The Tree of Sefirot

An attempt at describing the Kabbalah and its significance to me, as a person and as an educator.

Its core symbol is the Tree of Sefirot, which is a geometrical symbol, containing numbered spheres and lettered connecting-paths with patterns of mathematical as well as metaphorical significance. It is a symbol that I have grown up with all my life, and it has had so much influence on my life, and who I've become. It is a theory of existence, a theory of everything. The symbol, the tree of Sefirot, is considered to be the unfolding of existence. The first sphere 'ein-sof' or 'without end' is a symbol of undefined infinity, on the tree it is given the number 0 which is a number of undefined value. If you divide a number by 0 it is undefined, while if you divide a number by an infinitely small number in close proximity to 0 the answer approaches infinity. Hence numerology is of great significance in relation to the meaning of each sphere. The spheres are labeled 0-11. 0 and 11 are not defined as Sefirot, but are defined as the place from which they came and the place to which they return, from infinite existence to finite existence, or undefined to defined. Each time this cycle occurs in life infinity is expanded and transformed. Giving more opportunity for evolving. I know of nothing deeper than the symbol of the Tree of Sefirot.

There are ten Sefirot in existence, a point of departing and a point of returning (which are essentially interchangeable as any and all beginnings are interchangeable with any and all endings), and 22 paths of relation between the Sefirot. I will expand on the Sefirot and the infinity from which existence expands from and contracts to. We will leave the 22 paths for another message as my understanding of them is fairly shallow and lacking depth, and would make describing them and their relations to the ten Sefirot a difficult task.

The format of the tree is as follows:

-------0: Ein-Sof


-------1: Keter

3: Binah-----2: Hokmah

-------4: Da'at

6: Gevurah------5: Hesed

-------7: Tif'eret

9: Hod -------8: Netsah

-------10: Yesod


-------11: Malkhut

The opposite ideologies represent balance in that they are positioned in exactly opposite positions on the tree. 1 is opposite from 10, 2 opposite from 9, etc... the opposites each add up to 11. I did my best to represent the geometric pattern to the tree without having an actual image. 1-10 are considered the 10 Sefirot and 0 and 11 the spring from which they sprung and the ocean to which they return.

Ein-Sof the first sphere on the tree of life essentially means without end. It is the infinite presence in existence from which everything expands. It contains all knowledge from which creation comes- it contains all knowledge within the universe. It is infinite so that it may create all life. It is essentially the spirit that is all knowing of the universe. Within you it is your third eye the one that has infinite understanding of your world. There is one path that extends from this sphere. From that path, the first Sefirot emerges, which is the second sphere on the tree.

The first Sefirot is called Keter, which put simply is Identity. It is the sphere that is entirely enveloped in the mental world. It is your thoughts from which decisions abound. It is the origin from which the rest of you unfolds.

The second Sefirot is called Hokhmah. It refers to the mental and the emotional. It is the place in which the poet and artist and musician come from. It is a place where the heart and mind combine. Creativity originates here.

The third Sefirot is called Binah. It refers to the physical and the mental combined. It is the world where the logical, philosophical and academic thinking abides. It is a sphere for learning and gaining information.

The fourth Sefirot is called Da'at which is wisdom. It is the ideas in which your heart invests. Another title I have given to this sphere is emotion. It is where your emotions and feelings guide you. It is a compass.

1, 4, 7 and 10 are on the center pillar of the tree where there is balance or in other words an absence of constriction and or expansion. 2, 5, and 8 are on the right pillar which is where expansion takes place. 3, 6, and 9 are on the left pillar where the common theme is to constrict. 2: creativity, is having a desire to create... hence expand. 3: Learning, has to do with defining and categorizing information... hence constricting. There is a constant expanding and restricting motion present in the order of the spheres and in the overall existence of the Sefirot.

The fifth Sefirot is called Hesed which is the world that is entirely emotional, or in other words representing the heart, love without bounds. It represents the openness of unconditional love. The part of you that cannot have a logical compass. Love defies all boundaries.

The sixth Sefirot is called Gevurah which has a lot to do with integrity. It is the physical realm of the emotional world. It is how your actions and emotions affect others.

The seventh Sefirot is called Tif'eret and it is at the center of the tree and represents a place of balance and rest. It relates to the seventh day of creation on which god rests. It is also a desire to belong, a desire for community and for relation to others.

The eight Sefirot is called Netsah and it is the emotional realm of the physical world. It is where health abides, being whole in spirit and body. It is where nourishment and nurturing abide.

The ninth Sefirot is called Hod and it is purely physical. It is full of lively action. It is called splendor. It is where desires and needs are born and then held. Here is a place nearing completion.

The tenth and final Sefirot is called Yesod and it is the opposite of Identity which focuses inward. Yesod is focusing outward. It is where balance has been found. Inner definition has been accomplished and can now be fulfilled. Yesod represents fulfillment.

The final sphere on the tree of life is called Malkhut it is a place of continued existence. It is the opposite of Ein-Sof which is limitless existence. Malkhut is limited existence it is existence as a finite rather than infinite being. Yet in some ways Malkhut and Ein-Sof can be the same thing. Like departing from and then returning to the same place, which has become different merely because you have evolved through the journey.

The way that I relate the ten Sefirot to my life is that each area must be equally balanced in order for you to become whole and able to exist in Malkhut. You start from a point of infinite possibility and expand and then contract to a point of continued existence as a finite person. A complete person because you have achieved definition and balance in each and every realm/Sefirot. Identity, creativity, learning, emotion, heart, integrity, community, health, desire, and fulfillment.

The Tree of Sefirot has great significance in my life. It has been with me throughout my entire life. The idea of becoming a balanced person has been a constant motivation. It has been significant in forming my philosophy on education. For example: when educators speak of supporting the growth of the whole child, I believe that a knowledge of the ten Sefirot or ten dimensions of being is rudimentary in having the capacity as a teacher to do just that, to support growth in each of the ten Sefirot. It has been significant in forming my spiritual ideas. It has been significant in forming every part of my being.

It is especially significant because it is expansive and helps me to constantly deepen my understanding of the world. It has helped me to remove myself from many boxes.

Significantly,


GIRL IN A PINK BERET

Sunday - April - 17th

I went to the local Unitarian Universalist Church for the first time in my life. It was an intriguing experience. For the most part I enjoyed the things the pastor said. She was thoughtful. However, I still don't feel like there is an organized religion out there to which I feel a sense of belonging. I certainly praise the Unitarian Universalist Church for trying :). After church, I went for this really long and enchanting walk in the rain. It was beautiful. I danced a little on the street as the rain fell. I felt my spirit through and through and knew that in that moment I was divine. I've spent so many years looking at myself through a microscope analyzing every microscopic organism, seeing all my imperfections, and feeling disappointed. Now, I feel mesmerized by the tiny details in every living, vibrant organism within me. There is a singer, a poet, an artist, and a dancer within me. Each of which expresses with courage and vitality that they are beautiful, divine, creative, and spirited. I look at myself walking down the street with a smile that spreads so big that my arms reach out and spread like wings. I felt that if fairy dust sprinkled upon my head I would surely float away.

-GIRLINAPINKBERET