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The '''Tree of Life''' (עץ חיים) is a term from the Hebrew's system of exegesis, named Qabalah (קבלה), to describe a diagram composed of 10 Numbers and 22 Letters. The ten Numbers are the ten sayings of God in the first chapter of Genesis (בראשית) in which He wrought the universe, with the 22 letters of the Hebrew alefbet interpolated between these Numbers.
The '''Tree of Life''' (Hebrew: עץ החיים, ''Etz HaChayim'') is a term from the Hebraic system of exegesis, named Qabalah (Hebrew: קבלה, alternative spellings include ''Kabbalah'' and ''Cabala''), to describe a diagram composed of 10 Numbers and 22 Letters. The ten Numbers are the ten sayings of God in the first chapter of Genesis (בראשית, ''Bereshit'') in which He wrought the universe, with the 22 letters of the Hebrew alefbet interpolated between these Numbers.


The Hebrew word for Numbers is Sephiroth (plural, used to refer to the entirety of the Numbers) while the Hebrew word for Number is Sephirah (singular, used to refer to a specific Number). These two English words will be used throughout this article.
The diagram was used to describe the path to God, and the manner in which He created the world out of nothing. The Kabbalists developed this concept into a full model of reality, using the tree to depict a "map" of creation. The Tree of Life has been called the "cosmology" of the Kabbalah.
 
The Hebrew word for Numbers is ''Sephiroth'' (plural, used to refer to the entirety of the Numbers) while the Hebrew word for Number is ''Sephirah'' (singular, used to refer to a specific Number). These two English words will be used throughout this article.


During [[Third Impact]], after the [[Mass Production Evangelions]] crucify [[Evangelion Unit-01|Eva-01]], they form an inverted Tree of Life around Eva 01 by resonating their [[AT Field|AT Fields]]. The figure of the Tree of Life also appears twice in the opening credits, these two glyphs from the opening credits are examined in more detail below.
During [[Third Impact]], after the [[Mass Production Evangelions]] crucify [[Evangelion Unit-01|Eva-01]], they form an inverted Tree of Life around Eva 01 by resonating their [[AT Field|AT Fields]]. The figure of the Tree of Life also appears twice in the opening credits, these two glyphs from the opening credits are examined in more detail below.
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''Tree of Numbers.''
''Tree of Numbers.''


Robert Fludd M.D. born in 1574 in Kent, England, was a Christian mystic and scientist. He penned the diagram to the right.
Robert Fludd M.D. (1574, Bearsted, Kent – September 8, 1637, London), was an English Christian mystic, Paracelsian physicist, and astrologer. He penned the diagram to the right, which originally appeared in his work ''Utriusque Cosmi, Maioris scilicet et Minoris, metaphysica, physica, atque technica Historia'' (The metaphysical, physical, and technical history of the two worlds, namely the greater and the lesser), published in Germany between 1617 and 1621.


===10 Numbers===
===10 Numbers===
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!English translation
!English translation
|-
|-
|I. '''†'''|| Ehieh || אהיה || I am || Pater || Father
|I. '''†'''|| Ehieh || אהיה || ''I Am'' || Pater || Father
|-
|-
|II.|| Iah || יהוה '''‡''' || God || Filius || Son
|II.|| Iah || יהוה '''‡''' || ''Yah'' || Filius || Son
|-
|-
|III. || Elohim || אלהים || Gods || Spi. Sanc. || Holy Spirit
|III. || Elohim || אלהים || ''God(s)'' || Spi. Sanc. || Holy Spirit
|-
|-
|IV. || El || אל || Of God || Pater || Father
|IV. || El || אל || ''(Of) God'' || Pater || Father
|-
|-
|V. || Elohim Gibor || אלהים גבור || Gods of Power || Filius || Son
|V. || Elohim Gibor || אלהים גבור || ''God of Power'' (alternatively ''Mighty God'') || Filius || Son
|-
|-
|VI || Eloah || אלוה || God || Spi. Sanc. || Holy Spirit
|VI || Eloah || אלוה || ''God'' (the singular form of ''Elohim'') || Spi. Sanc. || Holy Spirit
|-
|-
|VII. || Iehova Sabaoth || יהוה צבאות || God of Armies
|VII. || Iehova Sabaoth || יהוה צבאות || ''YHWH of Hosts''
|-
|-
|VIII. || Elohim Sabaoth || אלהים צבאות || Gods of Armies
|VIII. || Elohim Sabaoth || אלהים צבאות || ''God of Hosts''
|-
|-
|IX. || Elchai vel:Sadai || אלחי שדי || God of The Living || Omnipotentie || Omnipotence
|IX. || Elchai vel:Sadai || אלחי שדי || ''The Living God'' or ''Almighty'' || Omnipotentie || Omnipotence
|-
|-
|X. || Adonai || אדני || Lord
|X. || Adonai || אדני || ''My Lord''
|}
|}


