Inner Shift

Posts Tagged ‘four worlds’

“There is a natural tendency to view the Tree as a series of discrete objects rather than as the unified, undifferentiated whole it actually is, and the paths allow us to begin the process of reintegrating the Tree by exploring the relationships between pairs of sefirot. A thorough understanding of two sefirot and the path between them creates a new unit of understanding that can then be put together with other such units. A solid grasp of the sefirot is required before any path may be usefully meditated upon and followed, and a path is realized through study, visualization, empathy and guided meditation. Thorough knowledge of the sefirot linked by the path and the correspondences of the path itself are an important part of this process.” ~ Byzant Kabbalah

{Note: Paths 1-10 correspond to the ten sephiroth.}

The Four Worlds of the Tree of Life consist of: Atziluth, Briah, Yetzirah, and Assiah. These are modes of creative force and form in the evolution of the Universe. As Gray writes they amount to “cosmic consciousness focusing itself into material existence through creative cycles of energy seen from four angles of approach”. Each of the four worlds corresponds with a letter from the Great Name of God–IHVH.

Atziluth ~ Origination, I Conceive, Yod

“This is where God actually originates anything by conceiving the archetype in his own awareness.” The principle identifies with a God-name.

Briah ~ Creation, I Create, He

“This is where the concept is carried further along its line of life by leading orders of creative spirits.” The principle identifies with Archangels.

Yetzirah ~ Formation, I Form, Vau

“Here, as the name implies, shape, form, arrangement and all other detailed specifications are given to the concept by spiritual workers with specialized yet limited skills…” The principle identifies with orders of Angels.

Assiah ~ Expression, I Express, He (final)

“This is where the concept emerges into existence as we recognize the term. That is to say, it reaches us through natural laws and channels of consciousness.” The principle identifies with Cosmic Phenomena.

These concepts can be applied to anything you see around you, even the way you were created! They also are the four stages in the development of each sephirah. It is important to remember that creation is a process and not something that happens instantaneously. It proceeds from Spirit to Matter via these channels. Your own creations will follow this same process.

Quotes: Gray, William G.

Qabalistic Concepts