“ Control through discipline

trains us to use our talents wisely

and not to overstep the mark..”

 

… Maggie Whitehouse …   

 

 

    

Keywords

Foundation

Authority and Humility

Divine Power

Moderation

Obedience

 The Energy of the Sphere

Chesed is also known as -Gedulah or  love and majesty

As we move through the remaining spheres we can more clearly see that all of the spheres below Kether are variations and permutations of the ONE.  This realization can be likened to the importance of correct lighting in a theatrical production. On each of the stage lamps, various colored gel filters are used to refract the brilliance of a singular white stage light in order to create the necessary ambience or mood in support of the action onstage. These slight variations serve to move the consciousness and visual perception of the audience into another reality. For the most part, the beauty of this is that this simple act of refraction of light is done in a transparent way that seamlessly connects with the action, the music and the sets of the production.

Chesed is the last sphere ascending the Tree before crossing the abyss (Da’at) that separates the pure Divine essence of the Supernal (Godhead) Spheres of the Tree. It’s energy is that of coalescent, refined and summation of experience afforded the spheres leading up to this point. This sphere is often considered the Hall of the Masters; the point where choice is made to either remain to serve humanity or to ascend beyond the realm of physical expression and be fully reabsorbed into the source of all creation.  

Descending the Tree, Chesed is the first sphere of actuality. The point where flow and form have merged and the juncture that is the beginning  of the work towards actualizing the concept or idea of manifestation may begin in its journey into a place of reality. Divinity (Kether) in a state of awareness of ITSELF and having found the means to polarize and create something more from ITSELF (Chokmah and Binah) yearns for manifest expression (Malkuth), and once having manifested, yearns for the natural return to ITSELF. It is from the place of Chesed that this cycle takes root and foundation.

Chesed is the foundation upon which all creative effort begins its journey into being.  It is the receptacle of the outpourings of the Supernal Triangle above the abyss (Da’At). This outpouring is the combined essence of the one (Kether), now polarized, becoming two and expressed through Chokmah (Wisdom) and Binah (Understanding). 

The sphere of Chesed is one of abundance, obedience to the spiritual laws, authority and foundation. The extreme nature of its polar sphere Geburah, has now been brought to a place of greater insight into the necessity of final release in order to move forward. The point of focus and discomfort that arose in Geburah has now expanded to a place of truly seeing and experiencing the greater whole (larger picture) and the importance of having both a strong container to hold (Geburah) the outpour and flow of expansive energy (Chesed) to draw it down into a place of manifest use (Malkuth).

The energy of Chesed acknowledges and accepts the limitless potential that arises when true abundance is embraced. Within this acceptance is also the potential of acting upon and creating more fully from what insight has been acquired through the energy and experiences of the previous spheres on the ascent up the Tree. These lessons and insights have now reached a place where they may be refined, adapted and molded to be more closely in accord with Divine Will versus the desires of ego.

Chesed is the place of cosmic memory. It is the refined aspect of the Yesod (the storehouse of images)  having been filtered, synthesized and finalized by the spheres acting upon the Yesodic energy in the ascent towards Chesed. Having arrived at this state of full access to memory of the aeons and creation itself, work may begin towards incorporating and using that memory where choice and Free Will are called to action.  Chesed teaches and demands obedience to the laws of nature and the cosmic laws that is without question because the ego has been put aside and the workings of the Inner Divine have been activated. There is a gnosis or knowing that all will be and is as it should be, so there is no need to question, as there are no personal agendas.

The Settled Consciousness 

The energy of Chesed  is one of Consciousness that has received informed and generative spiritual powers from the Supernals and thus in turn emanates these in an expansive nature towards those Sephiroth that follow in order. In this state of being, consciousness has transcended beyond simple awareness of its Higher nature to awareness of how and where that Higher nature has evolved from.

                         The Receptive Intelligence

Chesed is considered the Receptive Intelligence. In this way its energy is in the place of receiving the Supernal energies of Binah/Chokmah and Kether and forming the ideology of these spheres in a way that is more easily understood as being brought down towards manifestation. Its nature is that of having deep gnosis, founded upon the stability of higher purpose and then being able to release that energy to be further refined through Geburah.  Chesed is assigned the element of water, and thus, in making use of this watery nature of healing, deep insight an infinite “sea” of possibilities opens to complete the larger whole. 

Numerical Value

                   Chesed is the 4th Sphere.  Within the energy of the  # 4 is the basis of foundation, solidity of form and function and endurance or permanence.  Four indicates change (as in the four seasons) , versatility (as in the four elements) and a nice solid, equi-sided base upon which to build from those changes, versatile natures and enduring qualities.  Four also relates to the planet Mercury; the planet of communication. The essence of the fourth sphere- Chesed- is the ultimate form of communication and then dissemination of that synthesized communication through the vehicle of compassion, mercy and grace.

