Kabbalah can be difficult to explain due to its complexities and the tradition from which it originated. The history of Kabbalah is steeped in Jewish lore and has evolved in many different directions through Rabbinical writings and has even been used as a basis for many occultic belief systems that have departed from the original intent of Kabbalah. What is the intent of Kabbalah, then? Kabbalah is the key to an individual understanding of God. Through this understanding, an individual who seeks an understanding of God experiences life as it was originally intended to be experienced.
It cannot be emphasized enough that Kabbalah is intended ultimately for an individual to experience, meaning that one may be shown the door into a deeper understanding of God, but that the dynamics of the experience beyond the door are the dialogue between the Creator and the individual, His child. Kabbalah, aptly described, can be likened to a sacred relationship.
The entrance to Kabbalah lies in the ten Sephirah (singular: Sephirot) that compose the Tree of Life. Each Sephirot is a symbol of an aspect of the infinite God that can be understood by the finite mind. Man’s natural understanding is like that of a newborn child when compared to God’s, so in order for one to approach God, one must learn to think like a child and it is through the Sephirah that this mindset may be achieved. This is the return to the innocence of Eden.
Once an individual chooses to seek a deeper understanding of God through the Sephirah, the experiences of life take on a different meaning. Each Sephirot can be described as a lens that, when placed over the observer’s eye, provides a different perspective that may have never been considered before using the lens. It is through these observations that one comes to understand how God communicates in a unique way to each person who seeks to understand Him.
A seeker is to be given minimal information by anyone who might show them the door to understanding God. This is so that God may teach His child without the flawed intent of man getting in the way through an effort to control others; instead of letting God tend to the spiritual growth of His children. It is this love of control, of power, that has left so many bereft of a relationship with God and engorged the world with suffering. Through Kabbalah explained and practiced rightly, these wrongs may be mended and those seeking God may come to know Him.
Unfortunately, Kabbalah has been greedily hidden for thousands of years; its life-giving power locked away by those entrusted to freely give of it to the Jew and Gentile alike. This is what Jesus Christ spoke of when He said, “Woe to you experts in the law because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.” – Luke 11:52 (NIV) Even today while Kabbalah appears to be suddenly proliferated to the masses, many who teach it have confused it and their intent for doing so is for recognition and financial gain. This knowledge is, in fact, the free gift of God.
Presented below is the Kabbalah explained, the ten Sephirah revealed. Each one includes six sections that give a simple explanation of each Sephirot, how they may be understood, and how each may be applied. The reader will notice the section called “Passion Reference”, and this describes how each Sephirot was pierced on the Cross in the person of Jesus Christ, the greatest Kabbalist who ever lived.
It must be said that Kabbalah, though simple in its purest form, is a difficult path to follow. The only one who perseveres will yield its fruits because it is a way of refining the soul so that one may approach God, knowing Him fully.
The Sephirah
1. HEBREW NAME: KETER; ENGLISH NAME: CROWN
Archetypal Description
Keter is known as the Will of God and is associated with the time parameter of Eternal Present. Its personality is the Supernal Consciousness (I AM). White, brilliant and pure, is the color associated with Keter while the top of the head is Keter’s physical residence.
Visualization
During the formation of a rainbow, a beam of white light strikes a raindrop that, acting as a prism, refracts the original light into the colors of the viewable spectrum which diffuse while traveling away from the prism. The same is true of Keter; every Sephirot’s color and attributes originate within it.
Old Testament Reference
You will be a crown of splendor, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. – Isaiah 62:3
This is one of God’s promises to those who seek the Will. This verse is part of a declaration of restoration to a state of fullness, peace and prosperity. It is God’s solemn vow to crown those who seek Keter with new names, new homes, and new lives while the crown of one’s Free Will rests in the hand of God.
Passion Reference
Before He was crucified, a crown of thorns was placed on the top of Jesus’ head, piercing His physical Keter. It was God’s Will that Jesus dies and that all of His physical aspects, starting with Keter, be wounded in the process.
Personalization
Everyone originated in the Will of God and was given Free Will. This freedom of choice, whether to move toward or away from the Will of God, makes a dynamic creation possible. However, to experience the fullest reality possible, God gives recourse to His Keter, the bright light necessary for the life lived in color.