'''†''' Here, Crown is given a crown of nine points, showing it's presidency over the nine lower Numbers. Each point may be attributed to each letter of אין סוף אור, see sub-heading 2.3
'''†''' Here, Crown is given a crown of nine points, showing its presidency over the nine lower Numbers. Each point may be attributed to each letter of אין סוף אור (''Aur Ain Sof''), see sub-heading 2.3


'''‡''' Fludd has written יהוה when Iah is spelt יה
'''‡''' Fludd has written יהוה when Iah is spelt יה


The Name of God, '''יהוה''', is seen associated with particular Numbers along the trunk of the Tree.
The Name of God, '''יהוה''', is seen associated with particular Numbers along the trunk of the Tree.
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|}
|}


==Systema Sephiroticvm X Divino Rvm Nominvm==
==Systema Sephiroticvm X Divinorvm Nominvm==


[[Image:Systema Sephiroticvm.jpg|thumb|Systema Sephiroticvm, from Oedipus Ægyptiacus. Athanasius Kircher.]]
[[Image:Systema Sephiroticvm.jpg|thumb|Systema Sephiroticvm, from Oedipus Ægyptiacus. Athanasius Kircher.]]


''System of Numbers of 10 Divine Names.''
''System of Numbers of the 10 Divine Names.''


Athanasius Kircher born in 1602 in Thuringia, Germany, was a Christian mystic and scientist. He originally penned the diagram to the right.
Athanasius Kircher S.J., born in 1601 or 1602 in Thuringia, Germany, was a Christian mystic and scientist who published around 40 works, most notably in the fields of oriental studies, geology, and medicine. He penned the diagram to the right, which originally appeared in his work ''Oedipus Aegyptiacus'' published between 1652 to 1654.


===10 Numbers===
===10 Numbers===
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{|cellpadding="6" rules="rows" style="border:1px solid #cccccc; border-left: none; border-right: none;"
{|cellpadding="6" rules="rows" style="border:1px solid #cccccc; border-left: none; border-right: none;"
!#
!#
!Romanised Hebrew
!Hebrew Name
!Hebrew Name
!English
!English
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!3 Triads
!3 Triads
|-
|-
| I. || אהיה || I am || || 1. World of Ideas
| I. || Ehyeh || אהיה || ''I Am'' || || 1. World of Ideas
|-
|-
| II. || יה || God || || 2. World of Ideas
| II. || Yah || יה || ''Yah'' || || 2. World of Ideas
|-
|-
| III. || יהוה אלהים || God of Gods || || 3. World of Ideas
| III. || YHWH Elohim || יהוה אלהים || ''YHWH (LORD) God'' || || 3. World of Ideas
|-
|-
| IV. || אל || Of God || Jupiter || 1. World of Stars
| IV. || El || אל || ''Of God'' || Jupiter || 1. World of Stars
|-
|-
| V. || אלהים || Gods || Saturn || 2. World of Stars
| V. || Elohim || אלהים || ''God(s)'' || Saturn || 2. World of Stars
|-
|-
| VI. || יהוה || God || Sol || 3. World of Stars
| VI. || YHWH || יהוה || ''YHWH'' (also rendered as ''LORD'', ''Jehovah'' or ''Yahweh'') || Sol || 3. World of Stars
|-
|-
| VII. || יהוה צבאות || God of Armies || Mars || 1. World of Elements
| VII. || YHWH Tzevaot || יהוה צבאות || ''YHWH of Hosts'' || Mars || 1. World of Elements
|-
|-
| VIII. || אלהים צבאות || Gods of Armies || Venus || 2. World of Elements
| VIII. || Elohim Tzevaot || אלהים צבאות || ''God(s) of Hosts'' || Venus || 2. World of Elements
|-
|-
| IX. || אלהי || God || Mercury || 3. World of Elements
| IX. || Elohi || אלהי || ''God'' || Mercury || 3. World of Elements
|-
|-
| X. || אדני || Lord || Luna || 0. The Fall
| X. || Adonai || אדני || ''My Lord'' || Luna || 0. The Fall
|}
|}


