Learning the
Language of Magic

Before we can proceed to some of the more practical techniques of Golden Dawn magic, it is essential to examine the primary symbol-systems composing the road map magicians use to chart and navigate the magical Universe. The material in this chapter includes the “ABCs” of our tradition: the basic language, symbols, and correspondences that magicians turn to time and time again in their practice. This study work is the foundation of the Hermetic Arts. Within the Order setting, much of this material is taught in the form of grade work handed out in stages to beginning students to aid their theoretical studies. This is in keeping with the paradigm of a school, because the Golden Dawn is a school of the Mysteries. Memorization of this “magical language” is a must. Just as an engineer cannot be expected to apply his craft without first having committed certain rudiments of his trade to memory, so too the magician cannot expect to perform magic effectively without understanding the fundamentals of magic. While memorizing this information might seem difficult at first, constant use of this material guarantees that it will become second nature to the magician. These symbols and correspondences are deeply embedded with profound knowledge and since they reoccur regularly throughout various stages of the magician’s work, they should receive frequent meditation and reflection.

Monad, Dyad, Triad, Tetrad

Chapter 1 included meditations and exercises on the point, the line, the Triangle, and the square. Beyond the practical application of these meditations, they were designed to introduce the aspirant to the important concepts of monad, dyad, triad, and tetrad.

The Monad

A Greek term for “unit,” monad refers to the central spark of pure divinity at the heart of every living being. It is the Divine Being as well as the Transcendent Deity. Numerous other terms are used to describe this: the Source of All; Ultimate Divinity; Universal Unity, God, the Light Divine, Divine Spirit, Ain Soph, and a host of other titles.

The Dyad

A Greek term for “two,” or “otherness.” The ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras taught that the monad was Spirit and the dyad was matter. It is the portal between the One and the many. Inherent to the idea of the dyad is the principle of polarity, which is the state of having two opposite or contradictory tendencies or aspects. The dyad is often represented by a pair of polar opposites: day and night, male and female, work and rest, black and white, etc.

The Triad

The triad, or group of three, represents the first born number, resulting from the natural progression of its “parental” numbers, the monad and the dyad. Three is the only number that is equal to the sum of the previous numbers. It is also the only number whose sum equals the multiplied product of the first three numbers (1+2+3 = 1 x 2 x 3). Because of its simplicity, the Triangle is the strongest shape in architecture, while the triad is a symbol of harmony reflected in all divine trinities of father, mother, and child.

The Tetrad

The tetrad indicates a group of four, which is the first number by the addition and multiplication of equals (2+2 = 2 x 2). As the first even number produced after the triad, four is considered a feminine number that rounds out the divine family: father, mother, son, and daughter. It is also a number of completion and stability: there are four seasons, four cardinal directions, and four elements.

The tetrad figures prominently in the symbol of the tetractys (Figure 4), a Triangle containing ten points distributed into four rows, which points to an esoteric relationship between the numbers four and ten.

Figure 4: The Tetractys

The Elements

One of the most basic divisions of knowledge in magic concerns the four elements: Fire Water, Air, and Earth. It has been a part of Western esoteric practice since the time of the ancient Greeks. Like the dyad of the polarities, the fourfold paradigm is a theme that occurs throughout every area of magic.

The four elements are not simply the physical substances of the same names but rather divisions of nature. They are the basic categories of existence and action—the building blocks of everything in the Universe. Everything contains one or more of these archetypal energies.

In magic, elemental energies are used to affect the physical and etheric levels as well as some of the denser aspects of the astral realm.

Fire

The qualities of Fire are heat and dryness. Fire symbolizes action, movement, vitality, spontaneity, quickness, the beginning, initializing force, and transformation. Fire rules electricity, combustion, radioactivity, leadership, personal power, activity, and physical energy. The direction or cardinal point assigned to Fire is south. The Hebrew name of this element is Ash.

Water

Water’s qualities are cold and moisture. Water represents receptiveness, responsiveness, creativity, fluidity, fertility, and reproduction. Water governs pleasure, social interactions, emotions, and all liquid physical matter. The direction attributed to Water is west. Its Hebrew name is Mem.

Air

Air has the qualities of heat and moisture. Air is the element of speed, communication, expression, mediation, connection, reconciliation, adaptation, abstraction, changeability, and conflict. Air rules the intellect, the weather, illness, suffering, and all gaseous physical matter. The direction corresponding to Air is east. In Hebrew it is called Ruach.

Earth

Earth’s qualities are cold and dryness. Earth symbolizes stability, solidity, materiality, manifestation, endurance, and productivity. Earth governs agriculture, money, business, employment, and all solid physical matter. North is the direction assigned to Earth. This element is called Aretz in Hebrew.

In terms of polarity, Fire and Air are considered masculine, while Water and Earth are seen as feminine. In terms of the human psyche, Fire expresses willpower; Water is emotion, intuition, and the subconscious mind; Air is the intellect and the rational mind; and Earth is sensory perception.

The four elements are symbolized by a series of Triangles (Figure 5).

Figure 5: The Elemental Triangles

Spirit

The four elements are crowned and completed by a fifth—Spirit, which is also known as the quintessence or “fifth essence.” The word “spirit” comes from the Latin word Spiritus, meaning “breath.” Spirit symbolizes the Deity, the Infinite, and the Ever-Present. It is the element of ultimate transcendence and divine essence.

In terms of polarity, Spirit is androgynous. The “direction” assigned to Spirit is the center although it permeates everything. In terms of the human psyche, Spirit represents higher awareness. Its Hebrew name is Eth. It is related to the Pentagrammaton, or “Five-Lettered Name,” discussed later.

The symbols for Spirit include a plain circle and the eight-spoked Spirit Wheel (Figure 6).

Figure 6: The Spirit Wheel

Flashing Colors

Color is extremely important in the higher grades of the Golden Dawn system because it is through the proper application of color, as well as through sounds and symbols (“names and images”), that the magician is able to forge a magical link with the divine intelligences.

In addition to creating an elaborate system of color scales, the GD utilized what it called “Flashing Colors.” These are essentially the same as complementary colors used by artists. Complementary colors are two colors that lie directly opposite each other on a standard artists’ color wheel. Flashing Colors placed next to each other produce an optical “pulsing” effect that is helpful to the magician’s practice.

Each of the five elements has its own dyad of hues: a basic color as well as a Flashing Color that is its polar opposite (Table 1).

Table 1: Flashing Colors of the Five Elements

Element	Basic Color (Ground)	Flashing Color (Charge)
Spirit	White	Black
Fire	Red	Green
Water	Blue	Orange
Air	Yellow	Violet
Earth	Black	White

The basic color can be described as the “ground” color associated with a particular magical force. It is often used as the background color on a talisman. The Flashing Color can be called the “charge” color, or the hue used to paint the magical sigil (such as the Fire symbol) on a talisman that has red as its basic color.

The twelve colors on a standard artists’s color wheel are listed in Table 2 along with their complementary “flashing” color.

Table 2: Flashing Colors of an Artist’s Color Wheel

Basic Color (Ground)	Flashing Color (Charge)
Red	Green
Red-orange	Blue-green
Orange	Blue
Yellow-orange	Blue-violet
Yellow	Violet
Yellow-green	Red-violet
Green	Red
Blue-green	Red-orange
Blue	Orange
Blue-violet	Yellow-orange
Violet	Yellow
Red-violet	Yellow-green

The Qabalah

While astrology and its related imagery can be defined as the primary symbol-system of the Golden Dawn, the Hermetic Qabalah can be described as the heart and soul of Golden Dawn magical philosophy.

Qabalah is a Hebrew word that means “tradition.” It is derived from the root word qibel meaning “to receive” or “that which is received.” This refers to the ancient custom of handing down esoteric teachings by oral transmission.

The Qabalah is a multifaceted body of occult principles and an essential part of Western Esoteric Tradition. It is a complete spiritual ecosystem of esoteric wisdom that has been called a “filing cabinet” of occult knowledge and “the yoga of the West.” This mystical metasystem is used to organize every other existing religious tradition and spiritual path in a manner that reveals the interconnectedness between all of them.

While it contains obvious influences from ancient Greek philosophy, the origins of the Qabalah are found in ancient Hebrew mystical lore. The bulk of the system emerged from the teachings of medieval Jewish occultists in Europe from the third to the sixteenth centuries. Qabalah was then taken up by Christian Hermeticists from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries. But it was during the Occult Revival of the late nineteenth century that the Hermetic Qabalah of the Western Magical Tradition, as opposed to the more traditional Jewish Kabbalah, was developed. The Golden Dawn had a major role in disseminating this Hermeticized Qabalah along with its most notable symbol, the Tree of Life.

For magicians, the Qabalah provides the perfect blueprint for every magical association, concept, and function. Briefly stated, the Qabalah is a model or system of meta-knowledge pertaining to:

• God, the Supreme Being, or Divine Spirit—its nature and attributes

• The cosmology or basic structure of the Universe

• The cosmogony or “origin story” of the Universe

• The ultimate reality represented by the Greater Universe or Macrocosm

• The human reality represented by the Lesser Universe or Microcosm

• The relationship that exists between the Macrocosm and the Microcosm (between Divinity and humanity)

• The involution of Spirit into matter, and the evolution of matter back into Spirit (its source)

• The origin and structure of the various unseen Spirit realms

• The nature and function of angels and other Spirits

• The nature and evolution of the human soul

• The transcendental symbolism of numbers and other correspondences

• The equilibrium of opposites

• A system of practical magic and mysticism

It would be a mistake to assume that the Qabalah is only relevant to the monotheistic faiths. This system is deeply entwined with the Western Esoteric Tradition; it is not the exclusive property of any single religion. Its framework and philosophic concepts belong to all students of the mysteries, no matter what their faith. Qabalistic principles are basic and universal. Today’s Qabalah is a vibrant, living, philosophy that includes the birth of the Cosmos, the eternal mind of God, and the spiritual development of humankind. Study of the mystical Qabalah is a discipline not a doctrine—it is pragmatic and experiential.

Simply stated, the Qabalah is a structured system that guides the student toward a mystical understanding of the Divine Universe and how to effectively interact with it.

