Golden Dawn
lnitiate
Steven Ashe
Glastonbury Books 2007
Steven Ashe
Copyright Steven Ashe 2007

ISBN: 978-1-84753-124-7
CONTENTS
Introduction - 11
A General Introduction to the Qabalah -25
The Qabalah: It's Origin & Development - 34
The Rosicrucian Cabalah - 38
The Qabalah of Fifty Gates

Introduction - 43
The Qabalah of Fifty Gates - 47
Rites & Rituals of the Golden Dawn Lodge Fraternity of the Sanctum Regnum
The Art of Invocation - 155
The Qabalistic Cross - 164
The Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram - 165
The Grand Qabalistic Invocation - 167
The Consecration of the Water, Salt & Ash - 169
The Ritual of the Hexagram - 171
The Four Forms - 180
The Lesser Ritual of the Hexagram - 182
Addendum - 185
The Invocation of SATURN 187

The Invocation of JUPITER - 188
The Invocation of MARS - 190
The Invocation of the SUN - 19 1
The Invocation of VENUS - 193
Steven Ashe
The Invocation of MERCURY - 194

The Invocation of the MOON - 196
Zodiacal Magic - 199

The Twelve Great Zodiacal Invocations
Aries - 205
Taurus - 206
Gemini - 207
Cancer - 208
Leo - 209
Virgo - 210
Libra - 21 1
Scorpio - 212
Sagittarius - 2 13
Capricorn - 2 13
Aquarius 2 14
Pisces - 2 15
Shemhamphorash
The Magical System of the 72 Fold Name - 217
Shemahamphorash - 220
The Shemhamphorash and the Merkabah 227
Names & Meanings of the Shernhamphorash -231
The Symbolism of the Tarot - 255
Keys to the Rosicrucian Qabalah - 281

The Sepher Detzniyutha:
The Book of that Which is Concealed From the Sefer Ha-Zohar
Chapter One - 284

Chapter Two - 289
Chapter Three - 296
Chapter Four - 300
Chapter Five - 303
Appendix I - 3 11
Appendix I1 - 3 15
The Sepher Ha-Bahir - "The Book of Illumination"
The First Verses of Creation - 329

Section I1 - The Aleph-Beth - 339
Section I11 - The Seven Voices and the Sephiroth - 352
Section IV - The Ten Sephiroth - 404
Section V - Mysteries of the Soul - 459
Sepher Yetzirah - The Book of Formation
Introduction - 469
Chapter I - 479
Chapter I1 - 482
Chapter I11 - 483
Chapter IV - 485
Chapter V - 488
Chapter VI - 49 1
Notes to the Sepher Yetzirah - 493
Notes to Chapter 1 - 494
Steven Ashe

The Thirty-Two Paths of Wisdom - 509

The Tawasin of Mansur Al-Hallaj
Introduction - 5 15
The Ta-Sin of the Prophetic Lamp - 5 17
The Ta-Sin of Understanding - 52 1
The Ta-Sin of Purity - 523
The Ta-Sin of the Circle -527
The Ta-Sin of the Point - 529
The Ta-Sin of Before Endless-Time and Equivocation
The Ta-Sin of the Divine Will - 544
The Ta-Sin of the Declaration of Unity - 545
The Ta-Sin of the Self-Awarenesses in Tawhid - 546
The Ta-Sin of the Disconnection-From-Forms - 549
The Adorations of the Sun - 553

Appendices Supplementary Golden Dawn
Advanced Teachings - 555
Introduction
The approach of seekers pursuing the formula of attainment
popularised by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
(G.D.) is based upon the notion of a hierarchical
manifestation of consciousness prevalent throughout the
Cosmos.
In the system of magic derived from the G.D. model leading
to self-knowledge, the concept of divine consciousness is
seen as underpinning all of Creation. This identification of a
causative genius operating beyond our shared sensory
perception of the host universe is considered to be an
omnipresent vitalising element essential to the animation of
all sentient life. In addition to this, the causative genius is
regarded as an innate presence, operational in the sustaining
of environmental conditions necessary for the growth,
survival and development of cognitive biological entities
thus animated.
Efforts to attain a perceptual harmony with this causative
divine origin have been systemised by the masters of the
Golden Dawn tradition and, because elements of these
approaches have always been dependent upon employing the
most advanced paradigms of observational science and
human psychology, these systems evolved in similitude with
progressive advancements within the development of the
rational descriptive metaphors employed within these fields.
Steven Ashe
In any objective assessment of the modus operandi of the

various approaches inspired by the Golden Dawn school it is
necessary to regard the Order as a single link in the chain of
systemised human efforts to arrive at a philosophical
understanding of our role within the hierarchy of the sentient
universe. Similar historic cellular initiatives focused upon
this goal include the involvement of the philosophical
schools of ancient Greece, the mystics of the Gnostic
movement, the insightful approach of the scientific enquirers
of the classical Islamic empires, the theological debating
societies of the medieval Christian universities and also the
paradigms advanced by the scientific communities
throughout the post-rationalist era.
To the casual onlooker, it may seem that the initiatives listed
above appear to be too diverse in nature to have much at all
to do with what the contemporary esotericist may associate
with the magical practices of the Golden Dawn order and the
derivative groups which operate in its historical wake.
However, whilst some practitioners operating within the
parameters of the Golden Dawn system choose to focus only
upon the magical formulas and ritualistic practices of the
original G.D. template, there is a growing appreciation of the
need to adopt continually evolving intellectual definitions of
the human condition as an adaptive influence upon the
approach to this task.
It is clear that the contributions of leaders in various
historical fields of philosophy, science and linguistics have
been responsible for altering the perspective from which
individuals and groups approach the task of communing
with the tasks of spiritual dynamics.
In earlier days of organised spiritual enquiry, the self-image

of those seeking spiritual sanctity through participation in
divine rites of worship and attunement was calibrated by the
teachings of mediating shamans or prophets. These were
individuals who had experienced insights into the qualities
inherent within the purposes of the Creator which bore
relevance to our nurture and survival: teachers who were
able to communicate those sacred intentions into formal
codes of behaviour harmonious to our wellbeing. Thus
arose the sacred texts which provide the foundations for the
behavioural practices of the major religious faiths of the
world and which justify the template of the classical model
of individuals as clients of elite priesthoods.
As public education became a birthright of the citizens of
modern political states and as the philosophical implications
of observational academic science filtered through to inform
debate, the spiritual role of the common man and woman has
been transformed so that a more unique relationship between
the individual and the Divine Creation has become the
prevailing condition.
In many contemporary cultures a growing percentage of
individuals choose to forge their own relationship with the
source of the Creation and the sustainer of its mechanisms
and life forms; adopting an approach to spiritual aspiration
quite independent of the functional mediation of any
orthodox priesthood.
The approach of the student of Western Hermetics, such as
the continental 'Rosicrucian' school predating the Golden
Dawn - including the approach of the order itself - was
heavily flavoured by the traditional belief in the existence of
13
Steven Ashe
an elect brotherhood functioning behind the scenes to guide

the spiritual development of mankind. The Victorian and
Edwardian age Order of the Golden Dawn spanned an era
during which the western approach to esoteric selfknowledge evolved from this position of dependency upon
mediating external influences towards the benefits of self
directed independent spiritual effort.
During the late Twentieth Century and the early Twenty
First Century, interest in witchcraft, magic and the occult
has exploded into life. The growth in alternate faiths
embracing the mysterious lore of ritual and ceremonial
magic may not be commonplace - but they are far from
absent from the background underlying everyday
experience.
A surprising cross section of people in society now

subscribe to a spirituality that may be pagan, privately
ritualistic or one which embraces the sexuality of Eastern
Tantra and taboo breaking beliefs and practices.
A revival of interest in alternate religions such as
spiritualism, magic, witchcraft and the esoteric has prevailed
in Britain since the late 19th century. So much so that a large
percentage of those following a spiritual path in the United
Kingdom are likely to be pursuing an alternative to orthodox
Western Christianity.
Amongst the alternate faiths and practices popular
nowadays, number a surprising wealth of organised pagan
and occult practices. Before the late nineteenth century, the
spiritual focus of the Western World had been diminished by
the steady onset of the age of science and rationalism and

the waning political authority of the clergy. The colonial
expansion of the British Empire had brought it's intellectuals
into contact with the mores and cultural mythos of many
diverse Eastern faiths. On September 7th 1875, Madame
Helena Petrovna Blavatsky - a Russian medium noteworthy
for her larger than life personality - and an American
journalist using the honorific title of 'Colonel' Olcott formed
the Theosophical Society. This was an organisation
dedicated to enquiry into the spiritual realms ... offering a
"synthesis" of religion, science, and philosophy. During the
late Nineteenth Century, the growth of interest in
Spiritualism and the rising public interest in Tibetan and
Indian mysticism given exposure in the West were indicators
of success for a variety of movements within what has come
to be termed the Romantic Revival.
Prior to the formation of the Theosophical Society, Helena
Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott had experimented with the
formation of a Sunday sitting parlour 'miracle club',
essentially another seance circle.
They also organised, by way of polite social occasions a
number of informal lectures and it had been during an
evening 'at home' lecture, given by a Mr Felt, concerning
the subject of sacred geometry in the design of the Egyptian
Pyramids that Olcott and Blavatsky had decided to form a
society for the study of such subjects.
Madame Blavatsky's agenda, founded on the mysticism of
parlour room seances, trance mediumship and hinted
allusions to contact with discarnate Tibetan masters
Steven Ashe
enthralled Olcott and those who drew close to her fame and
growing reputation.
For a number of years, Mme Blavatsky rode high in terms of
fame and influence. During the latter years of her life,
Theosophical meeting-groups continued to prosper in the
capital cities of the Western world and gave focus to placing
individuals from quite diverse backgrounds and social
groups in contact with one another.
It is no coincidence that leading members of many
contemporary esoteric societies and study groups were also
members of the Theosophical Society. Two of these
individuals, the poet W.B Yeats and London coroner
William Wynn Westcott were active participants in the
lecture shop affairs of Theosophy and also leading lights
within an influential group of Hermetic Students known as
The Golden Dawn who held lectures and rituals of initiation
within London and, after 1892, Paris.
The poet, Yeats had always been inclined towards the
romantic belief in a Celtic 'other world' and was an
enthusiastic recruiter for the group amongst the literary
intelligentsia. Wynn Westcott had founded the group in
1887 alongside a brother in an English Rosicrucian rite of
Freemasonry, Dr Robert Woodman and a curious young
man who claimed Scottish nobility of birth despite having
been born in Bournemouth England who only once set foot
in the Highlands of Scotland in his life, Samuel 'Macgregor'
Mathers.
With the Help of Westcott, Mathers completed a translation

into English of Knorr Von Rosenroth's Kabbalah Denudata
which was completed by the year of the founding of the
Golden Dawn.
By the time the popularity of spiritualism had peaked and
was on the wane, the star of the Hermetic Order of the
Golden Dawn was rising. Mathers had married Moina
Bergson, sister of the philosopher Henri Bergson and was
working on another translation of a medieval grimoire
known as 'The Sacred Magic of Abra-Melin the Mage' from
a manuscript originally published in 1458, then stored
securely in the Bibliothkque de L'Arsenal in Paris.
The Order of the Golden Dawn became something of an
underground sensation. Florence Fam, West End actress and
mistress of both W.B. Yeats and George Bernard Shaw
became a leading member as did the American journalist
and historical author A.E. Waite. Annie Horniman, whose
family had founded the London Horniman museum, was
active in the day to day running and administration of
membership details and the secretariat.
As Wynn Westcott aged gracefully, discharging his
professional duties as a London Coroner, the order steadily
came under the full and autocratic control of Mathers who
like Blavatsky claimed direct contact with the Secret
Masters to bolster his authority. Mathers and his wife Moina
founded a second 'inner order' of the Gold Cross and Red
Rose to which members of the Golden Dawn would be
admitted after pursuing a course of study and examination in
the magical arts as laid down by the couple.
Steven Ashe
Much of the basic magical syllabus was based on the

tradition of the Western Mystical Qabalah, popularised by
the French occultist Eliphas Levi.
This included elements of traditional western sorcery and
magic incorporated from Francis Barrett's celebrated 1801
publication of 'The Magus', and the angelic magic of Dr
John Dee, Queen Elizabeth the first's Astrologer Royal.
Barrett had been something of a gentleman adventurer of his
day, participating in dangerous chemical experiments
designed to generate fumes sufficient to raise 'Hot Gas'
powered balloons - of which he was a British pioneer. His
publication of 'The Magus', a composite grimoire of
medieval magic and talismans, had contributed to something
of an academic revival of interest amongst the students of
Cambridge in the subject of magic nearly a century
beforehand.
In France, Eliphas Levi had popularised the notion of the
twenty-two tarot trumps as being synonymous with the
twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet and secret keys to
the pictorial language of the Egyptian mysteries informing
Old Testament Biblical lore.
Levi's writings had been popular on the continent and he
had attracted a healthy intellectual collective of disciples
including the artist Oswald Wirth who published a
Qabalistic tarot card deck and Dr Gerald Encausse,
otherwise known as the writer Papus. Levi's allusions to
what Joseph Campbell would later term 'mono-myths'
within World mythologies provided a popular theme.
Mono-myths are those aspects of legend that are

symbolically equivalent within the folk lore of different
cultures, such as the Sumerian, Hebrew and Greek tales of
the Flood. Levi noted the appearance of symbols within the
Tarot that had equivalents within the Egyptian myths, such
as the scales of Justice and the scales of 'Maat' the Egyptian
Goddess of Truth. Levi drew his own conclusions. He also
strayed into areas of historical myth such as equating the
Devil card of the Tarot with the supposed false idol of the
Knights Templar.
This rich thread of romantic supposition, conjecture and
allusion - combined with an evolving thread of homespun
mysticism was readily adopted into the sub-culture of this
embryonic spirituality which bubbled beneath the
respectable surface veneer of Victorian Christianity. The
Golden Dawn teachings continued to expand to incorporate
the secret codices of the Hermetic Qabalah which are
reputed to infuse the Old Testament with secret meaning; the
Latin teachings of Kircher on the Talmudic lore of the Jews,
the lexicon of Astrology and meditations on arcane
geometric symbols to open the Third eye.
The Golden Dawn teaching process was designed to awaken
an experience that initiates termed 'The Knowledge and
conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel'. Commentators
such as Israel Regardie (who published the full teachings of
the order in the 1930's) have likened this experience to the
awakening of the Higher Self and compared this revelatory
experience to some sort of divine inspiration and psychic
awakening of normally dormant, yet innate psychic
faculties.
Steven Ashe
I would like to refer two of the three 'Orders of Being' taught

by J.G. Bennett - that is to those of us who belong to two
distinct categories of human beings: Psycho-Static
individuals who only seek the gratification of their
immediate needs - temporal or spiritual - and PsychoKinetic individuals who are comprised of those who are
actively involved in the inner work with the intention of
developing their quality of spiritual 'Being'.
The greatest danger to initiation is inertia. The word
initiation infers an ongoing process and the term initiate is to
be understood as a verb rather than a noun. One may attain
the status of Initiate by beginning a cycle of work.
Maintaining ones status is dependent upon the continuing
momentum of ones actions within, and beyond, that cycle of
work. Above I mention two of the three states of human
development taught by J.G. Bennett; these were termed the
Psycho- Static state and the Psycho-Kinetic state, under the
headings of which the spiritual state of the individual human
condition may find classification. Bennett's classification
system has been attacked by some modern commentators as
leaning towards the fascistic due to its hierarchical bias.
Such authorities seem more content to sit on the fence of
political correctness and arbitrate over such matters with
egalitarian remoteness. Those of us who hope to make any
sense of the value and significance of the human condition
must be prepared to use such models as Bennett's, merely for
the sake of getting things done.
It is the third state of development referred to by Bennett,

which he terms 'Psycho-Telios' that provides the aspirant
20
with the goal of the individual seeking spiritual awakening.

The term Telios signifies a state of perfection and exaltation
evidenced within the awakened Self.
J.G. Bennett's terms certainly succeed in personifiing the

state to which those of interested in self-development seek to
aspire. That they do so without recourse to religious or
metaphysical symbolism makes it an ideal frame reference
to help guide us on the path of esoteric development.
In the mystery tradition of the Rosicrucian Qabalah,

individuals who have success~llydeveloped their inner
nature to a measure of perfection are believed to reincarnate
as members of that elect body of evolved masters who
constitute the angelic host known as the Ishim, or perfected
ones. This is metaphorical of the path of attainment.
Because this work is aimed at individuals who may find

themselves pursuing diverse paths towards the same end, the
Fraternity of the Sanctum Regnum has adopted the linguistic
technology of the Bennett school. The three states of the
self given expression through the lexicon of J. G. Bennett's
frame reference span the range of experience of the three
grades worked by the Fraternity of the Sanctum Regnum;
these being the grades of Necoris (Apprentice), Adept and
Master of the Temple.
The task which confronts most seekers after the light at the
outset of their quest will be to make the transition-fkom the
Psycho-Static state to the Psycho-Kinetic.

21
Steven Ashe
To have achieved this feat will itself qualifL the individual

as initiate upon the path.
The 'knack' which he or she must learn, as if by second

nature, is to maintain the developmental momentum in a
focused form. Momentum is one thing to be desired direction and advancement however are the factors which
determine whether that momentum is evolutionary or not.
Only by maintaining the discipline to set one's self an

esoteric work programme composed of achievable goals can
the aspirant hope to achieve this with any measure of
success.
The rites and exercises which follow in these pages are

intended to provide the aspirant with the prima-materia to
achieve this success, for they are not only teachings intended
to arm the individual with the keys to power but also to help
engender receptivity and an intuition for the unseen forces
which the occultist works with on a daily basis.
Most Adepts will inform their pupils that it is the very

simplest exercises that provide the means of attunement by
which the aspirant may steer his or her course through the
mysteries. Often, when involved in experimental work of an
advanced nature, occultists will return to the simplest of
exercises to regain their original momentum; using these
rites as anchors to pull themselves back from beyond the
boundaries of the chaos and uncertainty of hitherto
unexplored psychological territory.

During the major part of the aspirants development towards
the attainment of the Psycho-Telios mind-set, he or she will
be brought to confront many of the unbalanced aspects of
their psychological make-up in order to 'make their peace'
with these internal forces of dissent and distraction.
The mainstay of esoteric thought, present in the majority of

traditions, teaches that at the core of every individual lies a
unit of 'experiencing' which underlies the inconsistencies
of the human personality. This is held to be the seat of the
True Will and is thought to be that spark of the divine
essence lent to us from on high for the duration of our
earthly incarnation.
Through performing the rites of magick, and attuning
oneself to the forces summoned through meditation during
the height of the rituals themselves, the individual may come
to intuit that inner core of the True Will: at first, in a passive
way, by recognising the existence of this seat of
consciousness. Then, in a dynamic sense, through intuitive
control; calling upon the voice of the True Will to exercise
it's authority on behalf of the mortal self.
Like riding a bicycle, such control cannot be taught; only

learned through ones own disciplined efforts. Where you
begin is, in the main, dependent upon your own preferences.
Only persistence, determination and consistency will carry
you forward towards the attainment of the Psycho-Telios
mind-set, for the keys to initiation lie in your own hands.
Steven Ashe
Reach down for the diamonds that lie at your feet before you
set off in search of the treasures of distant horizons. At the
outset of any spiritual quest, your footsteps will only be
illuminated by the lights of the spiritual gems which you
cany with you yourself.
As the Alchemists of elder days were so fond of saying:
"He who would make gold mustfirst possess gold"
... which
is, when all is said and done, another way of

saying that if you seek to gain something, then you must first
cultivate your capacity to recognise what you are seeking in
order to find it.
Included as appendices to the present work are the text of
the first two knowledge lectures of the Alpha & Omega
lodge Golden Dawn papers. These give at a glance
background sketches of the more advanced use of advanced
Qabalistic concepts and symbols which are to be found in
the main body of this book.
I have endeavoured to originate a work that exemplifies the
living spirit of the practical Qabalah as filtered through the
skeletal frame provided by the Hermetic Golden Dawn lodge
teachings ... themselves a synthesis of several genuinely
unique historical threads of philosophical speculative
enquiry.
Steven Ashe
Glastonbury 2007
A General Introduction
to the Qabalah
The Qabalistic Tree of Life of ten sephiroth - or emanations
- and the twenty two paths connecting the sephiroth have
been represented in many ways over the millennia. Many
early renderings of the Tree displayed the Tree as a series of
concentric circles, as if the sephiroth were like layers of
onion skin.
The Qabalistic conception of the Creation promotes the

concept of the Sephiroth upon the Tree as products of the
overspill of emanations resulting from the original act of
Creation, as the divine creative impulse passes through
alternating stages of force and form throughout each of the
dimensions of Space and Time.
The order of descent of the Sephiroth is:
1 Kether
2 Chokmah
3 Binah
4 Chesed
5 Geburah
6 Tiphareth
7 Netzach
8 Hod
9 Yesod
10 Malkuth
Crown
Wisdom
Intelligence
Mercy
Geburah
Beauty
VictoryIEternity
GloryIReverberation
Foundation
Kingdom
Steven Ashe
The Tree of Life can be considered a living and breathing

entity whose roots extend from the realm beyond the sources
of our dimensional reality. In one way, this idea is depends
upon the notion of our universal constants extending from a
supra-mundane source; an equally valid realisation informs
us that the very structure of our sensory organs and brain is
equally responsible for creating what sense of certainty we
possess concerning our existential environment. We know,
for example, that our colour awareness is shaped and limited
by the structure of the retina and the innate mechanisms of
the brain which deal with visual awareness (the corpuscollossum and Brodman's area 17 - the visual cortex).
Our universal constants are dependent upon automatic

mechanisms within the brain which combine to deliver a
cognitive representation of our environment within a
discrete range of tonal parameters. Stephen Pinker, writing
in his book 'The Language Instinct' (recommended for
study) mentions an experiment in which hundreds of
individuals had to choose the best examples of each of the
colours of the rainbow from a mixture of coloured crayons
from different hue palettes within the Crayola Crayon range
of products. What is interesting is that the majority of
colours chosen by the subjects to represent the best example
of a certain colour were from the basic set of colours in the
seven colour crayon box, the smallest of the colour crayon
sets issued by Crayola.
The implication of this research is that human beings (in the
main) share a commonality of perception that promotes
clarity of understanding between us, providing much
common ground of experience. When we agree with our
peers that the sky is a lovely blue today, we are sharing more
26
than a general observation. We are relying upon the fact that

the person with whom we are communicating has no braindamage, or genetic predisposition to colour blindness and
perceives the environment similarly.
Our perception of the Universe shapes our Universe. This is

the essence of the classic 'As Above - So Below'
Macrocosm-Microcosm model which posits that man is a
complete representation of the greater universe. As sentient
beings, our innate mental structures determine our
perception and understanding. It is by coming to an
understanding of ourselves that the Qabalah teaches us that
we can gain Wisdom upon the nature of our role within the
garden of the Kingdom.
The Tree of Life model is a wonderful example of how some

of the greatest philosophical minds of the classical world
have attempted to model the notional idea of the
manifestation of light as a point of creation which extends
and disperses through dimensions of space and time to
originate the Macrocosm and then become reflected within
the Microcosm and provide the conditions for sentient
existence.
How these authorities have modelled this descent of energy

and its overspill and expansion, losing refinement as it gains
in variety is quite revealing. They certainly possessed a
philosophically sophisticated understanding of how one
Sephirothic form originating from the force of a preceding
Sephirah can also provide the force to overspill into yet
another sephirothic form.
Steven Ashe
Such a model of the Tree of Life provides a fluid system of

forces in exchange and opposition and this should be
remembered by anyone seeking to approach the tree as a
working theoretical schematic designed to facilitate self
knowledge. The subtleties of the Tree of Life schema are
revealing of the level of philosophical sophistication and
also of the varieties of qualitative discernment available to
US.
Every human emotion, urge or motivation can be mapped to

a sephirothic origin and its corollary to a balancing
sephirothic source. Anger could easily be mapped to
Geburah (the force of critical judgment and the will to
power) and this can be seen to be balanced by Geburah's
diagonal 'reflection' through the 'mirror' of Tiphareth in the
qualities of the Sephirah Netzach (the nurturing force of
Love).
Despite a consensus agreement on the order of the descent of

the Sephiroth, the matter of the attribution of the Hebrew
letters to the paths differs from one school of the Qabalah to
another. This is because the Qabalah is open to
interpretation. The text of the Sepher Yetzirah agrees some
attribution of a particular letter to a particular direction of
space and also to various qualities of the Microcosm.
However, when the Tree of Life is represented as the kind of

diagram familiar to students of the Hermetic Qabalah, the
agreement upon the order of the descent of the paths
connecting the sephiroth is dependent upon the design of the
representation. For example, the model of the Tree devised
28
by Isaac Luria of the Safed school of Qabalistic thought

contains only one letter-path connecting the lowest sephirah
Malkuth to Yesod. The paths connecting Malkuth to Hod
and Netzach familiar to students of the Hermetic Tree are
not present. Instead, Luria places two paths between
Chokrnah-Geburah and between Binah and Chesed.
This provides a model of the Tree where the three Mother

letters of the Hebrew alphabet relate to the horizontal pillars,
the seven double letters to the vertical paths and the twelve
simple letters to the diagonal pathways. The elegance of this
system of attribution is obvious. The Golden Dawn school
representation of the Tree of Life also contains its own
symmetry and logic. Both have their own system of
attributing the letters of the Hebrew alphabet to the paths
connecting the sephiroth. It is the task of the student to
examine one system against another so that, through
meditation and contemplation, the logic of each system
informs his or her perspective. The letter-paths are
mnemonics: strictly speaking, phonemes (units of sound)
whose vibrations may be meditated upon. Just as the
differentiation between colours is indicative of our fiame
reference of light sensitivity, so are phonemes the key to our
frame reference of aural awareness.
Where any combination of phonemes is involved we then

become aware of the phenomenon known as 'parsing'.
Parsing is the brains ability to differentiate between discrete
structures of sensory input. For example, when you listen
closely to the flow of a spoken conversation, despite there
being the appearance of clear distinct gaps between words,
what actually occurs is a continuous flow of phonemes.
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It is the parsing ability of the brain that enables us to impose

pattern recognition perception upon the spoken flow. It is the
brains ability to parse that creates our awareness of the
tonalities of colour from light wavelengths). The student of
the Qabalah will attempt to meditate upon a particular
sephiroth, employing the oral intonation of each letter of the
Hebrew alphabet associated with that sephirah in his or her
working. Upon the intonation of each letter, sensitivity to the
phenomenon of parsing will impose an awareness of the
structure of each letter of the Qabalistic alphabet: whether a
vowel sound precedes it as in (e) L, or provides a suffix as in
B (e), for example. This will help to fix a phonetic reference
to the letter-path in question. There is a phonetic side to the
Qabalah as well as a literal side and phonetic renderings of
phoneme combinations give interesting numerologies when
the value of the full phonetic rendering of vowels
accompanying
the
pronunciation
is
calculated.
Numerologies arrived at by this means may be incorporated
into talismanic designs, or meditation symbols developed by
the student over a cycle of work upon a particular Sephirah.
Differences in personal models of the Tree of Life, from one
student to another are not an unusual occurrence. Neither is
it unusual to find differences in the pattern of
correspondences such as the Tarot trumps and their
relationship with the paths of the Tree of Life, first
suggested by Eliphas Levi in 1875. The attributions agreed
by the Golden Dawn school are at wide variance with the
continental system advised by Knut Stenring in the appendix
of his translation of the Sepher Yetzirah of the 1930's
dealing with the 32 paths.
The concept of the Four Worlds of the Qabalist elucidates

four realms of manifestation within design of the manifest
universe. First there is the realm of Atziluth (Nearness - the
world of Archetypes where the visions of the Creator are
realised), then there is the realm of Briah (Creativity pronounced 'Beriah' - where the Energies of Creation are
unleashed. The World of Yetzirah represents the
organisation of these creative energies into matrices of
ordered potentials whilst the lowest World of Assiah
(Activity) is the arena within which these elements of
ordered potential take root in the phenomenal world.
Although there are a number of ways of viewing the

arrangement of the sephiroth through the Four worlds. The
easiest model to picture is that of Kether existing within
Atziluth, Chokmah and Binah as representing the Briahtic
powers, whilst the combined action of the six sephiroth
descending from Chesed to Yesod manifest as the
Yetzirahtic (formative) powers and the combined action of
Yesod and Malkuth result in the world of Assiah (Action or
Activity). Another model of the four worlds of the Qabalist
informs us of the action of the Sephiroth upon four different
levels - the levels of archetypal Ideal, creative expression,
formative cohesiveness and outward expression. Ideally, the
student of the Qabalah will seek to ascend the middle pillar
by seeking the balance of the sephirothic forces on either
side of the Tree and synthesising their essence through
meditative experience. Practitioners of the western school of
ritual magic often employ the Tree as a grid reference
yielding a useful map of the forces which combine to
creative his perceptual universe (microcosm) and the greater
tour de force of energies underlying the Creation
(Macrocosm). It is by meditation and contemplation upon
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these discrete sephirothic energies and their combinations

that real perspective can be gained by the student.
QBL, or Qabalah, is a word signifying a verbal tradition of

secret religious lore, and translates literally fiom the Hebrew
as 'from mouth to ear'.
According to the Qabalistic tradition, God created the
Universal Schema through spoken utterances and
commands. The Ten Spheres upon the Tree of Life glyph are
the divine Sephiroth [more properly 'Sephiroth Belimah' 'Voices from Nothing'] which symbolically represent the
Decad of Creation.
The decimal unit was taken by the originators of the
Qabalah, who saw in the number ten a measure of
perfection, to represent the trinity of the god-head working
through the Seven Days of Creation. The Hebrew letters
Yod, Heh and Vau are the letters of the name IHVH which
compose this pre- Christian trinity.
The number three has always been linked to the concept of
the god-head, mainly due to its links to the concept of
Eternity. The Creators three-fold aspect is 'He that has
always existed', 'He that exists' and 'He that shall endure for
ever'. The idea of an infinite and immortal God, who reveals
himself in a Universe he has fashioned fiom the substance of
His own being represents a paradox.
The Qabalist is human, and therefore limited by his own
mortality. He therefore finds himself having to deal with the
problem of having to relate to an immortal Creator dealing

with his creation, and also the paradox of his own place in
Eternity as a being limited within a four dimensional
perceptual frame reference.
As a starting point, and according to Qabalistic lore even
this may take several lifetimes to master, the Qabalah
attempts to arrive at an understanding of one single aspect of
the Creator through the study of numerology and meditation
upon the sacred hieroglyphs of the Hebrew alphabet.
Because the system of the Qabalah represents the esoteric
side of the Judaic religious lore it contains many keys which
unlock texts contained in the Old Testament. In the Hebrew
tongue, letters of the alphabet stand double duty as numbers.
For example, the letter Aleph may also be written for the
character representing number One. Every word and phrase
therefore has a numerological value. The Hebrew phrase
'IHVH AChD' ["The Eternal reveals himself through unity"]
adds to the number 39. There are Thirty Nine separate works
in the Hebrew canonical works which comprise the Old
Testament. Also, the number of Hebrew letters in the titles
of the Ten Sephiroth total thirty nine in all. Thus can the
Qabalistic significance of the phrase IHVH AChD be
realised.
Other codes contained in the text of the Old Testament
include a series of three verses which run concurrently in the
Book of Exodus; each comprised of seventy two letters.
These are Exodus 14: 19,20 and 2 1.
If these verses are set out - each in a straight line reading
from right to left in the normal Semitic practice, one above
the other, with the middle verse [verse twenty] reversed so
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that it reads from left to right, then seventy two tri-lateral

columns of angelic names are formed. According to Aleister
Crowley in his "Book of Thoth", these names may be
arrived at from the tri-syllable combinations in the same
fashion that crossword solutions may be gleaned through
paying attention to the known letters of the word you are
seeking and filling in the blanks.
The above mentioned list of names constitute the hierarchy
of powers known as the Angels of the Shemahamphorash
(Divided Name"). All of this will be studied by advanced
Qabalists, but the beginner will have to begin from basics
such as the Hebrew alphabet and the Sephiroth.
The Qabalah: It's Origin &

Development
The exact date of the origin of the esoteric system known as
the Qabalah is a scholarly mystery. Ancient tradition
recounts that the secret doctrine enshrined in Qabalistic lore
was communicated directly to Adam by the Archangel
Ratziel, who passed it on to successive generation by word
of mouth. By a similar method the Qabalah has survived the
millennia and has only in recent times been committed to
writing in a somewhat incomplete format - for it has always
been an oral tradition surviving exclusively in the Rabbinical
caste.
Whatever the true origins of Qabalistic philosophy, its

original foundations are certainly contemporary with
Jehovah (IHVH) worship amongst the Semitic peoples.
Certainly these foundations existed long enough before the
Pentateuch (first five books of the Old Testament) for them
to be incorporated into the essence of this collection of
writings which was written circa 1500 BC.
The canonical works of the Hebrew Testament are
remarkable in that they are strictly exoteric in nature;
dealing with worldly and materialistic philosophies, laws
and codes of moral behaviour, etc.
The esoteric side of Judaism was, in the main, left open to
the interpretation of qualified teachers [Rabbi's] whose
meditations upon the 'letters of the law' incorporated
Qabalistic doctrine in order to gain an understanding of the
divine Cosmogony. In this way the Qabalah evolved, for
now and then great teachers of penetrating insight would
discern fresh and deeper insights into the lore. Each building
upon the successes of those who had passed that way before
him.
Wynn Westcott in "The Magical Mason" (Ed. R.A. Gilbert)
notes the similarity in the development of the Qabalah
alongside Old Testament sources to the relationship between
Brahmana texts.
In both cases the 'secret' knowledge was kept strictly apart
from the profane texts as this knowledge was for the eyes of
only the most worthy. For many centuries the Qabalistic
doctrines continued to be passed on by word of mouth and
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doubtless varied and evolved by the minds through which it

filtered.
The first Qabalistic work dealing with the Sephiroth and the
letters of the Hebrew alphabet to be published was the
Sepher Yetzirah - The Book of Formation which surfaced
circa 22 A.D - composed of a synthesis of partially complete
ancient versions. This work is a philosophical commentary
upon the Creation - drawing a parallel between the works of
creation (origin of the Earth, Sun, Planets, Elements, etc) and the twenty two letters of the Hebrew alphabet and their
combinations which the Source employed in the act of
Creation. To these twenty two letters are added the ten
Sephiroth, thus revealing the Thirty two Paths of Wisdom.
The Sepher Yetzirah was strongly influenced by Judaic
Merkabah mysticism which employed meditative techniques
to induce trance vision and the apparent experience of astral
projection.
Through Merkabah techniques the practitioner would rise
through the planes in his astral form, where he would
perceive the Almighty seated on his Throne or Chariot
(Merkabah). This journey would be perilous in the extreme
for deadly beings were held to guard the gateways to the
astral planes in order to prevent unworthy souls from
spiritual ascent. Only the knowledge of the correct keys and
the magical names of power could ensure the safe passage of
the Soul during Merkabah projection: a philosophy
borrowed by the later Gnostics, which underpins their
beliefs in the soul's confrontation of the Archons at the gates
of the seven planes during the after-life.
Around 200 AD two distinct schools of Qabalistic thought

had evolved. That is, the understanding of the idea of God
arrived at by two separate areas of concentration - the study
of the numbers [or Sephiroth] and the study of the 22 letters
[the schema].
The second Qabalistic treatise to be made public was the
Sepher Zohar [the Book of Splendour], published circa 1290
AD by Rabbi Moses de Leon of Guadaljarah, Spain.
Like the Sepher Yetzirah, this work is a synthesis of separate
treatises written by numerous Rabbis throughout the ages.
According to the lore of the tradition the literary back-bone
of the Sepher Zohar was originally committed to writing by
Rabbi Simeon ben Jochai, who completed this task around
160 AD after being driven into living in exile in a cave by
Lucius Aurelius Verus the co-regent with the Roman
Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus.
By the time this work came to be published by Rabbi Moses
de Leon it had been added to by other hands, and the main
task of its editor lay in synthesising the extant literature into
a coherent format. From this time onwards, the main body of
Merkabah inspired Qabalistic doctrine fell into the domain
of medieval magick and ceremonial occultism. Manuscript
copies of the Sepher Zohar were in general circulation until
three official codices of the work appeared in the late
sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. These were the
Mantua codex of 1558, the Cremona Codex of 1590 and the
Lublin codex of 1628 which were printed in the Hebrew
language.
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The philosophies embedded in both the Sepher Yetzirah and

the Zohar imply a belief in the hierarchical arrangement of
the Universe of which Man is held to be a microcosm. This
provided Qabalistic scholars with a ladder of mystical ascent
which could be 'climbed' by anyone who correctly employed
the time held magical Names of Power in their meditations
upon the divine being.
The System of the Fifty Gates explored in the present work,
when laid alongside the more traditionally accepted systems
of path working, unites the mysteries of the numbers and the
letters of the Sepher Yetzirah.
When the Fifty meet the Twenty Two, the Seventy Two
angels of the Divided Name (Shemhamphorash) - held to be
the leaves upon the Tree of Life - may be understood by the
Wise.
The Rosicrucian Cabalah

Another thread in the tapestry of arcane wisdom which
many authorities fail to distinguish from the Qabalah is the
founding of the Cabala - the Sufi oriented semantic system which has influenced many prominent philosophers and
teachers and which links into the history of the Spanish
Qabalah.
This system may be thought of as being similar in nature to

Zen in its teaching methods. It is rooted in the Language of
the Birds [the 'green language' which has infiltrated the
western alchemic tradition] and examples of the use of the
methods of the 'Cabala' which writers upon the Qabalah
have employed may be found in the works of Kenneth Grant
and the French alchemist writing under the name of
Fulcanelli.
The Arabic word WIRD, signiQing the 'developmental
exercise' practices of the Sufis has often been used by the
Sufi mystical poets as WaRD, meaning Rose. The Arabic
root SLB, meaning to 'extract the marrow' was also often
employed alongside the former as SLB WIRD, translating as
"to obtain the core essence of the exercise". Another
rendering of the root SLB also translates as 'Cross'.
According to Idries Shah writing in his History of the Sufis,
it is this misunderstanding of Arabic grammar that has
conhsed those standing outside, and not infi-equently inside,
the Rosicrucian tradition. And he has a case. It is certainly
true that the Renaissance, and the ensuing Age of
Enlightenment would not have been possible but for the
spread of the Arab wisdom through Moorish Spain into
Europe from the late eighth century onwards.
The Arabs had preserved the classics of the ancient world
and the algebra of ancient India. After the Crusades precious
works thought lost to western civilisation suddenly became
available.
The Age of the Crusades was only cooling when the
Renaissance flowered. Crusading in the Middle East against
the infidel, and the internal European Crusades against such

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heresies as the CatharIAlbigensian movement, had been

launched to combat the expansion of the intellectual arena of
the Islamic world. This latter, due mainly to the Moorish
occupation of South Western Spain, had fostered an
intellectual climate that made the popularisation and printing
of the Sepher Zohar in the Thirteenth century possible.
The modem conception of the Rosicrucian Tradition, - the
version favoured by such authoritative sources as the
Victorian Golden Dawn - with it's tales of the travels of
Christian Rosencrantz seems childishly naive to any
informed and disinterested onlooker. Even taken
allegorically this mythos fails to satisfy, and appears shallow
in the extreme.
Modern and supposedly authoritative books published upon
the subject of Rosicrucianism and the hermetic Qabalah fail
to raise the issue of a Sufi heritage. Many of the authors,
whilst hlly aware of the existence of the groups of
philosophers claimed over the ages as Rosicrucian initiates,
seem unable or unwilling to provide supporting evidence for
a 'strong theory' focus on the Arabian source of the concept
of Rosicrucianism.
Both Johann Duns Scotus and his protegC Thomas Aquinas
were reputed to be able to sight read the prophet in his native
tongue. Ramon Lull, claimed by many 'authorities' as a true
Rosicrucian and whose philosophical efforts brought us the
'Rosicrucian Qabalah' [or 'Spanish Qabalah'] was bi-lingual
in the Islamic vernacular - he was stoned to death in the
Holy Land trying to convert the natives to Christianity.
In the spirit of the above, one other name stands out in the
history of philosophy as a likely catalyst to the tradition that
has come down to us as the rather anaemic, 'fake',
'Rosicrucianism' of the kind practised by those uncritical
enough to tow the 'Golden Dawn' line without question. That
name is Michael Scott, the utopian thinker and Court
Philosopher to Emperor Frederick I1 of Sicily - an island
with a history of Moorish occupation and religious and
architectural culture, where he no doubt came under the
influence of schools of Sufi thought.
Scott had a public reputation for performing miracles that
would put any self respecting wonder working Rabbi to
shame, and is also reported to have been adept at inducing
visions by a combination of manipulation of light and
suggestion; a phenomenon strongly associated with Sufi
adepts.
It is possible that his familiarity with, and translation of, the
texts of Arabian medicine and philosophy inspired much
speculation upon his alleged alchemical prowess, and also
concerning his later influence upon tales alluded to in later
Rosicrucian texts. He was even mentioned by Dante himself a student of the Spanish Saracen derived language of
Provence, the chosen idiom of the authors of the Troubadour
Courtly Romances - in his Divine Comedy (Inferno, Canto
XX, lines 1 15-1 17).
The later published allegorical tales of the Rosicrucians,
especially the legends concerning events in the life of
Christian Rosencrantz, evidently had some foundation in the
myths circulated amongst the common people of the Middle
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Ages concerning the teachings and adventures of the great

philosophers of the era.
The Qabalah of Fifty Gates

Introduction
The Qabalistic Tree of Life glyph is composed of ten

Sephiroth, twenty two Paths (which are in effect the
combined influences of the Sephiroth) and 50 Gates which
constitute states of mind generated by our experience of the
Sephiroth and the twenty two Paths.
The traditional Qabalistic interpretation of the 'Four
Hundred Desirable Worlds' is challenged by the model of
the Tree of Life implied by the Thelemic system of the Fifty
gates. In the traditional system, a microcosmic blueprint of
the ten Sephiroth is contained in each individual Sephirah
throughout each of the Four Qabalistic Worlds - yielding
Four Hundred possible worlds.
In the system of the Fifty Gates, each Sephirah of the Tree is
thought to contain only the blueprint of the Sephiroth
preceding it upon the Tree plus the potentia of its own
mystical experience.
Chesed, the fourth Sephirah, is therefore thought to contain
the 'genetic blueprint' of Kether, Chokmah and Binah which precede it - plus the potentia of the divine force of
Love; it's own qualitative experience: four gates in all.
Using this new system, fifty such gates separate the
noumenal world of the lowest gate in Malkuth, from the
supernal Triad of Kether, Chokmah, and Binah. Daath, the
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void created by Malkuth during 'The Fall' alluded to in

Genesis representing the Fiftieth of the Gates.
The system of the Qabalah of Fifty Gates may initially
perhaps best be approached as an organised exploration of
the psychological 'mind-sets' and webs of psycho-sexual
dynamics which underlie our belief systems - the raggle
taggle amalgams of working hypotheses which colour our
outlook upon the world we interface with day by day.
As one advances through the gates, sometimes "in turn" at
other times "at once", the aspirant will sublimate the primamateria of the lower-ego personality and advance through
the higher gates to confront psycho-spiritual and sexualspiritual personal dynamics.
Next, 'Overself cross-wiring' techniques may be harnessed
by initiates working within the sphere of the 'mid heaven
gates' to catapult the throne of the lower consciousness
through the veil of Paroketh which clouds access to the
experience of the Holy Guardian Angel in Tiphareth and the
Cubic Stone of the Six Gates.
This technique of 'Over-Self cross-wiring' involves the
blending of the aspirations of the personality towards
immortality and the flow of the potential energies which
vitalise the individuals drive towards survival.
These 'higher' potential energies are considered by many
modem initiates to be focused by the 'Holy Guardian Angel'
entity from the realm of Eternity [the non dimensional realm

of the Ain Soph, above the Tree of Life].
In a sense, this requires a blending of the subconscious and
super-conscious [ego], subjectivity and objectivity. The
Book of the Law states "There is division hither
homewards": it is this 'division' that provides the catalyst for
change and evolutionary development. Gurdjieff talked of a
'Third World' and a 'Third Force' lying between reality and
perception. Austin Osman Spare talks of an 'in-between'
reality and Jan Fries of a 'Siedways' (sic). Similarly, the 50
Gates are purely experiential.
The experience of them is similar to the art of path working,
but momentary and hauntingly elusive. One steps into and
through each of the Gates and receives a quanta of
enlightenment akin to the spark burning in the lamp of the
Hermit of the Tarot, which will lighten his journey upon the
path ahead.
Given that each of us is a microcosm of a greater, but
divided whole, we can only hope to know the Creator
through the Creation: within the sphere of influence
represented by Tiphareth upon the Tree of Life, composed of
the six potentials of the gates of that matrix which marry the
Macrocosm to the Microcosm.
According to the Neo-Platonic model of the Qabalah as
evinced by Frances Yates, Man is regarded as a microcosm
of the whole of the Creation; and the Creation itself, a mere
microcosm of the Creator. Even a microcosm of the
Microcosm (a Nanocosm) may, according to the logic
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underlying the modus operandi of Qabalistic lore, contain

the key to 'knowing' the Macrocosm.
For the identity of the Macrocosm is held to reveal itself
through the processes of Creation which have remained
consistent since the first three minutes after the Big Bang
event.
The system of the Fifty Gates provides a missing link
between Qabalistic Magic and Mysticism for it posits the
following: The processes involved in the creation of a
Nanocosm in relation to a microcosm must be consistent
with the process involved in the creation of a Microcosm in
relation to a Macrocosm. Therefore the Nanocosm may
know the Macrocosm by observing its interactive
relationship with, and it's origins in the Microcosm.
'Working the Fifty Gates' is therefore a process of Self
realisation and empowerment through guided visionary self
confrontation and self-observation requiring great
impartiality of prejudice.
At the commencement, it is a system which attempts to help
the aspirant identie the elements of his or her own
psychological make-up which constitute the contact points
between the Self and the Source. Contact points which may
be 'worked on' and fine tuned in order to better 'walk the
paths' between the Sephiroth.
The Ten Astrophysical

Gates of Malkuth
The ten astrophysical gates of Malkuth all exist in the world
of Assiah [the Qabalistic World of Action]. They are
therefore all linked to the neural balance of the aspirant
determined by the body's hormonal alchemy, and may be
attitudinal, psychosexual or mood inspired.
The First Gate

(Malkuth of Malkuth):
Physical Discipline and exertion to break the veil of inertia
of the material and noumenal. Any ritual act performed in
sincerity, having as its intent the harmonising of the 'astrospiritual' with the 'astrophysical' will open this gate. It is the
state of mind associated with the Hexagram - the meeting of
Macrocosm and Microcosm - generated by self-initiation
through effort.
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The Second Gate

(Yesod of Malkuth):
The identification of the roots of your own sexual desire
through self confrontational interfaces with reality, in the
fact of the present moment or in the glamour of memory.
The state of self awareness experienced by the lower ego
personality peculiar to orgasm generated by sex-fantasy
rites.
Twists in the purity of the next of the gates [Hod of
Malkuth] may be detected in the strength by which the
aspirant detects the nature of the sexual fantasy deviating
from a 'norm' which can be reconciled with the 'conscience'.
The Third Gate

(Hod of Malkuth):
The ideology of ruthlessness applied to self disciplined
effort This gate may be accessed by fasting and abstinence
as it may be penetrated through exerting the effort of the
lower will of the 'intellect-personality'. Where the desires are
un-harnessed and in a state of 'Will under Love' this gate
remains closed resulting in the build-up of unfocused
emotional charges which have not been sublimated by
behavioural processing.
The Fourth Gate

(Netzach of Malkuth):
The ideology of surrender within the context of
sexual union. This gate may be opened through sexual
exhaustion and also through intoxication by "wine and
strange drugs". The fourth gate's essence is the affirmation
of the 'Will to survive' expressed through sexual activity.
The Fifth Gate

(Tiphareth of Malkuth)
The evolutionary aspiration expressed in the joy of orgasm
and sexual bonding. This gate may be 'entered' through that
state of mind generated by desire and sexual ambition.
The Sixth Gate

(Geburah of Malkuth):
The mental urge towards organisation and strategy making.
The energy of purposeful action targeting growth and
advancement. The mind-set of "I will...".
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The Seventh Gate

(Chesed of Malkuth):
Emotional bonding. Sympathy for others in a state of
suffering. The emotional seat of our humanity and the root
of our capacity for Family and Self love.
The Eighth Gate

(Binah of Malkuth):
The seat of Intelligence. The gate that is entered by our
ability to learn from experience.
The Ninth Gate

(Chokmah of Malkuth):
This gate may be accessed by our ability to make informed
choices. Self-trust.
The Tenth Gate (Kether of Malkuth)

The capacity for self experience and self awareness. The
source of the intensity of orgasm rising as a response to the
'lower' inspirations of that event.
The 'higher' gates may only be intimated through allegory
and parable as they lie beyond the remit of physical-sensual
associations.
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The Nine Gates of Yesod

The Eleventh Gate
(Yesod of Yesod)
Mullah Kif came across four wise men seated cross legged
before the rising Sun.
"We have been sitting here in stillness all night, awaiting the
dawn," said one of the men. Another man broke wind.
Pointing to the sky, the Mulla said: "Look, it has come and
gone. The dawn waits not for the prophet who seeks to enter
the city on his ass but does not have the sense to move his
bowels."
The Twelfth Gate

(Hod of Yesod)
The Mullah came upon a wandering holy man, walking in
the purple shades of the city walls. A retinue followed in the
priest's wake and his disciples approached the Mullah with
their bowls outstretched, seeking alms. "Begone," the good
Mullah exhorted. "I am walking here to escape my worse
nature. That does not mean that I am any better friend to my
good nature. Tell me, if I give you what I have, what will
you do with it?"
"We will feed the hungry. We will clothe the poor," they
replied.
"But will I then not be hungry? Will I not be poor?" the
Mullah asked. And the followers saw the wisdom of his
argument and turned upon their leader with angry words and
abandoned him. When they were gone, the Holy Man
approached the Mullah and said: "Thank you, master. I've
been trying to get rid of those bums for nigh on six months
now."
The Thirteenth Gate

(Netzach of Yesod)
A disciple came to Mulla Kif seeking guidance. "Master,"
he implored, "I am always slipping into evil and doing
things that I later regret. Help me."
The Mulla placed a hand on his shoulder, saying to the man:
"If you are always running towards your shadow, my son,
then you will find it is because you are running away from
the light."
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The Fourteenth Gate

(Tiphareth of Yesod)
Two Angels were waiting on the corner of the street where
the Mulla lived. One wore a black cloak, the other a white
one. When the Mullah came out of his house he saw the
Angels waiting for him at the end of the road.
Turning his collar against the wind he set off in the opposite
direction muttering to himself: "When Angels are to be
found hustling on street corners, it is time to seek spirituality
in the bordello."
The Fifteenth Gate

(Geburah of Yesod)
A young man came upon a very old man sitting by the side
of the path warming his hands on the flames of a small fire
he had built. Sitting down by his side he offered him a drink
from his flask and a few figs from his canteen.
After many pleasantries the old man said: "When I was
young I was a disciple of the Mullah, but I ran away. It is
something that I deeply regret."
The young man enquired: "Why did you turn aside from the
Mullah's wisdom?"
The old man replied: "I had been a novice for one whole
year, and I approached the Mulla asking him to tell me the
name of my higher angel. He whispered the name in my ear,
but I was too young to understand his answer and thought he
was tricking me, so I left."
"What name did he tell you, old man?" The young man
enquired.
"It was my own name," the old man sighed.
The Sixteenth Gate

(Chesed of Yesod)
Kif appeared in the market square amongst the crowds who
had gathered to listen to the Christian prophets of doom
speak of the end of the world. Upon his back he carried a
parachute. His friend Ali saw him approaching and cried:
"Kif, why do you wear a parachute?"
"I met a chicken and a turkey on the road here, and they told
me that the sky was falling," Kif replied.
"The prophets here speak of the end of the world," Ali said
somberly. "They say that anyone who reads their Bible and
believes will be saved."
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"Well," said Kif, "you will be safe if you buy their book. I
am safe, because I have my parachute. But I cannot believe
that God will not spare the chicken and the turkey."
The Seventeenth Gate

(Binah of Yesod)
Kif came across the desert and beheld the pyramids for the
first time.
A veiled woman came out of the shadow of the sphinx to

greet him. Beneath her coat she held a desert fox, veiling it
from the morning winds.
"Girl," Kif called out, "I am following the stars looking for
three Kings."
Pointing to a row of three small pyramids she said: "You
have found them. But they have been long dead."
"Still, I will sleep here and pass the night with them," Kif
said, dismounting from his camel.
"Sir," the veiled maiden addressed him. "You are the first
who has passed this way who has not been overwrought with
sorrow at finding the objects of his quest so long deceased."
"I came this way because I believed the stars were calling
me to be here at this time. I will lie beneath the stars at this
place and seek their wisdom in dreams. Would you care for
some fresh water and figs?" Kif asked politely, offering the
girl his canteen and flask.
"Sir, your chivalry does you proud," she replied. "But it is
written that at a time such as this, one like yourself might
give all for a kiss but "whosoever gives one particle of dust
shall lose all at that hour."
Recognising her as a priestess of Nuit, goddess of the night
sky, Kif bowed his head. "Madam," he said, "you are
certainly welcome to all and everything I possess."
Dropping her veil, the priestess revealed herself to Kif and
they kissed under the desert skies.
"You are indeed a fool, if you plan to continue through the
desert," the priestess said gently. "Here, take this little desert
fox. It will guide you through the wilderness and warn you
of the scorpions in the dark of night. You have broken the
letter and the spirit of the law of the holy book this night in
kissing me. But your audacity weighs in balance with your
kindness, and this puts you beyond our blessing or
forgiveness. Journey on, noble traveler. But follow the dog,"
and she passed him the desert fox and departed.
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The Eighteenth Gate

(Chokmah of Yesod)
An acolyte came to the Mullah, saying: "Take me as your
pupil, 0 master. I would do anything to prove myself
worthy.''
"Then take this box to the Mullah who lives over the river",
Kif said, handing him an old shoe box tied firmly with
string. "But do not look inside, or I will know you are
unworthy. "
All through the journey, a voice cried out from the box:
"May
Allah save us! May Allah save us!" As he was crossing the
river, the acolyte's curiosity became too much for him and
he loosened the string and peeked inside.
As soon as he opened the box a parrot flew out, fell into the
river and was washed away.
Returning to the Mullah, he confessed himself, begging
forgiveness and a second chance to make amends.
The Mullah pointed to the temple door. "Be gone!" he said.
"You show more respect for the voice of a parrot than for
the commands of your teacher. If I taught you in the Law
you would become more of a policeman than a judge!"
The Nineteenth Gate

(Kether of Yesod)
"I am knowing, and yet rarely known." The Goddess said to
Kif in his dream. "If you would know me, you must sit in the
deepest well in the city for three nights at the dark of the
Moon." So Kif purchased an oversize bucket and had
himself lowered into the well the next day.
The people of the town were amazed and a large crowd
gathered around to witness his vigil. For three days and
nights Kif remained in the well. To his surprise he found that
he could see the stars of the heavens in the day time as well
as at night. And so he became dumb-struck with awe.
When he was hauled up, Kif was summoned to the tent of
the Caliph, who wished to learn what Kif had experienced
down the well, and offered a meal and wine.
Refbsing these, Kif requested a simple bowl of dates and a
glass of goat's milk which he consumed with relish. He was
then brought before the Caliph who asked him: "What did
the Goddess reveal of Herself to you, my son?"
Kif stared at him for a moment before replying. "In seeking
the light, we are all blinded by it," he said. "It is what is
beyond the light that should concern us: for the light shines
out of a darkness which cradles us continuously.
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"The Light is the Way, but the darkness is the beginning and
the end."
"And how may we know the Goddess? How is it that we
may come to know the unknowable?" The Caliph hrther
pursued.
"By living simple lives," Kif replied. "And by learning that
one must descend into the darkness in order to see beyond
the light."
The Eight Gates of Hod

The Twentieth Gate
(Hod of Hod)
Coconut was selling figs in the market square one morning
when a travelling master magician and hypnotist arrived and
set up his stage next to his pitch.
Throughout the morning crowds gathered to see the
hypnotist convince men that they were donkeys, and women
that they were tigers. Stupid men came to be cured of their
imbecility, those with stutters were made able to speak
clearly, the lame walked and the nearly blind were restored
to sight. As the crowds gathered, Coconut sold more figs in
one morning than he might reasonably expect to do in a
week or more. Counting his takings with deep satisfaction,
Coconut decided that he would make a habit of following
the magician from town to town.
Towards the end of the morning as noon came upon them,
each of the stall holders closed for the mid day heat break.
The hypnotist counted his gold, paid to him by those seeking
to be hypnotised.
Having sold his entire stock of figs Coconut counted his
money too, and made up his mind to consult the hypnotist
himself when the afternoon session began.
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Having taken his place in the queue, Coconut's turn soon

came about and the Master hypnotist asked him what he
wished of him.
"I wish to marry an intelligent woman, who will give me
strong and clever children," Coconut replied. "But I fear that
I am too poor and simple to be of interest to such a bride."
"And what would you give for this?" the hypnotist enquired.
"Oh, I would give anything to lead a firlfilling life," Coconut
replied. "I would follow you and pay you a share of my
profits if you could make such a thing possible.
"Then promise me a share in your business equal to one
third and I will grant your wishes," the hypnotist
commanded, and so Coconut agreed to give over a third
share of his business profits to the Master.
After placing the fig-seller in a deep hypnotic trance the
Master commanded him to be wise in all dealings,
discerning in all purchases, fair with all people and cheerful
against all adversity. Then he put his mouth to Coconuts ear
and, in a whisper, commanded him to take all of his powers
from him.
When Coconut awoke from his trance he found that he knew
many things that he previously did not and that everyone
that he spoke to treated him with deference and respect;
obeying his will even so far as paying immediate attention to
his slightest wants, needs, or casual suggestions.
And as the afternoon passed, Coconut began to recollect

more and more about his consultation with the Master
Hypnotist, who had suddenly shut up his stall immediately
after treating him.
Remembering that he had pledged one third of his business
to the master hypnotist, Coconut turned to a near by
merchant in fine cloths whom he had seen arrive with other
traders in the retinue of the master hypnotists caravan.
"I have given a third share in my business to the Master,"

Coconut exclaimed. "And he has given me a share of his
powers. I do not understand."
"There are many merchants in the Master's caravan," the silk
merchant answered.
"And in this town, at this time, we have need of figs. If you
follow the master as one of our number, as now you must,
you will always show a profit on your figs. And you will not
even need to work your stall, for the Master will provide
willing servants to do the work of the donkey."
"And what will I do?" Coconut hesitantly enquired.
"You will do the work of the Master entertaining the masses
and curing the sick," the merchant replied. "You now have
the power to do anything you so desire. But in this one thing
you must now abide."
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"But all I wanted was an intelligent and good looking wife,"

Coconut protested.
"You can have your pick of wives," the merchant answered,
"they will come running at your bidding. You are now the
Master and the power has been passed on to you."
"Truly has the weight of responsibility fallen on my
shoulders," Coconut muttered. "But why do you say I will
have to be crafty?"
"Well, you know the Master who hypnotised you?" the
Merchant asked. Coconut nodded his head. "Well, when he
had the power passed on to him do you know what he asked
for?"
Coconut shook his head. The merchant continued: "Well, he
wanted to go into the fig business."
The Twenty First Gate

(Netzach of Hod)
Marah went wandering in the western lands, where the
priests studied the stars at night.
Alone, save for the company of the camel upon whose back
she rode, she travelled between the oases of the desert;
seeking the stillness of the night time to heal her troubled

soul.
In the evening she hunted with a bow and arrow for food. In
the morning she lay down in the shade of the palms of the
oasis and dreamed through the day.
One day whilst she slept, Marah dreamed a strange dream:
Two headless men faced one another over a net stretched
across a black and white chequered ball-court. They were
throwing a dismembered head to one another. The head was
screaming.
Troubled by this dream, Marah sought the company of the
priests who wandered the desert at night, examining the
skies through their tripod devices. Seeking the elder of the
priests
Marah told him of her dream.
"My Child," he replied, "you are troubled in your soul.
There are two rival forces at work within you - the affirming
and the denying force. Your mind and your heart are at
odds."
"That is why I wander the desert at night," she replied,
"singing the song of the night wind, seeking a star to guide
me."
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The old priest smiled. "We are all creatures of the day time,"
he said. "Why do you not seek the light of the star that gives
us nourishment by day?"
The lady paused before replying: "A Sufi once told me that
more people are blinded by the light than are enlightened by
it. In any case, I am a child of the desert. The day star would
burn me to a crisp if I were to wander about in the noon
heat. "
"Then you should take yourself unto prayer at dawn and at
the time when the Sun is setting," the old priest replied. "The
darkest night and the brightest day are not for you."
And so the lady of the desert took his words to heart and
followed his advice for the remainder of her days.
At night, before dawn, the scorpions of the desert ran about
her feet and she took care to do them no harm; languishing
in the beauty of life emergent.
In the dawning hours of the desert day time, she took
comfort in the little flowers that sprang up beneath the rocks
of long forgotten cities; languishing in the beauty of life
emergent.
And as the years passed, after she had breathed her last
breath, the star goddess noticed the shadow of the desert
daughter's memory passing across the oceans of sand. And
the Lady of Night took her into the heavens to shine as a star
upon the world in the evenings and the mornings to wander
the tapestry of the firmament for an eternity.
And, for a brief while, the mystery of this lady's passing may
be seen before the sunrise and after the sunset. And in her
rising and setting lies the mystery of our evolution.
So thus it is that the wise Men of Earth take themselves unto
meditation at the times of dawn and dusk; avoiding the
darkest night and the brightest day.
The Twenty Second Gate

(Tiphareth of Hod)
One day, an infinite number of horse drawn coaches began
arriving at Hilbert's Hotel carrying an infinite number of
passengers seeking a bed for the night.
Luckily the Hotel was empty and had an infinite number of
rooms, and so the travellers were accommodated easily. A
few hours later another infinite number of horse drawn
coaches could be seen on the horizon carrying a hrther
infinite number of passengers seeking shelter.
The hotel manager scratched his head in bewilderment and
sought advice from Kif, the local holy man whom he knew
to be never far away from the Hotel kitchens after the
evening call to prayer had been answered.
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The wily old priest pondered the problem for a few moments
and then began beating the hotel manager about the head
with his prayer shawl.
"You are a Fool to bother me with such a problem," he said.
"Simply move all the guests you have staying with you to
even numbered rooms, and put the new arrivals in the odd
numbered ones."
The Twenty Third Gate

(Geburah of Hod)
Kif was visiting a village at the foot of the mountains near
the desert where a famous worker of wonders taught his
disciples the secrets of magic and walking through fire.
When the fakir heard that the great Sufi Kif was praying at
the temple in his village he sent his chief disciples to invite
the learned sage to a feast that would be held in his honour
that same evening.
Kif arrived at the celebrations and took his place at the head
of the table beside his host. Fatted calves and lambs had
been slaughtered and laid before the company.
Dancing girls entertained the assembly between courses, and

the Fakir's disciples waited upon the two learned ones
throughout the banquet.
As the light grew dim, the chatter of conversation filled the
temple. Kif and the worker of wonders had exchanged no
more words than a simple greeting at the commencement of
the proceedings and sat next to one another in silence. When
the bowls were being cleared from the floor the Fakir
clapped his hands together and his pupils prepared the fire
pit for a demonstration of their skill.
After an hour, the flaming embers were judged to be ready
for the demonstration and, one by one, the wonder worker's
disciples walked the length of the pit of flames apparently
untouched by the heat.
The crowd applauded each of them as they completed their
walk. As the last disciple completed his demonstration, Kif
asked the Fakir how he trained his followers to perform such
wonders.
"By meditation upon the chapters of the Holy Book." The
Fakir replied.
Upon hearing these words Kif took a particularly valuable
copy of the Holy Book from his robes and cast them into the
flames, burning the tome to cinders.
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"This is sacrilege," the followers of the wonder worker

cried. "Kif must die for his crime." And they swept him
aloft in their arms and cast him into the fire.
After lying there for a few minutes, Kif rose to his feet
unscathed and looked upon the angry crowd whereupon a
deep silence fell over them. His gaze was as cold as ice, and
the assembly began to know fear.
"He is a demon," some of them cried.
"Look, the fire has not touched him," others shouted.
"You are wrong," Kif said, remonstrating with them. "The
fire of the spirit is more fierce than the fire that springs from
wood or earth. Behold ....." he reached down into the flames
and pulled out the Holy Book which, moments before had
been destroyed in the flames. And with this he strode out of
the burning pit.
"It is a trick," the fakir exclaimed. "You must be a demon.
You were not prepared for the fire, and yet you are
untouched by the flames."
Kif seized the wonder worker by the throat. "You are a
deceiver." he said. "It is you who are the spawn of darkness,
for you have taught your disciples to work parlour tricks
from meditations upon the sacred verses in the name of the
Most High." And with that, he cast the deceiver into the fire
whereupon he was consumed.
At once, the disciples of the former fakir surrounded Kif and

begged him to tell them how he had managed to destroy the
deceiver with the same fire the fakir had taught them could
not hurt the righteous and which he had faced many times
before in demonstration of his power.
"And tell us Master, how you managed to reclaim the Holy
book from the flames," one disciple beseeched him.
"The letters of the Law are written in celestial flame and
cannot be destroyed by earthly fire," Kif replied. "For the
law is written in flame upon the heart of those who love it
and can never truly be lost.
"Your master was consumed by the flame of the spirit which
resides within the law. It was the flame of righteousness that
destroyed him. Before the Holy book burned before you, the
fire of the pit was merely the fire of earthly destruction
which the law was given to save you from."
"Then should we bum our Books of the Law?" the disciples
enquired. "To liberate ourselves from the ashes of the
world?"
"Yes." Kif replied. "But you should bum the Book of the
Law in the hrnace of experience. Do not take a match to it.
Until its words are scorched into your hearts and minds, you
will continue to live in the realm of shadow.
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"In order to see the world clearly you must become the light.
Then, even the letters of the Law will seem as shadows to
you for you will have become the Law."
"And how will we know when we are truly at one with the
Law?" The disciples asked him.
"When someone takes offence at your actions and tries to
burn you at the stake as a heretic," Kif replied. "If the flames
do not touch you, then you are indeed enlightened"
And from that day Kif became known as Lord Flame.
The Twenty Fourth Gate

(Chesed of Hod)
Kif departed from the feast with his servant Kilo, who
awaited him within the shadows of the Temple gate and left
the village for the city. The night was dark and only the
brightest stars could be seen twinkling in the firmament
above the mountain peaks.
On the way home Kilo, who had been a long time pupil and
valued confidant of the Sufi joked with him as was his
privilege: "You know, I think that it might just be possible to
talk ones way out of any situation, so long as one has studied
the right books."
Kif remained silent but stopped, leaning on his staff, and

regarded his companion with some amusement.
"I meant no offence, Master," Kilo replied, half smiling.

Kif reached into his robes and withdrew two lengths of
thread.
"One of these is white and one is black," he said, holding
each length by one end from each hand. "Is the black thread
on the left side or the right side?"
Kilo's smile spread a little wider. Holding up the index
finger of his left hand and wagging it from side to side, he
said: "You know that I have studied the Koran, Master. And
it is written that such a judgment may not be made until the
instant of Dawn.
"Choose anyway," the Mullah commanded.
"The black thread is on the left side," Kilo said confidently.
"And if I told you that it was on the right?" Kif enquired.
"Then I would tell you that you are looking at it from the
wrong side," Kilo said, laughing.
"Why do you choose black on the left?'' Kif asked.
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"Black is wise," Kilo stated, now deadly serious.

