I am what is held
Beneath the veiling
Of Father Sun’s full light.
Mine is the gift that
Sustains and offers
What is needed so
That all may grow
In strength and Might.
I reach and stretch
Touching spaces
Most will only
Imagine because
Of heart and mind
Closed off in fear
Of darkened blight.
But if you seek
The deeper source
And purposefully dig
Pushing through the
Struggle of self-fight.
The mysteries will
Be revealed as the
Roots of my Tree
Are but mirror
Reflections of sun
Kissed canopy of white.
All it is that you
Seek is on the Path
Remaining for most
Hidden in plain sight.
As we enter the Temple of the Sun, Qabalistically we are entering into connection with the central sphere on the Tree of Life, Tiphareth. The name given this sphere is Beauty and the energy is one of synthesis through sacrifice and integration through refinement of the sum of all of its parts. This is much the same energy that we experience in the course of a Solar year. The energy of each of the Zodiacal signs, their element and modality are modified and expressed through the brilliance of the Sun. And, in keeping with the evolutionary process of movement from one sign to the next, each is informed by the previous sign’s energy and contributes a part of its dynamic into the sign that follows. Please see the end of this post for recommendations about learning more about the Tree of Life.
Scorpio and Mars (Pluto) on the Tree
Astrologically, we have learned that Scorpio is ruled by a planet whose core nature is one of creating disruption and asserting itself dynamically to bring about change. We have moved from the grace and beauty of Venus and the balance of Libra into a realm that is hidden, mysterious and for many seen as the shadowscape where none willingly venture. We have also learned that this is but one of three levels of energy that are accessed by Scorpio and Mars is no less versatile in what may be drawn from its complex depths.
Within the Qabalistic Tree, Scorpio and Mars hold sway in the Sphere of Geburah and the Paths of the Tree – 24th and 27th. When we speak of the energy of Scorpio as the mystery of the Occult nature of the Tree, we are enabling a vision of the Tree that is both Light and Dark, holding the keys to the subconscious as well as the awakened consciousness of one who has seen the truth of their own nature and embraced it willfully in all of its aspects. This energy is expressed as the deeper mysteries held within each of the spheres and claiming the power of self in diving into those dark waters to retrieve the pearls of wisdom that lay beneath. This Will to transform and “know” is found in the severity of the Qabalistic sphere of Geburah.
Geburah (Mars) and Tiphareth (Sun)
Tiphareth and the Sun
Each of the Sephiroth and connecting Paths of the Tree of Life holds correspondence with a planetary and/or zodiacal energy. The physical Sun stands centrally within our solar system, providing light and heat. Tiphareth provides the space of transformation and the full force generator that distributes what is processed so it may be utilized and transmuted by whatever it emanates its energy into. This is the sacrificial aspect of this sphere. This is the action of enlivening within its own source to ensure the continuation of the creative process begun within the other components of the Tree. So we begin in this central hub of universal energy and move out towards the flow of energy represented by the essence of Victorious Creative Fires that is the sphere of Netzach.
I sit shivering in the dark
Eyes closed and all of my being
Filled with fear that I will
Lose my most valued possession.
Flame and heat surround
Yet the air is dense with
Energy that moves like
Cold steel wielded by a
Forceful hand.
What I cling to so fiercely
I have long ago outgrown
But the comfort and safety
Provided are like soothing
Ointment on wounds that
Have yet to be opened.
I want to be free of these chains
I want to be whole
What I carry are bits and pieces
Of my own folly and the thought of
Excision sends me into retreat.
As reason gives way to desire
And understanding stands at the
Threshold with outstretched hand
I rise from this place of cowering
I open my eyes to see what lay
Ahead and a cold dark hand
Grasps my own as I look into
The eyes of myself.
The only demons I have to fear are what
Lay within the spectre of my shadow
With the single act of embrace
All that is to be discarded
Falls from me
I am Free.
I am strong and what I had
Feared losing the most
Has only been transformed
And forged anew
The dark gives way to light and
I step forward to greet the
Final outcome.