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===אין סוף===
===אין סוף===


''Ain Suph.''
English: ''Ain Suph'' (alternative renderings include ''Ein Sof'', ''Ayn Sof'', or ''Ein Soph'')


There are said to be three stages preceding the process of emanation in qabalah that parallel Genesis (בראשית) i:i-v.
The ''Ain Suph'' is a Kabbalistic term that usually refers to an abstract state of existence preceding God's Creation of the limited universe. This Ain Suph, typically referred to figuratively as the "''light of Ain Suph''" ("Aur Ain Suph"), is the most fundamental emanation manifested by God. It is the material basis of Creation that, when focused, restricted, and filtered through the ''Sephiroth'', results in the created, dynamic universe. There are said to be three stages preceding the process of emanation in the Qabalah that parallel Genesis 1:1-5.  


'''אין''' meaning Not, this foreshadows the first three supernal Numbers.
'''אין'''(''Ain''), meaning ''Not'', foreshadows the first three supernal Numbers.


'''אין סוף''' meaning Limitless Not, this is the highest aspect of the Tree we can conceptualise as אין preceding it is nothingness. אין סוף foreshadows the first six Numbers.
'''אין סוף''' (''Ain Suph'') meaning ''Limitless Not'' (or ''Without End''), this is the highest aspect of the Tree we can conceptualise as אין preceding it is nothingness. אין סוף foreshadows the first six Numbers.


'''אין סוף אור''' meaning Limitless Light of Not, this in it's concentration is called Crown. It contains within it the nine following Numbers.
'''אין סוף אור''' (''Aur Ain Suph'') meaning ''Light of Ain Suph'' (, this in its concentration is called Crown. It contains within it the nine following Numbers.


===Horizon Æternitatis===
===Horizon Æternitatis===
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''Horizon of Eternity.''
''Horizon of Eternity.''


The Horizon of Eternity is simply the horizon between Crown and Limitless Not.
The Horizon of Eternity is simply the horizon between Crown (''Kether'') and Limitless Not (''Ain Suph'').


===50 Portæ Lucis===
===50 Portæ Lucis===
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''50 Gates of Light.''
''50 Gates of Light.''


This is the Count of Omer as written of in Leviticus (ויקרא) xxiii:xvi. These 50 Gates are the 7 Lesser Numbers within each of the 7 lower Numbers (see sub-heading 2.1), 7 x 7 = 49, with Intelligence itself as the 50th Gate by which Moses received the Torah from God.
This is the Count of Omer as written of in Leviticus (Hebrew: ויקרא, ''Vayikra'') 23:16. These 50 Gates are the 7 Lesser Numbers within each of the 7 lower Numbers (see sub-heading 2.1), 7 x 7 = 49, with Intelligence itself as the 50th Gate by which Moses received the Torah from God.


:See [http://www.digital-brilliance.com/kab/50gates1.txt this link] for more information.
:See [http://www.digital-brilliance.com/kab/50gates1.txt this link] for more information.
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''72 Powers, central, left and right.''
''72 Powers, central, left and right.''


This is the Name of 216 Letters Divided found in Exodus (שמות) xiv:xix-xxi. Each of the three verses is composed of 72 letters, when each verse is written by βουστροφηδόν order, they reveal by appending the suffixes יה or אל an order of 72 angels. 216 letters in total made up of three verses of 72 letters, (216 x 3 = 666, the Master Number of Glory).
This is the ''Name of 216 Letters Divided'' (known in Hebrew as the ''Shem ha-Mephorash'', "The Explicit Name") found in Exodus (Hebrew: שמות, ''Shmot'') 13:19-21. The Shem ha-Mephorash was an epithet for a 72-letter name of God derived by medieval Qabalists from the book of Exodus, by reading the letters of three verses in a specific order. Each of the three verses is composed of 72 letters in the original Hebrew; when each verse is written out in ''boustrophedon'' form (that is, rather than going from left to right as in modern English, or right to left as in Hebrew and Arabic, alternate lines must be read in opposite directions), so that the second line is reversed, and grouping the letters in columns of threes, the 72 Names of God, or alternatively by appending to the letters the suffixes יה (''-iah'') or אל (''-el''), the names of 72 Angels, are formed. 216 letters in total made up of three verses of 72 letters, (216 x 3 = 666, the Master Number of Glory).