"And if I told you that both threads were white?"
Kilo said: "Then I would pray that the merciful Allah should
not turn aside from the blind."
Kif smiled and passed Kilo his staff. "Indeed you have
learned well. I pass my authority on to you, my pupil," he
stated solemnly. "I go now into the desert to seek the city of
pyramids. If we meet again it will be in the lands beyond.
You will have no need of the staff there."
"I understand," Kilo whispered, embracing his former
master in farewell. "Do you have any final words of advice
for me?"
Kif broke free and walked a few paces towards the desert.
Stopping and turning to face the new master, Kif regarded
him for a few moments before speaking:
"Always carry two Books of the Law." he said. "If you never
have need of them to get you out of a fix, you can always
use them for crushing Beetles." And then he disappeared
towards the beckoning shadows of the desert.
The Twenty Fifth Gate

(Binah of Hod)
After forty days and nights Kif came to the Sphinx. A dark
man sat beneath the great beast's gaze smoking a hookah
pipe.
"You may go no further until you smoke with me and
answer my riddle." he said. Kif sat down beside him and
started toking on the pipe.
"Begin," he said.
"I am within the circle and without," the dark man began. "I
have six sides, twelve edges and seek to impose my order on
all things. What am I?"
Holding down a particularly satisming draught of smoke for
a moment, Kif thought deeply. As he exhaled a smile came
over his face. "You are only half the story," he said wisely.
And with that both men burst into laughter.
"Pass on my friend." the dark man said offering Kif a small
packet. "And here is your green passport to share with the
Wise."
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The Twenty Sixth Gate

(Chokmah of Hod)
A beggar was the first to see Kilo enter the city dressed in
the robes of his former master. Every so often the new Sufi
would stop and look behind him before continuing.
The beggar approached him and, receiving alms, enquired
what it might be that the Master was looking behind him for.
"I am looking for my followers," the Mullah explained

before continuing on his way.
The beggar thought this to be most amusing and followed
the Sufi at a discreet distance, telling fkiends who he met on
the way about the predicament of the Master.
Every so often someone would similarly enquire of the
Mullah why it was that he kept looking behind him, and
receive the same answer as the beggar. They too would
follow the Sufi telling their friends along the way, and very
soon hundreds of others had joined the growing throng.
Before long Kilo reached the temple and the head priest
beheld the approaching mass with the Sufi at its head,
turning every few steps to regard the crowd before
continuing.
The high priest met him at the gateway and enquired:

"Master you are welcome. But why do you turn to look
behind you so often?"
"I am looking for my followers," Kilo replied softly.
"But they seem to be many," the High Priest said. "Why do
you so concern yourself?"
"The problem lies in distinguishing the Followers fiom the
hangers-on," Kilo said with a thin smile. And with that he
led the assembly into the outer court of the Temple and
began to preach.
The Twenty Seventh Gate

(Kether of Hod)
Kilo began to tell a fable to those who had come to hear him
speak:
"There was once a King who decided to share his power
with nine worthy subjects who became his most trusted
ministers.
"As the years went by the King grew further and further
distant from the lives of his subjects. Affairs of State were
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looked after by the ministers and he found himself in need of

stimulation.
"He took to dressing in old clothes and slipping out of the
palace at night to mingle with his subjects in the taverns in
his disguise. Returning to his chambers in the palace before
dawn by a secret entrance he was not missed, but one day
the King's first minister oversaw his comings and going and
guessed the truth of the situation.
"This minister was a Republican and saw an opportunity to
rid the country of the King and seize power himself. So he
waited until the King took himself out into the taverns the
next night and secured the secret entrance with locks and
bolts so that the King might not return.
"The next morning, upon his return to the palace, the King
found that he could not gain admittance and so presented
himself to the palace guard at the main gate who turned him
away with expressions of disbelief and derisory threats.
"Whilst the King sat in taverns and coffee houses planning
his next course of action the Ministers declared him to be
dead and the people wept.
"Months passed and the country began to fall into disarray
under the evil dictatorship of the ministers. As taxes rose the
people became discontented and suffered hardship. As the
King continued in his disguise he came upon more and more
people who recognised his wisdom and sought his counsel.
Those who shared their problems with him and did as he

suggested soon recovered their prosperity and as the months
passed into years the King found his counsel sought out by
people of increasing affluence and power; each of whom
came to respect his opinions and prospered through heeding
it.
Soon the state of the country's economy grew so
impoverished that the people rose up and overthrew the evil
ministers. The priests and merchants and men of influence
all sought the counsel of the King, whose reputation was
now widespread.
Whilst he entertained the assembly of the learned and the
powerful, the King cast off his disguise and told his story
whereupon they swept him aloft and bore him to the palace."
Kilo finished his story and a silence settled upon the people
who had heard him speak.
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The Seven Gates of Netzach

The Twenty Eighth Gate
(Netzach of Netzach)
The widow of the lost Prophet wandered in a garden she had
once chanced upon, whilst walking in the Citadel. The
garden was luscious with fauna and the flowers that grew
there were wild and brightly coloured.
Forty different species of bird flourished in the garden, Leah
had counted them, noting each by its song. She came here to
meditate at morning and twilight every day, seeking
consolation in the tranquility of the garden's beauty.
Every day she would throw seed for the birds to feed upon.
Every day a different representative of each of the species of
birds that dwelt in the garden's trees and bushes flew down
to sing to her. And as the days passed she grew to
understand when the birds were singing to raise her spirits
and when they were singing in conversation between
themselves.
One day, lulled into a dreamy silence by the heady smell of
white poppy leaves, Leah fell asleep for a while in the
garden.
When she awoke she found that she could understand the
Language of the Birds, and everything that they were saying
to one another.
After listening for a while, Leah sat up. From the important
things that the birds had been discussing Leah realised that
the garden she was sitting in was a meeting place of high
council for the birds. The topics which the birds were
discussing were wide and varied: How the winds were
blowing, how much rain had fallen in the valleys and upon
the mountains, how the crops were growing in the fields and
how the seasons were subtly shifting in their pattern and
duration.
A large peacock wandered over to sit before Leah, politely
lowering its brightly coloured tail. "How are you this
morning, my lady?" the bird enquired. "Are you ready to
converse with us, yet?"
"I would be delighted." Leah replied, having had time to
compensate for the absurdity of the situation. "I have only
this morning begun to understand your language. Please
forgive my previous ignorance, if you have been trying to
engage me in conversation before now."
"You are welcome here, Madam," the peacock continued.
"This is our Parliament. Each of us have a different tale to
tell, and we meet here to share stories and concerns. We
have noticed your twice daily meditations in our garden and
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recognise the loss that lies within you. Tell me fair lady,
what is the shadow that veils your heart?"
"My husband is lost to me, 0 mighty lord of the birds," Leah
replied. "He has taken himself in search of the celestial City
of Pyramids, where the Stars make their home upon the
Earth far beyond the mountains and the desert sands. The
people say he has disappeared forever and treat me as a
widow.
Even now, a new prophet sits in his place at the Temple."
"Fear not," the peacock replied, "news of your husband has
reached our ears. He is descending from the mountains even
now and approaches his intended destination. However,
many surprises still lie ahead of him."
"Then he is truly lost to me for ever," Leah wailed.
"Be not overcome with grief," the peacock commanded,
"your husband will indeed return to you, if only to take you
beyond the desert to return with him to the City of
Pyramids."
"How do you know this?" Leah enquired.
"It is evident to us that he must return," the peacock
explained. "It is something of a riddle, well known to the
wise, that no man may enter the City without his wife just as
no woman may enter without her husband. And then only

the child may enter."
"It is a riddle of the heart," said the peacock, "not of the
head."
"Then how long must I await his return?" Leah asked.
"You must dwell within our garden for forty days and forty
nights in order to prepare yourself for the journey," the
peacock said. "We will guard the entrance from all intruders,
so that you will be free of all distraction. You must sleep
here naked, eating only from the fruit trees which grow here,
and every night one of us will tell you a tale until you have
heard each of the forty tales we have to tell."
"And what will I do when the forty days and nights have
passed?" she enquired.
"It is not what you must do," the bird said solemnly. "It is
what you will have become: a source of inspiration and
secret lore which you may pool with your returning husband
so that you may complete the journey beyond infinity
successfblly together. He will not be too long in returning,
for we believe him to be truly wise. The path that he is
treading leads ultimately to the valley of small circles, and
there he will realise that he can proceed no further alone. He
will return, do not fear."
And so Leah stripped herself of all her clothes and settled
herself down in the luscious grasses of the garden to pass the
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forty days and nights in conversation with the birds and

await her husband's return.
The Twenty Ninth Gate

(Tiphareth of Netzach)
It was a tradition within the citadel that the ascending

High Priest should either marry the wife of the vacating
High Priest or else take himself a wife from the sacred
prostitutes in the temple brothel if she should prove
unwilling or had died.
Leah, the wife of Kif the lost prophet, had mysteriously
disappeared from the streets of the citadel and could not be
found for the ceremony and so Kilo took himself to the
vestal virgins of the temple to seek a mate.
The chamber of harlots lay behind a veiled screen in the
Holy of Holy's within the heart of the temple. This portal
was guarded by two vestal virgins, one of whom would enter
the chamber to become a temple prostitute herself whenever
a bride was purchased for a night of pleasure and released to
be given the freedom of the city the following morning.
Not every maiden within the citadel became a temple
prostitute, but those that did serve the temple in this way
were free to choose any husband for themselves fiom the
men of the citadel. The choice of a time-served Harlot was
binding and no man could refbse to take her as one of his

wives once he had been chosen. This meant that each of the
priestesses of pleasure were able to choose husbands wisely
once they had hlfilled their obligations to their divine
office. Many of the girls married princes or merchants once
they had spent the night with a worshipper. Sometimes,
married women chose to return to service within the
chamber in order to gain the right to choose a second or third
husband. The vestal virgins of the temple were often only
symbolically virginal. Both worship and service within the
chamber of harlots were regarded by the people of the
Citadel as rites of rebirth and spiritual renewal.
When Kilo slipped quietly into the temple of pleasure, the
entire population held it's breath for this was an occasion of
great expectation. The bride which Kilo would choose to
'marry' for the night would gain great respect and influence,
and she would be greatly prized as a wife by any man whom
she chose to take as a husband after laying down with the
High Priest.
In the morning, when the wedding night was over and the
warm aura of conjugal bliss settled over the waking High
Priest and his chosen bride, they fell into conversation
together. Marah, whom Kilo had chosen to take unto
himself, was named after the mighty ocean upon whose
shores she had grown up as a girl. She began to tell him of
her life as a fishing girl, of her hopes and aspirations and of
her thirst for knowledge and stimulating companionship.
"And whom will you choose for a husband?" Kilo enquired
of her.
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"There is a boy in my home village outside of the Citadel,

whom I always thought I would like to marry," she replied.
"He is clever and quick witted, and also the son of the tribal
chief."
"And will you bless him with a proposal of marriage?" Kilo
asked.
"No," Marah answered. "There comes a point when we have
to leave something of our lives behind, if we are to move on
to fresh challenges. If I had slept for one night with anyone
other than you the High Priest, then I think that I would
indeed have returned to marry him."
"Then what will you do?" Kilo said.
"I will remain as I am." Marah replied. "I married you last
night, and so do not technically need to seek a husband in
the world. Having married, I am already a free woman and
the fee I have earned from my service to you last night will
enable me to enjoy my life in the world. I think that I will
remain here in the temple by night and move freely about
the world by day.
You may visit me whenever you will, for you must now
regard me as your wife having taken me as such during your
dutiful obligations to your high office.
"A wife of the High Priest remaining in the Chamber of
Harlots?" Kilo cried. "This is most unusual."
"It is the way it must be." Marah replied. "You have made
me a free woman, and yet I would continue to be your wife
in spirit. We have known the best of both worlds, and it is
my right to choose you as a husband and a lover if I so
wish."
And so Marah became the wife of Kilo the High Priest from
that moment on and was allowed to continue to return to her
chamber within the Temple at her leisure.
And Marah was known and respected throughout the land
from that day hence as having made the wisest of choices.
The Thirtieth Gate

(Geburah of Netzach)
Cast out from the citadel the Purple Sage took himself unto
the hills, following the footprints in the sand. A smile played
upon his lips as he looked down upon the lands to which he
would never return.
By chance he had stumbled across the long lost secret
formula of power which his order had sought for nigh on
twelve centuries now.
He had been making love to a temple prostitute of the Order
of Nuit when the value and significance of all human life
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became apparent to him and transformed his understanding

of the world.
Everyone who knew him sensed the change within him and
it became whispered that he had stumbled across the secret
of all existence.
The august brotherhood, of which the Purple Sage had once
been a trusted member, had employed Astrologers to seek
the lost wisdom in the stars; Alchemists to reveal its hiding
place within the secret metals of the Earth; Qabalists to
search for it within the leaves of dusty tomes and numerous
other learned sages from both East and West.
Twice yearly the Wise Ones took counsel together and
debated the significance of their discoveries. The citadel was
always busy around these times and travellers arrived from
distant lands to hear the wise men speak. It was the duty of
each citizen of the citadel to speak at this Council and
everyone awaited the turn of the Purple Sage.
It was at one of these conventions that the Purple Sage arose
from his seat to address the gathering.
"I have found the secret lore," he declared, "and I wish to
reveal my findings to the learned."
A great commotion arose amongst the crowd and heads
turned to behold him. The chairman of the meeting
beckoned the Purple Sage towards the speaker's podium, and
as he ascended the steps of the lectern an expectant hush fell

over the assembly.
The Purple Sage was about to speak of his understanding of
the great mystery when Coco the Learned, Master of the
Qabalah, spoke out in a loud voice: "Tell us, before you
speak of the Mysteries 0 Purple Sage, how long you worked
in pursuit of the ultimate conundrum before you resolved the
mystery?"
In a faltering voice, the Purple Sage declared that his
revelation had come to him in an instant and that it had been
so crystal clear that he had immediately seized upon its
meaning."
"The work of an instant!" The Qabalistic master declared
facetiously. "And our fore fathers have struggled in pursuit
of the secret for untold centuries." And with these words, he
departed the chamber shaking his head from side to side.
Before the Purple Sage could formulate a reply, another
Master spoke out. This time it was Lassid, the Mystic: "And
what spiritual exercises were you pursuing to lead you to
this enlightenment?" he enquired.
"I was working on a new approach," the Purple Sage

declared. "You see, the traditional systems have failed us
thus far; for they have not allowed us to even begin to ask
the right questions."
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At these words Lassid let out a roar and departed from the
chamber taking his followers with him.
The questions continued, thick and fast: "Where were you
when the answer came to you?"
"In the arms of a beautifbl priestess of the Temple of Nuit!"
"How can you verify your vision according to the lore of the
Temple philosophers?"
"The secret does not reside within the Temple, but may be
found in the Outer Court by any passing stranger!"
"Tell us of the riddle of the Egg in the desert?"
"I do not think that you are capable of understanding the
secret lore if you continue to phrase the Mysteries in terms
of clichk's," he replied.
"You do not speak to us in plain words," one Master
objected.
"You ask riddles of me but will not let me speak freely!" the
Purple Sage replied. But the crowd continued to question,
heckle and desert him as they grew angry at his answers and
as time passed the Purple Sage grew tired of the criticism
from the floor and retired to his seat, signaling to all that he
would say no more.
Those that had remained to hear his revelation then grew

angry with him in frustration and the crowd rose up as one
and threw him out of the meeting hall; mocking him and
heaping upon his shoulders the indignity of rejection.
Now at that time there was a gateway in the city walls that
had never been used in the entire history of the citadel.
Legend and folk lore had grown up around this gateway.
Some said that the Chosen One would pass through it. Some
claimed that it could only be opened by the angels. Some
stories claimed that the gate led to higher realms, and that
those who passed through it would never be seen again.
It had remained closed since the days of the mighty
engineers, students of the Old Magicians who had planned
the architecture of the Citadel according to the principles of
the celestial harmonies of the Universe. It was to this gate
that the mocking assembly led the Purple Sage.
Laughing and cajoling him with sarcasm and unkind
remarks they challenged him to open the gate. "If you have
truly achieved enlightenment, then you must prove it." One
of them said with a bitter laugh.
"You are fools." the Purple Sage said. Stepping forward, he
laid his palm flat against the stone face of the gateway and
simply pushed and stepped through the portal into the light.
He was never seen in the Citadel again. For many centuries
after this, every word of the Purple Sage's replies to the
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Wise Men's questions were analysed, argued over and

discussed.
New Qabalistic theosophies were interpreted in his words
and novel systems of lateral thinking grew up based around
the implications of his passing through the gate of no return.
But every so often, a young novitiate would pass unseen into
the temple of Nuit by a secret door and would return to slip
surreptitiously out of the citadel by means of the gate
through which the Purple Sage had passed.
And these exits went unnoticed by the many for the servants
of the star goddess are few and secrete their wisdom gently
from this world in a manner beyond whispers and allusion.
The Thirty First Gate

(Chesed of Netzach)
The Bell
Far across the desert and through the night they had ridden,
these dusty pilgrims, driving their camels hard in pursuit of
the new star.
Caked in the white sands of the desert basins they paused to

honour the rising sun whilst their retinue struggled to keep
pace.
Two days ride ahead lay the Mountains of Madness, beyond
which the fabled City of Pyramids dominated the western
lands. One of the camel masters pointed and shouted to the
mounted pilgrims: "One hour's journeying hence, and we
shall find the oasis which we seek."
The leader of the white riders grunted, then signaled for the
preparations for the adoration of the rising Sun to begin.
The travelers dismounted and raised their arms towards the
sun. Leaning their heads slightly to the left they intoned:
"Hail unto thee who art Ra in thy rising.
Even unto thee who art Ra in thy strength.
Who travels over the heavens in thy bark, at this the uprising
of the Sun.
Tahuti standeth at the helm and Ra Hoor abideth at the
prow.
Hail unto theefrom the abodes of Night!"
By the time they arrived at the oasis the sun was still low in
the sky. A team of camels laden with silks for the eastern
markets plodded towards them, led by a small group of
merchants riding in a sheltered wagon. As the caravan of the
star seekers passed by them in single file the camel master
raised his closed fist in traditional greeting and, as the last of
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the merchant's camels departed from the palm rich oasis, the
first of the pilgrims arrived there.
A solitary figure, clad in the dark black and purple of the
holy man sat watching the approaching caravan from
beneath one of the lea@ palms. When the pilgrims had
quenched their thirst from the spring waters of the oasis and
their servants had erected the tents to protect their number
from the rage of the desert sunlight, the leader of the star
seekers sent his manservant to the holy man, inviting him to
the hospitality of his tent for refreshment and counsel.
Kif accepted, and broke his fast in the tent of the eastern
bound caravan with a meal of fruit and dates. "Where are
you bound, holy man?" the leader enquired, once they had
finished their simple meal.
"I am bound for the City of Pyramids," Kif replied.
"Then you are indeed walking a winding path," the leader
commented. "We have roamed this desert for generations,
and sometimes visit there. Some tales say that every man
and woman, in some lifetime or another must pass through
its gate."
"It is given to me to have that privilege," Kif stated. "I would
be grateful to you if you would share your knowledge of the
pathway which leads there and also tell me of our own
quest."
It was the son of the pilgrim star seeker who replied to Kif,
whilst refilling his guest's goblet with wine: "Who treads the
path of the desert fox is a brother to us. Our camel master
will set you upon the best path when you depart. But let me
speak to you of our mission in the desert.
"We are musicians. That is our tradition. Our fathers and
mothers sang with the desert winds at the raising of the
pyramid city. We visit and sing with the running waters of
the mighty rivers beyond the white sands: old songs, older
than the songs we sing of the valleys and the plains. Our
sagas tell the stories of the raising of the mountains; of the
retreat of the great sea; of the coming of the sunlight and of
the birth of the day.
"Once, every few generations, the heavens move and we
sing with the stars and the Moon. We sing with the old stars,
but sometimes there are new songs to learn and new stars to
follow that we may catch their melody."
"You speak of the new star that rushes towards Jupiter?" Kif
enquired.
"We do." The pilgrim leader answered, signaling for his son
to refill his goblet. "It will collide with that mighty orb and
be no more this very night."
"But it will sing a song in its passing that will be
remembered as the overture of a new Aeon," the leader's son
continued.
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"We seek the place where our ancestors sang the song of the
first star of the morning: the star of the goddess. She will
hear the mighty song and whisper it in our ears whilst we lie
in her secret place."
"The song of the shooting star will ring like a bell
throughout the heavens," his father mused.
"May your songs continue to bring life to the world," Kif
said with ritual solemnity. "I will hear your song in my
dreams and pray to the gods of the heavens for the new
awakening of the world."
"Now tell us if you have any need of anything that we may
have to make your journey an easy one," the pilgrim leader
said expansively. "You will find that your arrival within the
City of Pyramids may not be the end of your journey. For
there are many cities within the great city. Each is a perfect
representation of itself and only after many adventures there
can a man truly tell one from another and come at last to the
true City of Pyramids on the shore of the Great Sea."
Kif tried to refuse the hospitality of the camp, but fresh
stores of fruit, wine and bread were presented to him in a
pack to ease his journey beyond the mountains. The camel
master gave him directions and Kif bade farewell to the
caravan with blessings and prayers of good fortune.
"Before you go, let me give you these tokens and words of
advice." The pilgrim leader said in parting. "Here is a hawk
feather, and also the feather of the peacock. They will serve
as amulets of protection upon the path which you must tread,

and also as keys to present to guardians who may question
your right tread the path which we have set you upon.
Present them to any soul who questions you and you will
pass safely for they will know that the Watchers have sent
you. But you may have to give one up to a guardian,
somewhere along the way.
"Remember there may be guides like ourselves, and
guardians too upon the path ahead: but no denizen of the
desert is truly as he or she appears. Follow your shadow
from here on and you will come to the winding pathway that
must be climbed over the mountain range. Your shadow will
then be behind you, until you come to the city where no
shadows are cast."
"Farewell," Kif replied. "I will listen for your songs upon the
desert wind from those very mountains."
"And take this song in your heart, as you pass from us," the
pilgrim father said. He then began to hum a melody which
his fellows took up in chorus as the holy man began his trek
into the desert, And that same melody was upon his lips at
one time or another during every day that followed.
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The Thirty Second Gate

(Binah of Netzach)
Having climbed the winding path up the mountain range, Kif
reached the summit and paused to regain his breath and
refresh himself with a drink from his flask of wine. An old
tree stood a little way down the descending slope ahead and
Kif sat beneath it, his back to the wood.
His journey from the oasis had passed without incident.
Once he thought that he was being watched by unseen eyes,
but he had passed onwards through the mighty sand dunes
looking neither to the right nor the left; fixing his gaze upon
the Hawk and Peacock feathers which he held before him.
As he had approached the rising mountain range, leaving the
desert sands behind him Kif thought that he heard voices
calling his name. But he did not look back.
Instead he fixed his attention firmly upon the song of the
desert dwellers who sought after the song of the stars. Their
parting melody was burned into his mind, having remained
with him in a memory of hypnotic intensity since his journey
from the oasis.
As he had climbed the winding pathway, the holy man
caught the dull glimmer of ores of precious metals and the
glint of gemstones only an arms reach from the rising natural
stairwell. A treasure fit for a King might be bought for only
a handhl of these raw jewels, but Kif maintained his steady
progress upwards.
Whilst he rested the light began to fade in the West, and the
stars blinked and twinkled in the skies above. A carpet of
light cloud lay a hundred feet beneath the Holy Man's feet,
illuminated by the faint light of a rising crescent moon to the
south. Kif sighed at the beauty of the still night and gently
fell into a sleep.
When he awoke the heavens were bright with starlight. The
Moon had arisen and was majestically creeping westward,
but the lights surrounding the planet Jupiter directly above
were spectacular. A rainbow haze lay around the planet and
Kif thoughts were of the song which was now being sung by
the star seekers.
As his eyes adjusted to their surroundings Kif became aware
of a soft voice in his ear. It seemed to him that it was a deep
female voice coming to him from far away and yet it spoke
in a whisper.
Although he was not afraid, the Sufi clutched the Hawk and
Peacock feathers tightly before him. "Do not be stirred to
fear, gentle wanderer," the voice said softly. "I have
sheltered you beneath my boughs in the hours of your
slumber and kept you from all harm. You may trust me for I
recognise the symbols which you bear, and honour their
significance."
"0 honourable Talking Tree," Kif addressed the nature

spirit.
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"I recognise you as a guardian and greet you, with respect,

as an equal."
"I am impressed by your keen insight," the Talking Tree
replied, waving its barren branches in the night breeze.
"Now answer me two riddles if indeed you are an equal. If
so you prove to be, you may pass unharmed but not
unchanged."
"What is the test?" Kif demanded, recognising the ritual
procedure from folk tales of old and adopting the formal
etiquette of the occasion. "I will answer your riddles and
meet wit with wit."
The tree was silent for a moment before answering. A
hushed aire of expectancy and drama had crept into the night
time stillness. Then the nature spirit spoke:
"To gain what you seek, you must lose what you need. To
pass by, you must remain where you stand. You must give
up all to tread this pathway further. To make space for what
you must find, you must be filled up with what I demand."
Kif stood in silent contemplation for a moment before
replying: "To lose what I need and remain where I stand
will involve me standing naked before you." He shed his
outer robes until he was garbed in only a single light robe
and sandals, stepping out from the crumpled silks to leave
them where he had stood.
"It says in the Book of the Law that whosoever gives one
particle of dust in such an hour shall lose all," the Sufi
continued. "I will keep my sandals and under garment as is
customary in such riddling matters, as I shall keep my pack.
"But, here," he said, offering something very small to the
talking tree on the tip of his finger, "you may have this speck
of dust. It is a crumb of the finest incense which I intended
to burn to the Goddess. I now bum it to her in your name."
Reaching down, Kif took a charcoal block from his kit bag,
lit a match and set it alight throwing the speck of incense
upon it to smoulder and release its perfume.
"And to be filled with what you demand," the Sufi
continued, "would be to yield completely to the trust which
you originally asked of me. So I will offer you one of these
feathers as a token of exchange for my freedom to continue
upon the path."
"You have spoken wisely and with great insight," the talking
tree complimented him. "You have arrived at my second
riddle. For I will ask you to choose which feather you shall
present me with. Choose ye well, for it shall be the final
challenge."
"0 noble Lady!" Kif said worshipfully. "I recognise you

now as the lady Nuit herself. For is it not written in your
name ....because of my hair, the Trees of Eternity.... in the
Book of the Law.
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"I now recognise the feathers which I bear. The feather of

the Kestrel Hawk, sacred to Horus your son, which would
bring you comfort; and the feather of the Peacock Hen,
sacred in the lands of the East to yourself and the Priestesses
of your Temple, which would bring you honour."
And so Kif held out one of the feathers and placed it upon
one of the talking tree's branches, whereupon leaves
miraculously began to appear.
"You have done well to so choose." the talking tree said
joyfully. In a matter of minutes the branches and boughs
were fully obscured by the wealth of leaf growth and, as
these rustled in the night wind it seemed to Kif as if he could
see the face of a beautiful woman speaking to him in the
shadows and shapes of the leaves as they moved too and fro
in the moonlight. "Depart from here as you are. You shall
only face one more challenge before you reach the end of
your journey. You have shown both discrimination and
sensitivity in your approach to the Mysteries, go now with
my blessings."
And so Kif journeyed onwards.
The Thirty Third Gate

(Chokmah of Netzach)
As Kif made his way down through the mountain woodland
slopes towards the Eternal City he came upon the ruins of an
ancient Temple. The dim yellow light of oil lamps could be
seen burning fiom within the shell of the building, and the
Sufi sensed shadows moving to and fro amidst the fallen
masonry and decay.
Deciding to give the building a wide berth, Kif searched the
perimeter of the clearing for a route whereby he might pass
unnoticed. The pathways to both right and left were
overgrown with bracken and the tangle of untamed
branches, affording no easy passage. And so the Sufi
gathered his wits about him and proceeded cautiously
towards the building.
As Kif approached the main gateway of the ruin, a small
man in Eastern style robes of peacock blue silk stepped into
his path, his palm open and outstretched.
"You may pass no further, 0 Seeker." the man said gently.
"Few pass this way, but those who do must take hospitality
at this shrine and partake in the Ritual of the Serpent before
they may continue."
"It seems that I have little choice but to obey." Kif replied,
and the Mage led him within.
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Seated upon the floor within the inner sanctum of the

temple, Kif and the eastern sage faced each other over a low
table.
Coffee and dates were served by naked servants, male and
female, with flaming red hair and wild green eyes. A
Hookah pipe was brought to them whilst they drank, eying
one another cautiously.
Kif guessed that the Temple guardian must be at least a
hundred years old. His robes, though clean, looked the worse
for wear and the Sufi had to examine them with a keen eye
in order to behold the detail of the embroidered crescent
moons and stars within their folds.
"The ritual of the serpent must now begin," the Mage
announced, and two musicians stepped out from a curtain
behind him; one holding a flute and one a lyre. A third man
then stepped out, holding a basket which he carried to the
table and there set it down.
The musicians took up a baleful drone of a melody, and the
flame-haired servants lit a charcoal block and set it glowing
within a copper bowl upon the table top. The third man who
had entered then reached into the basket and pulled out a
snake which Kif recognised to be highly venomous.
The man then began singing to the snake and stroking it
until it became stiff and tranquil. Placing it upon the table
top before the eastern Mage, the man drew a dagger from his
own robes and swifily chopped off the head of the snake. Kif
continued to sit silently, sipping his coffee and carehlly

watching the proceedings.
The servants were busily filling the bowl of the pipe with
hashish resin and opium poppies, and when they had
finished the snake charmer placed the severed head of the
serpent on the top of the pipe's bowl.
When these preparations were completed, the old temple
guardian placed the burning charcoal block on top of the
snake's head and replaced the cap of the bowl.
Handing Kif one of the two mouthpieces attached to the pipe
by red tubing the old man began to toke deeply from his
own; inhaling the smoke deep into his lungs and then
breathing out a voluminous cloud of smoke through his
nostrils.
"You must take the breath of the serpent seven times before
you may pass through this Temple," he said ceremoniously.
"You must pause in meditation after drawing each draught."
And so Kif took his turn at the pipe, and as he did so the
quality of the lighting within the chamber began to diminish
in strength and the heady tones of the music swelled in his
ears.
After he had taken the first breath from the pipe a vision of
his youth presented itself to Kif. He saw himself lying in the
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arms of a beautiful maiden whom he had loved as a young

man. The bed they lay upon was adorned with leopard skins,
and fabulous silks hung from the roof of the room in which
they lay tangled in each others limbs.
The picture in Kifs mind then raced on to some future time
when he sat at evening meal with this same woman and also
three children she had bore him. The Sufi's mind reeled.
This was not his own wife and family, merely a picture of
what might have been or what might yet come to pass
should he turn back from his quest.
"Return to me, my love," the woman's voice seemed to
whisper in his ear. "Your own wife has taken another
husband, and I am still young enough to bear you children."
"You may lay down the pipe and return whence you came in
safety," the Sage's voice brought Kif out of his reverie, and
he shook his head to signal his determination to continue.
Taking a second draught from the pipe, Kif found his mind
wandering again. This time he beheld himself returning from
the desert to his home city with rare herbs and roots to heal
the sick and infirm. The assembled citizens cheered his
return at the city gate, and the faces of the sick and dying
were ecstatic with joyful expectancy.
"Return to us, Kif," their voices pleaded. "Your new found
wisdom will improve our sciences and medicine. You will
be worshipped amongst us so that your name will not fade

from memory for two thousand years or more." And Kif
once more opened his eyes and shook his head at the elderly
Mage.
Once more, Kif drew the smoke from the pipe into his lungs
and closed his eyes. A vision of himself at the head of a
victorious army bearing standards emblazoned with motifs
of the Lion and the Horse; symbols of victory and conquest
to his people. In his hands he carried the original Book of
the Law and his female consort bore the Stele of Boulak
within her arms.
All around, couriers rushed towards him to report the
collapse of the infidel kingdoms and the triumph of
Thelema.
"Return and lead us in our Jihad, 0 warrior priest." The
voices called within his ears. But again, the Sufi opened his
eyes and shook his head at the temple guardian.
Taking a fourth toke from the pipe, Kif beheld a vision of
himself reading from the Book of the Law to the people
upon the Temple steps.
"Return to us and write down the hidden chapters of the
Book of the Law." The voices called to him. "Become our
Lawgiver and we will build the Kiblah in your name." Once
more the Sufi shook his head at the sage.
Taking yet another draught of smoke from the pipe, Kif
beheld himself seated upon a throne within the Holy of
Holies. As High priest of the Citadel, he was entitled to sit
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upon the throne in the holy place as a normal part of his

duties.
Once more, the voices called out to him: "Return, 0 High
Priest and return to your duties and all shall be as it ever
was." But once again, Kif opened his eyes and shook his
head.
Taking a sixth breath from the pipe, Kif closed his eyes once
more and beheld a vision of the people crowning him King
before crowds who knelt in supplication before him.
"Return to us, learned master," the voices again implored.
"Return and we shall make you king of all the Middle
Kingdom where we dwell." And Kif was lost in the vision of
majesty and splendour that accompanied his crowning. But,
after a few moments, he again opened his eyes and shook his
head at the old man.
"You have stood the test well," the ancient one said. "After
the seventh breath of the Serpent, most seekers are addicted.
You must take one more draught from the pipe and depart,
or depart now and return whence you came."
And so Kif took up the pipe once again. But before he drew
upon it a vision of the Eternal City of Pyramids came into
his mind and he stood up and cast the pipe down.
"I will not draw from the pipe again." He stated flatly. "But I
will not return whence I came either. Show me the way from
this place and I will go in peace. Rehse me and you may
expect the direful judgment of Ra Hoor Khuit. I am filled
with the spirit of the smoke and will surely tear this temple
apart if you do not satis@ me1'
The old man laughed. "You have passed the test, and may
proceed on your journey," he said. "For this is the gateway
that may not be entered by those who fail to cast away the
veils of illusion which bind them to the world of desire. You
have reached the point where there is a fork in the road
ahead.
"One more toke upon the pipe and you surely would have
surrendered to the genie of the smoke. Few travellers are
able to survive even three draughts of the pipe. Go in peace,
my servants will lead you to the egress. Few indeed pass
through this gate, but those that do never regret their
decision to travel beyond this place and never return.
And so Kif departed from the ruins. But as he looked back
over his shoulder he saw that, from this angle at least, the
Temple seemed fully restored to its former glory and was
once again whole.
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The Thirty Fourth Gate

(Kether of Netzach)
Kif wandered alone in the suburbs of the City of Pyramids.
The streets were empty of traffic and not a soul stirred out of
doors, for it had been the hour before dawn when the weary
mystic had entered the city, and the sun was even now
barely above the horizon.
The City of Pyramids was not enclosed by walls, and no
guardian stood before the gate. The gateway to the City was
no visible one, being composed of the totality of life
experiences necessary for any man, woman or child to find
the gateway that is both within and without.
The pyramids of the City were astonishing to behold. Every
dwelling, every public building and every temple were
pyramids of different sizes, each coloured brightly in
flashing colours of marble stone.
Trees, heavily laboured with apples, oranges, pears and
h i t s of exotic varieties lined the streets. Elaborate drinking
fountains of fantastic design stood at each street comer,
surrounded by baskets of pomegranates and bread.
Kif took refreshment and paused to meditate upon the
splendour of the city streets. As the sun rose higher above
the horizon, the pyramids cast their long shadows
westwards. He had entered the city leading on the thin road
winding down from the mountains and the main centre of
the metropolis lay before and below him, to the South.
After a refreshing break, Kif continued upon his journey

towards the city centre. As he continued through the streets
the city's inhabitants became more evident and, after an
hour's walking, Kif began to recognise individual faces
amongst the growing early morning bustle. Those he passed
smiled politely and cheerhlly and some stopped and bowed
to him before continuing on their way.
Happening upon a newspaper vendor upon one street comer,
Kif stopped and said: "Hail friend! I am a stranger in a
strange land. Would you please tell me something of this
place, and where I might barter for food and goods."
The Newspaper seller looked at Kif with a twinkle in his eye
and a smile playing upon his lips, and then he laughed.
"Forgive me my brother," he finally said. "You are Kif, the
Mayor of this city. Everyone in this city knows you and
loves you. My wife sleeps regularly with your statue at night
in the Garden of Statues itself, and I myself have this same
conversation with you every morning at precisely the same
time.
"There is no bartering here. Take what you need and leave
the rest. Those who desire the things which you possess and
which you do not need may themselves politely ask you if
they might take, or at least borrow them."
"But how is this possible?" Kif exclaimed. The Master of
Wisdom was evidently finding himself for once at a
complete loss concerning his understanding of things as they
are. The street vendor reassured him: "Be at ease Kif. In this
place all things happen at once. The division of night and
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day itself is merely a convenient illusion, a convention if

you like. Things get very confbsing when it is both night and
day at the same time."
"I came here to seek enlightenment," the sage remarked.
"And I'm merely a little confused."
"Don't be alarmed," the vendor said. "We've had this
conversation every day for as many days as I can remember,
so I know that you are going to come out of things well and
pretty much in control of yourself. You have to remember
that enlightenment is not the same thing as an explanation."
"So, the City of Pyramids really is the 'centre' of Eternity?"
Kif remarked rhetorically.
"Oh, this isn't the City of Pyramids itself," the vendor
replied. "Merely a reflection of it in the heart of the
Microcosm. "
"So where does that leave me?" Kif asked the man.
"Oh, here all possibilities are realised. Save for those which
are anti evolutionary," the man said. "We try to weed out
those cycles of happening for our own purposes. But you
can be sure that you will lead a very full life and rise to
renown and prominence amongst our number. Why, at this
very minute, you are giving a speech on the town steps,
winning an election within the town hall and elsewhere
doing an infinite number of other worthy things including

conversing here with me. This is Eternity. or at least a
reflection of it, so there is plenty of room for these things to
happen here. "
"I must find the original City of Pyramids," Kif stated
solemnly.
"You must tell me where I may seek it."
"But it can only be found here, in its own reflection." The
street vendor replied. "At least by those of us who have
travelled this far in our questing for the City. This is a true
reflection of Eternity and so Eternity itself lies within its
infinities."
"And the things that you have told me concerning my future
are already taking place within this canvas of infinite
variables," Kif muttered. "So, where can I meditate upon
these things and gain a perspective upon them? I suppose
that I should seek a Temple."
"Oh no," the man answered. "Take yourself off to the
Garden of Statues and spend a few nights sleeping with the
statues there. Your dreams there will inform you. Then,
when you feel ready, go about your business in the City.
Everything will happen as I have told you and you will
indeed become Mayor of this City. When you need further
clarity on the things happening around you, go back to the
Garden of Statues and sleep with the statue of yourself. It is
the key to Understanding. You cannot physically go much
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hrther. You may join our brotherhood of the elect, and you
are free to live amongst us for an Eternity. But you must
seek your own Eternity within yourself. If you wish to pass
beyond the City you will find that the Valley of Small
Circles has a number of distractions to offer.
'None who have travelled beyond the city have passed any
hrther than there, and all who have set out on that journey
have returned. Move amongst us, you are welcome. The
great men and women of the ages are all resident here. You
may have seen Einstein delivering the milk earlier, and
Ambrose Bierce is giving a lecture in the City Chambers this
afternoon. Of course they are doing different things
elsewhere in the City. Go now! I will no doubt speak to you
again tomorrow, even if you will also be doing other things
elsewhere in the city"
And Kif did as he was bidden, wandering around the shade
of the City of Pyramids meeting with the wise and laughing
with the cheerfir1 people of the metropolis. That night he
took himself off to the Garden of Statues and slept with the
statue of himself, and after this he was able to perceive all
that lay around him with a keen sight and alertness.
The Six Gates of Tiphareth

The Thirty Fifth Gate
(Tiphareth of Tiphareth)
One afternoon Kif was playing dice with Einstein in
Laughing Sam's Diner, when a few stray physicists and their
friends wandered in from the university campus. Every day
for an eternity they met at this time of the day to play the
game of chance.
Einstein waved his hand, motioning Heisenberg and
Feynman to take their places beside him. Kif noticed that
Aristarchus, Leibnitz and Duns Scotus were in attendance
today and they sat down upon either side of him leaving
their companions to stand around the gaming table and look
on.
"No sign of Thomas Aquinas today?" Kif enquired of his
friends.
"He's still counting the Angels on the head of a pin,"
Aristarchus explained.
"I still maintain that there are too many," Duns Scotus
interjected.
"He should try Calculus," Newton said dryly, more than a
little drunk.
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"An immaculate conception," Duns Scotus retorted, raising

his glass to Newton.
"What do you think, Heisenberg."
"Can't say I'm really sure," he replied.
"Come on, let's get these dice rolling," Einstein said
impatiently. "Who's betting?"
All except Aristarchus threw down a bundle of notes upon
the Table. "I still say that the lore of the die only operates in
a four dimensional space time reference wherein a sphere
remains a sphere from all vantage points," he said solemnly;
aware that his words would delay the game with speculative
debate. "Here in our fake City of Pyramids, even the
pyramids have been known to vary with the seasons and a
sphere often mutates so that it does not often remain even
circular." "I wish that you would cease referring to our city
as a fake copy," Duns Scotus said pointedly.
"Leibnitz and I were having dinner with Moses de Leon the
other night," Feynman interrupted. "We were discussing this
very problem: Relativity within Eternity and the nature of
the Self within that kind of a continuum."
"Did you come up with anything interesting?" Kif enquired.
"We did have some interesting thoughts upon the nature of
our daily game of dice," Feynman responded cheerfully.
116
Everyone huddled closer. Feynman was a storytelling

physicist and his tales were one of the delights of the
community. His insights were unique.
"Well, Feynman continued. "We figured that in Eternity,
Relativity has to be elastic; like the gravity-well idea of mass
affecting space-time."
"You are implying that consciousness in Eternity has to be a
non-localised event that can only be accessed by a single
reference point at any one time," Duns Scotus interjected
excitedly, jumping ahead of the philosophical event horizon
with the deftness of a man wearing neural seven league
boots.
"I was going to get around to that at the end, yes," Feynman
said with a smile in his eyes. Then added: "And this means
that beyond this City there can be no more individual sense
of identity. It merely becomes a case of a very fast man
playing a somewhat complicated game of tennis against
himself in a variety of dimensions of Space and Time."
"In order for me to pass through the Six Gates of this stage
of my journey, I must seek the advice of that Aspect of
myself that has already passed through those gates and yet
still remains within this crazy citadel of Eternity."
"Passed through the gates, and yet remains?" Duns Scotus
enquired in a puzzled tone. "Surely that is impossible."
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"Not for a man who has turned down the sheets in Hilbert's
Hotel on more than one occasion," the Sufi said confidently.
"Your musings on Eternity and the Dice Game - a tale not
yet fully told - give me the idea that Eternal variation must
also contain the possibilities of each of the things that did
not and yet cannot happen."
"Your musings sound familiar," Duns Scotus said,
scratching his chin then breaking into a slow crafty smile.
"I'm sure that I may have used that argument once upon a
time."
"I go now, to seek my Aspect. He will be somewhere about,
and I have Eternity to find him in," Kif said, rising to his
feet.
"And there's no time like the present to do it." And with
those words he left the room.
Aristarchus was the first to speak: "I do not understand," he
said.
"I think that our old friend has pulled a favourable fortune
cookie today." Feynman said approvingly. "He portrays our
gaming with dice in a unique perspective. Especially so here
in the City of Pyramids."
"The fake City of Pyramids." Aristarchus said smugly.
"No. Merely a City of Fake Pyramids." Feynman stated in a

matter of fact tone. "But in Eternity the Whole includes the
Facsimile, the reflection and the point of reflection too. So
the fake is the real, in that it is a gate in itself that leads to
the real."
"In Eternity." Aristarchus pointed out.
"Which is, at this time and all times, where we are at this
moment." Feynman continued.
"So there can only be a single point of the focus of
consciousness beyond the sphere of this City where even
illusion must be real." Leibnitz mused out loud. "And that
can
be the only point of objectivity from which all may be
judged fair and true."
"And that point of focus must necessarily be everywhere at
all times, alive and sentient." Duns Scotus announced. "So
Kif stands a very good chance of communing with his
Aspect, sooner rather than later. Now that he himself has
focused upon the matter with some urgency."
"And the Dice game?" Aristarchus queried.
"The Dice are not true. Like the Cubic Stones which are
themselves Formless and Void: Tohu and Bohu." Duns
Scotus explained, expansively.
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"I think that was Kif s realisation, and that may give him an
edge in the game," Einstein muttered, examining the dice
and suspecting them - correctly - to be Tessaracts. "We must
continue, albeit blindly, and never give up the quest."
"Come again?" Aristarchus prompted.
"In plain words: If God does not play dice, then someone
must." Einstein said bluntly. And upon this matter, he said
nothing more. But from that day forward, he always won in
his Dicing.
The Thirty Sixth Gate:

(Geburah of Tiphareth)
Kif had received an inspired revelation, an understanding of
the nature of Eternity that helped to free his mind from the
illusion of singularity which abides solely for those who
inhabit the lower kingdom of the five senses.
From the day of his enlightenment, the focus of his
consciousness was not limited by linear recognition and he
began to discover the true city within the City of Pyramids.
Within hours of setting out to take a fresh exploration of the
divine city Kif met old friends whose arrival he had been
unaware of.
He bumped into Coconut in the market place. Kilo also

greeted him one afternoon in the city streets and their talk
was full of philosophical speculations and imaginative
theories upon the nature of the Quest.
One day, Kif met another Aspect of his Self.
"Come with me," the other Kif said, and led him to a small
temple of some forgotten god whom Kif did not recognise.
"Few people come here," the other Kif said. "It is too quiet
and does not pander to their vanities. It is a fit shrine and
resting place for the true God."
"You mean that this place is where the Big Man lives?"
"WoMan actually."
"Well, I'll be.." said Kif
"But I have something to show you," Kifs doppelganger
said, as if suddenly remembering.
"Is it something for my eyes alone?"
"No," Kifs image stated bluntly. "All see it at some point. It
is a jewel of The Light. But many fail to identify it. Kilo and
Coconut have seen it already."
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"And is that my task?" Kif enquired. "To identi@ it?"

"If you would understand in order to proceed fbrther in the
Quest," the other Kif replied. And then he reached into the
curtains behind the altar and pulled them aside.
Kif gasped. There, suspended in mid air, floated a jewel of
exquisite pure light which rotated slowly counter clockwise.
The Sufi was mesmerised and began to lapse into a light
waking trance.
"What do you see?" the other Kif asked.
"I see the jewel of Eternity," he stated. And at that moment
he beheld myriad images within the gem stone. Pictures of
his life on Earth, and here in Eternity, flashed along the
facets of the jewel.
"My goodness," he exclaimed, "it is the Jewel of my Soul.
The many petalled lotus. Om Mani Padme Om."
"You are correct. Now, tell me how the jewel is cut?" Kif
peered intently, trying not to be distracted by the images of
past and future life experiences glistening before him. And
then he saw it.
"It is a cube within a cube," he gasped. "It is the two stones
of the formless and the void; Tohu and Bohu."
"It is the vision of the infinity within each of us." the other
Kif said. And those were his last words as an entity for it
seemed to Kif that his double began to grow indistinct at that
moment.
And then the image of his double swept towards him with
incredible speed and merged with his own essence.
Kif reached out and took the Jewel from above the altar, and
slipped it into his robes.
The Thirty Seventh Gate

(Chesed of Tiphareth)
Coconut was resting in the courtyard of his castle, enjoying
the luxury of the sun's rays. He had long ago made his
fortune as a travelling hypnotist and had retired from his
profession to a place beyond the City of Pyramids where he
could enjoy the quiet of the valleys which lay beyond that
mysterious place. Coconut's castle was a house of many
mansions with its own garden of statues. Philosophers would
make pilgrimages there to meet with Coconut and discuss
the affairs of the city with him, or to experiment in the
castle's alchemic laboratory, or merely to meet with one
another to debate ideas.
As Coconut was idling in the sun Kif came wandering in
through the gates of the courtyard. After greeting Coconut,
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the wise man sat down beside his friend. "I have just
returned from the valley of small circles," he said. "There
were many Haints along the low road that leads from that
place. "
"Yes," Coconut agreed. "The stars in the heavens have been
indicating strange times ahead for the lands beyond the great
desert. All of us here will no doubt be experiencing the odd
unexpected anomaly or two for a while yet.
"I do believe that a Talking Tree has been reported growing
in the area too," Kif said casually.
Coconut smiled. "You are well informed my friend. It is
only a sapling, but it is indeed already rapping. Teenage
Talking Trees can indeed be a little loose of mouth, and this
one in particular has a biting sarcasm.'
Kif was silent for a moment, as if in deep thought. Reaching
into his robes he pulled out the jewel of the double cube and
held it out for Coconut to behold. "I tried to steal this from
the Temple of the Lost God," he said. "But it is a jewel that
is impossible to steal."
"And yet you possess it?" Coconut enquired.
"I have made peace with my daemon," Kif explained. "The
multiplicity of being has now been replaced by the
multiplicity of phenomena."
"You mean?" Coconut enquired.

"When I entered the City, I soon became aware of the
infinity of possibilities open to the Many Selves." Said Kif.
"I have reversed the equation and now I am one with the
time-track and have achieved the unity of the selves. I am
simultaneously aware of all that has happened, is happening
and has yet to happen from the focus of this moment in
time."
"And the riddle of your stealing the jewel that cannot be
stolen?" Coconut again enquired.
"It is the jewel of the Great Fall from the Throne," Kif
stated. "It can be borne yet never taken. Hence I have always
possessed it?"
"And me!" Coconut said, a secretly concealed smile now
bursting upon his face. And with a swift reach of his hand he
produced the same jewel from his own robes.
The Thirty Eighth Gate

(Binah of Tiphareth)
When Kif returned to the City of Pyramids, he found that the
flavour of the city's atmosphere had changed considerably.
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The journey fiom Coconut's castle had been long and

arduous and as time had passed Kif noticed that more and
more Haints could be seen hovering on the edge of the
roadway during the hours of twilight.
By the time that he reached the city walls the frequency of
Haint disturbance had grown to a considerable level and
upon entering the city, Kif began to comment upon this to
the first people he came across who seemed at leisure to
converse.
"Can't say I know what you mean," one said.
"Haven't noticed them myself," another responded.
One other merely said: "Haint yourself," and gave him a
knowing smile before walking off, seemingly fading to
become indistinct as his shape receded into the distance.
Kif was puzzled for a moment. Then his mind cleared and he
took himself off to the Magick Shop where he knew he
might find the means to resolve the growing suspicion that
his personal momentum was moving faster than his
awareness of it.
The walls of the Magick Shop were decorated with murals
of snow crested mountain landscapes beneath azure skies
flecked with white cumulus. Above, the ceiling was draped
with a silk of jet black adorned with rare gemstones which
glittered like starlight.
In the front of the shop was a tent pyramid of the finest silk
situated in the midst of two concentric magic circles, within
whose trough grew magic mushrooms the size of a mans
hands.
Mahindra, the shop's owner was talking to Doctor Dirk
while Elron and Aine inspected the latest crop of freshly
picked Cuban psilocybin.
"Greetings, 0 learned one" Mahindra said, looking up from
his conversation.
"And to you too," Kif responded. Then nodded his head in
greeting to the good Doctor who returned a smile. "I am in
need of a trip and the services of your meditation chamber
whilst it is kicking in."
Mahindra nodded his head. "Feel free to stay the night," he
said courteously. "We are about to close up for the night but
here's a key to the door, you can use the room upstairs to
come up on your trip and then meditate in the magic circle
when the shop is closed."
Aine handed Kif a medium sized mushroom and smiled
graciously. After eating the mushroom Kif decided to
remain downstairs and swap stories with the shop keeper
and his fiiends, telling them of his journey from Coconut's
castle and of the Haints haunting the way.
Dr Dirk played with his Van Dyke beard and paid great
attention to the traveler's story. Mahindra nodded along,
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interrupting only with the occasional pertinent question *to

interrupt the wise man's tale.
When Kif had finished, Dr Dirk said: "There is very little to
indicate that the presence of the Haints is any more real to
the everyday inhabitants of this city than the city itself is to
those lacking any real inner vision.
"I see a lot on my travels around this metropolis," he
continued. "I take it that you have taken the jewel that
cannot be stolen?"
Kif nodded. Dr Dirk looked towards Mahindra to take up the
explanation. Mahindra said: "Dr Dirk and I took the jewel
for ourselves some time ago. I think that you have come to
the right place to find your solution."
"I think that you will find your conception of Haints
changing over the next few hours," Dr Dirk said quietly.
"They are no mere ghosts, as rumoured amongst the
common people, but the true denizens of the City of
Pyramids itself. Having taken the jewel which cannot be
stolen, you will find yourself counting amongst their number
soon enough; as we once did."
"Then I am talking to Haints?" Kif asked, amazed, and
beginning to feel the first edges of the mushroom trip send
shivers throughout his etheric body.
"There are many gates to the palace of the Great Mother,"
Dr Dirk explained. "As you pass through more of them, the
1 28
Haints will become more recognisable to you as distinct

beings. Indeed, you already appear to perceive some of them
as corporeal beings; such as the last person you spoke to on
the way here."
"Amazing," said Kif. "But forgive me, I must take myself
away into the meditation room. I feel my trip coming on."
Bidding goodbye to all, he ascended the stairs to the
chamber."
An hour later, Kif came down the stairs. The light was
fading and only the street lights shining in through the
window from outside illuminated the empty shop. Sitting
inside the magic circle of living mushrooms, under the
canopy of the silk pyramid, the wise man eased himself into
a meditatory state.
His consciousness was intensely heightened from the effects
of the mushroom and the focus of his thoughts was more
attuned to that state normally experienced by out of the body
voyagers. The clouds painted upon the mountainscape
adorned walls seemed to move to and fro in the half light
and Kifs senses were disassociated to a degree that left his
mind free to roam the world of potentia.
Taking the jewel which cannot be stolen from his robes he
held it before him, examining it closely and looking into its
depths. It seemed to Kif that it began to shine, with a light
that originated from somewhere deep within itself, and as it
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did so he began to discern the shape of Haints all around

him.
"Greetings, fellow souls," Kif said in salutation. "I have
walked amongst your brothers and sisters on the road to this
city. You are the first I hope to exchange greetings with."
The Haint that replied was female and, as her shape became
more substantial, the holy man could see that she was
beautiful. Long auburn hair fell down her back in waves and
she was slim and enticing and her vague features were
faintly familiar to him. "I am pleased to meet you again,
Kif."
She said. "Many of us have been monitoring your energies
in your transitions through the Gates."
"I am privileged to have made your acquaintance," Kif
stated flatly. The girl laughed at this. He continued: "The
waves of revelation have given me something of a perpetual
culture shock recently. I am afraid that the advantage is
yours madam,"
"Make love with me," she whispered. And with those words
she fell upon him, stripped him of his robes and took him
into herself.
When they had finished making love, she leaned back.
"The energy transfer is complete," she whispered.
"I know you," Kif whispered back. "I have faced many
challenges upon the path that has led me to this point, and
yet you have done things with me that only my wife and I
have shared."
At this the girl began to laugh. "You fool. I am your wife."
"Leah." He gasped. Your form has changed beyond all
recognition. And yet I do recognise you now."
"I am Babalon, I am your wife painted with the stars."
She said. "This Gateway is a gateway that all women share.
But there is a part of me that remains sleeping in the garden
of Statues awaiting your return, just as you yourself look
towards our reunion in the true flesh."
"Then I must return to accompany her here to join me," Kif
said.
"But I am already here," Leah as Babylon teased. "You will
have to work this one out for yourself. But remember, you
can only be seen as a Haint now outside the shadow City of
Pyramids. You have come too far to return whence you
came."
Noticing that her husband looked slightly downcast, she
continued: "You already grasp that Time is a non essential
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when it comes to causality. You have taken your place

within the Cubic Stone of the Vault. In fact, you have
everything you need at this point to do your will as a free
citizen of the true City. Look not downcast. The Leah that
awaits your return in the Garden of Statues will always be
there, in some dimension of Time.
"From this point on you will find yourself flashing in and
out of contact with the true City more and more as your
confidence in your own perceptions increases."
"Then, in some way, I have already returned and
accompanied you hence." Kif said, almost to himself.
"Perhaps, by using the jewel that cannot be stolen, the Cubic
Stone itself? And it is a reality that I have not yet accessed,
else I would have past or future recall of it?"
"You should have more faith in women," Leah as Babalon
stated. "I actually arrived here ahead of you. Dreaming has
its own power of access."
"Well I'll be ..." Kif spluttered.
"Truly is it said that the further one travels, the less one
knows." His wife responded.
The Thirty Ninth Gate

(Chokmah of Tiphareth)
In the hour before dawn, long after his wife had faded back
to the shadow world of which Kif was only dimly beginning
to become aware he sensed an ominously large shape
shifting around behind him.
Sitting still within the silken pyramid within the magic
circle, he nervously fingered the jewel of the Cubic Stone
which hung around his neck on a thin cord. The atmosphere
was electric with expectancy, and with the heightened sense
of euphoria which his sexual and psychedelic experience had
aroused.
Still, Kif could sense a powerful alien presence radiating
pure energy and he became gripped with a paralysis that
stifled his very breath. Suddenly the crystal cube began to
emanate light, brilliant beyond intensity.
"I am Random! Your Guardian Angel," a voice whispered
with sombre intensity.
"I greet you as an equal," was all Kif could murmur. "I have
thought long and hard upon your coming, and always knew
it would be at an unexpected hour," he then added.
"This is your moment of testing," Random continued. "I will
be your ally if you truly know yourself. If not, then I will be
your nemesis."
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Kif swallowed hard and gave the entity his full attention.
"There are two tasks to fulfill in order to make your peace
with me." Random continued. "Both require that you satisfy
me on your knowledge of my true nature. First comes a
question: What am I?"
Kif thought for a moment, his mind suddenly becoming
clear. "You are my hopes and my fears." He said. "You have
answered the question yourself in your asking of it. You are
the angel I am the kinetic potential of, and also the demon of
my most powerfbl desires."
"And what do you intend to do about me?" Random asked
curiously, satisfied at Kif s answer.
Kif turned to face the angel. "I will welcome you." He
announced. "There comes a time when we must live with
whom we actually are and play the hand that is dealt to us."
And Random and Sufi became one, for good or ill.
The Fortieth Gate

(Kether of Tiphareth)
Kif wandered for days exploring the sacred city. It seemed
to him that the more time he spent examining the detail of
134
the City of Pyramids, the more the facets of the real 'city
within a city' revealed themselves.
Every night, at twilight, he would meet with his wife Leah at
some prearranged location and explore the City at night. Kif
was becoming more used to the ghostly Haints, and with the
passing of each night they too became more and more
substantial until he was able to converse with them.
Over the first month, Kif and Leah would make love
together with increasing relish; their senses heightened and
their minds and bodies aflame with the psychedelic effects
of the mushrooms they had purchased from the Magic
Mushroom shop. And afterwards Leah would remain longer
and longer with her husband in their adventures in the gas lit
streets of the City.
On the eighth night Leah led her husband by the hand over
the first bell bridge of the famous 'Street of Seven Bell
Bridges'. "From here you can see into the Abyss," she said.
"Stare first at the symbol of the sea shell upon the bridge's
crest and then look down into the water, at the moonlight
reflected there." Kif looked over the bridge's handrail and
his eyes misted over. Somewhere in the depths of the water
he could see shapes moving around. And then all became
clear. Bound naked men and women were being tied to
wooden platforms by green and black slimy creatures.
Centipede-like tendrils tore and flayed the flesh of their
victims whilst half naked men and women looked on from
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the edges of the torture pit with a depraved craving for blood
lust shining in their eyes.
Breaking the spell with a click of her fingers, Leah led Kif
on to the next bridge over the canal. This bridge had the
motif of a closed human hand, which Kif meditated upon
before looking into the water. Therein he saw a figure laid
out upon a dungeon slab. The woman's skin had been
removed from her body and she lay raw and defenceless,
bound and pegged down to a torture bed. Two grotesque
dwarves laboured over her eye sockets with red hot irons.
Kif flinched away from the sight of the horror.
Leading Kif to the third bridge, Leah bade him to meditate
upon the symbol of the open hand upon the bridge's crest,
before looking down into the depths.
The horror which beheld him gripped his frame with an icy
hand. The smell of burning flesh was unimaginable as Kif
beheld the sad remains of the characters from the vision
before him having their tongues cut out of their mouths and
their ears and noses sealed with red hot brands. The Holy
man was paralysed by the sight of these horrors and began to
shake with fear.
At the fourth bridge, after meditating upon the symbol of the
fallen corn stalk, the wise man beheld one of the disfigured
creatures having his back broken over a wheel, severing all
sensory input into the man's brain. His broken form was cast
aside into a comer, onto a heap of similar forms of past
humanity.
The sights which Kif beheld at the fifth, sixth and seventh
bridges (where the symbols of the black rose, the funnel and
the snake eating the egg were to be found) are not fit for
human comprehension. Here, the shells of the victims were
given over to the demons of the pit for gargantuan
perversions of the most depraved nature.
Tears filled Kifs eyes. "Why are you showing me these
things?" he begged his wife.
"These are the fates reserved for those who turn back at this
point," she replied. "Our task is to sublimate these energies
so that the failings of the many are not to be truly wasted.
Come, make love to me on this bridge and we will become
one. Only the united may pass through this trial of fire."
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The Five Gates of Geburah

The Forty First Gate
(Geburah of Geburah)
A child was born to Leah and Kif, and they named her Alia.
All of the inhabitants of the City of Pyramids brought gifts
of incense and eggs of the crystal serpent for the child's
nativity.
As Alia grew, Kif and Leah began to grow noticeably
younger. And Alia grew most prodigiously and swiftly,
aging a single year in what seemed to Leah and Kif to be a
single month.
Her parents too began to grow younger at an equally
alarming rate, until their apparent ages seemed to coincide.
Over the months, Kif had taught his daughter in the
interpretation of the Law, and Leah had imparted that secret
knowledge to her daughter concerning the mysteries of
enchantment and vision understood by all women in their
heart of hearts. Since Alia had reached puberty she had
outgrown her parent's knowledge and in matters of
philosophical discourse, logical analysis and intuitive
understanding of human and angelic nature she was a
constant source of surprise and inspiration to them both.
At the time of the converging of the apparent ages of the

twain, parents and child, Alia pointed towards the setting
sun and said: "You must go into the West and seek the Night
of Time. And you must go this very night."
Kif and Leah had a achieved what could almost be described
as a telepathic sympathy with their daughter, and recognised
that she had identified a key moment in their mutual
destinies.
The Great Desert, beyond which lay the Great Sea beckoned
them beyond Alia's pointing finger. "You came to this place,
but I was born here," she said. "The adventure has only
begun for us, but for any of us to survive you must move on
fiom this place and seek Amenta, lest we all find ourselves
cast into the seven hells below the bell bridges."
And so Alia's parents packed two saddle bags with rations
for the journey and, after many tender farewells, set out
upon two ships of the desert sands towards the West.
On the journey westwards, as they were leaving the hills

which surrounded the City Leah and Kif came upon an old
brick forge and a blacksmith working upon a brand new
sword there. Other swords which the Smith had recently
forged hung from the rafter inside the doorway.
Stopping his camel, Kif commanded the beast to kneel and
dismounted. "Tell me Smith," Kif spoke, "how much will
you charge me for a sword."
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"Thirty pieces of silver," the Smith replied. "But you must

cure the sword yourself if you have the wit." He pointed
towards the sword lying within the furnace.
Kif paid the man his money and put on one of the Smith's
leather gauntlets before retrieving the sword from the fire.
Walking out into the desert night, he cut himself across the
left forearm with the glowing sword. Kif flinched as his
blood dripped onto the floor, but the wound cauterised and
healed as quickly as it had been made. He then thrust the
white hot steel into the sand and blood to temper the blade.
"Truly you have claimed the sword from the furnace," the
Smith said quietly. "You must bear it now into the West, and
always carry it with you." And with those words he
disappeared into the smithy with a smile upon his face.
The Forty Second Gate

(Chesed of Geburah)
Alia watched her parents until they disappeared over the
western horizon and began to make preparations for her own
journey.
At dawn the next day she set off on a camel of her own
towards the ice lands which lay to the north of the City of
Pyramids. And after four days of journeying she came to the
ice cavern of the God of the Crystal Snake where she

conversed with the temple guardian.
"My father and mother are bearing the sword of Edom into
the West," she told him. "I seek the Torch of the double
handed one; the wand of power."
"You may find it by joining in congress with the God of the
Crystal Snake himself and awakening the Torch within you,"
the temple guardian replied. And so Alia spent a hrther
night at the Temple and prepared herself for sexual union
with the God.
The ritual of Becoming lasted a whole night and a day. The
Pythonesses of the Temple bathed Alia in milk baths, fed her
rich foods and then gave her strange drugs and wines that
foamed. The temple dance, which she joined, was a
bacchanalia of revelry and at the height of the ritual the
Crystal Serpent himself manifested upon the central altar,
upon which the acolytes in his service had placed Alia for
the orgiastic lovemaking with the god.
The magical union was observed in the presence of all, and
Alia felt waves of energy and power coursing through her
with each orgasm. At the climax of the rite, the Crystal
Serpent God disappeared into the girl's body and Alia gave
out an ecstatic cry.
All fell to their knees before her as breathless, she drew
herself up from the altar. Her eyes shone with the knowledge
of a thousand and one delights. Her skin glowed like burning
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coals. Majestically she rose to her feet and proclaimed: "I

am the Heart, and the Snake is entwined about the invisible
core of the mind."
The temple guardian approached her. "You must bear the
torch to the South," he instructed her. "To balance the
passage of the sword westwards."
"And there I will make my home in the branches of the
World Tree made of Ash, where I will light a beacon of
hope for the world, Alia said softly. "It will be my final act
of love, for the flame will bum forever and our children will
build there a temple of glory. A temple of the ever burning
flame. Then I will cast from me the burden of the Quest and
make my own way to Amen-ta in the West."
"You are our Phoenix. 0 Torch Bearer," the temple guardian
said reverently. Then more loudly, so that all could hear, he
shouted: "Hail o ye twin warriors who guard the pylons of
the middle path. One has come who will carry the light from
the darkness, and who has the strength and wisdom to bear
the flame with purpose and intent. One who sees the ending
of The Way and yet who dares to look beyond the clearly
marked path. "
And Alia soon began her journey to the south. Bearing the
fire of the Torch within her soul and changing forever the
lives of those with whom she talked to or made love with at
the oases and temples that lined the route of her journey
southward.
The Forty Third Gate

(Binah of Geburah)
Alia approached the shores of the Great Sea on camel-back.
She was wrapped in robes of the deepest black silk which
blew in the sea breeze from the west.
For three days and nights she had travelled from the South
where she had set aflame the branches of the World Tree as
a blazing beacon to those who would seek the promised
land.
The warriors of light and darkness had appeared as two great
columns of cloud in the east and the west as the first
branches of the tree caught the flames which had leaped
from her fingertips at her touch.
"0 World Tree." she had murmured. "You shield and protect
us, yet you exist to be climbed so that the very vaults of the
heavens may be entered."
And the ancient tree burned ever brightly thereafter, as a

sign to the evolved souls of mankind of the passing of the
sword from the east to the west, without the flame
consuming so much as a single leaf.
As Alia had left the burning tree she had picked up a lithe
branch which had fallen to the ground. Later she fashioned
arrows for her small bow which she carried even now on her
approach to the shore of the Great Sea.
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Dismounting from her camel, Alia ran along the beach to the
seas edge. The Sun was rising behind her and the
brightening of the waters was glorious to behold.
Taking her bow and quiver of arrows from her shoulder she
slipped out of her robes and stood naked beneath the fading
western stars save for her decorative anklet of the serpent.
The weather was warming and Alia lay down at the edge of
the water, with the incoming tide lapping against her ankles
and naked legs.
Taking an arrow from her quiver Alia concentrated upon its
tip and caused it to burst into flame. Placing it in the bow
and tensing the cord with a determined pull she then sent it
blazing over the waters of the Great Sea.
The incoming tide was reaching over her thighs and, as it
touched the base of her spine, the flaming arrow plunged
into the heaving waters.
An echo of an ancient ecstasy ran up Alia's backbone then,
sending waves of rapture through her entire mind and body.
The sky lit up into a brilliant scarlet which was reflected
upon the mirror of the sea, and the image of a distant citadel
appeared in the heavens above the horizon.
"This sea is made up of the blood of Saints. And the City
may only be entered by the immortals," a disembodied voice
sounded in Alia's head. "You will come upon the token of
entry into the Eternal City somewhere upon these seas. You
must use your craft and your guile. Only Serpents may swim
in these waters. But you are of the Dove and the Serpent.
Choose your passage to the city with care."
And Alia meditated upon these happenings for a day and a
night thereafter.
The Forty Fourth Gate

(Chokmah of Geburah)
The Lost God and the boatman were sailing upon the waters
of the Great Sea. They had been dredging the bottom of that
mighty ocean in their search for the plant of immortality for
over a year and a day. Now that they had successfblly
located it, they were celebrating their find with a bottle of
the finest wine and swapping stories of old times.
The Lost God told a story of how he had made a friend of
his greatest enemy, a savage created by the other gods with
the purpose of opposing him in all his questing. His friend
had lost his savagery after being introduced to civilisation by
a sophisticated courtesan of the City of Pyramids with whom
he had fallen in love.
He told the boatman of his friend's tragic journey to and
consequent imprisonment within the underworld, and of his
sadness concerning his friend's fate.
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The plant of immortality lay safe within the hold of their

vessel and as the afternoon went on both the god and the
boatman fell into a deep drunken sleep.
Alia had shape shifted into the form of a serpent so that she
might swim across the mighty ocean to the Eternal City of
the West, and came upon their boat in the midst of the
ocean.
Having stolen on board unnoticed, she eavesdropped upon
their conversation and learned of the plant of immortality
within the hold.
When they fell into their slumber, Alia transformed herself
back into human guise and stole below. Returning to the
deck with her prize, her footsteps awoke the Lost God who
started after her.
Shifting her shape into the form of a dove and clutching the
valuable plant within her talons Alia flew into the skies,
leaving the angry god and the boatman far below shaking
their fists at the air.
"I know you, Gilgamesh," she laughed gaily. "Your fate is
sealed, for you rehsed to abandon your humanity; that part
of you which was capable of nostalgia and weakness. Only
those who are capable of change and adaptation may seize
and hold the prize which you have been seeking."
The Forty Fifth Gate

(Kether of Geburah)
A feast was being held in the Eternal City, to celebrate the
wedding of the White King and his Red Queen.
The ceremony was held on the steps of the Palace of the
city, and was solemnised by the Magisters of the Temple.
Flowers of rare scents and the emblems of Daath adorned
the outer walls of the palace and the twin pillars which stood
either side of the palace doorway were adorned with bells
and rich h i t s such as the pomegranate.
After the marriage ceremony had been performed, the
assistant Magisters carried the King and his bride to the altar
of the black and white double cube at the foot of the palace
steps, where the love feast would be celebrated before the
people.
Without pausing for a moment of sobriety, the King and the
Queen divested themselves of their robes and joined in the
embrace of sexual union to consummate their marriage.
At that moment a dove flew into the courtyard from beyond
the city walls, carrying the plant of immortality within its
beak, and landed upon the base of the altar.
The assistant Magister gently picked it up from the floor
and, taking his ceremonial dagger in the other hand, slit its
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throat in ritual sacrifice so that the blood of the divine bird

spilled over the writhing bodies of the celebrants.
The plant of immortality fell to the floor of the altar where it
took root, and a few drops of the blood of the dove dripped
from the altar and seeped into the ground where the plant
lay.
Years later, the plant of immortality grew into a mighty tree
which gave forth all sorts of mysterious fruit from which the
Magisters of the temple distilled the "wines that foam" of
which the Book of the Law speaks.
One day, after a particularly fine feast in honour of an
anniversary of the royal marriage, the White King and his
Red Queen conceived a child after eating of the h i t of the
tree and drinking of the wines that foam that sprang from
that fruit.
The child would later grow to become the Queen of the
Eternal Palace, full of wisdom and compassion for the world
and all who trod upon it. But the King and the Queen were
distressed, for they knew not what to name her. The learned
and the scribes of the Eternal Kingdom were loath to proffer
that no one could suggest a name which his daughter might
bear proudly.
One day, upon the advice of the Chief Magister of the
Temple, the King and Queen disguised themselves and took
the girl child to the Garden of Eternity which had sprung up
around the Tree of Immortality, where a wise man and his
wife had lately taken up their dwelling under the branches of

the Tree.
The Red Queen gave her baby into the arms of the Wise
Man, saying: "Like the King and Queen of this city, we
cannot decide upon a name for our child and will not rest
until our problem is resolved."
Recognising the Red Queen beneath her disguise, the Wise
Man replied: "Dear Lady. The questions we must face upon
death are forty two in number. They emanate from the forty
two assessors of the Soul. This question of yours, posed as it
is at the beginning of a life, should reflect this."
"What do you suggest, 0 Wise Man," the White King
demanded, aware that the sage spoke fiom the heart.
"You shall call her 'Alia'," the Sufi suggested. "which means
'Answerer' in my native tongue."
And the White King and the Red Queen returned to their
palace and did as he suggested. And Alia grew to
magnificence as the Queen of that realm, and became as
renowned as Solomon for her wisdom and knowledge of the
Divine Law."
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Gates Forty Six to Forty Nine