Actualization
Since Keter is a supernal aspect, it is best actualized through solitary thought and observation. In the Spring and Summer, the wonder of sunlight shining down upon fallen seeds that in turn grow to produce new life is a great example of this and can be found in any local garden, park, front lawn, or backyard. In the Fall, the harvest and result of the gifts of Light are apparent in the gathering of crops and the shedding of leaf and seed that provide the potential for the cycle to begin again. In Winter, Keter is the white blanket of snow concealing the Earth, forming the blank canvas from which renewed life will spring again.
2. HEBREW NAME: CHOKHMAH; ENGLISH NAME: WISDOM
Archetypal Description
Chokhmah, the representation of Divine Wisdom, is associated with the time parameter of Eternal Past and the personality of the Supernal Father (Abba). In Chokhmah, the Divine Will is first intuited and intellectualized.
Dark blue, like deep water, is the color attributed to Chokhmah. Anatomically, Chokhmah resides in the right hemisphere of the brain, its focal point behind the right ear. Moses is commonly thought to be a manifestation of Chokhmah.
Visualization
Lightning flashing across the sky is often used to describe Chokhmah. It is seen for an instant and is gone, somewhat like trying to grasp the contents of a dream when waking from sleep.
Old Testament Reference
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. – Proverbs 4:7
This verse is one of many references throughout Scripture about the treasure of Chokhmah. King Solomon, the author of many Proverbs, asked God for Wisdom above all other things and as a result, all manner of good things were added to his life.
Passion Reference
After a crown of thorns was placed on Jesus’ head, Roman soldiers struck Him about the head, wounding His physical Chokhmah. The perfect physical manifestation of all aspects of the Image of God, He suffered wounds in every physical Sephirah during His Crucifixion.
Personalization
Wisdom is the highest expression of God’s Will. Since God’s ways are high and mysterious, we cannot achieve His Wisdom, but He offers it to those who ask for and seek it diligently. Wisdom is the seed from which a blessed life grows.
Actualization
Chokhmah is a supernal aspect and best contemplated in solitude, but its evidence is apparent in physical surroundings like swimming or sailing in a vast body of water or even soaking in a warm bath. Observe lightning during thunderstorms or the empty spaces between the stars in the night sky. Looking for Chokhmah or any other Sephirot in our surroundings is the same as asking for it. Conversely, finding it occurs when least expected.
3. HEBREW NAME: BINAH; ENGLISH NAME: UNDERSTANDING
Archetypal Description
The Sephirot named Binah represents Understanding, the aspect of God where differentiation occurs; limitless thought taking the form of discernable ideas. Binah is the personality of the Supernal Mother (Imma) whose womb gives shape and passage to creative energies that actuate the means for spiritual revelation to become physically manifest.
Binah’s locale is in the left hemisphere of the brain, its epicenter situated behind the left ear. Green, symbolic of fertile nature, is the color of Binah. Mary, Jesus’ mother, is an earthly example of this aspect.
Visualization
Citing the pinnacle of creative processes: an embryo in utero begins as a single cell and according to a vast body of genetic information develops into the intricate set of differentiated systems that form a human being functional in body and spirit. Binah is where this knitting together takes place.
Old Testament Reference
By wisdom, a house is built, and through understanding, it is established; through knowledge, its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. – Proverbs 24:3-4 (NIV)
Here, the Understanding of Binah is the medium by which a spiritual home, a life manifested by God’s creative process, becomes realized; providing the space for knowledge to grow and yield great prosperity.
Passion Reference
Jesus was bludgeoned many times about His head, including the region of Binah, prior to dying on the Cross. Though horrific, it was His suffering that began the process of Resurrection. Spiritually, it was not a tomb He was laid in, but a womb: Binah.
Personalization
By seeking God’s Understanding, the spirit is reborn and the whole of existence begins to transform, reacting to miraculous new life blossoming from the origins of Creation. Without Understanding, the depths of God’s Will and Wisdom could never be known and enjoyed.
