Sephiroth Initiation - Tree of Life Mentoring
The Qabbalist Tree of Life is an ancient initiatory system that has its roots in Jewish Mystism, however it goes back much further, even back to ancient Egypt. It is a map that shows the progressions that the divine essences of the creator consciousness go through in order to descend down to the physical plane. These progressions are known as the ten spheres of the "Sephiroth", each of which corresponds to a planet in our galaxy and a unique organising principle of creation. The spheres are held together by 22 pathways that represent a process that energy must go through in order to transition into the next sphere.
What Does The Tree of Life Involve?
The process of initiating through the Sephiroth is to consciously ascend through the ten spheres and connecting pathways in order to move from Malkuth (Earth), up to Kether (creator consciousness). Doing so results in the student undergoing a significant alchemical process as they are absorbed and reified by the ten progressions of the numinous. The result of this process is significant levels of spiritual evolution and alchemical attainment.
There are many ways to approach the tree of life, too many to count. Kabbalah (spelt with a K, instead of a Q) refers to the theoretical study of the tree of life according to jewish mysticism, whilst Qabbalah (spelt with a Q), refers to the adapted ceremonial magick approach. One method isn't better or more effective and because the tree of life is infinite, one could study it for their whole life and only scratch the surface. What really determines the benefits the tree of life is personal gnosis, influenced by the student's intent and unique souls evolutionary journey.
Meet Your Shamanic Mentor
My goal as your mentor is to hold you within a sacred and protected space to allow you to safely delve deep into your healing process. We will work together in harmony with great spirit to facilitate the transformation that you are ready to reach.
My way of working is direct and to the point. My practice of Shamanism will not bypass anything and instead, will work to address the roots in terms of why certain events, illnesses and perceptions are prominent in one's life, in order to work with them to heal the root.
Stages To The Initiation
My approach is more aligned to practical Qabbalah as it works more with meditation/guided journeys, invocation of angelic entities and ritually initiating through each sphere. Working in this way induces a direct, experimental journey through the tree. We will invoke the power of the angels to open each sphere and absorb it's numinous energy which will then cause direct manifestation of the numinous within our daily lives. About one month will be spent within each sphere before moving on, equating to about one year of training.
Stages To The Initiation:
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The theory of the Sephiroth + Q&A
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Malkuth (The Earth Sphere)
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Yesod (The Lunar Sphere)
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Hod (The Mercury Sphere)
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Netzach (The Venusian Sphere)
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Tiphareth (The Solar Sphere)
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Geburah (The Martial Sphere
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Chesed (The Jupiterian Sphere)
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Da'ath (Crossing The Abyss)
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Binah (The Saturine Sphere)
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Chokmah (The Uranian Sphere)
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Kether (The Exalted Sphere)
After ascending the sephiroth, the student will have a greater understanding of themselves and their soul's evolutionary path, alongside having confidence in utilising the tree in their magical practice and healing path.
There are further initiations that you can take beyond the tree and beyond Ain (the void.
Each sphere of the Sephiroth possesses unique power and potential for alchemical attainment. When you ritually work through this system of initiation, you are rapidly absorbing the numinous energy of the given spheres and pathways into your energy field which will then result in the manifestation of those energies in your daily life. These manifestations can be both simple or completely life-altering, depending on what your soul needs. You will also be invoking the angelic and daemonic forces that reside within the tree itself, alongside guided journeys to help you process and integrate the energies into your being. The potential and learning that each sephirah can provide is truly infinite but a brief description of each is provided here:
Malkuth (The Earth Sphere)
Malkuth is the tenth sphere of the Sephiroth which is at the bottom of the tree. This emanation is referred to as "kingdom" and represents the culmination of the divine energy as it descends through the other sephiroth on the Tree of Life, embodying the tangible reality where spiritual concepts materialise into perceivable experiences. Malkuth invites us to find the divine in our day-to-day existence, suggesting that spirituality is not simply a lofty ideal, but can be found in the ordinary and the mundane. It is in Malkuth where the transcendental essence of the divine becomes manifest in our perceivable reality. From the rustle of leaves in the wind to the kindness in a stranger's smile, Malkuth reminds us that the divine is intricately woven into the very fabric of our daily lives. It is this profound interconnectedness that infuses everyday experience with a sense of sacredness and sanctity. The angelic entity that rules over Malkuth is Archangel Sandalphon. As the angel of music, he uses his harmonious vibrations to bridge the gap between humanity and the divine, acting as a messenger delivering our heartfelt intentions to the cosmic realm. Over time, a strong connection with Sandalphon can lead to profound spiritual growth and an elevated sense of inner peace.