"There are four gates to one palace. The
floor of that palace is of silver and gold.
Lapis Lazuli and jasper are there and all
rare scents and the emblems of death....
If
Liber Al vel Legis

The Book o f the Law
Chapter 1 Verse 51
"On the Eastern gate, he placed the form of an
Eagle; on the Western gate theform of a Bull; on the
Southern gate the form of a Lion; and on the
Northern gate he constructed the form of a Dog. Into
these images he introduced spirits who spoke with
voices, nor could anyone enter the gates of the City
except by their permission. There he planted trees in
the midst of which was a great tree which bore the
fruit of all generations. On the summit of the castle
he caused to be raised a lighthouse (Rotunda) the
colour of which changed every day until the seventh
day a f r r which it returned to the first colour, and so
the City was illuminated with these colours.
Near the City was an abundance of waters in which

dwelt many kinds offish. Around the circumference
of the City he placed engraved images and ordered
them in such a manner that by their virtue the
inhabitants were made virtuous and withdrawn from
all wickedness and harm. The name of the City was
Adocentyn. '
Quotation from the Picatrix
in 'History of White Magic'
Gareth Knight.
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of the
Golden Dawn
Lodge
Fraternitv of the
Sanctum Regnum
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The Art of Invocation

The art of invocation is central to the theme of inspirational
magic. This area of esoteric work is focused upon the
attainment of states of revelation gained by stimulating the
imaginative faculties. This is achieved through spoken,
poetic orations - focused in theme and which contain
resonance of tone and lexical content designed to be
sympathetic to the subject of the rite.
The Order of the Golden Dawn scribe Wynn Westcott

writing in the introduction to his translation of Eliphas
Levi's 'Magical Ritual of the Sanctum Regnum' states:
"Thought is the life of intelligence; words show the creative

force of thought, while actions are the last effort of words,
and the desirable couplement of words. Words have been
spoken, thought has been translated into action; the act of
creating, speech has taken place.
"A word is the requisite formula of a thought; an act is an

exhibition of will. This is why prayer is a necessity, and may
obtain all that it asks. A prayer is a perfected act of the will;
it is a link connecting human words with the divine Will. All
ceremonies, consecrations, ablutions, and sacrifices are
prayers in action, and are symbolic formulas; and they are
the most potent prayers because they are translations of
word into action, showing will power and persistence ......
and so they constitute real work. "
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The classical model of esotericism, based upon the lore of

"As above, so below" taken from the Hermetic work known
as the Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistos, is dependent
upon the concept of Macrocosm and Microcosm: that all
things manifest within the Creation have a correspondent
sympathetic link with greater and higher forms held to exist
in the Spiritual realm.
According to the classical schools of Hermetic philosophy,

evidenced by the works of such notable authorities as
Paracelsus and Cornelius Agrippa, certain plants, metals,
animals and, according to the Abbot Trithemius - even
Angels, were held to possess a sympathetic link with the
planetary powers.
In the pre-Christian pagan world, by the time of the Roman

Emperor Augustus, each of the classical gods were
associated with one planetary power or another, and each
priesthood demanded sacrifices or propitious offerings
traditionally accepted to be pleasing to that particular deity.
Specific perfbmes were burned and the feast days of the
gods were celebrated in the knowledge that all appropriate
measures had been taken to ensure that the deity found his
temple fit for habitation.
The modem occultist employs similar methods to access the

spiritual qualities of the Divine energies, employing rites of
enchantment to work towards the attainment of a privileged
perspective.
He or she employs the art of invocation within the context of

a meditation, or within a ritual environment, to gain a
harmony of mind and temperament consistent with the
particular harmonic of each invocation in order to access a
particular thread within that tapestry of many varied threads,
which synthesize our experiential frame reference of the
Universe.
The formula of invocation relies heavily upon enchantment

and glamour, employing specific terms and metaphors,
combined with appropriate rhythm and metre to provoke a
response within the individual. Just as watching a horror
movie can inspire fear and a mournful romance can inspire
tears, the delivery of the invocations and calls employed by
the occultist can call forth a response within the individual
particularly tailored to a specific mood.
This is an art more sophisticated than the recitation of verbal

affirmations or any 'think your way to success and
happiness' program. The invocations seek to appeal to
deeper levels of the human consciousness than the
intellectual mind and seek to appeal to the imaginative
unconscious and inspire an instinctive response, which may
be focused by the Intellect.
The harmonics of each planetary throne can be thought of as

similar to mathematical Sets. Just as mathematics organises
sets of integers such as a set of even, odd or prime numbers,
certain areas of the human condition are organised into
thematic categories by the esotericist - employing traditional
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lore and methods - and these sets fall under the sway of one
planetary power or another.
When performing a rite of a particular planetary power, the

occultist has made sure to previously identi@ the qualitative
harmonics of that power to ensure that the rite is consistent
with the intent of the working. If calling upon the qualities
of Mars, courage and willpower, he will decorate his
environment with objects associated with martial things ...
play stirring music, hang red cloth banners (the colour of
Mars) and read aloud the requisite planetary invocation
before beginning a period of meditation upon the energies
raised.
Jupiter, the planetary dignity corresponding to the father

figure god of the Greeks 'Zeus-Pater', might be invoked in
matters where the occultist seeks to attune his frequency of
perception to the abundant treasury of Jupiter's benevolent
energies. The influence of mercury might be invoked to
inspire intellectual health and success, the Moon for poetic
inspiration.
From this example, it can be understood that each planetary

power is invoked as a metaphor for that field of potentia
within the Macrocosm corresponding to forces within
Nature, which can be characterised as discrete models or
fields of influence. Throughout the invocations, each
planetary power is addressed using its Hebrew Title. Saturn
as Shabbathai; Mars as Madim, Saturn as Tzedek, Venus as
Nogah and Mercury as Kokab. The Sun and Moon are also
traditionally regarded as planetary powers within the
discipline of Astrology and their respective invocations

contain their own unique metaphors.
The influence of Saturn, addressed as Shabbathai in the

invocations, is essentially protective. As the god of Time
and space; old age; wisdom and protection from the powers
of evil, the metal sacred to Saturn is Lead which
traditionally protects against Evil. Saturn's influence is
spread over all the jewels of the Earth and the 96 points of
the sixteen Geomantic figures employed within the Golden
Dawn tradition are representative of this and called upon
within the Invocation of this planetary power.
The power of Jupiter, addressed as Tzedek to employ the

Hebrew term for this planet guards the four cornerstones of
the Universe and may be called upon to correct any wrong
or injustice that offends. He is called the god of
benevolence, whose influence will bring a 'wealth
consciousness'.
Mars is the Lord of martial vengeance and may be invoked

to bring about the destruction of one's enemies and also to
protect from and destroy the powers of evil. In this manner,
Mars protects in the same fashion as Jupiter, but destroys as
it does so. The influence of Mars is capable of bringing
about a change in affairs whose effects seem irrevocable.
Those who seek to turn the power of events, which seem, to
all intents and purposes, to be settled against the individual
may also employ the call of Mars. Mars is the sphere of
what has elsewhere been called the 'Will to Power'.
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The carrying of the Torch of Will from East to West, is

referred to within the invocation. Its light touches the North
and south and illuminates the whole world. So the quality of
the martial experience inspires the affirmation of the Will
through action.
The Sun is the Lord of prosperity, health and honour and

may be invoked bring about that state of mind associated
with the same. There is a strong resonance with parts of
Crowley's Gnostic mass within the structure of the
invocation of the Sun, from where certain key passages have
been appropriated to supplement the rite.
The influence of the spheres of Venus and mercury should

be considered together.
Venus is the Sphere of Lucifer, the bringer of light, and rules

over the sphere of the emotional aspirations. Venus also
represents the goddess of Nature in all her aspects, both
beautiful and terrifying, as the Sephiroth appointed to this
planetary throne is Netzach upon the Qabalistic Tree of Life,
in which are combined the generative forces of Nature.
The domain of Mercury is the sphere of human intellect,

craft and wit. His influence may be invoked to inspire the
mind and sharpen the wit or to guide in times of indecision
and uncertainty. Mercury was the messenger of the gods,
and is also interchangeable with the Egyptian Thoth, the
scribe of the gods. Mercury corresponds with the Sephiroth
of Hod upon the Tree of Life whose majesty is resplendent

within the forms of nature.
When we are dealing with these 'forms of nature', we are

actually more concerned with information coding of one
form or another. This might be variant DNA, or the
hierarchy of design of the periodic table of elements. The
influence of the planet Venus as Netzach, can be thought of
as the raw data of nature and the influence of Mercury as the
innate formulas which organise the raw material into living
organic forms.
The Moon is the mistress of wisdom and often the mirror of

truth. She reveals her secrets in dreams and visions and the
power to cast glamours is hers to bestow. The qualities of
the Moon's influence can vary according to the phase of the
moon - whether waxing, fill or waning. The invocation of
the Moon is ideal for those seeking to attune themselves to
the intuitive, reflective side of their nature, or for promoting
environmental atmospheres which may encourage
imaginative creativity.
In Magic in Theory and Practice, Aleister Crowley

comments:
"The danger of ceremonial 'magick' --- the subtlest and

deepest danger --- is this: that the magician will naturally
tend to invoke that partial being which most strongly appeals
to him, so that his natural excess in that direction will be still
further exaggerated. Let him, before beginning his Work,
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endeavour to map out his own being, and arrange his

invocations in such a way as to redress the balance."
He goes on to mention: "To 'invoke' is to "call in", just as to

'evoke' is to "call forth". This is the essential difference
between the two branches of Magick.
In invocation, the macrocosm floods the consciousness. In

evocation, the magician, having become the macrocosm,
creates a microcosm. You invoke a God into the Circle. You
evoke a Spirit into the Triangle. In the first method identity
with the God is attained by love and by surrender, by giving
up or suppressing all irrelevant (and illusionary) parts of
yourself. It is the weeding of a garden."
He continues a little later on with a description of the

formula of how each rite of invocation should be structured:
"The invocation will begin with a prayer to the god,
commemorating his physical attributes, always with
profound understanding of their real meaning.
"In the second part of the invocation, the voice of the god is
heard, and His characteristic utterance is recited. In the
"third portion" of the invocation the magician asserts the
identity of himself with the god. In the "fourth portion" the
god is again invoked, but as if by Himself, as if it were the
utterance of the will of the god that He should manifest in
the magician. At the conclusion of this, the original object of
the invocation is stated."
The planetary rites themselves

individually or in combination.
may
be
employed
Often, the invocation of mercury (to encourage speedy of

progress) may be performed to accompany more stately and
slow moving influences such as Saturn. Talismans
constructed to combine the influence of more than one
celestial harmonic may require the employment of the
requisite planetary calls to infuse their essence.
The calls of the planets may also be employed as rites of

meditation, the Call of the Sun on Sunday, the Moon on
Monday, Mars on Tuesday, Mercury on Wednesday, Jupiter
of Thursday, Venus on Friday and Saturn on Saturday.
Otherwise, the rites may be employed as rites of celebration
on occasions when a planet reaches its point or perihelion, or
closest approach to the Sun.
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The Qabalistic Cross

(Opening)
Touching the forehead say At-eh.

Touching the breast say Malkuth.
Touching the right shoulder,
say ve-Geburah.
Touching the left shoulder,
say ve-Gedulah.
Clasping the hands upon the breast 1,
say le-Olahm.
Amen.
The Lesser Ritual

of the Pentagram
Make in the Air toward the
East the invoking
PENTAGRAM as shown and,
bringing the point of the
dagger to the centre of the
Pentagram, vibrate the DEITY
NAME--YOD HE VAU HE-imagining that your voice
carries forward to the East of
the Universe.
Holding the dagger out before you, go to the South, make
the Pentagram and vibrate similarly the deity name-ADONAI.
Go to the West, make the Pentagram and vibrate EHEIEH.
Go to the North, make the Pentagram and vibrate AGLA.
Return to the East and complete your circle by bringing the
dagger point to the centre of the first Pentagram.
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Stand with arms outstretched in the form of a cross and say:

BEFORE ME RAPHAEL
BEHIND ME GABRIEL
ON MY RIGHT HAND MICHAEL
ON MY LEFT HAND AURIEL
BEFORE ME FLAMES THE PENTAGRAM
AND IN THE COLUMN STANDS
THE SIX-RAYED STAR
Again make the Qabalistic Cross as directed above, saying
ATEH, etc.
For Banishing use the same Ritual, but reversing the
direction of the lines of the Pentagram.
THE GRAND
QABALISTIC INVOCATION
Be favourable unto me,
0 ye powers of the Kingdom Divine
May Glory and Eternity be in my left and right
hands.
May Pity and Justice restore my soul to its original
purity
May Wisdom and Understanding divine lead me to
the imperishable Crown
Spirit of Malkuth
Thou who hast laboured and overcome, set me in the
path of good
Lead me to the twin pillars of the temple that I may
rest upon them
Angels of Netzach and of Hod make ye my feet to
stand firmly upon Yesod.
Angel of Gedulah console me
Angel of Geburah strike if it must be so but make me more worthy
of the influence of Tiphareth
Angel of Chokrnah bring me light
Angel of Binah bring me love
Angel of Kether confer upon me Faith and Hope
Spirits of the Yetzirahtic world withdraw me from
the darkness of Assiah
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0 ye luminous triangle of the world of Briah: cause

me to see and understand the mysteries of the worlds
of Yetzirah and of Atziluth
0 ye Holy letter Shin
0ye Ishim assist me in the name Shaddai
Cherubim give me strength through Adonai
Beni Elohim be brothers unto me in the name Tzaboath
Elohim fight for me by the holy Tetragrammaton
Melakim protect me through Adonai
0 Ophanim, Ophanim, Ophanim

Forget me not and cast me not out of the sanctuary.
Chaioth Ha Qadosh. Speak as a Man.

Cry aloud as an Eagle. Roar and Below:
Qaeosh. Qadosh Qadosh. Shaddai.
Adonai. IHVH. Eheieh Asher Eheieh.
Amen.
THE CONSECRATION O F
THE WATER, SALT & ASH
Over the Salt Say:
May Wisdom abide in this salt and may it preserve our
minds and our bodiesfrom all corruption. By Chokmael
and by the virtue of Ruach Chokmael, may the phantoms of
hindrance depart here-from that it may become a heavenly
salt; salt of Earth and Earth of Salt. That it may feed the
threshing ox and strengthen our hopes with the horns of the
flying bull. Amen
Over the Ash, say:

May this Ash return unto thefount of living waters, may it
bringforth a fertile Earth, may it bring forth the Tree of
Life. By the three names which are Netzach, Hod and Yesod.
In the beginning and the end which are in the spirit of azoth.
Amen.
Over the Salt, say:

In the Salt of Eternal wisdom, in the waters of regeneration
and in the Ash whence the new earth springeth be all things
accomplished by Elohim, Gabriel, Raphael and Oriel.
Throughout the Ages unto the Ages. Amen. Let there be a

firmament in the midst of the waters and let it divide the
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waters from the waters. The things which are above are like
unto the things which are below and the things which are
below are like unto the things which are abovefor the
performance of the wonders of one thing.
The Sun is itsfather, the Moon its mother. The wind has
carried it in the belly thereoj It ascendethfrom Earth to
heaven and again it descendethfrom Heaven to Earth in like
manner.
Plunging the first two fingers of the hand into the water,
say:
I exorcise thee 0 creature of Water, by Him who hath

created thee and gathered thee together into one place, that
the dry land appeareth. That thou uncover all the deceits of
the enemy and that thou cast outfrom thee all the impurities
and uncleanliness of the spirits of the world ofphantasm
that they may harm us not.
By the virtue of God almighty who liveth and reigneth unto

the Aeons. Amen.
THE RITUAL OF
THE HEXAGRAM.
The Hexagram is a powerful symbol representing the
operation of the Seven Planets under the presidency of the
Sephiroth, and of the seven-lettered Name, ARARITA. The
Hexagram is sometimes called the Signet Star or Symbol of
the Macrocosm, just as the Pentagram is called the Signet
Star or Symbol of the Microcosm. ARARITA is a divine
name of the Seven letters formed of the Hebrew initials of
the sentence:
One is his beginning. One is his individuality. His
permutation is one.
As in the case of the Pentagram, from each re-entering angle
of the Hexagram issueth a ray representing a radiation from
the divine. Therefore it is called the Flaming Hexagram, or
the six-rayed Signet Star. Usually, it is traced with the single
point uppermost. It is not an evil symbol with the two points
upward, and this is a point of difference from the Pentagram.
Now if thou dost draw the Hexagram to have by thee as a
Symbol, thou shalt make it in the colours already taught and
upon a black ground. These are the Planetary Powers
allotted unto the Angles of the Hexagram.
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The order of attribution is that of the Sephiroth on the Tree

of Life. Hence ariseth the Supreme Ritual of the Hexagram
according to the Angles from which it is traced.
The uppermost angle answereth also to Daath and the lowest
to Yesod, and the other angles to the remaining angles of the
Microprosopus. The Hexagram is composed of the two
triangles of Fire and Water, and is therefore not traced in one
continuous line like the Pentagram, but by each Triangle
separately.
All the invoking Hexagrams follow the course of the Sun in
their current that is from left to right. But the banishing
Hexagrams are traced from right to left from the same angle
as their respective invoking Hexagrams contrary to the
course of the Sun. The Hexagram of any particular Planet is
traced in two Triangles, the first starting from the angle of
the Planet, the second opposite to the commencing angle of
the first. The Symbol of the Planet itself is then traced in the
centre. Thus in the case of the invoking Hexagrams of
Saturn, the first triangle is traced from the angle of Saturn,
following the course of the Sun, the second triangle from the
angle of the Moon.
(Only trace the central Planetary symbol in practice -- the
others shown on the diagram only for illustration.) Vibrate
Ararita while tracing the Hexagram and divine Name of the
Planet when tracing its symbol.

BANISHING
INVOKING
But the invoking Hexagram of the Moon is first traced from

the angle of the Moon, its second angle being traced from
the triangle of Saturn.
The banishing Hexagram for Jupiter, for example, is traced
from the same angle as the invoking Hexagram, and in the
same order, but reversing the current's direction. In all cases
the Symbol of the Planet should be traced in the centre
3XNISiflNC;
INVOKING
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Remember that the symbol of Luna varieth, and as Moon in

her increase she is favorable. But Moon is not so favourable
for good in her decrease. The symbol of Luna in the centre
of the Hexagram should be traced if in her increase; by the
reverse in her decrease. Remember that the symbol in her
decrease represents restriction and is not so good a symbol
as the Moon in her increase. And at the full Moon exactly it

is represented by a full circle but at new Moon a dark circle.
The last two forms of Luna are not good in many cases. If
thou wilt invoke the Forces of the Head of the Dragon of the
Moon thou shalt trace the lunar invoking Hexagram and
write therein the symbol of Caput and for the tail Cauda.
These Forces of Caput and Cauda are more easy to be
invoked when either the Sun or the Moon is with them in the
Zodiac in conjunction.
In these invocations thou shalt pronounce the same Names
and Letters as are given with the Lunar Hexagram. Caput is
of a benevolent character, and Cauda of a malefic, save in a
very few matters. And be thou well wary of dealing with
these forces of Caput and Cauda or with those of Sol and
Luna during the period of an eclipse, for they are the Powers
of an eclipse. For an eclipse to take place both the Sun and
Moon must be in conjunction with them in the Zodiac, these
two luminaries being at the same time either in conjunction
or opposition as regards each other.
In all Rituals of the Hexagram as in those of the Pentagram.
thou shalt complete the circle of the place. Thou shalt not
trace an external circle round each Hexagram itself unless
thou wishest to confine the force to one place -- as in
charging a Symbol or Talisman.
From the attribution of the Planets, one to each angle of the
Hexagram, shalt thou see the reason of the sympathy
existing between each superior planet and one certain
inferior Planet. That is, that to which it is exactly opposite in
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the Hexagram. And for this reason is it that the Triangle of

their invoking and banishing Hexagrams counter-change.
The superior Planets are Saturn, Jupiter, Mars. The inferior
Planets are Venus, Mercury, Luna. And in the midst is
placed the Fire of the Sun. Therefore the superior Saturn and
the Inferior Luna are sympathetic, so are Jupiter and
Mercury, Mars and Venus.
In the Supreme Ritual of the Hexagram the Signs of the
Adeptus Minor Grade are to be given, but not those of the
Grades of the First Order, notwithstanding these latter are
made use of in the Supreme Ritual of the Pentagram. And
because the Hexagram is the Signet Star of the Macrocosm
or Greater World, therefore is it to be employed in all
invocations of the Forces of the Sephiroth: though the Signet
Star of the Pentagram represents their operation in the Luna
World, in the Elements and in Man.
If thou wilt deal with the Forces of the Supernal Triad of the
Sephiroth, thou shalt make use of the Hexagrams of Saturn;
for Chesed those of Jupiter, for Geburah those of Mars; for
Tiphareth those of the Sun, and for Netzach those of Venus,
and for Hod those of Mercury, and for Yesod and Malkuth
those of the Moon.
Know also that the Sephiroth are not to be invoked on every
slight occasion, but only with due care and solemnity.
Above all, the forces of Kether and Chokmah demand the
greatest purity and solemnity of heart and mind in Shim who
would penetrate their mysteries. For such high knowledge is
only to be obtained by him whose Genius can stand in the
Presence of the Holy Ones. See that thou usesth the Divine
Names with all reverence and humility for cursed is he that

taketh the Name of the Vast One in vain.
When thou tracest the Symbol of a Planet in the centre of a
Hexagram, thou shalt make the same of a proportionable
size to the interior of the Hexagram, and thou shalt trace
them from left to right generally following the course of the
Sun as much as possible. Caput and Cauda Draconis may
follow the general rule.
When thou shalt invoke either the Forces of one particular
Planet or those of them all, thou shalt turn thyself towards
the Quarter of the Zodiac where the Planet thou invoke then
is. For owing both to their constant motion in the Zodiac and
to the daily movement of the same, the position of a Planet
is continually changing, and therefore it is necessary for thee
in such a case to erect an astrological chart of the position of
the Planets in the heavens for the actual time of working, so
that thou may see the direction of each Planet from thee.
This is even more necessary when working with the Planets
than with the signs of the Zodiac.
When thou shalt desire to purifL or consecrate any place,
thou shalt perform the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the
Hexagram, either in conjunction with, or instead of that of
the Pentagram, according to the circumstances of the case.
For example, if thou hast been working on the plane of the
Elements before, it will be well to perform the Lesser Ritual
of the Pentagram before proceeding to thee work of a
Planetary nature, so as thoroughly to clear the places of
Forces which, although not hostile or evil of themselves,
will yet not be in harmony with those of an altogether
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different Plane. And ever be sure that thou dost complete the
circle of the place wherein thou work.
THE FOUR FORMS

These are the four forms assumed by conjoining the two
triangles of the Hexagram on which the Lesser Ritual of the
Hexagram is based.
The first form is:
The angles are attributed as in the diagram. Its affinity is

with the Eastern Quarter; the position of Fire in the Zodiac.
(Note: To form these from the usual Hexagram, lower the
inverted triangle, then reverse it by throwing the Lunar angle
up to the top from being lowest. Mars and Jupiter do not
change sides.)
The second form is the ordinary Hexagram with the

attribution of the angles as usual: the affinity being rather
180
with the Southern Quarter, the position of Earth in the

Zodiac, and of the Sun at his culmination at noon.
The third form is:
The angles are attributed as shown and its affinity is with the
Western Quarter, the position of Air in the Zodiac.
The fourth form is:
The angles are attributed as shown and its affinity is with the
Northern Quarter, the position of Water in the Zodiac.
With each of these forms the Name Ararita is to be
pronounced. Also as in the preceding cases there will be
seven modes of tracing each of these four forms, according
to the particular Planet with those Forces thou art working at
the time.
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The Hexagrams of Saturn may be used in general and

comparatively unimportant operations, even as the
Pentagram. In these four forms of the Hexagram thou shalt
trace them beginning at the angle of the Planet under whose
regimen thou art working, following the course of the Sun to
invoke, and reversing the course to banish. That is to say,
working from left to right for the former and from right to
left for the latter. Remember always that the symbols of the
Elements are not usually traced on Sigils but are replaced by
the Kerubic Emblems of Aquarius, Leo, Taurus and the
Eagle head.
THE LESSER RITUAL OF

THE HEXAGRAM
Commence with the Qabalistic Sign of the Cross as in the
Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram, and use what manner of
Magical implement may be necessary according to the
manner of working, either the Lotus Wand or the Magical
Sword.
Stand facing East, If thou desirest to invoke thou shalt trace
the figure thus:
Following the course of the Sun, from left to right and thou
shalt pronounce the name Ararita, vibrating it as much as
possible with thy breath and bringing the point of the

Magical Implement to the center of the figure.
But if thou desirest to banish thou shalt trace it thus:
From right to left, and see that thou closest careblly the
finishing angle of each triangle. Carry thy magical
implement round to the South and if thou desirest to invoke
trace the figure thus:
But if to banish then from left to right thus:
Bring as before the point of thy magical implement to the

center and pronounce the Name Ararita.
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Pass to the West, and trace the figure for invoking thus:
Banishing thus:
Then to the North, Invoking:
Banishing:
Then pass round again to the East so as to complete the

circle of the place wherein thou stand, then give the LVX
signs and repeat the analysis of the Pass-word INRI of the
Adeptus Minor Grade.
ADDENDUM
Now in the Supreme Ritual of the Hexagram, when thou
shalt wish to attract in addition to the forces of a Planet,
those of a Sign of the Zodiac wherein he then is, thou shalt
trace in the centre of the invoking Hexagram of the Planet,
the Symbol of that Sign of the Zodiac beneath his own; and
if this be not sufficient, thou shalt also trace the invoking
Pentagram of the Sign as it is directed in the ritual of the
Pentagram.
In the tracing of the Hexagram of any Planet thou shalt
pronounce therewith in a vibratory manner as before taught,
both the Divine Name of the Sephirah which ruleth the
Planet and the Seven-lettered Name Ararita, and also the
particular letter of that Name which is referred to that
particular Planet.
Now if thou shalt wish to invoke the forces of One particular
Planet, thou shalt find in what Quarter of the heavens he will
be situate at the time of working. Then thou shalt consecrate
and guard the place wherein thou art by the Lesser
Banishing Ritual of the Hexagram. Then thou shalt perform
the Lesser Invoking Ritual of the Hexagram, yet tracing the
four figures employed from the angle of the Planet required,
seeing that for each Planet the mode of tracing varieth. If
thou deal with the Sun, thou shalt invoke by all six forms of
the Figure and trace within them the Planet Symbol and
pronounce the Name Ararita as has been taught.
Then shalt thou turn unto the quarter of the planet in the
Heavens and shalt trace his invoking Hexagram and
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pronounce the proper Names, and invoke what Angels and

Forces of that Nature may be required, and trace their Sigils
in the air.
When thou hast finished thy invocation thou shalt in most
cases license them to depart and perform the Banishing
Symbols upon it which would have the effect of entirely decharging it and reducing it to the condition it was in when
first made -- that is to say dead and lifeless.
If thou wishest to bring the Rays of all or several of the
Planets into action at the same time, thou shalt discover their
quarter in the Heavens for the time of working, and thou
shalt trace the general Lesser Invoking Ritual of the
Hexagram, but not differentiated for any particular Planet,
and then thou shalt turn to the Quarters of the respective
Planets and invoke their forces as before laid down; and
banish them when invocation is finished, and conclude with
the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Hexagram. And ever
remember to complete the circle of the place wherein thou
work, following the course of the sun.
T H E INVOCATION OF SATURN
"0Mighty Star of Truth, that shines above the City of
Pyramids.
"Thou whose rays sustain the roots of the World Tree; who
art wrapped in a shroud of impenetrable dark. Your face is
veiled from the children of Earth, but you have made their
eyes to behold your wonders!
"Ancient of Ancients: Mother of Time; Scythe Bearer! Thou

art the cold light at the heart of the diamond! 'The Beast of
the Abyss' has lifted up his head to roar thy name, so that the
96 fold ray of thine emanation shall be rooted in the Palace
of the King!
"Descend upon us, 0 mighty force, and protect us from the

creatures of darkness and of Evil!
"Shabbathai! Marah! Ancient Mother! Bearer of the Waters

of Purifying Salt! Throne of the World! Mantle of Truth!
The Winds of Eternity blow in thine honour, and the seeds

of rebirth are scattered thereby!
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"Descend upon us, 0 Mighty Force and preserve us from

degeneration!
Appear unto us, 0 thou manifestor in matter of all those
whose dwelling place is in the invisible world! Lead us unto
the Temple laid over with Onyx, and show unto us the
secrets of the sacred measures so that we may rebuild the
Temple!"
THE INVOCATION OF JUPITER

" 0 Father of the Gods! 0 thou circle of the stars above,
whereof my genius is but the younger brother! Marvel
beyond all imagining! 0 Soul of Eternity, before whom
Time is ashamed! 0 Sapphire Stone of Heavens
enchantment! 0 Angel of Mercy whose image is Love;
before thee I have covered my head and my face, and
humbly I invoke thy favour!
"Glory be unto thee, 0 thou lord of the Living! Your

Splendour flows out unto the ends of the Earth: for you have
given the Law unto Man! Your face is of amethystine blue,
and your nemmys filled with the Eagle plume!
"Tzedek! Tzedek! Tzedek! Star of the Magi! Sphere of

Expansion! Unto you we raise our arms, that we may be
lifted
up!
For in you is eternal Mercy abundant, and the grace of the

righteous is yours to bestow!
"Tzedek! Tzedek! Tzedek! Irresistible light, come down

from the stars, unto the woodlands where the hazel tree
grows! For there we may cut ourselves a staff, to make sure
our footsteps towards thee.
"Lord of the Righteous! Lord of the Just! Descend upon us

on the wings of the wind and of thy nectar give us suckle!
"Descend upon us now - for I have given the watchword

'OSIRIS' unto the Jackal and been borne aloft upon Eagle's
wings.
"Tzedek! Tzedek! Tzedek! Thou art my shepherd. Thou art

my Lord! Descend upon us now, and make sure in our hearts
the letters of thy Law!"
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THE INVOCATION OF MARS

"0 thou who are terrible in thy splendour; to whom it is
given to wield the sword of five-fold flame! You have made
us to fear thee! 0 champion of Fate that lighteneth and
thundereth through the Ages, in thy chariot drawn by the
Lion and the Ox.
Storm-bringer! Descend upon us and strike if it must be so!
"0Lord of the Just and Mistress of Splendour, make us to

know thy terrible splendour! Thou friend of Purgation and
Enemy of Ruin!
In thy name I have made my dwelling place in the boughs of

the Olive tree of Peace! Thy flame have I fanned from the
spark of the anvil, and thy sword I have claimed from the
forge!
"By the power of thy word are our enemies cast down, and
the powers of darkness destroyed. Your companions are the
victorious and your joy is the joy of battle and strife - whose
heroes await their reward in the pillar of the Just.
"PuriQing flame of enchantment! Charioteer of the East!

Lord of Purgation and enemy of Ruin! I have washed in the
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washing place of the South! I have rested in the North under

the Oak! I have made my dwelling place in the Olive tree of
Peace. And there have I borne your standard aloft, and the
Mighty Sceptre called "Giver of Breath".
Your flame have I fanned from the spark of the anvil, and
your hammer and forge have I reclaimed from the forge.
Your torch have I carried from Darom to Tzaphon and the
light of your flame has touched Mizraach and Maarab! Of
you is said; 'His voice is as the roaring of thunder, and the
bellows of the furnace of the Soul are his lungs', and thy
dominion and thy power are made steadfast by virtue of the
iron rod of the King.
" 0 blood red fire of the heart of the ruby! Bearer of the
Sword of Fivefold flame! Descend upon us 0 Lord of the
Just and bathe us with the splendour of thy terrible beauty."
THE INVOCATION OF THE SUN

"Indwelling Sun of Myself! Thou Fire! 0 six-fold star!
Initiator. Compassed about with force and fire! Sun-LionSerpent
Hail! All Hail! Breath of my Soul! Breath of my God!
ADONAI! ABRAXAS! SABRIAM! These are thy names;
begetter of all beings: Soul of all Souls!
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"High in the heavens you are fixed in the midst of the twelve
great destinies of Man! On Earth you are Light itself! And
the shadow of thine Oak is long upon the floor of the valley!
Star-Serpent, you are extended upon Earth in LIFE, for you
have wound yourself about the roots of the Oak, as ON
surrounds AD. And the mystery of your sacrifice is revealed
in the scream: AI! IHVH! EHEIEH!
"Innocent Babe! Seed most wise!

Inviolate Maid! Lord of the Skies!
0 thou Angel of God, arise thou in me!
Stretch forth thine arm and devour me, devour me!
Revolve thou, and whirl, wheel of life; Everborn!

Lead me through the gateway of night to the dawn!
For thy virtue is strong - of the Crook and the Flail!
Lord of Spirit; of Light; of the Elements: Hail!
"Eternal One! 0 thou synthesis of duodecimal splendour:
Thou the All-seeing; Illuminator of the pathway of Wisdom!
0 thou RA! AHATHOOR! TUM! KHEPRA! Descend upon

us and Illuminate the beauty of existence!"
THE INVOCATION OF VENUS

"Lucifer! Star of the morning! Arise! Arise, 0 thou flame of
compassion, and cause us to bathe in the splendour of your
emerald light! Upon our brow is set the nemmys of starlight;
and we stand and behold as you bear the Goddess aloft in
your arms!'
"From caverns deep and subterranean your song issues forth.
Verily upon the evening breeze through the twilight. Across
moorland and the waters of lakes it drifts; calling us to
evensong and worship. For your mysteries are contained in
the sound of the tolling of the bells that call us to the
Temple!
"To me! To me! Sings the Priestess in her rapture as, naked,
she lies upon an emerald throne! Arise! Arise! 0 thou flame
of the Nephesch, and cause us to bathe in the vision of the
triumphing of beauty!
"Lucifer! Nogah! Arise, arise o flame of the Nephesch and

attune that which lies eternally within us to the Cosmic
symphony without! Bringer of Light! 0 thou bearer of the
standard of the Royal Art - the Rose and the Cross! I
worship you with peals of laughter, for the stuff of lust is the
substance of your joy!
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"Upon Wings of Wonder you bear me in my passions above the Cornfields and the Maize. And your knowledge
brings the fawn to the forest glade, and the Swan to the lake.
"Lucifer! Nogah! Lead me to the Temple steps and

illuminate my offering!
"Lapis Excillit! Lucifer! Nogah!

"Smaragdine lustre of the emerald stone and flashing
starlight!
Descend upon us and cause us to behold the beauty of thy
ways, and bless the aspirations of our hearts."
T H E INVOCATION OF MERCURY
"Kokab! Kokab! Kokab! 0 thou whose light guides the ship
of RA as it ascends ever onwards towards the height of the
heavens!
Reveal yourself unto me, and lead me forever towards the

East!
"Kokab! Kokab! Kokab! 0 thou who art worshipped in the

shade of the Temples of Fire! From whose light the priests
of Thoth and Anubis shield themselves with the leaf of the
mighty palm! Reveal thyself unto us, and lead us ever
onwards towards the East!
" 0 orange skinned lord of learning; architect of destiny; in

thy name arise the sixty four champions of the eternal truth
that is contained in the heart of the Opal! Let them stand
before me now, as the primal light is refracted in the heart of
the Opal, so it takes root in the very Soul of Man!
"Kokab! Kokab! Kokab! Arise o thou jackal headed denizen

of the tomb, and write thou my name in the book of the
living heart!
"Amongst the children of Earth you have caused us to

wander, to tell them the glad word of your coming forth unto
the World! But are you not with us even now, in our hearts
and our deeds? Yea! Ever was it so!
Arise 0 thou jackal headed lord of the tomb, and
write thou our names in the book of the living heart!
" 0 orange skinned lord of learning: In thy light of amber,

our shadows are cast behind us - like unto the lumbering
ape: Unto the stars, you lift us up, but you will not let us
forget our origins. 0 champion of truth, descend upon us and
lead us ever onwards towards the East!"
Steven Ashe
Kokab! Kokab! Kokab! 0 champion of truth, reveal your

self unto me and lead me forever onwards towards the East!
THE INVOCATION OF THE MOON

"The Moon waxes! The Moon waxes! The Moon Waxes!
And behold, a mist lies on the face of the waters. This is the
veil of Night and of Time and herein are contained the
mysteries of virtue!
"A virgin dances upon a lake of tears, where nenuphars

pallow the glory of the sunset! But herein, is there no joy? Is
there no ecstasy? Verily, the waters that are upon the Earth
are moved by Her joy; and the heavens cry out with Her
gladness! And the shifting reflections of the starlight in Her
eyes are met in the minds of men!
"0lambent flame of twilight song, bend upon us and fill our

minds!
"Behold, the Moon stands in Her fbllness on the hilltop, and

Maid and Wight lie entwined upon its slope. This is the first
of the foothills where Diana and Priapus hold sway. For this
is the place of the guardians of the ark of the mysteries of
Silence!"
"A leopardess roams in a glade of lilies, tending to Her

young and the little flowers. And the mysteries of Her
generation are contained in the logarithmic spiralling of its
limbs!
"The twenty-eight mansions of the Hermit are Her
foundation, and Her blessing is manifest in the solitude of
Spirit. And Her passion and her strength are met in the very
souls of men!

minds! "
The Moon wanes! The Moon wanes! The Moon wanes! And
behold, a stillness lies upon the face of the waters. For this is
the design of fulfilment, and herein are contained the
mysteries of Knowledge."
"A woman, old and wizened, sits upon an ivory throne; and
the Knowledge of both sadness and joy is within Her mind
and Her soul.
But therein is there calm and equilibrium. The Scale of
Adjustment and correction is given to Her, and Her power is
contained in the wealth of power of the mighty sword with
which She is girt!

minds!
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"Lady of Night and of Eventide! First Guardian of the

Higher Light! Mirror of Truth! Spouse of the Sun and
Mistress of the Serpent Flame!
Illuminator of tranquil pathways and healing streams!
KHEP-RA! Eternal Scarab!
"0 lambent flame of twilight song, bend upon us and fill our
minds! "
Zodiacal Magic
The plan of the birth chart indicating the exact planetary
positions of the planets can be employed in a specific
operation of talismanic magic which incorporates an
interactive approach to working with one's natural energies.
Every student of the esoteric is aware of the fundamentals of
Astrology: The zodiacal position of each of the planets
within the heavens - and the relationship of these planets to
one another - is an indicator of the flavours of the
Macrocosm operational within the Present Moment at the
time of the birth of a new Microcosm (individual
consciousness).
When the birth chart of an individual is examined it can be
seen to be a talisman of the composite energies of the
individual. In addition to revealing the minutiae of detail of
the personality traits of the subject of the natal horoscope
and providing a basis for predictions concerning the
development of life trends, the birth chart can be employed
as a touchstone for operations of magical attunement and
spiritual calibration. Such a talisman can provide the subject
with the means of identifLing the ingredients of the recipe of
'greater world' energies which originally combined
influences with one another to provide his or her natural
balance of energies.
As a map of these higher energies, this talisman can be used
as a point of access to the original balance of powers.
Steven Ashe
Crystals and gemstones harmonious to particular planetary

powers can be consecrated by the employment of the
requisite planetary invocation at such a time when the hour
of the day falls under the influence of the planet in question.
The section of this paper dealing with how to calculate
planetary hours on any day of the week should be consulted
on this issue.
For a year and a half I had the opportunity of performing a
rite of talismanic magic employing the matrix of the
Glastonbury Zodiac as the template for my astrological
talisman. This method of employing the landscape as the
body of the talisman gave me an ideal opportunity to work
with crystals and gem stones which are associated with each
of the traditional seven planetary powers.
The Glastonbury Zodiac is one of several traditional
zodiacal circles believed to surround places of power.
According to traditional research, the body of the landscape
features surrounding the Tor provides the template of the
zodiacal signs with Glastonbury Tor acting as its epicentre
and point of focus.
Selecting the individual gemstone associated with a
particular planetary power as a feature of my own operation
of magic, the invocation of that particular planetary power
was used to 'charge' the crystal. I then awaited such a time
as the position of the planet I was working with
corresponded with the position it occupied at the time of my
nativity and then buried the gemstone in that area of the
Glastonbury Zodiac consonant with that sign. Once the
relevant crystals and gemstones were placed in situ, the Tor
could then be employed as a place of spiritual focus where
a
0
rites of meditational attunement could be performed to

recalibrate my natural energies to their original pattern of
harmonics.
This operation took some time to perform, several months in
fact and the focus in the first part of the operation was given
only to aspects of my birth chart corresponding to the fast
moving planets of Astrology: Mercury, Venus, Mars, the
Moon and the Sun. The reasons for selecting the fast
moving planets of the solar system in the opening phase of
this talismanic operation depended upon the fact that the
slower moving planets - Jupiter and Saturn take a number of
years to complete a tour of the zodiacal band.
Were one forced to wait until Saturn occupied the same
zodiacal sign as it did at the time of nativity then one could
be waiting for 28 years or thereabouts. This may not be a
problem if one is performing an operation of attunement
related, say, to a birth chart of a magical oath sworn twenty
eight years ago. However, when focusing upon the
consecration of gemstones for the natal talisman it is
possible to employ a computer-software astrological
ephemeris to find out the time when the slow moving planets
(Jupiter and Saturn) occupy the same house as at the time of
birth. The rite of consecrating or charging a particular
crystal or gemstone can then be performed at this time.
Commencing the operation is dependent upon close study of
your own birth chart. The exact positions of the planets
should be noted, so that their placement in the first, second
or third Decante of a sign can be noted. Each Decante of a
zodiacal sign is one of three divisions of ten degrees within
the 30 degree band of the zodiacal circle that each sign
201
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occupies. The zodiac is composed of a 360 degree circle, so

each sign of the zodiac occupies 30 degrees of that circle.
A representation of the birth chart should be employed to
house the crystals or gemstones once each has been
consecrated with the FSR Planetary invocations at the
correct time and hour. Each planetary crystal will be
charged in the order that presents itself according to
whichever planet is first to return to the place it occupied in
the heavens at the time of the subjects birth.
The talisman will take form over a period of time and
employing this method of building the talismanic form will
give the subject pause to meditate upon the influence of each
of the planetary powers as they return to their natal throne
within his or her spiritual environment.
The Planetary Powers and their Influence over the Psyche
Saturn -
Self Discipline: Self Awareness.
Jupiter Mars Sun -
Social Responsibility: Financial Acumen.

Determination & Drive: Will to succeed.
Physical health: Vitality.
Venus Emotional aspiration: Personal Vision.

Mercury - Wit. Strategy Resources: Personal Focus.
Sexuality: Mystical vision.
Moon -
In the chart overleaf, it can be seen that each of the

numbered Minor Arcana of the Tarot, except the Ace, have a
correspondence with one of the three Decantes of each

zodiacal sign.
In an example birth chart it may be seen that the planet Mars
(relating to the Ambition and Personal DrivelWill to Power)
falls within the first ten degrees of the astrological sign of
Cancer. The Tarot correspondence with this section of the
zodiac is the Two of Cups. The subject of the reading may
employ the consecrated crystal and the Tarot card in
question as items of meditation to tune their energies to the
harmonics of their original imprinting by the Macrocosm.
Each of the planetary powers present in the birth chart will
have a corresponding Tarot attribution accordant with the
particular Decante of the zodiacal sign the planet falls
within.
When the operation of building the birth chart talisman is
complete, the Tarot cards corresponding to the placement of
the planets may be placed around the glyph and employed in
operations of meditational attunement.
The table overleaf indicates the attributions of the Tarot
cards to the coordinates of the zodiacal signs as they are
divided by divisions of ten degrees or Decantes
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Decante
(Division
of 10")
1st Decante
znd Decante
3rd Decante
FIRE
EARTH
AIR
WATER
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
CANCER
2 Wands
3 Wands
4 Wands
LEO
1st Decante
1st Decante
znd Decante
3rd Decante
7 Disks
VIRGO
8 Swords 2 CUPS
9 Swords 3 Cups
10 Swords 4 Cups
LIBRA
SCORPIO
7 Wands
9 Disks
10 Disks
2 Swords
3 Swords
4 Swords
5 CUPS
6 Cups
7 Cups
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
PISCES
8 Wands
9 Wands
2 Disks
3 Disks
4 Disks
5 Swords
6 Swords
7 Swords
8 CUPS
9 Cups
10 Cups
5 Wands
6 Disks
znd Decante 6 Wands

3rd Decante
5 Disks
6 Disks
10 Wands
The Twelve Great

Zodiacal Invocations
Aries
Aries! Champion of High Olympus! Defender of cities and
the tranquility of the pasture lands. The shepherds of
Arcadia have nurtured thy shrines and the gladness of life's
joy is thy gift.
Brother of Discord! Ally of the victorious! The sound of
the roaring of thunder echoes the battle cry of the faithful in
arms. You write upon the earth that which is dictated in the
heavens. Lord of the joy that is battles own, strengthen us.
Thou art Knemu, ram of Tattu. Thou art Asar-Ba-Neb-Tattu
and thy four heads show the uniting of Asar, Ra, Shu and
Geb.
Giver of dauntless passion and youth, hear this call. Ally of
Themis, hear this call. Lord of the joy that is battle's own,
drive bitter cowardice from our heads and crush down the
deceitful impulses from our souls.
AMEN.
Steven Ashe
Note:
Khnemu - "To join - to unite" (Egypt).
Khnem - "To build" (Egypt)
Khnem made the first egg from which sprang the sun in
Egyptian myth.
Tattu - Resurrection (Egypt)
Taurus
Taurus! 0 Mer-Ur of the city of Anu; thou art Asar-Hapi of
Het-Ka-Ptah!
Bull of God and Life of Ra! Thine is the steadfastness of the
Earth and the evening star is upon thy brow!
Phoebus-Apollo! Champion of Knowledge! In thee are
Heaven and Earth met together! Mighty Bull! The Ishim
ride upon thy back and the wealth of the Earth is thy
splendour !
0 mighty King! Withdraw us from the passage of Time that
we may witness Eternity. Bless us so that we may escape
the fate of Cassandra and make sure our footsteps on the
pathways of righteousness and truth.
AMEN
Note:
Asar-Hapi - (Osiris and Apis joined together by the priests
of Memphis)
Phoebus-Apollo - The title of the Sun according to late
classical period scholars.
Cassandra - True in prophesy, but never heeded.
Gemini
Amen and Ament! Thou who art the one god who didst
form thyself into two gods! Divine twins, Shu! Tefnut!
Earth and Sky! Hear this call!
Behold Asar lies in his tomb and Set doth reign unchecked!
The pans of the balance are visible in the evening skies and
Isis stands betwixt them in the glory of Eternity's Triumph.
In her hands, the seeds of Hope and Faith! The redemption
of mankind is hers to sow! 0 Angel of the power veiled in
this form, lend unto us clear vision that we may discern the
pathway forward.
As the Lover unites the inner world and outer worlds, so
may we mediate our own understanding of Truth. 0 Angel
of the power veiled in this form, make us steadfast in
decision and wise in choice!
AMEN
Steven Ashe
Cancer
Oannes! Thou who came forth from the Ethyrian sea! Thou
who taught us to work the land; who taught us to count the
mansions of the Moon against the canvas of the stars; to
build the ziggurats where burn the beacons of everlasting
flame!
0 Angel of the power veiled in this form, come forth and

inhabit our hearts and minds!
Resolver of conflict: ride out upon thy chariot! With thy
progress, all that is false shall fall before thee. Thou art the
Gate of Man, 0 worker of wonders! Love is thy gift and
Free Will is thy strength of arms.
Show unto us the mystery of thy generation.
0 Angel of the power veiled in this form, come forth and

inhabit our hearts and minds! And make Love abundant in
our hearts.
AMEN
Leo
Behold the face of the lion of God! The Glory of Creation!
The guardian of the twenty two temple steps, whose shadow
is the dweller upon the threshold! In his eyes shines the
light of eternal flame and his mouth is filled with the jewels
of the Earth!
And the roaring of his voice is seven fold in its wonder each part meeting part in the sevenfold palace. In the might
of the roaring of the Lion is formulated that Holy and
formless fire Qadosh which darts and flashes through the
depths of the Universe.
At the touch of the fire
into liquor, clear as water.
Qadosh the Earth melted
At the touch of the fire

into a lucid air.
Qadosh the water smoked
At the touch of the fire Qadosh the air ignited

and became Fire.
At the touch of the fire Qadosh, the fire dissipated
into Space.
At the touch of the fire Qadosh, the Space resolved itself
into a profundity of Mind.
At the touch of the fire Qadosh, the Mind of the Father
was broken up into the brilliance of our lord - The Sun
At the touch of the fire Qadosh the brilliance of our lord was
absorbed in the Naught of our lady of the body of the milk of
the Stars.
Steven Ashe
Then only was the fire Qadosh extinguished, when the

enterer was driven back from the threshold and the Lord of
Silence was established upon the Lotus flower.
These things were expanded into the rays of the Crown
when the Lion lifted up his voice to roar!
0 Angel of the power veiled in this form, at the touch of the

choir Qadosh, transmute our earth to water, our water to air,
our air to fire and our fire to spirit and cause our souls to
become a mirror of the living god and his works.
AMEN
Virgo
Hail thou great mother, that bearest the corn stalk; my body
is the framework of the seven-fold palace and thou hast
made thyself a bed of maize upon which to lie in the palace
of the King.
Beneath thee art the seven pillars to uphold thee and thou
hast revealed thyself at each apex in the form of the Seven
Hathors of each palace. Verily thou art Mehurt and Hathor
and of thy nectar have thou given us succour. The
nourishment of all things in the seven palaces is in thy
keeping and the virtue of healing is thine to bestow.
Thou hast made us to bathe in the waters of the river of life,
for there shalt thou lead us to Eternity through death. Thou
has made us to reap the five cubit high corn of the heavenly
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pastures for there shall we partake of the unleavened loaf!

Thou hast made us to behold the fertility of the soft Earth,
thy womb, for therein are contained the mysteries of thy
generation. Yea - Of thy nectar hast thou given us succour.
Protect thy children, Earth Mother! Great Queen! For thy
name was established upon Earth before Seb! Lead us
betwixt the seven pillars towards Life and shroud us with thy
love. 0 Angel of the power veiled in this form, show unto
us the mystery of healing and true love.
AMEN
Libra
Hail 0 thou children of Orthrus, twin headed! Lion and
Serpent, look with gladness upon us. Rhadamanthys hath
lifted up his wan once more and the dog-days have drawn to
a close.
Behold, the balance is set high in the heavens; for the Virgin
is on my right hand and the Scorpion on my left. Maat,
goddess of Judgment! Lady of the scales whereupon our
hearts are weighed against our acts. 0 Angel of the power
veiled in this form, show unto us the mystery of the cosmic
balance as it swings to and fro and purge from us all that is
not of the Divine.
AMEN
Steven Ashe
Scorpio
Hail Serquet! Thou mighty and terrible scorpion! In the
midst of the summer heat didst thou arise to deliver thy
mortal wound to the Sun-King.
Verily didst thou slay the child god, 0 servant of Set, but Ra
lifted him up again. Readily didst thou lend thy venom to
the slaying of the Moon Warrior Urion but, lo, was he raised
up again in splendour.
Strike thee now, 0 serpent! 0 Scorpion! 0 Angel of Night!
And strike swiftly that we may be lifted up purged of all
malice and all evil. For in striking thou doth take unto
thyself all of the Evil that is thine own. And in striking,
open thou our eyes for surely they are closed.
Hail thou divine scorpion! Thy tail is lifted up even unto the
heavens and thy sting is amongst the stars. Strike thou
swiftly, 0 Angel of Darkness, that darkness may be purged
fiom our souls. And lead us unto the avenues of redemption
For we are the servants of the one god whose name is the
God of the fifty Gates of Intelligence.
AMEN
Sagittarius
0 thou Ullr of the North; Neith of Egypt; Artemis of Graco!
Hail thou Centaur Chiron! Divine Archer! As a single ray
of the sun thou didst loose forth thy shaft.
By the force of the Quesheth was thy power brought forth,
and thy place is in the heavens on the Bifrost Bridge: 0
guardian of the portal! Thou Dweller upon the threshold.
Thy place is secured within the heavens 0 Lord. Thou art
the teacher of heroes. Of Rama, of Arjuna, of Odysseus.
Thou art the type of the divine archer and the powers of
light. 0 Angel of the power veiled in this form, show unto
us the glories of the ancient warriors, for we are the servants
of the one god whose name is the God of Glory!
AMEN
Capricorn
Hail thou divine Lord of the Earth and the Waters! Goatfish god; Dagon of Old. Behold, the energy of God is in thy
limbs. Solitary are thy ways and the high and lofty places of
the Earth are given to thee.
With joy you leap along the mountain ledges. With sureness
of foot you leap from ledge to ledge, for your feet will never
fail. 0 come forth from the seas, Lord of the earth! Lord of
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the Waters and partake of the pleasures of the ultimate

mystery.
The virtue of determination is given unto thee and thou hast
trampled the Mountain of Men to dust. 0 Goat-fish god,
Lord of the Lonely Place. Thou art solitary in thy ways and
the precipices of the mount of the gods are full with thy low
moan.
Come forth! Come forth! 0 Lord of the Elder rays and
partake of the pleasures of the ultimate mystery.
AMEN
Aquarius
Hail, thou divine water bearer! Hapi, source of the Nile and
bringer of life giving floods! Behold! The southern fish
dies upon the strand and thou didst revive him with the
waters of life within thy pitcher.
The wells of the Earth are sacred unto thee and the fountain
of eternal life of the gods is thine own. Thou didst deliver
the golden apples unto the Aesir! Iduna is thy name in the
Northlands.
The well of Mimir is thy dwelling place and thou hath the
sight of the gods, for you are the keeper of the Eye of Odin.
Even the darkest mysteries of the dead are visible to thee though they hide their shades deep within Nid Hog's den.
0 Angel of the power veiled in this form, show unto us the

flame of ancient wisdom.
AMEN
Pisces
Behold the Divine Fish of Law and Liberty! Apollo and
Aphrodite! Venus and Adonis! This one immoveable. The
other one, swimming and fluent. And they are chained, one
to the other by virtue of a common bond of Love.
As Love binds law to liberty and liberty to law, so are we
chained by a special bond to the Soul. 0 mighty arbiter of
the divine grace of justice, lend unto us thy quill that we
may write down our names in the Book of Life.
0 mighty soul of all souls, lend unto us thy strength that we

may affirm our bond to the mighty source of all. As the one
fish may swim where he will, so long as the bond of love
suffereth him, so allow our souls the benefit of all
experience and all knowledge. 0 Mighty force of causation,
lead us onto the path of Wisdom and Grace.
0 Angel of the power veiled in this form, show unto us the
mysteries of Life for we are the servants of Majesty and
Love.
AMEN.
Steven Ashe
Shemhamphorash
The Magical System
of the 72 Fold Name
1.The seventy two fold name of God, the Shemhamphorash
(Divided Name), is projected around the Zodiac in seventy
two units - each composed of five degrees of the 360
Degree Zodiacal band.
2. The Hermetic Tradition ascribes three Aspects which

compose the Soul of Man or Woman, these are: the Animal
Soul, the Nephesch; the Personality -the Ruach & the Higher
Soul or Neschamah
3. The primary task of initiates, according to students of the
Qabalistic path of esoteric attainment, is known as the
attainment of the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy
Guardian Angel.
4. The system of the seventy two fold Shemhamphorash
(pronounced Shem-ham-f-or-ash) reveals the Guardian
Angels of each individual's 'three aspects of Being'.
5. In order to find which Angelic Form and Nature governs

over the Physical well being of the Self, the individual's
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birth chart should be consulted and note should be taken of

the position of the Moon, its degree and Zodiacal sign.
over the Personality and its well being relating to the Self,
the individual's birth chart should be consulted and note
should be taken of the position of the planet Mercury, its
degree and Zodiacal sign.
over the Spiritual well being of the Self, the individual's
birth chart should be consulted and note should be taken of
the position of the Sun, its degree and Zodiacal sign.
8. These zodiacal positions should then be related to the

charts which are presented in the following document in
order to ascertain which Angels of the Shernhamphorash
govern these positions in the birth chart.
9. This knowledge will arm the individual as to which
Angelic Guardian he should call upon should he consider
any Aspect of his Animal, Moral or Spiritual Self in danger
or imbalance. The Angels may be invoked by the use of the
psalms (see charts following), however the operative should
beware of the negative manifestation of the Angelic Nature
which may occur in cases of thoughtless dabbling.
10. The powers of the Shemhamphorash may also be

employed in Talismanic Magic, and in this case should be
bound by the Pentagram and dispersed by virtue of the
Pentagon.
Upon ascertaining the zodiacal sign unto which a particular

Angelic Power is ascribed, the planetary influence governing
the Decan (first, second or third division of ten degrees) of
the sign over which the Angel governs should be noted. In
this way, the correct planetary and zodiacal invocations may
be utilised in harmony in order to harness the Angelic
influence.
Thus: the 1st Angel of the Shemhamphorash, 'Vahuviah'
falls in the first degree of the Zodaical sign of LEO
governed by the Decante ruled by the planetary influence of
SATURN. In talismanic work related to this angel, both the
invocations of Leo and Saturn would be combined.
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Shemahamphorash
4 is the number of the letters of the name of I W H
4 is also the number of the letters of the name ADNI, which
is its representative and key. The latter name is bound with
the former, and united thereto, thus I H N V D H A I,
forming a name of eight letters. 8 x 3 (the number of the
Supernal Triad) yields the 24 Thrones of Wisdom, the 24
thrones of the Elders of the Apocalypse, each of whom
wears on his head a golden grown of 3 rays, each ray of
which is a name, each name an absolute Idea and ruling
power of the great name IHVH, (Tetragrammaton) - and the
number 24 of the Thrones, multiplied by the 3 rays of the
Crowns = 72, the name of GOD of 72 letters, which is thus
mystically shown in the name IHVH as under; or as
REVELATION says 'When the Living Creatures, the four
Cherubim, the letters of the name give glory unto Him, etc,
the 24 elders fall down before Him and cast their Crowns
before the throne'. Consult REV. 4.9;10 - (i.e.; the Crowns,
each of which bears three of the 72 names) and these 72
names are written on the leaves of the Tree of Life, which
were for the healing of the nations.
These are also the 72 rungs of the ladder of Jacob, on which
the Angels of God ascended and descended. It will
presently be shown how the 72 Angelic Names are formed
from the names of the Deity and also how their signification
is to be found.