The Qabalah is usually classified under four heads that sometimes overlap:

• The Dogmatic Qabalah—the study of ancient Hebrew literature such as the Torah and medieval Qabalistic texts.

• The Practical Qabalah—involves the construction of talismans and other methods of ceremonial magic.

• The Literal Qabalah—looks at gematria or the relationship between numbers and the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. It uncovers hidden meanings of Hebrew words and names.

• The Unwritten Qabalah—refers to the knowledge of the primary symbol of the Tree of Life.

Benefits of the Qabalah

As the Hermetic student begins to contemplate and experience the energies of the Tree of Life, he or she will find that they develop into genuine forces that become animated within the psyche. These newly awakened forces will initiate a process of reorganization in the mind of the student, gathering up disjointed elements of the divine powers that lie dormant in the average person. They begin to structure themselves in accordance with the Tree of Life, permitting the student to tap into a previously unknown source of divine inspiration that is kept alive and energized through meditation and active ritual work.

The Qabalah has often been called the “Ladder of Lights” because it depicts cosmic generation, which is the descent of the Divine into the physical. But it also defines how the individual may employ this ladder for spiritual ascent by purifying both body and mind through ceremony, contemplation, and prayer, until at length one achieves that pristine state of consciousness that is necessary to attain union with the Higher Self.

The Hebrew Alphabet

One of the first things that a Golden Dawn student learns is the Hebrew alphabet, the primary symbolic language of Western magic. Many students feel intimidated by the prospect of having to commit this to memory and question the necessity for it. The importance is this: The letters of the Hebrew alphabet are Sacred symbols. Each letter has a literal meaning, an esoteric meaning, a numeral value, a color, a sound, and a host of other connected meanings. Hebrew is the language of the Qabalah, its associated symbols, levels, godnames, angel-names, talismanic seals, and more. Beginners should not get discouraged over this—the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet are studied throughout the GD system; they will quickly become familiar through constant use. Golden Dawn magicians are not expected to be able to read a newspaper in Tel Aviv, but they should be able to read and write divine and angelic names in Hebrew on a talisman.

Table 3 lists basic information on the Hebrew letters that the student should commit to memory. For example, the first letter is named Aleph, which means “ox.” It is pronounced by Hermetic magicians as “a” as in “father” and has the numerical value of 1. The first column in the table shows the proper form of the letter while the second column shows a simplified version that can be used for a quick, legible rendition of the letter using a pen or pencil.

Five of the letters (Kaph, Mem, Nun, Peh, and Tzaddi) have a final form, which means they have a different shape and numeral value when these letters come at the end of a word.

Table 3: The Hebrew Alphabet

Letter	Simplified	Name	Meaning	Sound	Value	Final
		Aleph	Ox	A (ah)	1
		Beth	House	B	2
		Gimel	Camel	G, Gh	3
		Daleth	Door	D, Dh	4
		Heh	Window	H	5
		Vav	Pin, nail, hook	O, U, V	6
		Zayin	Sword, armor	Z	7
		Cheth	Fence, enclosure	Ch	8
		Teth	Serpent	T	9
		Yod	Hand	I, Y	10
		Kaph	Fist, palm of the hand	K, Kh	20	500
		Lamed	Oxgoad	L	30
		Mem	Water	M	40	600
		Nun	Fish	N	50	700
		Samekh	Prop, support	S	60
Letter	Simplified	Name	Meaning	Sound	Value	Final
		Ayin	Eye	Aa	70
		Peh	Mouth	P, Ph	80	800
		Tzaddi	Fishhook	Tz	90	900
		Qoph	Ear, back of the head	Q	100
		Resh	Head	R	200
		Shin	Tooth	S, Sh	300
		Tau	Cross	T, Th	400

The letters of the Hebrew alphabet are further divided into three groups: the three Mother Letters, the seven Double Letters, and the twelve Simple Letters. The three Mothers Letters are Aleph, Mem, and Shin. They represent the most ancient of the elements: Air, Water, and Fire. (Earth is assigned to the letter Tau, one of the Double Letters. Both Fire and Spirit are assigned the letter Shin.) According to Qabalistic lore, everything in the manifest Universe sprang from the three Mother Letters.

The seven Double Letters and the twelve Simple Letters are attributed to the seven planets and the twelve signs of the zodiac, respectively.

Finally, Hebrew words are written from right to left. For example, we would transliterate the word “Qabalah” into its Latin-letter equivalents as QBLH, which in Hebrew would be composed of the letters Qoph, Beth, Lamed, and Heh, written as .

Gematria

The method of assigning numbers to each of the Hebrew letters is known as gematria. The ancient Hebrews did not have a separate set of figures to describe numbers. Instead, they used the letters of their alphabet. Gematria developed as a process of ascribing meaning to numbers and determining the meanings of words from the numerical value of their letters. Words converted into numbers can be compared to the values of other words to acquire a new perspective on the original meaning. Words that share the same numerical value are said to have a significant relationship to one another.

For example, the Hebrew name Ruach Elohim (the Spirit of God/Gods) in Hebrew has a numeral value of 300 (Ruach = Resh: 200, Vav: 6, Cheth: 8 = 214, Elohim = Aleph: 1, Lamed: 30, Heh: 5, Yod: 10, Mem: 40 = 86). Three hundred is the same as the value of the Hebrew letter Shin, which incidentally is the symbol of the Ruach Elohim.

In another case, the Hebrew word achad, which means “one” or “unity,” has the numeral value of 13, the same value as the word ahevah, “love.” Therefore, a relationship exists between these Hebrew words.

Readers may find numerous cases of sublime names sharing numerical values with low and demonic ones. The student is advised to consider this as a further example of the truth “As above, so below.” Even the highest heavens have their equivalents in the lowly abode of shells.

Aiq Beker

One important tool used in gematria for the conversion of letters into numbers is the method known as Aiq Beker, also called the Qabalah of Nine Chambers (Figure 7). This diagram shows three rows and three columns of numbers grouped together according to similarity. The name Aiq Beker comes from reading the Hebrew letters in the first two chambers from 1 to 200: Aleph, Yod, Qoph, and Beth, Kaph, Resh. Using this chart, magicians can reduce the numbers of the Hebrew letters to their lowest common denominators so that they can be used to create sigils on magical squares. This process is described in chapter 10.

Figure 7: Aiq Beker

Another way of using Aiq Beker is to take one of the three letters in any given section of the Aiq Beker diagram and exchange it for one of the other two letters in that section. Thus in the first box, the letter Qoph could be substituted for either the letter Aleph or the letter Yod. The result could be used as a type of code or cypher.

Notariqon

This technique derives its name from the Latin word for “shorthand writer,” notarius. It is a method for finding acronyms.

One form of notariqon is expansive, meaning that every letter in a single word is used to create the first initial of another word in a sentence. Take the word Berashith, the first word in Genesis, for example. Every letter of this word can be made an abbreviation of another word, yielding the sentence Berashith Rahi Elohim Sheyequebelo Israel Torah, which means “In the Beginning God(s) saw that Israel would accept the law.”

The second form of notariqon is contractive, the complete reversal of the first. In this case, the first letter of each word in a sentence is taken to create a single word that is the synthesis of the entire sentence. One example of this is a word found in the Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram, AGLA. The letters of this word are taken from the sentence Atah Gibor Le-Olahm Adonai, which means “Thou art great forever, my Lord.” Another example is the word “ARARITA,” constructed from the sentence Achad Rosh Achdotho Rosh Ichudo Temurahzo Achad, meaning “One is his beginning, One is his individuality, his permutation is One.”

Another example is the commonly used word AMEN, written in Hebrew as Aleph, Mem, Nun, which stands for the phrase Adonai Melekh Na’amon or “Lord, Faithful King.”

Notariqons may also be formed using letters other than the initial ones, such as the final or middle letters.

The Tree of Life

The diagram of the Tree of Life (Figure 8:) is essential to one’s understanding of the Hermetic Qabalah. According to tradition, the Universe emanated from the Three Veils of Negative Existence or stages of abstract “nothingness”: Ain (“Nothing”), Ain Soph (“Limitless”), and Ain Soph Aur (“Limitless Light”). The Unknowable Infinite, called God by some and Ain Soph by the Qabalists, began to manifest its energy into the Universe through ten stages, or “emanations,” known as the Sephiroth, which were reservoirs or containers of divine energy. A single emanation is called a Sephirah. Each successive Sephirah became denser than the previous one, acquiring substance as energy descended into the various stages of manifestation. Eventually the energies solidified at the tenth and final level of emanation, resulting in the physical Universe as we know it.

The ten Sephiroth are placed on the diagram of the Tree of Life in perfect juxtaposition so that each Sephirah counterbalances its polar opposite. Why ten? Because ten is a perfect number that includes every digit without repetition—it contains the total essence of all numbers. These ten Sephiroth, along with the twenty-two paths that connect them, called Navitoth, compose what is known as the Thirty-Two Paths of Wisdom.

Figure 8: The Tree of Life

The Sephiroth

The Sephiroth are represented on the Tree of Life as ten circles or spheres. Each of these “Sacred vessels” is a power, energy, or instrument of the Eternal, although not separated from the Eternal like human instruments are. These holy emanations express abstract ideals of God; divine essences organized into an archetypal blueprint for everything in the Universe and the cosmology of Creation. The energetic patterns implied on the Tree underscore the whole of existence, and so the attributes of the Sephiroth may be found in any branch of knowledge. Although characteristic of the Divine, the Sephiroth also describe the human soul and humanity’s experience of and relationship with Deity.

Each Sephirah issued forth in succession as if “one candle were lit from another without the emanator being diminished in any way” and in a specific order. In this analogy, the original candle is not lessened in any respect, although it gives of its essence to the candles that follow. But unlike the candle, the Sephiroth are not seen as being separated from the source. They are one with Deity yet they are also distinct from one another, and therefore they are more easily comprehended by human beings who wish to approach the Divine through meditation. The ten emanations are the diverse expressions and mind-states of a single Divine Unity as well as containers of the divine essence. Each Sephirah represents one specific aspect of god-energy or a particular level of consciousness, while the paths that connect them are the conduits from one form of god-energy to another, as well as the routes that we can take to arrive at these different levels.

