A couple weeks ago I started reading a Llewellyn book about Kabbalah and the Tree of Life, called Magical Qabalah for Beginners. It is written by a pagan author who calls himself a magician. I wasn't sure what to expect but the book is good - though I would caution against some of techniques in the second half. A spiritual safety check is definitely needed.
What I appreciated is how the author refers to the Tree of Life as a roadmap that can connect us with a Higher Power through meditation. He also refers to Kabbalah as a meta-knowledge that can bring unity to a wide variety of spiritual belief systems. So true!
What is the Tree of Life?
It is a glyph that tells story of creation from a Kabbalistic perspective, which I find to be fascinating. If I understand correctly, the Big Bang is said to the moment when it all started. Before the universe was created all we had was nothingness and light. To the Kabbalist, that emptiness is the source of everything, including the universe, the solar system and also other dimensions where our ancestors, loved ones, angels, guides and (in the Hermetic tradition) even pagan gods and goddesses exist.
When the Big Bang happened, that nothingness and light exploded into an abstract sphere of light (Keter = 1st sphere) that reproduced until we were left with 10 spheres of light. The 1st sphere is that highest point of solid light that could be mistaken for the Creator though it also has its origin in nothingness. It might be the 1st form of God that we can see, sense or feel. The 10th sphere represents the physical universe. In between we have 8 spheres that are dimensions of the spiritual world.
Each of the 10 Spheres has a Quality
The 10 spheres are also meant to be aspects of that Higher Power some people call God. Is God wise, all knowing, compassionate or judgmental? It all depends on the sphere that we are individually aware of. These spheres represent the Crown of God, Wisdom of God, Understanding of God, Compassion of God, Judgement of God, Beauty of God (which is said to be reflected in Nature), Splendor of God, the Victory of God, the Foundation of God and the Physical Manifestation of God, which is the Universe. This includes the Earth and Mother Nature which is also the Divine Feminine.
The book's author is pagan and Kabbalah is often associated with a monotheistic religion (Judaism); so this tome goes one step further and links each of the spheres to pagan gods with similar attributes. He even jokes that some Wiccan beliefs are almost monotheistic because they see individual gods and goddesses who unite to become a Super God.
Even atheists, who often look to Science as their belief system or worldview, are looking at just one of the spheres (5th). It is as if that Super God has ten fingers and each of those fingers can choose to pull strings in our physical world. Most of us see one or two of those fingers and our mind equates it to God, to Science or to the gods and goddesses of the pagan traditions. The Tree of Life can help us bring a sense of unity to the different spiritual traditions that are out there.
One last point!
Each of the spheres can also be linked to an Archangel. The physical world has Archangel Sandalphon, the angel of nature, music and prayers. In The Angel Tarot Deck, author Doreen Virtue links Sandy with Peace. Its hard to deny that religion has created lots of havoc on the earth. Maybe this can help us realise that we are all correct to some degree, but none of us have a complete picture. One of my next posts will be on Righteousness and how it has to be balanced by Love & Compassion to stay peaceful. Love to hear your thoughts on this,
Reiki hugs!
Regina
Ps... Each sphere on the Tree represents an archetype. A particular goddess might be found on different spheres depending on the quality that we are connecting with at that time (Bina for great mother, or Yesod for the Moon and its influence on healing and emotions).
> Also Read: Traveling Through the Tree of Life
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Regina Chouza is an Energy Healer, Angel Medium and author of A Personal Guide to Self-Healing, Cancer & Love and Chakra Healing & Magick. She studied angels, tarot and astrology at The College of Psychic Studies in London, and qualified as an Energy Healer at the School of Intuition & Healing UK. Blogging since 2010, Regina's passion is bringing the qualities of love, joy and empowerment to healing pursuits.
* The text in italics was added in July 2021 after more study into the Tree of Life.
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