REVOLUTION O F T H E
ANGEL
ZODIACAL
DIVINE NAME
SIGN
YOD O F YOD
LEO
DECANTE
SATURN
HVlH
JUPITER
MARS
HEH (Final)
VIRGO
SUN
O F YOD
HHVl
VENUS
MERCURY
VAU O F YOD
LIBRA
MOON
VHlH
SATURN
JUPITER
221
No
VHV-IH
ILI-AL
SITh-AL
OLM-IH
MASh-IH
LLH-AL
AKA-IH
KHT-AL
HZI-AL
10
ALD-IH
11
LAN-IH
12
HHO-IH
13
IZL-AL
14
MBH-AL
15
HRI-AL
16
HQM-IH
17
LAV-IH
18
KLI-AL
Steven Ashe
VAU OF HEH
SCORPIO
VHHI
MARS
SUN
VENUS
YOD OF HEH
VlHH
MOON
SATURN
20
PHL-IH
21
NLK-AL
22
111-AL
23
MLH-AL
24
ChHV-AL
25
NTH-IH
26
HAA-IH
27
IRT-AL
28
ShAH-IH
29
RII-AL
30
AUM-AL
31
LKB-AL
32
VShR-I
33
IChV-IH
34
LHCh-IH
35
KVQ-IH
36
MND-AL
CAPRICORN
JUPITER
OF HEH
HIHV
LVV-IH
SAGITTARIUS
MERCURY
HEH (FINAL)
19
MARS
SUN

VAU O F VAU
AQUARIUS
VENUS
MERCURY
HIVH
MOON
HEH O F VAU
JUPITER
MARS
38
ChOM-IH
39
RHO-AL
40
IIZ-AL
41
HHH-AL
42
MIK-AL
43
VVL-IH
44
ILH-1H
45
SAL-IH
46
ORI-AL
47
OShL-IH
48
MIH-AL
49
VHV-AL
50
DNI-AL
51
HChSh-IH
52
OMM-IH
53
NNA-IH
54
NIT-AL
ARIES
MARS
IHVH
ANI-AL
PISCES
SATURN
YOD O F VAU
37
SUN
VENUS
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HEH (final) OF
TAURUS
MERCURY
HEH (final)
IHHV
MOON
SATURN
VAU OF
JUPITER
MARS
SUN
HEH (final)
MBH-IH
56
PVI-AL
57
NMM-IH
58
IIL-AL
59
HRCh-AL
60
MTzR-AL
GEMINI
HEH (final)
HEH OF
55
.....VMB-AL
61
62
IHH-AL
63
ONV-AL
64
MChI-AL
65
DMB-IH
66
MNQ-AL
67
ChBV-IH
68
AIO-AL
69
RAH-AL
70
IBM-IH
71
HII-AL
72
MVM-IH
CANCER
VENUS
MERCURY
MOON
The 72 names of the Deity are thus obtained: the 19th, 20th
and 2 1st verses of the 14th chapter of the Book of Exodus
each contain 72 letters. These are the verses.
VERSE NINETEEN
Exodus 14
(Read italics as Hebrew; from right to left)

-1NPhL-KLHH-MIHLA H-KALM-OSI V
-MHIRChAM-KLIV-LARShI-HNChM
-DMOIV-MHINPhM-NNOH-D VMO-OSI V
MHIRChA M
'And the Angel of Elohim which went before the camp of

Israel, removed and went behind them, and the pillar of the
cloud removed from before them and stood behind them.'
VERSE TWENTY
Exodus 14
-HNChM-NIBV-MIRTzM-HNChM-BABIV
-RIA V-KShHHV-NNOH-IHIV-LARShI
HLILHLK-HZLA-HZ-BRQAL V-HLILHTA
'And it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of

Israel, and there was a cloud and a darkness, yet gave it
Light by night, and the one came not near the other all
night.'
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VERSE TWENTY-ONE Exodus
14
- K L YIV-MIHLO-NDITA-HShM-ThIV
-HZO-MIDQ-ChVRK-MIHTA-HVHI
-HBRChL-MIHTA-MShIV-HLIL-HLK
HIMH- VOQBIV
'And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and IHVH
caused the sea to go back by a strong East wind all the night
and made the sea dry land and the waters were divided.'
These three verses are now to be written at length, one above
the other, the nineteenth from right to left, the twentieth
from left to right, and the third from right to left; and as each
contains 72 letters there will be 72 columns of three letters
each. Then each column will be a word of three letters and
there will be thus 72 names of three letters each, which are
the Schemahemphorasch or 72 names of deity expounding
the powers of the name IHVH (the Tetragrammaton).
From these, names of angels are formed by the addition, in
some cases, of the name IH (Yod Heh) which signifies
Mercy and Beneficience, and in others of the name AL
(Aleph Lamed) which signifies Severity and Judgment. As
it is said 'And my name is in Him...', etc.
These 72 Angels rule over the 72 quinaries (divisions of 5
degrees) of the Zodiac and therefore each Decant (division
of 10 degrees) of a Zodiacal sign has 2 quinaries, and each
sign has three decants which are allotted to the planets in
their order as they descend on the Tree of Life. And this is
the formation as given above: each Angelic Name contains

five letters, and each name of Deity contains three.
The Shemhamphorash
and the Merkabah
In order to grasp the full significance of the Angels of the
Shemhamphorash as they relate to the Qabalistic image of
Divine Cosmogony, one must refer to Revelation 4; verses
2 , 3 and 4:
'After these things I immediately came to be in (the power of

the) Spirit; and, look, a throne was in its position in Heaven,
and there is one seated upon the throne. And the one seated
is, in appearance like a jasper stone and a precious red
coloured stone, and round about the throne (there is) a
rainbow like an emerald in appearance.
'And round about the throne (there are) twenty four thrones,
and upon these thrones (I saw) seated twenty four elders
dressed in white outer garments, and upon their heads
golden crowns. '
According to the Golden Dawn tradition, the Angels of the
Shemhamphorash which take form in seventy two rays
which emanate from the Crowns of the Elders of the
Apocalypse constitute the divine keys to the twelve Gates of
the Holy City of the Heavenly Jerusalem.
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The 'Throne in its position in Heaven' is the sacred

Merkabah; the Divine Chariot of Ezekiel. The two 'precious
stones' are the Cubic Stones which cannot be overturned;
HAV-Rim and VHT-MIM; TOHV and BOHV.
The Merkabah itself is described in Revelation 2 1; 11, 12.,
where it is allegorically referred to as the 'Holy City
Jerusalem':
'...Its radiance was like a most precious stone, as a jasper
stone shining most crystal clear. It had a great and lofty wall
and had twelve gates and at the gates twelve angels, and
names were inscribed which are those of the twelve tribes of
the Sons of Israel.'
To each of the Zodiacal signs six angels of the
Shemhamphorash are attributed, (one for every five-degree
portion of the sign). These Angelic powers combine to
manifest in a cube, so that each sign represents a cubic gate.
In this way these 72 powers of IHVH may be seen to
manifest as the keys to the twelve gates of the Merkabah.
In the exercise known as 'Rising on the Planes' - a Qabalistic
technique which involves familiarity with the modus
operandi of Astral Projection - the astral form of the operator
is projected into the higher strata of the Tree of Life until it
makes contact with the realm of Macrocosmic powers. This
is also known as Merkabah Vision or Merkabah Projection,
and the Merkabah itself may only be accessed through one,
or combinations, of the twelve gates of the Holy City.
Adopt working beyond the Veil of Paroketh (i.e., above

Tiphareth) employ the Shemhamphorash in order to throw
open the gates in much the same way as a computer operator
will employ certain key words to gain access to his
computer's memory. The Adept, though, is working strictly
on the level of the mental and higher Astral Planes, and the
Angelic Powers of the Shemhamphorash are invoked by the
correct ritual or meditational employment of the Divine
name IHVH in one of its twelve combinations.
The twelve permutations of the name IHVH may be found
by consulting the above tables, where they are listed
alongside each of the corresponding Zodiacal Gates. The
Angelic Powers which maybe 'awakened' by the ritual
employment of these 'Dignifications of the Tetragrammaton'
are to be found listed in the right-hand column of these
tables.
It is staid, in the twenty second chapter of the Apocalypse of
St John: 'The Tree of Life, which bare twelve manner of
fruits and yielded his fruit every month: And the leaves of
the Tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall
be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb
shall be in it'.
The twelve manner of fruit yielded every month answer to
the twelve signs of the Zodiac, and the twelve tribes of the
sons of Jacob and also to the twelve apostles. The healing
leaves referred to are the Shemhamphorash or Divided
Name of Zaire
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Anpin, the Microprosopus, the Christ, the Lamb of Elohim,

whose throne is in the Tree, fiom which Throne issues the
river of the Waters of life.
The following text is extrapolated fiom the Golden Dawn
text relating to the Shemhamphorash: Side Lecture no 3,4=7
Grade of Philosophus, Alpha and Omega Temple 1914 (Era
Vulgaris).
'Now the twelve sons of Jacob go down into Egypt, that is,
the Kingdom - Malkuth - which has been destroyed in the
Fall and cut off fiom the Sephirothic Tree by the intersecting
folds of the Great Dragon who then became its ruler, as
shown in the Great Altar diagram of 4 = 7. Behold I am
again thee, Pharaoh, King of Egypt, the Great Dragon that
beith in the midst of the Abyss. And the first of the sons of
Jacob that goeth down is Joseph, whose two tribes Yphraim
and Manasseh balance each other in Chesed and - that is to
say that there first comes down into the desolated earth the
combined powers of Mercy and Severity. Yphraim, or the
Cherubic sign of the Ox, is the natural ruler of the earth in
Malkuth, under the power of Heh (final) of the Holy Name the Bride - Eve and the Queen.
'And the Shemhamphorash, the 72, are found in the number
of the family of Jacob's sons - 70 and Jacob and Joseph =
72.'
Names & Meanings

of the Shemhamphorash
1st Angel
NAME: Vahuaih
SIGN: Leo
PLANET: Saturn
DEGREE: 0-5
MEANING: God the Exalter
PSALM 3:4: "And Thou, 0 Tetragrammaton, art a Shield about
me, my Glory and He who lifteth up my head."
2nd Angel
NAME: Yelauiel
SIGN: Leo
PLANET: Saturn
DEGREE: 5-10
MEANING: Strength
PSALM 22:20: "And Thou, 0 Tetragrammaton, be not far off, 0
my Strength, to help me make haste."
3rd Angel
NAME: Satiel
SIGN: Leo
PLANET: Jupiter
DEGREE: 10-15
MEANING: Refuge, Fortress, Confidence
PSALM 9 1:2: "I will say unto Tetragrammaton, My refuge and
fortress, my God, I will be confident in him."
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4th Angel
NAME: Nghelamiah
SIGN: Leo
PLANET: Jupiter
DEGREE: 15-20
MEANING: Concealed, saving
PSALM 6 5 : "Return 0 Tetragrammaton, deliver my soul, save me
because of Thy mercy."
5th Angel
NAME: Mahasiah
SIGN: Leo
PLANET: Mars
DEGREE: 20-25
MEANING: Seeking safety from trouble.
PSALM 345: "1 sought Tetragrammaton, and He answered me
and out of all my fears He delivered me."
6th Angel
NAME: Lelahel
SIGN: Leo
PLANET: Mars
DEGREE: 25-30
MEANING: Praiseworthy, declaring.
PSALM 9:12: "Sing Psalms unto Tetragrammaton Who
inhabiteth, shew forth among the nations His deeds."
7th Angel
NAME: Akaiah
SIGN: Virgo
PLANET: Sun
DEGREE: 0-5
MEANING: Long suffering
PSALM: 103:s: "Merciful and gracious is Tetragrammaton, long
suffering and plentiful of Mercy."
8th Angel
NAME: Kehethel
SIGN: Virgo
PLANET: Sun
DEGREE: 5-10
MEANING: Adorable.
PSALM 95:6: "Come ye, we will bow down and bend before
Tetragrammaton who hath made us."
9th Angel
NAME: Hazeyael
SIGN: Virgo
PLANET: Venus
DEGREE: 10-15
MEANING: Merciful
PSALM 25:6: "Remember Thy tender mercies, 0
Tetragrammaton, and Thy mercies, for from of old they were."
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10th Angel
NAME: Eldiah
SIGN: Virgo
PLANET: Venus
DEGREE: 15-20
MEANING: Profitable
PSALM 33:22: "There shall be Thy mercy, 0 Tetragrammaton,
upon us, as we have hoped in Thee."
1l t h Angel
NAME: Leviah
SIGN: Virgo
PLANET: Mercury
DEGREE: 20-25
MEANING: Meet to be exalted.
PSALM 18:47: "Liveth Tetragrammaton, and blessed by my
Rock, and there shall arise the God of my salvation."
12th Angel
NAME: Hihaiah
SIGN: Virgo
PLANET: Mercury
DEGREE: 25-30
MEANING: Refuge
PSALM 10:l: "Why 0 Tetragrammaton, wilt Thou stand afar,
why wilt Thou hide Thyself at times of trouble."
13th Angel
NAME: lezalel
SIGN: Libra
PLANET: Moon
DEGREE: 0-5
MEANING: Rejoicing over all things.
PSALM 98:4 "Shout ye to Tetragrammaton, all the Earth, break
ye forth, and shout for Joy, and sing Psalms."
14th Angel
NAME: Mebahael
SIGN: Libra
PLANET: Moon
DEGREE: 5-10
MAANING: Guardian and preserver.
PSALM 9:lO: "And Tetragrammaton shall be a high place for
the oppressed, a high place for seasons in distress."
15th Angel
NAME: Harayel
SIGN: Libra
PLANET: Saturn
DEGREE: 10-15
MEANING: Aid.
PSALM 94:22: "And Tetragrammaton is become unto me a
refuge, and my God is the Aid of my Hope."
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16th Angel
NAME: Hoqamiah
SIGN: Libra
PLANET: Saturn
DEGREE: 15-20
MEANING: Raise up, praying day and night.
PSALM 88:2: "0 Tetragrammaton, God of my Salvation in the
day I have cried, and in the night before Thee."
17th Angel
NAME: Laviah
SIGN: Libra
PLANET: Jupiter
DEGREE: 20-25
MEANING: Is Wonderful
PSALM 8:l: "0 Tetragrammaton, our Lord, how excellent is
Thy Name in all the Earth."
18th Angel
NAME: Keliel
SIGN: Libra
PLANET: Jupiter
DEGREE: 25-30
MEANING: Worthy to be invoked. Just to me.
PSALM 2524: "Judge me accordingly to Thy righteousness,
Tetragrammaton, my God, and let them rejoice over me."
19th Angel
NAME: Livoih
SIGN: Scorpio
PLANET: Mars
DEGREE: 0-5
MEANING: Hastening to hear.
PSALM 40:2: "Expecting, I expected Tetragrammaton, and He
inclined unto me, and heard my cry."
20th Angel
NAME: Pheheliah
SIGN: Scorpio
PLANET: Mars
DEGREE: 5-10
MEANING: Redeemer, liberator.
PSALM 120:1,2:20 "In my distress I cried to Thee 0
Tetragrammaton, and He heard me." & "Deliver my soul 0
Tetragrammaton, from lying lips, and from deceitful tongues."
21st Angel
NAME: Nelakhel
SIGN: Scorpio
PLANET: Sun
DEGREE: 10-15
MEANING: Thou alone.
PSALM 31:15: "And in Thee I have confided, 0 Tetragrammaton,
I have said Thou art my God."
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22nd Angel
NAME: Yeiael
SIGN: Scorpio
PLANET: Sun
DEGREE: 15-20
MEANING: Thy right hand.
PSALM 121:s: "Tetragrammaton Keepeth Thee.
Tetragrammaton is Thy shadow upon Thy right hand."
23rd Angel
NAME: Malahel
SIGN: Scorpio
PLANET: Venus
DEGREE: 20-25
MEANING: Turning away evil.
PSALM 121:8: "Tetragrammaton will keep thy going out andthy
coming in from now until Ever."
24th Angel
NAME: Hahauiah
SIGN: Scorpio
PLANET: Venus
DEGREE: 25-30
MEANING: Goodness in Himself. Trust in Thy mercy.
PSALM 33:18: "From Tetragrammaton is a blessing upon those
that fear Him, and those who trust in Him."
25th Angel
NAME: Nethhiah
SIGN: Sagittarius
PLANET: Mercury
DEGREE: 0-5
MEANING: Wide in extent, the enlarger, wonderful.
PSALM 9:l: "I will give thanks unto Tetragrammaton with all my
heart, will tell of all Thy wondrous works."
26th Angel
NAME: Heeiah
SIGN: Sagittarius
PLANET: Mercury
DEGREE: 5-10
MEANING: Heaven in secret.
PSALM 119:145: "I have called with all my heart, answer me
Tetragrammaton, I will preserve Thy statutes."
27th Angel
NAME: Irthel
SIGN: Sagittarius
PLANET: Moon
DEGREE: 10-15
MEANING: Deliver
PSALM 140:2: "Deliver me 0 Tetragrammaton, from the Evil
Man, from the Man of violence preserve Thou me."
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28th Angel
NAME: Sehaiah
SIGN: Sagittarius
PLANET: Moon
DEGREE: 15-20
MEANING: Taker away of Evils.
PSALM 71.12: "0 Tetragrammaton be not far from me, 0 my
Tetragrammaton make haste for my help."
29th Angel
NAME: Rayayel
SIGN: Sagittarius
PLANET: Saturn
DEGREE: 20-25
MEANING: Expectation.
PSALM 54:4: "Behold, Elohim helpeth me, and Tetragrammaton
is with them who uphold my soul."
30th Angel
NAME: Evamel
SIGN: Sagittarius
PLANET: Saturn
DEGREE: 25-30
MEANING: Patience.
PSALM 71:5: "For Thou art my Hope, 0 Tetragrammaton: 0
Adonai, my confidence from my Youth."
31st Angel
NAME: Lekabel
SIGN: Capricorn
PLANET: Jupiter
DEGREE: 0-5
MEANING: Teacher.
PSALM 71:16: "I will go in strength 0 Tetragrammaton; 0
Adonai, I will make mention of Thy righteousness even of Thine
only."
32nd Angel
NAME: Vesheriah
SIGN: Capricorn
PLANET: Jupiter
DEGREE: 5-10
MEANING Upright.
PSALM 33:4: "For Upright is Tetragrammaton of the Word, and
all His works are in Truth."
33rd Angel
NAME: Yechuiah
SIGN: Capricorn
PLANET: Mars
DEGREE: 10-15
MEANING: Knower of all things.
PSALM 94:ll: "Tetragrammaton knoweth the thoughts of man,
that they are in vain."
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34th Angel
NAME: Lehahaih
SIGN: Capricorn
PLANET: Mars
DEGREE: 15-20
MEANING: Clement, merciful.
PSALM 131:3: "Let Israel trust in Tetragrammaton, now and for
ever."
35th Angel
NAME: Keveqaiah
SIGN: Capricorn
PLANET: Sun
DEGREE: 20-25
MEANING: To be rejoiced in.
PSALM 116:l: "I have rejoiced because Tetragrammaton hath
heard the voice of my supplication."
36th Angel
NAME: Mendiel
SIGN: Capricorn
PLANET: Sun
DEGREE: 25-30
MEANING: Honourable.
PSALM 26:8: "0 Tetragrammaton, I have loved the habitation of
Thy house and the place of the abiding of Thine Honour."
37th Angel
NAME: Anaiel
SIGN: Aquarius
PLANET: Venus
DEGREE: 0-5
MEANING: Lord of Virtues.
PSALM 80:lS: "0 Tetragrammaton Elohim Tzaboath, turn us and
cause Thy Face to shine upon us, and we shall be saved."
38th Angel
NAME: Chaamiah
SIGN: Aquarius
PLANET: Venus
DEGREE: 5-10
MEANING: Hope of all the ends of the Earth.
PSALM 9 1:9: "Because Thou, 0 Tetragrammaton, art my refuge,
Thou hast Thy refuge in the Most High."
39th Angel
NAME: Reheael
SIGN: Aquarius
PLANET: Mercury
DEGREE: 10-15
MEANING: Swift to condone.
PSALM 30:2: "Hear, 0 Tetragrammaton, and be gracious unto me
Tetragrammaton, be Thou my Helper."
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40th Angel
NAME: Yeizael
SIGN: Aquarius
PLANET: Mercury
DEGREE: 15-20
MEANING: Making joyful.
PSALM 88:14: "Why 0 Tetragrammaton, repelled Thou my soul,
and hidest Thy face from me."
41st Angel
NAME: Kehihel
SIGN: Aquarius
PLANET: Moon
DEGREE: 20-25
MEANING: Triune.
PSALM 12:2: "0 Tetragrammaton deliver my soul from a lip of
lying, from a tongue of guile."
42nd Angel
NAME: Mikhael
SIGN: Aquarius
PLANET: Moon
DEGREE: 25-30
MEANING: Who is like unto Him.
PSALM 121:7: "Tetragrammaton shall keep thee from all Evil, He
shall preserve thy soul."
43rd Angel
NAME: Vavaliah
SIGN: Pisces
PLANET: Saturn
DEGREE: 0-5
MEANING: King and Ruler.
PSALM 88:13: "And I, unto Thee, 0 Tetragrammaton, have
cried, and in the morning my prayer shall come before Thee."
44th Angel
NAME: Ilhaiah
SIGN: Pisces
PLANET: Saturn
DEGREE: 5-10
MEANING: Abiding for ever.
PSALM 119:108: "Let the freewill Offerings of my mouth, please
Thee, 0 Tetragrammaton, and teach me Thy Judgements."
45th Angel
NAME: Saelaih
SIGN: Pisces
PLANET: Jupiter
DEGREE: 10-15
MEANING: Mover of all things.
PSALM 94:18: "When I said, my foot hath been moved, Thy
mercy, 0 Tetragrammaton, will uphold me."
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46th Angel
NAME: Ngharaiel
SIGN: Pisces
PLANET: Jupiter
DEGREE: 15-20
MEANING: Revealer
PSALM 1459: "Tetragrammaton is good unto every man, and His
Mercies are over all His works."
47th Angel
NAME: Aslaiah
SIGN: Pisces
PLANET: Mars
DEGREE: 20-25
MEANING: Just Judge.
PSALM 925: "How Great have been Thy Works 0
Tetragrammaton, very deep have been Thy devices."
48th Angel
NAME: Mihel
SIGN: Pisces
PLANET: Mars
DEGREE: 25-30
MEANING: Sending Forth as a father.
PSALM 98:2: "Tetragrammaton hath made known His salvation,
in the sight of the Nations hath He revealed His justice."
49th Angel
NAME: Uhauel
SIGN: Aries
PLANET: Mars
DEGREE: 0-5
MEANING: Great and Lofty.
PSALM 1453: "Great is Tetragrammaton and greatly to be
praised, and unto His greatness there is not an end."
50th Angel
NAME: Deneyael
SIGN: Aries
PLANET: Mars
DEGREE: 5-10
MAANING: Merciful Judge
PSALM 1458: "Merciful and gracious is Tetragrammaton,
slow to anger and abounding in Mercy."
51st Angel
NAME: Kechasheiah
SIGN: Aries
PLANET: Sun
DEGREE: 10-15
MEANING: Secret and Impenetrable.
PSALM 104:31: "The Glory of Tetragrammaton shall endure for
ever, Tetragrammaton shall rejoice in His works."
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52nd Angel
NAME: Amamiah
SIGN: Aries
PLANET: Sun
DEGREE: 15-20
MEANING: Covered in darkness. PSALM 7:17: "I will give
thanks unto Tetragrammaton
according to His righteousness, and I will sing Psalms unto the
Name of Tetragrammaton Most High."
53rd Angel
NAME: Nangel SIGN: Aries PLANET: Venus DEGREE: 20---25
MEANING: Caster down of the Proud.
PSALM 119:75: "I have known, 0 Tetragrammaton that righteous
are Thy Judgements, and in faithfulness hast Thou humbled me."
54th Angel
NAME: Nithael
SIGN: Aries
PLANET: Venus
DEGREE: 25-30
MEANING: Celestial King.
PSALM 103:19: "Tetragrammaton hath established His Throne in
Heaven, and His Kingdom ruleth over all."
55th Angel
NAME: Mibahaih
SIGN: Taurus
PLANET: Mercury
DEGREE: 0-5
MEANING: Eternal.
248
PSALM 102:12: "But Thou 0 Tetragrammaton, shall endure

forever, and Thy memorial from generation to generation."
56th Angel
NAME: Puiael
SIGN: Taurus
PLANET: Mercury
DEGREE: 5-10
MEANING: Supporting all Things.
PSALM 145:14: "Tetragrammaton upholdeth all those who fall,
and lifteth up all those who are down."
57th Angel
NAME: Nemamaiah
SIGN: Taurus
PLANET: Moon
DEGREE: 10-15
MEANING: Lovable.
PSALM 115:ll: "Ye who fear Tetragrammaton, confide in
Tetragrammaton, their Help and their Shield is He."
58th Angel
NAME: Yeileel
SIGN: Taurus
PLANET: Moon
DEGREE: 15-20
MEANING: Hearer of cries.
PSALM 6:3: "And my soul hath been greatly troubled, and Thou,
Tetragrammaton, how long."
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59th Angel
NAME: Herachael
SIGN: Taurus
PLANET: Saturn
DEGREE: 20-25
MEANING: Permeating all Things.
PSALM 113:3: "From the rising of the sun to the going down of
the same, let the Name of Tetragrammaton be praised."
60th Angel
NAME: Metzrael
SIGN: Taurus
PLANET: Saturn
DEGREE: 25-30
MEANING: Raising up the oppressed.
PSALM 14517: "Righteous is Tetragrammaton in all His Ways,
and Holy in all His Works."
61st Angel
NAME: Vamibael
SIGN: Gemini
PLANET: Jupiter
DEGREE: 0-5
MEANING: The name which is over all.
PSALM 118:2: "Let the Name of Tetragrammaton be praised
from this time forth and for evermore."
62nd Angel
NAME: lahahel
SIGN: Gemini
PLANET: Jupiter
DEGREE: 5-10
MEANING: Supreme Ens or essence.
PSALM 119:159: "See how I have loved Thy Precepts, 0
Tetragrammaton, in Thy Mercy keep me alive."
63rd Angel
NAME: Nghaneauel
SIGN: Gemini
PLANET: Mars
DEGREE: 10-15
MEANING: Rejoicing
PSALM 100:2: "Serve Tetragrammaton with Joy, enter those who
fear Him, unto those who hope in His mercy."
64th Angel
NAME: Mochaiel
SIGN: Gemini
PLANET: Mars
DEGREE: 15-20
MEANING: Vivifying
PSALM 33:18: "Behold, the eyes of Tetragrammaton is unto those
who fear Him, unto those who hope in His mercy."
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65th Angel
NAME: Damabaiah
SIGN: Gemini
PLANET: Sun
DEGREE: 20-25
MEANING: Fountain of Wisdom.
PSALM 90:13: "Return 0 Tetragrammaton how long! and repent
Thee concerning Thy sewants."
66th Angel
NAME: Menqel
SIGN: Gemini
PLANET: Sun
DEGREE: 25-30
MEANING: Nourishing All.
PSALM 38:21: "Forsake me not 0 Tetragrammaton, my God be
not Thou far from me."
67th Angel
NAME: Aiael
SIGN: Cancer
PLANET: Venus
DEGREE: 0-5
MEANING: Delights of the Sons of men.
PSALM 37:4: "Delight in Tetragrammaton, and He shall give the
desire of thy heart."
68th Angel
NAME: Chabeoiah
SIGN: Cancer
PLANET: Venus
DEGREE: 5-10
MEANING: Most Liberal Giver.
PSALM 106:l: "0 give thanks unto Tetragrammaton, for He is
good, for His mercy endureth forever."
69th Angel
NAME: Rohael
SIGN: Cancer
PLANET: Mercury
DEGREE: 10-15
MEANING: Beholding all.
PSALM 165: "Tetragrammaton is the portion of my inheritance
and my cup, Thou maintainest my lot."
70th Angel
NAME: Yebamaiah
SIGN: Cancer
PLANET: Mercury
DEGREE: 15-20
MEANING: Producing by His Word.
PASSAGE: Genesis 1:1:21 "In the Beginning Elohim created the
substance of the heavens and the substance of the earth."
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71st Angel
NAME: Heyaiel
SIGN: Cancer
PLANET : Moon
DEGREE: 20-25
MEANING: Lord of the Universe.
PSALM 108:30: "I will give thanks unto Tetragrammaton greatly
with my mouth, and in the midst of many will I praise Him."
72nd Angel
NAME: Mevamiah
SIGN: Cancer
PLANET: Moon
DEGREE: 25-30
MEANING: End of the Universe.
PSALM 116:7: "Turn unto thy rest, 0 my Soul, for
Tetragrammaton rewardeth thee."
The Symbolism
of the Tarot
Any introduction to the tarot cards has to acknowledge the
realisation that the background of mythical symbolism
employed in the Tarot is strongly influenced by the cultural
background of the medieval world from whence these cards
originate.
To begin to understand Tarot symbolism, whether from the
perspective of the history of folk art or as an interpreter of
Tarot as it has come to be used in operations of fortune
telling, it is necessary to step beyond modem ethnocentricity
and attempt to grasp meaning from renderings of the Tarot
trumps throughout many historical eras and cultural vantage
points - each of which have produced Tarot trumps of
multivalent conceptuality.
There are many who firmly hold to the belief that the Tarot
somehow represents the wisdom of the ancient Egyptians.
There is little doubt that this would come as some surprise to
the fifteenth and sixteenth century population of Europe,
whose Tarot trumps contain little to suggest that this
influence was at all present in Tarot iconography.
Amongst the earliest surviving Tarot decks of the fifteenth
century, there is much evidence of the symbolism of the
classical mythology of the Greeks and Romans. Yet the
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inclusion of much Egyptian imagery in post eighteenth

century Tarot may well point towards an attempt on behalf
of artists of non-orthodox religious leanings to 'reclaim'
suppressed spiritual myths previously considered heretical..
When exploring the symbolism of the Tarot trumps, one has
to be aware of a number of factors that determine the
identity and nature of Tarot as a historical phenomenon. The
game of Tarot is today played by many millions of people
throughout France, Italy and Europe as it has been for
centuries. But the cards of the Tarot have found some utility
in a number of areas of social history, where it has continued
to exist as a touchstone for many fashions within popular
folk myth and spirituality.
One claim often made about the Tarot card images holds that
their symbolism enshrines societal and spiritual archetypes
that are timeless and remain eternally significant to the
human condition. For over six hundred years the Trumps of
the Tarot have evolved to include popular iconography from
rural folklore and religious mythology.
In the Tarot trumps surviving from renaissance Europe we
can behold a procession of images consistent with the
worldview of the middle ages: figures of authority such as
the Emperor and the Pope; figures of mythology and
folklore such as Diana, depicted in the Visconti-Sforza cards
in attire which Art history associates with that classical
goddess - painted in expensive blue made from oil-ground
lapis lazuli only usually afforded to portraits of the Virgin
Mary and the most noble families. We find images of the
Devil and the Saints: The medieval mind would naturally
associate Tarot symbols such as the Wheel with Saint
Catherine, the Tower with the legend of Saint Barbara and

the hermit card with religious figures such as St Jerome.
Although the card now known as The Lovers was originally
represented by the scene of a normal wedding feast in the
Visconti-Sforza deck, the appearance during the 1600s of a
family of decks known as the Marseilles Tarot depicts a
youth caught in a choice between two women, one old and
serious and one young and alluring.
There can be little doubt that the inhabitants of the medieval
European world would be aware of the symbolism of this
card as representative of the folk tale of the Roman hero
Scipio who described a dream of this nature as a moral fable
to illuminate the human dilemma in choosing between Duty
and Pleasure. Around 1504 the classical artist Raphael
painted a canvas entitled ' Vision of a Knight ' thought to be
based on this classical tale. Its design is similar in thematic
content to iconography appearing in the Trump card known
as 'The Lovers' in later decks such as the Marseilles Tarot.
With the 18th century came discoveries of the ancient
civilisations of Egypt and the symbolism of European Tarot
cards began to become attributed to fanciful sources of
antiquity. Even the deck itself became subject to popular
rumour which attributed the card as having been introduced
to Europe by Gypsies, a notion for which there is no
evidence whatsoever - although the migration of transient
populations throughout medieval Europe, including the
Gypsy culture, was doubtless a powerful force of cultural
dissemination in its own right.
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The earliest trumps, which have survived to the present day,

are cards originating from families of the Northern Italian
nobility of the Fifteenth century. These are remarkably
similar in material composition and design, and only
minutely different in scale, to Diptych Art of the Fourteenth
century. Diptych Art, portable twin-panelled artworks, were
usually painted only for wealthy patrons.
Examples of the background cloth of gold employed in the
rendering of many of the Visconti Sforza Tarot Trumps of
the late fifteenth century is almost exactly similar to the
background gold employed in the Wilton Diptych painted
between 1395 and 1399 for Richard I1 and now owned by
the National Gallery in London. Other similarities to
Diptych art within the Visconti Sforza deck lies in the
apparent representation of individual members of these
noble families framed within the Trumps themselves.
From an examination of the similarities between the
rendering of the Wilton Diptych and the Visconti-Sforza
Trumps we may confidently surmise that the images
depicted on the earliest surviving Tarot conformed with the
artistic standards of the day both in terms of quality of
production and of the approach to subject matter,
incorporating mythological and religious iconography to
celebrate individuals and themes of spiritual grace. As the
modus operandi of Artists changed and developed through
the centuries, the design of Tarot cards continued to reflect
political changes in society. The appearance of the French
Revolutionary Tarot of 1791 saw the renaming and redesign
of the Empress and the Emperor trumps due to AntiMonarchist republican feeling. The reappearance of these
Trumps as Juno and Jupiter, the Queen and King of heaven
in Roman mythology confirmed the use of mythic figures to

replace these more temporal figures of authority. Their
redesign also illustrates a measure of thematic consistency
extending through the centuries.
Another element of change creeping into Tarot symbolism
arose when papal authorities sought fit to litigate against the
use of a number of images throughout the work. The
Tarocchino playing cards of Northern Italy saw the heads of
Emperors and Pope cards replaced with the heads of Moors
- an alteration the authorities of Holy Rome enthusiastically
pursued in order to ensure that these figures should not be
confbsed with any European historic figure. So changes and
development within Tarot card design, from the earliest
surviving hand crafted decks can be seen to be due to social
and political forces.
With the introduction of the printing press and the growth of
European guilds of papermakers, tarot design rapidly
evolved to become a public phenomenon on a wider scale
than amongst exclusive groups able to afford or else craft for
themselves Tarot playing card designs. The majority of
figures and images from the medieval Tarot are in evidence
as water marks in the hand made paper of the era.
Over its history, changes, subtle and not so subtle haves
insinuated themselves in the rendering of the design of every
Tarot trump as the Tarot deck gained exposure to different
cultures throughout Europe.
The High Priestess, depicted in Nun's habit in the early Cary
Yale Trumps is, in many later decks of Tarot depicted as
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sitting, enthroned, before a veil supported by two pillars. In

Germany, medieval sculptures of similar illustration were
employed in Cathedral architecture to depict the Sybilline
oracles of the classical Roman world.
Conversely, the Rothschild Tarot on display at the Louvre in
Paris contains a historically early Trump depicting the Devil,
more consonant with images otherwise found on early
church engravings and gargoyle sculpture than with the
feminised Devil images of the mid seventeenth and
eighteenth century Tarot decks.
Religious imagery such as that depicted in the Last
Judgment Trump was widely familiar to generations of
European churchgoers. The scene of the Last Judgment was
a universally common design of church ornament
throughout Europe from the time of the building of the
earliest stone cathedrals and churches.
Classical mythology, the imagery of neo-platonic art which
sought to illustrate the gods and goddesses of Greek and
Roman myth, heretical folk beliefs such as the rural legend
of the female Pope - whether the source be the Cathar
priestesses of Albi and Toulouse, or merely the spiritual
authority of Joan, Maid of Orleans - all of these have
become at some time or another attached to the public
perception of various Tarot designs throughout the ages.
At any time in the long history of the Tarot cards, whether
the Trumps were being employed for gaming purposes,
fortune telling or merely as iconic art produced as wedding
gifts, the Tarot trumps were celebrated as enchanting
talismanic items of artistic novelty and multilayered cultural

significance. From the obscurity of its origins in Northern
Italy, the game of Tarocchi or Tarot trumps was adopted
enthusiastically by soldiers, merchants and indeed the
nobility; swiftly acquiring the same resonance of
superstition as all other games of chance throughout the
history of gaming. Even in present times, modern card
games have their own legends and superstitions.
Gaming and gambling are a combination that ensures that
outcomes of specific events can make or break individual
fortunes and their amalgamation within such a powerful
source of iconographic representation as the trumps of the
Tarot cards could not fail to inspire superstitious awe.
However, the inclusion of specific symbols and figures such
as Eros into many variants of the Lovers trump, or the
Skeletal Grim Reaper - originally shown astride a white
horse before becoming depicted with an archers bow and
then a scythe on variants of the Death card - could not fail to
provoke a superstitious response of one kind or another
amongst the late-medieval populace whose social
commentary was fbelled by storytelling traditions and the
oral transmission of folk myth.
The appearance of the image of Death in the Tarot card
trumps occurred some time after the Duke of Milan stagecrafted the appearance of a giant seventy foot tall statue of
the Grim Reaper for the Lent carnival of 1400. This was
much to the great distaste of the good citizens of Milan, who
had in years previous to this event found their numbers
ravaged by the spread of the Bubonic Plague, or Black
Death .
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The Northern Italian tradition of the Lent carnival was the

forerunner of today's famous Mardi Gras celebrations complete with theatrical floats staged upon mobile chariots,
which would make their procession around the city until the
commencement of Lent when forty days of personal
sacrifices and austerity would be encouraged and the time of
carnival would end. New York public librarian Gertrude
Moakley conducted extensive and valuable research into this
yearly public ritual, extending a theory demonstrating the
procession to be a living celebration of the mid Fourteenth
century poetic epic by Petrarch, the founding father of
Humanism.
According to Gertrude Moakley's scholarship, the carnival
procession would be led by the figure of the Juggler - who
appears as the first of the characters of the Trumps, or
Triumphs. For the duration of the carnival, he is the Carnival
King who is replaced on the final day of the Carnival with
the Christ like figure of the Fool. There are a number of
paintings and engravings contemporary to the Fifteenth
Century depicting this procession of Triumphs. One,
illustrating the Triumph of Time, is deeply resonant with the
Tarot image of the Hermit: the engravings show the Hermit
figure seated upon his carnival chariot with two large hourglasses either side of him. Other images of Petrach's
Triumphs come down to us through renaissance art depicting
a variety of figures consonant with Tarot iconography.
From the around 1750 the Italian name for the cards
Tarocchi gives way to the French rendering of the term as
Tarot, and for the next hundred years the popularity of the
deck France grew alongside an explosion of interest in

Egyptian archaeology and history occasioned by the
expansion of French colonial interests in Northern Africa.

This situation proved critical to the development of Tarot
symbolism as the design of the Tarot Trumps throughout the
next two hundred and fifty years steadily began to
incorporate Egyptian and Middle-eastern motifs.
During the latter half of the Nineteenth Century, the
popularity of the works of the French mystic Eliphas Levi
marked a point in history when onlookers were invited to
consider the 22 trumps of the Tarot as esoteric glyphs
representing the mysteries of the 22 sacred letters of the
Hebrew alphabet, employed by the Creator in his creative
utterances in the Biblical Genesis. European intellectuals,
encompassing the philosophy known as Rosicrucianism had,
from the Fifteenth century onwards, enthusiastically adopted
the modus operandi and philosophies of the Hebrew mystery
tradition known as the Qabalah. Latin scholars such as the
Elizabethan free -thinker John Dee, the later Robert Fludd
and, on the continent, Knorr Von Rosenroth had all done
their part to provide some literary comment upon the
mysteries behind the Old Testament lore from which
Western Christianity claimed its spiritual authority.
By the mid Nineteenth century, Eliphas Levi published his
quite original theory boldly stating the relationship of each
card to a particular Hebrew letter claiming a link between
the tarot trumps and the Egyptian mysteries via the Mystical
Qabalah: citing Moses as the likely originator.
Whether the link between Tarot Trump imagery and each of
the 22 paths connecting the Spheres of the Sephiroth of the
Qabalistic Tree of Life is specific to that purpose is highly
debatable and a contentious point amongst commentators.
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The two generally accepted systems of attributing each Tarot

Trump to one of these 22 paths are those prescribed by the
English Victorian Occult Order of the Golden Dawn and,
alternately, the continental European model as described by
Knut Stenring in his Sepher Yetzirah. A.E. Waite, who
produced his own Tarot deck in 1910 along with the artist
Pamela Coleman Smith, had translated many of Levi's
works into English and was a member of the Order of the
Golden Dawn. His later translation of Knut Stenring's
commentary upon the Sepher Yetzirah, a Hebrew work in
which the letters of the Hebrew alphabet are discussed with
relevance to the Biblical Creation, shows him to possess a
healthy respect for Stenring's allocation of the tarot trumps
to each Hebrew letter despite that systems tendency to differ
widely from the teachings which informed his own tarot
designs.
The American Paul Foster Case produced his own deck in
the early Twentieth Century, which is far more explicitly
Qabalistic than Waite's subtly veiled symbolism and adheres
more closely to the Golden Dawn which employed the Tarot
as part of a vast jigsaw of interlinked symbolism which the
psyche of the individual could integrate in his or her quest
for spiritual perfection.
The mid twentieth Century saw the publication of the lavish
Thoth Tarot of Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris,
surely the Crown of Creation of all Qabalistic decks and
hrther clones of the Waite-Smith deck - the only one
worthy of mention of these being the Morgan-Greer Tarot
which employs striking colour and symbolism to lend a
good measure of post modem flair to the classic WaiteSmith icons.
Clearly, the images that have evolved as the Tarot trumps

celebrate a variety of cultural influences and origins. So
where does this leave the contemporary enthusiast, or he or
she who uses the Trumps for divination - fortune telling by
Tarot cards?
The employment of Tarot Trumps in fortune telling is reliant
upon the belief that each of the Trump cards is an indicator
of one influence or another that can be discretely combined
with other Tarot trump indicators to point towards the
destiny of an individual.
The earliest decks of Tarot depict the Fool trump as the
lowest common denominator of human misery. The Charles
VI Trumps of 1470 depict the Fool with the cap of the
madman with rabbit's ears, taunted by children and an object
of lewd ridicule. Not until the 16thcentury did the image of
the Fool begin to become synonymous with the more formal
Court Fool, the jester - although he continued to be
represented as a village idiot. It was not until the appearance
of the nineteenth century Etteilla Tarot that more mystical
interpretations of the Fool render him as Alexandrian
Alchemist, walking amidst the crocodiles of the Nile, begin
to impinge upon the traditional notions of this card as the
embodiment of blind idiocy. The Smith - Waite Tarot of the
early twentieth Century continues this mystical revisionism
painting a picture of incorrupt innocence and youthful
naivety.
In any reading this card indicates the appearance of the
unexpected.
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The dog biting the Fool's leg in many designs of this card, as
he is about to wander off over the edge of the precipice, is a
warning that one should trust ones intuition in all matters.
This card also indicates complete freedom from
responsibility.
The appearance of the first numbered trump, The Juggler or
Magician, in a Tarot spread can signi* a major turning point
in the affairs of the clients life trends and can also indicate
sudden and dynamic progress in the area of ones ambitions.
The magician or Juggler card also intimates a 'hands on'
relationship to life affairs with emphasis on skill and
cunning. Mercury - the Scribe and messenger of the gods is naturally the god of showmen and tricksters - another
guise of the medieval juggler and the influence of this link
implies that this could also be a card of skill in interpersonal
matters, negotiation, etc.
Continuing on this theme, the association with Mercury
implies a certain intensity of activity and the growing
demand for involvement and focus upon issues of small
detail. The negative side of Mercury, as the Lord of Thieves
and Tricksters will only be indicated in a spread when the
Magus card is ill-aspected by cards of illusion (The Moon
card for instance) or is negatively aspected by cards of ill
omen.
Even then, the chameleon like qualities of the Juggler may
serve to lessen (or over-ride) the impact of any negative
surrounding influences.
The trump of the female Pope otherwise known as High

Priestess sees her seated between two pillars, behind which
is spread a veil has also been linked to images of Isis,
brought to Europe by the Romans and their Hellenic
forerunners who colonised pre-Christian Egypt.
Whereas the influence of The Juggler indicates intellectual
dexterity, the High Priestess is more illustrative of personal
revelation and intuitive or instinctive comprehension. She is
traditionally depicted holding a book, identified by Qabalists
as the Torah - or the book of Mosaic Law - which serves to
identify her, along with the presence of the veil before which
she is enthroned, with the Qabalistic concept of the
Shekinah: the indwelling presence of the Divine within the
Holy of Holies at the heart of the Temple of the most High.
To Qabalists she is the combined quintessence of the Pillars
of the Temple of God that are also often illustrated in
renderings of this Trump.
This would seem to imply a notion of the High Priestess as
pure Conscience and as the fertile intuition of the
subconscious mind which instinctively perceives the path of
correct action or the simple reality behind complex and
confusing distractions. She is Faith guided by inner
knowledge.
The Empress trump lends the mother archetype to the Tarot
family. When this card falls in the spread it often signifies
the blessing of those rare moments of luxury when one is
allowed respite from the challenges of daily affairs to savour
the fruits of one's own labours.
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The Empress represents the virtues of deserved reward. Her

symbol is the Queen Bee, representing the source of life. In
the earliest surviving renderings of this trump, the Empress
reclines on a dais with one arm draped over a shield bearing
the symbol of an Eagle - an Alchemic metaphor for the
impregnated womb. In the other hand she holds a staff of
imperial authority. In any Tarot reading she indicates the
wholesome goodness of the sensual world, representing that
all things are balanced in their appointed order, and the
nurturing of things and affairs towards fruitful increase.
Her consort, The Emperor Trump is the father archetype in
the Tarot system. This card represents authority, power,
control and stable growth. It is the fourth numbered card of
the Major Arcanum cards and, according to the
correspondences of the Western-Qabalah, Four is the
numerical glyph of Jupiter [the Greek, Zeus-Pater or SkyFather] the Lord of the gods. Because of this, the
significance of the Emperor is benign in any spread and
indicates great long-term good fortune and, often, financial
gain. He is often depicted in the Tarot as seated upon a
Cubic throne, as is the High priestess in some decks.
Since Pythagoras, the cube has been championed as the
geometrical solid classically representative of the element of
Earth. To the Qabalists its six faces, twelve edges and eight
comer points add to the equivalent of the numerical value of
IHVH, the most Holy name of God, 26 in all.
As previously mentioned, the Sepher Yetzirah, or Qabalistic
Book of Formation, is a work that explores the letters of the
Hebrew alphabet.
This text allocates each of these letters to a particular point

of a universal cube representing the six directions of space.
The cube therefore, wherever it appears in Tarot Trump
iconography can be thought of as representative of Divine
will within the natural order and it is no surprise that it
appears at the base of pillars or supports authority figures
such as the Emperor.
Here, the figure of the Emperor seated upon a cubic throne
signifies authority and power that are bestowed by Divine
Grace. This trump is therefore an indicator of enrichment
and the recognition and reward of personal achievements.
As the keeper of secrets and the witness of divine oaths, the
trump known as The Hierophant or The Pope signifies the
need for discretion, diplomacy and personal honesty. This
card can also indicate actions 'behind the scenes', which the
subject may be unaware of but which may be of intense
significance to his or her future well -being. When
surrounded by cards of great optimism, this card signifies
release from spiritual danger or unexpected help from
behind the scene of events or even benefit from appeal to a
higher authority. This trump is also known as the
Hierophant, which is a title given in Western mystery
schools for those responsible for issuing instruction to
newcomers to the sacred path. This trump can therefore
imply that a lesson may be learned in the area of life
indicated by the cards position in a Tarot spread. Otherwise
its significance may be that a lesson needs to be learned
before progress will be gained in a particular area.
When surrounded by cards of indecision or stagnation,
the
Hierophant trump can represent a moral dilemma. .
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The Lovers Tarot trump indicates opportunity for adventure

in the field of romance and sexuality, although one of the
most overlooked aspects of this card is its significance as a
'rite of passage' card. In some early designs in which a
young man is tempted to choose between the stem faced
spinster representing duty and the young lady representing
Pleasure, suggest the onset of adulthood, choice and the first
stirrings of maturity. Certainly then, in most readings this
card will represent choice and even the clash of instinctive
drives with moral responsibilities.
Divinatory meanings attributed to the Lovers card range
from the obvious - the onset of a new relationship - to more
ambivalent interpretations. One of these latter pays
attentions to the notion that Eros, depicted on many decks,
often fired lead arrows in addition to golden arrows from his
bow. The God of Love was often also illustrated wearing a
blindfold: this trump could therefore introduce an element of
Hazard and the unexpected into a Tarot reading.
The Chariot card signifies advance and conquest in all
matters. A chariot driven by two sphinxes (in more
traditional designs of the Tarot, horses), bearing the figure of
a warrior king, suggests that others may be looking towards
the client for leadership and self reliance.
However, a very early rendering of this Trump, the Cary
Yale Visconti Tarot (1440 - 1445) depicts the figure borne
in the chariot as a female noblewoman and also in Mitelli's
Tarot of 1664 we find an image of the goddess Venus that
may be a significator of the triumph of conscience through
decision and right principled action.
The great medieval carnivals of Milan and Northern Italy,

held before the time of Lent in the Christian calendar were a
display of characters not dissimilar to those portrayed in
many Tarot trumps of slightly later era such as the Marseille
school of Tarot. Many of these were paraded on ceremonial
chariots through the streets of the North Italian
principalities. The chariot had ceased to be an effective
weapon of war some centuries before the era in which Tarot
cards became popular in southern Europe. However, since
the time of the Roman Empire and the glory of the
Byzantine church - whose own approach to the transmission
of its religious lore incorporated pictorial illustration through
mosaic and stained glass iconography - the chariot was a
visible symbol of power and authority in Triumphal
procession celebrating martial victories or religious festivals.
Should this card fall in any area of the spread, it signifies a
clear road ahead and indicates that the client should be
prepared to maximise on his or her opportunities and
advantages. In the outer life of the individual, this card
represents the unbridled confidence and 'Will to Power' of
the young adult yet un-corrupted by compromise. It can
therefore be interpreted as a symbol of the zestful launching
of new enterprises and uninterrupted progress in personal
and professional plans.
The Justice trump represents that aspect of matters of
judgment that must remain blind to preconceptions.
Whenever this card falls in the reading it indicates a period
when decision-making based on principles of right action is
pivotal to the welfare of the subject of any Tarot reading.
The symbolism of this trump echoes both the legendary
Wisdom of Solomon and Egyptian iconic representations of
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the goddess of Truth Maat - against whose feather the heart

of the deceased would be weighed upon the scales of Osiris
according to the Book of the Dead.
The sword held aloft by the figure in the trump is more than
symbolic and is one that is double edged. This may indicate
that the choices faced by the subject of the Tarot reading
may demand some measure of sacrifice to higher ideals than
mere personal gain. The Justice trump is a reminder of the
law of natural karma - that each of our actions has
consequence in the world around us. The figure depicted
upon this trump signifies the interpretation of Law and often
she is seated upon a cubic throne, symbolic of the divine
universal order.
The Justice trump represents limitations placed upon
freedom of choice and action; acting as a brake upon the as
yet undisciplined energy and industry signified by the
previous card of The Chariot.
In the depiction of the Hermit in the Rider-Waite designs of
1910 the cloaked figure depicted finds his way by the light
of a lantern, from within which a star issues forth light. In
this manner, the card may be seen to represent those who
have realised their inner aspirations and have proved
successfbl in externalising inner goals.
Some commentators have identified the robed and hooded
figure of the Hermit, replete with Hourglass, as SaturnKronos, keeper of Time and even provided a plausible
argument identifying this figure as a prototype of the
western Santa Claus as Saturn-Kronos. The divinatory
meaning of this card, with its implicit references to Time

may therefore allude to Wisdom gained after the event.
The Wheel of Fortune, which provides the central motif for
the next trump in the Tarot sequence, was also used to
illustrate illuminated manuscripts of one of the most popular
books of the medieval world - the Consolation of
Philosophy, written by the Fifth century philosopher
Boethius. An illustration of this work within the Wallace
collection in London, illustrated also upon page 54 of
Professor Brian Magee's 'The Story of Philosophy' clearly
illustrates Lady Fortune turning a wheel upon which four
figures ascend and descend whilst the philosopher Boethius
is tempted away from life's trifles by Lady Philosophy.
Amongst the earliest surviving renderings of this card, the
figures depicted as rising and falling upon the Wheel trump
are human: although images of the Bear, the Sphinx and the
Monkey have also been incorporated over the centuries.
The appearance of the wheel card in a reading can indicate a
major turning point in life affairs and the intervention of the
hand of Destiny in the life affairs of the client usually for the
better.
The Wheel trump may alternately represent a rapid
intensification of events and unexpected developments
falling outside the control of the client. There could be a
spiraling out of control of events, which the subject of the
Tarot reading had hitherto considered predictable and stable.
Otherwise, when the trump is well dignified in a Tarot
spread - that is to say, when surrounded or supported by
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cards indicating stability and growth - the wheel trump may

indicate steady and unyielding progress in events: the Wheel
continuing to turn with the Seasons, setting a steady pace in
matters of personal progress.
In the design of the Strength trump, also known as Force,
many classical Tarot trumps depict a female character
opening the mouth of a lion. In the Car. Yale Tarot, the
figure of a beautiful maiden riding a golden lion is
represented.
This card represents the victory of the Spirit over physical
limitations and material bondage. It is a card of hope and
successful aspiration in affairs where the human will is
called into purposefbl activity. In many senses, despite the
spiritual allusions of the symbolism of this card, Strength
represents achievement through disciplined effort and the
harnessing of the will. Other representations of this card
include the depiction of the biblical Sampson slaying the
Lion.
The Crowley - Harris Thoth Tarot plunders the Book of
revelation for its symbolism, replacing the Lion with the
Seven headed beast of the Apocalypse now being ridden by
the Scarlet Whore of Babylon and renaming the trump Lust.
Strangely, this combination of the beast representing the
animal natures of Man harnessed by an audacious Will to
power superbly captures the timeless essence of this Tarot
trump.
When discussing the Hanged Man trump we should
remember that in Northern Italy, from whence the Tarot as
we know it originates, traitors were punished by hanging

them by one leg from a tree. In this sense it is sometimes
thought of as the card of Judas Iscariot. This religious
referencing is highlighted in the Charles VI deck where bags
of money are pictured attached to the Hanged man's
pantaloons.
The subject should beware of the betrayal of confidences
when this trump falls in a Tarot reading. The safest
mainstream interpretation of this card's appearance within a
reading would be to advise patience and caution in all affairs
to the client. In many ways this card suggests bondage to
Fate and Destiny, although the sacrifice may sometimes be a
willing one ... a sacrifice of Time, perhaps in order to gain
scholastic wisdom - represented by the appearance of a
book in the hands of the Hanged man in some decks of
Tarot.
Death represents the end of one order of things and the
beginning of another order. When well aspected, the Death
card can also signifL the removal of obstacles through
unexpected means or gain through the death of another.
Some of the earliest Death Trumps show the skeletal figure
of the Grim Reaper on horseback, an innovation restored in
the Twentieth Century Waite-Smith and Morgan Greer
decks of Tarot. Death speaks for itself. The presence of the
card in a Tarot reading will often indicate the death of an
individual, the death of a hope or the death of an enterprise.
The trump of Temperance represents balance and harmony
in all things but progressively so and without stagnation.
Steven Ashe
When this card falls in the pattern of the spread it signifies a

time of respite from life's trials, a harmony with nature and
philosophical inspiration - albeit a respite that is temporary.
In a 1338 painting hanging in the town hall of Siena, the
artist Lorenzetti depicted the goddess Temperance holding
an hour glass whilst beneath her labour representatives of
the professions. Death is also represented, highlighting the
need to watch and pray whilst time hastens away.
The appearance of this trump within a Tarot reading
signifies rewarding involvements. The figure upon the card
pours water from one receptacle into another. One foot is
planted firmly upon dry land, the other is submerged in the
river of Life. This symbolism intimates that the inner world
of the client will be in tune with the outer world of his or her
own personal reality and is also an indicator of the smooth
running of the mechanisms of the Universal order in the
lives of those who can find a harmony between their inner
nature and their outer life.
Whereas the idea of God may be conjectured to represent the
idea of spirituality, the symbol of the Devil may be
interpreted to signify worldly materiality and sensuality.
When this card falls in a spread then upon the clients close
'hands on' involvement with material and sensual affairs
should be stressed.
The Devil trump is not necessarily a card of evil, merely one
of facing harsh reality. In the design of the card, the Devil is
often seen greeting the aspirant or else bidding him to
embrace his more self-centred needs and desires. The
chained figures who dance at the feet of the Devil are

fettered by their own desires. It can be observed in many
designs of this card that the chains around the necks of the
Devils minions may easily be slipped over the heads of these
'captives' and yet they remain willing captives of material
satisfaction.
The appearance of this trump can signifL obscene luxury or
simply a total immersion into the kingdom of earthly
delights. There is certainly a measure of temptation upon the
path ahead when this card falls in a tarot reading. When
surrounded by negative cards or cards signieing instability
of circumstances the devil card is a warning that our own
worst natures might gain the upper hand in our dealings with
the world.
The Trump known as The Tower, or the House of God,
might be recognised by the medieval mind as representative
of the legend of St Barbara, a secret Christian figure of the
fourth century whose faith clashed with the beliefs of her
own father; who kept her locked in a Tower. Barbara's
father commissioned a mason to install a water feature but
tragedy overtook events when Barbara implored the
workman to install a third window to her Tower to represent
the Christian trinity. The good Barbara was driven to leap
from the tower to her death by her father who suspected the
loss of his daughter's virginity to the Mason. He had
demanded that she renounce her faith as she had renounced
her maidenhood, a concession she could not admit. A
lightning bolt came from heaven to strike down the father
and Barbara became the saint of explosives and Artillery
men.
Steven Ashe
Because of the significance of the symbolism employed in

this card it can be interpreted as representing liberation from
the bondage to materiality suggested by the previous card of
the Devil: a liberation requiring a sudden change of all the
things that have stood before us in our lives as reliable
certainties.
The symbolism of the Star trump, the next trump in the
Tarot sequence, seems to echo traditional images of
"Anahita" - the ancient Persian water goddess and patroness
of Women and fertility. Anahita was one of the forms of the
'Great Goddess' of antiquity. She was often portrayed as a
virgin carrying a water pitcher.
In his Book of Thoth, Aleister Crowley comments on the
Star card: "She is represented with two vases, one pours
water, a symbol of light, upon herself, the other upon the
earth. This is a glyph of the economy of the universe."
One aspect of the Star could be taken in reference to
navigational matters - for it was by the stars that the ancients
navigated. This card could be taken as an indicator of the
onset of a period when the pathway ahead is illuminated by
some higher aspiration, or focus of events: bringing a sense
of purpose and meaninghl direction to daily life.
The following trump in the Tarot sequence, The Moon is
universally recognised as the mistress of shifting change and
illusion. One modern Jungian interpretation of the Moon
Trump card believes it to signifL areas of mystery and
uncertainty, where logic cannot aid the client in decisionmaking. She represents the Self as it is buried beneath the
confusion of consciousness, to which we return to commune

with during the hours of sleep and dream time. In any spread
the fall of this card intimates that the client should abandon
any preconceived plans or courses of action in whatever area
of life is indicated by the position of the card in the spread.
Deep background forces may be affecting the everyday life
of whosoever draws this card, and he or she should be
warned to look beyond the cosmetic in everyday dealings.
The Sun Tarot Trump is, to many Utopian writers, a symbol
of the brotherhood of Heliopolis; a beacon sent forth unto
the world by the Greek Apollo so that artists, musicians and
the truly inspired are called to realise their inner potential.
The Sun card represents the full dawning of the inner light in
the consciousness of the individual. The area of the spread in
which this card falls, whether it refers to emotional wellbeing or material concerns, will be dignified by its presence.
Good fortune and the smooth transition of events are
indicated. The appearance of this trump in the Tarot spread
signifies a golden period in the life of the client, who will
find that memories of this period will be especially treasured
in times to come.
The Trump of the Last Judgment indicates liberation from
the oppression and bondage of the World and the lease of
new life in all affairs. Traditional Tarot design depicts the
Archangel Michael blowing the last trump at the resurrection
of the dead in the great reunion at the end of Time. This was
a symbol of the long awaited reign of the kingdom of God,
promised in the Book of Revelation of St John, an event that
every inhabitant of the medieval world looked toward in awe
inspired expectation.
Steven Ashe
In a tarot reading this trump can represent reunion with

loved ones from the past and also, in the light of its religious
significance, long held promises being kept. It is a symbol of
hope and rebirth. Yet it is also indicative of a time of
reckoning, when every man and woman would be called to
consider his or her own conscience.
The final Tarot trump, The World is a card of completion
and harmony. This trump represents the world as an ideal.
This cards appearance in the tarot spread indicates a period
of satisfaction and pleasure: as the final card in the sequence
of Trumps it represents harvest time, when all of a client's
labours in a particular period will reap reward. Also
indicated by the card is a sense of projects having been
completed and the need for reflection and the making of
future plans.
The sensual aspects of this card, though material, are
wholesome in soul enriching pleasure. The figure of an
unclothed woman usually illustrates this trump, representing
the Anima Mundi - the soul of the World, as adherents of
the Gnostic wisdom knew her - in her naked glory. The
World trump signifies that the end of a journey has been
reached, the tying up of loose ends and a reward of
collective past efforts.
Clearly the trumps of the Tarot are no mean talisman of
mankind's values.
Keys to the
Rosicrucian
Qabalah
Essential Source Works
of the
Western Qabalistic
Tradition
Steven Ashe
Each of the following works detailed within these pages are

representative of classical Hebrew Kabbalistic mysticism
and are therefore commentaries of religious philosophical
bias and are resplendent with cosmological detail. The
language and metaphors employed are essentially poetic
(although less so in the case of the Sepher Yetzirah) but
these descriptive attempts are clear signs of great minds
grappling with the fundamental principles underlying our
cosmological reality and the nature of our relationship to
that reality.
Although many students of the western Qabalah will be
casually familiar with the Sepher Yetzirah, the Sepher
Detzniyutha is often overlooked because of its apparent
complexity and use of convoluted symbolism.
Its
presentation here, next to the Yetzirahtic text should
demonstrate how closely the two works compare with
reference to their illustration of the usage of combinatorial
factors of the Hebrew alphabet in the act of divine creation.
Whereas the Sepher Yetzirah is more specific in its
descriptive prose, the Sepher Detzniyutha possesses a more
sophisticated approach to literary allegory and metaphor. It
could be said that the former compares to the latter in a
similar way to how the Gospel of Mark compares to that of
John; that is to say that the latter possesses a more marked
theological sophistication in comparison to the former
example's straightforwardness.
The
Sepher
Detzniyutha
The Book of that
Which is Concealed
From the
Sefer Ha-Zohar
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Chapter One
We learned: The Book of THAT Which is Concealed is the

book of the balancing in weight.6
Until NOT (al, Lo) existed as weight, NOT existed as seeing
Face to Face; 7
And the Primordial Kings8 died, as their crowns 9 were
NOT found,
And the Earth was nullified,
Until the Head (sar, Rosh) 10 desired by all desires formed
and communicated the garments of splendor. 1 1
That weight arises from the place which is NOT Him.
Those who exist as NOT are weighed in hy. 12
In His body exists the weight.
NOT unites and NOT begins.
In thy have they ascended, and in hy do they ascend,
Who NOT are, and are, and will be.
The Hidden within the Hidden13 is formed and found in:
1) One skull, 14
2) Filled with the Dew of Bdellium,

3) An envelope of clear and concealing air, 15
4) Those that are pure wool are hanging even balanced, 16
5) The will of all wills17 that is revealed with the prayers of

those below,
6) The Open Eye1 8 that does not slumber but watches
constantly, the Eye below is by means of the Eye of the
supernal radiance,
7) The openings of the hollow pillar, 19 from whence His

Spirit20 rushes forth unto all.
IT created six, IT created Elohim, the heaven and the

Earth .2 1
Bara Shyt, IT created S k over them.22
They are all below, And they depend on the seven of the
skull as far as the splendor of all splendors.
And the Earth,
That is, the second one is NOT in the computation;
This was already said.

For it emerged from the one that was cursed,
As it is written,
From the ground which the Lord hvhy cursed.23
was unformed and empty24 and darkness AL
(li, lit. Upon)25 - Face of the Deep, and the Spirit of
Elohim hovers AL-Face of the Waters.26
...
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Thirteen depend from the thirteen of the splendor of

splendors.27
Six thousand years depend on the first ones.28
The seventh above them is that One which alone is
powerful,29
And the whole was desolate for twelve hours,30
As it is written,
was unformed and empty...
The thirteenth raises up these through mercy,
And they are renewed as before
For thus it is written,
IT created
And thereafter it is written,
IT was...
For surely IT had been.
And at the end of the unformed and confused and dark
...
...
...
...
The Lord hvhy alone shall be exalted in the Day of

THAT.3 1
The engravings of all engravings appears as a long serpent,
32
And extends this way and that.
The tail is in the head.
The head goes around to the shoulders.
Passing and indignant, guarding and concealing,
Revealing itself in one of a thousand short days,
The receptacle in the bond, the fin in its part.
Its head is broken in the waters of the great sea,

As it is written,
You broke the heads of the serpents on the waters.33
There had been two serpents; they were reduced to one.
TNYNM (,nynt) is written defective.34
Heads, as it is written,
And over the heads of the Chayot there was the likeness
of a Firmament.35
And Elohim said Light will be, and Light was.36
This is what is written,
For HE spoke,37 and IT was.38
HE is alone.
Then the line returns and becomes one v y"v v" hy y"
vhy,39
The latter (Yod y) is the Shekinah below,
Just as the Heh h is found to be the Shekhinah.40
And they are balanced in weight.
And the Chayot rush forth and return.41
As it is written,
Elohirn saw the Light as-good.42
Call the righteous as-good.43
Therefore do they ascend in the weights.
IT was at first alone.
But all things return into the unity,
Sister and brother combined one in another,44
In hy, like two lovers who embrace.
Six come out from the branch of the root of the body.
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The tongue speaks great things.45

This tongue is hidden between the Yod y and the Heh h,
As it is written,
That man shall say I am of the Lord hvhy.46
And that man shall be called by the name Ya'aqov (Jacob).
And that man shall write with his hand: "I am of the Lord
hvhy."
And by the name of Israel shall he call himself, indeed.
That man shall say, "I am of the Lord hvhy."
0 Lord hvhy-the Sister,
And all is within vhy.47
All are included in the tongue concealed in the Mother,
For it opens for that which egresses from it.
The Father dwells in the head, the Mother in the middle,
And there is a covering from this side and from that side.
And woe unto him that uncovers their nakedness.
And Elohim said Lights will be in the Firmament of
Heaven.48
The male rules over the female
As it is written,
The Righteous is the foundation forever.49
The Yod y illumines both,
And It illumines and passes on into the Female.
The Yod y sets itself apart, ascends by its level higher and
higher,
And the Female is darkened.
And the Mother is illumined and is opened out into Her

gates.
The key, which contains the six, comes and covers up Her
gates,
And It is unified below, with this one and that one,
Woe unto him that uncovers Her gate.
Chapter Two
The Beard of Faith,5O
NOT,
Is mentioned because it is the most precious of all,
It egresses from the ears,
Round about the face,
The white locks ascending and descending,
Separating into thirteen
Of that most splendid of splendors, it is written:
NOT passes in it as Man,51 and NOT dwells as Adam52
there.53
Adam to the Son is He (avh ,Hu).54
Adam-NOT is included therein, especially man.
In these thirteen issue forth distinct fountains;
Four were kept separately,55 nine flow from the body.56
1) The Splendid One begins to form itself near the opening
of the ears.
2) It descends in beauty to the beginning of the lips.
Steven Ashe
It stands from this beginning to that beginning.

3) There is a path going forth beneath the two holes of the
hollow pillar,57 to pass over guilt, as it is written:
And it is His Beauty 58 to pass over guilt. 59
4) Beneath the lips the hairs go back to the other beginning
5) Another path goes forth beneath that one.
6) It covers the offering of spices,60 to the upper beginning.
7) Two apples61 are beheld, to illumine the lamps.
8) The Fate62 of all hangs as far as the heart.
On it depend the upper and the lower ones.
9) Those that hang down, NOT shines from this one and
from that one.
10) The short ones1 are AL (1i)-the throat.63
11) The long ones of the Splendid One, they are measured in
perfect proportion.
12) The lips are bare from all sides.
13) In this Fate of all flow thirteen pure balsam oils,
All is found in this Fate, and IT is concealed.
At the time when Tishri, the seventh month, approaches,
These thirteen are found in the upper world,
And thirteen gates of compassion open.
Of that time:
Seek you the Lord hvhy while He can be found.64
It is written:
And Elohim said you, the Earth, will put forth grass, herb
yielding seed, fruit tree...65
This is that which is written:
And you shall afJlit yourselves in the ninth of the month

at even.66
Adonai hvhy, you have begun to show your servant Your
greatness. 67
The Name hvhy is perfect on its sides.
And in causing this Earth to bring forth,
NOT is perfect,
yhy-NOT is written.
We read: a superior YV'D y, an inferior YV'D y.
VYYTZR (royyv):68 Yod y superior, Yod y inferior.
y'h'y, Yod y superior, Yod y inferior.
Heh h in between them.
IT is perfect, and NOT for every side.
This name was uprooted from that place and transplanted
elsewhere,
As it is written:
And the Lord hvhy Elohim planted. ..69
The Heh h between the Yods y of yhy.
The breath of the hollow pillar of the Ancient One unto the
Small Face.
Without the breath it exists as NOT.
In the Heh h it is founded,
The Heh h above, the Heh h below,
As it is written:
AHH Adonai Elohim (,yhla ynda hha).70
In the cohesion of the attached,
In the breath of the weights, is vhy.
Steven Ashe
The superior Yod y is adorned with the wreath of the

Ancient One,
The supernal envelop that is clear and concealing.
The superior Heh h is adorned with the breath of the
openings of the hollow pillar,
which comes forth in order to animate.
The superior Vav v,
The lamp of heavy darkness that is adorned by its sides.
The letters then extend and are included in the Small Face.
Just as they dwelled in the skull,
They are found to be extending into the whole body in order
to establish all.
These letters are hanging in the pure wool.71
When they are manifested unto the Small One, these letters
settle in Heh Yod,
And so they are called in them,
The Yod 'I' of the Ancient One is concealed in its wreath,72
Because the left is to be found.73
The Heh 'H' is opened in another and is perforated by two
holes,
And is found in its formations.
The Vav 'V' is opened in another, as it is written:
It goes smoothly for my Beloved,74
In the lamp of the heavy darkness to conceal the opening.
The supernal Vav v, the inferior Vav v,
The supernal Heh h, the inferior Heh h,
The supernal Yod y, and with Him NOT is associated;
NOT ascends in this, and NOT is in this sign;
When the Son75 is revealed, and united in one grade,

In one combination, in order that they may be explained,
The d'v (Vav Dalet) are included with the Yod y (dvy).
Woe when this is removed and they76 are manifested,
They are the spices of the molds,
The reddish ones,
They pass as NOT, they tarry as NOT in ONE-Place.
And the Chayot run forth and return.
Flee unto your place. 77
If you rise like an eagle, and if you will set your nest
among the stars,
from there I shall bring you down.78
And you, the grasses... were broughtforth from the

Earth. 79
When?
When the Name (hvhy) was implanted.
And thus air came forth.
And a spark80 came to be.
1. One skull extends to its side.8 1
Full of the dew of two colors over it.
2. Three cavities in which the marked letters are manifested
as vhy
3. Black ones, as a raven, hanging over the deep holes,
so that He hears right and left as NOT.
Here there is one slender path above.82
4. The forehead that shines as NOT,
the discord of the world, except when His Will (Ivor,
Ratzon) has regard.

293
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5. Eyes of three colors,

to cause fright before them,
they are washed with radiating milk.
It is written:
Your eyes shall see Jerusalem, a peaceful habitation.83
Righteousness dwells in Her.84
The peacefbl habitation is the Ancient One who is hidden.
Thus the script is Oynk (nyi).85
6) The nose of the face of the Small One,
In order to be known.
Three flames bum in its cavities.
A torturous flame to hear good and evil.
It is written I am hvhy, THAT (avh, Hu) is my Name.86
And it is written I slay and I make alive.87
And as it is written I will lift and I will sustain.88
HE (avh) has made us, but NOT we are.89
And HE (avh) is of the Unity, and WHO (ym, Mi) can
turn Him.90
He calls,
Who is concealed, and found as NOT.
He who is of NOT is removed from the eyes.
He who is of NOT is called by the Name.
Alef a and NOT entirely,
V'V V'V entirely,
Alef a and NOT entirely,
Heh'Vav'Alef a'v'h goes into the Alef a.

Alef a goes to YV'D d'vy.
YV'D d'vy goes into YV'D d'vy.
The most Hidden of Hidden is of NOT,
The V'D d'v is attached in hy.
Woe when NOT is attached to Yod y , out of V'D d'v.
When the Yod y departs from the Vav'Dalet d'v,
Because of the sins of the world,
The nakedness of them all is found, of this it is written:
The nakedness of your Father is NOT; She will be
uncovered.9 1
And when YV'D d'vy departs from H'A a'h, O'D d'i, it is
written:
The nakedness of your Mother is NOT; She will be
uncovered,
Your Mother is THAT-NOT; Her nakedness will be
uncovered.92
She is your Mother, surely,
For Understanding (hnyb, Binah) you shall call
Mother 93
...
Steven Ashe
Chapter Three
Nine precious formations were given over to the beard.
Whatever is hidden, and is manifested as NOT,
Is found to be supernal and precious,
Thus the writings have concealed IT.
1) Hairs upon hairs, from next to the opening of the ears
unto the beginning of the mouth.
2) IT is to be found from that beginning unto the other
beginning.
3) Beneath the two openings a path so full that IT is seen as
NOT.
4) The cheeks are covered from this side and from that side.
5) Among them are visible apples red like a rose.
6 ) In one tress hang the strong black ones, even unto the
breast.
7) The lips, red as a rose, are bare.
8) Short ones descend over the throat, and cover the neck.
9 ) Long and short ones descend even-balanced.
He that is found in these is found to be strong and mighty.
It is written: Out o f distress I called on hy.94
David said nine up to all nations compass me about95
in order to surround and protect himself.
And you, the grass, herb yielding seed after its kind, and
tree bearingfruit, that its seed is in it, after its kind, were
broughtforth from the Earth.96
These nine are evolved from the Perfect Name,
And afterwards were planted into the Perfect Name,

as it is written: and the Lord hvhy planted 97
The formations of the beard are found to be thirteen,
That is the upper one.
In the lower one they are beheld in nine.
The twenty-two letters are formed in their colors.
Therefore he who sees in his dream that he holds
the beard of a supernal person in his hand-He is at peace with his Master.
His enemies will be subjected to him,
Especially with regard to the superior beard that radiates into
the lower one.
For the superior one is called abundant kindness,98
Whereas in the Small One, IT is simply kindness,99
Though when light is required,
IT will radiate,
And IT is called abundant kindness.
And Elohim said the waters will swarm with movement of

living-being. 1 00
Meaning to say hy, 101
The light of the one extended into the other,
All came forth at one time,
The good waters, the evil waters.
For He said: The waters will swarm
They were contained, one in the other.
The upper living-being, the lower living-being.
The good living-being. The evil living-being.
Steven Ashe
.."
And Elohim said, "We will make ADAM. 102

This Adam-NOT is written on NOT-Adam in order to take
away Adam of Above who was made by the Perfect Name.
When THIS is perfected, THAT is perfected.
Male and female were perfected in order to perfect
everything.
The Lord hvhy is the side of the male.
Elohim (,yhla) is the side of the female.
Therefore was the male extended, and formed with His
members,
As it were, regenerative power.
The Kings that were nullified are here sustained,
The judgments of the male are severe in the beginning, mild
in the end.
Those of the female are vice versa.
VY'H h'yv
The channels of connection are shrouded beneath His
covering.
Yod y small
In this very form He is found.
But if judgments are to be mitigated,
Necessarily the Ancient One is required.
The serpent came upon the female
And a nest of impurity was formed within her,
Establishing a dwelling for evil.
Thus it is written:
And she conceived, and she gave birth to Qain,1 03
The nest of the dwelling of the evil spirits, storms and

demons,
And blows to Qain within hy.
He formed in that Adam (,da),
By twos,
By the general principle and the particular,
Which are contained in the particular and the general,
Legs and arms,
Right and left.
It divides at its sides.
Male and female were established - vhy.
Yod y male, Heh h female.
Vav v as it is written
Male andfemale created H e them, and blessed them, 104
and called their name Adam
The form and person of Adam was seated upon the
throne, 105 as it is written:
And upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as
the appearance of Adam upon it from above.106
Steven Ashe
Chapter Four
The Ancient One 107 is hidden and concealed.
The Small Face is manifested and NOT manifested,
The manifested is written in the letters.
The NOT on its level is hidden in the letters,
And HE, the NOT, is settled in hy,
The upper ones and the lower ones.
And Elohim said the Earth will bringforth living-being
according to its kind, cattle and every
creeping thing. 108
This is that which is written
Adam and cattle You help, Lord hvhy.109
ONE (dxa, Echad) is found in the principle of the other.
Cattle in the principle of Adam.
Adam who brings an offering to the Lord hvhy from the
cattle.110
Because animals are included in the general principle of
Adam.
When Adam of Below descended in the supernal form,
There were found two spirits,
From two sides, for Adam includes both right and left,
Of the right, the Neshamah (hmsn),l 11
Of the left, the Nefesh Chayah (hyx spn). 1 12
When Adam sinned, the left side did expand.
And those that are the form of NOT were expanded,
When these became attached, the one in the other,
They give birth like unto that living-being that

gives birth unto many at one time.
Twenty-two letters that are concealed,
Twenty-two letters that are manifest. 113
A concealed Yod y, a manifest Yod y.
The concealed and the manifest are balanced in weight,
Over the weighing of the Yod y came forth male and female
V'D d'v.
In this place Vav v male ,Dalet d is female.
Therefore this D'V v'd is two,ll4
D'V v'd male and female.
D'V v'd two pillars, two.
Yod y is by itself, male.
Heh h female.
Heh h at first was Dalet d, but after it was impregnated in
Yod y,
It brought forth the Vav v.
(Thus, as in the Heh h there is D'V v'd, and in the Yod y is
H'H h'h, hence vhy.)
Thus the YV'D d'vy is seen in its general appearance of
vhy .
Once the YV'D d'vy has emitted that which is male and
female,
She is then settled,
And He covers the Mother.
And the sons of Elohim saw the daughters of Adam. 115
This is that which is written
Two men, spies, secretly saying. 116
301
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What is "daughters of Adam"?

As it is written
Then came two women, harlots, unto the king. 1 17
On their account it is written
For they saw the wisdom of Elohim is in him.
Then came,
And NOT in the beginning.
In the wreath of the union of the fountains,
There were two embracers from above in V'V v'v,
These descended from above, and occupied the earth.
They lost the good part, which was in H'V v'h,
The wreath of compassion,
And were wreathed with a cluster of grapes. 118
And the Lord hvhy said to Mosheh: Why do you cry to
Me?119
Explicitly stating to Me.
Speak unto the children of Israel, that they move
forward. 120
Explicitly stating that they moveforward.
It depended on Fate. 121
For He wished to honor the beard.
And what is right in His eyes you will do,
And you will hearken unto His commandments,
And you will keep all His statutes,122
U p to here,
For I am the Lord hvhy, your Healer. 123
Exclusively for this.
302
Chapter Five
WOE
People of Sin,
Congregation heavy with iniquity,
Seed of evildoers,
Children 124
Seven grades:
v'v y'h h'v h'v h'h d'vy emits D d
h'h y'vh h'h emits v'd v'v 125
The Son (rb, Bar) conceals Adam who is male and female,
Which are v'd.
And it is written:
Children that deal corruptly.
IT Created Six (tysarb, B 'reshith),IT Created (arb,
Bara).126
IT Created Six is the Word.
IT Created is half a Word.
Father and Son.
The Hidden and the Manifest.
The Eden of Above is hidden and concealed.
The lower Eden comes forth in its strides and is revealed
,yhla hy hvhy.
AT (ta)
Adonai Ehyeh (hyha ynda) 127
Right and Left
...
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Into ONE united.