The ten Sephiroth, along with their names, meanings, and qualities are:

1. Kether ()—“the Crown.” Oneness, unity.

2. Chokmah ()—“Wisdom.” Force, expansion.

3. Binah ()—“Understanding.” Form, contraction.

4. Chesed ()—“Mercy.” Construction.

5. Geburah ()—“Power.” Might, severity.

6. Tiphareth ()—“Beauty.” Balance, awareness.

7. Netzach ()—“Victory.” Emotion, desire.

8. Hod ()—“Splendor.” Intellect, reason.

9. Yesod ()—“Foundation.” Astral blueprint, matrix.

10. Malkuth ()—“the Kingdom.” Physical manifestation.

1. Kether

The first and highest Sephirah is Kether, “the Crown,” so called because it is above all the other spheres. Sometimes called “the Ancient,” Kether represents the Infinite as opposed to the finite. Kether is the point, the moment that the Universe as we know it was conceived, containing all that was, is, and will be. It is the place of first emanation and ultimate return. The Crown is the sphere of pure spiritual being: the point of Absolute Unity without division—ultimate peace and oneness. It is also the Sephirah of the Primum Mobile or “First Whirlings” (in Hebrew Rashith ha-Gilgalim) that represent the birth of the Universe.

2. Chokmah

From this unity emanate two principles, contrary in outward aspect, yet inseparable in essence. The second Sephirah is Chokmah, “Wisdom.” If Kether can be described as a point, then Chokmah could be portrayed as a straight line: an extension of the point into space. It is considered male in an abstract sense, the archetypal “Divine Father” principle that is active, and expansive. Within Chokmah lies the first masculine expression as opposed to the androgynous Kether. Whereas Kether is the calm center point of the Universe, Chokmah is complete action and movement—the vital energizing element of existence. It is also the Sephirah of the zodiac (Mazzaloth in Hebrew).

3. Binah

The third Sephirah is Binah, “Understanding.” Understanding is the ability to grasp the ideas that are intrinsic to Wisdom. This sphere is considered female in an abstract sense—passive and contractive (or formative). Receptivity is a feminine function and just as in the case of Chokmah’s masculinity, we are referring to sexual functions in the most basic and unmanifested of concepts.

In mathematics any three points in three-dimensional space determine a plane. Therefore, Binah, the “Divine Mother” principle, is the great archetypal form-builder; it receives the overflow of the divine energy from Chokmah and organizes it for the first time under the concept of Form. It is also the Sephirah affiliated with the planet Saturn (Shabbathai in Hebrew).

Daath

Together, Kether, Chokmah, and Binah form what is called the Supernal Triad, a high state of divine consciousness that transcends human awareness. They are separated from the lower part of the Tree by a chasm known as the abyss, a boundary in levels of being wherein is the quasi-sephirah of Daath (“knowledge”), which is not a true Sephirah but rather a passageway across the Abyss.

The rest of the Sephiroth, seven in number, serve to build the world of matter. Like the preceding spheres they emanate in triads—two extreme forces often described in terms of masculine and feminine energies, bound together by a third that unites and harmonizes between them.

4. Chesed

The Fourth Sephirah is Chesed, or “Mercy.” In mathematics four points that are not all on the same plane define a space. Therefore, Chesed is the first emanation of the physical world and contains the structural support of everything in the manifest Universe. It begins the process of realizing the abstract energies of the three previous spheres.

The patterns of the Tree of Life repeat themselves after the initial three spheres are formed; therefore, Chesed is the same type of force as Chokmah, but on a lower, denser level.

The energy of Chesed is often symbolized by beneficent sky deities and merciful Kings. This Sephirah is represented by the planet Jupiter (Tzedek in Hebrew).

5. Geburah

The natural order of the Universe depends upon the concept of opposites in balance, thus the benevolence, mercy, and form-building functions of Chesed are countered by the harsh, destructive actions of the Fifth Sephirah of Geburah, which is “Power.” Often described as fiery, Geburah’s other titles include “Judgment” and “Severity.” Chesed expands, Geburah contracts. One gives life, the other takes it. Geburah places boundaries on the unrestricted expansion of Chesed. These forces cannot be separated, for the Cosmos could not exist if they were.

The energy of Geburah is commonly represented by warrior and martial deities, and is represented by the planet Mars (Madim in Hebrew).

6. Tiphareth

The fourth and fifth spheres are balanced by the sixth Sephirah, Tiphareth, or “Beauty,” which is the expression of all that is harmonious. Lying at the very heart of the Tree, Tiphareth is in line with Kether and mirrors much of the pureness of the Crown above, but on a more tangible level. Through the union of Mercy and Justice, Beauty is obtained.

Because of its position, Tiphareth is seen as a connecting link between higher and lower states of consciousness, and as a result Golden Dawn magic places a great deal of focus here. It is a point of transition, reconciling “That Which Is Above” to “That Which Is Below.” Tiphareth intercedes between these different levels of being.

The sixth Sephirah is considered an especially mystical sphere. Its energy is personified by redeemer, dying-and-resurrected, and savior deities. It is also the Sephirah represented by the luminary of Sol (Shemesh in Hebrew).

7. Netzach

The remaining Sephiroth can be better described by the effects they have on human consciousness than by polarities alone. The four lowest Sephiroth are representative of the Lower Self or personality.

The seventh, eighth, and ninth Sephiroth are dynamic; they represent Deity as the generative principle of all life, and of all things in the manifest Universe. The seventh Sephirah, Netzach, or “Victory,” is a dynamic force that inspires us. It is a reflection of the fiery Geburah but at the level of the human personality, mediated by Tiphareth, the Fire becomes desire and devotion, instinct and emotion. Art, music, dance, and poetry are all expressions of this, as are love, hate, and the full range of human emotion.

The energy of Netzach is symbolized by deities of love and patrons of the arts, and this sphere is represented by the planet Venus (Nogah in Hebrew).

8. Hod

Balancing Netzach on the opposite side of the Tree is Hod, or “Splendor,” the sphere of reason and intellect. This is the rational mind, which organizes and categorizes. All expressions of writing, language, communication, science, and magic are assigned to Hod, as are all magical names and words of power. Hod is a lower form of the energy found in Chesed, but mediated through Tiphareth.

Hod and Netzach cannot function properly one without the other. Intellect needs the balance of emotion to drive it, otherwise the words and science of Hod become cold labelings, dead and uninspired. Likewise, emotions need the discipline of intellect to stabilize them and keep their dynamic energy from being squandered.

The energy of Hod is commonly represented by deities of wisdom, magic, and communication. This Sephirah is represented by the planet Mercury (Kokab in Hebrew).

9. Yesod

The ninth Sephirah is Yesod, or “Foundation.” The spiritual experience of Yesod is said to be the “Vision of the Machinery of the Universe.” This sphere is the receptacle of influences from all of the preceding Sephiroth, which are then combined into a type of divine blueprint for everything in the Universe just prior to the act of creation. It is the astral matrix upon which the physical Universe is built. All events whether natural or manmade occur in the aethers of Yesod before they occur in the physical world. The ninth Sephirah is the pregnant final stage that precedes the full manifestation of form.

Yesod’s energy is personified by deities of the sky, wind, and Air. It is also the Sephirah represented by the luminary of the Moon (Levannah in Hebrew).

10. Malkuth

The tenth and final Sephirah, Malkuth, is the “Kingdom”—the world of physical manifestation and the receptacle of all forces and energies passed down from the other nine Sephiroth. It receives the etheric framework of manifestation from Yesod then completes the building process by grounding the energy in matter. While the other Sephiroth are kinetic and mobile, Malkuth is the only sphere that has achieved stability and rest. This is the material Universe as we know it, complete with the planets, stars, and constellations.

The physical representation of Malkuth is the planet Earth, our own terra firma. It is the seat of all matter. Yet Malkuth is more than simply the ground beneath our feet, it is also the Sephirah in which all four elements are based.

Because Malkuth is a lower reflection of Kether, the Tenth Sephirah is seen as the completion of the Tree of Life in one sense, and the beginning of a new Tree in another.

The energy of Malkuth is often symbolized by chthonic deities of Earth, vegetation, and the Underworld. Therefore, it is represented by the planet Earth—the sphere of the elements also called the World of Foundations (Olam Yesodoth in Hebrew).

Magical Attributes of the Sephiroth

The powers of the Sephiroth can be used in magic to invoke the qualities, attributes, and areas of influence that they represent (Table 4).

Table 4: Magical Attributes of the Sephiroth

Sephirah	Attributes
Kether	Illumination, spirituality, peace, tranquility, completion, synthesis, Divine Light, Higher and Divine Genius
Chokmah	Initiative, stimulating energy, vitalizing force, Divine Wisdom, Paternal Wisdom
Binah	Secrets, strength through silence, understanding of sorrows and burdens, organization, structuring, containing, setting limits, faith, Maternal Understanding
Chesed	Financial gain, abundance, prosperity, justice, fairness, new opportunities, obedience to higher power, government, generosity, laughter, good outlook on life
Geburah	Energy, courage, fortitude, protection, change, getting rid of what is outmoded, cleansing, purifying, critical judgment, war and discord
Tiphareth	Devotion, illumination, mystic visions, harmony, balance, glory, healing, life and success, Christ consciousness, Higher Self
Netzach	Creativity, the arts, love and passion, social consciousness, idealism, sexuality, energy and understanding in relationships, unselfishness
Hod	Communication, learning, teaching, writing, magic, skill, dexterity, ability to “wheel and deal,” truthfulness, ability to detect falsehood, journeying, commerce
Sephirah	Attributes
Yesod	Intuition, psychic abilities, dreams and visions, prophecies, mental health, independence, confidence, understanding of the cycles of change
Malkuth	Materialization, solidity, physical environment, completion, physical health, overcoming inertia, self-discovery, discrimination

Figure 9: The Thirty-Two Paths of Wisdom on the Tree of Life

The Navitoth

The ten Sephiroth are connected by the twenty-two Navitoth, or “paths,” which are assigned to the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. While the Sephiroth as a group are considered receptive (passive and feminine) vessels of god-energy, the paths are seen as projective (active and masculine) conduits of god-force. These twenty-two pathways are the forces and methods the magician uses to transition from one level of consciousness to the next.