Yesod (The Lunar Sphere)
Yesod is the ninth sphere of the Sephiroth which is located above Malkuth and marks the first stage of the Astral Triad (the plans for physical reality as we know it. Yesod, often described as 'foundation', plays a vital role in the manifestation of physical reality. It is the pivotal link between the spiritual realm and the physical world, facilitating the transition of energies between them. This Sephira is the channel through which divine will is expressed in tangible existence, marking it as the essence of divine revelation. It's through Yesod that the ethereal concepts and spiritual forces are given form, actualising the purpose of creation in the material world. In other words, Yesod represents the unconscious mind/shadow-self which is the formative plane, where possibility gains form and becomes reality. Therefore, the understanding of Yesod further extends to the human psyche, drawing parallels with the concepts of subconscious and unconscious. Just as Yesod channels ethereal divine energies into the physical world, the human subconscious serves as the gateway, allowing intangible thoughts and ideas to manifest into conscious actions and decisions. This perspective provides a holistic view of human nature, intertwining physical existence with spiritual elements, and thereby creating a harmonious balance. The angelic entity that rules over this sphere is Archangel Gabriel, who can bring about a heightened level of creativity, enhanced communication skills, and an open path to divine synchronicity.
Hod (The Mercurial Sphere)
Hod is the eighth sphere of the Sephiroth which is located above and to the left of Yesod and marks first sphere on the dark pillar of severity. Signifying "glory", Hod is attributed to Mercury, intellect, and logic. Its complimentary sephira is Netzach, signifying emotion and intuition. Both Hod and Netzach are considered to be the 'legs' of the Tree— necessary for it to stand and move forward in the divine plan. In practical terms, Hod encourages us to use clear, logical thinking and intellectual analysis to understand our spiritual experiences. It promotes structured, orderly thought and communication— an approach that can help us make sense of our often complex and multifaceted spiritual journeys. However, it is critical not to let this analytical approach overshadow the importance of emotional understanding and empathy, symbolised by Netzach. The ultimate goal is to achieve a harmonious balance between these two forces, allowing us to gain a comprehensive and meaningful understanding of our place within the broader spiritual landscape. The angelic entity that rules over Hod is Archangel Michael. As well as providing protection and strength, Michael can also imbue you with the courage to face and overcome obstacles in your life. He is particularly known for his ability to cut through illusions and fears, wielding his symbolic sword of truth.
Netzach (The Venusian Sphere)
Netzach is the seventh sphere of the Sephiroth which is located to the right of Hod and marks first sphere on the light pillar of mercy. Signifying "eternity", Netzach is attributed to Venus, associated with natural emotions, sensitivity, and the intuitive emotional aspects of the mind. Netzach stands for the endurance of the emotions and their eternal flow, allowing us to express feelings and connect with others on a deep, emotional level. It also represents the concept of victory through endurance, emphasising the importance of persistence and tenacity in achieving spiritual growth. When one embarks on the spiritual journey in Qabbalah, Netzach and Hod prove to be crucial aspects. These two sephirot serve as reminders of the crucial balance between emotion and reason, intuition and logic. Just as in our worldly lives we search for a balance between our hearts and minds, in the spiritual plane too, there's a necessity for such balance. Netzach urges us to let our emotions flow, to maintain the endurance of these feelings, while Hod prompts us to apply clear, logical thinking, to structure and shape our emotional experiences. This duality, this equilibrium between Netzach and Hod, is a key to advancing in our spiritual journey, leading us towards a more profound understanding of ourselves and the world around us. The angelic entity that rules over Netzach is archangel Haniel, who can influence your intuitive and psychic abilities. Haniel is known to enhance clarity of thought, emotional balance, and the ability to understand complex concepts. This can lead to increased self-awareness and deeper insights into your life's path.