The Heavens and
As it is written: And the Beauty and the Victory ...128
Into One united.
The Earth (Irah)
As it is written
How mighty is your Name in all the Earth,l29
The whole Earth is full of your Glory.130
IT was a firmament in the midst of the waters. 13 1
In order to distinguish between the Holy and the Holy of
Holies.
The Ancient One unto the Small One expands and adheres,
If NOT adheres
The mouth speaks great things.132
IT engages itself
And wreathes itself with the small crowns,
With the five kinds of water, 133
And thus it is written
And He shall put from above Living Water.134
He is the Living Elohim (,yyx ,yhla, Elohim Chayim) and
the King forever. 135
I shall go before the Face of the Lord hvhy in the lands of

life. 136
And shall be the body of Adonai (ynda) bound up...
And the Tree of Life in the midst of the Garden.137
y'yha a'h d'vy h'y
Between the waters and the waters.138
Waters perfect and waters of NOT, perfect;

Compassion perfect and compassion of NOT, perfect. 139
And said the Lord hvhy: My Spirit will contend NOT with
Adam of Forever,
seeing that HE (avh) isflesh. 140
And said the Lord hvhy
When vested in the Small One,
From here He spoke in the Name of the Speaker,
For the Ancient Concealed One had said
My Spirit will contend NOT with Adam of Above.

For by that Spirit that blows from the two holes of the
hollow pillars,
He causes a flow unto the lower ones,
And that is why it is written
And his days shall be a hundred and twenty years.
d'vy is perfect and NOT is perfect.
Yod y on its own is one hundred.
And if two letters are put, twice reckoned
And his days shall be a hundred and twenty years.
Yod y, on its own, when manifest in the Small One, extends
into 10,000 years.
Thus it is written
And You have placed upon me Your Hand. 141
The giants were in the earth. 142
And from there IT was parted and became four heads. 143
From the place whence the garden was parted, it is called
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The giants,
As it is written: And from there IT was parted.
They were in the earth in those days.
But NOT afterwards.
When Yehoshua came.
And the Sons of Elohim were hidden,l44
When Solomon came,
And the daughters of Adam were contained.145
Thus it is written: And the delights of
Reading tvlnit (not reading Tonlym, ,ylnit).
The sons of Adam
That were cast out,
From these were other spirits of NOT,
Contained in the supernal wisdom,
Thus it is written: And the Lord hvhy gave wisdom to
Solomon. 146
And it is written: And He was wise unto all of Adam...I47
From IT-was-named, that he was benefited,
NOT is contained in Adam.
And the Lord hvhy gave wisdom
The Heh h above.
And he was wise
From that he became wise below.
They are the mighty ones that are of Eternity ...148
The Eternity of Above.
The men ofthe Name ...
They who conduct themselves in the Name.
506
What is the Name?

The Holy Name,
They who conduct themselves in hy,
THAT NOT is the Holy Ones below,
And NOT-conduct themselves only in the Name.
The men of the Name ... of perfection,
And NOT are the men of the Lord hvhy,
Their NOT is concealed and is being concealed.
But IT is a diminutive while NOT being a diminutive.
The men of the Name ... of perfection,
Come out from the principle of Adam.
As it is written:
Adam being in splendor, in NOT abides. 149
Adam being in splendor, in the splendor of the King.
In NOT abides, in the NOT-Spirit.
There are thirteen kings of war in seven. 150
Seven kings in earth appear as victors in war. 15 1
There are nine that ascend on the levels, 152
Who run according to their wish,
And there is none to prevent them.
Five kings exist in terror. 153
In the presence of four - NOT, they can stand. 154
Four kings come out before four, 155
They hang on them like grapes in a cluster,
Bound up in them are seven runners that give testimony,
And NOT do they remain in their places.
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The Tree that mitigates is placed within. 156

Birds attach themselves and nest on its branches. 157
Below it shelters that Chayah (hyx, Living Being) that rules
over this Tree,
Which has two paths to walk,
Seven pillars surround it, 158
With the four Chayot (tvyx, Living Beings) that are moved
in the four directions,
The serpent turns swiftly with three hundred and seventy
leaps,
Leaps over the mountains,
Skips over the hills,
As it is written:
Leaping over the mountains, skipping over the hills. 159
Its tail is in its mouth, in its teeth.
He is pierced through on two sides,
When it moves, the body is transformed into three
directions. 160
It is written:
And Chanokh walked with Elohim. 161
And it is written:
Give instruction to the Youth (rin, Nar),162 the Face AL
(li ynp), 163 His way.
To the Youth, that is well known.
With Elohim and NOT with the Lord hvhy.
And He was NOT.
In the name This (hz, Zeh). 164

For Elohim had taken him. 165
308
To be called by His Name.

There are three houses of judgments that are four,
Four houses of judgments that are above, four below,
Thus it is written:
You shall do NOT-evil in judgment, in meteyard, in weight,

and in measure. 166
There is a judgment that is severe, and a judgment that is
NOT-severe.
A judgment that is balanced, and a judgment that is NOTbalanced.
A judgment that is soft.
(A judgment) toward Over-the-Face (ynp li ), 167
NOT-THIS and NOT-THAT. 168
And IT was that the Adam of the great began in the ALFace (ynp li)
of the ground. 169
The Adam of the great ...
For also...
Adam of Above.
And it is written:
AL-Face of the ground.
And Mosheh knew THAT-NOT, the skin of hisface
shone. 170
This is that which is written: Garments of skin ...171
Horn ...
As it is written:
And Samuel took the horn of oil.172
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For there is no anointing except with the horn.

And in Your Name our horn is exalted.173
The Name have I revealed upon the skin of David. 174
That is the tenth of the King.
And IT comes from that Jubilee which is the Mother,
As it is written:
For IT shall be when the horn of the Jubilee is
sounded.175
The horn is wreathed with the Jubilee, the tenth in the
Mother. 1 76
The horn, IT takes the horn and the Spirit to restore the
Spirit177 in hy.
And this horn is of the Jubilee, Heh h.
And the Jubilee is Heh h.
And the Heh h is the blower of the Spirit unto all.
And all return to their place,
Thus it is written:
AHH hvhy Elohim (,yhla hvhy hha). 178
When Heh h appears unto Heh h, 1 79
,yhla hvhy ,
The perfect Name from NOT
And it is written
The Lord hvhy alone shall be exalted in the Day of
THAT. 180
Up to here is the hidden and adorned Concealment of the
King,
This is the Book of THAT Which is Concealed,
The Complete Golden Dawn initiate
Happy is he that (enters and) comes out, and knows ITS

paths and ways.
APPENDIX I
181
Sifra Detzniyutha
In Chapter Three, after the verse: 182

And Elohim said the waters will swarm with movement of
living being. 183
There is an extensive addition from the sixteenth century

CE, 5300's Jewish Era:
(Another interpretation)
the waters will swarm with movement translated with
movement
Meaning to say when his lips move with words of prayer, in

merit and clarity of mind,
For when man wishes to order his prayer to his Master,
And his lips move in such a way from below upwards-To raise the honor of his Master to the place of irrigation of
the deep well that flows and comes out.
Then it will flow to draw forth from above downwards,
From that irrigation of the river-bed to every level and level,
(down) to the last level,
In order to elicit a freewill offering from above downwards.
Afterwards he needs to bind a knot in all,
The bond of the intention of the faith,
31 1
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And all his requests shall come about-Whether they are communal requests or individual requests.
The prayer that man should request of his Master is arranged
in nine ways:
1. There is according to the alphabet; and
2. There is by way of mentioning the attributes of the Holy
One, blessed be He e.g. compassionate, gracious, etc.
3. There is according to the precious Names of the Holy
One, blessed be He, like:
Ehyeh (I will be), hy, vhy, hvhy, El, Elohim, Tzuhva '0th
(Host), Shadhai (Almighty),
Adonai (My Master).
4. There is according to the ten Sefiroth, like:
Malkuth, Yesod, Hod, Netzach, Tifareth, Gevurah, Gedulah,
Binah, Hochmah, Keter.
5. There is by mentioning the righteous ones, like the
Patriarchs, and the Prophets, and the Kings.
6 . There is the form of songs and praises (for which there is
a true tradition), and higher than these,
7. There is he who knows to prepare adornments unto his
Master, in a becoming fashion.
8. There is (the prayer) with the knowledge how to ascend
from below upwards.
9. There is the he who knows to elicit the abundance from
above downwards.
And for all these nine ways is required great intention.
For without that, about such there is a verse, as it is written:
And they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed. 184
And in the intention of Amen (is) that it compounds two

Names: hvhy and ynda.
The one conceals its goodness and its blessing in a treasure
that is called "Hall."
This is indicated in the verse:
And the Lord IHVH is in His holy Hall, keep silence
before Him.185
Our sages, of blessed memory, alluded to this (when stating
that):
"All the good of a man is in his house."
As it is said:
In all my house he is faithful. 186
And it is translated: In all that is with Me.187
And when (man) has intention in every one of the nine ways
as behooves,
He is the human being that honors the Master, the Holy
Name.
And of him it is written:
For they that honor Me I will honor, and they that
despise me
shall be lightly esteemed. 188
I will honor.
In this world, to fulfill and to bring about all his needs,
And all the nations of the earth will see that the name of
Elohim is called upon him, and will fear him.
And in the world to come he will merit to stand in the
division of the pious, even though he did not study
sufficiently.
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For he merited to mind the knowledge of his Master and had

the proper intention thereto.
What is:
And they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed?
It refers to him that does not know to unify the Holy Name
And to bind the knot of the faith
And to draw forth to that place that is in need,
And to honor the Name of his Master.
The more so with regard to he who has no intention,
Amen.
Thus, whoever moves his lips with purity of heart,
In the waters that purify,
What is written of him?
And Elohim said: Let Us make Adam. 189
Meaning to say (Let Us make) because of man,
(He) who knows to unify the image and the likeness as
behooves,
And they will have dominion over the fish of the sea. 190
APPENDIX I1
There is another addition at the very end of the Sifra
Detzniyutha:
When the one Heh h is turned towards the other Heh h, and
Yod y is taken away, then comes vengeance into the
universe; and except for that Adam who is called [by the
Name] hvhy, the universe would NOT exist; but all things
would be destroyed. Hence it is written: And the Lord
HVHI alone shall be exalted in the Day of THAT.191
1 Torah Shmoth 27: 17.
2 The circle mentioned here is the Ayin (i ,0 ) of Vast Face.

3 The five chapters are the negatively existent roots of the
Tree and the four qabalistic worlds. The Great Hall (lkh,
Hekal) is the circular contraction (,vomo , Tzimtzurn, see Etz
HaChayim, Luria) into which the positively existent
Tree emanates.
4 NOT (al) is a common synonym for Ayn ]ya, Nothing,
Mysterious Unknown at the Roots of All Things.
5 This person is one of the thirty-six Righteous Tzadikim
upon whom the world depends. He sees everything as the
Ayn ya and relishes nothing in the Creation that is made
from the Ayn ]ya.
6 The term 'weight' is an allusion to the single combination
of all the Sefiroth; weights are individual Sefirah.
7 "Face-to-Face" is the condition whereby Small Face (Ze'ir
Anafim) is turned toward Vast Face (Arikh Anafim), so no
Creation is manifest.
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8 The Primordial Kings are the unmanifest Sefiroth in the

Alef Worlds, which are witness states of Vast Face.
9 The term 'crowns' here alludes to the World of Atziluth.
See Sefer Yetzirah, Chapter Three.
10 Head (sar, Rosh) is another name for the supernal Sefirah
Crown/Above.
11 The garments of splendor are the manifest Sefiroth.
12 hy ("yah" or "Yod Heh") constitute the first two letters of
the Name hvhy, indicating the action described is in the
World of Creation (B'riyah). The Yod y corresponds to
World of Emanation, Upper Heh h to the World of Creation,
the Vav v to the World of Formation, and the Lower Heh h
to the World of Making.
13 'Hidden within the Hidden' is Atiqa Ha Atiqim in
Aramaic. Hidden One (Atiqa) is a prominent Name of Vast
Face in the Zohar.
14 The skull of Vast Face.
15 The envelope is the skin.
16 The pure wool (Sutm ,ypvc) are the hairs which hang
from the skull.
17 The will (Ivor Ratzon) corresponds to the forehead.
18 The Open Eye is the Eye of Providence, the Ayin i (Vast
Face).
19 The hollow pillar is an allusion to the nose.
20 Spirit xvr Ruach.
2 1 Torah B 'reshith 1:1.
22 The six are the Directional Sefiroth, the Chayot "who ran
and returned."
23 Torah B'reshith 5:29.
24 Unformed (Tohu) and Empty (Vuhbohu), darkness, and

epitaphs of Vast Face.
AL-Face of the Deep are all
25 AL li is a prominent Name of Vast Face.
27 The sequence of letters which compose the word Echad
(Unity) dxa are numerically equivalent to 1, 8, 5 which add
up to 13, the thirteen words of the quotation.
28 The is an allusion to the time span from the initial
manifestation of the Creation to its dissolution, Reshith
(tysar ,The First) to Acharit ( tyrxa ,The Last). The six
thousand years of the Small Face Universe (spanning
approximately 20 billion light years) depend on the first six
days described in
Torah B 'reshith.
29 The 'seventh above them' is the seventh millennium of
the Small Face Universe, spent in the Great Sabbath by
Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
30 These twelve hours are the hours spent by the letters in
Atziluth alone i.e. witness states of Alef Worlds.
3 1 Isaiah 2: 17.
32 This serpent, or Leviathan, is an allusion to the border of
the Tzimtzum (circular contraction), the totality of the
Chayot: N, S, E, W, Up, Down. This serpent is also called
Ananta in Sanskrit, and Astrid in Roman mythology.
33 Psalms 74:14.
34 "Thaninim" is indicated to be singular, with the letter
indicating the plural form missing.
35 Ezekiel 1:22. These Chayot are the Directional Sefiroth
traveling at the velocity of light in a four dimensional spacetime continuum.
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36 Torah B'reshith 1: 3.
37 avh (He) is pronounced 'hoo.'
38 Psalms 33:9, yhyv "And IT was."
39 The letters yhyv are transposed into yVvhy.
40 In the Name hvhy, the lower Heh h is the Shekhinah, the
Divine Presence in the Worlds of Matter. In yvhy, the
latter Yod y is the Shekhinah.
41 Ezekiel 1:14.
43 Isaiah 3: 10.
44 Proverbs 7:4, "Say unto Wisdom (Sefirah
Wisdorn/East), you are my sister, and call Understanding
(Sefirah UnderstandinghJorth) friend.
45 Daniel 7:8,20. The tongue is the Sefirah Knowledge (of
the Ayn)/The First.
See Zohar 11:123a.
46 Isaiah 445.
47 These are the first three letters of the Name hvhy,
extending only through the World of Yetzirah. In the Sefer
Yetzirah, the six directions are sealed with permutations of
the three letters.
48 Torah B 'reshith 1:14.
49 Proverbs 10:25.
50 The hairs of the beard are the Atziluthic letters
convoluting into Divine Names.
5 1 Man sya, Ish, pronounced "eesh" as in leash.
52 Adam Kadmon, Celestial Man, Vast Face. In the eleventh
chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, this is described as the
Universal Form (Vishvarupa) of Vast Face as Mahavishnu.
53 Jeremiah 2:6.
54 Son, rb, "Bar;" HE i.e. Small Face.
55 These four are inside the skull as the hidden brain,
composed of the three roots of the Tree and Sefirah
CrownlAbove.
56 These are the nine Sefiroth, which emanate from Sefirah
CrownIAbove in Atziluth.
57 This path is the Gate of the Alef connecting Sefirah
Knowledge (of the Ayn)/The First to Sefirah BeautyIThe
Last.
58 Sefirah BeautyIThe Last.
59 Proverbs 19:11.
60 The offerings of spices are the jaws.
61 The two apples are the cheeks.
62 Fate (Mazal lzm ,also alzm); the Sanskrit equivalent is
Karma, which denotes the law of cause and effect.
63 These short hairs are Names of Vast Face.
64 Isaiah 55:6.
66 Torah Vayiqra 23:32.
67 Torah Doverim 3:24.
68 VYYTZR, royyv, Vayitzer "and He formed," see Zohar
III:14lb.
70 Jeremiah 1:6.
7 1 The letters hanging as the hairs of the beard are the
convoluting Names of the two Faces.
72 The wreath is the Ayin (i 0)of Vast Face.
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73 The left referred to in this line is the Column of the Left
on the Tree of Life or Body.

74 Shir HaShirim 7.
75 The Son is Small Face.
76 They are the eyes of the Small Face i.e. judgments.
77 Torah Vaidaber 24: 11.
78 Obadiah 1:4.
80 Small Face.
8 1 These are the seven formations of the Head of Ze 'ir
Anafim.
82 The one slender path is the Central Column of the Tree.
83 Isaiah 33:20.
84 Isaiah 1:2 1.
85 'Habitation,' ;nyi, OYNK, singular tense.
86 Isaiah 42%
87 Torah HaDoverim 32.
88 Isaiah 46:4.
89 Psalms 100:3.
90 Job 23:13.
91 Torah Vayiqrah 18:7.
93 Proverbs 7:4.
94 Psalms 1185.
95 Psalms 118: 10
320
98 Torah Shmoth 34:6.

101 "Living Being," hyx (Chaiyah) is interposes the two
words yx (Life) and hy (YH).
103 Torah B'reshith 4: 1, meaning ]yq Qain = Nest aynq.
105 This is a reference to Adam of Above, the Celestial
Man, the Universal Form of the Ancient of Days. See the
Book of Ezekiel and the Books of Enoch for corroborative
material on the Throne.
106 Book of Ezekiel 1:26.
107 Atiqa (aqyui), Ancient One, Hidden One (Vast Face).
109 Psalms 36:7.
111 A synonym in Aramaic for the Neshamah is Nishmatha
Kadisha, Holy Soul.
112 Body of Living Being, animal body. See Torah
B'reshith 2:7.
113 Sefer Yetzirah 2: "Twenty-two letters are the
foundation."
114 The Aramaic word 'vd' means "two."
116 Joshua 2:l.
117 I Kings 3:16.
118 See Torah Doverim 32:32, cf. Zohar I: 192a, 2:267b.
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119 Torah Shmoth 14:15. yla, 'to Me. '

121 The Fate of Atiqa aqyui, Hidden One, Vast Face.
124 Isaiah 1:4.
125 One interpretation:
Y'V'D H'H V'H h'v h'h d'vy
The Yod y (of Y'V'D d'vy);

the V'V v'v (of Y'V'D d'vy) emits Dalet d (which through
its impregnation becomes)
H'H h'h (thus giving us the combination)
HV'Y y'hv (YHV vhy in reverse)
H'H h'h emits V'V v'v
Dalet d with Vav v inserted in its open space assumes the
form of Heh h.
127 My Lord (ynda, Adonai), I am /will be (hyha, Ahyeh).
128 I Chronicles 29: 11, Sefiroth Beauty/The Last and
Victory/South.
129 Psalms 8:2.
130 Isaiah 6:3.
13 1 Torah B 'reshilh 1:6.
132 Daniel 7:8 Atiqa (aqyui Vast Face) is speaking.
133 Water is mentioned five times in Torah B'reshith 1:6-7.
134 Torah Vaidaber 19:17.
135 Jeremiah 10:lO.
136 Psalms 116:9.

139 I Samuel 25:29.
141 Psalms 1395.
143 Torah B'reshith 2:lO.
144 Joshua 2:4.
145 Ecclesiastes 2%
146 I Kings 5:26.
147 I Kings 5:ll.
148 Torah B'reshith 6:4. See Zohar 111: 134b and 144a.
149 Psalms 49: 13.
150 In Atiqa (aqyoi, Hidden One, Vast Face)--the thirteen
formations of the beard in the seven formations of the
Skull.
151 Seven formations of the Skull of Small Face.
152 Nine formations of the beard of Small Face.
153 Five formations of the nose of Small Face.
154 Four hidden formations of the beard of Atiqa.
155 Four of Small Face from four of Vast Face.
156 Tree of Life, see Torah B'reshith 3:22; ladder of Jacob;
Kav (bk), Line of Light (Luria).
157 The birds are the Sefiroth, see 3rd Mundaka 1:1,
Atharva Veda:
"Two birds, united always and known by the same Name,
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Closely clinging to the same tree,

One of them eats the sweet fruit,
The other looks without eating.
Seated on the same tree, the Jiva moans,
Bewildered by his impotence,
But when he beholds the other,
The Lord worshipped by all and His glory,
He then becomesfree from grieJ
158 Seven lower Sefiroth, see Zohar I: 3 1a and 186a, also
Zohar Hadash 3a.
159 Song of Songs 2%
160 Three columns. The Tantras speak of three gunas
(qualities)--Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas.
162 Proverbs 22:6. The Youth is Metatron. See Books of
Enoch; Job32:6; Zohar I: 223b, 37b.
163 OL (li), lit. upon, Name of Vast Face.
164 Zeh, (hz), lit. this.
167 See Torah B'reshith 32:32.
168 We find this phrase in Sanskrit, "Neti, Neti," referring to
the process of discrimination between the Real and the
Unreal used in Vast Face Yoga, called Jnana Yoga in
Sanskrit.
169 Torah B'reshith 6: 1.
171 Torah B'reshith 3:2 1.
"
324
172 I Samuel 16:13, Qoren (Jrq), means both 'horn' and 'to
shine.'
173 Psalms 89: 18.
174 Psalms 132:17 "...I have ordained light for My
anointed."
175 Joshua 6 5 , "The fiftieth year, the Jubilee Year, is
introduced by the Shofar, ram's horn, and is therefore called
"Yobet' (lby).
176 Tenth Sefirah Kingdom.
177 Ruach (xvr), Spirit.
178 Jeremiah 1:6.
179 When this happens, "NOT (al) exists as seeing Face-toFace."
180 Isaiah 2: 11.
181 See Zohar 111: 285a-286a.
182 See Zohar 11: 132a and 205b.
184 I Samuel 2:30.
185 Habakuk 2:20.
186 Torah Vaidaber 12:7.
187 Psalms 24:7, Zohar I: 218a.
188 I Samuel 2:30.
191 Isaiah 2:ll.
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Sepher
Ha-Bahir
"The Book
of Illumination"
Attributed to Rabbi Nehunya Ben Ha-Kana
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The Sepher Ha-Bahir, l9;1.?;r Book of the Brightness or

Book of IZZumination was first published in the 12th century
and is an anonymous mystical work, attributed to a first
century rabbinic sage Nehunya Ben Ha-Kanah because it
begins with the words, "R. Nehunya Ben Ha-Kanah said". It
is also known as The Midrash of Rabbi Nehunya Ben HaKanah 1.7Npnq ? . 33 r t ' ? 32.33.
~~
In this work we can elicit a composite masterpiece of

philosophical commentary. It is from the date of the
appearance of this work that the Western Hermetic Qabalah
began to take shape in the form recognisable to students of
the Golden Dawn tradition working today.
Sepher Ha-Bahir
The First Verses of Creation
1. Rabbi Nehunya ben HaKana said:
One verse (Job 37:21) states, "And now they do not see
light, it is brilliant (Bahir) in the skies.. .[round about God in
terrible majesty] ."
Another verse, however, (Psalm 18:12), states, "He made
darkness His hiding place." It is also written (Psalm 97:2),
"Cloud and gloom surround Him." This is an apparent
contradiction.
A third verse comes and reconciles the two. It is written
(Psalm 139:12), "Even darkness is not dark to You. Night
shines like day -- light and darkness are the same"
2. Rabbi Berachiah said:
It is written (Genesis 1:2), "The earth was Chaos (Tohu) and

Desolation (Bohu).
What is the meaning of the word "was" in this verse? This
indicates that the Chaos existed previously [and already
was].
What is Chaos (Tohu)? Something that confounds (Taha)
people.
Steven Ashe
What is Desolation (Bohu)? It is something that has

substance. This is the reason that it is called Bohu, that is, Bo
Hu -- "it is in it."
3. Why does the Torah begin with the letter Bet? In order
that it begin with a blessing (Berachah).
How do we know that the Torah is called a blessing?

Because it is written (Deuteronomy 33:23), "The filling is
God's blessing possessing the Sea and the South."
The Sea is nothing other than the Torah, as it is written (Job
11:9), "It is wider than the sea."
What is the meaning of the verse, "The filling is God's
blessing?" This means that wherever we find the letter Bet it
indicates a blessing.
It is thus written (Genesis l : I ) , "In the beginning (BeReshit)
[God created the heaven and the earth." BeReshit is Bet
Reshit.]
The word "beginning" (Reshit) is nothing other than
Wisdom. It is thus written (Psalm 111:lo), "The beginning
is wisdom, the fear of God."
Wisdom is a blessing. It is thus written, "And God blessed
Solomon." It is fbrthermore written (I Kings 5:26), "And
God gave Wisdom to Solomon."
This resembles a king who marries his daughter to his son.

He gives her to him at the wedding and says to him, "Do
with her as you desire."
4. How do we know that the word Berachah [usually

translated as blessing] comes from the word Baruch
[meaning blessed]? Perhaps it comes from the word Berech
[meaning knee].
It is written (Isaiah 44:23), "For to Me shall every knee
bend." [Berachah can therefore mean] the Place to which
every knee bends.
What example does this resemble? People want to see the
king, but do not know where to find his house (Bayit). First
they ask "Where is the king's house?" Only then can they
ask "Where is the king?"
It is thus written, "For to Me shall every knee bend" -- even
the highest -- "every tongue shall swear."
5. Rabbi Rahumai sat and expounded: What is the meaning
of the verse (Deuteronomy 33:23), "The filling is God's
blessing, possessing the Sea and the South"?
This means that wherever we find the letter Bet it is blessed.

This is the Filling referred to in the verse, "The filling is
God's blessing."
Steven Ashe
From there it nourishes those who need it. It was from this
Filling that God sought advice.
What example does this resemble? A king wanted to build
his palace among great cliffs. He mined into the bedrock and
uncovered a great spring of living water. The king then said,
"Since I have flowing water, I will plant a garden. Then I
will delight in it, and so will all the world."
It is therefore written (Proverbs 8:30), "I was with Him as a
craftsman, I was His delight for a day, a day, frolicking
before him at every time."
The Torah is saying, "For two thousand years I was in the
bosom of the Blessed Holy One as His delight."
The verse therefore says, "a day, a day." Each day of the
Blessed Holy One is a thousand years, as it is written (Psalm
90:4), "A thousand years in Your eyes is as but yesterday
when it is passed."
From then on, it is at times, as the verse states, "[frolicking
before Him] at every time."
The rest is for the world. It is thus written (Isaiah 48:9), "I
will [breathe out] My praise through My nose for you."
What is the meaning of "My praise"? As it is written (Psalm

145:2), "A praise of David, I will raise You high [my God,
0 King, and I will bless Your name for the world and
forever]. "
Why is this a praise? Because I will "raise You high."
And what is this elevation? Because "I will bless Your name
for the world and forever."
8. What is a blessing?
It can be explained with an example. A king planted trees in

his garden. It may rain and water them, and the ground may
be wet and provide them with moisture, but still, he must
water them from the spring.
It is thus written (Psalm 11l:lO), "The beginning is
Wisdom, the fear of God, good intelligence to all who do
them [His praise endures forever]. "
You may think that it lacks something. It is therefore
written, "His praise endures forever."
7. Rabbi Amorai sat and expounded:
What is the meaning of the verse (Deuteronomy 33:23),
"The filling is God's blessing, possessing the Sea and the
South?"
Steven Ashe
Moses was saying, "If you follow my decrees, you will

inherit both this world and the next."
The World to Come is likened to the sea, as it is written (Job
11:9), "It is wider than the sea."
The present world is referred to as the South. It is thus
written (Joshua 15:19), [Give me a blessing] for you have
set me in the land of the south, [therefore give me springs of
water]."
The Targum translates this, "behold the earth is the south."
8. Why did God add the letter Heh to Abraham's name,
rather than any other letter?
This was so that all parts of man's body should be worthy of

life in the World to Come, which is likened to the sea.
To the extent that we can express it, the Structure was
completed in Abraham. [Regarding this Structure] it is
written (Genesis 9:6), "For in the form of God, He made the
man."
The numerical value of Abraham is 248, the number of parts
in man's body.
9. What is the meaning of (Deuteronomy 33:23), "[The
filling is God's blessing, the Sea and the South] he shall
inherit it (YiRaShaH)?" It would have been sufficient if the

verse said, "inherit (RaSh) [the Sea and the South]."
But this comes to teach us that God must also be included.
The word YiRaShaH thus contains the letters RaSh YH
[meaning, "inherit God"].
What does this resemble? A king had two treasuries, and he
hid one away. After many days he said to his son, "Take
what is in these two treasuries." The son replied, "Perhaps
you are not giving me all that you have hidden away." The
king said, "Take everything."
It is thus written, "the Sea and the South, he shall inherit it."
Inherit God (YH RaSh) everything will be given to you if
you only keep My ways.
10. Rabbi Bun said:
What is the meaning of the verse (Proverbs 8:23), "I was set
up fiom eternity (Me-Olam), from a head, before the earth?"
then God. Only after that is it written "the heaven and the
earth. "What is the meaning of "from eternity (Me-Olam)?"
This means that it must be concealed (He-elam) from the
world.
It is thus written (Ecclesiastes 3:l l), "He has also placed the
world (Ha-Olam) in their hearts [that they should not find
out the work that God has done fiom the beginning to the
end]." Do not read Ha-Olam (the world), but He-elam
(concealment).
Steven Ashe
The Torah said, "I was first, so that I might be the head of
the world." It is thus written, "I was set up from eternity,
from a head."
You may think that the earth was before it. It is therefore
written, "before the earth."
It is thus written (Genesis I : I ) , "In the beginning created
God the heaven and the earth."
What is the meaning of "created"? He created everything
that was needed for all things.
11. What is the meaning of the verse (Ecclesiastes 7:14),
"Also one opposite the other was made by God."
He created Desolation (Bohu) and placed it in Peace, and He

created Chaos (Tohu) and placed it in Evil.
Desolation is in Peace, as it is written (Job 25:2), "He makes
peace in His high places."
This teaches us that Michael, the prince to God's right, is
water and hail, while Gabriel, the prince to God's left, is fire.
The two are reconciled by the Prince of Peace. This is the
meaning of the verse, "He makes peace in His high places."
12. How do we know that Chaos is in Evil? It is written
(Isaiah 45: 7), "He makes peace and creates evil."
How does this come out? Evil is from Chaos, while Peace is
from Desolation.
He thus created Chaos and placed it in Evil, [as it is written
"He makes peace and creates evil." He created Desolation
and placed it in Peace, as it is written, "He makes peace in
His high places."]
13. Rabbi Bun also sat and expounded:
What is the meaning of the verse (Isaiah 45:7), "He forms

light and creates darkness?"
Light has substance. Therefore, the term "formation" is used
with regard to it. Darkness has no substance, and therefore,
with regard to it, the term "creation" is used. It is similarly
written (Amos 4:12), He forms mountains and creates the
wind."
Another explanation is this:
Light was actually brought into existence, as it is written
(Genesis 1:3), "And God said, let there be light." Something
cannot be brought into existence unless it is made. The term
"formation" is therefore used.
In the case of darkness, however, there was no making, only
separation and setting aside. It is for this reason that the term
"created" (Bara) is used. It has the same sense as in the
expression, "That person became well (hi-Bria)."
Steven Ashe
14. Why is the letter Bet closed on all sides and open in the
front? This teaches us that it is the House (Bayit) of the
world. God is the place of the world, and the world is not
His place.
Do not read Bet, but Bayit (house).

It is thus written (Proverbs 24:3), "With wisdom the house
is built, with understanding it is established, [and with
knowledge are its chambers filled]. "
15. What does the Bet resemble? It is like a man, formed by
God with wisdom. He is closed on all sides, but open in
front. The Aleph, however, is open fiom behind.
This teaches us that the tail of the Bet is open fiom behind. If
not for this, man could not exist. Likewise, if not for the Bet
on the tail of the Aleph, the world could not exist.
16. Rabbi Rahumai said:
Illumination preceded the world, since it is written (Psalm

97:2), "Cloud and gloom surround Him." It is thus written
(Genesis 1:3), "And God said, 'let there be light,' and there
was light."
They said to Him, "Before the creation of Israel your son,
will you then make him a crown?"
He replied yes.
What does this resemble? A king yearned for a son. One day
he found a beautiful, precious crown, and he said, "This is
fitting for my son's head."
They said to him, "Are you then certain that your son will be
worthy of this crown?"
He replied, "Be still. This is what arises in thought."
It is thus written (2 Samuel 14:14), He thinks thoughts [that
none should be cast away].
Section I1
The Aleph-Beth
Why is the letter Aleph at the beginning? Because it was

before everything, even the Torah.
18. Why does Bet follow it? Because it was first.
Why does it have a tail? To point to the place from which it
came.
Some say, from there the world is sustained.
19. Why is Gimel third?
Steven Ashe
It has three parts, teaching us that it bestows (gomel)

kindness.
But did Rabbi Akiba not say that Gimel has three parts
because it bestows, grows, and sustains. It is thus written
(Genesis 2 1:8), "The lad grew and was bestowed."
He said: He says the same as I do. He grew and bestowed
kindness to his neighbours and to those entrusted to him.
20. And why is there a tail at the bottom of the Gimel?
He said: The Gimel has a head on top, and is like a pipe. Just
like a pipe, the Gimel draws from above through its head,
and disperses through its tail. This is the Gimel.
2 1. Rabbi Yochanan said:
The angels were created on the second day. It is therefore
written (Psalm 104:3), "He rafters His upper chambers with
water [He makes the clouds His chariot, He walks on the
wings of the wind]." It is then written (Psalm 104:4), "He
makes the winds His angels, His ministers from flaming
fire."
[Rabbi Haninah said: The angels were created on the fifth
day, as it is written (Genesis 1:20), "And flying things shall
fly upon the firmament of heaven." Regarding the angels it
is written (Isaiah 6:2), "With two wings did they fly."]
Rabbi Levatas ben Tavrus said: All agree, even Rabbi
Yochanan, that the water already existed [on the first day].
But it was on the second day that "He rafiered His upper
chambers with water." [At that time He also created] the one
who "makes the clouds his chariot," and the one who "walks
on the wings of the wind." But His messengers were not
created until the fifth day.
22. All agree that none were created on the first day. It
should therefore not be said that Michael drew out the
heaven at the south, and Gabriel drew it out at the north,
while God arranged things in the middle.
It is thus written (Isaiah 44:24), "I am God, I make all, I
stretch out the heavens alone, the earth is spread out before
Me." [Even though we read the verse "from Me" (May- iti),
it can also be read] Mi iti "Who was with Me?"
I am the One who planted this tree in order that all the world
should delight in it. And in it, I spread All.
I called it All because all depend upon it, all emanate from
it, and all need it. To it they look, for it they wait, and from
it, souls fly in joy.
Alone was I when I made it. Let no angel rise above it and
say, "I was before you." I was also alone when I spread out
My earth, in which I planted and rooted this tree. I made
them rejoice together, and I rejoiced in them.
"Who was with Me?" To whom have I revealed this
mystery?
Steven Ashe
23. Rabbi Rahumai said: From your words we could

conclude that the needs of this world were created before the
heavens. He answered yes. What does this resemble? A king
wanted to plant a tree in his garden. He searched the entire
garden to find a spring flowing with water that would
nourish the tree, but could not find any. He then said, "I will
dig for water, and will bring forth a spring to nourish the
tree." He dug giving forth fruit. It was successfully rooted,
since it was always watered from the well.
24. Rabbi Yanai said: The earth was created first, as it is
written (Genesis 2:4), "(On the day that God made) earth
and heaven."
They said to him: Is it not written (Genesis 1:1), "[In the
beginning God created] the heaven and the earth"?
He replied: What is this like? A king bought a beautihl
object, but since it was not complete, he did not give it a
name. He said, "I will complete it, I will prepare its pedestal
and attachment, and then I will give it a name."
It is thus written (Psalm 102:26), "From eternity You
founded the earth" -- and then, "the heavens are the work of
Your hands."
It is furthermore written (Psalm 104:2), "He covered
Himself with light like a garment, He spread out the heaven
like a curtain, He rafters His upper chambers with water." It
is then written (Psalm 104:4), "He makes the winds His
angels, His ministers of flaming fire."
Finally, it is written (Psalm 104:5), "He founded the earth on

its pedestals, that it not be removed for the world and
forever. "
When He made its pedestal, He strengthened it. It is
therefore written, "that it not be moved."
What is its name? "And Forever (VoEd) is its name. And
[the name of] its pedestal is "World" (Olam). It is therefore
written, "for the World And Forever."
25. Rabbi Berachiah said:

What is the meaning of the verse (Genesis 1:3), And God
said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light"? Why does the
verse not say, "And it was so"?
What is this like? A king had a beautiful object. He puts it
away until he had a place for it, and then he put it there.
It is therefore written, "Let there be light, and there was
light." This indicates that it already existed.
26. Rabbi Amorai said: What is the meaning of the verse

(Exodus 15:3), "God is a man (Ish) of war"?
Mar Rahumai said to him: Great master, do not ask about
something that is so simple. Listen to me and I will advise
you.
Steven Ashe
He said to him: What is this like? A king had a number of

beautiful dwellings, and he gave each one a name. One was
better than the other. He said, "I will give my son this
dwelling whose name is Aleph. This one whose name is Yod
is also good, as is this one whose name is Shin." What did he
do then? He gathered all three together, and out of them he
made a single name and a single house.
He said: How long will you continue to conceal your
meaning?
The other replied: My son, Aleph is the head. Yod is second
to it. Shin includes all the world.
Why does Shin include all the world? Because with it one
writes an answer (T'shuvah).
27. The students asked him: What is the letter Daleth?

He replied: What is this like? Ten kings were in a certain
place. All of them were wealthy, but one was not quite as
wealthy as the others. Even though he is still very wealthy,
he is poor (Dal) in relation to the others.
28. They said to him: What is the letter Heh?
He grew angry and said: Did I not teach you not to ask about
a later thing and then about an earlier thing?
They said: But Heh comes after [Daleth].

He replied: The order should be Gimel Heh. Why is it Gimel
Daleth? Because it must be Daleth Heh.
And why is the order Gimel Daleth?
He said to them: Gimel is in the place of Daleth, on its head
it is in the place of Heh. Daleth with its tail is in place of the
Heh.
29. What is the letter Vav?
He said: There is an upper Heh and a lower Heh.

30. They said to him: But what is Vav?
He said: The world was sealed with six directions.
They said: Is not Vav a single letter?
He replied: It is written (Psalm 104:2), "He wraps Himself in
light as a garment, [he spreads out the heavens like a
curtain]."
3 1. Rabbi Amorai asked: Where is the Garden of Eden?
He re~lied:It is on earth.
Steven Ashe
32. Rabbi Ishmael expounded to Rabbi Akiba:

What is the meaning of the verse (Genesis 1:I), "In the
beginning God created] (et) the heaven and (et) the earth"?
[Why is the word et added in both places?" If the word et
(an untranslated preposition that connects a transitive verb to
its predicate noun) were absent, we would think that
"heaven" and "earth" were gods. [For we could have read the
verse, "In the beginning, God, the heaven and the earth
created ..." taking all three nouns as subjects of the
sentence.]
He replied: By the Divine Service! You may have reached
out for the true meaning, but you have not sorted out, and
therefore you speak in this manner. But [in the case of
"heaven"] the word et comes to include the sun, moon, stars
and constellations, while [in the case of "earth"] it comes to
add trees, plants, and the Garden of Eden.
33. They said to him: It is written (Lamentations 2:1), "He
threw the beauty of Israel from heaven to earth." From here
we see that it fell.
He replied: If you have read, you did not review, and if you
reviewed, you did not go over it a third time. What does it
resemble? A king had a beautifid crown on his head and a
beautiful cloak on his shoulders. When he heard evil tidings,
he cast the crown from his head and the cloak from his
shoulders.
34. They asked him: Why is the letter Cheth open? And why
is its vowel point a small Patach?

He said: Because all directions (Ruach-ot) are closed, except
for the North, which is opened for good and for evil.
They said: How can you say that it is for good? It is not
written (Ezekiel 1:4), "And behold, a stormy wind coming
from the north, a great cloud and burning fire." Fire is
nothing other than fierce anger, as it is written (Leviticus
10:2), "And fire went out from before God, and it consumed
them and killed them."
He said: There is no difficulty. One case is speaking of when
Israel does the will of God, while the other is speaking of
when they do not do His will. When Israel does not do His
will, then the fire comes close [to destroy and punish]. But
when they do God's will, then the Attribute of Mercy
encompasses and surrounds it, as it is written (Micah 7:18),
"He lifts up sin and passes over rebellion."
35. What is this like? A king wanted to punish and whip his
slaves. One of his governors stood up and asked the reason
for,this punishment. When the king described the offence,
the governor said, "Your slaves never did such a thing. I will
be their bondsman until you investigate it more thoroughly."
In the meantime, the king's anger was calmed.
36. His students asked: Why is the letter Daleth thick on the
side?
Steven Ashe
He replied: Because of the Segol which is in the small

Patach.
It is thus written (Psalm 24:7), "The openings (pitchey) of
the World." There He placed a Patach above and a Segol
below. It is for this reason that it is thick.
37. What is the Patach? It is an opening (Petach).

What is meant by an opening? This is the direction of north,
which is open to all the world. It is the gate from which good
and evil emerge.
And what is good?
He mocked them and said: Did I not tell you that it is a small
Patach (opening)?
They said: We have forgotten, teach us again.
He reviewed it and said: What is this like? A king had a
throne. Sometimes he carried it on his arm, and sometimes
on his head.
They asked why, and he replied: Because it is beautiful and
it is a pity to sit on it.
They asked: Where did he place it on his head?
He replied: In the open Mem. It is thus written (Psalm

85:12), "Truth sprouts up from the earth, and the
righteousness looks down from heaven."
What is the meaning of the verse (Psalm 87:2), "God loves
the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob."
"The gates of Zion" are the "openings of the World."
A gate is nothing other than an opening. We thus say, "Open

for us the gates of mercy."
God said: I love the "gates of Zion" when they are open.
Why? Because they are on the side of evil. But when Israel
does good before God and are worthy that good be opened
for them, then God loves them -- "more than all the
dwellings of Jacob."
["The dwellings of Jacob"] are all peace, as it is written
(Genesis 25:27), "Jacob was a simple man, dwelling in tents.
39. This is like two men, one who is inclined to do evil and
does good, and the other who is inclined to do good and
does evil.
Who is more praiseworthy? The one who is inclined to do
evil and does good, for he may do good again.
Steven Ashe
It is therefore written (Psalm 87:2), "God loves the gates of

Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob." These
[dwellings] are all peace, as it is written (Genesis 25:27),
"Jacob was a simple man, dwelling in tents."
40. His students asked: What is Cholem?
He replied: It is the soul -- and its name is Cholem.
If you listen to it, your body will be vigorous (Chalam) in

the Ultimate Future. But if you rebel against it, there will be
sickness (Choleh) on your head, and diseases (Cholim) on its
head.
41. They also said: Every dream (Chalom) is in the Cholem.
Every white precious stone is in the Cholem. It is thus

written [with regard to the High Priest's breastplate] (Exodus
28:19), "[And in the third row.. .] a white stone
(aChLaMah)."
42. He said to them: Come and hear the fine points regarding
the vowel points found in the Torah of Moses.
He sat and expounded: Chirek hates evildoers and punishes
them. Its side includes jealousy, hatred and competition.
It is thus written (Psalm 37:12), "He gnashes (Chorek) his

teeth at them." Do not read chorek (gnashes), but rochek
(repels).
Repel (rachek) these traits from yourself, and repel yourself
from evil. Good will then certainly attach itself to you.
43. Chirek. Do not read ChiRiK but KeRaCh (Ice).
Whatever the Chirek touches becomes ice. It is thus written
(Exodus 34: 7), "and cleanses."
44. What is the indication that Chirek has the connotation of
burning?
This is because it is fire that bums all fire. It is thus written

(1 Kings 18:38), "And God's fire fell, and it consumed the
burnt offering, the wood, the stones, the dust, and
evaporated the water that was in the trench."
Steven Ashe
Section I11
The Seven Voices and the Sephiroth
45. He (Rabbi Amorai) said: What is the meaning of the

verse (Exodus 20: 15), "And all the people saw the voices."
These are the voice regarding which King David spoke.
It is thus written (Psalm 29:3), "The voice of God is upon
the waters, the God of glory thunders." [This is the first
voice.]
[The second voice is] (Psalm 29:4), "The voice of God
comes in strength." Regarding this it is written (Isaiah
10:13), "By the strength of my hand have I done it." It is
likewise written (Isaiah 48: 13), "Also My Hand has founded
the earth."
[The third voice is] (Psalm 29:4), "The voice of God is with
majesty." It is also written (Psalm 111:3), "Splendour and
majesty are His works, his righteousness stands forever."
[The fourth voice is] (Psalm 29:5), "God's voice breaks the
cedars." This is the bow that breaks the cypress and cedar
trees.
[The fifth voice is] (Psalm 29;7), "God's voice draws out
flames of fire." This is what makes peace between water and
fire. It draws out the power of the fire and prevents it from
evaporating the water. It also prevents [the water] from
extinguishing it.
[The sixth voice is] (Psalm 29:8), "God's voice shakes the
desert." It is thus written (Psalm 18:51) "He does kindness
to his Messiah, to David and his descendants until eternity"
- more than [when Israel was] in the desert.
[The seventh voice is] (Psalm 29:9), "God's voice makes
hinds to calf, strips the forests bare, and in His Temple, all
say Glory." It is thus written (Song ofsongs 2:7) "I bind you
with an oath, 0 daughters of Jerusalem, with the hosts, or
with the hinds of the field."
This teaches us that the Torah was given with seven voices.
In each of them the Master of the universe revealed Himself
to them, and they saw Him. It is thus written, "And all the
people saw the voices."
46. One verse states (2 Samuel 22:l O), "He bent the heavens
and came down, with gloom under His feet." Another verse
says (Exodus 19:20) "And God came down on Mount Sinai,
to the top of the mountain."
Still another verse, however, (Exodus 20:22) states "From

heaven I spoke to you."
How is this reconciled? His "great fire" was on earth, and
this was one voice. The other voices were in heaven.
Steven Ashe
It is thus written (Deuteronomy 4:36), "From the heavens He

let you hear His voice, that He might instruct you. And on
the earth He showed you His great fire, and His words you
heard from the fire."
Which [fire] was that? It was the "great [fire" that was on
the earth.]
From where did the speech emanate? From this fire, as it is
written, "and His words you heard from the fire."
47. What is the meaning of the verse (Deuteronomy 4:12),
"YOUsaw no form, only a voice"?
This was explained when Moses said to Israel (Deuteronomy
4:15), "You did not see an entire image." You saw an image,
but not an "entire image."
What is this like? A king stands before his servants wrapped
in a white robe. Even though he is far away, they can still
hear his voice. This is true even though they cannot see his
throat when he speaks. In a similar manner, they saw an
image, but not an "entire image".
It is therefore written, "You saw no form, only a voice." It is
also written (Deuteronomy 4:12) " A voice of words you
heard."
48. One verse (Exodus 20:15), states, "and all the people
saw the voices." Another verse, however, (Deuteronomy
354
4:12) states, "The voice of words you heard." How can [the
two be reconciled]?
At first they saw the voices. What did the see? The seven
voices mentioned by David. But in the end they heard the
word that emanated from them all.
But we have learned that there were ten.
Our sages taught that they were all said with a single word.
But we have said that there were seven.
There were seven voices. Regarding three of them it is
written (Deuteronomy 4:12), "The voice of words you heard,
but you saw no form, only a voice." This teaches us that they
were all said with a single word.
This is so that Israel should not make a mistake and say,
"Others helped him. It might have been one of the angels.
But His voice alone could not be so powerful." It was for
this reason that he came back and included them [in a single
word].
49. Another explanation:

It was so that the world should not say that since there were
ten sayings for ten kings, it might be that He could not speak
for them all through one. He therefore said (Exodus 20:2), "I
am [the Lord you God]," which included all ten.
Steven Ashe
What are the ten kings? They are the seven voices and three
sayings (Amarim).
What are the sayings? [They are the ones alluded to in the
verse] (Deuteronomy 26: 18) "God has said for you today."
"What are the three? [Two are mentioned in the verse]
(Proverbs 4: 7), "The beginning is Wisdom: acquire
Wisdom, with all your acquisition, acquire Understanding."
It is thus written (Job 32:8), "The soul of Shaddai gives
them Understanding." The soul of Shaddai is what gives
them Understanding.
What is the third one?
As the old man said to the child, "What is hidden from you,
do not seek, and what is concealed from you, do not probe.
Where you have authority, seek to understand, but you have
nothing to do with mysteries."
50. We have learned (Proverbs 25:2), "The glory of God is

to hide a word."
What is "a word"? That of which it is written (Psalm
119:160), "The Beginning of Your word is truth."
[It is also written] (Proverbs 25:2), "The glory of kings is to

probe a word."
What is this "word"? That of which it is written (Proverbs

25:l I), "A word spoken in its proper place (Aphen-av)", do
not read "its proper place" (Aphen-av), but "its wheel"
(Ophen 'av).
51. The students asked Rabbi Berachiah, "Let us discuss
these words with you," but he would not give them
permission. Once, however, he did give them permission,
but he did so to test them, to see if they would now pay good
attention.
One day he tested them and said, "Let me hear your
wisdom."
They began and said: "In the beginning" is one.
[Two is] (Isaiah 57:16), "The spirit that unwraps itself is
from Me, and I have made souls."
[Three is] (Psalm 65:10), "The divisions of God are filled
with water."
What are these "divisions?" You taught us, our master, that
God took the waters of creation and separated them, placing
half in the skies and half in the ocean. This is the meaning of
"the divisions of God are filled with water."
Through them, man studies the Torah.
Steven Ashe
Rabbi Chama thus taught: Because of the merit of deeds of

kindness, a person can study the Torah. It is thus written
(Isaiah 55:1), "Ho, let all who are thirsty come for water, let
him without silver come, stock up and eat." Go to Him, and
He will do kindness with you, and you will "stock up and
eat."
52. "Let him without silver come" can also be explained in

another way. Let him come to God, for He has silver. It is
thus written (Haggai 2:8), "Mine is the silver, and Mine is
the gold."
What is the meaning of the verse, "Mine is the silver, and
Mine is the gold"?
What is this like? A king had two treasuries, one of silver,
and one of gold. He placed that of silver to his right, and that
of gold to his left. He said [of the silver], "This should be
ready, and easy to take out."
He keeps his words calm. He is attached to the poor and
directs them calmly. It is thus written (Exodus 15:6), "Your
right hand, 0 God, is mighty in power."
If he rejoices in his portion, then all is well. If not, then
(Exodus 15:6), "Your right hand, 0 God, crumbles the
enemy."
He said to them: This is referring to the gold. It is thus
written, "Mine is the silver, and Mine is the gold."
53. Why is [gold] called Zahav? Because it includes three

attributes, [alluded to in its three letters, Zayin, Heh, Beth].
[The first attribute is] Male, (Zachar). This is the Zayin.

[The second is] the Soul. This is the Heh. [The numerical
value of Heh is five, alluding to] the five names of the soul:
Nephesh, Ruach, Neshamah, Chiah, Yechidah.
What is the purpose the Heh? It is a throne for the Zayin. It
is thus written (Ecclesiastes 5:7), "For one above the other
watches."
The Beth is its sustenance. It is thus written (Genesis I:]),
"In (Beth) the beginning [God] created.. ."
54. What is its function here?
What is this like? A king once had a daughter who was
good, pleasant, beautihl and perfect. He married her to a
royal prince, and clothed, crowned and bejewelled her,
giving her much money.
Is it possible for the king to ever leave his daughter? You
will agree that it is not. Is it ever possible for him to be with
her constantly? You will also agree that it is not. What can
he then do? He can place a window between the two, and
whenever the father needs the daughter, or the daughter
needs the father, they can come together through the
window.
Steven Ashe
It is thus written (Psalm 45:14), "All glorious is the king's

daughter inside, her garment is interwoven with gold."
55. What is the Beth at the end? [As it is written] (Proverbs

24:3), "With wisdom will the house (Bayit) be built."
The verse does not say "was built", but "will be built". In the
fbture God will build and decorate it, thousands of times
more than it was.
It is as we have said: Why does the Torah begin with a Beth?
As it is written (Proverbs 8:30), "I was with Him as a
craftsman, I was His delight for a day, a day, [frolicking
before Him at every time]." These are the two thousand
years, which are the "beginning".
Two? But the scripture says seven, as it is written (Isaiah
30:26), "The light of the moon shall be like the light of the
sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold [like the light
of the seven days." And we said, "Just like the sun was for
seven, so the moon was for seven."
[He replied,] "I said thousands."
56. They said to him: Up until now there are five. What
comes next?
He replied: First I will explain gold. What is gold? We learn

that it is where justice emanates. If you bend your words to
the right or left, you will be punished.
57. What is the meaning of the verse (Isaiah 30:26), "The

light of the moon shall be like the light of the sun, and the
light of the sun shall be sevenfold, like the light of the seven
days."
The verse does not say "seven days," but "the seven days."
These are the days regarding which it is written (Exodus
31: 17), "For six days God made [the heaven and the earth]."
As you said, God made six beautiful vessels. What are they?
"The heaven and the earth." Are they not seven? Yes, as it
is written (ibid.) "And on the seventh day, He rested and
souled."
What is the meaning of "souled?" This teaches us that the
Sabbath sustains all souls. It is therefore written that it
souled.

This teaches us that it is from there that souls fly forth. It is
thus written, "and He souled." This continues for a thousand
generations. It is thus written (Psalm 105:8), "The word that
He commanded until a thousand generations."
Immediately after this it says, "[the covenant] that He cut
with Abraham."
What is the meaning of "cut"? He cut a covenant between
the ten fingers of his hands and the ten toes of his feet.
Steven Ashe
Abraham was ashamed. God then said to him (Genesis

17:4), "And I, behold My covenant is with you," and with it,
"you will be the father of many nations."
59. Why is heaven called Shamayim?
This teaches that God kneaded fire and water, and combined
them together. From this He made the "beginning of His
word." It is thus written (Psalm 119: 160), "The beginning of
your word is truth." It is therefore called Shamayim - Sham
Mayim (there is water) - Esh Mayim (fire water).
He said to them: This is the meaning of the verse (Job 25:2),
"He makes peace in His heights." He placed peace and love
between them. May He also place peace and love among us.
60. We also say (Psalm 119:164), "seven times each day I
praised You for Your righteous judgement." They asked
him, "What are they?" He replied, "You do not look at it
carehlly. Be precise and you will find them."
61. They asked him, "What is the letter Tzaddz?"" He said:
Tzaddi is a Nun and a Yod. Its mate is also a Nun and a Yod.
It is thus written (Proverbs 10:25), "The righteous (Tzadik)
is the foundation of the world."
62. They asked him: What is the meaning of the verse [with
regard to Balak and Balaam (Numbers 23:14), "And he took
him to the field of the seers."?
What is the "field of the seers"? As it is written (Song of

Songs 7:12), "Come my beloved, let us go out to the field."
Do not read Sadeh (the field), but Sidah (carriage).
What is this carriage? He said, "The Heart of the Blessed
Holy One."
His heart said to the Blesssed Holy One, "Come my beloved,
let us go out to the carriage to stroll. It will not constantly sit
in one place."
63. What is his heart? He said: If so, Ben Zoma is out side,
and you are with him. The heart (Lev) [in numerical value] is
thirty-two. These are concealed, and with them the world
was created. What these 32?
He said: These are the 32 Paths. This is like a king who was
in the innermost of many chambers. The number of such
chambers was 32, and to each one there was a path. Should
the king bring everyone to his chamber through these paths?
You will agree that he should not. Should he reveal his
jewels, his tapestries, his hidden and concealed secrets? You
will again agree that he should not. What then does he do?
He touches the Daughter, and includes all the paths in her
and in her garments.
One who wants to go inside should gaze there.
Steven Ashe
He married her to a king, and also gave her to him as a gift.

Because of his love for he, he sometimes calls her "my
sister," since they are both from one place. Sometimes he
calls her his daughter, since she is actually his daughter. And
sometimes he calls her "my mother."
64. Furthermore, if there is no wisdom, then there is no
justice.
It is thus written (1 Kings 5:26), "And God gave wisdom to

Solomon." He then judged the case [of the two mothers and
the infant] correctly, and it is then written (1 Kings 3:28),
"And all Israel of the judgement that the Kind had judged,
and they feared the king, for they say that the wisdom of
God was in him to do judgement."
65. And what wisdom did God give to Solomon?

Solomon had God's name. We have thus said that whenever
Solomon is mentioned in the Song of Songs, it is a holy
name, except in one case. God said to him, "Since your
name is like the name of My Glory, I will let you marry my
daughter."
But she is married!
Let us say that He gave her to him as a gift. It is thus written
(1 Kings 5:26), "And God gave wisdom to Solomon." Here,
however, it is not explained. Where then is it explained?
When the scripture states (1 Kings 3:28), "For they saw that
the wisdom of God was in him to do judgement." We then
364
see that the wisdom that God gave him was such that he
could "do judgement."
What is the meaning of "to do judgement?" As long as a
person does judgement, God's wisdom is inside him. This is
what helps him and draws him near. If not, it repels him, and
not only that, but it also punishes him. It is thus written
(Leviticus 26:28), "I will chastise you, also I."
66. And Rabbi Rahumai said: What is the meaning of the
verse (Leviticus 26:28), "[I will chastise you,] also I"?
God said, "I will chastise you."

The Congregation of Israel said, "Do not think that I will
seek mercy for you, but I will chastise you. Not only will I
render judgement, but I will also chastise you."
67. What is the meaning of (Leviticus 26:28),
chastise you, also I], seven for your sins"?
"[I will
The Congregation of Israel said: "I will chastise you, also I"
- and also those regarding which it is written (Psalm
119: 164), "Seven each day I praised You."
They joined her and replied: Also us seven. Even though
among us is the one who reverses itself, the one who
oversees good and merit, we too will reverse ourselves and
chastise.
Why? Because of your sins.
Steven Ashe
But if you return to Me, then I will return to you. It is thus

written (Malachi 3:7), "Return to Me, and I will return to
YOU.,,
The scripture does not say, "I will bring you back to Me."
Instead it says, "I will return to you" - with you. We will all
seek mercy from the King.
What does the King say? [He says] (Jeremiah 3:22), "Return
you backsliding children, I will heal your backslidings." [He
also says] (Ezekiel 18:30), "Return and bring back."
What is the meaning of the verse, "Return and bring back"?
Come back and ask those Seven to return with you. The
scripture therefore says, "and bring back " - those regarding
which it is written, "seven for your sin."
68. The disciples asked Rabbi Rahumai: What is the
meaning of the verse (Habakkuk 3:1), "A prayer of
Habakkuk the prophet, for errors." A prayer? It should be
called a praise [since it speaks of God's greatness].
But whoever turns his heart from worldly affairs and delves
in the Works of the Chariot* is accepted before God as if he
prayed all day. It is therefore called "a prayer."
What is the meaning of "for errors"? As it is written
[regarding wisdom] (Proverbs 5:19), "With its love you
shall always err."
Regarding what is this speaking? The Works of the Chariot,

as it is written (Habbakuk 3:2)
i.e "Maaseh Merkavah or Merkavah Mysticism which

Kaplan says was synonymous with the Qabalah at the time
the Bahir was first composed.
"0 God, I heard a report of You and I feared."

69. What is the meaning of, "I heard a report of You and I
feared, [ 0 God, bring to life Your works in the midst of the
years]"?
Why does the verse say "I feared" after "I heard a report of
You," and not after "in the midst of the years"?
But it was "from the report of You" that "I feared."
What is the "report of You"? It is the place where they listen
to reports.
Why does the verse say "I heard" and not "I understood"?
[The word "heard" has the connotation of understanding] as
we find (Deuteronomy 38:49), " A nation whose language
you do not hear."
70. Why did he say "I feared"? Because the ear looks like
the letter Aleph. The Aleph is the first of all letters. Besides
this, the Aleph causes all the letters to endure.
Steven Ashe
The Aleph looks like the brain.

When you mention the Aleph you open your mouth. The
same is true of thought, when you extend your thoughts to
the Infinite and Boundless.
From Aleph emanate all letters. Do we not see that it is first?
It is thus written (Micah 2:13), "God (YHVH) is at their
head." We have a rule that every Name that is written Yod
He Vav He is specific to the Blessed Holy One and is
sanctified with holiness.
What is the meaning of "with holiness"? This is the Holy
Palace.
Where is the Holy Palace? We would say that it is in thought
and in the Aleph.
This is the meaning of the verse, "I heard a report of You
and I feared."
71. Habakkuk therefore said: I know that my prayer is
accepted with delight. I also delighted when I cam to that
place where I understood "a report of You and I feared."
Therefore, "Bring to life your works in the midst of the
years" - through Your unity.
What is this like? A king who was talented, hidden and

concealed went into his house and commanded that no one
seek him. One who does seek is therefore afraid, lest the
king find out that he has violated the king's order.
[Habakkuk] therefore said, "I feared, 0 God, bring to life
Your works in the midst of the years."
This is what Habakkuk said: Because You name is in You,
and You is Your name, "bring to life Your works in the
midst of the years." Thus will it be forever.
72. Another explanation of "Bring to life Your works in the
midst of years":
What is this like? A king had a beautiful pearl, and it was the
treasure of his kingdom. When he is happy, he embraces it,
kisses it, places it on his head, and loves it. Habakkuk said:
Even though Kings are with You, the beloved pearl is in
Your world. Therefore, "Bring to life Your works in the
midst of years."
What is the meaning of "years"? It is written (Genesis 1:3),
"And God said, 'Let there be light."' Light is nothing other
than day, as it is written (Genesis I:16), "The great light to
rule the day, and the small light to rule the night." Years are
made from days.
It is thus written, "Bring to life Your works in the midst of
years" - in the midst of that pearl that gives rise to years.
Steven Ashe
73. But it is written (Isaiah 43:5), "[Fear not, for I am with

you,] I will bring your seed from the east." The sun rises in
the east, and you say that the pearl is day.
[He replied:] I am only speaking with regard to the verse
(Genesis 1:5) "And it was evening and it was morning, day."
Regarding this it is written (Genesis 2:4), "In the day that
God made earth and heaven ."
74. And it is written (Psalm 18:12), "He made darkness His

hiding place round about, His Succah the darkness of waters,
thick clouds of the skies (Shechakim)."
He said: Regarding this it is written (Isaiah 45:8), "The
skies (Shechakim) pour down righteousness."
This righteousness (Tzadik) is the Attribute of Judgement for
the world. It is thus written (Deuteronomy 16:20),
"Righteousness, righteousness shall you pursue."
Immediately after this, it is written, "that you may live and
occupy the land." If you judge yourself, then you will live. If
not, then it will judge you, and it will be fulfilled, even
against your will.
75. Why does the Torah say "righteousness, righteousness"
twice?
He said: Because the scripture continues (Psalm 18:13), "At

the glow opposite Him."
The first "righteousness" is literal righteousness (Tzedek).

This is the Divine Presence [i.e. Shekinah]. It is thus written
(Isaiah 1:21), "Righteousness dwells in it."
What is the second "righteousness"?
righteousness that frightens the righteous .
This
is
the
Is this righteousness charity (Tzadakah) or not?

He said that it is not.
Why? Because it is written (Isaiah 59:17), "He put on
righteousness like a coat of mail, and [a helmet of salvation
on His head]."
His head is nothing other than Truth. It is thus written
(Psalm 119L160), "The head of Your word is truth." Truth
is nothing other than peace. It is thus written [that King
Hezekiah said] (Isaiah 39:8), "There shall be peace and truth
in my days."
Is it possible for a man to say this? But this is what Hezekiah
said: The attribute that You gave to David my ancestor is
half of my days, and peace and truth are half of my days. It
is for this reason that he mentioned "my days."
He mentioned both "peace and truth" and "in my days,"
since it is all one. It is thus written (Genesis 1:5), "And it
was evening, and it was morning, one day."
Steven Ashe
[The day reconciles morning and evening, and is therefore

peace.] Just as the day is peace, so he chose peace. It is
therefore written (2 Kings 20:19), "Peace and truth shall be
in my days."
This shall be through the attribute that You gave to David.
Regarding this, it is written (Psalm 89:37), "His throne shall
be like the sun before Me."
76. What is the meaning of the verse (Habakkuk 3:2), "In

the midst of years make it known"? He said: I know that
You are the holy God, as it is written (Exodus 15:1 I), "Who
is like You, mighty in holiness?" Holiness is in You and
You are in holiness. Nevertheless, "in the midst of years
make it known."
What is the meaning of "make it known"? [This means] that
You should have mercy. It is thus written (Exodus 2:25),
"And God saw the children of Israel, and God knew."
What is the meaning of, "and God knew"?
What is this like? A king had a beautiful wife, and had
children from her. He loved them and raised them, but they
went out to bad ways. He then hated both them and their
mother.
The mother went to them and said, "My children! Why do
you do this: Why do you make your father hate both you and
me?" [She spoke to them in this manner] until they had
remorse and did the will of their father.
When the king saw this, he loved them as much as he did in

the beginning. He then also remembered their mother. This
is the meaning of the verse, "And God saw. .. and God
knew."
This is also the meaning of the verse, "In the midst of years
make it known."
77. What is the meaning of the verse (Habakkuk 3:2) "In
anger, you shall remember love (rachem) "?
He said: When Your children sin before You and You are
angry at them, "remember love."
What is the meaning of "remember love"? That regarding
which it is written (Psalm 18:2), "I love (rachem) You 0
God, my strength."
And You have him this attribute, which is the Divine
Presence of Israel. He recalled his son whom he inherited,
and whom You gave to him. It is thus written (I Kings 5:26),
"And God gave wisdom to Solomon."
And You should remember their father Abraham, as it is
written (Isaiah 41:8), "The seed of Abraham My friend" "In the midst of years make it known."
78. Where do we see that Abraham had a daughter? It is
written (Genesis 24:1), "And God blessed Abraham with all
(Bakol)."
Steven Ashe
It is also written (Isaiah 43:7), '&Allthat is called by My

name, for My glory I created it, I formed it, also I made it."
Was this blessing his daughter, or was it not?
Yes, it was his daughter.
What is this like? A king had a slave who was complete and
perfect before him. The king tested the slave in many ways,
but the slave withstood all temptation.
The King said, "What will I give that slave? What should I
do for him? I can do nothing but command my older brother
to advise him, watch over him and honour him." The slave
thus went to the older brother and learned his attributes. The
brother loved him very much, and called him his friend. It is
thus written (Isaiah 41:8), "The seed of Abraham My
friend."
He said, "What will I give him? What can I do for him?
Behold I have made a beautiful vessel, and in it are beautiful
jewels. There is nothing like it in the treasuries of kings. I
will give it to him, and he will be worthy in his place."
This is the meaning of the verse, "And God blessed
Abraham with all."
79. Another explanation: [It is written] (Habakkuk 3:2), "I
heard a report of You and I feared." [This means] "I
understood what was reported about You and I feared."
374
What did he understand? He understood God's though. Even

[human] though has no end, for man can think, and descend
to the end of the world.
The ear also has no end and is not satiated. It is thus written
(Ecclesiastes 1:8), "The ear is not satiated from hearing."
Why is this so? Because the ear is in the shape of an Aleph.
Aleph is the root of the Ten Commandments. Therefore "the
ear is not satiated from hearing."
80 What is the meaning of the letter Zayin in the word Ozen
(ear)?
We have said that everything that the Blessed Holy One
brought into His world has a name emanating form its
concept. It is thus written (Genesis 2:19), "All that the man
called each living soul, that was its name." This teaches us
that each thing's body was thus.
And how do we know that each thing's name is its body?
It is written (Proverbs 10:7), "The memory of the righteous
shall be a blessing, and the name of the wicked shall rot."
What actually rots, their name or their body? [One must
agree that it is their body.] Here too, [each thing's name
refers to] its body.
8 1What is an example of this?
Take the word for root - Shoresh (Shin - Resh - Shin).
Steven Ashe
The letter Shin looks like the roots of a tree.

[Resh is bent, since] the root of every tree is bent.
And what is the function of the final Shin? This teaches us
that if you take a branch and plant it, it will root again.
What is its function of the Zayin [in Ozen - ear]? [Its
numerical value is seven corresponding to the seven days of
the week. This teaches us that each day has its own power.
And what is its function [in the word Ozen]?
This teaches us that just like there is infinite wisdom in the
ear, so is there power in all parts of the body.
82 What art the seven parts of man's body?
It is written (Genesis 9:6), "In the form of God, He made

man." It is also written (Genesis 1:27), "In the form of God
He made him" - counting all his limbs and parts. But we
have said: What does the letter Vav resemble? It is alluded to
in the verse (Psalm 104:5), "He spreads out light like a
garment." For Vav is nothing other than the six directions.
He replied: The covenant of circumcision and man's mate
are considered as one.
His is two hands then make three, his head and body, five,
and his two legs make seven. Paralleling all these are their
powers in heaven. It is thus written (Ecclesiastes 7:14),
"Also one opposite the other had God made."
These are the days [of the week, as it is written] (Exodus
31:17), "Because six days God made the heaven and the
earth." The scripture does not say "in six days," but rather,
"six days." This teaches us that each day [of the week] has
its own specific power.
83 What is the significance of the Nun [in the word Ozen]?

