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The Qabala (also spelt Cabala or Kabbalah) comes from the ancient Hebrew word QBL (Qoph Beth Lamed), which means, "to receive". To oversimplify, it is a belief system based on the numerical values attributable to Hebrew letters and words, and the Qabalistic Tree of Life...
... which is a graphical representation of the framework for spiritual
growth. The whole Qabalistic philosophy is a very complex subject and would
take many years of serious study to do it justice, something that I openly admit
to not having done. I like many others do however feel that it can offer much to
modern Pagans, and indeed people of other religions.
Historically Qabala has been expressed in terms relating to ceremonial magick of
the western mystery traditions and Judeo Christian philosophy. As such, it has
usually been explained in male dominated terms, thereby preventing many people
from embracing it. Other religions are now appreciating the qualities of
Qabalistic philosophy and have integrated them into their own belief systems
through the efforts of those open minded enough to understand and reinterpret
the terms in a more balanced nature. For example, many Wiccans are now coming to
appreciate the value of the Qabala and how it can help in recognising the stages
of spiritual growth of coven members.
The 22 paths between sephiroth on the tree of life are represented by the major
arcana of the Tarot, and the
spheres can be represented by generalisations of the minor arcana of the Tarot.
The 7 horizontal planes on the tree are paralleled by the 7 chakrasof Eastern philosophy.
So what is each sephiroth (Hebrew for sphere) called, and what does it all mean?
Although the spheres are numbered 1-10, we actually start our development at number 10, Malkuth.
A good way to equate these aspects of the tree of life is to draw a parallel
to sciences interpretation of the origins of the universe, namely the 'big bang'
theory.
Before the universe began, there was nothing, a void. There was however a seed
to the universe, a singularity. The three spheres of the Ain represent the idea
of the void containing this singularity, infinite nothingness but somehow containing
the possibility of something. The veils can also be seen as the snake eating
its own tail, the universe is one continual cycle... eventually the universe
will collapse and become a singularity and the cycle will begin again.
This sphere can be equated to theideaof the singularity in our yet to be born universe, real, yet at the same time imaginary. It is associated with pure spirit, and it is here that we find our final destination, the completion of our progress towards total awareness. There are no obstacles to overcome when progressing this sphere.
This sphere is the idea of physical force, the 'Ultimate Positive' and is associated with spiritual will. It is here that we will "see" God(ess), the ultimate "one". There are no obstacles to overcome when progressing this sphere.
This sphere represents the idea of negativity, receptiveness and passivity.
It is here that we learn to overcome difficult situations, especially of the
confrontational variety.
The obstacles to overcome when progressing this sphere are greed and avarice
(greed for material gain).
This sphere is also known as Gedulah or 'Greatness', and is the first sphere to represent actuality. This sphere is associated with love, and it is here that we learn the true power of love. The obstacles to overcome when progressing this sphere are bigotry and hypocrisy.
This sphere is where we learn the power of natural forces, their uses, and how to harness and control their power. This sphere is associated with the individuals will. The obstacle to overcome when progressing this sphere is cruelty.
Within this sphere, we learn to see the beauty in all being. The sphere is associated with the "I" or ego. The obstacles to overcome when progressing this sphere are selfishness and false pride in one's own achievements.
In this sphere, we find inspiration and deeper meaning in our relationships with others. The sphere is associated with feelings, and the obstacle to overcome when progressing this sphere is lust.
In this sphere, we learn to use the mind. We learn how matters and events in the astral world can affect the physical realm. This sphere is associated with the mind and intellect, and the obstacles to overcome when progressing this sphere are dishonesty and "tunnel vision" thinking.
In this sphere, we build our own independence through use of the subconscious and past knowledge. The obstacles to overcome when progressing this sphere are laziness, and resistance to inevitable change.
This sphere is where we spend most of our waking lives. The sphere is associated with the physical senses, smell, touch, sight, and hearing. Within this sphere, we must learn to overcome the vices of greed and sloth.
Between Chesed and Binah, lies an unnumbered sphere called Daath. This sphere represents knowledge, but cannot be reached directly from the "road" through the tree of life. This sphere should only be explored once Kether has been reached.
A good book for an explanation of Qabala and how to relate this to Pagan philosophies is The Witches Qabala by Ellen Cannon Reed. Many more titles in the books section.