Location on the Tree

As we move up the Tree the energy of the spheres becomes more intense. Simultaneously, these energies also become less dense and more refined, with higher vibratory frequency.  Because of the higher vibratory frequency it become paramount that each sphere work in tandem with its opposite. The distinction between each sphere is magnetically drawn towards the center point of balance (the Middle Way or Pillar of Equilibrium), with the polarized energy of each depend upon the other for full expression, thus force and form must work cohesively.

The Middle Sphere on the Pillar of Mercy

Placed at the center of the Middle Pillar of Mercy, Chesed receives the downpour from Chokmah and the upward striving of Netzach’s energy. If we equate Chokmah with wisdom and Netzach with beauty, Chesed becomes the central activator that takes in both streams of emanation, transforms them through its action of cohesion and causes the necessary expansion based on memory of all potential outcomes to creates a deeper expression of Love\, informed by  Divine wisdom.

The Gateway to the Supernals

Chesed is the last sphere on ascending the Tree before stepping into the realm of the Supernals of Kether, Chokmah and Binah.  It is the place of final choice that has been informed by the energy of the spheres below it and the decision to brave crossing the abyss to reach the womb of the Great Mother (Binah). It is the Gateway to both Wisdom (Chokmah) and Understanding (Binah) and conversely, Chesed is also the natural outcome of the directed energy of these Supernals.

Womb of Manifestation

On descending the Tree, Chesed, having received the emanations of Wisdom and Understanding stands as the first sphere of actuality and potential towards reality. 

The illustration below is my perception of this combined effort of creation. This collaborative thrust of energy is where potential moves through Force (Chesed) to create Form (Geburah)

The Square of Foundation 

Last month we looked at a square of foundation through the energies of Geburah and assignment of those spheres contained to a specific element.

Please Reread from Lesson Seven: Geburah

(remember that I did say everything must work in tandem, including lesson reviewJ)

If we look at any of the three connecting points in the diagram above as we move around the perimeter of the square there is a pattern that emerges. The pattern is that of FIRE-WATER and AIR. This triad , or triangle represent the three points of flow and return that form the basis for energetic fire. This thought process is particularly useful if you engage in a regular energetic practice to enliven the spiritual fires within. In each case one of the elements acts as the positive point from which the initializing effects proceed. There is a moment of neutrality or pause where the initial charge is synthesized, transformed and reversed and the outpour or flow towards the point of negative magnetic polarity. The action of positive and negative reacting and acting upon one another creates the electric burst or fire that produces energy.

Through the Medium of Water (neutral point)  the  Directive Energy of Fire (positive)

  moves to a place of discharge within the organizing, lawful movement of Air (negative)

~ in the space of Ether (energetic vessel of boundary)

For example:

The outpour of  desire for  beauty and harmonious union (Netzach) moving through the waters of pure mind (Hod) are polarized, acted upon and  released by the breath of strength and sacrifice (Tiphareth) to produce informed and unconditional love.

or

The release and creative outpour Will (Geburah) moving through the waters of  pure reason (Hod) are polarized , acted upon and released through the downpour of the sun's light  as informed action

This Geburic attribution creates the foundation of the 4 elements plus spirit residing as the mid-point. If we look at this same square of foundation from the perspective of Chesed and its energetic nature, we can take this concept a step further with those elemental energies and apply them in a more expansive way. It may appear that the elements of association have shifted and are incorrect in some way, but if we take a closer look at the nature of the spheres, there is some logic to this.

• Geburah still stands in the place of Fire and will, but the three other spheres take on another elemental attribute.

• Hod becomes the sphere of Air, inspiration that has been catalyzed and electrified by Geburah through the waters (its natural state) of its domain to provide the necessary charge that will issue forth light, illumination and idea.

• Netzach becomes the sphere of Water, its yearning for beauty, love and desire  transformed through the fires (its natural state) of its domain to a place of flow and outpour and movement.

• Chesed becomes the sphere of Earth, the foundation and stable fertile grounds upon which all creative flow can be stabilized. It rises from the waters(its natural state) issued  from the primal  womb of the Great Mother (Binah).

• And, Tiphareth standing in the center as both receiver and distributor is the place of Spirit, the ultimate refinement at this level of creation of all that flows in and through it.

Movement from HOD

When we move diagonally from the place of Hod through the energy of Tiphareth and arrive at Chesed, we have taken pure logic, thought and reasoning, moved the idea through the filtering lens of Tiphareth with emanation into Chesed to a place of loving temperance.  The interaction between the three is one of natural evolution as the Higher Self emerges as primary communication between mind and action and outcome of that mind working in collaboration with Divine Will.

