” Move in any direction from Tipharet- up, down, right, left-

and you tip the balance one way or the other.  But, dwell in Tipharet, and you live in peace and harmony,

and energy both dynamic and still.

 And there is beauty.”

... The Kabbalah Tree by Rachel Pollack ...

Keywords

Harmony 

Bliss/Chaos 

Conductor/Receptor

Pulse

 The Energy of the Sphere 

Communion with The Higher and Lower Selves

"As above, So Below"

The sphere of Tiphareth is the central core of the Self.  It both emanates its sustaining and strengthening energy and also serves to quicken. This energy is magnetic in nature and as it absorbs and draws towards itself, it simultaneously releases, distributes and emits the transformed energy. This action is very similar to the process of the heart within the physiology of our being. The heart serves to cleanse and purify the blood for recycling and release to those vital areas that are reached via the elaborate network of vein and artery.  This action puts the body is a state of attunement, so that the nutrients may be received and the body will remain viable , strong and healthy in function. Tiphareth acts as the place of attunement and synthesis of return and release whereby the energies of the other spheres have a place of common meeting ground to blend and distribute in accord with the needs of balance and equilibrium.

Tiphareth is not only the place of deeper connection but it takes that connection further in the call to be "fully present". Fully present in the sense of the bright light of the sun shining on you, move you into the spotlight and making you accountable for not only showing up to do the work, but to do so in an illuminated and fully enlivened way. 

Ascending the Tree – we transcend the limitations of human form and evolve towards  a state of pure being of Light. Descending- the Light which emanates from Kether reaches Tiphareth- is harmonized by drawing on the qualities of the surrounding spheres- and moves down into the density of concrete form, carrying with it the seeds of the previous spheres energies.

Consciousness of Consciousness

The energy of Tiphareth is one of Consciousness becoming aware of its Consciousness. At a human level, It is through the inflow and outflow process that we form conclusions, make declarations and define our realities and boundaries of extension. At the level of Tiphareth it is the realization of the divine nature of consciousness, its potential and inherent connection to the highly refined powers and principles that emanate from the spheres above as well as the roots of manifestation and form that lay below. This becomes the cornerstone of Devotion. Just as with everything within Tiphareth's domain there is the duality of the more dense realization of that devotion and the higher aspiration and meaning of the word in connection with The Great Work. That Great Work plays out as the work of oneself and personal spiritual evolvement and the resulting by product of the doing of the Great Work of Spirit within the world.

The Mediating Intelligence

The Synthesis of the Energy of Existence

Soul and Body ,Self and Ego and Higher Consciousness and Personality come together , magnetically, electrically and willfully in a meeting of Higher Consciousness and Personality before ascending upwards towards the Supernals or drawing  that synthesis downwards towards the human experience...rcf

When we "mediate" we act from a place of bridging and standing between; not giving more emphasis or credence to one thing over another. A decision in favor of one side may be made, but only after carefully weighing the differences and similarities of the opposing sides. This is the action of Tiphareth. Holding many paths of influence in steady balance and sorting and acting upon the varied influences as they present. This vantage point of being centrally located also gives a greater perspective to each of its connecting paths and spheres. One which is illuminated by the combined Light and truth of each acting as a hub around which the Universe of ideas, thoughtforms and energies revolve. 

AIR

Tiphareth is assigned the element of air. One might question this as much of the

attributions of Tiphareth center around the Sun and solar energies contained within.

But, if we think in an esoteric sense, the energy of air is the same as that catalytic

force that breathed the world into creation through speaking the word. It is through

breath that the words of power are uttered and manifestation pours forth. So, if we

hold this context in mind, Tiphareth is the place of manifestation of the new life

breathed into each of the energies that move through and out of it. 