Outside of strictly Jewish qabalah these 72 names or angels are attributed to each 5 degree semi-decan of the zodiac (5 x 72 = 360), to the cards of the taro, and so on. When these names are written in reverse some believe they parallel the 72 demons that king Solomon is said to have bound in the Western tradition of magic, this is relevant as one of the glyphs from a book attributed to Solomon appears in the [[Dummy Plug Plant]].
Outside of strictly Jewish Qabalah these 72 Names or angels are attributed to each 5 degree semi-decan of the zodiac (5 x 72 = 360), to the cards of the tarot, and so on. When these names are written in reverse some believe they parallel the 72 demons that king Solomon is said to have bound in the Western tradition of magic, this is relevant as one of the glyphs from a book attributed to Solomon appears in the [[Dummy Plug Plant]].


===Furnishings of the Temple & The Three Worlds===
===Furnishings of the Temple & The Three Worlds===


The two Altars, the Menorah, the Table of Shewbeard, and the Tablets of Moses on Kircher's diagram are all furnishings of the Tabernacle (משכן, literally "Place of Dwelling" see Exodus (שמות) xxv), which later became the furnishings of Solomon's Temple. The Place of Dwelling was split into three parts, the Outer Court, the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies.
The two Altars, the ''Menorah'', the Table of Shewbread, and the Tablets of Moses on Kircher's diagram are all furnishings of the Tabernacle (Hebrew: משכן "''Mishkan''", literally "Residence" or "Place of Dwelling"; see Exodus chapters 25-27), which later became the furnishings of Solomon's Temple.  
 
The Place of Dwelling was split into three parts: the Outer Court, the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies (Hebrew: קֹדֶשׁ הַקָּדָשִׁים, "''Kodesh Ha-Kodashim''").


Each of these three parts are ascribed by Kircher on to each of the triads on the Tree of Emanations.
Each of these three parts are ascribed by Kircher on to each of the triads on the Tree of Emanations.


*The Outer Court lay behind a veil of cloth, removing it from Earthly influences, and contained both an altar of fire as well as a altar of water (the associated triad is named Mundus Elementorum, ''World of Elements'' by Kircher in his diagram).  
*The Outer Court lay behind a veil of cloth, removing it from Earthly influences, and contained both an Altar of fire as well as a Altar of water (the associated triad is named ''Mundus Elementorum'', ''World of Elements'' by Kircher in his diagram).  
*The Holy Place lay behind another veil and contained the Menorah and the Table of Shewbread of 12 loaves amongst other objects, these are patent representations of the 7 Luminaries and the 12-fold Zodiac (the associated triad is named Mundus Orbium, ''World of Stars'').
*The Holy Place lay behind another veil and contained the Menorah and the Table of Shewbread of 12 loaves amongst other objects, these are patent representations of the 7 Luminaries and the 12-fold Zodiac (the associated triad is named ''Mundus Orbium'', ''World of Stars'').
*Behind the last veil lay the Ark of the Covenant which contained the Tablets of Moses (the associated triad is named Mundus Archetypus, ''World of Ideas'').
*Behind the last veil lay the Ark of the Covenant which contained the Tablets of Moses (the associated triad is named ''Mundus Archetypus'', ''World of Ideas'').


===35 Principes amisericordia originem ducentes et 35 Principes aseueritate originem ducentes===
===35 Principes amisericordia originem ducentes et 35 Principes aseueritate originem ducentes===
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''248 positive precepts of the Law & 365 negative precepts of the Law.''
''248 positive precepts of the Law & 365 negative precepts of the Law.''


As well as the 10 Commandments received by Moses on Mt. Sinai there are a further 613 instances in the Torah where God either permits or forbids certain actions, these further commandments are called מצווה. God permits 248 actions which are called positive laws, while forbidding 365 actions which are called negative laws throughout the entirety of the Torah.
As well as the 10 Commandments (Hebrew: עשרת הדברים, ''Aseret ha-Dvarîm'') received by Moses on Mt. Sinai there are a further 613 instances in the Torah where God either permits or forbids certain actions, these further commandments are called מצווה(''Mitzvah'', literally "Commandment"). God permits 248 actions which are called positive laws, while forbidding 365 actions which are called negative laws throughout the entirety of the Torah.