The Spiritual Experience

The Vision of Love

" this PATH tells unmistakably the story of Justice and principles of Compensation from every possible angle.  Here, Might and Mercy become balanced.  Fear and Favor are equated and all is placed exactly as it ought to be in relation to the ONE reality behind all ephemera of existence.  The Sword of Mars is restrained by the Scepter of Jupiter, but on the other hand, Jupiter’s prodigality is countered by the economy and reductive behavior of Mars.  Between giving and taking away, we live along the margin of the Middle Line "

“Growing the Tree Within”  by William Gray

The spiritual experience of Chesed is that of LOVE expressed in its Highest Form.  This is considered the Sphere of Saints and the Hall of Masters or those who have  ascended to their highest state of being and choose to remain on the Wheel of Incarnation to aid humanity. This energy  Having claimed the mantle of power in Geburah, that power is carried forward to a new state of energy that is infused with authority and mastery over a baser nature and becomes the expression of  compassion and unconditional Love of a Higher Order guided by the merciful Divine.

The Illusion of the Sphere

Bigotry, Hypocrisy, Tyranny

History holds the lesson of Chesed in its illusory state. The once beneficent ruler who, after having achieved an expansive state of power, becomes the tyrannical despot. Authority, control and power are all very seductive energies, and ones which the human ego feeds strongly from if not held in check. When the natural state of Chesed is drive from a place of human will those things which would be seen from a more open and broader view begin to take on the narrow gaze that moves towards exclusion and elitism. Bigotry against one or another group- that are ironically all part of that larger perspective- becomes the survival mechanism that is put into place to preserve one’s authority and power. Of course, this authority and power are humanly ordained rather than achieved through Divine inspiration.

At this level of being, what should be of pure intent becomes a travesty of hypocritical display, sought in final desperation as the false foundations lay in ruin.

The Briatic Color

Blue

When we see the color Blue we usually respond in a relaxing gentle way. Blue has long been associated with healing. If we think of the color blue in nature, the sky and the oceans, each hold a mystery of their own. Each is expansive and infinite in quality and each holds within its nature the necessary components for survival- air/breath and water/moisture. The Briatic color of Chesed holds the memory of these mysteries. The sky contains the currents of air which reflect the fire and heat of the Sun. All embrace the earth which holds the oceans waters which hold the molecules of air warmed by the sun with its fluids. Air-Fire-Water and Earth, the elements of foundation are thus contained within the simple vibration of Chesed's Briatic color.

Planet

Jupiter-  Jove

Expansion

Astrology - Jupiter

King of the Gods 

Be gracious, all-seeing Son of Cronos, most excellent and great!

Its symbol represents the crescent of receptivity waxing as a focus of material activity. One of the brightest planets in the sky, Jupiter was noted by ancient astronomers as the only object that travels across the entire celestial sphere. 

Astrologically Jupiter is known as THE GREATER BENEFIC.  It represents WISDOM. It is a planet of freedom, tolerance and plenty. From this planet all good things come and it is seen as avuncular, jolly, moderate and kind. As Jupiter takes 12 years to orbit the Sun, it spends one year in each Sign. Therefore, its influence in the horoscope is more inclined to the collective rather than personal.

It represents the drive for insight on an intellectual, philosophical and religious level. Jupiter is said to bring great good fortune, and its influence is to expand the effect of everything it comes into contact with. Jupiter rules the law and moral authority, and our attitude to these issues. It brings a strong desire for understanding and the tendency to have powerful opinions and convictions. Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system with its own cosmos of moons orbiting and its influence is to expand the effect of everything it comes into contact with.

excerpted from url:  http://www.weboteric.com/astrology_planets/jupiter.php

Magickal Image

"A Mighty Crowned and Throned King "

The images that is attributed to the sphere of Chesed is that of a mighty king, wearing the crown of authority and seated on a throne of royalty.King Solomon and the Emperor Key of the tarot are apt representations of this image. True authority emanates from a place of great wisdom, much experience and a sense of the "right" balance and natural order of things. If a ruler is considered just and fair these attributes are enhanced and each decision arrived upon or order decreed comes from a place of wanting the best for all concerned. The warning here, however, is that the "best" is not always what is the desired or favorable outcome that would be coveted. The "best" could be considered negative in all aspects; and this is where experience and having the broader scope in mind come into play. When we are able to step into the place of the merciful loving King, we are able to acknowledge that there will always be disparity between what is perceived as favorable and beneficial and harsh and cruel. Being able to distinguish,  and more more importantly, to accept this knowledge is the first step towards stepping into a place of Divinely inspired authority- the Mighty Crowned King sitting upon his justly deserved Throne.