Together, the ten Sephiroth and the twenty-two paths are known as the Thirty-Two Paths of Wisdom (Figure 9). After the Sephiroth, the numbering of the Navitoth runs from 11 to 32, beginning with the letter Aleph and ending with Tau.

The Sword and the Serpent

Each Sephirah issues forth in rapid succession as if “one candle were lit from another without the emanator being diminished in any way” and in a specific order, often called the Lightning Flash or Flaming Sword. It is pictured as a jagged sword that is bent in such a way that its hilt starts in Kether and its tip ends in Malkuth.

The natural order of the twenty-two Navitoth is depicted as the Serpent of Wisdom, which touches every path leading from Malkuth back to Kether. This is the reflux current of energy that aspires after the Divine (Figure 10).

The Flaming Sword is the descending current of divine energy that facilitates the manifestation of the Universe. It is the Way of Involution or the descent of Spirit into matter. The Serpent of Wisdom, on the other hand, is the counterbalancing ascent of materialized energy. This is the Way of Evolution from matter back to its Divine Source.

The Pillars

One of the main principles of the Tree of Life is that of equilibrium. This idea is exemplified in the formation of the three pillars of the Tree created by the natural succession of the Sephiroth (Figure 11). The Left-Hand Pillar, also called the Pillar of Severity, consists of the spheres of Binah, Geburah, and Hod. The Right-Hand Pillar, known as the Pillar of Mercy, is composed of the spheres of Chokmah, Chesed, and Netzach. The central spheres of Kether, Tiphareth, Yesod, and Malkuth form the Middle Pillar, or the Pillar of Mildness.

Figure 10: The Sword and the Serpent

Figure 11: The Pillars

The Right-Hand or White Pillar is described as masculine, positive, and active. It is also known as the Pillar of Force. The Left-Hand or Black Pillar is feminine, negative, and passive. This Pillar is also called the Pillar of Form. The Black and White Pillars represent the two great contending forces in nature, and their descriptions are not meant to imply that one is good and the other evil, but rather that magnetic energy exists between these two universal polar opposites. The whole of the Cosmos depends upon the perfect balance of these polarities.

The Qabalah stresses a middle way between these two rival columns—the avoidance of one-sided extremes that can lead to spiritual and psychological imbalance. The extremes point out the need for harmonizing these opposites in a new and higher integrity. The Middle Pillar is symbolic of the “Way of Return,” or the path of redemption as it were, back to the Source.

The Middle Pillar is therefore the Pillar of Mildness and the Pillar of Balanced Forces; equilibrating the other two columns. In a Golden Dawn Temple, only the Left and Right Pillars are physically symbolized by actual pillars. The Middle Pillar is represented by the aspirant standing between them.

The Four Worlds

The Qabalistic Universe is separated into four distinct worlds, planes, or levels. With the creation of the Sephiroth, these Four Worlds came into being; each realm evolved from the one before it, becoming more substantial and increasing in density as the levels descend from the spiritual to the physical. Each of these worlds envelopes its predecessor like the layers of an onion; the highest spiritual world at the center is progressively Veiled from the lowest world, which forms the outer layer.

Each Qabalistic World is symbolized by one of the letters of the Tetragrammaton, or “Four-Lettered Name” of God, and one of the four elements, reinforcing the concept of the fourfold model of the Universe :

1. Atziluth: The Divine or Archetypal World

2. Briah: The Archangelic or Creative World

3. Yetzirah: The Angelic or Formative World

4. Assiah: The Material World or World of Action

Atziluth

Atziluth is the first and highest world and is attributed to Yod, the first letter of Tetragrammaton. This World of pure Deity and primordial Fire gave birth to the other three worlds in a descending scale of light. Some traditions assign it to the three Sephiroth of Kether, Chokmah, and Binah, while others ascribe to it only the sphere of Kether.

Briah

Briah is the second World, the World of Creation. Heh, the second letter of Tetragrammaton and primordial Water are ascribed here. Water represents the fluid, inventive mind, thus Briah is described as the World of Pure Intellect. It is also known as the realm of the archangels. Some assign only Chokmah and Binah to this world, while others show it with the spheres of Chesed, Geburah, and Tiphareth.

Yetzirah

Yetzirah is the third World, the World of Formation and the realm of groups of angels. The third letter of Tetragrammaton, Vav, is assigned here, making Yetzirah the realm of primordial Air. This world is approximate to the astral plane and the etheric framework behind the physical Universe. While some ascribe only Netzach, Hod, and Yesod to this world, others place seven of the Sephiroth from Chesed to Yesod in the Yetziratic World.

Assiah

Assiah is the fourth and final World, the World of Materiality and Action. This world consists only of Malkuth and the final letter Heh of Tetragrammaton is attributed here. It is the world of primordial Earth, but in Assiah the four elements that make up the physical Universe exist both in sensation and in the hidden properties of matter and energy. This is the corporeal world where tangible activity can take place. It is the realm of substance and of humanity, yet it is also the world of “shells,” made up of the denser portions of the three preceding worlds. Assiah is also the abode of demons, known to the Qabalists as the qlippoth.

The Qlippoth

One of the consequences of the Universe coming into being was the creation of the qlippoth, which means “shells” or “husks.” The qlippoth (singular form is qlippah) are chaotic and unbalanced forces, otherwise known as evil demons or fallen Spirits. Although there are qlippoth attributed to the twelve signs of the zodiac and the elements, the best known of these demons are the ten types of qlippoth that correspond to the ten Sephiroth on the Tree of Life. Whereas the Sephiroth symbolize progressive evolution and spiritual reunion with the Divine, the qlippoth represent de-evolution and spiritual disintegration. They are the unstable polar opposites of the harmonious Sephiroth and are said to form a second tree that is called evil. The qlippotic tree is usually represented as a mirror image of the Tree of Life, reflected from the base of Malkuth.

Formed when a prototypal but precarious version of the Tree of Life first came into being before shattering, the power of the qlippoth is based upon all forms of overindulgence, harmful excess, and imbalance in general. They are the destructive and un-equilibrated aspects of the holy Sephiroth. Just as every Sephirah is said to have a virtue, there is a corresponding “vice” that is embodied in the associated qlippah. This point is driven home to the candidate in the Neophyte ceremony when the Hierophant explains that “Unbalanced power is the ebbing away of life. Unbalanced mercy is weakness and the fading out of the will. Unbalanced severity is cruelty and the barrenness of mind.”

The Four Scales of Color

The Golden Dawn created an elaborate system of color scales that represent the Thirty-Two Paths of Wisdom in each of the Four Qabalistic Worlds. These colors can be used to project or receive the energy of the various Sephiroth and their connecting paths. Like the Four Worlds, these color scales are each assigned one of the letters of the Tetragrammaton. The color scales and their attributes are:

1. The King Scale: Atziluth, Yod, Fire, masculine

2. The Queen Scale: Briah, Heh, Water, feminine

3. The Prince Scale: Yetzirah, Vav, Air, masculine

4. The Princess Scale: Assiah, Heh Final, Earth, feminine

The King and Prince Scales are both considered masculine and projective, while the Queen and Princess Scales are feminine and receptive. Of these, the King and Queen Scales are of primary importance to the construction of talismans and flashing Tablets. They are also paramount in the Golden Dawn’s standard Tree of Life diagram referred to as the Minutum Mundum, or the “Small Universe,” which depicts the colors of the receptive Sephiroth in the Queen Scale along with the colors of the projective Navitoth in the King Scale. A complete list of the Four Color Scales can be found in other books. Here we need only consider the King and Queen Scale colors of the Sephiroth (Table 5).

Table 5: Colors of the Sephiroth

Sephirah	King Scale Color (Projective)	Queen Scale Color (Receptive)
1. Kether	Brilliance	White
2. Chokmah	Soft Blue	Gray
3. Binah	Deep Red-Violet	Black
4. Chesed	Deep Violet	Blue
5. Geburah	Orange	Red
6. Tiphareth	Rose Pink	Yellow
7. Netzach	Yellow-Orange	Green
8. Hod	Violet	Orange
9. Yesod	Blue-Violet	Violet
10. Malkuth	Yellow	Citrine, Olive, Russet, and Black

When considering Daath, which is not a true Sephirah, the King Scale color is lavender and the Queen Scale color is gray-white.

King Scale colors can be used to project Sephirotic energy outward, such as when sending healing energy to another person. The colors of the Queen Scale are used whenever you want to receive these energies.

Godnames and Spiritual Hierarchies

Each of the Sephiroth has various divine names (known as the spiritual hierarchies) assigned to them. This categorizing of divine, archangelic, and angelic names defines different levels of Being under the Four Qabalistic Worlds.

Godnames are potent divine names or “words of power” used to invoke the highest aspects of Deity, especially those holy names assigned to the ten Sephiroth of the Tree of Life. Many of these names are presented in the Hebrew Scriptures as the various Sacred names of God. They are often referred to in the Golden Dawn as the divine names and represent the supreme expressions of the Sephiroth. Under the scheme of the Four Qabalistic Worlds, divine names are attributed to the archetypal world of Atziluth.

The godnames of the ten Sephiroth are listed in Table 6.

Table 6: Godnames of the Sephiroth

Sephirah	Godname	Meaning
Kether	Eheieh	I am
Chokmah	Yah	Lord
Binah	YHVH Elohim	The Lord God
Chesed	El	God
Geburah	Elohim Gebur	God of Power
Tiphareth	YHVH Eloah Ve-Daath	Lord God of Knowledge
Netzach	YHVH Tzabaoth	Lord of Armies
Hod	Elohim Tzabaoth	God of Armies
Yesod	Shaddai El Chai	Almighty Living God
Malkuth	Adonai Ha-Aretz	Lord of Earth

These godnames are vibrated in various Golden Dawn rituals such as the Middle Pillar exercise given later in this chapter.