The number 248 is ascribed to the microcosm as it is the number of major bones in the human body. While the number 365 is ascribed to the macrocosm as it is the length of one solar year. Here, Kircher has associated the 248 positive laws with the Number named Magnificence and the side of Mercy, while the 365 negative laws has been associated with the Number named Fear and the side of Severity.
The number 248 is ascribed to the microcosm as it is the number of major bones in the human body. While the number 365 is ascribed to the macrocosm as it is the length of one solar year. Here, Kircher has associated the 248 positive laws with the Number named Magnificence and the side of Mercy, while the 365 negative laws has been associated with the Number named Fear and the side of Severity.

Revision as of 00:04, 28 July 2008

The Tree of Life (Hebrew: עץ החיים, Etz HaChayim) is a term from the Hebraic system of exegesis, named Qabalah (Hebrew: קבלה, alternative spellings include Kabbalah and Cabala), to describe a diagram composed of 10 Numbers and 22 Letters. The ten Numbers are the ten sayings of God in the first chapter of Genesis (בראשית, Bereshit) in which He wrought the universe, with the 22 letters of the Hebrew alefbet interpolated between these Numbers.

The diagram was used to describe the path to God, and the manner in which He created the world out of nothing. The Kabbalists developed this concept into a full model of reality, using the tree to depict a "map" of creation. The Tree of Life has been called the "cosmology" of the Kabbalah.

The Hebrew word for Numbers is Sephiroth (plural, used to refer to the entirety of the Numbers) while the Hebrew word for Number is Sephirah (singular, used to refer to a specific Number). These two English words will be used throughout this article.

During Third Impact, after the Mass Production Evangelions crucify Eva-01, they form an inverted Tree of Life around Eva 01 by resonating their AT Fields. The figure of the Tree of Life also appears twice in the opening credits, these two glyphs from the opening credits are examined in more detail below.

Arber Sephirotheca

Arber Sephirotheca, from Volume II of Utriusque Cosmi. Robert Fludd M.D.

Tree of Numbers.

Robert Fludd M.D. (1574, Bearsted, Kent – September 8, 1637, London), was an English Christian mystic, Paracelsian physicist, and astrologer. He penned the diagram to the right, which originally appeared in his work Utriusque Cosmi, Maioris scilicet et Minoris, metaphysica, physica, atque technica Historia (The metaphysical, physical, and technical history of the two worlds, namely the greater and the lesser), published in Germany between 1617 and 1621.

10 Numbers

The ten Hebrew names of God allotted onto each of the Numbers by Fludd are fairly standard. The interesting parts of this diagram are Fludd's attributions of the Christian Trinity onto the Tree of Numbers.

# Romanised Hebrew Hebrew English translation Latin English translation
I. Ehieh אהיה I Am Pater Father
II. Iah יהוה Yah Filius Son
III. Elohim אלהים God(s) Spi. Sanc. Holy Spirit
IV. El אל (Of) God Pater Father
V. Elohim Gibor אלהים גבור God of Power (alternatively Mighty God) Filius Son
VI Eloah אלוה God (the singular form of Elohim) Spi. Sanc. Holy Spirit
VII. Iehova Sabaoth יהוה צבאות YHWH of Hosts
VIII. Elohim Sabaoth אלהים צבאות God of Hosts
IX. Elchai vel:Sadai אלחי שדי The Living God or Almighty Omnipotentie Omnipotence
X. Adonai אדני My Lord

Here, Crown is given a crown of nine points, showing its presidency over the nine lower Numbers. Each point may be attributed to each letter of אין סוף אור (Aur Ain Sof), see sub-heading 2.3

Fludd has written יהוה when Iah is spelt יה

The Name of God, יהוה, is seen associated with particular Numbers along the trunk of the Tree.

י is touching Crown while associated with Wisdom as the Father, The tip of.

ה with Intelligence as the Mother.

ו with the Lesser Countenance of Mercy, Fear, Glory, Victory, Honour, and Foundation, but particularly with Glory as the Son.

ה with Kingdom as the Bride.

Formative Names

The ten palm leafs that share Kingdom as their base have written upon them the ten angelic orders that are allotted on the Tree in יצירה. Fludd ascribes the nine orders of Christian angels to each of the Numbers from Crown to Foundation, Kingdom is ascribed Soul.