This teaches us that the brain is the main part of the spinal
cord. It constantly draws from there, and if not for the spinal
cord, the brain could not endure. And without the brain, the
body could not endure.
The entire body exists only in order to provide for the needs
of the brain. And if the body did not endure, then the brain
would also not endure.
The spinal cord is the channel from the brain to the entire
body. It is represented by the bent Nun.
But [in the word Ozen] the Nun is a straight one.
The straight Nun is the one that is always at the end of a
word. This teaches us that the straight Nun includes both the
bent one and the straight one.
Steven Ashe
But the bent Nun is the Foundation. This teaches us that the
straight Nun includes both male and female.
84. The open Mem. What is the open Mern?
It includes both male and female.
What is the closed Mem?
It is made like a belly from above.
But Rabbi Rahumai said that the belly is like the letter Teth.
He said it is like a Teth on the inside, while I say that it is
like a Mern on the outside.
85 What is a Mem?
Do not read Mem, but Mayim (water). Just like water is wet,
so is the belly always wet, Why does the open Mern include
both male and female, while the closed Mern is male? This
teaches us that the Mern is primarily male. The opening was
then added to it for the sake of the female. Just like the male
cannot give birth, so the closed Mern cannot give birth. And
just like the female has an opening with which to give birth,
so can the open Mem give birth. The Mern is therefore open
and closed.
86. Why should the Mem have two forms, open and closed?
Because we said: Do not read Mem, but Mayim (Water).
The woman is cold, and therefore, must be warmed by the

male.
Why should the Nun have two forms, bent and straight?
Because it is written (Psalm 72:17), "Before the sun shall
his name reign (ya-Nun)." [This is] from two Nuns, the bent
Nun and the straight Nun, and it must be through male and
female.
87. It is written (Ecclesiastes 1:8), "The ear is not satiated
from hearing." It is also written (Ecclesiastes 1:8),"The eye
is not satiate from seeing." This teaches us that both draw
from thought.
What is thought?
It is a king that is needed by all things that were created in
the world, both above and below.
88. What is the meaning of the expression, "It rose in

thought"? Why do we not say that "it descended [in
thought]"?
Indeed, we have said, "One who gazes into the vision of the
Chariot first descends and then ascends."
We use the expression [of descent] there because we say,
"One who gazes into the vision (Tzafayaat) of the Chariot."
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The Aramaic translation of "vision" (Tzafiyat) is Sechuta

[meaning a covering, and alluding to the fact that one is
looking down from above]. It is also written (Isaiah 21:8),
"And he called as a lion: 'Upon the watchtower (Mitzpeh), 0
God. "'
Here, however, we are speaking of thought, [and therefore
only speak of ascent]. For thought does not include any
vision, and has no ending whatsoever. And anything that has
no end or limit does not have any descent. People therefore
say, "Someone descended to the limit of his friend's
knowledge." One can arrive at the limit of a person's
knowledge, but not at the limit of his thought.
What is the meaning of the Segol? Its name is Segulah

(treasure). It comes after the Zarka.
What is the meaning of Zarka?
It is like its name - something that is thrown (ni Zrak). It is
like something that is thrown, and after it comes
(Ecclesiastes 2:8), "the treasures of kings and lands."
90. What is the reason that it is called Zarka?
It is written (Ezekiel 3:12), "Blessed is the glory of God

from His place." This indicates that no being knows His
place. We recite [God's] name of the Crown, and it goes to
the head of the Owner. It is thus written [regarding God]

(Genesis 14: 19), "Owner of heaven and earth."
When it goes, it is like it is thrown (Zarka). Following it is
treasure (Segulah). It is at the head of all letters.
91. Why is [this accent] at the end of a word, and not at the
beginning?
This teaches us that this Crown rises higher and higher.
It is included and crowned, as it is written (Psalm 118:22),
"The stone that the builders rejected has become the head
cornerstone." It ascend to the place from which it was
graven, as it is written (Genesis 49:24), "From there is the
Shepherd, the Stone of Israel."
92. He also said:
What is the reason that we place blue wool in the Tzitzit?
And why are there 32 [threads]? What is this like? A king
had a beautifbl garden, and in it were 32 paths. He placed a
watchman over them to show that all these paths belong to
him alone. [The king] said to him, "Watch them, and walk
upon them every day. As long as you walk these paths, you
will have peace."
What did the watchman do? He appointed other watchmen
[as his assistants to watch] over them. He said, "If I remain
alone on these paths, it is impossible for me, a single
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watchman, to maintain them all. Besides that, people may

say that I am the king." The watchman therefore placed his
assistants over all the paths. These are the 32 paths.
93. What is the reason for the blue?
The watchman said, "Perhaps those assistant watchmen will
say that the garden belongs to us." He therefore gave them a
sign, and told them, "See this. It is the sign of the king,
indicating that the garden belongs to him. He is the one who
made these paths, and they are not mine. This is his deal."
What is this like? A king and his daughter had slaves, and
they wanted to travel abroad. But [the slaves] were afraid,
being in terror of the king. He therefore gave them his sign.
They were also afraid of the daughter, and she [also] gave
them a sign. They said, "From now on, with these two signs,
'God will watch you from all evil, He will safeguard your
soul.'"
What is the meaning of the verse (1 Kings 8:27), "Behold
the heaven and the heaven of heaven cannot contain You"?
This teaches us that the Blessed Holy One has 72 names. All
of them were placed in the Tribes [of Israel]. It is thus
written (Exodus 28:l O), "Six of their names on one stone,
and the names of the other six on the other stone, according
to their generations."
It is also written (Joshua 4:9), "He raised up twelve stones."

Just like the first are (Exodus 28:12), "stones of memorial,"
SO these are (Joshua 4: 7), "stones of memorial."
[There are therefore] 12 stones [each containing six names]
making a total of 72. These parallel the 72 names of the
Blessed Holy One.
Why do they begin with twelve? This teaches us that God
has twelve Directors. Each of these has six Powers [making
a total of 721.
What are they? They are the 72 languages.
95. The Blessed Holy One has a single Tree, and it has
twelve diagonal boundaries:
The northeast boundary, the southeast boundary;
The upper east boundary, the lower east boundary;
The southwest boundary, the northwest boundary;
The upper west boundary, the lower west boundary;
The upper south boundary, the lower south boundary;
The upper north boundary, the lower north boundary;
They continually spread forever and ever;
They are the arms of the world.
On the inside of them is the Tree. Paralleling these diagonals
there are twelve Functionaries.
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Inside the Sphere there are also twelve Functionaries.

Including the diagonals themselves, this makes a total of 36
Functionaries.
Each of these has another. It is thus written (Ecclesiastes
5:7), "For one above another watches." [This makes a total
of 72.1 It therefore comes out that the east has nine, the west
has nine, the north has nine, and the south has nine.
These are twelve, twelve, twelve, and they are the
Functionaries in the Axis, the Sphere, and the Heart.
Their total is 36. The power of each of these 36 is in every
other one. Even though there are twelve in each of the three,
they are all attached to each other.
Therefore, all 36 Powers are in the first one, which is the
Axis. And if you seek them in the Sphere, you will find the
very same ones. And if you seek them in the Heart, you will
again find the very same ones.
Each one therefore has 36. All of them do not have more
than 36 forms. All of them complete the Heart [which has a
numerical value of 321. Four are then left over.
Add 32 to 32 and the sum is 64. These are the 64 Forms .
How do we know that 32 must be added to 32? Because it is
written (Ecclesiastes 5:7), "For one above another watches,
[and there are higher ones above them]."
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We thus have 64, eight less than the 72 names of the Blessed
Holy One. These are alluded to in the verse, "there are
higher ones above them," and they are the seven days of the
week.
But one is still missing. This is referred to in the next verse
(Ecclesiastes 5:8), "The advantage of the land in everything
is the King."
What is this "advantage"? This is the place from which the
earth was graven. It is an advantage over what existed
previously.
And what is this advantage? Everything in the world that
people see is taken from its radiance. Then it is an
advantage.
96. What is the earth from which the heavens were graven?
It is the Throne of the Blessed Holy One. It is the Precious
Stone and the Sea of Wisdom. (Bold Emphasis mine - SA:)
This parallels the blue in the Tzitzit.
Rabbi Meir thus said: Why is blue chosen above all other
colours [for the Tzitzit]? Because the blue resembles the sea,
the sea resembles the sky,l and the sky resembles the Throne
of Glory. It is thus written (Exodus 24:10), "They saw the
God of Israel, and under His feet was like a pavement of
sapphire, like the essence of heaven in clarity." It is
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furthermore written (Ezekiel 1:26), "As the likeness of a

sapphire stone was the appearance of a Throne."
97. Rabbi Berachiah sat and expounded:

What is the meaning of the verse (Exodus 25:2), "And they
shall take for Me a lifted offering (Terurnah)"? It means,
"Lift Me up with your prayers."
And whom? Those whose "hearts make them willing."
These are the ones who are willing to draw themselves away
from this world.
Honour him, for it is in him that I rejoice, since he knows
My name. From him it is fitting to take My lifted offering, as
it is written (Exodus 25:2), "from each man whose heart
makes him willing, you shall take My lifted offering." From
he who makes himself willing.
Rabbi Rahumai said: [This refers to] the righteous and pious
in Israel who raise Me over all the world through their merit.
From them the Heart is sustained, and the Heart sustains
them.
98. And all the Holy Forms oversee all the nations. But
Israel is holy, taking the Tree itself and its Heart.
The Heart is the beauty (hadar) of the fruit of the body.

Similarly, Israel takes (Leviticus 23:40), "the fruit of a
beautifbl (hadar) tree."
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The date palm is surrounded by its branches all around it and

has its sprout (Lulav) in the centre. Similarly, Israel takes the
body of this Tree which is its Heart.
And paralleling the body is the spinal cord, which is the
main part of the body.
What is the Lulav? [It can be written] Lo Lev - "it has a
heart." The heart is also given over to it.
And what is this Heart? It is the 32 Hidden paths of Wisdom
that are hidden in it.
In each of their paths there is also a Form watching over it. It
is thus written (Genesis 3:24), "To watch the way of the
Tree of Life."
99. What are these Forms? They are that regarding which it
is written (Genesis 3:24), "And He placed the Cherubim to
the east of the Garden of Eden, and the flame of a sword
revolving, to guard the way of the Tree of Life."
What is the meaning of, "He placed to the east (kedem) of

the Garden of Eden"? He placed it in those paths that
preceded (kadmu) the place that was called the Garden of
Eden. It was also before the Cherubim, as it is written, "the
Cherubim." It was furthermore before the flame, as it is
written, "the flame of a sword revolving." Is it then before
[the flame]? Heaven is called Shamayim, indicating that fire
and water existed before it. It is written (Genesis 1:6), "Let
there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it be
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a division between water and water." It is then written

(Genesis 1:8),
"And God called the firmament heaven (Shamayim)."
How do we know that the heaven is fire? It is written
(Deuteronomy 4:24), "For the Lord your God is a
consuming fire, a jealous God."
100. And how do we know that "" refers to the Blessed Holy
One?
It is written (1 Kings 8:36), "And you, 0 Heaven, shall
hear." Was Solomon then praying to heaven that it should
hear their prayers? But [we must say the he was praying] to
the One whose name is Heaven.
It is thus written (1 Kings 8:27), "Behold the heaven and the
heaven of heaven cannot contain You." This is the name of
the Blessed Holy One.
You therefore have fire. How can you then say that it was
before?
But we must say that their Power existed before the Forms
of that place. Only then did these Holy Forms come into
existence.
What is their Power? It is that regarding which it is written (I

Samuel 2:2), "There is none holy like God, there is none
other than You, and there is no Former like our God."
10 1 . Rabbi Berachiah sat and expounded:
What is the Lulav that we discusses? It is the 36 (Lu) given

over to 32 (Lav). And how?
He replied: There are three Princes, the Axis, the Sphere and
the Heart. Each one is twelve, and the three therefore
constitute a sum of 36, through which the world is sustained.
It is thus written (Proverbs 10:25), "And Righteous is the
foundation of the world."
102. We learned: There is a single pillar extending from
heaven to earth, and its name is Righteous (Tzadik). [This
pillar] is named after the righteous. When there are righteous
people in the world, then it becomes strong, and when there
are not, it becomes weak. It supports the entire world, as it
is written, "And Righteous is the foundation of the world."
If it becomes weak, then the world cannot endure.

Therefore, even if there is only one righteous person in the
world, it is he who supports the world. It is therefore written,
"And a righteous one is the foundation of the world."
You should therefore take My lifted offering from him first.
Then (Exodus 25:3), "And this is the lifted offering that you
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should take from them" - from the rest. What is it? "Gold,
silver and copper."

It is written (Exodus 25:2), "and the shall take for Me (Li) a
lifted offering." [Li(for Me) can also be read, "for the Yod."]
They shall take the Yod, which is the tenth, as a lifted
offering to make it holy.
How do we know that the tenth is holy? Because it is written
(Leviticus 27:32) "The tenth shall be holy to God."
What is holy? That regarding which it is written (Ezekiel
44:30), "The beginning of all the first fruits ... and every
lifted offering of every thing."
It is furthermore written (Psalm 111:10), "The beginning of
wisdom is the fear of God." Do not read "is the fear" but
"and the fear." [The verse will then read, "The beginning is
wisdom and the fear of God.]
104. The disciples asked Rabbi Eliezer: Our master, what is
the meaning of the verse
(Exodus 13:2), "Sancti& to Me every first-born"? Does the

Blessed Holy One then have a first-born?
He replied: "Sanctify to Me (Li) every first-born" refers to

nothing other than the second level of holiness.
It is the name that is given to Israel, as it is written (Exodus

7:22), "My son, My first-born, Israel."
To the extent that we can express it, He was with them [in
Egypt] in the time of their oppression. It is therefore written
(Exodus 4:27), "Send forth My son and he will serve Me."
[Here, only "My son" is mentioned,] and not "My firstborn."
Rabbi Rahumai said:
What is the meaning of the verse (Deuteronomy 22: 7), "You
shall surely send away the mother, and the children you shall
take for yourself." Why does it not say, "You shall surely
send away the father"?
But the scripture says, "you shall surely send away the
mother" in honour of the one who is called the Mother of the
World. It is thus written (Proverbs 2:3), "For you shall call
Understanding a Mother."
105. What is the meaning of, "and the children you shall
take for yourself '?
Rabbi Rahumai said: These are the children that she raised.
And who are they? They are the seven days of creation, and
the seven days of Succot.
Are the seven [days of Succot] then not the same as the
seven days of the week?
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The difference is that [the days of Succot] are more holy.

Regarding them it is written (Leviticus 23:37), "holy
convocations."
But then, why not [also include the seven weeks before]
Shavuot, since this is also called (Leviticus 23:21), "a holy
convocation"?
He replied: Yes, but this is the one and the other is two. It is
thus written (Exodus 12:16), "The first day shall be a holy
convocation, and the seventh day shall be a holy
convocation." He said:
Why is Shavuot one [day]?
Because the Torah was given to Israel on that day. And
when the Torah was created in the beginning, the Blessed
Holy One ruled His world alone with it. It is thus written
(Psalm 111:l O), "The beginning is wisdom, the fear of
God." [God] said [to it], "This being so, your holiness shall
be yours by yourself."
And what is Succot?
He replied: the letter Beth [which has the connotation of a
house (Bayit)]. It is thus written (Proverbs 24:3), "With
wisdom a house is built."
And how do we know that Succot has the connotation of a
house? As it is written (Genesis 33:17), "And Jacob
travelled to Succot. He built himself a house, and for his

livestock he built Succot (huts). Therefore he named the
place Succot."
106. Rabbi Berachiah sat and expounded:
What is the Axis (Teli)?

This is the likeness that is before the Blessed Holy One. It is
thus written (Song of Songs 5:l I), "His locks are curled
(Taltalim). "
What is the Sphere? This is the Womb.
What is the Heart? It is that regarding which it is written
(Deuteronomy 4:11), "unto the heart of heaven." In it are
included the 32 mystical paths of Wisdom.
107. What is the meaning of the verse (numbers 6:24-26),
"May God (YHVH) bless you and watch you. May God
(YHVH) make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.
May God
(YHVH) lift His face to you and give you peace."

This is the explicit Name of the Blessed Holy One. It is the
Name containing twelve letters, as it is written, YHVH
YHVH YHVH.
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This teaches us that God's names consists of three troops.

Each troop resembles the other, and each one's name is like
[the other's] named. All of them are sealed with Yod He Vav
He.
And how?
The [four letters] Yod He Vav He can be permuted 24
different ways, forming one troop.
This is, "May God (YHVH) bless you.. ."
In a similar manner, the second one, "May God (YHVH)
make His face shine.. ." These are 24 names of the Blessed
Holy One.
In a similar manner, the third one, "May God (YHVH) lift
His face ..." These are 24 names of the Blessed Holy One.
This teaches us that each army, with its leaders and officers,
has 24. Multiply 24 by three and you have the 72 names of
the Blessed Holy One.
These are the 72 names derived from the verses (Exodus
14: 19-2I), "And travelled. .. And came ... And stretched
'9
0 . .
108. And who are the Officers? We learned that there are
three. Strength (Geburah) is the Officer of all the Holy
Forms to the left of the Blessed Holy One . He is Gabriel.
The Officer of all the Holy Forms to His right is Michael.
In the middle is Truth. This is Uriel, the Officer of all the

Holy Forms [in the centre].
Each Officer is over 24 Forms. But there is no reckoning of
his troops, as it is written (Job 25:3), "Is there a number to
His troops?"
But if so, then there are 72 plus 72 [making a total of 1441.
He said: This is not the case. For when Israel brings a
sacrifice before their Father in heaven, they are united
together. This is the unification of our God.
109. Why is this sacrifice called a Karban [which means
"bringing close"]?
Because it brings the Forms of the Holy Powers close. It is

thus written (Ezekiel 37:17), "And you shall join one of
them to the other, making one stick, and they shall become
one in your hands."
And why is [the sacrifice] called a "pleasant fragrance"?
Fragrance is only in the nose. The sense of smell is through
breath, and this is nowhere but in the nose.
"Pleasant" (nicho 'ach) means nothing other than
"descending." It is thus written (Leviticus 9:22), "And he
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descended," and the Targum translates this as Ve-Nachit

[having the same root as nicho 'ach].
The fragrance-spirit descends and unifies itself with those
Holy Forms, bringing itself close through the sacrifice. It is
for this reason that [a sacrifice] is called a Karban.
110. There is a name that is derived from the three verses
(Exodus 14:19-21), "And travelled ... And came ... And
stretched. .."
The letters of the first verse, "And travelled.. ." are arranged
in this name in the order that they are in the verse.
The letters of the second verse, "And came ..." are arranged
in the name in reverse order.
The letters of the third passage, "And stretched..." are
arranged in the name in the same order as they occur in the
verse, just like the case of the first verse.
Each of these verses has 72 letters.
Therefore, each of the names that is derived from these three
sentences, "And travelled.. . And came.. . And stretched.. ."
contains three letters.
These are the 72 names. They emanate and divide
themselves into three sections, 24 to each section.
Over each of these sections is a higher Officer.

Each section has four directions to watch, east, west, north
and south. The four directions then have a total of 24 forms.
[This is true of the first section] as well as the second and
the third.
All of them are sealed with YHVH, God of Israel, the living
God, Shaddai, high and exalted, who dwells in eternity on
high, whose Name is holy, YHVH. Blessed be the name of
the glory of His kingdom forever and ever.
11 1. Rabbi Ahilai sat and expounded: What is the meaning
of the verse, "God (YHVH) is King, God (YHVH) was king,
God (YHVH) will be King forever and ever."?
This is the Explicit Name (Shem Ha Mephoresh), for which

permission was given that it be permuted and spoken. It is
thus written [regarding the above-mentioned Priestly
Blessing] (Numbers 6:27), "And they shall place My name
upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them."
This refers to the Name containing twelve letters. It is the
name used in the Priestly
Blessing, "May God bless you.. ." It contains three names
[each having four letters] making a total of twelve. Its
vowel points are Yapha 'a2 Yjpha 'oel Yiph 'ol.
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If one safeguards it and mentions it in holiness, then all his

prayers are heard. And not only that, but he is loved on high
and below, and immediately answered and helped.
This is the Explicit Name that was written on Aaron's
forehead.
The Explicit Name containing 72 letters and the Explicit
Name containing twelve letters were given over by the
Blessed Holy One to [the angel] Mesamariah, who stands
before the Curtain. He gave it to Elijah on Mount Carmel,
and with them he ascended and did not taste death.
112. These are the Explicit Holy Exalted Names. There are
twelve Names, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel:
Shernaqtharon
Demushah-ron
Ve-Tzaphtzaphithron
Hurrnyron
Brach Yah-ron
Eresh Gadra-aon
Basavah Monahon
Chazhavayah
Havahayryhah
Ve-Harayth-hon
All of them are included in the Heart of heaven.

They include male and female. They are given over to the
Axis, the Sphere and the Heart, and they are the wellsprings
of Wisdom.
1 13. Rabbi Rahumai sat and expounded:
What are the twelve tribes or Israel?
But this teaches us that the Blessed Holy One has twelve
rods [on high. The word Shevet is the same for both "tribe"
and "rod."]
What are they?
What is this like? A king had a beautiful fountain. All his
brothers has no water other than this fountain, and could not
endure thirst. What did he do? He made twelve pipes for the
fountain, and named them afters his brothers' children.
He then said to them, "If the sons are as good as their
fathers, they will be worthy, and I will let water flow
through the pipes. The fathers will then drink all they wish,
and so will the sons. But if the sons are not worthy and do
not do what is right in my eyes, then regarding this, these
pipes will stand. I will give them water only on the condition
that they give none to their children, since they do not obey
my will."
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114. What is the meaning of the word Shevet [which has the
connotation of both a tribe and a rod]?
It is something simple and not square.
What is the reason?
Because it is impossible to have one square inside another
square. A circle inside a square can move. A square inside a
square cannot move.
115. What are the things that are circular?
They are the vowel points in the Torah of Moses, for these
are all round. They are to the letters like the soul, which
lives in the body of man.
It is impossible for [man] to come [into this world] unless
[the soul] endures within him. It is impossible for him to
speak anything, great or small, without it.
In a similar manner, it is impossible to speak a word, great
or small, without the vowel points.
116. Every vowel point is round, and every letter is square.
The vowel points are the life of the letters, and through
them, the letters endure.
These vowel points come through the pipes to the letters

through the fragrance of a sacrifice, which immediately
descends. It is therefore called "A descending (pleasant)
fragrance to God" - indicating that it descends to God.
This is the meaning of the verse (Deuteronomy 6:4), "Hear
0 Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One."
117. Rabbi Yochanan said:
What is the meaning of the verse (Exodus 15:3), "God is a

man (Ish) of war, God (YHVH) is His name"? Man (Ish)
indicates a sign. The Targum thus renders, "God is a man of
war," as "God is the Master of victory in war."
What is this Master?
Aleph is the first, the Holy Palace.
Do we then say that the Palace is holy? Instead we say, "the
Palace of the Holy One."
118. Yod is the Ten Sayings with which the world was
created.
What are they? They are the Torah of Truth, which includes
all worlds.
What is the Shin?
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He said: It is the root of the tree. The letter Shin is like the
root of a tree.
1 19. What is this tree that you mentioned?
He said: It represents the Powers of the Blessed Holy One,

one above the other.
Just like a tree brings forth fruit through water, so the
Blessed Holy One increases the Powers of the Tree through
water.
What is the water of the Blessed Holy One?
It is wisdom. It is the souls of the righteous. They fly from
the fountain to the great pip, ascend and attach themselves to
the Tree.
Through what do they fly?
Through Israel. Whey they are good and righteous, the
Divine Presence dwells among them. Their deeds then rest
in the bosom of the Blessed Holy One, and He makes them
fruitful and multiplies them.
120. How do we know that the Divine Presence is called
Tzedek (Righteous)? It is written (Deuteronomy 33:26), "He
who rides in the heavens is your help, and His majesty is in
the skies (Shechakim)." It is also written (Isaiah 45:8), "The

skies (Shechakim) run with Righteousness (Tzedek) ."
Tzedek is the Divine Presence, as it is written (Isaiah 1:21),
"Righteousness (Tzedek) dwells in it."
Righteousness was given to David, as it is written, (Psalm
146:10), "May God reign forever, your God 0 Zion, for
generation to generation." It is also written (1 Chronicles
11: I), "Zion is the city of David."
121. What is the meaning of "generation to generation"?

Rabbi Papias said: "A generation goes and a generation
comes (Ecclesiastes 1:4) ."
Rabbi Akiba said: "The generation came"
it already came.
122. What is this like? A king had slaves, and he dressed

them with garments of silk and satin according to his ability.
The relationship broke down, and he cast them out, repelled
them, and took his garments away from them. They then
went on their own way.
The king took the garments, and washed them well until
there was not a single spot on them. He placed them with
his storekeepers, bought other slaves, and dressed them with
the same garments. He did not know whether or not the
slaves were good, but they were [at least] worthy of
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garments that he already had and which had been previously

worn.
[The verse continues] (Ecclesiastes 1:4), "But the earth
stands forever." This is the same as (Ecclesiastes 12:6),
"The dust returns to the earth as it was, but the spirit returns
to God who gave it."
Section IV
The Ten Sephiroth
123. Rabbi Amorai said:

What is the meaning of the verse (Leviticus 9:22), "And
Aaron raised up his hands to bless the people, and he blessed
them and he descended [from making the sin offering, the
burnt offering, and the peace offerings]."?
Did he not already descent? But he descended "from making
the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the peace offerings,"
and then "Aaron raised up his hands to bless the people."
What is the meaning of this raising [of hands]?
It was because he had offered a sacrifice and brought them
before their Father in heaven, as we have said. Those who
offer sacrifice must elevate them, [and those who] uni@
them [must] unifL them among these.
And; what are they? The people, as it is written "to the

people." [This means] "for the sake of the people."
124. Why are the hands lifted when they are blessed in this
manner?
It is because the hands have ten fingers, alluding to the Ten
Sephiroth with which heaven and earth were sealed.
These parallel the Ten Commandments.
In these Ten are included the 613 Commandments. If you
count the letters in the Ten Commandments, you will find
that there are 6 13 letters.
They contain all 22 letters except Teth, which is missing in
them.
What is the reason for this? This teaches us that Teth is the
belly - and in not included among the Sephiroth.
125. Why are they called Sephiroth?
Because it is written (Psalm 19:2), "The heavens declare
(me-Saprim) the glory of God."
126. And what are they?
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They are three. Among them are three troops and three
dominions.
The first dominion is light. Light is the life of water.
The second dominion includes the Chaioth Ha-Qadesh, the
Ophanim, the wheels of the Chariot, and all the troops of the
Blessed Holy One. The bless, exalt, glorifl, praise and
sanctifL the might King with the Kedushah. Arranged in the
mystery of the great Kedushah is the fearsome and terrible
King. And they crown Him with three "holies."
127. Why are there three "holies" and not four?
Because the holiness on high is three by three. It is thus

written, "God is King, God was King, God will be King
forever and ever."
It is also written (Numbers 6:24-26), "May God bless you.. .
May God shine upon you.. . May God lift.. ."
It is furthermore written (Exodus 34:6), "God (YHVH), God
(YHVH)." The third one includes the rest of God's
Attributes.
What are they? [As the verse continues], "God, merciful and
gracious" - the thirteen Attributes [of Mercy].
128. [The Kedushah is the verse (Isaiah 6:3), "Holy holy

holy is the Lord of Hosts, the whole earth is filled with His
Glory."]
What is the meaning of "holy holy holy"? [And why is it]
foollowed by, "the Lord of Hosts, the whole earth is filled
with His glory"?
The first] "holy" is the highest Crown.
The [second] "holy" is the root of the Tree.
The [third] "holy" is attached and unified in them all.
[This is followed by], "the Lord of Hosts, the whole earth is
filled with His glory."
129. What is the "holy" that is attached and unified?
What is this like? A king had sons, who in turn also had
sons. When the [grand] sons do his will, he mingles with
them, supports them, and satisfies them all. He gives [his
sons] everything good, so that they should be able to satis@
their children. But when the [grand] children do not do his
will, then he only gives the fathers as much as they need.
130. What is the meaning of, "the whole earth is filled with
His glory"?
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This is the earth that was created on the first day. It is on

high, filled with God's glory and parallelling the Land of
Israel.
And what is [this glory]? It is Wisdom, as it is written
(Proverbs 3:35), "The wise shall inherit glory."
131. What is "God's glory"?
What is this like? A king had a matron in his chamber, and
all his troops delighted in her.
She had sons, and each day they came to see the king and to
bless him.
They asked him, "Where is our mother?" He replied, "You
cannot see her now."
They said, "Let her be blessed wherever she is."
132. What is the meaning of "from His place"? This
indicates that none know his place.
This is like a royal princess who came from a far place.
People did not know her origin, but they saw that she was a
woman of valour, beautiful and refined in all her ways. They
said, "She certainly originates from the side of light, for she
illuminates the world through her deeds."
They asked her, "From where are you?" She replied, "From
my place." They said, "If so, the people of your place are
great. May you be blessed, and may you place be blessed."
133. Is this "glory of God" then not one of His hosts? Is it
not inferior? Why then do they bless it?
But what is this like? A man had a beautiful garden. Outside

the garden but close to it, he had a nice section of field. On
this section, he planted a beautiful flower garden.
The first thing that he would water would be his garden. The
water would spread over the entire garden. It would not
reach the section of field however, since it was not attached,
even though it was all one. He therefore opened a place for it
and watered it separately.
Glory (Kavod) and Heart (Lev) both have the same

[numerical value, namely 3 21.
They are both one, but Glory refers to its function on high,
and Heart refers to its hnction below. "God's glory" and
the heart of heaven" are therefore both identical.
135. Rabbi Yochanan said:
What is the meaning of the verse (Exodus 17: 1I), "And it
was when Moses would raise his hands, Israel would
prevail, and when he would lower his hands, Amalek would
prevail."?
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This teaches us that the whole world endures because of the

Lifting of Hands.
Why? Because the name of the power given to Jacob is
Israel.
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were each given a particular
Power. The counterpart of the attribute in which each one
walked was given to him.
Abraham did deeds of kindness. He prepared food for
everyone in his area and for all wayfarers. He acted kindly
and went out to greet them, as it is written (Genesis 18:2),
"and he ran to greet them." Not only that, but (Genesis
18:2), "He bowed to the earth." This was a complete act of
kindness.
God therefore granted him the same measure and gave him
the attribute of Kindness (Chesed). It is thus written (Micah
7:20), "You give truth to Jacob, Kindness to Abraham, as
You swore to our fathers from days of yore."
What is the meaning of "from days of yore"? This teaches us
that if Abraham did not do deeds of kindness, then he would
not have been worthy of the attribute of Truth. Jacob would
then not have been worthy of the attribute of Truth.
In the merit through which Abraham was worthy of the
attribute of Kindness, Isaac became worthy of the attribute
of Terror. It is thus written (Genesis 31:53), "And Jacob
swore by the Terror of his father Isaac."
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Does anyone then swear in this manner, mentioning his

belief in the Terror of his father?
But up until that time, Jacob had not been given any power.
He therefore swore by the power that was given to his father.
It is for this reason that it is written, "And Jacob swore by
the Terror of his father Isaac."
What is it?
It is Chaos. It emanates from evil and astounds people.
And what is that ? It is that regarding which it is written (1
Kings 18:38), "And fire came down and it consumed the
burnt offering, and the stones, and the earth, and it
evaporated the water that was in the trench." It is also
written (Deuteronomy 4:24), "The Lord your God is a
consuming fire, a jealous God."
136. What is Kindness?
It is the Torah, as it is written (Isaiah 55:1), "Ho, let all who

are thirsty come for water, let he without silver come, [stock
up and eat - come, stock up wine and milk, without silver
and without payment] ."
[Kindness is therefore] silver. It is thus written, "come, stock
up and eat - come, stock up wine and milk, without silver
and without payment." He fed you Torah and taught you, for
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you have already earned it through the merit of Abraham,

who did deeds of kindness.
Without silver, he would feed others, and without payment,
he would give them wine and milk.
137. Why wine and milk? What does one have to do with
the other?
But this teaches us that wine is Terror and milk is Kindness.

Why is wine mentioned first? Because it is closer to us.
Do you then think that this refers to actual wine and milk?
We must say that it is the Form of wine and milk. Through
the merit of Abraham, who was worthy of the attribute of
Kindness, Isaac was worthy of the attribute of Terror. And
because Isaac was worthy of the attribute of Terror, Jacob
was worthy of the attribute of Truth, which is the attribute of
Peace.
God bestowed him according to his measure. It is thus
written (Genesis 25:27) "Jacob was a complete man,
dwelling in tents." The word "complete" means nothing
other than peace. It is thus written (Deuteronomy 18:13),
"You shall be complete with the Lord your God," and the
Targum renders this, "You shall be at peace (sh 'lim)."
The word "complete" refers to nothing other than the Torah.
It is thus written (Malachi 2:6), " A Torah of truth was in his
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mouth." What
"With peace
"Uprightness"
(Psalm 25:21),
is written in the very next phrase? It sates,

and uprightness, he walked before Me."
is nothing other than peace, as it is written
"Complete and upright."
It is therefore written (Exodus 17:11), "And it was when

Moses would raise his hands, Israel would prevail. This
teaches us that the Attribute that is called Israel has in it a
"Torah of Truth."
138. What is the meaning of "a Torah of Truth?"
It is that which teaches (Moreh) the Truth of [all] worlds, as
well as His deeds in thought.
He erected Ten Sayings, and with them the world stands. It
is one of them.
In man He created ten fingers, paralleling these Ten Sayings.
Moses raised his hands and concentrated to some degree on
the Attribute that is called Israel, which contains the Torah
of Truth. With his ten fingers, he alluded that he was
upholding the Ten. For if [God] would not help Israel, then
the Ten Sayings would not endure every day. It was for this
reason that "Israel prevailed."
[The verse continues], "And when he lowered his hands,
Amalek prevailed." Would Moses then do anything that
would cause Amalek to prevail? But [this teaches us] that it
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is forbidden for a person to stand for [more than] three hours

with his hands spread out to heaven.
139. His disciples asked: To whom are the hands raised?
He replied: To the heights of heaven. How do we know this?
It is written (Habbakkuk 3:10), "The deep gives forth its
voice, it lifts up its hands on high." This teaches us that the
Lifting of Hands is only to the heights of the heaven.
When among Israel there are people who are wise and know
the mystery of the Glorious Name, and they lift up their
hands, they are immediately answered.
It is thus written (Isaiah 58:9), "Then (Az) you will call and
God will answer." If you call God "then" (Az), He will
answer you immediately.
140. What is the meaning of "then" [- Az - spelled Aleph
Zayin]?
This teaches us that it is not permissible to call Aleph alone.

[It can] only [be called] through the two letters that are
attached to it, which sit first in the kingdom.
Together with the Aleph, they are then three. Seven of the
Ten Sayings then remain, and this is the Zayin [which has
the numerical value of seven].
It is also written (Exodus 15:1), "Then (Az) sang Moses and

the children of Israel."
141. What are the Ten Sayings?
The first is the Highest Crown. Blessed and praised be it

name and its people.
Who are its people?
They are Israel. It is thus written (Psalm 100:3), "Know that
the Lord is God, He made us, and not (Lo) we, His people."
[Lo is spelled Lamed Aleph and can be read, "to Aleph ".I
[It is our duty] to recognise and know the Unity of Unities,
who is unified in all His names.
142. The second one is Wisdom. It is thus written (Proverbs
8:22), "God procured me, the beginning of His way, before
his works, from then (Az)." A "beginning" is nothing other
than Wisdom, as it is written (Psalm 1 1 : 0 ) , "The
beginning is wisdom, the fear of God."
143. The third one is the quarry of the Torah, the treasury of
Wisdom, the quarry of the "spirit of God".
This teaches us that God carved out all the letters of the
Torah, engraved it with spirit, and with it made all Forms.
This is the meaning of the verse (1 Samuel 2:2), "There is no
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Rock (Tzur) like our God" - there is no Former (Tzayir) like

our God.
144. These are three. What is the fourth?
The fourth is (Deuteronomy 33:21), "the charity of God,"
His merit and his Kindness (Chesed) to all the world.
This is the Right Hand of the Blessed Holy One.
145. What is the fifth?
The fifth is the great fire of the Blessed Holy One>
Regarding this it is written (Deuteronomy 18:16), "Let me
see the great fire no more, lest I die." This is the Left Hand
of the Blessed Holy One.
What are they? They are the Chaioth ha-Qadesh and the
holy Seraphim, to their right and their left. They are the
"pleasant ones" which ascend higher and higher, as it is
written (Ecclesiastes 5: 7), "And ones higher than they."
It is also written (Ezekiel 1:18), "And as for their height,
they had height, and they had fear, and their height was
filled with eyes, around the four." And around Him are
angels.
Those around them also bow down before them, kneeling
and declaring, "The Lord He is God, the Lord He is God."
146. The sixth one is the Throne of Glory, crowned,

included, praised and hailed. It is the house of the World to
Come, and its place is in Wisdom . It is thus written
(Genesis 1:3), "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there
was light."
147. And Rabbi Yochanan said: There were two [types ofJ
light, as it is written, "[let there be light,] and there was
light." Regarding both of them it is written (Genesis 1:4),
"[And God saw the light] that it was good."
The Blessed Holy One took one [of these types of light] and
stored it away for the righteous in the World to Come.
Regarding this it is written (Psalm 31:20), "How great is the
good that You have hidden away for those who fear You,
that You have accomplished for those who find shelter in
You.. .
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We learn that no creature could look at the first light. It is

thus written (Genesis 1:4), "And God saw the light that it
was good."
It is furthermore written (Genesis 1:21) "And God saw all
that He made, and behold, it was very good." God saw all
that He had made and saw shining, brilliant good.
He took of that good, and included in it the 32 paths of
Wisdom, giving to this world. This is the meaning of the
verse (Proverbs 4:2), "I have given you a doctrine of good,
My Torah, do not abandon it." We say that this is the
treasury of the Oral Torah.
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The Blessed Holy One said, "This Attribute is considered to

be included in this world, and it is the Oral Torah. If you
keep this Attribute in this world, then you will be worthy of
the World to Come, which is the good stored away for the
righteous."
What is it? It is the force of the Blessed Holy One. It is thus
written (Habakkuk 3:4), "And the glow will be like light,
[He has rays from His hand, and His hidden force is there]."
The glow that was taken from the first Light will be like [our
visible] light if His children keep the "Torah and
Commandment that I wrote to teach them." It is thus written
(Proverbs 1:8), "Hear my son, the admonition of your
father, and do not abandon the Torah of your mother."
148. And it is written (Habakkuk 3:4), "He has rays from
His hand, and His hidden force is there."
What is "His hidden force"?

This is the light that was stored away and hidden, as it is
written (Psalm 31:20), "[How great is the good] that You
have hidden away for those who fear You, [that You have
accomplished for those who find shelter in You]."
What remains for us in that which "You have accomplished
for those who find shelter in You." These are the ones who
find shelter in Your shadow in this world, who keep Your
Torah, observe Your Commandments, and sanctifi Your
name, unifying it secretly and publicly. The verse thus
concludes, "in the sight of the sons of man."
This teaches us that Israel had light. Torah is light, as it is

written (Proverbs 6:23), "For a commandment is a lamp,
Torah is light, [and the way of life is the rebuke of
admonition]."
And we say that a lamp is a commandment, illumination
(Orah) Oral Torah, and light (Or) is the written Torah. [How
can we then say that the Oral Torah is light (Or)?]
Because this light has already been kept, it is called light.
What is this like? A room was hidden at the end of a house.
Even though it is day, and there is bright light in the world,
one cannot see in this room unless he brings along a lamp.
The same is true of the Oral Torah. Even though it is a light,
it needs the written Torah to answer its questions and
explain its mysteries.
What is the meaning of the verse (Proverbs 6:23), "And the
way of life is the rebuke of admonition"?
This teaches us that when a person accustoms himself to
study the Mystery of Creation and the Mystery of the
Chariot, it is impossible that he not stumble. It is therefore
written (Isaiah 3:6), "Let this stumbling be under your
hand." This refers to things that a person cannot understand
unless they cause him to stumble.
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The Torah calls it "the rebuke of admonition," but actually it

makes one worthy of "the way of life." One who wishes to
be worthy of "the way of life" must therefore endure "the
rebuke of admonition."
"Life" is the Torah, as it is written (Deuteronomy 30:19),

"And you shall choose life." It is fbrtherrnore written
(Deuteronomy 30:20), "For it is your life and your length of
days."
If one wants to be worthy of it, he should reject physical
pleasure and accept the yoke of the commandments. If he is
afflicted with suffering, he should accept it with love. He
should not ask, "Since I am fblfilling the will of my Maker
and am studying the Torah each day, why am I afflicted with
suffering?" Rather, he should accept it with love.
Then he will be completely worthy of the "way of life." For
who knows the ways of the Blessed Holy One? Regarding
all things, one must therefore say, "Righteous are You, 0
God, and Your judgement is fair. All that is done from
heaven is for the good."
152. You said [that the sixth one was] His Throne. Have we
then not said that it is the Crown of the Blessed Holy One?
We have said, "Israel was crowned with three crowns, the
crown of priesthood, the crown of royalty, and the crown of
Torah above them all."
What is this like? A king has a pleasing, beautifid vessel and

he was very fond of it.
Sometimes he placed it on his head - this is the Tefillin worn
on the head. At other times he carried it on his arm - in the
knot of the Tefillin worn on the arm. Sometimes he lend it to
his son so that it should remain with him.
Sometimes it is called His Throne. This is because He
carries it as an amulet on His arm, just like a throne.
153. What is the seventh? It is the heaven [called] Aravot.
And why is it called heaven (Shamayim)? Because it is

round like a head.
We learn that it is in the centre, with water at its right and
fire at its left. It supports water (Sa Mayim) from fire and
water, and brings peace between them. Fire comes and finds
the attribute of fire on its side. Water comes and finds the
attribute of water on its side. It is therefore written (Job
25:2), "He makes peace in His high places."
154. Is it then the seventh? Is it nothing more than the sixth.
But this teaches us that the Holy Palace is here, and it
supports them all. It is thus counted as two. It is therefore the
seventh.
And what is it?
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It is Thought that does not have any end or boundary. This

place likewise does not have any end or boundary.
155. The seventh one is the east of the world. It is from
where the Seed of Israel comes. The spinal cord originates
in man's brain and extends to the [sexual] organ, where the
seed is. It is therefore written (Isaiah 43:5), "From the east I
will bring your seed, [and from the west I will gather you]."
When Israel is good, then this is the place form which I will
bring your seed, and new seed will be granted to you. But
when Israel is wicked, [then I will bring] seed that has
already been in the world. It is thus written (Ecclesiastes
1:4), "A generation goes and a generation comes," teaching
us that it has already come.
156. What is the meaning of the verse (Isaiah 43:5), "And

from the west I will gather you"? [This means that "I will
gather you"] from the attribute that always points to the
west.
Why is [west] called MaAReV? Because it is there that all
seed is mixed together (MitAReV).
What is this like? A king's son had a beautiful bride and he
hid her in his chamber. He took riches from his father's
house and constantly brought it to her. She in turn took
everything, constantly put it away, and mixed it all together.
Ultimately he seeks to see what he had gathered and
accumulated.
It is therefore written, "And from the west I will gather

you."
And what is his father's house?
It is that regarding which it is written, "From the east I will
bring your seed." This teaches us that it is brought from the
east and sowed on the west. He then gathers what he has
sowed.
157. What is the eighth one?
The Blessed Holy One has a single Righteous One (Tzadik)

in His world, and it is dear to Him because it supports all the
world. It is the Foundation (Yesod).
This is what sustains it, and makes it grow, increasing and
watching it. It is beloved and dear on high, and beloved and
dear below; fearsome and mighty on high, and fearsome and
mighty below; rectified and accepted on high, and rectified
and accepted below. It is the Foundation of all souls.
Did you then say that it is the eighth? And do you say that it
is the Foundation of all souls? Is it then not written (Exodus
31:17), "And on the seventh day He rested and souled"?
Yes, it is the seventh. This is because it decides between
them. There are six, and three are below and three above,
and it decides between them.
158. Why is it called the seventh? Is it then the seventh?
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It is not. But it is because the Blessed Holy One rested on

the Sabbath with the attribute regarding which it is written
(Exodus 31:17), "For six days God made the heaven and the
earth, and on the seventh day He rested and souled." This
teaches us that each day has a Saying that is its Master.
This is not because it was created on that day, but because
that is when it does the task to which it was assigned. Each
one does its task and maintains its activities.
The seventh day therefore comes and does its task, making
them all rejoice. Not only that, but it also causes their souls
to grow, as it is written, "on the seventh day He rested and
souled."
159. What is this "rest"? It is the absence of work. It is a
cessation which is called Shabbat (meaning rest).
What is this like? A king had seven gardens, and the middle
one contained a fountain, welling up from a living source.
Three [of his gardens] are at its right, and three are at its left.
When it performed its fbnction and overflowed, they all
rejoiced, saying, "It overflowed for our sake." It waters them
and makes them grow, while they wait and rest.
Do we then say that it waters the seven? But it is written
(Isaiah 43:5), "From the east I will bring your seed." This
indicates that one of [the seven] waters it.
We must therefore say that it waters the Heart, and the Heart
then waters them all.
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160. Rabbi Berachiah sat and expounded: Each day we

speak of the World to Come. Do we then understand what
we are saying?
In Aramaic, the "World to Come" is translated "the world

that came."
And what is the meaning of "the world that came"?
We learned that before the world was created, it arose in
thought to create an intense light to illuminate it . He created
an intense light over which no created thing could have
authority.
The Blessed Holy One saw, however, that the world could
not endure [this light]. He therefore took a seventh of it and
left it in its place for them. Thee rest He put away for the
righteous in the Ultimate Future.
He said, "If they are worthy of this seventh and keep it, I
will give them [the rest] in the Final World." It is therefore
called "the world that came," since it already came [into
existence] from the six days of creation. Regarding this it is
written (Psalm 31:20), "How great is Your good that You
have hidden away for those who fear You."
16 1. What is the meaning of the verse (Exodus 15:2 7), "And
the came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water
and seventy date palms, and they encamped there by the
water"?
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What is so special about seventy date palms? In one small

place there can be a thousand. But [this teaches us that] they
were worthy of their counterpart. They are likened to date
palms.
It is written (Exodus 15:23), "And they came to Marah, and
they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were
bitter (marah)." This teaches us that the north wind confused
them. It is thus written (Exodus 15:25), "And he cried out to
God, and He showed him a tree. He cast it into the waters,
and the waters became sweet."
God immediately placed His hand against the Satan and
diminished him. It is thus written (Exodus 15:25), "There He
gave them a decree and a law, and there He proved them."
This teaches us that at this time, the Satan attached himself
to them in order to blot them out from the world. It is thus
written (Ekodus I5:24), "And the people complained to
Moses saying, 'What shall we drink?"' [The Satan]
continued to denounce Moses until he cried out to God and
was answered.
What is the meaning of the verse, "And He showed him a
tree"? This teaches us that the Tree of Life was near the
water. The Satan came and removed it in order to denounce
Israel and cause them to sin against their Father in heaven.
[The Satan] said to them, "Are you now then going into the
desert? Even now [you have nothing] other than bitter water,
but this has some benefit, since you can make some use of it.
But when you enter the desert, you will not even find [water]
with which to wash your hands and face. You will die from
hunger and thirst, naked and having nothing."
The people came to Moses and repeated these words, but he
put them off. When [the Satan] saw that he could not
overcome them, he strengthened himself [to overcome]
Israel and Moses. The people came, and "they complained
to Moses." They said, "Even here we lack water. What will
we drink in the desert?"
The Satan had falsified the situation in order to cause the
people to sin. As soon as Moses saw the Satan, "He cried out
to God, and He showed him a tree." This is the Tree of Life
that Satan had removed. He then "cast it into the water, and
the water became sweet."
The Blessed Holy One then gave the Satan a "decree and a
law," and it was there that He "proved" Israel. The Blessed
Holy One warned Israel saying (Exodus 15:26), "If you
listen to the voice of the Lord your God, [and do what is
upright in His eyes, give ear to His commandments, and
keep all His decrees, then all the sickness that I brought
upon the Egyptians, I will not bring upon you, for I am God
who heals you]."
162. What is this like? A king had a beautiful daughter, and
others desired her. The king knew about it, but could not
fight those who wanted to bring his daughter to evil ways.
He came to his house and warned her, saying, "My daughter,
do not pay attention to the words of these enemies and they
will not be able to overcome you. Bo not leave the house,
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but do all your work at home. Do not sit idle, even for a
single moment. Then they will not be able to see you and
harm you."
They have one Attribute which causes them to leave aside
every good way and choose every evil way. When they see a
person directing himself along a good way, they hate him.
What is [this Attribute]? It is the Satan.
This teaches us that the Blessed Holy One has an Attribute
whose name is Evil. It is to the north of the Blessed Holy
One, as it is written (Jeremiah 1:14), "From the north will
Evil come forth, upon all the inhabitants of the earth." Any
evil that comes to all the inhabitants of the earth comes from
the north.
163. What is this One Attribute?
It is the Form of a Hand. It has many messengers, and the

name of them all is Evil Evil. Some of them are great, and
some are small, but they all bring guilt to the world. This is
because Chaos is toward the north. Chaos (Tohu) is nothing
other than Evil. It confounds (Taha) the world and causes
people to sin.
Every Evil Urge (Yetzer HaRa) that exists in man comes
from there.
And why is it placed to the left? This is because it does not

have any authority any place in the world except in the
north.
It is not accustomed to be anywhere except in the north. It
does not want to be any place but in the north. If it remained
the south until it learned the routes of the south, how could it
lead others astray? It would have to stay there for [several]
days until it learned, and then it could not cause people to
sin. It therefore is always in the north, to the left.
This is the meaning of the verse (Genesis 8:21), "For the
Urge of man's heart is evil from his youth." It is evil from
his youth, and it does not incline [in any direction] other
than the left, for it is already accustomed to be there.
It is regarding this that the Blessed Holy One said to Israel
(Exodus 15:26), "If you listen to the voice of the Lord your
God, and do what is upright in His eyes, and give ear to His
commandments" - and not to the commandments of the Evil
Urge - "and keep all His decrees" - and not the decrees of
the Evil Urge - "[then all the sickness that I brought upon
the Egyptians, I will not bring upon you,] for I am God who
heals you."
164. What does the Evil Urge gain?
What is this like? A king appointed clerks over the lands of
his kingdom, over his work and over his merchandise. Each
and every thing had its clerk. There was one clerk in charge
of the storehouse containing good food. Another was in
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charge of the storehouse containing stones. Everyone came

to the storehouse containing good food. The clerk in charge
of the storehouse of stones came and saw that people were
only buying from the other [clerk].
What did he do? He sent his messengers to tear down the
weak house [so that people would need stones to rebuild
them]. They could not do so, however, to the strong ones.
He said, "In the time that it takes to tear down one strong
[house], you can tear down ten weak ones. People will then
all come and buy stones from me, and I will not be inferior
to the other."
It is thus written (Jeremiah 1:14), "From the north will evil
come forth, upon all the inhabitants of the earth." The verse
then continues (Jeremiah 1:15) "For I call all the families of
the kingdom of the north - says God - and they will come,
and each one will place his throne at the opening of the gates
of Jerusalem ..." Evil will be their business, and the Evil
Urge will also constantly strive.
The word Satan means "turning aside," since he turns all the
world aside to the balance of guilt.
How is this indicated? It is written (Genesis 38:16), "And he
turned aside to her," and the Targum renders this VeSata,
[Satah being the root of Satan]. It is likewise written
(Proverbs 4: 15), "Turn aside (S 'the) from it and pass on."
165. What is the significance of the seventy date palms?
They had accepted upon themselves the commandments, as

it is written (Exodus 15:26), "If you listen to the voice of the
Lord your God." Immediately after this we find (Exodus
15:27) "And they came to Elim (Elimah) [where there were
twelve wells of water and seventy date palms]."
What is the meaning of Elimah? It is Eli Mah - "to me is
what ."
"Where there were twelve wells of water." At first God gave
it to them as wells, and in the end, he gave it back to them as
stones. It is thus written [regarding the stones set up near the
Jordan] (Joshua 4:9), "twelve stones."
What it the reason? It is because the Torah was originally
likened to water in the world. Only later was it put in a
permanent place. Water, however, is here one day and
elsewhere the next.
166. What are the seventy date palms?

This teaches us that the Blessed Holy One has seventy
Structures. These draw from the twelve Simple Ones. Just
like water is simple, so are these simple. How do we know
that the date palm is a Structure? Because it is written (Song
of Songs 7:8), "Your structure is like a date palm." Besides
that, there are seventy kinds of date palms. It is therefore
written that there were seventy date palms. One was not like
the other, their functions were all different, and the taste of
one was not like the taste of the other.
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167. You said that the seventy date palms represent the
seventy Structures. But have you not said that there are 72?
There are 71. Israel makes 72, but it is not included.
But did you not say that there were seventy?
One is the Officer of the Satan.
What is this like? A king had sons and bought slaves for
them. The king then told his sons, "I am giving you all
equally." One of them replied, "I do not want to be with you,
for I have the power to steal everything from you."
The king then said, "Because of this, you will not have a
portion among them at all." [The rebellious son] did what he
could. He went out and lay in wait for [the slaves], showing
them much gold, jewels and troops. He said, "Come over to
me."
What did the king do? He amassed his armies together with
the armies of all his sons. He showed them to the slaves and
said, "Do not let him trick you into thinking that his armies
are stronger than mine. Behold the troops of that son. He is
deceitful and wants to rob you.
Therefore, do not listen to him, for at first he will speak
smoothly in order to entice you into his trap, but in the end
he will laugh at you. You are my slaves, and I will do for
you everything good if you turn away from him and do not
listen to him."
He is the Prince of Chaos. It is thus written (I Samuel
12:21), "Do not turn aside, for you will follow Chaos. It will
not help or save, for it is Chaos." [It cannot help or save,]
but it can do harm.
The advice that I give you is that you should (Exodus
15:26), "Listen to the voice of the Lord your God, do what is
right in His eyes, and give ear to His commandments, and
keep all His decrees."
When you keep all His decrees, then, "All the sickness that I
brought upon the Egyptians, I will not bring upon you."
Why did He say all this? In order to close all doors, so that
he should not find you soft at times and hard at times.
When you keep all His decrees, then "all the sickness that I
brought upon the Egyptians" - through My hand - "I will
not bring upon you."
What is the meaning of "for I am God who heals you"? This
means that even when he comes and strikes, I am God who
will heal you.
168. Why do you call it the eight?
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Because with it the eight are begun, and with it the eight
numbers are completed. In function, however, it is the
seventh one.
And what are [the eight] that were begun? This is the fact
that a child enters the Covenant of Circumcision when eight
days old.
Are they then eight? They are nothing more than seven.
Why then did the Blessed Holy One say eight? Because
there are eight directions in man.
What are they? They are as follows:
The right and left hands;
The right and left legs;
The head, the body, and the Covenant as an arbitrator;
And his wife, who is his mate.
It is thus written (Genesis 2:24), "And he shall cling to his
wife, and they shall be one flesh."
They are the eight, and they parallel the eight days of
circumcision. Are they then eight?
They are nothing more that seven, since the body and
covenant are one. It is therefore eight.
169. What is the ninth?
He said to them: the ninth and tenth are together, one

opposite the other.
One is higher than the other by 500 years.
They are like two Wheels (Ophanim). One inclines toward
the north, while the other inclines toward the west. They
reach down to the lowest earth.
What is the lowest earth? It is the last of the seven earths
down below.
The end of the Divine Presence of the Blessed Holy One is
under His feet. It is thus written (Isaiah 66:1), "The heaven
is My throne, and the earth is the hassock for My feet." The
Victory (Nitzachon) of the world is there. It is thus written
(Isaiah 24:1O), "for Victory of Victories (Netzach
Netzachim) ."
170. What is the meaning of "Victory of Victories"?
There is a single Victory (Netzach). Which is it? It is the one

that inclines toward the west. And what is secondary to it?
This is the one that inclines toward the north.
And the third one? This is the one that is below.
The third one? But you have said that the Chariot has two
wheels. We must therefore say that the end of the Divine
Presence is also called Victory.
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This is the meaning of "Victory of Victories." "Victory" is

one, and "Victories" is two, giving [a total of) three.
171. His disciples said to him: From above to below we
know. But from below to above we do not know.
He replied: Is it not all one - below to above and above to

below?
They said: Our master, ascending is not the same as
descending. One can run while descending, but cannot do so
while ascending.
He replied: Go out and see.
He sat and expounded to them: There is a Divine Presence
below, just like there is a Divine Presence above.
What is this Divine Presence? We have said that it is the
light that was derived from the first Light, which is Wisdom.
It also surrounds all things, as it is written (Isaiah 6:3), "The
whole earth is filled with His glory."
What is its function?
What is this like? A king had seven sons, and he assigned
each one a place. He said to them, "Sit here, one above the
other."
The lowest one said, "I will not sit at the bottom. I do not
want to be far from you."
[The king] replied, "I will surround you and see you all day
long."
This is the meaning of the verse, "The whole earth is filled
with His glory."
Why is He among them? This is so that He should support
them and sustain them.
172. And what are the sons?
I have already told you that the Blessed Holy One has seven
Holy Forms.
All of them have a counterpart in man, as it is written
(Genesis 9:6), "for in the form of God He made man." It is
likewise written (Genesis 1:27), "In the form of God He
made him, male and female He made them."
This is what they are:
The right and left legs;
The right and left hands;
The body, covenant and head.
But these are only six. You have said that there are seven.
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The seventh is with his wife. It is thus written (Genesis

2:24), "And they shall be one flesh."
But she was taken fiom his ribs, as it is written (Genesis
2:21), "And He took one of his ribs."
He said: Yes from his ribs.
Does he then have a rib?
Yes. It is written (Exodus 26:20), "the ribs of the
tabernacle." The Targum renders this, "the side of the
tabernacle."
And what is His side?
What is this like? A king had an idea to plant ten male trees
in a garden. All of them were date palms. He said, "Since
they are all the same kind, it is impossible for them to
endure."
What did he do? He planted and Etrog among them. This
was one of those which he had intended to be male.
And why is the Etrog female? Because it is written
(Leviticus 23:40), "The fruit of a beautifid tree, fronds of a
date palm, [branches of a tree of leaves, and willows of the
brook]."
What is the fruit of a beautiful (hadar) tree?

The Targum renders this verse, "The fruit of the Etrog tree,
and the Lulav."
173. What is the meaning of "beautifid"? It is the beauty of
all things. This is also the beauty of the Songs of Songs.
Regarding it, it is written (Songs of Songs 6:10), "Who is
she who looks forth as the dawn, fair as the moon, clear as
the sun, terrible like an army with banners?"
This relates to the Female.

Because of her, the female was taken from Adam. This is
because it is impossible for the lower world to endure
without the female.
And why is the female called Nekevah? Because her orifices
(Nekev) are wide. Also because she has more orifices than
the male. What are they? They are the orifices of the breasts,
the womb, and the receptacle.
174. And what is the reason that you said that the Song of
Songs is beautiful?
Yes, it is the most beautifid of all the Holy Scriptures.
Rabbi Yochanan thus said: All Scripture is holy, and all the
Torah is holy, but the Song of Songs is the Holy of Holies.
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What is the meaning of the Holy of Holies? It means that it

is holy for the Holy Ones.
What are the Holy Ones? They are the counterparts of the
six directions that are in man. That which is holy for them is
holy for everything.
175. What is this that is Holy? It is the Etrog, which is the
beauty (hadar) of them all.
Why is it called beautifbl (hadar)? Do not read hadar, but
HaDar - "Which dwells."
This refers to the Etrog which is not bound together with the
Lulav. Without it the commandment of the Lulav cannot be
fulfilled.
It is also bound with them all. It is with each one of them,
and is unified with them all.
176. What does the Lulav parallel? It is the counterpart of
the spinal cord. It is thus written (Leviticus 23:40), "[fronds
of a date palm,] a branch of a tree of leaves, and willows of
the brook." The [lea@] branches [of the myrtle] must cover
the majority [of the bunch]. If its branches do not cover its
majority, it is invalid.
Why?
What is this like? A man has arms, and with them he

protects his head. He has two arms, and his head makes
three.
[It is therefore called] "a branch of a tree of leaves." A
"branch" is to the left, and the "leaves" are to the right. It
then comes out that the "tree" is in the centre.
And why is it called a "tree"? Because it is the Root of the
Tree.
177. What are "willows of the brook"? There are two
[willow branches in the Lulav,] and these parallel the two
legs in man.
Why are the ["willows of the brook"] called Awey Nachal?

Because the greater of the two is inclined toward the west
(ma-Arev) and draws its strength from there.
The one to the north is smaller than it by a journey of 500
years. It is on the northwest side, through which it functions.
It is named after it, since they are both mixed (Arav).
[Willows of the Brook] are called Arvey Nachal because the

function of one is sometimes mixed (ma-arav) with that of
the other.
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Why are they called Willows of the Brook? This is because

of the place in which they are fixed, which is called Brook.
It is thus written (Ecclesiastes 1:7), "All the Brooks go to
the sea, but the sea is not filled."
What is this sea? We say that it is the Etrog.
How do we know that each of the seven Attributes is called
a Brook (nachal)? Because it is written (numbers 21:19),
"From Gift to Nachaliel [, from Nachaliel to Bamot, and
from Bamot to the valley that is in the Field of Moab, the
head of the cliff, and it looks down on the face of the
Yeshimon]." Do not read Nachaliel, but Nachley El Brooks of God.
And all six then go on one path to the sea.
What is this path? It is the one that arbitrates between them.
It is thus written (Habbakuk 3:5), "Before Him goes the
pestilence, and fiery bolt at His feet."
All of them go to that pipe, and from that pipe to the sea.
This is the meaning of the verse, "From Gift to Brooks of
God." [Gift] is the place that is given, namely the brain.
From there they go to the Brooks of God.
"And from Brooks of God to Bamot." What is Bamot? As
the Targut renders it, Ramta - "heights." This is the Segol
that follows the Zarka.
[The verse continues,] "And from Bamot to the valley that is

in the Field of Moab, the head of the cliff, and it looks down
on the face of the Yeshimon."
"And from the heights (Bamot) to the valley that is in the
Field of Moab." This is that which is prepared. And what is
that which was in the Field of Moab? Do not read Moab, but
Mayav "from a father." This is the father regarding which it
is written (Genesis 26:5) "Because Abraham hearkened to
my voice, kept My trust, My commandments and My
decrees. ..
99
What is this field? It is the one that is at "the head of the

cliff," and which also "looks down on the face of the
Yeshimon." [Yeshimon] is interpreted to mean Heaven.
Regarding that pipe, it is written (Song of Songs 4:15), "A
fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, flowing from
Lebanon."
What is Lebanon? We say that this is Wisdom.
What are the Willows of the Brook (Nachal)? We say that
this is that which gives inheritance (Nachalah) to Israel. It
refers to the two Wheels of the Chariot .
179. We learned that there are Ten Spheres and Ten Sayings.
Each Sphere has its Saying. It is not surrounded by it, but
rather, it surrounds it.
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This [physical] world is like a mustard seed inside a ring.

Why? Because of the Spirit that blows upon it, through
which it is sustained. If this spirit were to be interrupted for
even a moment, the world would be annihilated.
180. There are three Spheres in this world.

How? This world inclines to the north and the south.
How? North west south. North west is the first sphere that
revolves around us.
Do we then say that it is to the north-west? But we say that
its strength is to the north. This is the left foot.
Above it is the second Sphere, which is entirely to the west.
Do we then say that it is to the west? But we say that its
power is to the west. These are the Victories of the world.
Above it is the third Sphere, and its power is to the southwest.
What is the original power that you said was second? We
say that this is the right foot.
And what is the power that is to the south-west? This is the

Foundation of the world.
Regarding this it is written (Proverbs 10:25),
Righteous is the Foundation of the world."
"The
The second power stands behind the Chariot, while the first
power stands in front of it.
The "Righteous, Foundation of the world" is in the centre. It
emanates from the south of the world, and is officer over the
other two.In its hand are also the souls of all living things. It
is the Life of Worlds.
Whenever the word "creation" (Beriah) is used, it is done
with it. Regarding it, it is written (Exodus 31117), "He rested
and souled."
This is the attribute of the Sabbath day. Regarding this it is
written (Exodus 20:8),
"Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy."
But it is also written (Deuteronomy 5:12), "Keep [the
Sabbath]." This is speaking of the seventh attribute.
Regarding this seventh attribute it is written (Leviticus
19:30), "My sabbaths you shall keep, and My sanctuary you
shall fear."
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What is the seventh attribute? This is the Blessed Holy

One's attribute of Goodness.
18 1. Why is it written, "My sabbaths you shall keep," [in the
plural] rather than "My sabbath" [in the singular]?
What is this like? A king had a beautilk1 bride, and every

week she would set aside a day to be with him. The king
also had beautiful beloved sons. He said to them, "Since this
is the situation, you should also rejoice on the day of my joy.
For it is for your sake that I strive,, and you also respect
me."
182. What is the reason that [the Torah says] "remember"
[in one place,] and "keep" [regarding the Sabbath in
another]?
"Remember" 'achor) refers to the male (Zachar). "Keep"

(shamor) refers to the bride. Why is it connected to, "and
My sanctuary you shall fear"? This is because My sanctuary
is holy. Why? "Because I am God who makes you holy" from every side.
183. Why do we say [in the blessing after food], "On all that
He created.. .[Blessed]is the Life of Worlds." Why do we
not say, "On all that You created"?
But we bless the Holy One, who grants His wisdom to this
"Life of Worlds." It then provides for all.
184. What is the reason that we say [in blessings, "Blessed

are you.. .] who made us holy with His commandments and
commanded us" [in the third person]? Why do we not say,
"that You made us holy with Your commandments, and You
commanded us," [in the second person]?
This teaches us that all commandments are included in the

Life of Worlds.
Because of His love for us, He gave us [the commandments]
in order that they should make us holy and allow us to be
worthy. Why? Because when we are in this world, we can
become worthy of the World to Come, which is great.
In its hand is the treasury of souls. When Israel is good,
these souls are worthy of emerging and coming to this
world. But if they are not good, the [these souls] do not
emerge. We therefore say, "The Son of David will not come
until all the souls in the Body are completed."
What is the meaning of "all the souls in the Body"? We say
that this refers to all the souls in man's body. [When these
are completed] new ones will be worthy of emerging. The
Son of David (the Messiah) will then come. He will be able
to be born, since his soul will emerge among the other new
souls.
What is this like? A king had an army, and he sent them
much bread to eat. They were so lazy that they did not take
care of [the bread] which they did not eat [immediately].
The bread therefore became mouldy and went to waste.
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The king investigated to find out if they had what to eat, and
to see if they had eaten what he had sent them. He found that
the bread had become mouldy and they were ashamed to ask
for new bread. How could they tell the king, "We did not
take care of [what you sent us,] but now we are asking for
more"?
The king also became angry. He took the mouldy bread and
ordered that it be dried and rectified as much as possible. He
swore to the men, "I will not give you any more bread until
you eat all this mouldy bread." He then returned the bread to
them.
What did they do? They agreed to divide it up, and each one
took his portion. The diligent one took his portion and
placed it in the air, taking care of it and keeping it in good
condition to eat. The other one took it and ate it lustfblly. He
ate what he could and laid the rest aside, not taking care of it
since he had given up on it. It spoiled even more and became
so mouldy that he could not eat it at all. He therefore starved
to death.
He was then blamed for the sin of his body: Why did you
kill yourself? Is it not enough that you ruined the bread the
first time? But I returned it to you and you ruined it [again].
You ruined your portion because you were too lazy to take
care of it. And not only that, but you also killed yourself."
The solder replied, "My lord, what could I have done?"
He answered, "You should have taken care of it. And if you

claim that you were not able to, you should have watched
your friends and neighbours with whom you shared the
bread. You should have seen what they did and how they
took care of it, and you should have kept it like they did."
They also interrogated him: Why did you kill yourself? Is it
not enough that you ruined the bread? But you also went
ahead and killed the matter of your body. You shortened the
days of your life, or [at least] caused it. It may have been
possible that you would have had a good son. He could have
saved you, and [rectified] the damage that you and others
did. Your suffering will therefore be increased on all sides.
He became confused and replied, "What could I have done
when I did not have any bread? With what could I have
sustained myself?"
They answered: If you would have strived and worked in
Torah, you would not reply foolishly and brazenly like this.
Because of your reply, it is obvious that you have not
worked or strived in Torah. It is thus written (Deuteronomy
8:3), "For not by bread alone does man live, but from all that
emanates from God's mouth does man live."
You should have searched and probed and asked, "what is it
through which man lives?"
What is this which "emanates from God's mouth"
From here they said, "An ignoramus cannot be pious."
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If a person does not act with kindness (Chesed) toward

himself, he cannot be called pious (Chasid).
185. How can one do kindness to his Master?
By studying the Torah. All study of Torah is a deed of
kindness toward one's Master.
It is thus written (Deuteronomy 33:26), "He rides the
heavens with your help, [His pride is in the skies]." God
says, "When you study Torah for its own sake, then you help
Me and I can ride the heavens."
Then, "His pride is in the skies (Shechakim)."
What is Shechakim? We say that it is in the innermost
chamber. The Targum thus renders it, "His word is in the
Heaven of Heaven."
Therefore, "not by bread alone does man live, but from all
that emanates from God's mouth does man live."
However, "the fool answers brazenly."
"Abandon this brazenness, and do not reply in this manner!"
He is therefore punished. What is his punishment? We have
already discussed it.
186. What is the meaning of the verse (Job 15:2), "Should a

wise man answer knowledge of spirit?" What is "knowledge
of spirit"?
This is the Knowledge that is close to the spirit. Regarding
this it is written (Isaiah 11:2), "And there will rest upon him
a spirit of God, a spirit of wisdom and understanding, [a
spirit of counsel and strength, a spirit of knowledge and the
fear of God]."
[First comes] Wisdom, and then comes Understanding. And
in Understanding is "counsel, strength, knowledge and the
fear of God."
But you told us that "counsel" is deeds of Kindness, and that
Understanding is the Attribute of Justice.
[One is above the other.]
Knowledge is Truth. Knowledge is therefore that with which
one recognises the truth.
"The fear of God" is the Treasury of the Torah .
This is like I say, but one is above the other.
Rabbi Akiba thus said: With whatever God created, He
created its counterpart. It is thus written (Ecclesiates 7:14),
"Also one opposite the other has God made."
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What is the Treasury of the Torah? It is that regarding which

it is written (Isaiah 33:6), "The fear of God is His treasury."
A person must first be god-fearing, and then he can study
Torah.
This is like a person who comes to buy date honey but does
not bring a vessel in which to carry it. He says, "I will carry
it in my bosom." He tries to carry it in his bosom but it was
very heavy, and he is also afraid that it will tear and soil his
clothing. He therefore throws it away on the road.
This person is then punished twice. First because he ruined
good food, and second because he wasted his money.
187. The fear of God is the one that is higher. It is in the
palm of God's hand. It is also His Force. This palm (kaJ is
called the pan of merit (Kaf Zechut). This is because it
inclines the world to the pan of merit. It is thus written
(Isaiah 11:3), "I will grant him a spirit of the fear of God,
and he will not judge by the sight of his eyes, he will not
admonish according to what his ear hears." He will incline
all the world to the pan of merit. From there counsel
emanates, and from there health emanates to the world.
[It is also written,] (Genesis 49:24) "From there is the

Shepherd, the Stone of Israel."
This is the place that is called "There." Regarding this, it is
written (Habakkuk 3:4), "[He has rays from His hand,] and
His hidden Force is there."
188. Once this thing comes, sharpen it. What is its

sharpening? Tell us the meaning of the verse, "He has rays
from His hand."
Why does it first say "rays" and they "His hand"? It should
have said "His hands" [in the plural].
There is no contradiction. This is very much like the verse
(Exodus 32:19), "And Moses7 anger flared, and he threw the
tablets &om his hands." The way this is written, however, it
would be read "His hand" [in the singular].
It is likewise written (Exodus 17:12), "And his hands was
faithhl until the sun set." The verse says Emunah ("was
faithful" - in the singular) and not Emunot ("were faithful" in the plural.
They replied: Our master, we are pointing out a
contradiction in order to receive an answer, and you are
covering our eyes. Did you not teach us, master, that you
must answer first things first and last things last?
[He said:] And what have you then asked? [The meaning
of,] "He has rays from His hand."
By the Divine service, I have just explained it to you with
my words.
They were ashamed.
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When he saw that they were ashamed is it not true that [at
first] there was water, and that fire emanated from it? Water
therefore included fire.
And Master, what is the meaning of "rays"?
He replied: There are five rays. These are the five fingers on
man's right hand.
189. And master, you are the one who told us in Rabbi
Yochanan's name that there are only tow arms of the
world."
He replied: Yes. But here "rays" allude to the two rays that
are below them.
And what are they?
He said: With the anger of your head.
And what is above?
He said: The fear of God.