Tiphareth (The Solar Sphere)
Tiphareth is the sixth sphere of the Sephiroth which is located in the middle of the tree and is the travellers first step into the ethereal triad. Symbolizing beauty and harmony and the energy of the Sun, its position in the center of the Tree signifies equilibrium and balance, embodying the intersection of divine spirit and earthly matter. As such, Tiphareth represents the perfect blend of the spiritual and the physical, a harmonious symbiosis of ethereal essence and tangible existence. In the Kabbalistic tradition, the spiritual journey towards Tiphareth is perceived as the soul's quest for self-realization and enlightenment. This journey is laden with challenges, trials, and transformative experiences that serve to refine one's character, shed illusionary self-concepts, and awaken to the intrinsic beauty of existence. Thus, Tiphareth is not just a symbolic entity, but a spiritual state of consciousness that embodies the realization of divine harmony within oneself and the universe. The angelic entity that rules over Tiphareth is Archangel Raphael, often depicted in a green or golden light, is known as the angel of healing. Raphael's influence is not limited to individual healing; he is also regarded as a protector of travelers. His guidance brings safety and security for those embarking on journeys, both physical and spiritual.
Geburah (The Martial Sphere)
Geburah is the fifth sphere of the Sephiroth which is located above and to the left of Tiphareth, on the left pillar of severity. Symbolising Strength, judgement and the planet Mars, Geburah is a raw expression of the creator's power and punishment as well as discipline. This contrasts with its counterpart, Chesed, which represents love and kindness. It reminds us of the necessity of balance between mercy and severity in the divine plan. In a deeper understanding, Geburah is not merely a force of punishment, but rather an urgent call to alignment, meant to bring us back to our true paths whenever we stray. It is a reminder that transgressions, while they have consequences, are also opportunities for growth and understanding. Just as a loving parent disciplines a child, Geburah corrects us out of a desire for our ultimate good. In this interplay of Chesed and Geburah, we find a dynamic tension that lies at the very heart of the human spiritual journey. The angelic entity that rules over Geburah is Archangel Kamael - Often summoned for his ability to instill courage, strength, and resilience. He is known to aid individuals facing challenges, helping them find the inner strength to confront their fears and overcome adversity.
Chesed (The Jupiterian Sphere)
Chesed is the fourth sphere of the Sephiroth which is located to the right of Gaburah on the pillar of mercy. Representing the planet Jupiter, Chesed is a term that signifies kindness or love expressed between the creator and the creation. It is one of the ten sefirot, or attributes, through which Ein Sof (The Infinite) reveals Itself. Chesed stands for love, grace, and kindness, embodying the concept of benevolence and philanthropy. It reflects the divine love that is unearned and given freely, symbolizing an undercurrent of divine compassion flowing through all existence. While Chesed flows like a free, ever-giving stream, it is Geburah (the counter part of Chesed) that applies the brakes, ensuring that the flow of divine love is regulated and balanced, preventing chaos and maintaining order in the universe. Hence, Chesed and Gevurah together are necessary for the harmonious functioning of the cosmos. The angelic entity that rules over Chesed is Tzadkiel. Often depicted as glowing with violet light, Tzadkiel is known as the angel of mercy and benevolence. Renowned for his compassion, Tzadkiel is believed to aid individuals in achieving forgiveness and empathy, fostering an environment of understanding and love.
Da'ath (The Hidden Sphere/The Abyss)
Da'ath is the hidden sphere that represents knowledge. Unlike the other spheres, it is not a Sephirah, but more of a gateway across the abyss that separates the supernal triad (the highest levels of divine emanation) from mankind. Symbolising Pluto, Da'ath is perceived as a mystical state of unified understanding that connects the conscious and the subconscious, the physical and the spiritual. This invisible sphere symbolises the bridge between the divine and the human, serving as the gateway to deeper spiritual awareness. Achieving a state of Da'ath is considered a significant spiritual accomplishment. It demands deep introspection and mental discipline to harmonise the conscious and sub-conscious, to balance the physical and spiritual. It's not a one-time event but a continuous journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. This journey requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to transcend ordinary understanding, embracing a level of knowledge that holds the potential to transform the individual at their core. The path towards Da'ath is not for the faint-hearted; it is a solemn commitment to spiritual growth. It is a commitment to shed the layers of ego and illusion, to face and embrace the hidden aspects of oneself, and to seek truth beyond the limitations of conventional wisdom. The spirit that rules over the Sephirothic abyss is known as "Shugal" (the masculine) and Choronzon (Feminine). These entities operate with a hivemind and are spirits of dispersion. Building a co-creative relationship with such spirits will assist the student in successfully surrendering to the crossing of the abyss, whilst traditional sources saw these beings as something to be battled, which posed significant danger to one's spiritual journey and sanity.