# Latin English Qabalistic equivalent
I. Cheter in Seraphim Crown in Seraphim כתר בחיות קדש
II. Hochma in Cherubi Wisdom in Cherubs חכמה באופנים
III. Binah in Thrones Intelligence in Thrones בינה באראלים
IV. Chesed in Dominus Mercy in Dominations חסד בחשמלים
V. Geburah in Potestus Fear in Powers גבורה בשרפים
VI. Tepheret in Virtutes Glory in Virtues תפארת בםלכים
VII. Netreth in Principus Victory in Principaltities נצח באלהים
VIII. Hod in Archangeli Honour in Archangels הוד בבני אלהים
IX. Iesod in Angelos Foundation in Angels יסוד בכרובים
X. Malkuth in Animus Kingdom in Soul מלכות באשים

Systema Sephiroticvm X Divinorvm Nominvm

Systema Sephiroticvm, from Oedipus Ægyptiacus. Athanasius Kircher.

System of Numbers of the 10 Divine Names.

Athanasius Kircher S.J., born in 1601 or 1602 in Thuringia, Germany, was a Christian mystic and scientist who published around 40 works, most notably in the fields of oriental studies, geology, and medicine. He penned the diagram to the right, which originally appeared in his work Oedipus Aegyptiacus published between 1652 to 1654.

10 Numbers

You will notice that each of the Numbers has written about it the names of the Numbers again, for each Number is said to have 10 Lesser Numbers within it. Essentially there is a further Tree within each Number. When this is repeated through the 4 Worlds we count 400 Numbers in total, which shares the same numeric value of the final letter of the Hebrew alefbet, ת.

# Romanised Hebrew Hebrew Name English Planetary assoc. 3 Triads
I. Ehyeh אהיה I Am 1. World of Ideas
II. Yah יה Yah 2. World of Ideas
III. YHWH Elohim יהוה אלהים YHWH (LORD) God 3. World of Ideas
IV. El אל Of God Jupiter 1. World of Stars
V. Elohim אלהים God(s) Saturn 2. World of Stars
VI. YHWH יהוה YHWH (also rendered as LORD, Jehovah or Yahweh) Sol 3. World of Stars
VII. YHWH Tzevaot יהוה צבאות YHWH of Hosts Mars 1. World of Elements
VIII. Elohim Tzevaot אלהים צבאות God(s) of Hosts Venus 2. World of Elements
IX. Elohi אלהי God Mercury 3. World of Elements
X. Adonai אדני My Lord Luna 0. The Fall

22 Letters

These are usually counted from 11 to 32, Kircher however writes them from 1 to 22.

א

ב

ג Seventy-two Central Powers. Totius TRINITATIS influxus deferem, burning away the influx of the entire TRINITY.

ד Reciprocus 50 Portarum et 32 Semitarum, between 50 Gates and 32 Paths.

ה Aquarum divinae misericordiae, Waters of divine mercy.

ו

ז Ignium divinae iustitiae et iudicii, Fires of divine justice and judgement.

ח

ט Misericordiae et Iustitiae, [the channel between] Mercy and Justice.

י Seventy-two Right Powers.

כ

ל Seventy-two Left Powers.

מ

נ

ס Canalis reciprocus Victoriae et Honoris, Channel between Victory and Honour.

ע

פ

צ

ק

ר

ש

ת

אין סוף

English: Ain Suph (alternative renderings include Ein Sof, Ayn Sof, or Ein Soph)

The Ain Suph is a Kabbalistic term that usually refers to an abstract state of existence preceding God's Creation of the limited universe. This Ain Suph, typically referred to figuratively as the "light of Ain Suph" ("Aur Ain Suph"), is the most fundamental emanation manifested by God. It is the material basis of Creation that, when focused, restricted, and filtered through the Sephiroth, results in the created, dynamic universe. There are said to be three stages preceding the process of emanation in the Qabalah that parallel Genesis 1:1-5.

אין(Ain), meaning Not, foreshadows the first three supernal Numbers.

אין סוף (Ain Suph) meaning Limitless Not (or Without End), this is the highest aspect of the Tree we can conceptualise as אין preceding it is nothingness. אין סוף foreshadows the first six Numbers.

אין סוף אור (Aur Ain Suph) meaning Light of Ain Suph (, this in its concentration is called Crown. It contains within it the nine following Numbers.

Horizon Æternitatis

Horizon of Eternity.

The Horizon of Eternity is simply the horizon between Crown (Kether) and Limitless Not (Ain Suph).