Archangels and Angels of the Sephiroth

Next in the hierarchy are the archangels, which correspond to the Creative World of Briah (Table 7). Archangels organize and direct the forces intrinsic to their respective Sephirah into action. Forces marshaled include the groups of angels, often called angelic hosts, who are responsible for implementing the actual mechanics or workings of a Sephirah. These angelic armies fall under the Formative World of Yetzirah.

Table 7: Archangels and Angels of the Sephiroth

Sephirah	Archangel	Meaning	Angelic Host	Meaning
Kether	Metatron (Greek)	Next After the Throne	Chayoth Ha-Qadesh	Holy Living Creatures
Chokmah	Raziel	Herald of God	Ophanim	The Wheels
Binah	Tzaphqiel	Beholder of God	Erelim	The Thrones
Chesed	Tzadqiel	Righteousness of God	Chashmalim	Shining Ones
Geburah	Khamael	Severity of God	Seraphim	Flaming Ones
Tiphareth	Raphael	Healer of God	Melakim	The Kings
Table 7: Archangels and Angels of the Sephiroth
Sephirah	Archangel	Meaning	Angelic Host	Meaning
Netzach	Haniel	Grace of God	Elohim	The Gods
Hod	Michael	Perfect of God	Beni Elohim	Children of the Gods
Yesod	Gabriel	Strength of God	Kerubim	Strong Ones
Malkuth	Sandalphon (Greek)	Fellow Sibling	Ashim	Souls of Fire

These divisions can be likened to an army; at the top is the Commander-in-Chief, who holds a divine (Atziluth) title. Under him is a general known as an archangel (Briah) who commands various legions. These legions are made up of numerous foot soldiers known as angels (Yetzirah). In Golden Dawn magic, the Highest is always petitioned first and the rest of the hierarchy follows in turn.

The best way to learn this material is to make several copies of a blank Tree of Life diagram. Then write down the divine and angelic names in their proper order on the spheres representing the Sephiroth. Do this several times until you have committed it to memory.

Divine Names and Often-Used Words of Power

Hermetic magicians may pronounce Hebrew divine names in a slightly different manner than a Jewish rabbi would. While Hebrew has no letters that are officially vowels, some letters such as Aleph, Yod, and Vav are considered vowel stand-ins or vowel approximates. For Hermetic magicians intoning Hebrew names and words of power in ritual, “a” usually sounds like “ah” as in father; “e” sounds like “ay” as in “may”; “i” sounds like “ee” as in “sweet”; “o” sounds like “oh” as in “aloha”; and “u” is pronounced “oo” as in “cool.”

For Enochian words and names, the rules are different because many words are composed solely of consonants—no vowels. The Golden Dawn developed two ways to approximate vowels by adding the vowel sounds of the consonant’s name. The first method uses the sound of the name of the letter in English, where “m” is pronounced “em and “r” is pronounced “ar.” The second method uses the sound of the name of the letter in Hebrew, where “m” is pronounced “meh” as in Mem and “r” is pronounced “reh” as in Resh.

The list below provides the meanings and pronunciations of certain Hebrew, Greek, and Enochian words and divine names commonly used in Golden Dawn ritual, as well as rituals and exercises presented in this book.

Adonai: (Ah-doh-nye—the last syllable rhymes with “high”) Hebrew—“Lord.”

Adonai ha-Aretz: (Ah-doh-nye Hah-Ah-retz) Hebrew—“Lord of the earth.” The divine name of Malkuth.

AGLA: (Ah-gah-lah) Hebrew notariqon or acronym for Atah Gibor Le-Olahm Adonai, which means “Thou art great forever, my Lord.”

ARARITA: (Ah-rah-ree-tah) Hebrew notariqon or acronym—Achad Rosh Achdotho Rosh Ichudo Temurahzo Achad—“One Is His Beginning; One Is His Individuality; His Permutation Is One.”

Atah: (Ah-tah) Hebrew—“Thou art.”

Bitom: (Bay-ee-toh-em) Enochian name for the Spirit of Fire.

Eheieh: (Eh-hey-yay) Hebrew—“I am.”

El (or Al): Hebrew—“God.” Divine name of Chesed.

Elohim: (El-oh-heem) Hebrew—“God” as well as “Gods.”

Elohim Gibor: (El-oh-heem Gee-boor) Hebrew—“God of Power.” Divine name of Geburah.

Elohim Tzabaoth: (El-oh-heem Tzah-Bah-oth) Hebrew—“God of Armies.” Divine name of Hod.

Emor Dial Hectega: (Ee-mor Dee-ahl Heck-tay-gah) Enochian—The Three Great Secret Names of God born upon the Banners of the North.

Empeh Arsel Gaiol: (Em-pay Ar-sell Gah-ee-ohl) Enochian—The Three Great Secret Names of God born upon the Banners of the West.

Exarp: (Ex-ar-pay) Enochian name for the Spirit of Air.

Hcoma: (Hay-koh-mah) Enochian name for the Spirit of Water.

Hekas, Hekas, Este, Bebeloi: (Hay-kahs, hay-kahs, es-stay bee-beh-loy!) Greek—Traditional proclamation that a ritual is about to start.

HRU: (Her-roo) Said to be the angel of the tarot. Its source may be the Egyptian word hru meaning “day.” Since the Order’s documents sometimes list this name as H.R.U., it may also be based on an unknown notariqon.

IAO: (Ee-ah-oh) Supreme Deity of the Gnostics. Similar to YHVH.

I.N.R.I.: (letters pronounced separately) Latin initials with many meanings. (See the Analysis of the Key Word, chapter 8.)

Khabs Am Pekht: (Khobs ahm Peckt) Egyptian—“Light in Extension.”

Konx Om Pax: (Kohnx ohm Pahx) Greek—“Light in Extension.”

Le-Olahm, Amen: (lay-oh-lahm ah-men) Hebrew—“Forever, unto the ages.”

LVX: (letters pronounced separately, pronounced together as “lukes”) Latin— “Light.”

Malkuth: (Mahl-kooth) Hebrew—“The Kingdom.”

Nanta: (En-ah-en-tah) Enochian name for the Spirit of Earth.

Oip Teaa Pedoce: (Oh-ee-pay Tay-ah-ah Pay-doh-kay) Enochian—The Three Great Secret Names of God born upon the Banners of the South.

Oro Ibah Aozpi: (Or-oh Ee-bah-hay Ah-oh-zohd-pee) Enochian—The Three Great Secret Names of God born upon the Banners of the East.

Ruach: (Roo-ah’ch). Hebrew for “breath” as well as “spirit.”

Ruach Elohim: (Roo-ah’ch El-oh-heem). Hebrew for “Spirit of God.”

Shaddai El Chai: (Shah-dye El Chai) “Almighty Living God.” Divine name of Yesod.

Ve-Gedulah: (v’ge-doo-lah) Hebrew—“and the glory.”

Ve-Geburah: (v’ge-boo-rah) also (v’ge-voo-rah) Hebrew—“and the power.”

Yah: (Yah) Hebrew—“Lord.” Divine name of Chokmah.

Yeheshuah: (Yeh-hay-shoo-ah) Hebrew—The Pentagrammaton or Five-Lettered Name of God. Transliterated from Hebrew as YHShVH.

Yehovashah: (Yeh-ho-vah-shah) Hebrew—A variation of the Pentagrammaton. Transliterated from Hebrew as YHVShH.

YHVH: (Yod-heh-vav-heh) Hebrew—the Tetragrammaton or Four-Lettered Name of God. It may be derived from an ancient form of the Hebrew verb “to be.” It has similarities to the Roman Jove and the Gnostic IAO.

YHVH Eloah Ve-Daath: (Yod-heh-vav-heh El-oh-ah V’-Dah-aath) Hebrew—“Lord God of Knowledge.” Divine Name of Tiphareth.

YHVH Elohim: (Yod-heh-vav-heh El-oh-heem) Hebrew—“The Lord God.” Divine Name of Binah, also used for Daath.

YHVH Tzabaoth: (Yod-heh-vav-heh Tzah-bah-oth) Hebrew—“Lord of Armies.” Divine Name of Netzach.

Esoteric Astrology

The study of the stars is one of the oldest known sciences. Golden Dawn magicians study two branches of astrology—exoteric and esoteric. The first involves delineating and interpreting a horoscope and the mathematics involved with it. For instructions on this, readers should consult our book Self-Initiation into the Golden Dawn Tradition.

Esoteric astrology deals with the mysteries of the Universe itself—the spiritual, moral, intellectual, and physical dynamics of the Cosmos. Esoteric astrology reveals the universal pattern of living and the means by which human beings can align themselves with the blueprint of the Divine. It is a system for understanding Celestial energies and a method for viewing the Universe as a symmetrical whole. This is also the system that magicians utilize in virtually all types of magical practice. Next to the teachings of the Qabalah, astrological correspondences are the most prevalent form of esoteric knowledge used in the Golden Dawn.

The Planets

Planet, or “wandering star,” developed as a term to describe any Celestial body visible from the earth that appeared to move or “wander” in a regular orbit against the backdrop of stars in the night sky. The ancients recognized seven planets, including the luminaries of the Sun and the Moon (Sol and Luna). Planetary energies are used to affect the astral realm, the subtler planes above it, and the physical realm below it. The planets also represent aspects of the human soul.

In magic and traditional astrology (as opposed to modern astrology), the seven ancient planets are widely utilized for their extensive symbolism, more so than the twelve zodiacal signs. This is because planets are agents of change. As the “movers and shakers” of astrology, it is their function to act, move, and initiate change. In a zodiacal chart, it is the position and effect of the planets over the signs and houses that they rule that takes precedence over every other aspect of the chart.

In planetary magic, the symbols and powers of the planets are invoked to effect change in their associated sphere of influence and rulership.

Saturn

Named after the Roman God of agriculture, this planet was known as the Greater Malefic due to its harsh qualities. Saturn is the planet of organization, discipline, responsibility, structure, goals, limitations, conservatism, restrictions, delays, theories, orthodoxy, tradition, depth, patience, truth, wisdom, and solidification. This planet rules agriculture, old age, sorrow, death, time, the past, and abstract thought. Its energy is slow and enduring. In the Qabalah it is assigned to Binah, the third Sephirah.

