Kabbalah in-
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Kabbalah in the Tarot
Kabbalah in Tarot
The Cabala is a system of Jewish mysticism that is thought to have originated in southern France and Spain in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. The term "Cabala" was originally used to denote wisdom, inner knowledge, or understanding of the hidden mysteries, and it wasn't until much later that the term was used to refer to Jewish mysticism. The Cabala was intended to be a system of thought that allowed people to unravel the mysteries and unknown concepts concerning God and his or her creations.
Although this system of thought has historically been purported to be communicated by God to Adam, scholars tend to look for its origins in the first century before Christ.
The first document is considered to be the forerunner of Cabalism and the basis of the rest of it is the Sepher Yetzirah (Book of Formation), written by an anonymous author, most probably around the third century before Christ. The Sepher Yetzirah deals with the creation of the universe by means of the ten sephiram, which are archetypal numbers one through ten, and the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet.
Several versions of Cabala have evolved throughout the ages. The ancient Hebrew Cabala contained seven sephiram, which is reflected by the seven-pointed star (Star of David), the menorah, and the seven celestial bodies that were predominant influences prior to the discovery of the planets Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. The ancient Iraqi Cabala had eight sephiram, which corresponds with the eight musical notes we use today. The modern Cabala, however, has ten primary sephiram, which corresponds with the decimal number system that is the foundation of today's economy. There are ten sephiram in the trestle board that is used by most students of the Cabala today. An eleventh imaginary sephira, called Daath, is included in some versions of the Cabala, bringing the total number to eleven, a master number.The Cabala is a system of Jewish mysticism that is thought to have originated in southern France and Spain in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.
Each sephira points to a specific character trait, which helps us to identify, exactly where we are in our evolutionary path to enlightenment. Each sephira in the trestle board corresponds with a specific planet and is therefore closely aligned with the celestial art of astrology. The meanings of the ten sephiram, to include the eleventh imaginary one, are discussed on the following six pages.
Malkuth
Malkuth is position 10 of the Tree of Life and is associated with the keyword "Kingdom." It represents our roots, home, family, and close relationships. The essence of this sephira is the physical world and indicates what is presently manifest in our lives. This position represents our conscious awareness and the outcomes or results that we are now experiencing. Physically this node represents our physical body, musically it represents the musical note "do," and angelically it depicts the archangel Sandalphon. In astrology, the four elements fire, earth, air, and water rule this position. In Tarot, this position corresponds with the four cards numbered 10 in the Minor Arcana.
Yesod
Yesod is position 9 of the Tree of Life and is associated with the keyword "Foundation." This sephira denotes the collective unconscious or the vital soul of humanity. It gives insight into our life patterns because it shows our unconscious thoughts, secrets, hopes, desires, fears, and apprehensions. Yesod indicates whether our karmic lessons brought over from previous incarnations are beneficial, challenging, or debts we must repay. This focal point also indicates health matters, especially those that concern our overall well being. Physically this node represents our ego and angelically it depicts the archangel Gabriel. In astrology this position corresponds with the Moon, and in Tarot it relates to the four cards numbered 9 in the Minor Arcana.
Hod
Hod is position 8 of the Tree of Life and is associated with the keyword "Splendor." This sephira depicts worldly matters such as business, career, cultural, and artistic endeavours, and how these areas in our lives are being approached. It represents our analytical thought processes, our style of communication, and how we perceive our environment around us. Physically this node represents the theoretical aspects of life, musically it represents "ti," and angelically it depicts the archangel Michael. In astrology, the position corresponds with the planet Mercury, and in Tarot it denotes the four cards numbered 8 in the Minor Arcana.
Netzach
Netzach is in position 7 of the Tree of Life and is associated with the keyword "Victory." It represents our emotional attachments and feelings. This sephira tells us what we desire, what we are attracted to, and what type of people we form close relationships with. Physically this node represents the practical aspects of life, musically it represents "la," and angelically it depicts the archangel Haniel. In astrology, this position corresponds with the planet Venus, and in Tarot relates to the four cards numbered 7 in the Minor Arcana.