190. And what is the fear of God?
It is the first light.
Rabbi [Meir] thus said: Why is it written (Genesis 1:3),

"And God said, 'let there be light,' and there was light"?
Why does it not say, "and it was so"?
But this teaches us that the light was very intense, so that no
created thing could gaze upon it. God therefore stored it
away for the righteous in the Ultimate Future.
This is the measure of all merchandise (Secorah) in the
world. It is also the power of the precious stones that are
called Socheret and Dar.
And upon what is the attribute of Dar?
This teaches us that God took a thousandth of its radiance,
and from it He constructed a beautifid precious stone. In it
He included all the commandments.
Abraham came, and He sought a power to give him. He gave
him this precious stone, but he did not want it. He was
worthy and took Kindness as his attribute, as it is written
(Micah 7:20), "Kindness to Abraham."
Isaac came, and He sought a power, but He gave it to him
and he did not want it. He was worthy and took the attribute
of Strength, which is [called] Terror. It is thus written
(Genesis 31:53), "And Jacob swore by the Terror of Isaac
his father."
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Jacob came and wanted it, but it was not given to him. They
said, "Since Abraham is above and Isaac is below him, you
will be in the centre and take all three."
What is the centre?
It is peace, as it is written (Micah 7:20), "You give Truth to
Jacob." Truth is identical with Peace, as it is written (Esther
9:30), "Words of Peace and Truth." It is likewise written (2
Kings 20:19), "For peace and truth will be in my days."
This is the meaning of the verse (Isaiah 58:14), "I will feed
you with the inheritance of Jacob your father." This is a
complete inheritance ('achalah), comprising Kindness,
Terror, Truth and Peace.
It is therefore written (Psalm 118:22), "The stone despised
by the builders has become the chief cornerstone." This is
the Stone that was despised by Abraham and Isaac, the
builders of the world, and that then became the chief
cornerstone.
191. And why did they despise it? Is it not written (Genesis
26:5), "Because Abraham hearkened to My voice, and kept
My watch, My commandments, My decrees, and My
Torahs."
What is the meaning of "My watch"?

It refers to what the Attribute of Kindness said: As long as
Abraham was in the world, I did not have to do my job.
Abraham stood there in my place and "kept my watch." It is
my task to bring merit to the world, and even when people
are guilty, I bring them merit. I also bring them back,
directing their hearts to do the will of their Father in heaven.
All this Abraham did, as it is written (Genesis 21:33), "And

he planted a tamarisk in Beersheba, and he called there in
the name of the Lord, God of the world." He would share his
bread and water with all the people in the world, bringing
them merit.
Seeking to convince them, he would say, "Whom then are
you serving? Serve the Lord, God of heaven and earth." He
would preach to them until they would repent.
How do we know that he would also bring merit to those
who were guilty?
It is written (Genesis 18:17), "Shall I then cover from
Abraham what I am doing? Abraham is becoming a great,
mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed
through him."
God said, "I will give him merit. I know that he will seek
mercy for them and be worthy."
Is it then possible to say that the Blessed Holy One did not
know that they could be saved?
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But He told this [to Abraham] to bring him merit. From here
they said, "If one comes to urify himself, they help him. If
one comes to defile himself, they open for him."
What is the meaning of, "they open for him"?
It refers to those that are always open.
192. [It is written that Abraham kept] (Genesis 26:5), "My
commandments, My decrees, and my Torah." He said,
"Since I do not want [the precious stone], I will keep all the
commandments that are included in it."
What is the meaning of "My Torah"? This teaches us that he
knew and kept even the decisions (Horah) and discussions
that are taught on high.
193. And what is the meaning of the verse (Genesis 49:24),
"From there is the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel."
From "There" is nourished the Rock of Israel.

What is the meaning of "from There"? We say that this is
the Supernal Righteous One (Zadik).
What is it?
It is [the precious stone called] Socheret. And the stone that
is below it is called Dar.
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And what are the rays mentioned in the verse (Habakkuk

3:4), "He has rays from His hand"?
These are the five fingers of the right hand.
Section V
Mysteries of the Soul

This I received [from the tradition]. When Moses wanted to

know about the glorious fearsome Name, may it be blessed,
he said (Exodus 33:18), "Show my please Your glory."
He wanted to know why there are righteous who have good,
righteous who have evil, wicked who have good, and wicked
who have evil. But they would not tell him.
Do you then think that they did not tell him? Can one then
imagine that Moses did not know this mystery? But this is
what Moses said: "I know the ways of the Powers, but I do
not know how Thought spreads through them. I know that
Truth is in Thought, but I do not know its parts." He wanted
to know, but they would not tell him.
195. Why is there a righteous person who has good, and
[another] righteous person who has evil?
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This is because the [second] righteous person was wicked

previously, and is now being punished.
Is one then punished for his childhood deeds? Did not Rabbi
Simon say that in the Tribunal on high, no punishment is
meted out until one is twenty years or older.
He said: I am not speaking of his present lifetime. I am
speaking about what he has already been, previously.
His colleagues said to him: How long will you conceal your
words?
He replied: Go out and see. What is this like? A person
planted a vineyard and hoped to grow grapes, but instead,
sour grapes grew. He saw that his planting and harvest were
not successful so he tore it out. He cleaned out the sour
grape vines and planted again. When he saw that his
planting was not successfhl, he tore it up and planted it
again.
How many times?
He said to them: For a thousand generations. It is thus
written (Psalm 105:8), "The word that He commanded for a
thousand generations."
It is in relation to this that they said, "Lacking were 974
generations. The Blessed Holy One stood up and planted
them in each generation."
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196. Rabbah said: If the righteous wanted, they could create
a world. What interferes? Your sins, as it is written (Isaiah

59:2), "Only your sins separate between you and your God."
Therefore, if not for your sins, there would not be any
differentiation between you and Him.
We thus see that Rabba created a man and sent it to Rav
Zeira. He spoke to it, but it would not reply. But if not for
your sins, it would also have been able to reply.
And from what would it have replied? From its soul.
Does a man then have a soul to place in it?
Yes, as it is written (Genesis 2:7), "And He blew in his
nostrils a soul of life." If not for your sins, man would
therefore have a "soul of life." [Because of your sins,
however] the soul is not pure.
This is the difference between you and Him. It is thus
written (Psalm 8:6), "And You have made him a little less
than God."
What is the meaning of "a little"? This is because [man]
sins, while the Blessed Holy One does not. Blessed be He
and blessed be His Name for ever and ever, He has no sins.
But the [Evil] Urge comes from Him.
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Can we then imagine that it comes fiom Him? But it

originated fiom Him until David came and killed it. It is thus
written (Psalm 109:22), "My heart is hollow within me."
David said: Because I was able to overcome it (Psalm 5:5),
"Evil will not sojourn with You."
How was David able to overcome it? Through his study,
since he never stopped [studying] day or night. He therefore
attached the Torah on high. For whenever a person studies
Torah for its own sake, the Torah attaches itself to the
Blessed Holy One.
They therefore say, "A person should always study Torah,
even not for its sake, since if he studies it not for its sake, he
will eventually come to [study it] for its sake."
What is this Torah that you are discussing?
It is the Bride who is adorned and crowned, and who is
included in the commandments. It is the Treasury of the
Torah. It is the betrothed of the Blessed Holy One, as it is
written (Deuteronomy 33:4), "Moses commanded us the
Torah, the heritage (Morasha) of the congregation of Jacob."
Do not read "heritage" (Morasha) but "betrothed"
(Me 'urasa).
How is his so. When Israel engages in the Torah for its own
sake, then it is the betrothed of the Blessed Holy One, then it
is the heritage of Israel.
Why was Tamar worthy of being the mother of Peretz and

Zerach?
It was because her name was Tamar. Tamar was [also] the
sister of Amnon. She was therefore made for this.
Why were they called Peretz and Zerach?
Peretz was named after the moon. The moon breaks out
(paratz) at times, and will be built up in the hture. Zerach
was named after the sun, which always shines @arach) in
the same manner.
But Peretz was the first-born. Is then the sun not greater than
the moon?
This is no difficulty, as it is written (Genesis 38:28), "One
put out a hand," [indicating that Zerach's hand emerged
before Peretz was born]. It is then written (Genesis 38:30),
"This his brother, upon whose hand was the scarlet thread,
emerged, and he was named Zerach."
[Zerach] was supposed to have been the first-born. But God
saw that Solomon would descend [from Peretz], and He had
such great joy that He made [Zerach] return.
198. Why was she called Tamar and not any other name?
Because she was female.
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Can we then say that [it was something special that] she was
female?
But it is because she included both male and female. For
[Tamar means a date palm, and] every date palm includes
both male and female.
How is this? The frond (Lulav) is male. The fruit is male on
the outside and female on the inside.
And how? The seed of the date has a split like a woman.
Paralleling it is the power of the moon above.
The Blessed Holy One created Adam male and female, as it
is written (Genesis 1:27), "Male and female He created
them." Is it then possible to say this? Is it then not written
(Genesis 1:27), "And God created man in His image, in the
image of God He created him"? It is only then later written
(Genesis 2:18), "I will make him a helper opposite him,"
and (Genesis 2:21), "And He took one of his ribs, and closed
the flesh under it." [We therefore see that the male was
created first, and only later the female.]
But we must say that the Torah uses [three different words]:
"formed" (yatzar), "made" (asah), and "created" (bara).
When the soul was made, the word "made" is used. [The
word "created" is then used:] "Male and female He created
them." The word "formed" was used when the soul was
combined with the body and the spirit was brought together.
How do we know that "forming" means bringing together?

For it is written (Genesis 2:19), "And the Lord God formed
(gathered) all the beasts of the field and all the flying things
of the heaven, and He brought them to the Man to see what
he would call each thing." This explains the verse (Genesis
5:2), "Male and female He created them." It is also written
(Genesis 1:28), "And God blessed them."
199. The soul of the female comes from the Female, and the
soul of the male comes from the Male. This is the reason
why the Serpent followed Eve. He said, "Her soul comes
from the north, and I will therefore quickly seduce her."
And how did he seduce her? He had intercourse with her.

200. His disciples asked: Tell us how this took place.
He replied: The wicked Samael made a bond with all the
host on high against his Master. This was because the
Blessed Holy One said [regarding man] (Genesis 1:26),
"And let him rule over the fish of the sea and the flying
things of heaven."
[Samael] said, "How can we cause him to sin and be exiled
from before God?" He descended with all his host, and
sought a suitable companion on earth. He finally found the
serpent, which looked like a camel, and he rode on it.
He then went to the woman and said to her (Genesis 3:1),
"Did God also say, from all the trees of the garden [you shall
not eat]?" [He said, "I know that He did not forbid all the
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trees,] but I will seek more - I will add in order that she
should subtract."
She replied, "He did not stop us from anything besides"
(Genesis 3:2) "the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the
garden. God said, 'Do not eat from it and do not touch it, lest
you die."'
She added two things. She said, "from the fruit of the tree
that is in the middle of the garden," while [God] had only
said (Genesis 2:17), "from the Tree of Knowledge." She
also said, "do not touch it lest you die," while God had only
spoken of eating it.
What did Samael do? He went and touched the tree. The tree
cried out and said, "Wicked one, do not touch me!" It is thus
written (Psalm 36:12), "Let not a foot of pride overtake me,
and let not the hand of the wicked move me. There have the
workers of iniquity fallen - they are thrust down, they
cannot rise."
He then said to the woman, "See, I touched the tree and I did
not die. You can also touch it and not die."
The woman went and touched the tree. She saw the Angel of
Death approaching her and said, "Woe is to me. Now I will
die and the Blessed Holy One will make another woman and
give her to Adam. I will therefore cause him to eat with me.
If we die, we will both die, and if we live, we will both live."
She took the fruit of the tree and ate it, and she also gave
some to her husband. Their eyes opened and their teeth were
set on edge. He said, "What is this that you have given me to
eat? Just as my teeth were set on edge, so will the teeth of all
[fi~ture]generations be set on edge."
[God then] sat down in true judgement, as it is written
(Psalm 9:5), "[You have upheld my cause, You have sat on
the throne as a] righteous Judge." He called to Adam and
said "Why do you flee from Me?"
Adam replied (Genesis 3:10), " '1 heard Your voice in the
garden' - and my bones trembled. 'I was afraid because I
was naked, and I hid.' I was naked of works, I was naked of
commandments, and I was naked of deeds." It is therefore
written "because I was naked, and I hid."
What was Adam's garment? It was a skin of fingernail. As
soon as he ate from the fruit of the tree, this skin of
fingernail was removed from him, and he saw himself
naked. It is thus written (Genesis 3:l l), "Who told you that
you were naked? [Did you eat from the tree that I
commanded you not to eat from it?]"
Adam said to the Blessed Holy One, "Master of all worlds:
When I was alone, did I ever sin before You? But the
woman that You placed with me enticed me from your
word." It is thus written (Genesis 3:12), "The woman that
you placed with me [gave it to me, and I ate]."
The Blessed Holy One said to her, "Is it not enough that you
sinned? But you also caused Adam to sin."
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She replied to Him, 'Master of all worlds: The serpent

enticed me to sin before You."
God took the three of them, and decreed upon them a
sentence of nine curses and death.
He then cast the wicked Samael and his group from their
holy place in heaven. He cut of the feet of the serpent and
cursed it more than all the other animals and beasts of the
field. He also decreed that it must shed its skin every seven
years.
Samael was punished and made the guardian angel over the
wicked Esau.
In the Future, when God uproots the Kingdom of Edom, he
will lower him first. It is thus written (Isaiah 24:21), "God
will punish the host of heights of high." This statement,
death and punishment all came because she added to the
commandment of the Blessed Holy One.
Regarding this it is said, "Whoever increase diminishes."
May God enlighten our eyes with the light of His Torah,
May He place in our hearts His fear,
May we be worthy to greet Him.
He will enlighten the hear
Waken the heart with understanding
Make the heart shine with brilliance!
The
Sepher Yetzirah
Translated from the Hebrew
by Wm. Wynn Westcott
INTRODUCTION
The "Sepher Yetzirah," or "Book of Formation," is perhaps
the oldest Rabbinical treatise of Kabbalistic philosophy
which is still extant. The great interest which has been
evinced of late years in the Hebrew Kabbalah, and the
modes of thought and doctrine allied to it, has induced me to
translate this tractate ftom the original Hebrew texts, and to
collate with them the Latin versions of mediaeval
authorities; and I have also published An Introduction to the
Kabbalah which may be found useful to students.
Three important books of the "Zohar," or "Book of
Splendour," which is a great storehouse of Kabbalistic
teaching, have been translated into English by S. L.
MacGregor Mathers, and the "Sepher Yetzirah" in an
English translation is almost a necessary companion to these
abstruse disquisitions: the two books indeed mutually
explain each other.
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The "Sepher Yetzirah," although this name means "The

Book of Formation," is not in any sense a narrative of
Creation, or a substitute Genesis, but is an ancient and
instructive philosophical treatise upon one aspect of the
origin of the universe and mankind; an aspect at once
archaic and essentially Hebrew. The grouping of the
processes of origin into an arrangement, at once alphabetic
and numeral, is one only to be found in Semitic authors.
Attention must be called to the essential peculiarity of the
Hebrew language, the inextricable and necessary association
of numbers and letters; every letter suggesting a number, and
every group of letters having a numerical signification, as
vital as its literal meaning.
The Kabbalistic principles involved in the reversal of
Hebrew letters, and their substitution by others, on definite
schemes, should also be studied and borne in mind.
It is exactly on these principles that the "ground-work idea"
'of this disquisition rests; and these principles may be traced
throughout the Kabbalistic tractates which have succeeded it
in point of time and development, many of which are
associated together in one volume known as the "Zohar,"
which is in the main concerned with the essential dignities of
the Godhead, with the Emanations which have sprung there
from, with the doctrine of the Sephiroth, the ideals of
Macroprosopus and Microprosopus, and the doctrine of Reincarnation.
The "Sepher Yetzirah," on the other hand, is mainly
concerned with our universe and with the Microcosm. The
opinions of Hebrew Kabbalistic Rabbis and of modern

mystics may be fitly introduced here.
The following interesting quotation is from Rabbi Moses
Botarel, who wrote his famous Commentary in 1409:--"It
was Abraham our Father--blessed be he--who wrote this
book to condemn the doctrine of the sages of his time, who
were incredulous of the supreme dogma of the Unity. At
least, this was the opinion of Rabbi Saadiah--blessed be he-as written in the first chapter of his book The Philosopher's
Stone. These are his words: The sages of Babylon attacked
Abraham on account of his faith; for they were all against
him although themselves separable into three sects. The First
thought that the Universe was subject to the control of two
opposing forces, the one existing but to destroy the other,
this is dualism; they held that there was nothing in common
between the author of evil and the author of good. The
Second sect admitted Three great Powers; two of them as in
the first case, and a third Power whose function was to
decide between the two others, a supreme arbitrator. The
Third sect recognised no god beside the Sun, in which it
recognised the sole principle of existence."
Rabbi Judah Ha LCvi (who flourished about 1120), in his
critical description of this treatise, wrote: "The Sepher
Yetzirah teaches us the existence of a Single Divine Power
by shewing us that in the bosom of variety and multiplicity
there is a Unity and Harmony, and that such universal
concord could only arise from the rule of a Supreme Unity."
According to Isaac Myer, in his Qabalah (p. 159), the
"Sepher Yetzirah" was referred to in the writings of Ibn
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Gebirol of Cordova, commonly called Avicebron, who died

in A.D. 1070.
Eliphas Levi, the famous French Occultist, thus wrote of the
"Sepher Yetzirah," in his Histoire de la Magie, p. 54: "The
Zohar is a Genesis of illumination, the Sepher Jezirah is a
ladder formed of truths. Therein are explained the thirty-two
absolute signs of sounds, numbers and letters: each letter
reproduces a number, an idea and a form; so that
mathematics are capable of application to ideas and to forms
not less rigorously than to numbers, by exact proportion and
perfect correspondence. By the science of the Sepher Jezirah
the human spirit is fixed to truth, and in reason, and is able
to take account of the possible development of intelligence
by the evolutions of numbers. The Zohar represents absolute
truth, and the Sepher Jezirah provides the means by which
we may seize, appropriate and make use of it."
Upon another page Eliphas Levi writes: "The Sepher Jezirah
and the Apocalypse are the masterpieces of Occultism; they
contain more wisdom than words; their expression is as
figurative as poetry, and at the same time it is as exact as
mathematics.
In the volume entitled La Kabbale by the eminent French
scholar, Adolphe Franck, there is a chapter on the "Sepher
Yetzirah." He writes as follows:-"The Book of Formation contains, I will not say system of
physics, but of cosmology such as could be conceived at an
age and in a country where the habit of explaining all
phenomena by the immediate action of the First Cause,
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tended to check the spirit of observation, and where in

consequence certain general and superficial relations
perceived in the natural world passed for the science of
Nature." ..."Its form is simple and grave; there is nothing
like a demonstration nor an argument; but it consists rather
of a series of aphorisms, regularly grouped, and which have
all the conciseness of the most ancient oracles."
In his analysis of the "Sepher Yetzirah," he adds:--"The
Book of Formation, even if it be not very voluminous, and if
it do not altogether raise us to very elevated regions of
thought, yet offers us at least a composition which is very
homogeneous and of a rare originality. The clouds which the
imagination of commentators have gathered around it, will
be dissipated, if we look for, in it, not mysteries of ineffable
wisdom, but an attempt at a reasonable doctrine, made when
reason arose, an effort to grasp the plan of the universe, and
to secure the link which binds to one common principle, all
the elements which are around us."
"The last word of this system is the substitution of the
absolute divine Unity for every idea of Dualism, for that
pagan philosophy which saw in matter an eternal substance
whose laws were not in accord with Divine Will; and for the
Biblical doctrine, which by its idea of Creation, postulates
two things, the Universe and God, as two substances
absolutely distinct one from the other.
"In fact, in the 'Sepher Yetzirah,' God considered as the
Infinite and consequently the indefinable Being, extended
throughout all things by his power and existence, is while
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above, yet not outside of numbers, sounds and letters--the

principles and general laws which we recognise."
"Every element has its source from a higher form, and all
things have their common origin from the Word (Logos), the
Holy Spirit.. .. So God is at once, in the highest sense, both
the matter and the form of the universe. Yet He is not only
that form; for nothing can or does exist outside of Himself;
His substance is the foundation of all, and all things bear His
imprint and are symbols of His intelligence."
Hebrew tradition assigns the doctrines of the oldest portions
of the "Zohar" to a date antecedent to the building of the
Second Temple, but Rabbi Simeon ben Jochai, who lived in
the reign of the Emperor Titus, A.D. 70-80, is considered to
have been the first to commit these to writing, and Rabbi
Moses de Leon, of Guadalaxara, in Spain, who died in 1305,
certainly reproduced and published the "Zohar."
Ginsburg, speaking of the Zoharic doctrines of the Ain
Suph, says that they were unknown until the thirteenth
century, but he does not deny the great antiquity of the
"Sepher Yetzirah," in which it will be noticed the "Ain Suph
Aur" and "Ain Suph" are not mentioned.1 suggest, however,
that this omission is no proof that the doctrines of "Ain Suph
Aur" and "Ain Suph" did not then exist, because it is a
reasonable supposition that the "Sepher Yetzirah" was the
volume assigned to the Yetziratic World, the third of the
four Kabbalistic Worlds of Emanation, while the "Asch
Metzareph" is concerned with the Assiahtic, fourth, or
lowest World of Shells, and is on the face of it an alchemical
treatise; and again the "Siphra Detzniyutha" may be fittingly
considered to be an Aziluthic work, treating of the
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Emanations of Deity alone; and there was doubtless a fourth

work assigned to the World of Briah- -the second type, but I
have not been able to identify this treatise. Both the
Babylonian and the Jerusalem Talmuds refer to the "Sepher
Yetzirah." Their treatise, named "Sanhedrin," certainly
mentions the "Book of Formation," and another similar
work; and Rashi in his commentary on the treatise "Erubin,"
considers this a reliable historical notice.Other historical
notices are those of Saadya Gaon, who died A.D. 940, and
Judah Ha Levi, A.D. 1150; both these Hebrew classics speak
of it as a very ancient work. Some modem critics have
attributed the authorship to the Rabbi Akiba, who lived in
the time of the Emperor Hadrian, A.D. 120, and lost his life
in supporting the claims of Barchocheba, a false messiah:
others suggest it was first written about A.D. 200.
Graetz however assigns it to early Gnostic times, third or
fourth century, and Zunz speaks of it as post Talmudical,
and belonging to the Geonim period 700-800 A.D.;
Rubinsohn, in the Bibliotheca Sacra, speaks of this latter
idea as having no real basis.
The Talmuds were first collected into a concrete whole, and
printed in Venice, 1520 A.D.
The "Zohar" was first printed in Mantua in 1558; again in
Cremona, 1560; and at Lublin, 1623; and a fourth edition by
Knorr von Rosenroth, at Sulzbach in 1684. Some parts are
not very ancient, because the Crusades are mentioned in one
chapter. Six extant Hebrew editions of the "Sepher Yetzirah"
were collected and printed at Lemberg in 1680. The oldest
of these six recensions was that of Saadjah Gaon (by some
critics called s~urious).Thereare still extant three Latin
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versions, viz., that of Gulielmus Postellus; one by Johann

Pistorius; and a third by Joannes Stephanus Rittangelius; this
latter gives both Hebrew and Latin versions, and also "The
Thirty-Two Paths" as a supplement.
There is a German translation, by Johann Friedrich von
Meyer, dated 1830; a version by Isidor Kalisch, in which he
has reproduced many of the valuable annotations of Meyer;
an edition in French by Papus, 1888; an edition in French by
Mayer Lambert, 1891, with the Arabic Commentary of
Saadya Gaon; and an English edition by Peter Davidson,
1896, to which are added "The Fifty Gates of Intelligence"
and "The Thirty-Two Ways of Wisdom." The edition which
I now offer is hndamentally that of the ancient Hebrew
codices translated into English, and collated with the Latin
versions of Pistorius, Postellus, and Rittangelius, following
the latter, rather than the former commentators. As to the
authenticity of "The Sepher Yetzirah," students may refer to
the Bibliotheca magna Rabbinica of Bartoloccio de Cellerio,
Rome, 1678-1692; to Basnage, History of the Jews, 1708;
and to The Doctrine and Literature of the Kabalah, by A. B.
Waite, 1902.The following copies of the "Sepher Yetzirah"
in Hebrew, I have also examined, but only in a superficial
manner:-1. A Version by Saadiah, Ab. ben David, and three others,
Mantua, 1562.
2. A Version with the commentary of Rabbi Abraham F.
Dior, Amsterdam, 1642.
3. A Version with preface by M. ben J. Chagiz, Amsterdam,
1713.
4. A Version, Constantinople, 17 19, 8vo.
5. " " Zolkiew, 1745.
6. " " by Moses ben Jacob, Zozec, 1779.

7. " " Grodno, 1806,4to.
8. " " Dyhernfurth, 1812.
9. " " Salonica, 1831.
10. A MS. copy dated 1719, in the British Museum.
The "Sepher Yetzirah" consists of six chapters, having 33
paragraphs distributed among them, in this manner: the first
has 12, then follow 5, 5, 4, 3, and 4. Yet in some versions
the paragraphs and subject-matter are found in a different
arrangement. The oldest title has, as an addition, the words,
"The Letters of our Father Abraham" or "ascribed to the
patriarch Abraham," and it is spoken of as such by many
mediaeval authorities: but this origin is doubtless fabulous,
although perhaps not more improbable than the supposed
authorship of the "Book of Enoch," mentioned by St. Jude,
of which two MSS. copies in the Ethiopian language were
rescued from the wilds of Abyssinia in 1773 by the great
traveller James Bruce. In essence this work was, doubtless,
the crystallisation of centuries of tradition, by one writer,
and it has been added to from time to time, by later authors,
who have also revised it. Some of the additions, which were
rejected even by mediaeval students, I have not incorporated
with the text at all, and I present in this volume only the
undoubted kernel of this occult nut, upon which many great
authorities, Hebrew, German, Jesuit and others, have written
long Commentaries, and yet have failed to explain
satisfactorily.
I find Kalisch, speaking of these Commentaries, says, "they
contain nothing but a medley of arbitrary explanations, and
sophistical distortions of scriptural verses, astrological
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notions, Oriental superstitions, a metaphysical jargon, a poor

knowledge of physics, and not a correct elucidation of this
ancient book."
Kalisch, however, was not an occultist; these commentaries
are, however, so extensive as to demand years of study, and
I feel no hesitation in confessing that my researches into
them have been but superficial. For convenience of study I
have placed the Notes in a separate form at the end of the
work, and I have made a short definition of the subjectmatter of each chapter. The substance of this little volume
was read as Lecture before "The Hermetic Society of
London," in the summer of 1886, Dr. Anna Kingsford,
President, in the chair. Some of the Notes were the
explanations given verbally, and subsequently in writing, to
members of the Society who asked for information upon
abstruse points in the "Sepher," and for collateral doctrines;
others, of later date, are answers which have been given to
students of Theosophy and Hermetic philosophy, and to my
pupils of the Study Groups of the Rosicrucian Society of
England.
Sepher Yetzirah
The Book of Formation
CHAPTER I
1. In thirty-two (1) mysterious Paths of Wisdom did Jah, (2)
the IHVH of hosts, (3) the God of Israel, (4) the Living
Elohim, (5) the King of ages, the merciful and gracious God,
(6) the Exalted One, the Dweller in eternity, most high and
holy--engrave his name by the three Sepharim (7) -Numbers, Letters, and Sounds.(8)
2. Ten are the ineffable Sephiroth. (9) Twenty-two are the

Letters, the Foundation of all things; there are Three
Mothers, Seven Double and Twelve (10) Simple letters.
3. The ineffable Sephiroth are Ten, as are the Numbers; and
as there are in man five fingers over against five, so over
them is established a covenant of strength, by word of
mouth, and by the circumcision of the flesh. (1 1)
4. Ten is the number of the ineffable Sephiroth, ten and not

nine, ten and not eleven. Understand this wisdom, and be
wise by the perception. Search out concerning it, restore the
Word to its creator, and replace Him who formed it upon his
throne. (12)
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5. The Ten ineffable Sephiroth have ten vast regions bound

unto them; boundless in origin and having no ending; an
abyss (13) of good and of ill; measureless height and depth;
boundless to the East and the West; boundless to the North
and South; (14) and the Lord the only God, (15) the Faithhl
King rules all these from his holy seat, (16) for ever and
ever.
6. The Ten ineffable Sephiroth have the appearance of the
Lightning flash, (17) their origin is unseen and no end is
perceived. The Word is in them as they rush forth and as
they return, they speak as from the whirl-wind, and returning
fall prostrate in adoration before the Throne.
7. The Ten ineffable Sephiroth, whose ending is even as
their origin, are like as a flame arising from a burning coal.
For God (18) is superlative in his Unity, there is none equal
unto Him: what number canst thou place before One.
8. Ten are the ineffable Sephiroth; seal up thy lips lest thou
speak of them, and guard thy heart as thou considerest them;
and if thy mind escape from thee bring it back to thy control;
even as it was said, "running and returning" (the living
creatures ran and returned) (19) and hence was the Covenant
made.
9. The ineffable Sephiroth give forth the Ten numbers. First;
the Spirit of the God of the living; (20) Blessed and more
than blessed be the Living God (21) of ages. The Voice, the
Spirit, and the Word, (22) these are the Holy Spirit.
10. Second; from the Spirit He produced Air, and formed in
it twenty-two sounds--the letters; three are mothers, seven

are double, and twelve are simple; but the Spirit is first and
above these. Third; from the Air He formed the Waters, and
from the formless and void (23) made mire and clay, and
designed surfaces upon them, and hewed recesses in them,
and formed the strong material foundation. Fourth; from the
Water He formed Fire (24) and made for Himself a Throne
of Glory with Auphanim, Seraphim and Kerubim,
(25) as his ministering angels; and with these three (26) he
completed his dwelling, as it is written, "Who maketh his
angels spirits and his ministers a flaming fire." (27)
1 1. He selected three letters from among the simple ones and
sealed them and formed them into a Great Name, I H V, (28)
and with this He sealed the universe in six directions.
Fifth; He looked above, and sealed the Height with I H V.
Sixth; He looked below, and sealed the Depth with I V H.
Seventh; He looked forward, and sealed the East with H I V.
Eighth; He looked backward, and sealed the West with H V I.
Ninth; He looked to the right, and sealed the South with V I H.
Tenth; He looked to the left, and sealed the North with V H I.
12. Behold! From the Ten ineffable Sephiroth do, proceed-the One Spirit of the Gods of the living, Air, Water, Fire;
and also Height, Depth, East, West, South and North. (29)
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CHAPTER I1
1. The twenty-two sounds and letters are the Foundation of
all things. Three mothers, seven doubles and twelve simples.
The Three Mothers are Aleph, Mem and Shin, they are Air,
Water and Fire Water is silent, Fire is sibilant, and Air
derived from the Spirit is as the tongue of a balance standing
between these contraries which are in equilibrium,
reconciling and mediating between them.
2. He hath formed, weighed, and composed with these
twenty-two letters every created thing, and the form of
everything which shall hereafter be.
3. These twenty-two sounds or letters are formed by the

voice, impressed on the air, and audibly modified in five
places; in the throat, in the mouth, by the tongue, through the
teeth, and by the lips. (3 1)
4. These twenty-two letters, which are the foundation of all
things, He arranged as upon a sphere with two hundred and
thirty-one gates, and the sphere may be rotated forward or
backward, whether for good or for evil; from the good
comes true pleasure, from evil nought but torment.
5. For He showed the combination of these letters, each with
the other; Aleph with all, and all with Aleph; Beth with all,
and all with Beth. Thus in combining all together in pairs are
produced the two hundred and thirty-one gates of
knowledge. (32)
6. And from the non-existent (33) He made Something; and

all forms of speech and everything that has been produced;
from the empty void He made the material world, and from
the inert earth He brought forth everything that hath life. He
hewed, as it were, vast columns out of the intangible air, and
by the power of His Name made every creature and
everything that is; and the production of all things from the
twenty-two letters is the proof that they are all but parts of
one living body. (34)
CHAPTER I11
1. The Foundation of all the other sounds and letters is
provided by the Three Mothers, Aleph, Mem and Shin; they
resemble a Balance, on the one hand the guilty, on the other
hand the purified, and Aleph the Air is like the Tongue of a
Balance standing between them. (35)
2. The Three Mothers, Aleph, Mem and Shin, are a great
Mystery, very admirable and most recondite, and sealed as
with six rings; and from them proceed Air, Fire, and Water,
which divide into active and passive forces.
The Three Mothers, Aleph, Mem and Shin, are the

Foundation, from them spring three Fathers, and from these
have proceeded all things that are in the world.
3 . The Three Mothers in the world are Aleph, Mem and
Shin: the heavens (36) were produced (37) from Fire; the
earth from the Water; and the Air from the Spirit is as a
reconciler between the Fire and the Water.
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4. The Three Mothers, Aleph, Mern and Shin, Fire, Water

and Air, are shown in the Year: from the fire came heat,
from the waters came cold, and from the air was produced
the temperate state, again a mediator between them. The
Three Mothers, Aleph, Mern and Shin, Fire, Water and Air,
are found in an: from the fire was formed the head; from the
water the belly; and from he air was formed the chest, again
placed as a mediator between the others
5. These Three Mothers did He produce and design, and

combined them; and e sealed them as the three mothers in
the Universe, in the Year and in an--both male and female.
He caused the letter Aleph to reign in Air and crowned it,
and combining it with the others He sealed it, as Air in the
World, as the temperate (climate) of the Year, and as the
breath in the chest (the lungs for breathing air) in Man: the
male with Aleph, Mem, Shin, the female with Shin, Mem,
Aleph. He caused the letter Mern to reign in Water, crowned
it, and combining it with the others formed the earth in the
world, cold in the year, and the belly in man, male and
female, the former with Mem, Aleph, Shin, the latter with
Mem, Shin, Aleph. He caused Shin to reign in Fire, and
crowned it, and combining it with the others sealed with it
the heavens in the universe, heat in the year and the head in
man, male and female. (38)
CHAPTER I V
1. The Seven double letters, Beth, Gimel, Daleth, Kaph, Peh,

Resh, and Tau have each two sounds associated with them.
They are referred to Life, Peace, Wisdom, Riches, Grace,
Fertility and Power. The two sounds of each letter are the
hard and the soft--the aspirated and the softened. They are
called Double, because each letter presents a contrast or
permutation; thus Life and Death; Peace and War; Wisdom
and Folly; Riches and Poverty; Grace and Indignation;
Fertility and Solitude; Power and Servitude.
2. These Seven Double Letters point out seven localities;

Above, Below, East, West, North, South, and the Palace of
Holiness in the midst of them sustaining all things.
3. These Seven Double Letters He designed, produced, and
combined, and formed with them the Planets of this World,
the Days of the Week, and the Gates of the soul (the orifices
of perception) in Man. From these Seven He hath produced
the Seven Heavens, the Seven Earths, the Seven Sabbaths:
for this cause He has loved and blessed the number Seven
more than all things under Heaven (His Throne).
4. Two Letters produce two houses; three form six; four
form twenty-four; five form one hundred and twenty; six
form seven hundred and twenty; (39) seven form five
thousand and forty; and beyond this their numbers increase
so that the mouth can hardly utter them, nor the ear hear the
number of them. So now, behold the Stars of our World, the
Planets which are Seven; the Sun, Venus, Mercury, Moon,
Saturn, Jupiter and Mars. The Seven are also the Seven Days
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of Creation; and the Seven Gateways of the Soul of Manthe two eyes, the two ears, the mouth and the two nostrils.
So with the Seven are formed the seven heavens, (41) the
seven earths, and the seven periods of time; and so has He
preferred the number Seven above all things under His
Heaven. (42)
Supplement to Chapter IV
NOTE. This is one of several modem illustrations of the

allotment of the Seven Letters; it is not found in the ancient
copies of the "Sepher Yetzirah."
He produced Beth, and referred it to Wisdom ; He crowned
it, combined and formed with it the Moon in the Universe,
the first day of the week, and the right eye of man.
He produced Gimel, and referred it to Health; He crowned it,
combined and joined with it Mars in the Universe, the
second day of the week, and the right ear of man.
He produced Daleth, and referred it to Fertility; He crowned
it, combined and formed with it the Sun in the Universe, the
third day of the week, and the right nostril of man.
He produced Kaph, and referred it to Life; He crowned it,
combined and formed with it Venus in the Universe, the
fourth day of the week, and the left eye of man.
He produced Peh, and referred it to Power; He crowned it,

combined and formed with it Mercury in the Universe, the
fifth day of the week, and the left ear of man.
He produced Resh, and referred it to Peace; He crowned it,
combined and formed with it Saturn in the Universe, the
sixth day of the week, and the left nostril of man.
He produced Tau, and referred it to Beauty; He crowned it,
combined and formed with it Jupiter in the Universe, the
Seventh Day of the week, and the mouth of man.
By these Seven letters were also made seven worlds, seven
heavens, seven earths, seven seas, seven rivers, seven
deserts, seven days, seven weeks from Passover to
Pentecost, and every seventh year a Jubilee.
Mayer Lambert gives:--Beth to Saturn and the Hebrew
Sabbath--that is Saturday; Gimel to Jupiter and Sunday;
Daleth to Mars and Monday; Kaph to the Sun and Tuesday;
Peh to Venus and Wednesday; Resh to Mercury and
Thursday; and Tau to the Moon and Friday.
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CHAPTER V
1. The Twelve Simple Letters are Hkh, Vau, Zain, Cheth,

Teth, Yod, Lamed, Nun, Samech, Oin, Tzaddi and Qoph;
(43) they are the foundations of these twelve properties:
Sight, Hearing, Smell, Speech, Taste, Sexual Love, Work,
Movement, Anger, Mirth, Imagination, (44) and Sleep.
These Twelve are also allotted to the directions in space:
North-east, South-east, the East above, the East below, the
North above, the North below, the South-west, the
Northwest, the West above, the West below, the South
above, and the South below; these diverge to infinity, and
are as the arms of the Universe.
2. These Twelve Simple Letters He designed, and combined,
and formed with them the Twelve celestial constellations of
the Zodiac, whose signs are Teth, Shin, Tau, Samech, Aleph,
Beth, Mem, Oin, Qoph, Gimel, Daleth, and Daleth. (45) The
Twelve are also the Months of the Year: Nisan, (46) Yiar,
Sivan, Tamuz, Ab, Elul, Tishri, Hesvan, Kislev, Tebet, Sabat
and Adar. The Twelve are also the Twelve organs of living
creatures: (47) the two hands, the two feet, the two kidneys,
the spleen, the liver, the gall, private parts, stomach and
intestines.
He made these, as it were provinces, and arranged them as in
order of battle for warfare. And also the Elohim (48) made
one from the region of the other.
Three Mothers and Three Fathers; and thence issue Fire, Air
and Water. Three Mothers, Seven Doubles and Twelve
Simple letters and sounds.
488
3. Behold now these are the Twenty and Two Letters from
which Jah, Jehovah Tzabaoth, the Living Elohim, the God of
Israel, exalted and sublime, the Dweller in eternity, formed
and established all things; High and Holy is His Name.
Supplement to Chapter V
NOTE.--This is a modem illustration of the allotment of the

Twelve Letters; it is not found in the ancient copies of the
"Sepher Yetzirah."
1. God produced He predominant in Speech, crowned it,
combined and formed with it Aries in the Universe, Nisan in
the Year, and the right foot of Man.
2. He produced Vau, predominant in mind, crowned it,
combined and formed with it Taurus in the Universe, Aiar in
the Year, and the right kidney of Man.
3. He produced Zain, predominant in Movement crowned it,
combined and formed it with Gemini in the Universe, Sivan
in the Year, and the left foot of Man.
4. He produced Cheth, predominant in Sight, crowned it,

combined and formed it with Cancer in the Universe,
Tammuz in the year, and the right hand of Man.
5. He produced Teth, predominant in Hearing, crowned it,

combined and formed with it Leo in the Universe, Ab in the
Year, and the left kidney in Man.
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6. He produced Yod, predominant in Work, crowned it,

combined and formed with it Virgo in the Universe, Elul in
the Year, and the left hand of Man.
7. He produced Lamed, predominant in Sexual desire,
crowned it, combined and formed with it Libra in the
Universe, Tishri in the Year, and the private parts of Man.
(Kalisch gives "gall.")
8. He produced Nun, predominant in Smell, crowned it,

combined and formed with it Scorpio in the Universe,
Heshvan in the Year, and the intestines of Man.
9. He produced Samech, predominant in Sleep, crowned it,
combined and formed with it Sagittarius in the Universe,
Kislev in the Year, and the stomach of Man.
10. He produced Oin, predominant in Anger, crowned it,
combined and formed with it Capricornus in the Universe,
Tebet in the Year, and the liver of Man.
11. He produced Tzaddi, predominant in Taste, crowned it,
combined and formed with it Aquarius in the Year, and the
gullet in Man).
12. He produced Qoph, predominant in Mirth, crowned it,
combined and formed with it Pisces in the Universe, Adar in
the Year, and the spleen of Man.
NOTE.--Mediaeval authorities and modern editors give very

different allocations to the twelve simple letters.
CHAPTER VI
1. Three Fathers and their generations, Seven conquerors
and their armies, and Twelve bounds of the Universe. See
now, of these words, the faithfhl witnesses are the Universe,
the Year and Man. The dodecad, the heptad, and the triad
with their provinces; above is the Celestial Dragon, T L I,
(49) and below is the World, and lastly the heart of Man.
The Three are Water, Air and Fire; Fire above, Water below,
and Air conciliating between them; and the sign of these
things is that the Fire sustains (volatilises) the waters; Mem
is mute, Shin is sibilant, and Aleph is the Mediator and as it
were a friend placed between them.
2. The Celestial Dragon, T L I, is placed over the universe

like a king upon the throne; the revolution of the year is as a
king over his dominion; the heart of man is as a king in
warfare. Moreover, He made all things one from the other;
and the Elohim set good over against evil, and made good
things from good, and evil things from evil: with the good
tested He the evil, and with the evil did He try the good.
Happiness (50) is reserved for the good, and misery (51) is
kept for the wicked.
3. The Three are One, and that One stands above. The Seven
are divided; three are over against three, and one stands
between the triads. The Twelve stand as in warfare; three are
friends, three are enemies; three are life givers; three are
destroyers. The three friends are the heart, the ears, and the
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mouth; the three enemies are the liver, the gall, and the
tongue; (52) while God (53) the faithful king rules over all.
One above Three, Three above Seven, and Seven above
Twelve: and all are connected the one with the other.
4. And after that our father Abraham had perceived and
understood, and had taken down and engraved all these
things, the Lord most high (55) revealed Himself, and called
him His beloved, and made a Covenant with him and his
seed; and Abraham believed on Him (56) and it was imputed
unto him for righteousness. And He made this Covenant as
between the ten toes of the feet--this is that of circumcision;
and as between the ten fingers of the hands and this is that of
the tongue. (57) And He formed the twenty two letters into
speech (58) and shewed him all the mysteries of them. (59)
He drew them through the Waters; He burned them in the

Fire; He vibrated them in the Air; Seven planets in the
heavens, and Twelve celestial constellations of the stars of
the Zodiac.
NOTES TO THE SEPHER YETZIRAH

It is of considerable importance to a clear understanding of
this Occult treatise that the whole work be read through
before comment is made, so that the general idea of the
several chapters may become in the mind one concrete
whole. A separate consideration of the several parts should
follow this general grasp of the subject, else much confusion
may result.
This book may be considered to he an Allegorical Parallel
between the Idealism of Numbers and Letters and the
various parts of the Universe, and it sheds much light on
many mystic forms and ceremonies yet extant, notably upon
Freemasonry, the Tarot, and the later Kabalah, and is a great
aid to the comprehension of the Astro-Theosophic schemes
of the Rosicrucians. To obtain the full value of this Treatise,
it should he studied hand in hand with Hermetic attributions,
the "Isiac Tablet," and with a complete set of the designs,
symbols and allocation of the Trump cards of the Tarot
pack, for which see my translation of The Sanctum Regnum
of the Tarot, by Eliphas Levi.
Note that the oldest MSS. copies of the "Sepher Yetzirah"
have no vowel points: the latest editions have them. The
system of points in writing Hebrew was not perfected until
the seventh century, and even then was not in constant use.
Ginsburg asserts that the system of vowel pointing was
invented by a Rabbi Mocha in Palestine about A.D. 570,
who designed it to assist his pupils. But Isaac Myer states
that there are undoubted traces of pointing in Hebrew MSS.
of the second century. According to A. E. Waite there is no
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extant Hebrew MSS. with the vowel points older than the
tenth century.
The words "Sepher Yetzirah" are written in Hebrew from
right to left, SPR YTzYRH, Samech Peh Resh, Yod Tzaddi
Yod Resh Heh; modes of transliteration vary with different
authors. Yod is variously written in English letters as I, Y, or
J, or sometimes Ie. Tzaddi is property Tz; but some write Z
only, which is misleading because the Hebrew has also a
true Z, Zain.
Notes to Chapter 1
The twelve sections of this chapter introduce this

philosophic disquisition upon the Formation and
Development of the Universe. Having specified the
subdivision of the letters into three classes, the Triad, the
Heptad, and the Dodecad, these are put aside for the time;
and the Decad mainly considered as specially associated
with the idea of Number, and as obviously composed of the
Tetrad and the Hexad.
1. Thirty-two. This is the number of the Paths or Ways of
Wisdom, which are added as a supplement. 32 is written in
Hebrew by LB, Lamed and Beth, and these are the last and
first letters of the Pentateuch. The number 32 is obtained
thus--:! x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2=32. Laib, LB as a Hebrew word,
means the Heart of Man.
Paths. The word here is NTIBUT, netibuth; NTIB meant

primarily a pathway, or foot-made track; but is here used
symbolically in the same sense as the Christian uses the

word, way--the way of life: other meanings are--stage,
power, form, effect; and later, a doctrinal formula, in
Kabalistic writings.
2. Jah. This divine name is found in Psalm lxviii. 4; it is

translated into Greek as kurios, and into Latin as dominus,
and commonly into the English word, Lord: it is really the
first half of the word IHVH or Jehovah, or the Yahveh of
modern scholars.
3. Jehovah Tzabaoth. This divine name is printed in English
Bibles as Jehovah Sabaoth, or as "Lord of hosts" as in Psalm
xxiv. 10. TzBA is an army.
4. God of Israel. Here the word God is ALHI, which in
unpointed Hebrew might be God, or Gods, or My God.
5. The Elohim of the Living. The words are ALHIM ChIIM.
Alhim, often written in English letters as Elohim, or by
Godftey Higgins as Aleim, seems to be a masculine plural of
the feminine form Eloah, ALH, of the divine masculine
name EL, AL; this is commonly translated God, and means
strong, mighty, supreme. Chiim is the plural of Chi--living,
or life. ChIH is a living animal, and so is ChIVA. ChII is
also life. Frey in his dictionary gives ChIIM as the plural
word lives, or vitae. The true adjective for living is ChIA.
Elohim Chiim, then, apart from Jewish or Christian
preconception, is "the living Gods," or "the Gods of the
lives, i.e., living ones." Rittangelius gives Dii viventes, "The
living Gods," both words in the plural. Pistorius omits both
words. Postellus, the orthodox, gives Deus Vivus. The
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Elohim are the Seven Forces, proceeding from the One

Divine, which control the "terra viventium," the manifested
world of life.
6. God. In this case we have the simple form AL, EL.
7. Sepharim. SPRIM, the plural masculine of SPR,

commonly translated book or letter: the meaning here is
plainly "forms of expression."
8. Numbers, Letters and Sounds. The three Hebrew words
here given are, in unpointed Hebrew, SPR, SPR and SIPUR.
Some late editors, to cover the difficulty of this passage,
have given SPR, SPUR, SIPR, pointing them to read Separ,
Seepur, Saypar.
The sense of the whole volume appears to need their

translation as Numbers, Letters and Sounds. Pistorius gave
"Scriptis, numeratis, pronunciatis." Postellus gave
"Numerans, numerus, numeratus," thus losing the contrasted
meanings; and so did Rittangelius, who gave "Numero,
numerante, numerato."
9. The Ineffable Sephiroth. The words are SPIRUT BLIMH,
Sephiruth Belimah. The simplest translation is "the voices
from nothing." The Ten Sephiruth of the Kabalah are the
"Ten Primary Emanations from the Divine Source," which
are the primal forces leading to all manifestation upon every
plane in succession. Buxtorf gives for Sephiruth--
predicationes logicae. The word seems to me clearly allied

to the Latin spiritus--spirit, soul, wind; and isused by
Quintilian as a sound, or noise. The meaning of Belimah is

more doubtful. Rittangelius always gives "praeter illud
ineffabile." Pistorius gives "praeter ineffabile." Postellus
evades the difficulty and simply puts the word Belimah into
his Latin translation. In Frey's Hebrew Dictionary BLIMH is
translated as nothing, without any other suggestion; BLI is
"not," MR is "anything." In Kabalistic writings the
Sephiruth, the Divine Voices and Powers, are called
"ineffbilis," not to be spoken of, from their sacred nature.
10. The classification of the Hebrew letters into a Triad,
Heptad andDodecad, runs through the whole philosophy of
the Kabalah. Many ancient authors added intentional blinds,
suds as forming the Triad of A.M.T., Ameth, truth; and of
AMN, Amen.
11. The Two Covenants, by the Word or Spirit, and by the

Flesh, made by Jehovah with Abraham, Genesis xvii. The
Covenant of Circumcision was to be an outward and visible
sign of the Divine promise made to Ahraham and his
offspring. The Hebrew word for circumcision is Mulah,
MULH: note that MLH is also synonymous with DBR,
dabar,--verbum or word.
12. Rittangelius gives "replace the formative power upon his
throne." Postellus gives restore the device to its place."
13. Abyss; the word is OUMQ for OMQ, a depth, vastness,
or valley.
14. My Hermetic rituals explained this Yetziratic attribution.
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15. The Lord the only God. The words are ADUN IChID
AL, or "Adonai (as commonly written) the only El."
16. Seat. The word is MOUN, dwelling, habitation, or
throne.
17. Lightning flash. In the early edition the words "like

scintillating flameware used: the Hebrew word is BRQ.
Many Kabalists have shown how the Ten Sephiroth are
symbolised by the zig-zag lightning flash.
18. God; the Divine name here is Jehovah.
19. The text gives only RTzUAV ShUB--"currend0 et
redeundo," but the commentators have generally considered
this to be a quotation from Ezekiel Chapter i. 14, referred to
H ChIVT, the living creatures, kerubic forms.
20. The Spirit of the Gods of the Living. RUCh ALHIM

ChIIIM; or as R. gives it, "spiritus Deorum Viventium."
Orthodoxy would translate these words "The spirit of the
living God."
21. AL ChI H OULMIM; "the Living God of Ages"; here
the word God really is in the singular.
22. The Voice, Spirit and Word are QUL, RUCh, DBR. A
very notable Hebrew expression of Divinatory intuition was
BATh QUL, the Daughter of the Voice.
23. Formless and Void. THU and BHU; these two words
occur in Genesis i. 2, and are translated "waste and void."
24. Note the order in which the primordial elements were
produced. First, Spirit (query Akasa, Ether); then Air, Vayu;
then Water, Apas, which condenses into solid elementary
Earth, Prithivi; and lastly from the Water He formed Fire.
25. The first name is often written Ophanim, the letters are
AUPNIM; in the Vision of Ezekiel i. 16, the word occurs
and is translated "Wheels." ShRPIM are the mysterious
beings of Isaiah vi. 2; the word otherwise is translated
Serpent, and in Numbers xxi. 6, as "fiery serpentstt: also in
verse 8 as "fiery serpent" when Jehovah said "Make thee a
fiery serpent and set it upon a pole." Kerubim. The Hebrew
words arc ChIVTh H QDSh, holy animals: I have ventured
to put Kerubim, as the title of the other Biblical form of
Holy mysterious animal, as given in 1 Kings vi. 23 and
Exodus xxv. 18, and indeed Genesis iii. 24. Bible
dictionaries generally give the word as Cherubim, but in
Hebrew the initial letter is always K and not Ch.
26. Three. In the first edition I overlooked this word three;
and putting and for as, made four classes of serving beings.
28. Here follow the permutations of the name IHV, which is
the Tetragrammaton--Jehovah, without the second or final
Heh.
27. This is verse 4 of Psalm civ. Trigrammaton, and is more
suitable to the third or Yetziratic plane. HVI is the
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imperative form of the verb to be, meaning be thou; HIV is

the infinitive; and VIH is future. In IHV note that Yod
corresponds to the Father; Heh to Binah, the Supernal
Mother; and Vau to the Microprosopus--Son.
29. Note the subdivision of the Decad into the Tetrad--four
elements; and the Hexad--six dimensions of space.
Notes to Chapter 2
This chapter consists of philosophic remarks on the twentytwo sounds and letters of the Hebrew alphabet, and hence
connected with the air by speech, and it points out the uses
of those letters to form words--the signs of ideas, and the
symbols of material substances.
30. Soul; the word is NPSh, which is commonly translated
soul, meaning the living personality of man, animal or
existing thing: it corresponds almost to the Theosophic
Prana plus the stimulus of Kama.
31. This is the modem classification of the letters into
guttural, palatal, lingual, dental and labial sounds.
32. The 23 1 Gates. The number 242 is obtained by adding
together all the numbers from 1 to 22. The Hebrew letters
can he placed in pairs in 242
different positions: thus ab, ag, ad, up to at; then ba, bb, bg,
bd, up to bt, and so on to ts, tt: this is in direct order only,
without reversal. For the reason why eleven are deducted,
and the number 23 1 specified, see the Table and Note 15 in

the edition of Postellus.
33. Non-existent; the word is A N , nothingness. Ain
precedes Ain Suph, boundlessness; and Ain Suph Aur,
Boundless Light.
34. Body; the word is GUP, usually applied to the animal
material body, but here means "one whole."
Notes to Chapter 3
This chapter is especially concerned with the essence of the

Triad, as represented by the Three Mothers, Aleph, Mem,
and Shin. Their development in three directions is pointed
out, namely in the Macrocosm or Universe; in the Year or in
Time; and in the Microcosm or Man.
35. The importance of equilibrium is constantly reiterated in
the Kabalah. The "Siphra Dtzeniouta," or "Book of
Mystery," opens with a reference to this Equilibrium as a
findamental necessity of stable existence.
36. Heavens. The Hebrew word Heshamaim HShMIM, has
in it the element of Aesh, fire, and Mim, water; and also
Shem, name; The Name is IHVH, attributed to the elements.
ShMA is in Chaldee a name for the Trinity (Parkhurst).
ShMSh is the Sun, and Light, and a type of Christ, the Sun
of Righteousness. Malachi iv. 2.
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37. Were produced. The Hebrew word BRA, is the root.

Three Hebrew words are used in the Bible to represent the
idea of making, producing or creating.
BRIAH, Briah, giving shape, Genesis i. 1.

OShIH, Ashiah, completing, Genesis i. 3 1.
ITzIRH, Yetzirah, forming, Genesis ii. 7.
To these the Kabalists add the word ATzLH, with the
meaning of "producingsomething manifest from the
unmanifested."
Emanation Shin Aleph Mem
Macrocosm Primal Fire Spirit Primal Water

Universe Heavens Atmosphere The Earth
Elements Terrestrial Fire Air Water
Man Head Chest Belly
Year Heat Temperate Cold
Notes to Chapter 4
This is the special chapter of the Heptad, the powers and

properties of the Seven. Here again we have the threefold
attribution of the numbers and letters to the Universe, to the
Year, and to Man. The supplemental paragraphs have been
printed in modern form by Kalisch; they identify the several
letters of the Heptad more definitely with the planets, days
of the week, human attributes and organs of the senses.
39. These numbers have been a source of difference between

the editors and copyists, hardly any two editors concurring. I
have given the numbers arising from continual
multiplication of the product by each succeeding unit from
one to seven. 2x1=2, 2x3=6, 6x4=24, 24x5=120,
120~6=720,720~7=5040.
40. In associating the particular letters to each planet the

learned Jesuit Athanasius Kircher allots Beth to the Sun,
Gimel to Venus, Daleth to Mercury, Kaph to Luna, Peh to
Saturn, Resh to Jupiter, and Tau to Mars.
Kalisch in the supplementary paragraphs gives a different
attribution; both are wrong, according to clairvoyant
investigation. Consult the Tarot symbolism given by Court
de Gebelin, Eliphas Levi, and my notes to the Isiaic Tablet
of Bembo. The true attribution is probably not anywhere
printed. The planet names here given are Chaldee words.
41. The Seven Heavens and the Seven Earths are printed
with errors, and I believe intentional mistakes, in many
occult ancient books. Some Hermetic MSS. have the correct
names and spelling.
42. On the further attribution of these Seven letters, note that

Postellus gives: Vita--mors, Pax--afflictio, Sapientia-stultitia, Divitiae (Opus)-- paupertas, Gratia--opprobrium,
Proles--steditas, Imperium--sewitus. Pistorius gives: Vita-mors,
Pax--bellurn,
Scientia--ignorantia,
Divitiae-paupertas, Gratia--abominatio, Semen (Pro1es)--sterilitas,
Imperium (Dominati0)--sewitus.
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Notes to Chapter 5
This chapter is specially concerned with the Dodecad; the

number twelve is itself pointed out, and the characters of its
component units, once more in the three zones of the
universe, year and man; the last paragraph gives a
recapitulation of the whole number of letters: the
Supplement gives a form of allotment of the several letters.
43. It is necessary to avoid confusion between these letters;
different authors translate them in different manners. Heh or
H6 not be conhsed with Cheth, or Heth, Ch. Teth, Th also
must be kept distinct from the final letter Tau, T, which is
one of the double letters; the semi-English pronunciation of
these two letters is much confused, each is at times both t
and th; Yod is either I, Y, or J; Samech is simple S, and must
not be confbsed with Shin, Sh, one of the mother letters; Oin
is often written in English Hebrew grammars as Ayin, and
Sometimes as Gnain; Tzaddi must not be confused with
Zain, Z; and lastly Qoph, Q, is very often replaced by K,
which is hardly defensible as there is a true K in addition.
44. Postellus gives suspicion and Pistorius, mind.
45. These letters are the initials of the 12 Zodiacal signs in

Hebrew nomenclature. They are: Teth Telah Aries Mem
Maznim Libra
46. The month Nisan begins about March 29th. Yiar is also
written Iyar, and Aiar: the Hebrew letters are AIIR.
47. The list of organs varies. All agree in two hands, two
feet, two kidneys, liver, gall and spleen. Postellus then gives,
intestina, vesica, arteriae," the intestines, bladder, and
arteries; Rittangelius gives the same. Pistorius gives, "colon,
coagulum (spleen) et ventriculus," colon--the large intestine,
coagulum and stomach. The chief difficulty is with the
Hebrew word MSS, which is allied to two different roots,
one meaning private, concealed, hidden; and the other
meaning liquefied.
48. The Elohim--Divine
Tetragrammaton.
powers--not
IHVH
the
Notes to Chapter 6
This chapter is a resume of the preceding five; it calls the
universe and mankind to witness to the truth of the scheme
of distribution of the powers of the numbers among created
forms, and concludes with the narration that this philosophy
was revealed by the Divine to Abraham, who received and
faithhlly accepted it, as a form of Wisdom under a
Covenant.
49. The Dragon, TLI, Theli. The Hebrew letters amount in
numeration to 440, that is 400, 30 and 10. The best opinion
is that Tali or Theli refers to the 12 Zodiacal constellations
along the great circle of the Ecliptic; where it ends there it
begins again, and so the ancient occultists drew the Dragon
with its tail in its mouth. Some have thought that Tali
referred to the constellation Draco, which meanders across
the Northern polar sky; others have referred it to the Milky
Way; others to an imaginary line joining Caput to Cauda
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Draconis, the upper and lower nodes of the Moon. Adolphe

Franck says that Theli is an Arabic word.
50. Happiness, or a good end, or simply good, TUBH.
5 1. Misery, or an evil end, or simply evil, ROH.
52. This Hebrew version omits the allotment of the

remaining six. Mayer gives the paragraph thus:--The triad of
amity is the heart and the two ears; the triad of enmity is the
liver, gall, and the tongue; the three life-givers are the two
nostrils and the spleen; the three death-dealing ones are the
mouth and the two lower openings of the body.
53. God. In this case the name is AL, EL.
54. This last paragraph is generally considered to be less

ancient than the remainder of the treatise, and by another
author.
55. The Lord most high. OLIU ADUN. Adun or Adon, or
Adonai, ADNI, are commonly translated Lord; Eliun,
OLIUN, is the more usual form of "the most high one."
56. Him. Rittangelius gives "credit in Tetragrammaton," but
this word is:
Shin Shor Taurus Oin Oqereb Scorpio

Tau Thaumim Gemini Qoph Qesheth Sagittarius
Samech Sartan Cancer Gimel Gedi Capricorn
Aleph Aryeh Leo Daleth Dali Aquarius

Beth Bethuleh Virgo Daleth Dagim Pisces
57. Tongue. The verbal covenant.
58. Speech. The Hebrew has "upon his tongue."