Jupiter

Named after the primary Roman God, this planet was called the Greater Benefic because of its helpful aspects. Jupiter is the planet of expansion, growth, prosperity, wealth, good fortune, luck, opportunity, assimilation, indulgence, optimism, big business, morality, higher education, ambitions, and philosophy. This planet rules leisure time, charity, and rites of passage and other formal ceremonies. Jupiter’s action is orderly and efficient and fosters growth and increase. On the Tree of Life it corresponds to Chesed, the fourth Sephirah.

Mars

Named after the Roman God of War, the ancients referred to this planet as Lesser Malefic by reason of its severe energy. Mars is the planet of conflict, aggression, dynamic action, force, power, strife, strain, adversity, destruction, work, achievement, and competition. This planet rules animal nature, weapons, war, male sexuality, accidents, violence, surgery, tools, iron, and steel. The action of Mars is sudden, forceful, and disruptive. The energy of Mars can be used destructively, or with courage and fortitude. In the Qabalah it is assigned to Geburah, the fifth Sephirah.

Sol (the Sun)

Sol is named after the Invincible Sun God of ancient Rome. Sol rules over equilibrium, balance, harmony, reconciliation, mediation, and success in all endeavors. The Sun represents the primary masculine principle and men in general. It is also the fundamental expression of the individual, displaying qualities of success and leadership. Sol governs health, vitality, personal fulfillment, energy, essential principles, authority, command, rank, office, title, advancement, achievement, justice, identity, and capacity for experience. The energy of Sol is energizing and stimulating. On the Tree of Life it is attributed to Tiphareth, the sixth Sephirah.

Venus

Named after the Roman Goddess of Love, Venus was nicknamed the Lesser Benefic due to its pleasant qualities. This planet governs emotional life, natural love, marriage, unions, sensuality, female sexuality, sociability, attraction, social interactions, enjoyments, pleasure, art, music, poetry, drama, song, culture, beauty, possessions, jewelry, and adornment. Its action is mild and harmonious. Qabalistically, Venus is connected to Netzach, the seventh Sephirah.

Mercury

Named after the fleet-footed Roman Messenger God, Mercury is the planet of communication, language, reason, intellectual pursuits, rationalization, awareness, perceptions, learning, opinions, transmission, words, speaking, writing, mailings, messages, and all means of expression. In addition, Mercury deals with medicine, healing, family, day-to-day activities, travel and transportation, commerce, economics, and gambling. This planet also governs theft and deception. Mercury’s action is rapid, unpredictable, changeable, and explosive. In the Qabalah it is associated with Hod, the eighth Sephirah.

Luna

Identified with Diana, Roman Goddess of the Moon, Luna embodies the primary female principle and women in general. The Moon rules over instincts, moods, feelings, habits, the subconscious, the unknown, tides, liquids, Water, phases, biological cycles, reproduction, childbirth, reflexes, reflections, alternations, and receptivity. Luna rules needs, dreams, desires, personal interests, magnetism, impressionability, fertility, visions, mysticism, and psychic phenomena. The Moon’s action changes and fluctuates. On the Tree of Life, Luna is attributed to Yesod, the ninth Sephirah.

Hebrew Letter Attributions

The seven planets are each assigned to one of the seven Double Letters of the Hebrew alphabet (Table 8). (NOTE: the letter Tau pulls double duty: it is attributed to Saturn as well as the element of Earth.)

Table 8: Hebrew Letters Assigned to the Planets

Planet	Letter
Mercury	Beth
Luna	Gimel
Venus	Daleth
Jupiter	Kaph
Mars	Peh
Sol	Resh
Saturn	Tau

The ancients also assigned certain planetary values to the North and South Nodes of the Moon, the points in Celestial longitude where the Moon crosses over the ecliptic or path of the Sun.

The North Node () of the Moon is called Caput Draconis, or “Head of the Dragon.” This is a point of gain, increase, and added self-assurance.

The South Node () of the Moon is known as Cauda Draconis, or the “Tail of the Dragon.” The South Node is a point of release, decrease, and letting go.

Planetary Hierarchies

The planets also have certain godnames and angels associated with them. Hebrew godnames affiliated with the Sephiroth are also attributed to the seven planets to which they correspond (Table 9).

Table 9: Hebrew Names and Godnames of the Planets

Planet Name (in English and Hebrew)	Godname
Saturn (Shabbathai)	YHVH Elohim
Jupiter (Tzedek)	El
Mars (Madim)	Elohim Gebur
Planet Name (in English and Hebrew)	Godname
Sol (Shemesh)	YHVH Eloah Ve-Daath
Venus (Nogah)	YHVH Tzabaoth
Mercury (Kokab)	Elohim Tzabaoth
Luna (Levannah)	Shaddai El Chai

The workings of the planetary hierarchies are similar to those of the Sephiroth. Each planet has an archangel, an intelligence, and a Spirit. (Intelligences are planetary angels under a different name.) The administrative force is the planetary archangel. The intelligence of a planet is seen as an evolutionary, nurturing, inspiring, or guiding entity, while the Spirit is traditionally viewed as a blind or “raw” energy force without guidance or intelligence. When invoking these entities in magic, the Spirit must always be guided by the intelligence, under the control of the archangel (Table 10).

Table 10: Angels and Spirits of the Planets

Planet	Archangel	Intelligence	Spirit
Saturn	Kassiel	Agiel	Zazel
Jupiter	Sachiel	Iophiel	Hismael
Mars	Zamael	Graphiel	Bartzabel
Sol	Michael	Nakhiel	Sorath
Venus	Anael	Hagiel	Qedemel
Mercury	Raphael	Tiriel	Taphthartharath
Luna	Gabriel	Shelachel	Chasmodai

The names of many of these spiritual beings are derived from planetary talismans known as magic squares (Figure 15).

A couple of archangels on this list, Raphael and Michael, are attributed to both a Sephirah and a planet, which may seem puzzling. Try not to confuse the Sephirotic, planetary, and elemental hierarchies. Different angels, like different people, can have the same name. It is helpful to call these angels in accordance with their specific titles and functions, such as Michael Shemeshel (Michael, archangel of the Sun) as opposed to Michael Hodael (Michael, archangel of Hod).

Geometric Figures

Geometric figures, also called polyangles, play an important role in Golden Dawn magic. Triangles, Crosses, Pentagrams, Hexagrams, and other lineal figures are regularly traced during ritual to call forth the energies identified with them. These figures are traced in the air and visualized in the astral light by the magician.

Polyangles come in two forms, both of which can be used in magic: polygrams and polygons. Polygrams are described as figures consisting of many intersecting lines that resemble stars. Polygons are closed plane figures having three or more sides. For example, the polygon of Geburah and Mars is known as a pentangle. The two forms of a Mars pentangle are the Pentagram and the pentagon. Tiphareth and Sol have two forms of the hexangle: the Hexagram and the hexagon.

The two forms of a polyangle produce different magical effects. The polygon represents the distribution of a force, while the polygram signifies the concentration and sealing of a force. Used together, the two polyangles assigned to a Sephirah or a planet can initiate the whirl of the desired force and seal it into a talisman.

The lineal figures appropriate to the planets are based upon their Qabalistic correspondences (Table 11).

Table 11: Lineal Figures of the Planets

Number	Sephirah	Planet	Polygram	Polygon	Other
1	Kether	-	-	-	The Point
2	Chokmah	-	-	-	Line/Cross
3	Binah	Saturn	-	Triangle
4	Chesed	Jupiter	-	Square	Cross
5	Geburah	Mars	Pentagram (5 points)	Pentagon
6	Tiphareth	Sol	Hexagram (6 points)	Hexagon
7	Netzach	Venus	Heptagram (7 points)	Heptagon
8	Hod	Mercury	Octagram (8 points)	Octagon
9	Yesod	Luna	Enneagram (9 points)	Enneagon
10	Malkuth	Earth	Decagram (10 points)	Decagon

A few other lineal figures need to be mentioned.

Vesica

A vesica (Figure 12) is a pointed oval formed by the intersection of two circles. It is the common ground shared by both circles, and is often used to symbolize a state of transition, transference, or transcendence. The vesica piscis or pointed oval aureole was used by medieval artists to enclose holy figures.

Figure 12: The Vesica

Rhombus

A rhombus (Figure 13) is an equilateral parallelogram, or four-sided figure whose opposing sides are parallel and equal, with no right angles. In such a figure, each side is identical to the side opposite it. A diagonal line drawn between two opposite points on the rhomboid would form two congruent Triangles. The rhombus is very similar to the vesica, both in shape and in function.

Figure 13: The Rhombus

Dodecangle

The two forms of this twelve-sided figure include the dodecagram and the dodecagon. Both refer to the whole of the zodiac. Although they are not allied through number, the dodecangle can be used to some extent with the second Sephirah of Chokmah, to which the zodiac is referred.

Magic Squares

Magic squares, also called qameoth (singular qamea), are potent mystical diagrams and talismans that relate to the planets and their energies. These diagrams are ancient and probably of Persian origin.

A magic square is formed from a grid of numbers arranged so as to yield the same number each way—horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. The sum of each column of figures and the sum total of all the numbers of the square are specifically attributed to the planet in question. The number of grid units that make up one of the rows or columns of the qamea determines which planet it is associated with through the number of its corresponding Sephirah on the Tree of Life (Figure 12).

Table 12: Number Associations of the Planets

Planet or Power	Sephirah	Qamea Units per Row
Saturn	Binah	3
Jupiter	Chesed	4
Mars	Geburah	5
Sol	Tiphareth	6
Venus	Netzach	7
Mercury	Hod	8
Luna	Yesod	9
Earth	Malkuth	10
Zodiac		12

The number of the planet Saturn is 3 (Binah). Three squared is 9, the total number of grid units in the Saturn qamea. The sum of each column and each row is 15. And the total sum of all the numbers on the Saturn square is 45. Every qamea contains many such numbers that are used to create divine, angelic, and Spirit names, which correlate to their assigned planetary energies.