50 Portæ Lucis

50 Gates of Light.

This is the Count of Omer as written of in Leviticus (Hebrew: ויקרא, Vayikra) 23:16. These 50 Gates are the 7 Lesser Numbers within each of the 7 lower Numbers (see sub-heading 2.1), 7 x 7 = 49, with Intelligence itself as the 50th Gate by which Moses received the Torah from God.

See this link for more information.

72 Potestates, medius, sinisto et dextra

72 Powers, central, left and right.

This is the Name of 216 Letters Divided (known in Hebrew as the Shem ha-Mephorash, "The Explicit Name") found in Exodus (Hebrew: שמות, Shmot) 13:19-21. The Shem ha-Mephorash was an epithet for a 72-letter name of God derived by medieval Qabalists from the book of Exodus, by reading the letters of three verses in a specific order. Each of the three verses is composed of 72 letters in the original Hebrew; when each verse is written out in boustrophedon form (that is, rather than going from left to right as in modern English, or right to left as in Hebrew and Arabic, alternate lines must be read in opposite directions), so that the second line is reversed, and grouping the letters in columns of threes, the 72 Names of God, or alternatively by appending to the letters the suffixes יה (-iah) or אל (-el), the names of 72 Angels, are formed. 216 letters in total made up of three verses of 72 letters, (216 x 3 = 666, the Master Number of Glory).

Outside of strictly Jewish Qabalah these 72 Names or angels are attributed to each 5 degree semi-decan of the zodiac (5 x 72 = 360), to the cards of the tarot, and so on. When these names are written in reverse some believe they parallel the 72 demons that king Solomon is said to have bound in the Western tradition of magic, this is relevant as one of the glyphs from a book attributed to Solomon appears in the Dummy Plug Plant.

Furnishings of the Temple & The Three Worlds

The two Altars, the Menorah, the Table of Shewbread, and the Tablets of Moses on Kircher's diagram are all furnishings of the Tabernacle (Hebrew: משכן "Mishkan", literally "Residence" or "Place of Dwelling"; see Exodus chapters 25-27), which later became the furnishings of Solomon's Temple.

The Place of Dwelling was split into three parts: the Outer Court, the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies (Hebrew: קֹדֶשׁ הַקָּדָשִׁים, "Kodesh Ha-Kodashim").

Each of these three parts are ascribed by Kircher on to each of the triads on the Tree of Emanations.

  • The Outer Court lay behind a veil of cloth, removing it from Earthly influences, and contained both an Altar of fire as well as a Altar of water (the associated triad is named Mundus Elementorum, World of Elements by Kircher in his diagram).
  • The Holy Place lay behind another veil and contained the Menorah and the Table of Shewbread of 12 loaves amongst other objects, these are patent representations of the 7 Luminaries and the 12-fold Zodiac (the associated triad is named Mundus Orbium, World of Stars).
  • Behind the last veil lay the Ark of the Covenant which contained the Tablets of Moses (the associated triad is named Mundus Archetypus, World of Ideas).

35 Principes amisericordia originem ducentes et 35 Principes aseueritate originem ducentes

35 Princes who have their origin in Mercy and 35 Princes who have their origin in Severity.

248 præcepta Legis affirmatiua et 365 præcepta Legis negatiua

248 positive precepts of the Law & 365 negative precepts of the Law.

As well as the 10 Commandments (Hebrew: עשרת הדברים, Aseret ha-Dvarîm) received by Moses on Mt. Sinai there are a further 613 instances in the Torah where God either permits or forbids certain actions, these further commandments are called מצווה(Mitzvah, literally "Commandment"). God permits 248 actions which are called positive laws, while forbidding 365 actions which are called negative laws throughout the entirety of the Torah.

The number 248 is ascribed to the microcosm as it is the number of major bones in the human body. While the number 365 is ascribed to the macrocosm as it is the length of one solar year. Here, Kircher has associated the 248 positive laws with the Number named Magnificence and the side of Mercy, while the 365 negative laws has been associated with the Number named Fear and the side of Severity.

Notes

  • The English words for Sephiroth (ספירת) and Sephirah (ספירה) are Numbers and Number in this article. The most accurate translation of Sephirot/Sephirah in English is number in order of, it is most accurate to write them in numeric form then as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, &ca. The English name of each Number follows Kircher's diagram rather than the modern translations to avoid confusion.

See Also