The Tree of Life: A Golden Dawn Perspective
The Tree of Life is a central symbol in the Kabbalistic tradition, deeply integrated into the magical, astrological, and spiritual practices of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. This mystical diagram consists of ten Sephiroth, or spheres, each representing different aspects of existence and consciousness. The Tree of Life serves as a map for understanding the universe, the self, and the interplay between the divine and the material world.
The Ten Sephiroth and Their Correspondences
Each Sephirah on the Tree of Life has its own unique attributes, correspondences, and roles within the structure of the universe. The Golden Dawn used the Tree of Life not only as a spiritual framework but also as a guide for tarot, astrology, and ritual magic.
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Kether (Crown)
- Position: The first Sephirah, located at the top of the Tree.
- Attributes: Pure being, divine will, and the origin of all creation.
- Astrological Correspondence: Primum Mobile (the First Motion)
- Tarot Correspondence: The Aces, representing the root of the four elements.
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Chokmah (Wisdom)
- Position: The second Sephirah, on the right side of the Tree.
- Attributes: The creative force, divine inspiration, and the masculine principle.
- Astrological Correspondence: The Zodiac
- Tarot Correspondence: The Twos, representing the first manifestation of each element.
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Binah (Understanding)
- Position: The third Sephirah, on the left side of the Tree.
- Attributes: Structure, form, and the feminine principle.
- Astrological Correspondence: Saturn
- Tarot Correspondence: The Threes, representing the initial stabilisation of each element.
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Chesed (Mercy)
- Position: The fourth Sephirah, below Chokmah on the right side.
- Attributes: Benevolence, expansion, and loving-kindness.
- Astrological Correspondence: Jupiter
- Tarot Correspondence: The Fours, representing stability and order within each element.
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Geburah (Severity)
- Position: The fifth Sephirah, below Binah on the left side.
- Attributes: Strength, discipline, and the power of judgment.
- Astrological Correspondence: Mars
- Tarot Correspondence: The Fives, representing conflict and challenge within each element.
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Tiphareth (Beauty)
- Position: The sixth Sephirah, at the centre of the Tree.
- Attributes: Harmony, balance, and spiritual enlightenment.
- Astrological Correspondence: The Sun
- Tarot Correspondence: The Sixes, representing balance and harmony within each element.
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Netzach (Victory)
- Position: The seventh Sephirah, below Chesed on the right side.
- Attributes: Emotion, endurance, and the force of attraction.
- Astrological Correspondence: Venus
- Tarot Correspondence: The Sevens, representing victory and perseverance within each element.
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Hod (Glory)
- Position: The eighth Sephirah, below Geburah on the left side.
- Attributes: Intellect, communication, and analytical thinking.
- Astrological Correspondence: Mercury
- Tarot Correspondence: The Eights, representing analysis and communication within each element.
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Yesod (Foundation)
- Position: The ninth Sephirah, below Tiphareth at the base of the central pillar.
- Attributes: Subconscious mind, intuition, and the foundation of the physical world.
- Astrological Correspondence: The Moon
- Tarot Correspondence: The Nines, representing completion and reflection within each element.
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Malkuth (Kingdom)
- Position: The tenth Sephirah, at the bottom of the Tree.
- Attributes: The physical world, manifestation, and material reality.
- Astrological Correspondence: The Earth
- Tarot Correspondence: The Tens, representing finality and culmination within each element.
The Pathways Between Sephiroth
Connecting the Sephiroth are 22 paths, each corresponding to one of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet and the 22 Major Arcana of the tarot. These paths represent the movement of energy and consciousness between the different aspects of the Tree, symbolising the journey of the soul through different states of being.
The Tree of Life in Ritual and Meditation
For the Golden Dawn, the Tree of Life was not just a theoretical model but a practical tool used in rituals, meditation, and magical workings. By contemplating the Sephiroth and their paths, practitioners could explore the depths of their own consciousness, gain insight into the nature of reality, and align themselves more closely with the divine.
The Tree of Life serves as a comprehensive framework that integrates the magical, astrological, and spiritual dimensions of the Golden Dawn’s teachings. Whether used for meditation, ritual work, or tarot readings, the Tree offers a profound way to understand and navigate the complexities of both the universe and the self.
5 of Swords – Rider-Waite
by Paul-Hughes-Barlow | Jan 10, 2019 | Rider Waite Swords
Degradation, destruction, revocation, infamy, dishonour, loss, with the variants and analogues of these.