The planetary seal (Figure 14) is a sigil of the planet, a symbol designed in such a manner that its traced lines touch every number or unit square of that planet’s qamea. It symbolizes the governing force of the planet.

Figure 14: Planetary Seals

Magic squares of the planets (Figure 15) are important in the designing of sigils and planetary talismans—magical objects that are ceremonially consecrated to attract a particular force for a specific goal.

Figure 15: Magic Squares

The modern-day Golden Dawn has also added two more magical squares to our tradition: the qamea of Malkuth and the elements and the qamea of Mazzaloth (Figure 16). The first can be used to create talismans aligned with the tenth Sephirah as well as the four elements, while the second can be used to design talismans for the twelve zodiacal signs.

Figure 16: Magic Squares of Malkuth and Mazzaloth

Magical Timing

It can be beneficial to perform planetary meditations and magic in accordance with assigned days and magical hours. The days of the week are attributed to the seven ancient planets and the Gods who represented them (Table 13). (Note: There is no special day for Earth.)

Table 13: Planetary Days

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Sol	Luna	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn

Magical or Planetary Hours are not the same as regular hours. To determine the magical hours for a particular day (or night), you must know the exact times for sunrise and sunset at your location. In years past, you would have to check the local paper for fishing times or a publication such as the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Today you can check online for sunrise and sunset calculators.

Divide the total time between sunrise and sunset by 12. This will give you the length of the Magical Hours of the day. Dividing the time between sunset and sunrise by 12 will give you the length of the Planetary Hours of the night. The hours of the day and night will be of different lengths except on the equinoxes (Table 14 and Figure 15).

Table 14: Table of Planetary Hours: Day Hours

	Sun.	Mon.	Tues.	Wed.	Thurs.	Fri.	Sat.
Sunrise
Hour 1	Sol	Luna	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn
Hour 2	Venus	Saturn	Sol	Luna	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter
Hour 3	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sol	Luna	Mars
Hour 4	Luna	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sol
Hour 5	Saturn	Sol	Luna	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus
Hour 6	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sol	Luna	Mars	Mercury
Hour 7	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sol	Luna
Hour 8	Sol	Luna	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn
Hour 9	Venus	Saturn	Sol	Luna	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter
Hour 10	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sol	Luna	Mars
Hour 11	Luna	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sol
Hour 12	Saturn	Sol	Luna	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus

Table 15: Table of Planetary Hours: Night Hours

	Sun.	Mon.	Tues.	Wed.	Thurs.	Fri.	Sat.
Sunset
Hour 1	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sol	Luna	Mars	Mercury
Hour 2	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sol	Luna
Hour 3	Sol	Luna	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn
Hour 4	Venus	Saturn	Sol	Luna	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter
Hour 5	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sol	Luna	Mars
Hour 6	Luna	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sol
Hour 7	Saturn	Sol	Luna	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus
Hour 8	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sol	Luna	Mars	Mercury
Hour 9	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sol	Luna
Hour 10	Sol	Luna	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn
Hour 11	Venus	Saturn	Sol	Luna	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter
Hour 12	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sol	Luna	Mars

Planetary Colors

The planetary colors most often used in Golden Dawn magic are the King and Queen Scale colors listed in Table 16. King Scale colors are used to project the forces of the planets, while the Queen Scale colors are employed to receive these energies.

Table 16: Planetary Colors

Planet	King Scale Color	Queen Scale Color
Saturn	Blue-violet	Black
Jupiter	Violet	Blue
Mars	Red	Red
Sol	Orange	Yellow
Venus	Green	Sky-blue
Mercury	Yellow	Violet
Luna	Blue	Silver

The Zodiacal Signs

The word “zodiac” is taken from a Greek word meaning “circle of animals.” This refers to the circle traced by the Sun in its movement through the heavens from the perspective of Earth. The zodiac is divided into twelve sections named after the twelve constellations that the circle is seen to pass through (Figure 17).

Figure 17: The Wheel of the Zodiac

Unlike the planets, the signs do not effect change. Instead, they are envisioned as regions, realms, or territories that the planets move through. A sign is similar to a specific area, while a planet is something that can inhabit that area. A planet moving through one of these heavenly terrains alters its operation accordingly. Some signs weaken the influence of a particular planet while strengthening others. Different signs may intensify the manner in which a planet’s energies are expressed.

While each sign is ruled by one of the planets, the signs have their own set of attributes that determine how the planets operate within the different signs (Table 17). In zodiacal magic, the characteristics and powers of the signs are invoked and utilized, as are the energies of the planets as they move through and are influenced by the signs. Magical work with the various signs is a way by which the magician can fine-tune the planetary energies as filtered through the signs themselves.

Table 17: The Zodiacal Signs

Sign and Symbol	Meaning	Rules from	Ruled by
Aries	Ram	Mar. 21–April 19	Mars
Taurus	Bull	April 20–May 20	Venus
Gemini	Twins	May 21–June 20	Mercury
Cancer	Crab	June 21–July 22	Luna
Leo	Lion	July 23–Aug. 22	Sol
Virgo	Virgin	Aug. 23–Sept. 22	Mercury
Libra	Scales	Sept. 23–Oct. 22	Venus
Scorpio	Scorpion	Oct. 23–Nov. 21	Mars
Sagittarius	Archer	Nov. 22–Dec. 21	Jupiter
Capricorn	Sea-goat	Dec. 22–Jan. 19	Saturn
Aquarius	Water-bearer	Jan. 20–Feb. 18	Saturn
Pisces	Fish	Feb. 19–Mar. 20	Jupiter

The Triplicities: Grouped by Element

The twelve signs are distributed among four triplicities or sets of three signs. Each of these triplicities is attributed to one of the four elements, and they represent the operation of the elements in the zodiac.

Fire Signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius

Traits: energy, enthusiasm, ambition, spontaneity, and enterprise

Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces

Traits: sympathetic, receptive, intuitive, and complex

Air Signs: Libra, Aquarius, and Gemini

Traits: communicative, sociable, intellectual, and changeable

Earth Signs: Capricorn, Taurus, and Virgo

Traits: practical, industrious, patient, sensual, and stable

The Quadruplicities: Grouped by Quality

The twelve signs are also divided into three quadruplicities or groups of four signs. Each of these quadruplicities is attributed to one of three qualities: Cardinal, Kerubic (Fixed), and Mutable.

Notice that in the triplicities, the first sign given in all the elemental groupings is a Cardinal Sign, the second is a Kerubic Sign, and the third is a Mutable Sign. We represent these qualities with the initial letters C, K, and M.

C Cardinal Signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn

These signs rule the change of seasons: Aries—spring; Cancer—summer; Libra—fall; and Capricorn—winter. They are also attributed to the four cardinal points of the compass: Aries—east; Cancer—north; Libra—west; and Capricorn—south.

Qualities: active, quick, creative, enthusiastic, ambitious

K Kerubic Signs: Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius, and Taurus

These fixed signs govern the middle month of each season. Unlike the Cardinal Signs that herald the transition between seasons, the Kerubic Signs are solidly established in the heart of each season.

Qualities: stable, steady, determined, tenacious, inflexible

M Mutable Signs: Sagittarius, Pisces, Gemini, and Virgo

These signs rule the closing month of each season. Also called Common Signs, they govern the completion of the work of one season while looking ahead to the next.

Qualities: clever, changeable, versatile, volatile, quick, intuitive, complex

The following provides a quick look at the twelve signs and some of their keywords:

1. Aries

Cardinal Fire

Keywords: beginning, initiative, executive, impulse, energy, activity, enterprise

2. Taurus

Kerubic Earth

Keywords: Stability, materiality, practicality, possessions, determination

3. Gemini

Mutable Air

Keywords: Versatility, dexterity, skill, expression, communication, intelligence

4. Cancer

Cardinal Water

Keywords: domesticity, sensitivity, familial, empathy, tenacity

5. Leo

Kerubic Fire

Keywords: charisma, magnetism, drama, idealism, ambition, optimism

6. Virgo

Mutable Earth

Keywords: discrimination, analytical, methodical, precise, science, service

7. Libra

Cardinal Air

Keywords: Balance, harmony, fairness, companionship, cooperation, diplomacy, persuasion

8. Scorpio

Kerubic Water

Keywords: transformation, regeneration, intensity, motivation, secrecy

9. Sagittarius

Mutable Fire

Keywords: Aspiration, idealism, philosophy, spirituality, education, freedom, liberty, exploration

10. Capricorn

Cardinal Earth

Keywords: ambition, conservation, pragmatism, organization, responsibility, business

11. Aquarius

Kerubic Air

Keywords: Imagination, knowledge, invention, philanthropy, independence,
humanitarian

12. Pisces

Mutable Water

Keywords: compassion, understanding, emotion, intuition, instincts, introspection, charity, mysticism, the arts

The Qabalah assigns the twelve signs of the zodiac or Mazzaloth to the second Sephirah of Chokmah on the Tree of Life. The magic square of the Mazzaloth can be used to create zodiacal sigils and talismans.

Hebrew Letter Attributions

The twelve signs are each assigned to one of the twelve Simple Letters of the Hebrew alphabet. These are shown in Table 18 along with the Hebrew names of the signs.

Table 18: Hebrew Letter Attributions of the Signs

Sign	Hebrew Name of Sign	Hebrew Letter
Aries	aleh	Heh
Taurus	Shor	Vav
Gemini	Teomim	Zayin
Cancer	Saron	Cheth
Sign	Hebrew Name of Sign	Hebrew Letter
Leo	Ari	Teth
Virgo	Betulah	Yod
Libra	Moznaim	Lamed
Scorpio	Akrab	Nun
Sagittarius	Qasshat	Samekh
Capricorn	Gedi	Ayin
Aquarius	Deli	Tzaddi
Pisces	Dagim	Qoph

Elemental and Zodiacal Hierarchies

Like the planets, the signs of the zodiac also have spiritual hierarchies. Godnames of the zodiacal signs are those of the triplicates and are the same as the godnames of the four elements (Figure 19).