The Solar Principle of Energetic Awakening

Kundalini and Tiphareth

If we consider Tiphareth from the perspective of its solar energy and enlivening qualities it is not too far a stretch to map that similar energy into the process of personal energetic alchemy. The fundemental principles of the awakening of Kundalini energy are that of the combining of the solar (Pingala/Surya) principles and the lunar (Ida/Chandra) as they intersect specific chakras in an upward ascent up the sushumna (the central column that runs just behind the spinal column vertically from the perineum up through the crown of the head)These pathways are referred to as the Nadi's:

Nadi  (the Sanskrit for "tube, pipe") are the channels through which, in traditional Indian medicine and spiritual science, the energies of the subtle body are said to flow. They connect at special points of intensity called chakras.

Ida/Chandra                    (moon)    lunar energy

Pingala/Surya      (solar principle)  solar energy

Rise up the Sushumna (central column) to a higher state of union with the Divine

The Middle Pillar is the direct route of access to the Source of Kether. In spiritual

aspiration to follow the middle way is to move through the spheres of Yesod -through

Tiphareth- crossing the abyss of Da'at and reach the finality of Kether. In using these same qabalistic principles we could liken  this journey to that of a Kundalini awakening. In this format the Lunar or Chandra energy emanates from Yesod. As it moves upwards and comes to the gates of Tiphareth, this energy entwines and is quickened by the breath (remember the attribute of Air associated with Tiphareth) of life fires  from Tiphareth- the solar principle. In this domain, the lunar and the solar principles merge, blend and synthesize, before moving upwards on their continued paths. They would most likely cross again at Da'at (this is the sphere of the shadow self and the final release of those parts of self that are not in union with the Higher State of Being). Once again, each moves outward until they reach their final place of union and illumination within the sphere of Kether- the place of the All.

Now, this is all speculation, but when we learn to think of the attributes and energies of the Tree is conjunction with that knowledge which we can grasp and bring into a physical experience* we have a greater understanding of the way in which the Tree of Life is mapped onto and scaled into everything- at all levels of being.

* this is in no way an endorsement of pursuit of raising of one's kundalini without the guidance of a knowledgeable and trustworthy teacher. 

Numerical Value

Tiphareth is the 6th Sphere.  Within the energy of the  # 6 lies the harmonious relationship between the essential trinity and the spiritually amplified trinity of Higher expression. As we work within a state of balance and sincerity of action designed towards the higher good we move towards a place of spiritual enlightenment. It is the call to bring into harmony  the synthesized product of compassion and forgiveness.  This is the sacrifice of one's pride and ego that is necessary to put the momentum of devotion to the Great Work in process.

Location on the Tree

….Everything may emanate from Kether-

but it is Tiphareth that holds everything

in significant relationship each with the other….

Sits Centrally On the Middle Pillar of Equilibrium

Strategically placed at the center of the Middle Pillar of Equilibrium, Tiphareth has a panoramic view in all directions. It also has the distinction of being the place of that which divides the lower half and upper half of the Tree.  That which is manifest and denser in matter and form must first pass through the heat of Tiphareth before it can be exhaled towards the heavens and more refined natures of the upper spheres.

Intersected by 8 Paths

At the level of Tiphareth the PATHS become Living means of conducting energy to and from the Central Source devoid of their attributes and codifications.  Each of the spheres as they proceed into the heart of Tiphareth becomes less identifiable as it blends with and establishes a place of collaborative energetic flow, one to the other. None being more important than the other, and all being of great necessity for the overall output.

The Outpour of the  8 Pathways

From:  

Yesod = The creative image board from which conclusion can be formulated

Hod = Decoding of Symbols, Metaphor and the Illusions of Yesod  and communication

     Netzach = Intelligence of the Heart. The combining of pure thought & compassionate grace.

