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The Sefirot, ten Divine energies rooted in Kabbalistic tradition, shape the universe’s spiritual architecture. Originating from sacred texts and embodied in the Tree of Life, these mystical forces guide human existence, linking divine wisdom to earthly realms through profound metaphysical insights.
Divine Energies
According to Jewish sacred texts, the Sefirot, or Divine energies, were first established by the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). Initially transmitted as the Oral Torah, they were later compiled into a treatise and entrusted to their descendants, particularly to prophets such as Moses and others. The spiritual and mystical fundamental origins of these beliefs stem from the teachings of Kabbalah, although they have also been adopted by other civilizations, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, in the form of metaphysical sciences, who adapted it to their own cultural and religious principles.
Origin
The Ten Commandments
When Moses received the two tablets of the Ten Commandments and presented the sacred Torah to the people of Bene Israel (Israelites), the texts from the outset took on a form of Divine verses, shrouded in mystic symbolism. The words themselves extended beyond their literal meaning in the Torah, involving interpretations that conveyed deeper spiritual insights. Although the Ten Commandments may seem simple at first glance, they actually represent an enigmatic structure connected to the ten dimensions of creation known as the Sefirot, encompassing both heavenly (spiritual) and earthly (physical) energies, or Divine attributes.
Zohar
In a groundbreaking effort, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai endeavored to reveal the mysteries of the Ten Sefirot in the form of a book titled Zohar. This book, the greatest work in Kabbalistic wisdom, became a powerful instrument for the revitalization of Kabbalah, empowering those who understood its secrets to promote peace, security, healing, and prosperity in the pursuit of human perfection.
The Sefirot Diagram
Origin
European Kabbalists in the early Middle Ages were the first to publish a comprehensive diagram of the Ten Sefirot. The structure of this diagram embodies laws governing all creatures in the universe, illustrating cyclical life processes influenced by the interplay of higher and lower principles, with active (right side or positive) and passive (left side or negative) forces. This Divine harmony can be comprehensively traced through the pathways between the Sefirot and their triangular connections, or triads, that interlink them.
Sefirah
As mentioned, each position or Sefirah represents a Divine attribute or spiritual energy, each with a specific name and association, similar to what is symbolized in the Menorah and the Star of David (Magen David). From the alignment and integration of the six Sefirot, arranged within the triangles, and adhering to these principles, emerges the seventh Sefirah—Kingship—symbolizing humanity’s attainment of spiritual perfection.
Additionally, the Sefirah Keter (Crown) encompasses three Sefirot—Chokhmah (Wisdom), Binah (Understanding), and Da’at (Knowledge)—which collectively form the ten Sefirot.
The Levels of Existence
The Tree of Life
The mythological concept of the Sefirot is presented as the Tree of Life, containing within it four worlds or levels of existence. These four realms, interconnected through a vast, woven network of dynamic forces, are ultimately unified in the intricate structure of the Sefirotic Tree, a symbol of God’s oneness.
Each world has its own subsidiary branches, which are in a constant state of expansion and are also connected with higher layers. These act as a bridge between the higher spiritual realms and the lower material realms, facilitating a multidirectional interaction through continuous active energy from the Creation (Beri’ah), Formation (Yetzirah), Action (Assiah), and Emanation (Atziluth), thereby establishing balance throughout the universe.
Hence, humans, who embody four dimensions—Divinity, spirit, soul, and body—can, through both outward and inward journeys (symbolic and real), perceive and comprehend all these levels. In the course of the growing of their awareness, individuals come to a deeper realization of the infinite universe and the Divine presence in the various aspects of their lives.
To aid in a better understanding of this subject, various interpretations concerning these levels and their connections to the Sefirot have been presented, which will be summarized.
Interpretation of the Levels of Existence
The mythological concept of the Tree of Life comprises four worlds or layers:
- The World of Emanation (Azilut) is the first layer, making the tree root.