Actualization
Apart from the solitary contemplation of Binah, any creative activity exercises a heightened awareness of Understanding. Draw, write, sing, dance, listen to music, especially forms that give rise to new ideas. Calling mom, whether phoning the one down here or by sending thanks to Imma above, is always good. Give Love to Binah. Without Her, we wouldn’t be.
4. HEBREW NAME: CHESED; ENGLISH NAME: MERCY
Archetypal Description
Chesed is the Sephirot representing God’s Kindness, commonly referred to as Mercy, and resides on the right, active pillar of the Tree of Life; its physical locale being the right arm and hand. Chesed’s time parameter is Sunday. It reflects the color silver and the hospitable, altruistic personality of the patriarch Abraham.
Chesed is the first Sephirot actuating divine intellect, giving thought the energetic, transformative quality necessary to achieve harmonious physical manifestation.
Visualization
There is a popular saying appearing on many bumper stickers that goes: Practice random acts of kindness. Since Chesed is a Sephirot of action, visualizing it happens through actual practice. Regularly exercised, kind action without the expectation of return becomes second nature and takes on the appearance of randomness, like mastering kung fu, transcendental meditation, or any other action-based spiritual pursuit. Infused with the Kindness of Chesed, action becomes a powerful medium for God’s creative work.
Old Testament Reference
The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. – Psalm 138:8 (KJV)
In this Psalm, King David writes of God’s Chesed; that God’s purposes, His creative effort concerning David, will be fulfilled. Acting within His Mercy, with His right hand, the Creator’s work begins to take physical shape.
Passion Reference
During Jesus Christ’s Crucifixion, a Roman nail-pierced His Chesed through the right hand.
Personalization
Action performed with the awareness of Chesed displays faith in the works of God and a consciousness intent on spreading the power of Kindness. Remembering this Sefirot while going about daily tasks will reveal divine opportunities to help others while beautifying life’s interactive experience.
Actualization
Be consciously aware of Chesed, especially on Sundays. Actively seek opportunities to perform altruistic action by anticipating the needs of others. Look for coincidences that include the color silver on Sundays and act upon these observations, letting God’s Mercy guide you toward a more creative way of life.
5. HEBREW NAME: GEVURAH; ENGLISH NAME: JUSTICE
Archetypal Description
God’s Severity is embodied in the Sephirot called Gevurah which is located on the left, restrictive pillar of the Tree of Life. Gevurah is also called Din and is also commonly referenced as God’s Justice or Judgment. Within Gevurah all formative thoughts and actions are examined and refined.
Monday is the time parameter of Gevurah and red, like a fine vintage wine, is the color associated with this Sephirot. Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, is thought to be a manifestation of Gevurah.
Visualization
‘Seeing red’ is a phrase that connotes anger and a want to mete out justice to the offender. Action-based in Gevurah stems from this severity. Since Gevurah is restrictive, the realization of balanced action in this aspect should fall to God whose Justice is perfect and true where humans instinctively act in haste, often leaving little or no room for God to form creative good out of wrongs that occur in life.
Seeing red? Restrict the urge to act out and instead resort to the inward action of handing it over to God, the able Judge.
Old Testament Reference
A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. – Proverbs 11:12 (NIV)
This Proverb is an example of right and wrong Gevurah. The man who lacks Judgment acts out against his neighbor where the man possessing an understanding of God’s ways restricts action, even in the form of speech, to allow room for God’s Gevurah to manifest.
Passion Reference
The Master was pierced through His left hand, His Gevurah when hung upon the Cross. During His suffering, Jesus exercised Gevurah by praying that God forgives those who were even then in the process of murdering Him, giving every shred of Judgment up to His Heavenly Father.
Personalization
Practicing sound Gevurah requires faith that the Creator’s ability to judge and act accordingly is far superior to all human methods. Restrictive action, like that of sound Judgment, seems difficult at first since prevailing human thought dictates that things can only happen when one acts out upon life’s stage.
Anger is natural but a great danger to creativity dwells within the propensity to actualize it. There is vast power present in the action of willful inaction. Within Gevurah is the opportunity to see the left hand of God at work.