Geburah – The Sphere of Creative Will
The sphere of Geburah is probably the most feared sphere on the Tree. It is also largely the most misunderstood or misinterpreted as its energy is fierce in nature, accepting nothing less than change and exerts a force that is transformative. If you look at the energy of Geburah and see its balance on the pillar of Mercy, the sphere of Chesed, it is easier to see exactly why things must be exactly as they are in the realm of Geburah. This dynamic flow of energetic alchemy is precisely what is needed for spiritual growth.
Geburah is the Fifth (5) Sphere. Within the energy of the number 5 lay the will to create through the precisely applied excision of what would hold that creativity at bay. Five follows the number four of foundation; the square that holds and contains everything within the confines of equilateral boundary. Five is the breaking through of and FROM that boundary to create a point of dynamics that may be directed and focused as a beam of light on whatever is in need of its transformative touch.
Geburah’s English name is “Might”, which gives clue to the intensity of whatever actions are used to produce the desired outcome. The semantics of this word conjures up visions of injustice, force and coercion, which are apt descriptions of one of its facades. The other aspect is one of advocacy and tough love that enable something precious and new to be birthed from the destruction that was required.
Geburah is assigned the element of Fire, which unlike the other elements cannot exist in physical form without consuming and destroying something else, thus causing transformation of that thing. Fire also requires Air to sustain its blaze or to extinguish a heat that would raze all in its path. Within the energy of Geburah, this air becomes the informed destruction; knowing where, when and how. It is out of that destruction that the potential for the most growth often occurs. Like the legendary Phoenix rising from the flames of ash, the work of Geburah is to heat things up, and at this level, it carries the seeds of change that are the stuff of initiatory transformation, action and development of the Higher Will.
The Sphere of Courageous Action
The energy of Geburah gives us courage to see with more clarity. With that courage there is a necessary caution that arises as we continue towards building a space of strength from which to exert the force and action that is needed. This is a place of wise caution that takes the form of reverence for that which is greater than ourselves, and using only enough force necessary to purge that which we should versus the proverbial “throwing the baby out with the bathwater”
The 24th Path: Scorpio and Mars
Enter of your own free will
Stand fully in the light of
The halls of creative product.
The cost of experiencing such
Beauty will weigh heavily
Upon your Soul’s desire.
Fear not for it is well worth
The price for the rarest of
Gems you will bring back
With you so that all will
Share in the Glory of
Your Divine nature.
Of emerald green moss embedded
Under freshly painted pink nails.
The 24th Path represents the synthesis of the fire of the heart and strength of sacrifice working in dialogue and exchange with one another. If we think in terms of heart felt will and the courage of personality centered sacrifice, this is the action of moving from a place of balanced compassion (Netzach) that willingly offers its energy up to become part of a filtered and transfigured outpour (Tiphareth).
This is the process of regeneration that takes the raw stuff supplied and renews and restores each to its enlivened form. The process of transformation is one of change. In the energy of the 24th Path this transformation moves deeper into what the source of that creation was and holds it in transmuted form; utterly and completely changed. Alchemical work has goal of transmutation and in application to the process of manifest creation, that formless state goes through multiple iterations before the final product emerges. Transmutation is the directive. Not simply transforming what the energy is applied to, but completely changing it so that the end product stands of its own differentiated power and accord. This is the sacrificial action of Tiphareth.
The Planetary/Zodiacal Energy
Mars/Scorpio
Mars is the traditional ruling planet of the astrological sign of Scorpio. The energy of Mars is one of assertion and directed will applied in an unyielding manner. Scorpio brings intensity and the subconscious realms into action. These combined energies placed upon the 24th Path give indication of the caution to be had in bringing to the light (Tiphareth) the desires and needs of the fires of the heart (Netzach) that may need closer scrutiny. Scorpio has the ability to regenerate and transform its visage and rise in evolutionary process from the depths of base and primal emotions to the heights of the Pheonix arising from decay. The mid-point of balance is the associated image of the Eagle, who relies on instinct to hunt yet soars above having clarity and keen sight as the tools of means. The potential held in the action of beauty and victory, harmony and love is one of give and take and requires both the scorpion that lay in wait to strike at the precise time and the ability to rise from the ashes of decay to bring about a state of harmony.
Tarot Key XIII – Death
Image: Art Through the Eyes of the Soul Tarot Deck
Note: Each of the Paths of the Qabalistic Tree has the assignation of a Tarot key placed upon it as further correspondence to its energy. The Paths 11-32 are represented using the Major Arcana cards.