Tiphareth
Tiphareth is position 6 of the Tree of Life and is associated with the keyword "Beauty." It represents our higher self or true soul. It discusses the higher meaning of our lives and helps to define our life purposes, ideals, and objectives. This sephira depicts our achievements, successes, and the outer image we present to the world. This position is in the center of the trestle board and represents the center of our being. In the physical world this node represents the self and angelically it depicts the archangel Raphael. In astrology, Tiphareth corresponds with the Sun, and in Tarot it relates to the four cards numbered 6 in the Minor Arcana.
Geburah
Geburah is position 5 of the Tree of Life and is associated with the keyword "Severity." It represents the conflicts and challenges we must overcome and the lessons we must learn. These lessons are generally seen as oppositions that we encounter, and which, unless appreciated for the strengthening qualities they impart, will tend to be seen as trials, tribulations, and limitations. This position also tells us the qualities we must utilize in order to effectively deal with difficulties. Utilizing the constructive influence of this position can help us to take greater responsibility for our lives, and make assets out of those areas that were once considered liabilities. Physically this node represents discipline, musically it represents "sol," and angelically it depicts the archangel Kamael. In astrology, this position corresponds with the planet Mars, and in Tarot it relates to the four cards numbered 5 in the Minor Arcana.
Chesed
Chesed is position 4 of the Tree of Life and is associated with the keyword "Mercy." It represents our opportunities for growth and rewards for the challenges we master. It indicates the most positive results we can gain from our thoughts, emotions, and actions, and shows us where we must exercise compassion. Chesed reflects the most positive aspects of all areas, even those areas that seem negative. This position provides us with a comfort zone in our lives because it gives us a sense of security. It also denotes our finances, wealth, and areas of abundance. Physically this node represents compassion, musically it represents "fa," and angelically it denotes the archangel Tzadqiel. In astrology, Chesed corresponds with the planet Jupiter, and in Tarot it relates to the four cards numbered 4 in the Minor Arcana.
Binah
Binah is position 3 of the Tree of Life and is associated with the keyword "Understanding." It is the feminine, right brain, or left side of ourselves, and represents inner knowledge or the divine mother within us. Binah often depicts our intuitive processes and what areas we are receptive to. This position shows what experiences we have chosen to bring to experience through the process of manifestation and denotes those areas that tend to be limiting or containing, thus helping to give us greater understanding and depth through dealing constructively with these difficulties. Physically this node represents reason, musically it represents the note "mi," and angelically it depicts the archangel Tzaphqiel. In astrology, this position corresponds with the planet Saturn, and in Tarot it corresponds with the four cards numbered 3 in the Minor Arcana.
Chokmah
Chokmah is position 2 of the Tree of Life and is associated with the keyword "Wisdom." It is associated with the masculine, right side of ourselves and is sometimes depicted as the cosmic father within us. Chokmah represents our learned behavior and actions and shows where our responsibilities lie. It indicates our ability to use rationale and logic to make choices and decisions. Physically this node represents revelation, musically it depicts the note "re," and angelically it depicts the archangel Raziel. In astrology, the position corresponds with Uranus, and in Tarot it relates to the four cards numbered 2 in the Minor Arcana.
Kether
Kether is position 1 of the Tree of Life and is associated with the keyword "Crown." It represents our creative potentials and new beginnings. Kether depicts our spiritual world, religious attitudes, and general inner state of being. This sephira is considered the indivisible one and is therefore complete in itself. It shows what we have chosen to manifest and what we desire to accomplish through our life experiences. Musically this node represents the note "do," and angelically it depicts the archangel Metatron. In astrology, the position corresponds with Uranus, and in the Tarot, this position denotes cards numbered 1 in the Minor Arcana.
Daath
Daath is an invisible sephira between Tiphareth and Kether. It is an interfacing node, which gives the entire Tree of Life a sense of completion. It represents the powerful knowledge that we have within ourselves, and astrologically it is ruled by the planet Pluto.