Actualization
Often in life, there are people and situations that cause anger and hurt feelings. It’s difficult to maintain an active sense of mercy in these circumstances. Every hurt life offers is an opportunity to witness the transformation of these situations into powerful occurrences that drive the creative life forward.
Refrain from actively judging others in every area of life, not just toward those who may wrong you. Consciously strip away all forms of social, economic, and religious stigmatization and be open to opportunities that allow the exercise of Gevurah. Pay special attention to this aspect on Mondays and coincidences involving the color red. In Gevurah, God’s action replaces personal inaction, supporting the creative reaction to transform your world.
6. HEBREW NAME: TIFERET; ENGLISH NAME: BEAUTY
Archetypal Description
God’s Beauty is embodied in the Sephirah of Tiferet. As one of the harmonizing aspects that occupy the middle pillar of the Tree of Life, it is in Tiferet that formative thought actualized through the aspects above it is balanced and made visible in the spiritual realms.
Tiferet’s physical location is the heart and violet, like amethyst, is the color associated with God’s Beauty. Tuesday is the time parameter of Tiferet. In Scripture, the patriarch Jacob is thought to be a manifestation of this aspect.
Visualization
Emily Dickinson is quoted as saying, ‘Beauty is not caused. It is.’ Beauty is a balanced reflection of the inner workings of the heart. Through faithful kind action in the surrounding world alongside an inner trust in God’s ability to act, Beauty takes shape and, like Emily wrote, is. An example of this is when a gardener takes the action of planting a seed in the soil. While the gardener rests, he trusts God for the nutrients in the soil, the rain, and the sunlight that will produce a beautiful flower.
Old Testament Reference
And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. – Psalm 90:17 (KJV)
This Psalm is a prayer that God’s Beauty, His Tiferet, dwell upon the hearts, the physical seat, of those who seek it. In Tiferet, the creative work God performs is made balanced and whole. Blessed with His Beauty, our actions also are made balanced and whole. Thus, Beauty, Tiferet, is made visible.
Passion Reference
Jesus’ physical Tiferet was pierced when a Roman centurion thrust a lance through His side and into His heart.
Personalization
Inner Beauty is realized when personal creative action is balanced with resting and letting God perform His great work. Life is beautified as a result and the more this balance is sought, the more Beauty shines through us into the physical world, leaving no doubt that what we are creating with God is good.
Actualization
Tiferet is a harmonizing, balancing aspect and as such it’s actualization happens through simple observation, much like an artist stepping back from the canvas to admire the progress of creativity. Actively search out the Beauty within by recognizing and exercising personal creative gifts. Also recognize the Beauty of others and encourage the people in your life to pursue their own creative inclinations.
On Tuesdays, take time to take a good look around and realize what a great gift it is to be alive. Be on the lookout for coincidences that include the color violet and watch Beauty subtly reveal itself to and through you.
7. HEBREW NAME: NETZACH; ENGLISH NAME: VICTORY
Archetypal Description
Netzach is the Sephirah of God’s Victory residing on the left, active pillar of the Tree of Life. In Netzach, formative action is made transportive and imbued with qualities of confidence, endurance, and perseverance, driving the potential for creative manifestation forward.
Netzach’s physical locale is the right leg and foot, with its focal point being the upper thigh. The time parameter for this aspect is Wednesday and its color association is light pink, like rose quartz. Joshua is thought to be a manifestation of this Sephirah.
Visualization
Traveling through life, we may be confronted with impossible circumstances, appearing like foreboding mountains that block our paths. In these situations there are three options: give up, climb the mountain, or move it. There are times when climbing the mountain is the only option and they are only moved under our feet. Other times, they are removed completely by God. Either way, our faith and surety in the Creator is strengthened and every mountain appears progressively smaller as a result…as long as we never give up.
Since Netzach is an active Sephirah, during the inevitable difficult moments that occur in realizing a life rooted in creativity, this aspect of the Tree of Life is the empowering force that guarantees the success of confident action. When mountains are encountered in life, appeal to God’s Victory.
Old Testament Reference
He will swallow up death in victory, and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces. Isaiah 25:8 (KJV)
Through the prophet Isaiah, God promises that all forms of death, all negative forms, the things that stand between His beloved children and their inheritance of a blessed, fulfilling life, will be destroyed and all evidence of their sorrows will be wiped away by His very hand. God accomplishes this through Netzach, His sure Victory.
