The Tree of Life
by Kris Saba © 2006

THE TREE OF LIFE

by Kris Saba

          The Tree of Life, also called the Qabalah, represents nature, balance, beauty and purpose in life. It is rich in symbolism, and includes rubies, amethysts, spheres, and the elements of the earth (sun, water, wind, air). The Tree of Life has correspondences with the tarot, astrology, and color. The Qabalah has been around for thousands of years. It can be incorporated into any religion, as it is not dogmatic. Since it is based on personal experience, it lends itself to mystical traditions.

          The Qabalah has ten spheres, also called temples, and twenty-two pathways. Each sphere and pathway represents a different type of consciousness. A sphere is also called a sephirah, which comes from the same word root as sapphire.

          The main goals of each temple of the Qabalah is named and numbered along with the symbolic planet associated with that sphere. These are as follows:

          1          Crown          creative and artistic expression             (Uranus)

          2          Wisdom          greater initiative living in the world          (Neptune)

                                       with more purpose and power

          3          Understanding          the mysteries of silence                   (Saturn)

          4          Mercy          awakens a vision of love and           (Jupiter)

                                       true power

          5          Severity          getting rid of negativity and              (Mars)

                                       building strength

          6          Beauty        Christ Consciousness and more            (Sun)

                                       energy for life and success

          7          Victory          harmony and love in relationships          (Venus)

          8          Glory           being truthful and the ability to           (Mercury)

                                       communicate effectively

          9          Foundation           knowing yourself                       (Moon)

          10          Kingdom     a feeling of security                            (Earth)

          The Qabalah represents the complexities of life and gives you a clear set of worthwhile lifelong goals: wisdom, understanding, mercy, strength, foundation, beauty and purpose. These goals can create healing, more defined, meaningful purpose, and a balance between judgment and mercy, and the emotions and thoughts. Using the Tree of life results in a life that is balanced and has more direction. The Qabalah does not demand perfection, but maturity, depending on your age and experience. Using symbolism to activate these goals works well. For instance, if you want to work on the sphere of Foundation (sexual organs) which will strengthen emotional health and helps to detect the unconscious, then you would collect the symbols of that sphere, such as amethyst, lavender, honeysuckle and the colors violet or indigo. Since the Qabalah is not rigid, if you prefer another color you could use that instead. Just use what you have around you, a flower, a shell, a stone, or whatever. Burn some incense and focus on developing strength to further your true intention.

          One of the most interesting aspects of the Qabalah is how it relates to your body “as a living temple.” Each sphere and pathway corresponds to your body. For instance, Beauty corresponds to the heart; the Crown is the top of the head. The Middle Pillar is the spinal column. The sphere of Victory is on the left kidney of the body, while the sphere of Glory is on the right kidney. Your throat and your sexual organs are the main sites of your unconscious. A quick way to learn this is to visualize the diagram of the Qabalah in back of you and then visualize yourself backing into it. This way of visualizing the body and the Qabalah comes from Will Parfitt’s excellent book The Elements of the Qabalah. The other book I would recommend to help you study the Qabalah in practical terms is Ted Andrews’ book, More Simplified Magic, Pathworking and the Tree of Life. Credit goes to Ted Andrews and Will Parfitt’s book for the list of goals and the symbolism for each sphere.

          If you approach the Qabalah by being patient with yourself and in a lighthearted way this will help you achieve your goals. Being in nature also helps. If you have any questions or comments email Sarah259@mindspring.com.