Tarot Key XIII – Death is placed upon the 24th Path. This is the ending of one state of being that must be relinquished in order to move to a state of greater service and ultimate rebirth. Having the experience of in-spiration into the realms of Tiphareth, and receiving the influx of multiple paths converging in and through the dynamics of the Tipharethian sphere death is a necessary state within which to enter. And, what emerges from that state is the fresh beginnings of a new cyclical journey that has potential to super-seed what has come before.
A Contemplative Exercise: A Meditation on the 24th Path
Sitting quietly where you will not be disturbed spend some time in contemplation about your own physical death. Taking a journal or notepad and pen, write down what type of funeral you would like to have. Who would you want to be there? What type of flowers, and other décor would you like to have displayed as representation of a life well spent? What words of remembrance would you wish to have spoken about how you spent your life? Make this activity a gift to yourself and filled with the beauty that your life exemplifies.
Another Path of Expression: Mars on the 27th Path
The 27th Path: A Path of the Dark Night
I think about all that contains
Beauty in this resplendent world.
I feel the creative Divine mind
Course through my endeavors.
I know the mind of reason
Flows as beauty of effort
And grace of union in the
Soul of heart and mind.
27th PATH- The First Level of Experience
The 27th Path highlights the re-membering of the experiences of self and knowledge of one’s own Divine nature. Since it is the first challenge encountered mind (Hod) and heart (Netzach) strive to achieve a state of balance and collaboration. This process of synthesis of these two spheres of pure mind and pure heart offers the test of faith, discipline and right action.
The Dark Night of The Soul
The concept of the Dark Night of the Soul is one that is experienced at specific points on the Tree and of varying intensities. It is described as a state of utter loneliness, despair and the sense that the Divine has forsaken you. It is a moment that stands the test of true “faith” for in that hour of disconnect the realization of separateness and the intense yearning for union with the Divine are brought to the forefront of the experience. This descent into a type of abyss is what serves to strengthen the resolve and conviction of the human and releases the vestiges of ego and personality that do not serve well the spiritual nature.
A Lesser form of this test of faith and spiritual strength comes upon the 27th Path, connecting Hod and Netzach. The Tarot Key of The Tower is placed upon this path and it is the work of the combined energies of Hod (Mind) and Netzach (Heart) to shatter the faulty foundations of our “ivory towers”. The intensity of energetic response that occurs when pure mind and informed heart struggle to collaborate and become co-creators in creating a more enlightened state of being tests the seekers entire system of beliefs and understandings. Overwhelming darkness, depression, doubt and inertia are the natural byproducts until surrender to the process reveals the greater light of Tiphareth above.
A Secondary Ruler – Pluto
Scorpio is traditionally ruled by Mars, but a secondary ruler is Pluto, Lord of the Underworld and what lay just out of reach and sight. Adding this dynamic to the mix of energy that emanates as Scorpio weaves its mystery on the Tree provides the reference of what potential is to be found in drawing the sub-conscious into the realms of conscious awareness. The work of the Tree is reunion with what created and knowledge back to the Source from that creation. Scorpio is very much attuned to this cyclical process of creation and regeneration by losing parts of itself to the process; and ultimately using the information gained from that experience to create anew. Pluto provides the potential- the hidden from and in plain sight – where true courage and exertion of will are the only means to retrieve what lay at the edges of our Universe. This is expressed most aptly on the 31st Path, connecting the pure mind of Hod and drawing that original blueprint of thought into the place of physical form.
The 31st Path – Pluto
The 31st Path provides the energy of inspired thought drawn directly into the space of Malkuth, the physical realm. This is the space of aspiration beyond the mindset of what are the perceived limitations of physical mind. The energy of Malkuth provides stable foundation for mind to plant its seeds of invention. And conversely, physical form is always reaching and extending outwards towards illuminating information that will change what is already known. These are the tools that foster progressive thought in the arts and sciences, revealing masterpieces of creation that would have otherwise remained in the aethers of wishful thinking.