59. The Hebrew version of Rabbi Judah Ha Levi concludes
with the phrase, "and said of him, Before I formed thee in
the belly, I knew thee." Rabbi Luria gives the Hebrew
version which I have translated. Postellus gives: "He drew
him into the water, He rose up in spirit, He inflamed him in
seven suitable forms with twelve signs." Mayer gives: "Er
zog sie rnit Wasser, zundet sie an mit Feuer; erregte sie rnit
Geist; verbannte sie mit sieben, goss sie aus mit den zwolf
Gestirnen." "He drew them with water, He kindled them
with fire,
He moved them with spirit, distributed them with seven, and
sent them forth with twelve.
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THE THIRTY-TWO
PATHS OF WISDOM
Translated from the Hebrew Text of Joannes Stephanus
Rittangelius, 1642: which is also to be found in the "Oedipus
Aegyptiacus " of Athanasius Kircher, 1653.
The First Path is called the Admirable or the Hidden
Intelligence (the Highest Crown): for it is the Light giving
the power of comprehension of that First Principle which
has nobeginning; and it is the Primal Glory, for no created
being can attain to its essence.
The Second Path is that of the Illuminating Intelligence: it is
the Crown of Creation, the Splendour of the Unity, equalling
it, and it is exalted above every head, and named by the
Kabbalists the Second Glory.
The Third Path is the Sanctifjing Intelligence, and is the
foundation of Primordial wisdom,which is called the Creator
of Faith, and its roots are AMN; and it is the parent of Faith,
from which doth Faith emanate.
The Fourth Path is named the Cohesive or Receptacular
Intelligence; and is so called because it contains all the holy
powers, and from it emanate all the spiritual virtues with the
most exalted essences: they emanate one from the other by
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the power of the Primordial Emanation. The Highest

Crown.)
The Fifth Path is called the Radical Intelligence, because it
resembles the Unity, uniting itself to the Binah, or
Intelligence which emanates from the Primordial depths of
Wisdom or Chokrnah.
The Sixth Path is called the Mediating Intelligence, because
in it are multiplied the influxes of the emanations, for it
causes that influence to flow into all the reservoirs of the
Blessings, with which these themselves are united.
The Seventh Path is the Occult Intelligence, because it is the
Refulgent Splendour of all the Intellectual virtues which are
perceived by the eyes of intellect, and by the contemplation
of faith.
The Eighth Path is called the Absolute or Perfect
Intelligence, because it is the means of the primordial, which
has no root by which it can cleave, nor rest, except in the
hidden places of Gedulah, Magnificence, from which
emanates its own proper essence.
The Ninth Path is the Pure Intelligence, so called because it
purifies the Numerations, it proves and corrects the
designing of their representation, and disposes their unity
with which they are combined without diminution or
division.
The Tenth Path is the Resplendent Intelligence, because it is

exalted above every head, and sits on the throne of Binah
(the Intelligence spoken of in the Third Path). It illuminates
the splendour of all the lights, and causes an influence to
emanate from the Prince of countenances.
The Eleventh Path is the Scintillating Intelligence, because it
is the essence of that curtain which is placed close to the
order of the disposition, and this is a special dignity given to
it that it may be able to stand before the Face of the Cause of
Causes.
The Twelfth Path is the Intelligence of Transparency,
because it is that species of Magnificence called Chazchazit,
the place whence issues the vision of those seeing in
apparitions. (That is the prophecies by seers in a vision.)
The Thirteenth Path is named the Uniting Intelligence, and is
so called because it is itself the Essence of Glory. It is the
Consummation of the Truth of individual spiritual things.
The Fourteenth Path is the Illuminating Intelligence and is
so called because it is that Chashmal which is the founder of
the concealed and fundamental ideas of holiness and of their
stages of preparation.
The Fifteenth Path is the Constituting Intelligence, so called
because it constitutes the substance of creation in pure
darkness, and men have spoken of these contemplations; it is
that darkness spoken of in Scripture, (Job xxxviii), "and thick
darkness a swaddling band for it."
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The Sixteenth Path is the Triumphal or Eternal Intelligence,

so called because it is the pleasure of the Glory, beyond
which is no other Glory like to it, and it is called also the
Paradise prepared for the Righteous.
The Seventeenth Path is the Disposing Intelligence, which
provides Faith to the Righteous, and they are clothed with
the Holy Spirit by it, and it is called the Foundation of
Excellence in the state of higher things.
The Eighteenth Path is called the Intelligence or House of
Influence (by the greatness of whose abundance the influx of
good things upon created beings is increased), and from its
midst the arcana and hidden senses are drawn forth, which
dwell in its shade and which cling to it, from the Cause of all
causes.
The Nineteenth Path is the Intelligence of the Secret of all
the activities of the spiritual beings, and is so called because
of the influence diffused by it fkom the most high and
exalted sublime glory.
The Twentieth Path is the Intelligence of Will, and is so
called because it is the means of preparation of all and each
created being, and by this intelligence the existence of the
Primordial Wisdom becomes known.
The Twenty-first Path is the Intelligence of Conciliation and
Reward, and is so called because it receives the divine
influence which flows into it from its benediction upon all
and each existence.
The Twenty-second Path is the Faithful Intelligence, and is

so called because by it spiritual virtues are increased, and all
dwellers on earth are nearly under its shadow.
The Twenty-third Path is the Stable Intelligence, and it is so
called because it has the virtue of consistency among all
numerations.
The Twenty-fourth Path is the Imaginative Intelligence, and
it is so called because it gives a likeness to all the similitudes
which are created in like manner similar to its harmonious
elegancies.
The Twenty-fifth Path is the Intelligence of Probation, or
Temptation, and is so called because it is the primary
temptation, by which the Creator tries all righteous persons.
The Twenty-sixth Path is called the Renewing Intelligence,
because the Holy God renews by it all the changing things
which are renewed by the creation of the world.
The Twenty-seventh Path is the Active or Exciting
Intelligence, and it is so called because through it every
existent being receives its spirit and motion.
The Twenty-eighth Path is called the Natural Intelligence;
by it is completed and perfected the nature of all that exists
beneath the Sun.
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The Twenty-ninth Path is the Corporeal Intelligence, so

called because it forms every body which is formed in all the
worlds, and the reproduction of them.
The Thirtieth Path is the Collective Intelligence, and
Astrologers deduce fiom it the Judgment of the Stars and
celestial signs, and perfect their science, according to the
rules of the motions of the stars.
The Thirty-first Path is the Perpetual Intelligence; but why is
it so called? Because it regulates the motions of the Sun and
Moon in their proper order, each in an orbit convenient for
it.
The Thirty-second Path is the Administrative Intelligence,
and it is so called because it directs and associates the
motions of the seven planets, directing all of them in their
own proper courses.
The Tawasin
of Mansur Al-Hallaj
Introduction
The final work which I have chosen to include within this

volume "The Tawasin" is the product of Islamic mysticism
derived from the insight of the Sufi Masters of Wisdom,
each of whom can trace their lineage back to one or other of
the companions of the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon
him). This is a curious and compelling text whose content
possesses much resonance with the Qabalah of the Hebrew
mystics and yet is also strongly influenced in its description
of the sacred mission of the Prophet by the approach of the
chronicler of the Christian Gospel of St John.
The Tawasin possesses seven chapters, each called a Tasin
(Tawasin is a plural of Tasin): "Twa" and "Sin" are the first
two letters announcing the opening of Surah Naml(27, The
Ants) of the Holy Qur'an ("The Recitation"). Each Surah (or
chapter) of the Qur'an opens with two letters from the
Arabic and although no commentator is truly sure of the
mysterious nature or purpose of these letters, some believe
that the letter "Twa" is connected to the creation of Man
"Man did we create from a quintessence of Clay" (Surah
23: Verse 12).
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The use of metaphor and symbolism embodied in the

Tawasin will be immediately identifiable to the student of
the Rosicrucian Qabalah. Aramaic terms such as Malakat
are rendered in translation as "Sovereignty", which is a more
exact rendering of the term "Malkuth" familiarly - yet
somewhat misleadingly - translated as "Kingdom" in the
litany of western Hermetic Students.
The opening chapter of this work details the nature of the

Prophet in a similar fashion to the manner in which the
sacred origins of Jesus (as Logos) are discussed in the
opening chapter of the Gospel of John. The second chapter,
"The Ta-Sin of Understanding" examines the transcendent
nature of God (the Creator) and provides the first verifiable
historic rendering of the fable of the Moth and the Candle;
whilst the third chapter details forty stages of personal
evolution in the journey towards the appreciation of Divine
Truth. Further chapters discuss Heresy, the disassociation of
the God-form of the Creator with the Creator and the
mission of Mohammed as opposed to the mission of Iblis
(the Shaitan). This latter theme is the most enthralling
commentary upon the nature of IblisIShaitan's fall from
Divine grace, yet reveals the Adversary not as an enemy of
God but as the enemy of Man. According to the Holy
Qur'an, the Angels and the Djinn (or jinn) were commanded
by the Creator to bow down before Adam (Mankind). Only
Iblis refused to do this. According to the mysticism of the
Tawasin, Iblis refbsed on a point of principle that the
Creator had commanded that there should be no object of
worship save Himself. Iblis (the Shaitan) is held to have
regarded this as a test of faith and even now abides by the
wisdom of his decision not to worship anyone other than the

Creator of the Worlds (sic).
The Tawasin
of Mansur Al-Hallaj
Translated by
Aisha Abd Ar -Rahman At -Tarjumana
The Ta-Sin of the Prophetic Lamp
1. A lamp appeared from the Light of the Unseen. It

appeared and returned, and it surpassed the other lamps. It
was a ruling moon, manifesting itself radiantly among the
other moons. It as a star whose astrological house is in the
Empyrean.
Allah named him 'unlettered' in view of the concentration of

his aspiration, and also 'consecrated' because of the majesty
of his blessing, and 'Makkan' because of his residence in
His vicinity.
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2. He expanded his breast, and raised his power, and lifted

from him the burden 'that had weighed down thy back,' and
He imposed his authority. As Allah made his Badr appear so
his h l l moon rose from the cloud of YarnTima and his sun
arose on the side of Tihgma (Mecca), and his lamp shone
from the source of all divine munificence.
3. He did not report about anything except according to his
inner vision, and he did not order the following of his
example except according to the truth of his conduct. He
was in the presence of Allah, then he brought others to His
Presence. He saw, then he related what he was. He was sent
forth as a guide, so he defined the limits of conduct.
4. No one is capable of discerning his true significance,
except the Sincere, since he confirmed its validity, and then
accompanied him so that there would not remain any
disparity between them.
5. No Gnostic ever knew him who was not ignorant of his

true quality. His quality is made clear only to those to whom
Allah under takes to disclose it. 'Those to whom We have
given the Book, and the recognise their sons, even though a
party of them conceal the truth, and that wittingly.' (Holy
Qur'an: 2.46)
6. The lights of prophecy is sued from his light, and his light
appeared from the light of Mystery. Among the lights there

is none more luminous, more manifest or more un-createthan uncreatedness than the light of the Master of
Generosity.
7. His aspiration preceded all other aspirations, his existence

preceded non-existence, and his name preceded the Pen
because it existed before.
8. There was never on the horizons, beyond the horizons,

nor below the horizons anyone more graceful, nobler, wiser,
more just, kinder, more God- fearing or more sympathetic
than the holder of this role. His title is Master of Creation,
and his name is Ahmad, and his attribute is Muhammad. His
command is more certain, and his essence is more excellent,
and his attribute is more glorious, and his aspiration is
unique.
9. Oh marvel! What is more manifest, more visible, greater,
more famous, more luminous, more powerful or more
discerning than him? He is and was, and was known before
created things and existences and beings. He was and still is
remembered before 'before' and after 'after ', and before
substances and qualities. His substance is completely light,
his speech is prophetic, his knowledge is celestial, his mode
of expression is Arabic, his tribe is 'neither of the East nor
the West' (Holy Qur'an: 24.35), his genealogy is patriarchal,
his mission is conciliation, and he has the title of the
'unlettered'.
10. The eyes were opened by his signs, secrets and selves
perceived by his being there. It was Allah who made him
articulate by His Word, and being the Proof, confirmed him.
It was Allah who sent him. He is the proof and the proven. It
is he who quenches the thirst of the vehemently thirsty heart,
it is he who brings the uncreated word that is not touched by
what touches it, nor phrased by the tongue, nor made. It is
united to Allah without separation, and it surpasses the
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conceivable. It is he who announces the end and the ends

and the ends of the end.
11. He lifted the cloud, and pointed to the Sacred House. He
is the limitation, and he is a heroic warrior. It is he who
received the order to break the idols, and it is he who was
sent to mankind for the extermination of them.
12. Above him a cloud flashed bolts of lightning, and below
him a bolt of lightning flashed, shone, caused rain, and
fructified. All knowledge is but a drop from his ocean, and
all wisdom is but a handfbl from his stream, and all times
are but an hour from his life.
13. Allah is with him, and with him is reality. He is the first
in union and the last to be commissioned as a prophet, the
inward by reality, and the outward by gnosis.
14. No scholar ever attained his knowledge nor did any

philosopher become cognisant of his understanding.
15. Allah did not surrender (His Reality) to His creation,
because he is he, and his being there is He, and He is He.
16. Nothing came out of the M of MHMD, and none entered

into his H, and his H is the same as his second M, and his D
is as his first M. His D is his perpetuity, his M is his rank,
his H his spiritual state, as is his second M.
17. Allah made his speech manifest, and enlarged his mark,
and made his proof known. He sent down the furqan to him,
he made his tongue adequate, and He made his heart shine.
He made his contemporaries incapable (of imitating Qur'an).
He established his clarification and exalted his glory.
18. If you flee from his domains, what route will you take
without a guide, 0 ailing one? The maxims of the
philosophers are like a slipping heap of sand before his
wisdom.
The Ta-Sin of Understanding

1. The comprehensions of created natures are not attached to
reality, and reality is not attached to created natures.
Thoughts (which come) are adherences, and the adherences
of created natures do not attach themselves to realities. The
perception of reality is difficult to acquire, so how much
more difficult is the perception of the reality of the Reality.
Furthermore, Allah is beyond reality, and reality does not in
itself imply Allah.
2. The moth flies about the flame until morning, then he

returns to his fellows and tells them of his spiritual state with
the most eloquent expressions. Then he mixes with the
coquetry of the flame in his desire to reach perfect union.
3. The light of the flame is the knowledge of reality, its heat
is the reality of reality, and Union with it is the Truth of the
reality.
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4. He was not satisfied with its light nor with its heat, so he
leapt into it completely. Meanwhile, his fellows were
awaiting his coming so that he could tell them of his actual
vision since he had not been satisfied with hear say. But at
that moment, he was being utterly consumed, reduced and
dispersed into fragments, and he remained without form or
body or distinguishing mark. Then in what sense can he
return to his fellows? And in what state now that his has
obtained? He who had arrived at the vision became able to
dispense with reports. He who arrives at the object of his
vision is no longer concerned with the vision.
5. These meanings do not concern the negligent man, nor the

transitory man, nor the man of wrong action, nor the man
who follows his whims.
6. Oh you who are uncertain, do not identify 'I am' with the
divine 'I' - not now, nor in the future, nor in the past. Even if
the 'I am' was a consummated Gnostic, and if this was my
state, it was not the perfection. Even though I am His I am
not He.
7. If you have understood this, then under stand that these
meanings were not true from anyone except Mohammed,
and 'Mohammed is not the father of any one of your men,'
but the Messenger of Allah and the seal of the prophets. He
absented himself from men and jinn, and he closed his eyes
to 'where' until there no longer remained any veil on the
heart nor any falsehood.
8. There was a 'length of two bows' lengths or nearer,' when

he reached the desert of the 'knowledge of reality,' he
reported from the outward heart. When he arrived to the

truth of the reality he left his desire there and gave himself
up to the Bountihl. When he reached the Truth he returned
and said: 'the inward heart has prostrated to You, and the
outward heart has believed in You.' When he reached the
Furthermost Limit he said: 'I cannot praise You as You
should be praised.' When he reached the reality of the reality
he said: 'You are the only One who can praise Your self.'
He renounced his desire and followed his vocation, 'the
heart did not lie about what it saw' at this station near the
Lote - Tree of the Boundary. He did not turn to the right to
the reality of things, nor to the left to the reality of reality.
'His eyes swerved not, nor swept away.'
The Ta-Sin of Purity

1. Reality is something very subtle and minute in its
description, the paths of access to it are narrow, and on them
one encounters sighing fires beside deep deserts. The
stranger follows these paths and informs about what he has
experienced in the forty Stations such as:
1. Manners (adab)
2. Awe (rahab)
3. Fatigue (nasab)
4. Serach (talab)
5. Wonder ('ajab)
6. Perishing ('atab)
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7. Exaltation (tarab)
8. Avidity (sharah)
9. Probity (nazah)
10. Sincerity (sidq)
11. Comradeship (rifq)
12. Emancipation (litq)
13. Setting out (taswih)
14. Rest (tarwih)
15. Discernment (tamyiz)
16. Witnessing (shuhud)
17. Existence (wujud)
18. Enumeration ('add)
19. Labour (kada)
20. Restitution (rada)
2 1. Dilation (imtidad)
22. Preparation (I 'dad)
23. Isolation (infirad)
24. Captivity (inqiyad)
25. Attraction (murad)
26. Presence (hudur)
27. Exercise (riyada)
28. Circumspection (hiyata)
29. Regret for things lost (iftiqad)
30. Resistance (is tilad)
3 1. Consideration (tadabbur)
32. Perplexity (tahayyur)
33. Reflection (tafakkur)

34. Patience (tasabbur)
3 5. Interpretation (ta'abbur)
3 6. Non-acceptance (rafd)
37. Strong criticism (naqd)
38. Observation (ri'aya)
39. Taking a guide (hidaya)
40. Beginning (bidaya)
The last Station is the Station of the people of Serenity of

Heart and purification.
2. Each Station has its own gift of which one part is
conceivable and the other not.
3. Then the stranger entered the desert and crossed it and

embraced and comprehended the whole of it. He did not find
anything familiar or useful, either on the mountain or on the
plain.
4. 'When Musa accomplished the term' he left his people

since reality was going to take him as 'his '. And yet he was
satisfied with indirect information without direct vision, and
there should be a difference between him and the best of
mankind (Muhammad). Therefore he said: 'Perhaps I will
bring you some information.' (Holy Qur'an: 20.10)
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5. If the Well-Guided was pleased with indirect information

how shall he who searches the route not suffice himself with
an indirect trace.
6. From the Burning Bush, on the side of Sinai what he
heard speak from the Bush was not the Bush nor its seed but
Allah.
7. And my role is like this Bush.
8. So reality is reality and the created is created. Reject your

created nature that you may become Him, and He, you - in
respect to reality.
9. I-ness is a subject, and the object defined is also a subject
in reality, so how is it defined?
10. Allah said to Musa: 'You guide to the Proof, not to the
Object of the Proof. And as for Me I am the Proof of every
proof.
11. Allah made me pass by what is reality by grace of a
contract, a pact, and an alliance. My secret is a witness
without my created personality. This is my secret and this is
reality.
12. Allah enunciated my knowledge with me fiom my heart.

He drew me near to Him after I had been so far fiom Him.
He made me His intimate and chose me.
The Ta-Sin of the Circle

1. The first door represents the one who reaches the circle of
Truth. The second door represents the person who reaches it,
who after entering it comes to a closed door. The third door
represents the one who goes as tray in the desert of the
Truth-Nature of the truth.
2. He that enters the circle is far from the Truth because the
way is blocked and the seeker is sent back. The point on
high represents his yearning. The lower point represents his
return to his point of departure, and the middle point is his
bewilderment.
3. The inner circle does not have a door, and the point which
is in the centre is Truth.
4. The meaning of Truth is that from which externals and
internals are not absent, and it does not tolerate forms.
5. If you wish to under stand what I have pointed to here,
then 'take four birds and twist them to thee,' (2.260) because
Allah does not fly.
6. It is His jealousy which makes it appear after He hid it. It

was awe that kept us apart, it was bewilderment that
deprived us of it.
7. These are the meanings of Truth. It is subtler than the

circle of the origins, and the designation of the regions. And
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subtler still is the internal functioning of the under standing,

because of the concealing of the imagination.
8. This is because the observer observes the circle from
without not from within.
9. As for the Knowledge of the knowledge of Truth, he does
not know it, because he is incapable. Knowledge denotes a
place but the circle is a forbidden place (Haram).
10. So they named the prophet 'Haram' because he alone

came out of from the circle of Haram (Ed: Haram - that
which is forbidden in Islam).
11. He was full of fear and awe, and wearing the garment of
Truth, he went out and cried 'Ah!!' to all creation.
The Ta-Sin of the Point

1. Finer still than that is the mention of the Primordial Point,
which is the Source, and which does not grow or decrease,
nor consume itself.
2. The one who denies my spiritual state denies it because he

does not see me, and he calls me a heretic. He charges me
with evil, and seeing my glory he calls for help, and it is to
the sacred circle which is beyond the beyond that he cries.
3. He who reaches the second circle imagines me to be the
Inspired Master .
4. He who reaches the third circle thinks that I am at the
bottom of all desires.
5. And he who reaches the circle of Truth forgets me and his

attention is distracted from me.
6. 'No indeed, not a refuge! Upon that day the recourse shall
be to thy Lord, upon that day man shall be told his former
deeds and his latter.'
7. But man turns to indirect testimony, he flees to a refuge,
he fears the sparks, and his intention is beguiled and led
astray.
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8. I am absorbed in the sea of the depths of eternity and he

who reaches the circle of Truth is occupied on the shore of
the sea of knowledge with his own knowledge. He is absent
from my vision.
9. I saw a certain bird from the selves of the Sufis which
flew with the two wings of Sufism. He denied my glory as
he persisted in his flight.
10. He as ked me about purity and I said to him: 'Cut your

wings with the shears of annihilation. If not you cannot
follow me.'
11. He said to me: 'I fly with my wings to my Beloved.' I
said to him: 'Alas for thee! Because there is naught like
Him, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.' So then he fell
into the sea of understanding and was drowned.
12. One can represent the ocean of understanding thus:

I saw my Lord with the eye of my heart, I said: 'Who are
You?' He said: 'You!' But for You, 'where' cannot have a
place and there is no 'where' when it concerns You.
The mind has no image of your existence in time which

would permit the mind to know where you are. You are the
one who encompasses every 'where' Up to the point of nowhere. So where are you?
A single unique point from the circle denotes the various

thoughts of the under standing. A single point is itself the
Truth and the rest is error.
13. 'He drew near' in rising - 'then he came again' in
transcending. Seeking he drew near; enraptured, he came
again. He left his heart there and drew nigh to his Lord. He
was absent when he saw Allah, yet he was not absent. How
was he present and not present? How did he look and not
look?
14. From amazement he passed to lucidity and from lucidity
to amazement. Witnessed by Allah he witnessed Allah. He
arrived and was separated. He reached his Desire and was
cut off from his heart, and 'his heart lies not of what it saw.'
15. Allah concealed him then made him draw near. He
commissioned him and purified him. He made him thirsty
and then fed him. He purified him and then chose him. He
called him and then summoned him. He afflicted him and
then came to his aid. He armed him and then put him in the
saddle.
16. There was a distance of 'one bow span' and when he

returned he reached his mark. When called he answered.
Having seen he effaced himself. Having drunk he was
satisfied. Having come near he was awe-struck. And having
separated himself from cities and helpers, he was separated
from consciences and looks and created traces (athar).
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17. 'Your comrade did not go as tray,' he did not weaken or

grow weary. His eye did not falter nor was he tired by a
'when' of pure duration.
18. 'Your comrade did not go astray,' in his contemplation

of Us. He did not pass beyond in visiting Us, nor transgress
in Our message. He did not compare Us to others in treating
of Us. He did not deviate in the garden of Dhikr (Ed:
Dhikr/Remembrance of Allah) in contemplation of Us, nor
go astray in roaming in Fikr. (Ed: Fikr/Reflection - In the
words of the prophet Mohammed ' 2 n hour's reflection is
better than a year's prayer. '3.
19. Rather he remembered Allah in his breaths and blinks of

the eye, and was resigned to Him in afflictions and thankful
for his gifts.
20. 'This is naught but a revelation revealed' from the Light
to the Light.
21. Change your speech! Absent your self from illusions,
raise your feet high from mankind and creatures! Speak of
Him with measure and harmony! Be passionate and lost in
rapture. Discover - that you might fly beyond the mountains
and the fields, the mountains of cognisance and the hills of
security in order to see He whom you regard. And so the
legal fast is ended on coming to the Sacred House.
22. Then he drew nigh to Allah like the one who is going to
enter the Intention. Then he announced that it is forbidden. It

is like a barrier rather than impotence. He passed from the
Station of Cleansing to the Station of Reproach and from the

Station of Reproach to the Station of Proximity. He went
nigh searching and he returned fleeing. He went nigh
invoking and he returned a herald. He drew nigh answering
and returned invested with Divine Nearness. He drew nigh
as a witness and returned a contemplative.
23. The distance between them was 'two bow spans '. He hit
the mark of 'where' with the arrow of 'between' (ayn and
bayn). He stated that there were two bow spans to specifL
the exact place, and 'or' because of the un-delineated nature
of Essence, 'a little closer' in the Essence of the Essence.
24. The Master of the Extraordinary Al-Husadin ibn Mansur
Al-Hallaj said:
25. I do not believe that our expression here will be
comprehensible except to the one who has arrived at the
second bow span which is beyond the Tablet of Forms (lawh
mahfuz).
26. There are letters that are used no longer (as) letters of
Arabic or Persian.
27. There are letters only and that letter is the mim which is
the letter signifjling 'what he revealed'.
28. The mim designated 'The Last.'
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29. The mim is also the string of the First. The first bow
span is the Kingdom of Might (Jabrut) and the second is the
Kingdom of Sovereignty (Malakut), and the Kingdom of the
Attributes is the string of the two kingdoms. And the
Kingdom of the Essence of Intimate (specific) Illumination
(tajalli khass) is the arrow of the Absolute and the arrow of
the two spans.
30. It comes from the One who kindles the fire of
Illumination.
31. He said that the adequate form of speech is that speech

the sense of which is drawing near. The Author of the
meaning is the Truth of Allah not the method of His
creation. This nearing is only obtained in the circle of
vigorous exactitude.
32. Truth and the Truth of Truths is found in the finest
distinctions, from previous experiences, by means of an
antidote made by one who loves, in consideration of
calamities and the discernment of distinctions, and it is by a
word of deliverance. This is the path of the elect in respect
to individuals, and the nearing is seen as a vast area so that
the knower who has followed the observed paths of
prophetic tradition may understand.
33. The Master of Yathrib, peace be upon him, proclaimed
the glory of the one who possesses the most excellent of
graces, inviolable, preserved in a 'hidden Book,' as He
mentioned in a visible book, 'in a Book inscribed' on the
meaning of the language of the birds, when He brought us
there.
34. If you understand this, oh lover, understand that the Lord
does not enter into conversation except with His own, or

with the friends of His own.
35. To be one of His own is to have neither Master nor

disciple, to be without preference or distinction or
affectation or counsel, not having any 'his' or 'from him.'
But rather what is in him is what is in him, but without there
being an 'in him,' as a desert without water in a desert
without water, as a sign in a sign.
36. Public discourse translates its meanings transplant his
wishes, and his wish is seen from afar. His path is hard, his
name is glorious, his form is unique, his knowledge is denial
of knowledge, his denial is his sole truth, his sin is his source
of confidence. His Name is his Path, and his outward
characteristic is his burning, his attribute is Desire.
37. The Road (shar') is his characteristic, the truths (haqa'iq)
are his arena and his glory, selves are his portico, Shaitan is
his teacher, every sociable being became his familiar animal,
humanity is his conscience, obliteration is his glory,
effacement is his subject of meditation, the bride is his
garden, and effacement of effacement his palace.
38. His Masters are my refuge, their principles are my alarm,

their volition is my request, their aid is my s topping place,
their sorrows are my grief.
39. Their leaves are a drinking place, their sleeves are
nothing but dust, their doctrine is the corner stone of their
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state, and their state is impotence. But any other state would
be an object of anger for Allah. So this is enough and
success with Allah.
The Ta-Sin of Before

Endless-Time and Equivocation
1. The Master Abu'l-Mughith, may Allah be merciful to
him, said: 'There is no established mission except that of
Iblis and Mohammed, peace be on him, only Iblis fell from
the Essence while Mohammed perceived the Essence of the
Essence. '
2. It was said to Iblis: 'Prostrate your self!' and to

Muhammad - 'Look!' But Iblis did not prostrate himself,
and Muhammad did not look, he did not turn to the right or
the left, 'his eye swerved not, nor swept astray.'
3. As for Iblis, having announced his mission, he did not

return to his first power.
4. And when Muhammad announced his mission he returned
to his power.
5. With this statement, 'It is in You that I am transported and
on You that I fling myself,' and also, 'Oh You who turn the
hearts' and 'I do not know how to praise You as You should
be praised.
6. Among the inhabitants of heaven there was no Unitarian
or worshipper like Iblis.
7. For Iblis there appeared the Divine Essence. He was

prevented from even a blink of the eye of awareness, and he
began to worship the Adored One in ascetic isolation.
8. He was cursed when he reached the double isolation, and
he was questioned when he demanded the ultimate solitude.
9. Allah said to him: 'Prostrate your self?!' He said: 'Not
before another than You.' He said to him: 'Even if my curse
falls on you?' He said: 'It will not punish me.'
10. 'My denial is to affirm your purity and my reason
remains disordered in You. And what is Adam compared to
You and who am I, Iblis, to differentiate from You!'
11. He fell into the Sea of Majesty, he became blind, and
said: 'There is no path for me to other-than-You. I am a
humble lover.' He said to him: 'You have become proud.'
He said: 'If there was one glance between us, it would have
been enough to make me proud and imperious, but I am he
who knew You in Before Endless-Time, "I am better than
Him" because I have served You for a longer time. No one,
in the two types of beings, knows You better than I do!
There was an intention of Yours in me, and an intention of
mine in You, and both of them preceded Adam. If I
prostrated before another than You or if I did not prostrate it
would be necessary me to return to my origin, since You
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created me of fire, and fire returns to fire, according to an

equilibrium and choice which are Yours .
12. There is no distance from You for me, since I became

certain that distance and nearness are one.
For me, if I was left, your desertion would be my
companion, so how much more are desertion and love truly
one! Glory to You in Your Providence and in the Essence of
your Inaccessibility for the pious worshipper who does not
prostrate before any other than You.'
13. Musa (Ed: Moses) met Iblis on the slope of Sinai and
said to him: 'Oh Iblis, what prevented you from
prostrating?' He said: 'That which prevented me was my
declaration of a Unique Beloved, and if I had prostrated I
would have become like you, because you were only called
upon once to 'look at the mountain' and you looked. As for
me, I was called upon a thousand times to prostrate myself
to Adam and I did not prostrate myself because I stood by
the Intention of my Declaration.
14. Sayedina Musa said: 'You abandoned a Command?'
Iblis said: 'It was a test. Not a command.'
Sayedina Musa said: 'Without sin? But your face was

deformed.' Iblis replied: 'Oh Musa, that is but the ambiguity
of appearances, while the spiritual state does not rely on it
and does not change. Gnosis remains true even as it was at
the beginning and does not change even if the individual
changes.'
15. Sayedina Musa said: 'Do you remember Him now?' 'Oh
Musa, pure mind does not have need of memory - by it I am
remembered and He is remembered. His remembrance is my
remembrance, and my remembrance is His remembrance.
How, when remembering our selves, can we two be other
than one?
My service is now purer, my time more pleasant, my
remembrance more glorious, because I served Him in the
absolute for my good fortune, and now I serve Him for
Himself. '
16. 'I lifted greed from everything which prevents or
defends for the sake of loss as well as gain. He isolated me,
made me ecstatic, confused me, expelled me, so that I would
not mix with the saints. He put me far from others because
of my jealously for Him alone. He deformed me, because He
amazed me, and amazed me because He banished me. He
banished me because I was a servant and put me in a
forbidden state because of my companionship. He showed
my lack of worth because I praised His Glory. He reduced
me to a simple robe of ihram because of my Hijya. He left
me because of my union, He unified me because he cut me
off. He cut me off because He had prevented my desire.
17. By His Truth I was not in error in respect to His decree, I
did not refuse destiny. I did not care at all about the
deformation of my face. I kept my equilibrium throughout
these sentences.
18. If He punishes me with His fire for all of eternity I

would not prostrate myself before anyone, and I would not
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abase myself before any per son or body because I do not

recognise any opposite with Him! My Declaration is that of
the Sincere and I am one of those sincere in love.'
19. Al-Hallaj said: 'There are various theories regarding the
spiritual states of Azazyl (Iblis before his fall). One said that
he was charged with a mission in heaven, and with a mission
on earth. In heaven he preached to the Angels showing them
good works, and on earth preaching to men and jinn
showing them evil deeds.
20. Because one does not recognise things except by their

opposites, as with fine white silk which can only be woven
using black fabric behind it - so the Angel could show good
actions and say symbolically "If you do these you will be
rewarded." But he who did not know evil before cannot
recognise good.'
21. The Master Abu 'Umar Al-Hallaj said: 'I deliberated
with Iblis and Pharon on the honour of the generous. Iblis
said: "If I had prostrated myself I would have lost my name
of honour." Pharon said: "If I had believed in this Messenger
I would have fallen from my rank of honour."
22. I said: "If I had disavowed my teaching and my speech, I

would have fallen from the hall of honour.
23. When Iblis said: "I am better than him," then he could
not see anyone other than himself. When Pharon said "I
know not that you have other Divinity than me," he did not
recognise that any of his people could distinguish between

the true and the false.
24. And I said: "If you do not know Him, then know His
signs, I am His sign (tajalli) and I am the Truth! And this is
because I have not ceased to realize the Truth!"
25. My companion is Iblis and my teacher is Pharon, Iblis

was threatened with the fire and did not retract his
allegation. Pharon was drowned in the Red Sea without
retracting his allegation or recognising any mediator. But he
said: "I believe that there is no Divinity but He in whom the
tribe of Israel believe, "and don't you see that Allah opposed
Jibril (Ed: Gabriel) in His glory? He said: "Why did you fill
your mouth with sand?"
26. And I was killed, crucified, my hands and feet cut off
without retracting my assertion.
27. The name of Iblis was derived from his first name,
Azazyl in which were changed: the Ayn (Ed: Aramaic
equivalent of the letter Ayin) representing the amplitude of
his endeavour, the Zay (Ed: Aramaic equivalent of the letter
Zayin), representing the growing frequency of his visits, the
Alif (Ed: Aramaic equivalent of the letter Aleph) - his way
in His rank, the second Zay - his asceticism in His rank, and
the Ya (Ed: Aramaic equivalent of the letter Yod) - his
wandering walk to his agony, and Lam (Ed: Aramaic
equivalent of the letter Lamed) - his obstinacy in his pain.
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28. He said to him: "You do not prostrate, oh contemptible

one!" He said, "Say rather - lover, for a lover is despised, so
you call me despicable. I have read in a Manifest Book, oh
All-Powerful and Steadfast, that this would happen to me.
So how could I lower myself before Adam when you created
him of earth and me from fire?
These two opposites cannot agree. And I have served you

longer, and have a greater virtue and a vaster knowledge and
a more perfect activity.
29. Allah, may He be praised, said to him: "The choice is
mine, not yours." He said: "All choices and my choice itself
are yours, because You had already chosen for me, oh
Creator, If you prevented me fi-om prostrating before him
You were the cause of the prevention. If I err in speech You
do not leave me because You are the All-Hearing. If You
had willed that I prostrate before him, I would have been
obedient. I do not know anyone among the Wise who knows
you better than I do."
30. Do not blame me, the idea of censure is distant from me,
reward me then, my master, for I am alone. If, in being a
promise, Your promise is truly the Truth in principle, the
principle of my vocation is strong indeed. He who wishes to
write this declaration of mine, read it, and know that I am a
martyr!
3 1. Oh my brother! He was called Azazyl because he was
dismissed, dismissed from his primitive purity. He did not
return from his origin to his end, because he did not go out
from his end, he left, cursed from his origin.
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32. His attempt to go out miscarried because of the fixity of

his kindling. He found himself between the fire of his res
ting place and the light of his high position.
33. The source on the plain is a low-lying lake. He was
tormented by thirst in the place where there was abundance.
He cried his pain because the fire burned him, and his fear
was nothing but simulation and his blindness is vanity and here he is!
34. Oh my brother! If you have understood, you have
considered the narrow pass in its very narrowness and you
have represented the imagination to your self in its very
unreality, and you have returned distressed and full of
anxiety.
35. The most alert of the Knowers remained silent on Iblis

and the Gnostics did not have the strength to explain that
which they had learned. Iblis was stronger that them in
adoration and nearer than them to the Presence of the
Essence. He exerted himself more and was more loyal to the
covenant and was closer to them than the Adored.
36. The other Angels prostrated before Adam for support,
and Iblis refused, because he had been in contemplation for
a long time already.
37. But his case became conhsed and his thought went
astray, so he said: "I am better than him." He remained in the
veil and did not value the dust, and brought damnation on
himself for the After-Endless-Time of After-Endless-Time.
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The Ta-Sin of the Divine Will

1. Here is the representation of the volition of Allah. The
first circle is the Decree of Allah (mashi'a) and the second is
His Wisdom, and the third is His Power, and the fourth is
His Before-Endless-Time Knowledge.
2. Iblis said: 'If I entered the first circle I would have to

undergo the test of the second, and if I passed into the
second I would have to undergo the test of the third. And if I
passed into the third I would have to undergo the test of the
fourth.
3. So - no, no, no, no, and no! Even if I rested on my first no
I would have been cursed until I uttered the second, and
rejected until I uttered the third so what does the fourth
matter to me?
4. If I had known that prostrating would have saved me I
would have prostrated. But I knew that after that circle were
other circles. I said to myself in conjecture, 'if I come out
safe from this circle, how will I come out of the second, the
third, and the fourth?'
5. So the Alif of the fifth La is 'He, the Living God.'
The Ta-Sin of the Declaration of Unity

1. He is Allah the Living.
2. Allah is One, Unique, Alone and testified as One.
3. Both are One and the profession of Unity of the One are
in Him and from Him.
4. From Him comes the distance that separates others from
His unity.
5. The knowledge of Tawhid is an autonomous abstract
cognisance.
6. The Tawhid is an attribute of the created subject who

pronounces it, and it is not an attribute of the Object
professed as one.
7. If I being created say 'I' did I make Him also say 'I'? My
Tawhid comes from me then, not from Him. He is free
(munazzah) of me and my Tawhid.
8. If I say 'The Tawhid returns to the one who professes it'

then I make it a created thing.
Steven Ashe
9. If I say 'No, the Tawhid comes from the Object it testifies

to,' then what relation attaches the unifier to his profession
of Unity?
10. If I say 'Then the Tawhid is a relation which attaches the
Object to the subject,' then I have turned this into a logical
definition.
The Ta-Sin of the

Self-Awarenesses in Tawhid
1. The attribute of the Ta-Sin of the self-awareness in
Tawhid is such: Alif - the Unity, Tawhid. Hamza - the selfawarenesses, some on one side some on the other. 'Ayn at
beginning and end - The Essence.
The self-awarenesses proceed from Him and return to Him,
operate in Him, but they are not logically necessary.
2. The real subject of the Tawhid moves across the

multiplicity of subjects because He is not included in the
subject nor in the object nor in the pronouns of the
proposition. Its pronominal suffix does not belong to its
Object; its possessive 'h' is His 'Ah' and not the other 'h'
which does not make us Unitarians.
3 . If I say of this 'h' 'wah!' the others say to me, 'Alas.'
4. These are epithets and specifications and a demonstrative

allusion pierces this so we could see Allah through the
substantive conditional.
5. All human individuality is 'like a building wellcompacted.' It is a definition and the Unity of Allah does not
make exception to the definition. But every definition is a
limitation, and the attributes of a limitation apply to a
limited object. However the object of Tawhid does not admit
of limitation.
6. The Truth (Al-Haqq) itself is none other than the abode of

Allah not necessarily Allah.
7. Saying the Tawhid does not realise it because the
syntactical role of a term and its proper sense do not mix
with each other when it concerns an appended term. So how
can they be mixed when it concerns Allah?
8. If I say 'the Tawhid emanates from Him' then I double

the Divine Essence, and I make an emanation of itself,
coexistent with it, being and not being this Essence at the
same time.
9. If I say that it was hidden in Allah, and He manifests it,
how was it hidden where there is no 'how' or 'what' or 'this'
and there is no place ('where') contained in Him.
10. Because 'in this' is a creation of Allah, as is 'where.'
Steven Ashe
11. That which supports an accident is not without a

substance. That which is not separated from a body is not
without some part of a body. That which is not separated
from spirit, is not without some part of a spirit. The Tawhid
is therefore an assimilant.
12. We return then, beyond this to the centre (of our Object)
and isolate it from adjunct-ions, assimilitudes, qualifications,
pulverisations and attributions.
13. The first circle (in the next diagram) comprises the
actions of Allah, the second comprises their traces and these
are two circles of the created.
14. The central point symbolises the Tawhid, but it is not the
Tawhid. If not, how would it be separable from the circle?
The Ta-Sin of the

Disconnection-From-Forms
1. This is the circle of the allegory.
2. This is the whole which can give us phrases and

sentences, and to the adepts, cults and sects, doctrines and
methods .
3. The first circle is the literal sense, and the second is the
inner sense, and the third is the allusion.
4. This is the totality of things, created and composed,

answered, trodden upon, seized on, contradicted, deceived
and stupefied.
5. He circulates in the pronoun 'we' of subjects of persons.

Like an arrow he penetrates them, provides for them,
surprises them, and over turns them, and He amazes them in
crossing them.
6. Here is the totality of created substances and qualities.
Allah has nothing to do with these fables.
7. If I say: 'He is He,' that statement is not the Tawhid.
8. If I say that the Tawhid of Allah is valid, they will tell me
- 'no doubt!'
Steven Ashe
9. If I say 'without time,' they will say: 'Then is the meaning

of Tawhid a simile?' But there is no comparison when
describing Allah. Your Tawhid is without relation to Allah
or to creation, because the fact of expressing the number of
times introduces a limiting condition. In so doing you have
added a sense to Tawhid, as if it were contingent. However
the contingent is not an attribute of Allah. His Essence is
unique. And both Truth and what is unreal cannot emanate
from the Essence of the Essence.
10. If I say: 'The Tawhid is the word itself, "the word is an
attribute of the Essence not the Essence itself.
1 1. If I say: 'Tawhid means that Allah wishes to be One' the
divine volition is an attribute of the Essence and volitions
are created.
12. If I say: 'Allah is the Tawhid of Essence proclaimed to

itself,' then I make the Essence Tawhid which can be spoken
by us.
13. If I say: 'No, it is not the Essence,' then do I say that
Tawhid is created?
14. If I say: 'The name and the object named are One,' then
what sense does Tawhid have?
15. If I say: 'Allah is Allah' then do I say that Allah is the
Essence of the Essence and that He is He?
16. Here is the Ta-Sin which treats of the denial of
secondary causes: and these circles with 'no' written in them

are its figure.
17. The first circle is pre-Eternity, and the second

Intelligence, the third is that of dimensions and the fourth of
the cognisable.
18. The Essence is not without attributes.
19. The first seeker opens the Door of Knowledge and does
not see. The second opens the Door of Purity and does not
see. The third opens the Door of Comprehension and does
not see. The fourth opens the Door of Meaning and does not
see. None see Allah in His Essence nor in his volition, nor
in speech nor in His He-ness.
20. Glory to Allah who is holy and by His sanctity

inaccessible to all the methods of the Gnostics and to all the
intuitions of the people of revelations.
2 1. Here is the Ta-sin of Negation and Affirmation, and this
is its representation:
22. The first formula treats of the thought of the common

people and the second of the elect, and the circle which
represents the knowledge of Allah is between the two. The
'no's' which are enclosed by the circle are the negation of
all dimensions. The two 'ha's' are set like pillars of the two
sides of Tawhid which holds it up. Beyond them the
dependencies begin.
Steven Ashe
23. The thought of the common people plunges into the sea
of images and the thought of the elect into the sea of
understanding.
But these two seas dry up and the ways which they marked
are effaced, the two thoughts disappear and the two pillars
fall and the two worlds of being perish and proofs and
knowledge vanish.
24. On the side of the pure divinity of Allah, He remains,
transcending all dependent things, praise be to Allah who is
not touched by any secondary cause. His proof is strong, and
His power glorious. He, the Lord of Splendour and Glory
and Majesty.
The Unaccountable One with arithmetical Unity. No

definition nor counting nor beginning nor end touches Him.
His existence is a marvel since He is removed from
existence. He alone knows Himself, Master of Majesty and
magnanimity. Creator of souls and bodies.
The Adorations of the Sun

1. Let him greet the Sun at dawn, facing East, giving the
sign of his grade. And let him say in a loud voice:
Hail unto Thee who art Ra in Thy rising, even unto Thee
who art Ra in Thy strength, who travellest over the Heavens
in Thy bark at the Uprising of the Sun. Tahuti standeth in
His splendour at the prow, and Ra-Hoor abideth at the helm.
Hail unto Thee from the Abodes of Night!
2. Also at Noon, let him greet the Sun, facing South, giving
the sign of his grade. And let him say in a loud voice:
Hail unto Thee who art Ahathoor in Thy triumphing, even
unto Thee who art Ahathoor in Thy beauty, who travellest
over the heavens in thy bark at the Mid-course of the Sun.
Tahuti standeth in His splendour at the prow, and Ra-Hoor
abideth at the helm. Hail unto Thee from the Abodes of
Morning !
3. Also, at Sunset, let him greet the Sun, facing West, giving
the sign of his grade. And let him say in a loud voice:
Hail unto Thee who art Tum in Thy setting, even unto Thee
who art Tum in Thy joy, who travellest over the Heavens in
Thy bark at the Down-going of the Sun.
abideth at the helm. Hail unto Thee from the Abodes of Day!
Steven Ashe
4. Lastly, at Midnight, let him greet the Sun, facing North,

giving the sign of his grade, and let him say in a loud voice:
Hail unto thee who art Khephra in Thy hiding, even unto
Thee who art Khephra in Thy silence, who travellest over
the heavens in Thy bark at the Midnight Hour of the Sun.
abideth at the helm. Hail unto Thee from the Abodes of
Evening.
5. And after each of these invocations thou shalt give the

sign of silence, and afterward thou shalt perform the
adoration that is taught thee by thy Superior. And then do
thou compose thyself to holy meditation.
6 . Also it is better if in these adorations thou assume the
God-form of whom thou adorest, as if thou didst unite with
Him in the adoration of that which is beyond Him.
7. Thus shalt thou ever be mindful of the Great Work which
thou hast undertaken to perform, and thus shalt thou be
strengthened to pursue it unto the attainment of the Stone of
the Wise, the Surnmum Bonum, True Wisdom and Perfect
Happiness.
Appendices
Supplementary
Golden Dawn
Advanced
Teachings
Steven Ashe
Tables of
Correspondence
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I - First Knowledge Lecture

I.Elements
The Four Elements of the Ancients are duplicated conditions of:
Heat and Dryness ~ i r e A

Heat and Moisture ~ i r A
Cold and Dryness ~ a r t h v
Cold and Moisture ~ a t e r v
11. Zodiac
ARIES - the Ram - 21 March to 20 April

'M TAURUS - the Bull - 21 April to 21 May
38 GEMINI - the Twins - 22 May to 21June

@ CANCER - the Crab - 22 June to 22 July
LEO - the Lion - 23 July to 22 August

VIRGO - the Virgin 23 August to 23 September
LIBRA - the Scales - 24 September to 23 October
SCORPIO the Scorpion - 24 October to 22 November
f SAGITTARIUS - the Archer - 23 November to 221 December
CAPRICORN - the Goat - 22 December to 20 January
AQUARllJS - the Water-bearer - 21 January to 19 February
)(. PISCES - the Fishes 20 February to 20 March
a:
These twelve signs are distributed among the for Triplicities, or sets of three
signs, each being attributed to one of the four Elements, and they represent the
operation of the elements in the Zodiac.
A Fire Belong:
Y,Leo 8 ,Sagittarius 2
Thus to
Aries
Thus to
Earth Belong:
Taurus 8,
Virgo 1,
Capricorn
A Air Belong:
Thus to
Gemini
n,Libra -,
Aquarius
Thus to
Water Belong:
Cancer 0,Scorpio
Pisces
111. The Planets
I&,
To the Ancients, six Planets were known, besides the Sun, which they classed with the
planets. They also assigned certain planetary values to the North and south Nodes of
the Moon that is, the points where her orbit touches that of the Ecliptic.
These they named :
Caput Draconis Head of the Dragon

Cauda Draconis Tail of the Dragon U
In modern reckoning Neptune

and Herschel (Uranus)
replaced Caput and Cauda Draconis respectively.
The Old Planets are:
Saturn
fj
3
Mars d
Jupiter
Sol
Venus
Mercury
Luna (the Moon) )
IV. The Hebrew Alphabet
y have largely
I*
Yod
10
Hand
Each letter epresents a number and also has a meaning. Five letters have a different
shape when written at the end of a word (remember, Hebrew is read right to left). Mem
is the only final with an oblong shape. Kaph, Nun, Pe, and Tzaddi have tails that come
below the line when written as finals. Hebrew Letters are Holy Symbols. They should
be carefully drawn, and square.
5. The Sephiroth
The Hebrew Qabalists referred the
highest and most abstract ideas to
the Emanations ofDeity, or
Sephiroth. They believed that there
were ten Sephiroth, and some
occultists add an eleventh
"invisible" Sephira - Da'ath, which
is made up of the combined
emanations of Wisdom and
Understanding.
The Names of the Sephira, and
their meanings, can be seen
arranged in the figure called the
"Tree of Life" to the right.
6. Meditation No. 1
The Neophyte should learn, regularly practice, and master the following simple
technique of the Fourfold Breath:
1. Empty the lungs and remain thus while counting four.
2. Inhale, counting four so that you feel filled with breath to the throat.
3. Hold this breath while counting four.
4. Exhale, counting four till the lungs are empty.
This Fourfold Breath technique should be practiced by the Neophyte while he or she is
composed in a basic posture or Asana, counting slowly or quickly till she obtains a
suitable rhythm. This simple technique will help to still the body and quiet the mind of
the Neophyte.
Having attained this, the Neophyte should consider a point as defined in mathematics
-having position, but no magnitude - and let him or her take note of any important
ideas which arise during this simple meditation. Concentrating his or her mind on this
point of meditation, let him or her endeavor to realize the Immanence of the Divine
Wisdom throughout Nature, in all Her aspects.
7. The Qabalistic Cross And Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram

I G M Note: These rituals are extremely simple, and easy to memorize These are the only rituals in
Golden A w n that I will erpectplayersto know and be able to pegorm wirlnourpmmpt~or a sheet
The rationalefor this is that they are errremely common elements of rituals, and even normal
activities andfor the sake of grace, I'd like to see them per/ormed without prompts. I'm nor too
concerned with perfetion or qualiry, as long as it "looksgood" Thelennitesnore that the traditional
G.D. Qabalistic Cross does nor include lAO/
Introduction to the Ritual

There is a much employed Ritual which utilizes the symbol of the Pentagram as a
general means to banish and invoke the elemental forces. This Ritual is called the
Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram. However, it should not simply be regarded as a mere
device to invoke or banish, for it is really the Stone of the Wise and incorporates within
its structure a high magical formula of Self-Initiation. It is, to all intents and purposes,
a Ritual of Self-Initiation. This ritual is given to the Neophyte of the Order as a means
for himher to come into contact with the invisible forces of Nature and to learn how to
direct those elementary forces.
The Qabalistic Cross And Lesser Ritual Of The Pentagram
1. Touching the forehead, say Ateh (Thou art)
2. Touching the breast, say Malkuth (The Kingdom)
4. Touching the right shoulder, say ve-Geburah. (And The Power)
5. Touching the left shoulder, say ve-Gedulah. (And the Glory)
6. Place the two palms of the hands together upon the breast, and say le-Olahm,
(Forever)
7. Fingers pointing up, say Amen.
8. Advance to the East, trace the Pentagram with the proper weapon (Wand to
invoke, Dagger to banish). Say (i.e., vibrate) Yod He Vnu He- imagining that
your
voice carried forward to the East of the Universe.
9. Turning to the South, the same, but say Adonai
10. Turning to the West, the same, but say Eheieh
1I. Turning to the North, the same, but say Agla
12. Return to the East, completing the Circle, extend the arms in the form of a
Cross,
and say:
13. Before me Raphael;
14. Behind me Gabriel;
15. On my right hand, Michael;
16. On my lefr hand, Auriel;
17. Before me flames the Pentagram,

18. And in the Column shines the Six-rayed Star.
19-24. Repeat 1 through 6, the Qabalistic Cross.
For Banishing use the same Ritual but reversing the direction of the lines of the
Pentagram.
Invoking Pentagram
....
Banishing Pentagram
8. The Uses of the Pentagram Ritual

Opening and Closing any Magical Work
The Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram can be used to open and close any magical or
mystical work, such as a ceremony or meditation.
As an Exorcism
The Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram can be used by the Neophyte as a protection against
impure magnetism, and as a practical form of exorcism, to eliminate obsessing or
disturbing thoughts. In this the Neophyte should first formulate a mental image of the
obsession or disturbing thought, then s/he should project the image outside of hisiher
Aura with the Sign of Projection (Sign of Horus), and when the image is approximately
three feet away, the Neophyte should give the Sign of Silence (Sign of Harpocrates) to
prevent the image from returning unto him or her. With the image of the obsession or
disturbing thought in the East, the Neophyte should then perform the Lesser Banishing
Ritual of the Pentagram to disintegrate the image, seeing it in hisher mind's eye
dissolving on the further side of the Circle of Flame which is formulated in the
Pentagram Ritual.
9. The Pillars
In the explanation of the Symbols of the Grade of Neophyte, your attention has been
directed to the general mystical meaning of the Two pillars called in the Ritual the
"Pillars of Hermes" of "Seth" and of "Solomon." In the 9th chapter of the Ritual f the
Dead they are referred to as the "Pillars of Shu," the "Pillars of the Gods of Dawning
Light," and also as "the North and Southern Columns of the Gate of the Hall of Truth."
In the 125th Chapter, they are represented by the sacred gateway, the door to which the
aspirant is brought when he has completed the negative confession. The archaic
pictures on the one Pillar are painted in black upon a white ground, and those on the
other in white upon a black ground, in order to express the interchange and
reconciliation of opposing forces and the eternal balance of light and darkness which
gives force to visible nature.
The black cubical bases represent darkness and matter wherein the spirit, the Ruach
Elohim, began to formulate the Ineffable NAME, that Name which the ancient Rabbis
have said "rushes through the universe," that Name before which the Darkness rolls
back the birth of time.
The flaming red triangular capitals which crown the summit of the Pillars represent the
Triune manifestation of the Spirit of Life, the Three Mothers of the Sepher Yetsirah, the
Three Alchemical Principles of Nature, the Sulphur, the Mercury and the Salt.
Each Pillar is surmounted by its own light-bearer veiled from the material world.
At the base of both Pillars rise the Lotus flowers, symbols of regeneration and
metempsychosis. The archaic illustrations are taken from the vignettes of teh 17th and
125th chapter of the Ritual of the Dead the Egyptian Book of the Per-em-Hru or the
Book of Coming Forth into the Day, the oldest book in the world as yet discovered.
The Recension of the Priests of ON is to be found in the walls of the Pyramids of the
Kings of the 5th and 6th Dynasties at Sakarah, the recensions of the 1Ith and 12th
Dynasties on the sarcophagi of thatperiod, and the Theban recension of the 18th
Dynasty and onward is found on papyri, both plain and illuminated. No satisfactory
translation of these books is avalable, none having been yet attempted by a scholar
having the qualifications of mystic as well as Egyptologist.
The Ritual of the Dead, generally speaking, is a collection of hymns and prayers in the
form of a series of ceremonial Rituals to enable the man to unite himself with Osiris the
Redeemer. After this union he is no longer called the man, but Osiris with whom he is
now symbolically identified. "That they also may be One of us," said the Christ of the
New Testament. "I am Osiris" said the purified and justified man, his soul luminous
and washed from sin in the immortal and untreated light, united to Osiris, and thereby
justified, and the son of God; purified by suffering, strengthened by opposition,
regenerate through self-sacrifice. Such is the subject of the great Egyptian Ritual.
The 17th Chapter of the Theban recension consists of a very ancient text with several
commentaries, also extremely old, and some prayers, none of which come into the
scheme of the orginal text. It has, together with the 12th chapter, been very carefully
translated for the purpose of this lecture by the V.H. Frater M.W.T, and the V.H. Soror
S.S.D.D. has made many valuable suggestions with regard to the interpretation. The
Title and Preface of the 17th Chapter reads:
"Concerning the exaltation of the Glorified Ones, of Coming and Going forth in the
Divine Domain. of the Genies of the Beautiful land of Amentet. Of coming forth in the
light o fDay in Lyform desired, of Hearing the Forces of Nature by beingenshrined as
a living Bai."
And the rubric is:
"The united with Osiris shall recite it when he has entered the Harbour. May glorious
things be done thereby upon earth. May all the words of the Adept be fulfilled."
Owing to the complex use of symbols, the ritual translation of the Chapter can only be
understood by perpetual reference to the ancient Egyptian commentaries, and therefore
the following paraphrase has been put together to convey to modem minds as nearly as
possible the ideas conceived by the old Egyptians in this glorious triumphal song of the
Soul of Man made one with Osiris. the Redeemer.
"I am TUM made One with all things.
"I have become NU. I am RA in his rising ruling by right of his power I am the Great
God self-begotten, even NU, who pronounced His Names, and thus the Circle of Gods
was created.
"I am Yesterday and know Tomorrow. I can never more be overcome. I know the
secret of Osiris, whose being is perpetually revered of RA. I have finished the work
which was planned at the Beginning. I am the spirit made manifest, and armed with
two vast eagle's plumes. lsis and Nephthys are their names, made One with Osiris.
"I claim my inheritance. My sisns have been uprooted and my passions overcome. I
am Pure White. I dwell in Time. I live through Eternity, when Initiates make offering
to the Everlasting Gods. I have passed along the Pathway. I know the Northern and the
Southern Pillars, the two Columns at the Gateway of the Hall of Truth.
"Stretch unto me your hands, 0 ye Dwellers in the centre. For I am transformed into a
God in your midst. Made One with Osiris, 1 have filled the eye socket in the day of the
morning when Good and Evil fought together.
"1 have lifted up the cloud-veil in the Sky of the Storm. Till I saw RA born again from
out of the Great waters. His strength is my strength and my strength is his strength.
Homage to you, Lords of Truth, chiefs of Osiris rules. Granting release from Sin,
Followers of Ma where rest is Glorious. Whose throne Anubis built in the day when
Osiris said:
"Lo! A man wins his way to Amentet. I come before you, to drive away my faults. As
ye did to the Seven Glorious Ones who follow their Lord Osiris. 1 am that Spirit of
Earth and Sun."
"Between the Two Pillars of Flame. I am RA when he fought beneath the Ashad Tree,
destroying the enemies of the Ancient of Days. I am the Dweller in the Egg. I am he
who turns in the disc. I shine forth from the horizon as the gold from the mine. 1 float
through the Pillars of SHU in the ether. Without a peer among the Gods. The Breath
of my mouth is as a flame. I light upon the Earth with my glory. Eye cannot gaze on
my daring beams as they reach through the Heavens and lick up the Nile with tongues
of flame. I am strong upon Earth with the strength of RA. I have come into Harbour as
Osiris made perfect. Let priestly offerings be made to me as one in the train of the
ancient of Days. I brood as the Divine Spirit. I move in the firmness of my Strength. I
undulate as the Waves that vibrate through Eternity. Osiris has been claimed with
acclamation, and ordained to rule among the Gods. Enthroned in the Domain of Horus
where the Spirit and Body are united in the presence of the Ancient of Days. Blotted
out are the sins of his body in passion. He has passed the Eternal Gate, and has
received the New Year Feast with Incense, at the marriage of Earth with Heaven.
"TUM has built his Bridal Chamber. RURURET has founded his shrine. The
procession is completed. HORUS has purified, SET has consecrated, SHU made one
with OSIRIS, has entered his heritage.
"As TUM he has entered the Kingdom to completed union with the Invisible. Thy
Bride, 0 Osiris, is Isis, who mourned thee when she found thee slain. In Isis, thou art
born again. From Nephthys is thy nourishment. They cleansed thee in thy Heavenly
Birth. Youth waits upon thee, ardour is ready at thy hand. And their arms shall uphold
thee for millions of years. Initiates surround Thee and Thine enemies are cast down.
The Powers of Darkness are destroyed. The Companions of They Joys are with Thee.
Thy Victories in the Battle await their reward in the Pillar. The Forces of Nature obey
Thee. Thy Power is exceeding great. The Gods curse him that curseth Thee. Thine
Aspirations are fulfilled. Thou art Mistress of Splendour. They are destroyed who
barred the way.
The 125th Chapter is concerned with the entry of an Initiate into the Hall of the Two
Columns of Justice, and commenced with a most beautiful and symbolic description of
Death, as a journey from the barren wilderness of Earth, to the Glorious Land which
lies beyond. The literal translation of the opening lines is as follows:
"I have come from afar to look upon thy beauties. My hands salute Thy Name of
Justice. I have come from afar, where the Acacia Tree grew not. Where the tree thick
with leaves is not born. Where there com not beams from herb or grass. I have entered
the Place of Mystery. 1 have communed with Set. Sleep came upon me, 1 was rapped
therein, bowing down before the hidden things. I was ushered into the House of Osiris.
I saw the marvels that were there. The Princes of the Gates in their Glory.
The illustrations in this chapter represent the Hall of Truth as seen through the open
leaves of its door. The Hall is presided over by a God who holds his right hand over
the cage of a hawk, and his left over the food of eternity. On each side of the God is a
cornice crowned by a row of alternate feathers and Uraei symbolizing justice and firey
power. The door leaf which completes the right hand of a stall is called "Posessor of
Truth controlling the Feet," while that on the left is "Possessor of strength, binding the
male and female animals." The 42 Judges of the Dead are represented as seated in a
long row, and each of them has to be named, and the Sin over which he presided has
been denied.
This chapter describes the introduction of the initiate into the Hall of Truth by Anubis,
who, having questioned the aspirant, receives from him an account of his initiation, and
is satisfied by his right to enter. He States that he has been taken into the ante-chamber
of the Temple and there stripped and blind-folded, he had to grope for the entrance of
the Hall, and having found it he was reclothed and anointed in the presence of the
Initiated. He is then asked for the Pass-words and demands that his Soul should be
weighed in the Great Balance of the Hall of Truth, whereupon ANUBIS again
interrogates him concerning the symbolism of the door of the Hall, and his answers
being found correct, ANUBIS says: "Pass on, thou knowest it."
Among other things the initiate states that he has been purified four times, the same
number of times that the Neophyte is purified and consecrated in the ceremony of the
Neophyte. He then makes the long Negative Confession, stating to each Judge in turn
that he is innocent of that form of Sin over which he judges. Then he invokes the
Judges to do him justice, and afierwards describes how he had washed in the washing
place of the South, and rested in the North, in the place called "Son of the Deliverers"
and he becomes the Dweller under the Olive Tree of Peace, and how how he was given
a tall flame of fire and a sceptre of cloud, and made a lake of it.
The initiate is then brought to the actual Pillars, and has to name them and their parts
under the symbol of the Scales of Balance. He also has to name the Guardian of the
Gateway who prevents his passage, and when all these are propitiated, the plea of the
Hall itself cries out against his steps, saying "Because I am silent, because I am pure,"
and it must know that his aspirations are pure enough hand high enough for him to be
allowed to tread upon it. He is then allowed to announce to Thoth that he is clean from
all evil, and has overcome the influence of the planets, and THOTH says to him: "Who
is He whose Pylons are of Flame, whose walls of Living Uraei, and the flames of
whose House are streams of Water?" and the Initiate replies "Osiris!"
And it is immediately proclaimed: "The meat shall be from the Infinite, and thy drink
from the Infinite. Thou art able to go forth to the sepulchral feasts on earth, for thou
has overcome."
Thus, these two chapters, which are represented by their illustrations upon the Pillars,
represent the advance and purification of the Soul and its union with Osiris, the
Redeemer, in the Golden Dawn of the Infinite Light, in which the Soul is transfigured,
knows all, and can do all, for it is made One with the Eternal God.
KHABS AM PEKHT
KONX OM PAX
LIGHT IN EXTENSION!
I1 - Second Knowledge Lecture

(Zelator)
The Names andAlchemiwlSym&lsof the Three Principles of Nature are:
Sulphur
Mercury
Salt
The metals attributed to the Planets in Akhemy are:
5
0
Lead
Gold
4
Q
d
5!
Tin
Copper or Brass
Iron
Quicksilver (Mercury)
Silver
The following terms are used in books about Alchemy. They have the meanings gievn below.
SdPhilosophoo
heat and fire
The Pure Living Alchemical Spirit of Gold- the refined essence of
Luna Phllosoph~~~m
The Pure Living Alchemical Spirit of Silver-+he refined essence of
heat and moisture
77te Green Lion
The Stem and Root of the Radical Essence of Metals
me Black Dragon
Death - Putrefaction - Decay
The ang Red -The Qabalistic Mimpowpus- Tiphareth - analogous to Goldand the Sun
77te Queen - White -The Qabalistic Bride of Mimprwopus - Malkah -analogous to Silver
and the bhm
The Four Orders of the Elements are:

1. The Spirits of the Earth:
Gnomes
2. The Spirits of the Air:
SY~@S
3. The Spirits of the Water:
Undnes
4. The Spirits of the Fire:
Salamande~
These are the Essential Spiritual Beings called upon to praise Godin the 'BenediciteOmnia
Opera:
The Kerubim are the Living Powers of Tetragrammaton on the Material Plane and the
Presidents of the FbLV Elements. They operate through the Fxedor K e W c m n s o f the
Zodiacand are thus symbolized and attributed:
Kerub of Air
Man
Aquarius
Kerub of Fire
Lion
Leo
Kerub of Earth
Bull
Taurus
Kerub of Water
Eagle
Scorpio
Tetragrammatonmeans 'Four-Lettered Name' and refers to the Unpronounceable Name of

God symbolized by 'Jehovah'.
The Laver of Water of Purifiwtion refers to the waters of Binah, the Female Power reflected
in the Waters of Creation.
The Altar ofBurnt Offen'ngfor the sacrifice of animals symbolizes the Qlippth, or Evil
Demons of the plane contiguous to and below the Material Universe. I t points out that our
passions should be sacrificed.
The Qlippothare the Evil Demons of Matter and the Shells of the Dead.
The Altar oflncense in the Tabernacle was overlaid with gold. Ours is Black to symbolize our
work which is to separate the philosophic Gold from the Black Dragon of Matter.
This altar diaoram shows the Ten Sephiroth with all the connecting Paths numbered and
lettered, andke Serpent winding ovkr each Path. Around each G h i r a are written the
names of the Deitv. Archanoel and Anoelic Host attributed to it. The Twenty-Two Paths are
bound together b; the ~ e r k nof
t Wiiom. It unites the Paths but does not touch any of the
Sephiroth, which are linked by the Flaming Sword.
The Flaming Sword is formed by the Natural Order of the Tree of Life. I t resembles a Flash of
Lightning.
Together the Sephiroth and the Twenty-Two Paths form the 32 Paths of the Sefer Yetrirah,
or Book of Formation.
The Two Pillars on either side of the Altar represent:
Acfive:The White Pillar on the South Side. Male. Adam. Pillar of Light and Fire. Right Kerub.
Metatron.
Passiwe:The Black Pillar on the North Side. Female. Eve. Pillar of Cloud. Left Kerub.
Sandalphon.
THE SECOND MEDITATION

LET THE ZELATOR meditate on a straight line. Let him take a ruler or pencil and by moving it
a distance equal to its length, outline a square.
Having done this, let him, after quieting his mind with the rhythmic breathing taught in the
first meditation, mentally formulate a cube, and endeavour to discover the significance of this
figure and its correspondences.
Let him meditate upon minerals and crystals, choosing especially a crystal of SALT, and
entering into it, actually feel himself of crystalline formation.
Looking out on the Universe from this standpoint, let him identify himself with the EARTH
SPIRlTS in love and sympathy, recalling as far as he can their prayer as said in the closing of
the Zelator Grade.
Let him meditate upon the EARTH TRIPLICITY, visualizing the symbols of a BULL--a VIRGIN-a GOAT which stand for KERUBIC EARTH--MUTABLE EARTH--CARDINAL EARTH.
For the above ideas consult a simple astrology manual. Make notes of the ideas and pictures
which arise in your mind.
The Four Worlds of the Qabalah are:
ATZILUTH, Archetypal
Pure ~ i e t y
BRIAH, Creative
Archangelic-I
YETZIRAH, Formative
Angelic- 1
ASSIAH, Adion
Matter, Man, Shells, Demons
The Ten Houses, or Heavens, of Assiah, the Material World, are:
1. Primurn Mobile,
Rashith ha Gilgalim
2. Sphere of the Zodiac,
Mazloth ntClp)
3. Sphere of Saturn,
Shabbathai 9 ( N W
4. Sphere of Jupiter,
Tzedek
5. Sphere of Mars,
Madim
6. Sphere of the Sun,
Shemesh
7. Sphere of Venus,
Nogah
8. Sphere of Mercury,
Kokab
9. Sphere of the Moon,
Levannah
10. Spehere of the Elements,
Olam Yesodoth
&hm m
?%
wm
irm
am
ohp
THE DIVINE NAMES ATTRIBUTED TO THE SEPHIROTH

Kether's divine name is Eheieh ( m N ) , its archangel is Metatron (]mar), its Choir of
Angels is the Chayoth ha-Qedesh @lp;1
nm) or 'Holy Living Creatures'.
Chokrnah's divine name is Yah (F),its archangel is Raziel ( ? p ~ ~ n )its

, Choir of Angels is
the Auphanim (O'JDW),
or 'Wheels'.
Binah's divine name is YHVH Elohim ( D ~ m),

N
its archangel is Tzaphkiel (kJ~d&!),
its Choir of Angels is the Aralim ( o ' ~ N ) , or 'Thrones'.

Chesed's divine name is El (~JK),its Archangel is Tzadkiel
(hvl~),
its Choir of Angels is
the Chashmalim ( P ~ w R ) ,or 'Lucid ones'.

Geburah's divine name is Elohim Gibor ( 1 u 1 D ~ x ) its
, archangel is Kamael
(hs),
its
choir of Angels is the ~eraphim,(P'blW) or 'Firey Ones'.

Tiphareth's divine name is YHVH Eloah VeDaath
(vlirhN m),
its Archangel is
Raphael (~NBT),and its Choir of Angels is the Melekim (~sh?), or 'Kings'.

Nekach's divine name is YHVH Tzabaoth ( m Y J X
(k9m),
its Choir of Angels is the Elohim (P*N),
m),its Archangel is Haniel

or 'Godldesses'.
Hod's divine name is Elohim Tzabaoth ( n w J X ~ h h ) its

, Archangel is Michael (kt?),
its Choir of Angels is the fkni Elohim ( D ~ Ya),

N or 'Sans of God/dessesl.
Yesod's divine name is Shaddai El Chai
( r h'W),
~ its Archangel is Gabriel ( 0 ~ 3 1 ) ,
and its Choir of Angels is the Kerubim (O93n3), or 'Strong Ones'.

Malkuth's divine name is Adonai ha-Aretz (YlbCil 'JlK),
]lDhll))and
its Archangel is Sandalphon
its Choir of Angels is the Ashim (OWN), or Virile Ones'.
PLANETARY NAMES, ANGELS, AND INTELLIGENCES
I n Hebrew, Saturn is called 'Shabbathai'. It's Angel is Cassiel, its Intelligence, or beneficial
spirit, is Agiel ~ w M ) and
, its spirit (darker aspect) is Zazel
Jupiter is called Tzedek. It's angel is Sachiel, its Intelligence is Iophil
spirit is Hismael
h~f?b;l).
Mars is called Madim. Its angel is Zamael, its Intelligence is Graphiel (
~ w w ) ,and its
k b m ) , and its
spirit is Bartzabel b~2Xl2).

The Sun is called Shemesh. Its Angel is Michael, its Intelligence Nakhiel
h ~ a and
~ )its,
spirit Sorath (IRP).

Venus is called Noagh. Its Angel is Hanael, its Intelligence is Hagiel
called Kedernel
h~7p).
hp~fi~),
its spirit is
Mercury is called Kokab. Its Angel is Raphael, its Intelligenceis Tiriel
spirit is called Taphthartharath
&ma),and its
(rnmnbn).
Finally, the Moon is called Levannah. Its Angel is Gabriel, its intelligence is called Malkah be
and is
Tarshisim ve-ad Ruachoth Schechalim
(h
vl
N~O),
w)
mf?m2
spirit is called Schad Barschernoth ha-Shartathan (mil
The traditional Tarot consists of a pack of 78 cards made up of Four Suits of 14 cards each,
together with 22 Trumps, or Major Arcana, which tell the story of the Soul.
Each suit consists of ten numbered cards, as in the modern playing cards, but there are four
instead of three honours: King or Knight, Queen, Prince or Emperor, Princess or Knave.
the Four Suits are:
Wands, or Sceptres,
comparable to Diamonds.
Cups or Chalices,
comparable to Hearts.
Swords,
comparable to Spades
Pentacles or Coins,
comparable to Clubs.
*I
take some slight issue with these attributions; Ithink rather that Diamonds should be
attributed to Pentacles and Wands to Clubs. The very names 'wands' and 'clubs' are indicative
of similar ideas, as are the diamonds (valuable gem) comparable to 'coins'. -Amphion
Printed in the United States

105798LV00002B/I /A

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Steven Ashe was born in 1960, lives in Glastonbury,

England and has been actively involved in the literary and

The Complete Golden Dawn Initiate

Category: Religon & Spirituality

The Complete Golden Dawn Initiate

This work is dedicated to Alex Bennett:

I would like to acknowledge

People want to see the king, but do not

The Complete Golden Dawn lnitiate

Glastonbury Books 2007

Copyright Steven Ashe 2007

The Complete Golden Dawn Initiate

The Qabalah of Fifty Gates

The Invocation of SATURN 187

The Invocation of MERCURY - 194

Zodiacal Magic - 199

The Symbolism of the Tarot - 255

The Complete Golden Dawn Initiate

Keys to the Rosicrucian Qabalah - 281

The Book of that Which is Concealed From the Sefer Ha-Zohar

Chapter One - 284

The First Verses of Creation - 329

Notes to Chapter 3 - 501

The Thirty-Two Paths of Wisdom - 509

The Adorations of the Sun - 553

The Complete Golden Dawn Initiate

In any objective assessment of the modus operandi of the

The Complete Golden Dawn Initiate

In earlier days of organised spiritual enquiry, the self-image

an elect brotherhood functioning behind the scenes to guide

A surprising cross section of people in society now

The Complete Golden Dawn Initiate

the steady onset of the age of science and rationalism and

The Complete Golden Dawn Initiate

With the Help of Westcott, Mathers completed a translation

Much of the basic magical syllabus was based on the

The Complete Golden Dawn Initiate

Mono-myths are those aspects of legend that are

I would like to refer two of the three 'Orders of Being' taught

It is the third state of development referred to by Bennett,

The Complete Golden Dawn Initiate

with the goal of the individual seeking spiritual awakening.

J.G. Bennett's terms certainly succeed in personifiing the

In the mystery tradition of the Rosicrucian Qabalah,

Because this work is aimed at individuals who may find

Psycho-Static state to the Psycho-Kinetic.

To have achieved this feat will itself qualifL the individual

The 'knack' which he or she must learn, as if by second

Only by maintaining the discipline to set one's self an

The rites and exercises which follow in these pages are

Most Adepts will inform their pupils that it is the very

The Complete Golden Dawn Initiate

unexplored psychological territory.

The mainstay of esoteric thought, present in the majority of

Like riding a bicycle, such control cannot be taught; only

is, when all is said and done, another way of

The Complete Golden Dawn Initiate

The Qabalistic conception of the Creation promotes the

The Tree of Life can be considered a living and breathing

Our universal constants are dependent upon automatic