Binah (The Saturine Sphere)
Binah is the third sphere of the sephiroth and marks the entrance to the supernal triad for the student. This sphere holds the energies of Saturn represents understanding, a kind of intuitive comprehension that transcends mere knowledge. Binah is often associated with the feminine aspect within divine creation, symbolising the womb where ideas conceived in Chokhmah (Wisdom) are brought to fruition. It is the nurturing place where raw energy transforms into structured form, a process that reflects the profound depth of spiritual insight offered by this principle. The affinity of Binah to the feminine aspect extends further into its association with the concept of 'Shabbat', the Sabbath, a day of rest. This day of cessation from work, of peace and tranquility, symbolises the Binah principle's capacity to provide a space for reflection and deep understanding. Just as Shabbat is the culmination of a week's efforts, so does Binah represent the maturation of wisdom into understanding - the realisation of potential into tangible form. It is a reminder of the strength of receptivity and the power of silent contemplation in our spiritual journey. The angelic entity that rules over Binah is Archangel Tzaphkiel who is often associated with spiritual transformation and divine understanding, plays a significant role in various spiritual traditions. Known as the 'Beholder of God', Tzaphkiel is believed to provide guidance to seekers on their path to spiritual enlightenment.
Chokmah (The Uranian Sphere)
Chokmah is the second sphere of the sephiroth and is located to the right of Binah on the pillar of mercy. This sphere holds the energy of Uranus and signified wisdom. It is associated with the concept of 'inspired wisdom', representing the first unbounded flash of an idea before it takes on limitations, taking shape in the sefirah of Binah or understanding. Chokmah is seen as a point of energy that is not yet concrete, the place where raw, abstract wisdom originates and begins to flow. Chokmah is often portrayed as a masculine force, the divine prototype of the male, residing on the right column of the Tree of Life. It is an active principle that sends energy forth from an inherent, yet static position. The energy from Chokmah flows into the other sefirot, each turning into a vessel for its divine light. This emanation symbolises the beginning of existence, the primal stirrings of life, and the dynamic thrust of creative activity. Chokmah, thus, stands as the prime illuminator of the universe, emanating the light of wisdom across creation. The angelic entity that rules over Chokmah is Archangel Raziel, who is known as the "secret of god'. Raziel is also known for his ability to unveil the divine mysteries of the universe. His role is to educate and guide souls about the spiritual laws and hierarchies that govern the universe and the earth.
Kether (The Exalted Sphere)
Kether is the first sphere of the sephiroth and is located at the top of the tree of life. Kether's position at the top of the Tree of Life signifies its role as the divine influx, the source that fuels all other sefirot below it. Symbolising Neptune, Kethers energy, though intangible and incomprehensible to human intellect, filters down and manifests in the other sefirot in different aspects of divinity. This interplay between Kether - the realm of infinite divine light - and the other sefirot, represents the dynamic, ongoing process of creation and sustenance of the universe. Kether, in the study of Kabbalah, is often referred to as the "crown" and signifies the beginning or the primordial point from where all the other sefirot on the Kabbalistic Tree of Life emanate. It embodies the purest form of divine consciousness, a state of unity and infinite light, considered to be the bridge between the finite world we inhabit and the boundless, eternal reality. It is also associated with the will of God, and thus, it holds a paramount place in Kabbalistic studies. It is Archangel Metatron, known as the angel of life, who watches over the flow of energy in creation and provides a connection between the divine and the human.
Upon completion of Kether, you will have absorbed all of the numinous energies of the sephiroth and their connecting pathways which will enable you to use the tree for ongoing evolution and magickal practice. There are also further initiations that can be taken beyond Kether and into the three veils of infinity, namely Ain, Ain Sof and Ain Sof Aur. Beyond these veils also resides a gateway that represents the architecture of infinity that will provide life-long initiations and evolution for the student.
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