The Planetary Energy
Pluto
Pluto is the Planet furthest away from the earth. It is considered cold and cloaked in the darkness of mystery and general association with the subconscious and the occult. If we consider these descriptions in relationship to the energy of the 31st Path and the connection of Hod (Pure Mind) and Malkuth (Manifest Form) much of what we bring forward that is Divinely inspired appears to come from the furthest reaches of ordinary mind. Those deeply inspired epiphanies that we have occur in a state of darkness, not in terms of light value but rather from a bubbling up within the deepest reaches of the subconscious mind. We all know tale of those great inventions that came from blindly following instinct and did not fit the normal protocol of creation.
Another Key: Knowledge
Da’at – The Hidden Path of The Abyss
What sound issues forth
From the place of the
Abyss.
It is neither the timbre
Of sweet angelic choir
Nor the shrieks and
Howls of those
Souls lost in the night.
It is not the harmonious
Cadence of the Universe
Or the persistent hum
Of time moving from
Point to point.
Perhaps, it is the silent
Pause between the beats
Of a heart that has given
All that it has to give.
This is the silence that
Is full of potential and
Hover just at the edge
Of ecstasy bursting forth.
It is the hollow echo
That stirs the memory
And opens the sight
To choices and paths
Taken long ago.
It is the primal scream
That heralds the beginning
Or renewed awareness.
It is the silent scream
Of the Fool as he steps
Off the edge of what is known
And falls into the arms of
True Knowledge.
Until recent times, Da’at was not included in the listing of the Sephiroth. Its energies were considered to be more that of a state of being versus an emanation in the strictest sense of the word. It is perceived as sitting just off course and to the back of the Tree. Da’at is also known as the Great Abyss. The space of final challenge on the Tree that must be successfully navigated en route via the Lightning Flash back to the supernals of Cretion of Binah (The Great Mother), Chokmah (The Eternal Father) and their synthesis of Kether (Crown of Limitless All).
The Point of Union
Da’at represents the stage of spiritual evolution where the Soul has achieved its highest purpose and no longer has need to be at the mercy of ego and lower mental process. It is the juncture of union with the energy of the spheres of the Supernal Triangle. This is the consummate joining of force and form to produce the progeny of Chokmah and Binah’s coalesced natures and bring it forth in clarity of mind through Da’at’s expression. Da’at sits in the place of gnosis, knowledge having been refined and absorbed into the consciousness of being. This communion is one in which the Divine Spark is the point of contact as divine life returns to Its source.
The Dynamic Trio
Scorpio, Pluto and Da’at
The work of this dynamic Trio is one of deep transformation; most often when the shadow and the light being meet and make peace of their disparities arriving at common ground through the vehicle of human form. What has been rendered useful of Scorpio’s intensity by the action of Mars is readied for the testing and retrieval of what lay at the core.
In Conclusion:
As we consider the attributes of Scorpio and its ruling planet(s) Mars (Pluto) and their impact on the Tree of Life the prominent focus is one of revealing what is perception and what is reality. These are the ultimate keys that will expand our understanding of a Tree that holds the power of life and death itself. As we come to know more of our hidden nature and acknowledge it as co-creator in the process of our physical lives, the doors to the library of our past lives and experiences will be opened and the transformative energy contained therein will awaken within our eternal self.
As the light of Tiphareth (Sun) shines brightly and radiates its vision of magnetic attraction throughout the multilayered branches of a tree that reaches far and wide in its expanse and impact we are reminded that in this vision of creation’s most exquisite form and its desire to share the gift of that expression, we are the manifest product of its own loving nature. And, it in the darkness of the night and the birthing waters that lay in the shadows that we will find travelling our path to gnosis.
Resources:
If you are not familiar with the Qabalistic Tree of Life, I would recommend reading through the article posted in my other blog, The Magickal Pen entitled “Geburah’s Might” to give you the necessary overview for an introductory base of working knowledge about the Tree. It can be found here:
The Magickal Pen: Geburah’s Might
13 Keys to the Qabalistic Tree of Life
Reading:
The Inner Chamber Series. R. Fennelly
Volume One: It’s Written in the Stars (2013)
Volume Two: Poetry of the Spheres (2013)
Volume Three: Awakening the Paths (2014)
Order at author’s website: Robin Fennelly
Next Post
The Magick of Scorpio
November 16.2014
Temple of the Cosmic Spheres 