- The World of Creation (Beriah) is the second layer, the tree trunk.
- The World of Formation (Yezirah) is the third layer, forming the tree branches.
- The World of Action (Asiyyah) is the fourth layer, the tree fruit.
The arrangement of the Divine positions (Sefirot) within these four layers, along with their functioning and interconnection, is based on unique interpretations and philosophies. Each position has a specific name, unique characteristics, and embodies one of the Divine attributes or spiritual energies.
Philosophy of each Sefira
First Position (Chesed)
Named Abraham, this Sefirah embodies friendship and hospitality. The Hebrew term for it is Chesed, and its energy represents love and benevolence. The governing day is Sunday, with the ruling celestial body being the Sun. Chesed is associated with the World of Creation (Beriah, the second layer) and is interconnected with the World of Formation (Yezirah, the third layer/branches).
Second Position (Gevurah)
Named Isaac, this Sefirah symbolizes the realm of discipline and self-restraint. The Hebrew term is Gevurah, which channels the energy of strength and power. Monday is its day, and the Moon is its ruling celestial influence. Gevurah pertains to the World of Creation (Beriah, the second layer/trunk) and connects with the World of Formation (Yezirah).
Third Position (Tiferet)
Named Jacob, this Sefirah represents glory, splendor, and beauty. The Hebrew name is Tiferet, which embodies spiritual beauty. Its day is Tuesday, and Mars is its ruling planet. Tiferet is associated with the World of Creation (Beriah, second layer), integrates with the World of Formation (Yezirah, third layer/tree branches), and connects to the World of Action (Asiyyah, fourth layer/tree fruit).
Fourth Position (Netzach)
Named Moses, this Sefirah signifies eternity. The Hebrew term is Netzach, representing energy of hope and victory. Wednesday is its day, and Mercury is the celestial body governing it. Netzach belongs to the World of Formation (Yezirah, third layer/tree stem) and integrates with the World of Action (Asiyyah, fourth layer/tree fruit).
Fifth Position (Hod)
Named Aaron, this Sefirah embodies grandeur and flourishing. The Hebrew name is Hod, representing energy of honesty and devotion. Thursday is the designated day, and Jupiter is the ruling planet. Hod is associated with the World of Formation (Yezirah, third layer) and merges with the World of Action (Asiyyah, fourth layer).
Sixth Position (Yesod)
Named Joseph, this Sefirah signifies friendship and sincerity. Its Hebrew name is Yesod, symbolizing energy of truth. Friday is its day, and it is ruled by Venus. Yesod pertains to the World of Formation (Yezirah, third layer/tree branches) and integrates with the World of Action (Asiyyah, fourth layer/tree fruit).
Seventh Position (Malkhut)
Named David, this Sefirah embodies kingship. The Hebrew name is Malkhut, representing energy of faith and balance. Saturday is its governing day, and it is connected to the World of Action (Asiyyah, fourth layer/tree fruit).
Keter
Keter comprises three Sefirot Chokhmah (Wisdom), Binah (Understanding), and Da’at (Knowledge). These three are associated with the World of Emanation (Azilut, the first layer/root) and are intertwined and connected with the World of Creation (Beriah, the second layer).
Embodiment in Mankind
The interconnectedness that exists between these four worlds, and their relationship through the Sefirot, or metaphorically through their own virtual tree from the central point to other trees, enables a multidirectional influence involving emanation, creation, formation, and action.
Thus, a person who possesses within their essence the four realms of Divinity, spirit, soul, and body, can experience and comprehend the entire universe when returning to their outward and inward origin. As this journey unfolds, one’s awareness gradually increases, and they gain a deeper understanding of the Infinite Presence of the Divine across all levels of life every day.
Sources
The Treasures of Judaism, Morad Hekmat
The Book of Ari HaKadosh
The Holy Torah
Mythical Beliefs, Yosef Setareshenas