Table 19: Elemental Godnames, Archangels, and Angels

Element	Godname	Archangel	Angel
Fire	Elohim	Michael	Ariel
Water	El	Gabriel	Taliahad
Air	YHVH	Raphael	Chassan
Earth	Adonai	Uriel	Phorlakh

The archangels of the zodiacal signs are listed in Figure 20.

Table 20: Zodiacal Archangels and Angels

Sign	Archangel	Angel
Aries	Malkhidael	Sharahiel
Taurus	Asmodel	Eraziel
Gemini	Ambriel	Serayel
Cancer	Muriel	Pakhiel
Leo	Verkhiel	Sheratiel
Virgo	Hamaliel	Shelathiel

Table 20: Zodiacal Archangels and Angels (continued)

Sign	Archangel	Angel
Libra	Zuriel	Chadaqiel
Scorpio	Barkhiel	Sayitziel
Sagittarius	Adnakhiel	Saritaiel
Capricorn	Hanael	Semaqiel
Aquarius	Kambriel	Tzadmaqiel
Pisces	Amnitziel	Vakhabiel

Hebrew spellings for all of the angels and archangels listed in this book can be found in our text Tarot Talismans: Invoke the Angels of the Tarot.

Zodiacal Colors

The colors most often attributed to the zodiacal signs are provided in Table 21. The King Scale colors project zodiacal force; Queen Scale colors receive it.

Table 21: Zodiacal Colors

Sign	King Scale Color	Queen Scale Color
Aries	Red	Red
Taurus	Red-orange	Deep blue-violet
Gemini	Orange	Pale mauve
Cancer	Yellow-orange	Maroon
Leo	Yellow	Deep violet
Virgo	Yellow-green	Slate gray
Libra	Green	Blue
Scorpio	Blue-green	Dull brown
Sagittarius	Blue	Yellow
Capricorn	Blue-violet	Black
Aquarius	Violet	Sky blue
Pisces	Red-violet	Buff, flecked silver-white

Another set of colors that may be useful for readers to consider is the King and Queen Scale colors of the Elements, shown in Table 22.

Table 22: Elemental Colors

Element	King Scale Color	Queen Scale Color
Spirit	White	Deep purple
Fire	Red	Vermilion red
Water	Blue	Sea-green
Air	Yellow	Sky-blue
Earth	Citrine, olive, russet, black	Yellow-orange

Geomancy

One final symbol system that must be addressed is geomancy, or “Earth divination.” Geomancy uses sixteen figures, each of which consists of four lines of dots often called tetragrams. Each of the four lines of a tetragram is composed of either one or two dots. Geomantic divination is done by generating the binary lines of the tetragrams through one of any number of random processes, such as flipping a coin, rolling dice, or poking holes in the ground a random number of times with a stick. An odd number of holes equals one dot while an even number equals two.

Golden Dawn students are required to learn how to perform geomantic divinations, but we will not dwell on the topic here. However, the sixteen tetragrams (Figure 18 on the next page) are important symbols in their own right, and they are often inscribed on planetary and zodiacal talismans. They signify Celestial as well as terrestrial energies.

3-D Visualization Exercise: Circle and Sphere

This exercise is designed to hone the student’s skill in manipulating a visualized image.

1. Start in the standing position and begin with a brief period of rhythmic breathing.

2. When ready, extend your index finger as if you were pointing at something directly in front of you.

3. Still pointing, bring your hand over to the left, and visualize the starting point of white light at the end of your finger.

Figure 18: The Tetragrams of Geomancy

4. Trace a circle clockwise from the starting point, until you complete the circle at its point of origin (Figure 19). Visualize the white outline of the circle strongly.

Figure 19: Tracing the Circle

5. Then place the palm of your hand, fingers upward, at the center of the circle, as if you were feeling the surface of a wall.

6. Now visualize the outline filling up with white light, so that your hand rests against a completely filled-in white circle.

7. Next, keeping your hand in the same position, pull your arm back toward you about a foot. As you do so, visualize the part of the circle that your hand touches bulging out as it moves with your hand, resulting in a convex bubble resting against your hand.

8. Extend your arm out again, and see the convex bubble flatten again as if against a wall.

9. Pull your arm back toward your body again. This time visualize the circle bulging out toward your hand and bulging out away from you on the opposite side of the circle, becoming a sphere. It should resemble a balloon expanding with Air.

10. Strongly visualize this sphere. See its three-dimensional form shaped by the interplay of light, shadow, and perspective. If you want, cup the fingers of your hand and give a slight flick of your hand to the right, sending the sphere spinning slowly in place.

11. When finished, place your palm against the sphere to stop its spin. Extend your arm and compress the sphere back into a flat circle.

12. Visualize the white light fading from the center of the circle, leaving only a white outline.

13. Point your index finger back at the starting point on the left. This time, trace the circle counterclockwise, completely dissolving the circle as you return to the point of origin.

14. Take note of how you feel and any insights that you may have experienced during the exercise.

An Introduction to the Middle Pillar Exercise

The exercise of the Middle Pillar (sometimes abbreviated as MP) is designed to establish the Sephiroth of the central pillar, the Pillar of Mildness, within the aura of the person performing it. It brings a sense of calmness and harmony and also acts to increase vitality.

This one ritual has many variations and uses. In the basic exercise, the magician visualizes the Middle Pillar superimposed over his or her body, specifically the four Sephiroth: Kether, Tiphareth, Yesod, Malkuth, along the so-called “invisible Sephirah” of Daath, which is used here as a conjunction of the powers of Chokmah and Binah (Figure 20). The godnames of these five energy centers are vibrated a number of times in conjunction with the visualizations.

Using the imagination, the student builds up a replica of the Tree of Life in the aura that interpenetrates and surrounds the physical body. The Pillar of Severity is on the aspirant’s right side, the Pillar of Mercy is on the left, and the Pillar of Mildness is in the center of the aspirant’s body. The astral construction of the Middle Pillar within the aura should be practiced regularly as part of a lifelong spiritual routine.

Israel Regardie, the magician most responsible for crafting the Golden Dawn’s Middle Pillar exercise in its current form, held that this simple exercise can increase one’s field of attention, aid in the achievement of balance and equilibrium, and provide the student with a remarkable wellspring of power and spiritual perception. Practice of the Middle Pillar exercise is concurrently stimulating and relaxing—it releases points of tension in both mind and body, often leaving one feeling joyful, rested, and energized.

It is also a wonderful technique for healing, consecrating Sacred objects, raising and radiating energy, and for aligning oneself with the divine forces inherent in the godnames of the Tree of Life.

The Middle Pillar (MP) Exercise

This exercise can be performed either standing, sitting, or lying down. Begin with closed eyes and rhythmic breathing.

Vibration of the Sephiroth Godnames

1. Imagine a sphere of white light just above your head. Vibrate the name “EHEIEH” (Eh-hey-yay) three times or more until it is the only thought in your conscious mind.

2. Imagine a shaft of light descending from your Kether (crown) center to your Daath center at the nape of the neck. Form a sphere of light at the Daath center. Vibrate the name “YHVH ELOHIM” (Yode-heh-vav-heh El-oh-heem). Intone the name the exact number of times that you vibrated the previous name.

3. Bring a shaft of light down from the Daath center to the Tiphareth center around your heart. Form a sphere of light there. Vibrate the name “YHVH ELOAH VE-DAATH” (Yode-heh-vav-heh El-oh-ah v’-Dah-ath) the same number of times as before.

4. See the shaft of light descending from the Tiphareth (heart) center into the Yesod center in the groin region. Imagine a sphere of light formed there. Intone the name “SHADDAI EL CHAI” (Shah-dye El-Ch-eye) several times as before.

5. Visualize the shaft of light descending from the Yesod (groin) center into your Malkuth center at the feet and ankles. Vibrate the name “ADONAI HA-ARETZ” (Ah-doe-nye ha-Ah-retz) the same number of times as before.

6. Imagine the Middle Pillar complete. Then circulate the light you have brought down through the Middle Pillar around the outside of your body to strengthen your aura. (Perform each circulation a number of times.)

Visualized Circulation of Breath

7. Side to Side: Using the cycles of rhythmic breathing, bring the light down one side of the body and up the other, from Kether to Malkuth and back to Kether. Exhale and visualize the light descending the left side of the body. Inhale and imagine the light ascending the right side of the body back to Kether.

Figure 20: The Middle Pillar

8. Front to Back: After performing this for a short space of time, imagine the ribbon of light descending from Kether down the front of your body to Malkuth and rising up your back, returning again to Kether. Inhale for rising, exhale for descending.

9. The Shower of Light: Still employing rhythmic breathing, visualize the sphere of Malkuth, then see the light rise again in a ribbon that spirals around the shaft of the Middle Pillar in the center of your body from Malkuth to Kether. When it reaches Kether, imagine a shower of light cascading down the outside of your body as it descends to Malkuth again. Circulate the light in this manner for some time.

Closing

10. Finally, focus some of the energy in Tiphareth, the heart center, before ending the exercise.

Review Questions

1. What does “quintessence” refer to?

2. What are Flashing Colors?

3. What does the Unwritten Qabalah refer to?

4. What does the Literal Qabalah refer to?

5. How many Hebrew letters have a final form? Which letters are they?

6. Which Hebrew letter means “oxgoad”? Which one means “fishhook”? Which one means “camel”?

7. Which Hebrew letter has a value of 5? 40? 80? 900?

8. What is Aiq Beker?

9. What is a notariqon?

10. What are the Sephiroth? List them.

11. What are the Navitoth?

12. What are the Four Worlds? Describe each one.

13. What are the Four Color Scales?

14. What does the term “Minutum Mundum” refer to?

15. What is a godname? Give an example.

16. List the archangels of the ten Sephiroth.

17. List the archangels of the seven planets.

18. How are planets different from zodiacal signs?

19. What are the two forms of a polyangle? How do they differ in function?

20. What is a qamea?

21. What is a triplicity? List the signs in the triplicities.

22. What is a quadruplicity? List the signs in the quadruplicities.

23. What is your experience of the Middle Pillar exercise? How often do you practice it?

24. What planet is attributed to Tuesday?

25. What is a tetractys?

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