Geburah = The necessary release and rebirth

Chesed = The broader perspective and keen discernment

Binah = The womb that gives form to what is formless

Chokmah = The first impulse and creation  towards duality

Kether = The infinite Source that both begins and ends the process

The Spiritual Experience

The Vision Of Harmony & Of Sacrifice

Last month, we stated that the spiritual experience of Netzach was the Vision of Beauty Triumphant. This "beauty" was that of all of nature and its components. When we arrive at the level of Tiphareth, this vision becomes one of the harmony underlying that which has been organized into something of beauty. The sum of all its parts has come together in just the right manner to produce that which is harmonious, has integrity and is whole. This is the first glimpse of our Higher Self-the pure intuitive self that has established  a working collaboration between the personal and manifest needs and the greater desires of spirit.   Leaving behind those manifest and physical attributes that are not in alignment with our higher state of being that we so fiercely cling to are often regarded as sacrifices. This is the illusion, for the place of sacrifice is not held within the material world, but much deeper within the Soul where desire is driven by the individual personality and is only achieved in letting go of that personality to become at once singular and part of the greater whole that is humanity in its Divine place of kingship.

The Illusion of the Sphere

Identification

We as humans like to label ourselves and often seek approval, attention or simply community  through the identification we make with those groups, energies, personality traits, etc.. Identifying with is not in itself a negative attribute, but when we very strongly confine and bind our being within that identity to the exclusion of acceptance or consideration  of another way this creates a lack of movement or stasis within our being.

The illusion of Tiphareth is one of cutting off the flow of other input. Of so strongly seeing itself as only the one nature and fabric of its energy that the magnetism ceases and what, by necessity, had to be continued flow stops. At this juncture everything implodes from the force of misdirected energy. Take pride in what you wish to claim as your own, but allow the flow of what is not to pass through as well. Often within that flow of what we think is not ours to identify with are found the smallest pieces of gold which open the doors to greater collaboration and draw like the magnet your inner gold back to the Source.

The Briatic Color

Golden Yellow

Magickal Image

A Child, A Majestic King  and a Sacrificed God

The images that are attributed to the sphere of Tiphareth may seem to have no connection at all on first glance. A child, a King and a sacrificed God seem as incongruous to be placed in a triad of empowerment as to combine the forces of a dancer, an artist and an engineer**. But, as with many endeavors it is the collaborative efforts of each bringing their own particular piece to the puzzle that creates the masterpiece that would have lain uncreated had they not looked deeper for the common as well as the differences inherent within each. 

The child in this case is our point of birth.  The place place where all potentiality is imbued within a life and light filled being, before the impact and influence of the world is set upon him/her.  The child knows nothing other than unconditional Love and sees the world in its true from of light and magick. The inner beauty and light of everything is revealed and there is untapped strength, that if fostered and nurtured (Binah, the Great Mother) and acknowledged and honed from a diverse perspective (Chokmah) will serve the child as he matures. 

The Majesty of the King is the natural process for this child. Having garnered and gathered from years of experience and selectively and carefully weeded those things which served no productive ends (Geburah), authority and process of wielding this power is held within his command. If the lessons have been learned well, compassion (Netzach) will grace those decisive moments.

And, there will come a point of testing, a Dark Night of the Soul (Da'at) when the Kings' true worth and aspiration is put to the fires. Intellect (Hod) and drawing upon the lessons of the storehouse of knowledge (Yesod) will be critical to this process. This is the place of turning point and choice of dedication to the Greater Work which serves all and the ALL or choosing the path upon which he will remain as a King only.

If the choice is made to step into the place of greater Kingship, the King of Majesty and right becomes the Sacrificed One. He becomes in human eyes a God for he has set aside personality and ego and has embraced the individualized self that has achieved union with the Divine. This choice ahs been offered at great sacrifice, but has been made willingly and shows us that we must  lay aside our separate (individual)  lives to achieve the ultimate union with the Divine Source and the All. This Sacrificed God is the attainment and awareness of our Higher Self in balance with our place among humanity.     

** So, you see, the work of great acclaim was achieved when the artist provided the visual backdrop, which inspired the dancer to choreograph a performance piece which required the skill and knowledge of the engineer to design the set that would allow the dancer to safely and beautifully fly, seemingly in mid-air, as she moved across the blazing sun of Tiphareth painted by the artist.