Passion Reference
Jesus’ right foot was pierced when He was crucified. Even physical death did not prevail against Him and He arose victoriously, assuring us that even we will do the same in life and in death.
Personalization
True confidence dwells within when there is faith that God moves with us through the world. The physical action of walking, using our legs, even in the face of impossible odds, carries the creative work begun by God to the places where it has its most powerful results. Movement is essential to delivery.
Actualization
Active Netzach emboldens and transports creative thought and action toward success. Opposition can and will occur in the effort of walking toward God’s designs. Be confident when encountering criticism or perceived failures while working alongside God in Creation. Speak boldly and never doubt that what He began in you will see success. Practice a confident sense of Victory on Wednesdays and look for coincidences involving the color light pink. Through conscious, confident action, Victory is ours.
8. HEBREW NAME: HOD; ENGLISH NAME: MAJESTY
Archetypal Description
Within Hod, the Majesty of God is put on display. This Sephirah is located on the left, restrictive pillar of the Tree of Life and it is here where personal ambition is restricted to allow reflection upon God’s great Majesty which makes all things possible. Here, praise and awe of God are illuminated.
Hod’s physical residence is in the left leg and foot, its focal point in the upper thigh. The time parameter for this Sephirah is Thursday. Dark pink, like the flesh of pomegranate, is the color associated with this aspect. Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, is thought to be a manifestation of Hod.
Visualization
When a bell is struck, it produces a note that reverberates long after the physical effort of ringing the bell has passed. In Hod, our ambitious action is allowed rest, contemplation, and the ability to reverberate humble praise to God. Though self-confidence and ambition are important qualities to possess, a sense of humility is necessary to the success of creative thought and action.
Within Hod, personal action stemming from ambition is restricted to allow a reflection upon God’s Supreme Majesty and trusting in His ability to provide transport to life’s ambitions. Prayer and meditation on God’s Sovereignty provide a healthy balance for the natural human instinct of power.
Old Testament Reference
I will speak of the glorious honor of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. – Psalm 145:5
In this Scripture, the Psalmist is filled with praise for God and declares that he will speak of all of the wonderful things God has accomplished in his life. Hod is a spirit of humility before God and recognizing that it is the Creator who works through us, whose Majesty is worthy.
Passion Reference
A nail was driven through the left foot of Jesus, piercing His Hod in the process. His humiliation on the Cross glorified God and through Jesus’ humility, a new way of life was made available to all people.
Personalization
It is easy to get carried away by ambition, especially when efforts achieve success. The sense of personal power can become dangerous pride which yields a sense that every good thing accomplished is by personal ability. Resting in the midst of our ambitious actions and restricting movement for the purpose of reflecting upon God’s Majesty provides balance and continued closeness with the Creator.
Actualization
Hod is a restrictive Sephirah and actualization of this aspect is achieved by resting from ambitious action and reflecting upon God’s Creative work and Majesty. Maintaining a humble demeanor toward others is essential, so look for opportunities to serve others in some capacity, realizing that all people are equal in God’s eyes and that it is within the contemplation of His Majesty that we see our ultimate role as His servants in Creation.
Look for coincidences including anything dark pink in color. Behold the Majesty of God by humbling yourself before Him and letting others know the great work He does.
9. HEBREW NAME: YESOD; ENGLISH NAME: FOUNDATION
Archetypal Description
Yesod is a balancing Sephirah resting on the middle pillar of the Tree of Life and is called God’s Foundation. Yesod is the final preparatory stage where the accumulation of all creative energies are gathered and focused before finally manifesting in physical reality.
The reproductive organs are the physical reflection of Yesod. The color associated with this aspect is orange, like a citrene gem, and Friday is its time parameter. King David is thought to be a manifestation of this Sephirah.
Visualization
There are many steps to be considered during the formation of creative work before the artist gives it to the world to be enjoyed. An example of this would be a chef selecting all of the right ingredients necessary to produce a meal that will delight and nourish his guests while blessing the chef with purposeful work and an opportunity to exercise the skills God has given him. In this example, Yesod is the kitchen where the chef prepares the meal before revealing it in the dining room where it will be enjoyed.
Old Testament Reference
O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. – Isaiah 54:11 (KJV)
In this prophecy, God comforts with a promise to establish a firm foundation for His people; a beautiful foundation set with a precious sapphire. The Hebrew word Sephirah is the root of the English word ‘sapphire’. All the colors of the Sephirot, the precious gifts of God, are enjoined in Yesod, completing the spiritual work of Creation and preparing the physical manifestation of creative thought and action.
Passion Reference
Though the traditional portrayal of Jesus Christ differs, He was crucified with no clothes on, naked, His Yesod exposed to shame and derision, pierced by the Evil Eye of the world. He suffered this to accomplish the establishment of those who believe in His Work upon the Cross.
Personalization
A famous parable of Jesus describes two men building houses. One builds his house on sand and the other builds his house on a rock. The storms of life rush in and batter the two houses and the one built on sand is destroyed where the house built on firm foundation weather the storm. A firm foundation upon Yesod ensures that the lives we create alongside God remain intact for all time, no matter what troubles may occur.
Actualization
The actualization of Yesod is very important to the manifestation of creative thought and action. Without the balance that this aspect provides, much hard work can be lost to impatience and lack of vision. A good Yesod demands focused and balanced sexual energies. As such, sexual activity should only be performed within a wholly committed and monogamous relationship, otherwise, the role of Yesod becomes weakened for lack of focus. If coming to this level of focus proves difficult, it is better to abstain for a time, trusting God to provide the right partner through the balancing work in Yesod.
Refrain from viewing other people as sex objects in any manner, instead of learning to see everyone in life as a child of God. Look for coincidences involving the color orange, especially on Fridays and let your life be built on the beautiful stone of a firm foundation.
10. HEBREW NAME: MALKHUT; ENGLISH NAME: KINGDOM
Archetypal Description
Within the Sephirah of Malkhut, the Kingdom of God, creative work, comes to physical manifestation. Here, the fruit of pursuing a life formed through the joint effort of personal pursuit and divine assistance is experienced and enjoyed.
Malkhut is associated with the Shabbat on Saturday and the color light blue, like a clear sky. Malkhut is physically located between the feet, on the ground, the physical firmament where all things above manifest below. Jesus Christ manifested all aspects of the Tree of Life and thus, is Malkhut. It is the same Holy Spirit that empowered His life and work that empowers ours.
Visualization
The experience of life from person to person is unique; no two people having identical lives. From moment to moment, each of us is a member of a personal universe and also a part of a collective universe. At the personal level, we are royalty, kings, and queens responsible for the shaping of our experience. It is within this consciousness we realize that the Kingdom of Heaven is within us.
Old Testament Reference
Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. – Psalm 145:13 (KJV)
The Kingdom of Heaven is sovereign and eternal. God is established in and through all things, including the personal life experience of every person that seeks Him. Our role is to serve Him well by establishing a dominion founded upon the creative principles He teaches, thereby taking up the royal stewardship of the lives He’s given us for the purpose of helping others to do the same. Empowered by Him, we also build Kingdoms that endure forever. This is the eternal life.
Passion Reference
The blood of the wounds of Jesus Christ fell onto the ground below Him, sealing the completion of the work He performed upon the Earth and guaranteeing that the Holy Spirit that empowered Him was made available to all who believed Him.
Personalization
No matter what happens during our journeys, we bear the responsibility, possessing a most profound effect on our physical surroundings. We have all been gifted with the potential of vast creative power, allowing us to work with God to bring about a life designed for lasting peace, joy, and love. The very ground we stand upon is where we bear witness to the work God performs with and through us if we choose to accept the gift of His Kingdom within.
Actualization
Malkhut is a state of rest where the Creator observes the realization of the creative process and declares it to be good. Enjoy at least one day of rest during the week where you simply enjoy the life, the Kingdom, that God has given to you. Observe the clear blue sky and coincidences involving the color of it. Thank the Creator for every good work He is working through you and dedicate your Kingdom to the Glory of His Kingdom.
