Gematria - Sepher Sapphires Volume 1.pdf

principles, whether, they were exalted or whether
they were debased. The rectilinear movement
inherent in the primitive %, prevented the
confusing of its derivatives with those of the
primitive WN, in which the gyratory movement
dominated. The two radicals 'PT and
represented alike a central3re; but in the first
T, it was a central fire form which the igneous
principle radiated with violence; whereas in the
second tWI, it was, on the contrary, a central fire,
from which the same principle being moved in a
circular movement, was concentrated more and
more and destroyed itself.
Such was the hieroglyphic meaning of this root
which I have already examined under its
idiomatic relations. This coincidence ought not
to leave any doubt in the mind of the reader.
Now the sign which governs it in the word Iflfif,
is that of passive action, individual and
corporeal; so that the devouring ardor expressed
by the root m, becomes by means of this sign, a
passive ardor, cold in its vehemence, contained,
astringent and compressive. Literally, it is every
hard and refractory body; everything acrid,
cutting and corroding; as copper, for example,
which this word signifies in a very restricted
sense, figuratively, it is every sentiment, painful,
intense or savage, as envy, egoism, cupidity, it is,
in a word vice.
This is the real signification of the word Iflfi3. I
have been obligate to extend my proofs more
than usual; but its importance demands it. It can
be clearly seen that it does not signify simply a
serpent. Moses, who has spoken so much of the
reptilian life, in the beginning of the Beraeshith,
was carefully not to employ it. The word Yw
which he uses, is that which, in his idiom,
indicates veritable a serpent. One can easily
recognize here the source of the French and
Latin word, and that of the Celtic sertz, which is
preserved without alteration in the modern
Oscan." [d'olivet, 1976, p. 94-97]
111. Swendenborg: "By the 'serpent' is here meant
the sensuous part of man in which he trusts ...
The sensuous things in man they (the most
ancient people) called 'serpents', because as
serpents live close to the earth, so sensuous
things are those next the body. Hence also
reasoning concerning the mysteries of faith,
founded on the evidence of the senses, were
called by them the 'poison of a serpent', and the
reasoners themselves 'serpent'; and because such
persons reason much from sensuous, that is,
from visible things (such as are things terrestrial,
corporeal, mundane and natural), its is said that
'the serpent was more subtle than any wild
animal of the field ... Among the most ancient
people, who were celestial men, by the 'serpent'
was signified circumspection, and also the
sensuous part through which they exercised
circumspection so as to be secure from injury."
[Arcana Coelestia, pp.83-84, 861
IV. Inman: This word gives us an insight into the
association of ideas which prevailed in ancient
times. It signifies 'a serpent.' Yet there is nothing
very particular about serpents in general; but
some, the cobra in India, and the asp in Egypt,
for example, have the peculiarity of being able to
raise and distend themselves, thus becoming
erect. Hence, either or both of these creatures
were emblematic of male activity, and covertly
represented the phallus. The same word signifies
'a serpent,' and 'to be hard or firm;' and this again
is associated with nahash, 'to be unclean, or
adulterous.' Moreover, the serpent, being an
emblem of diving power, neither roars, bleats,
nor sings; it simply hisses. . . .that serpents were
supposed to utter oracles, those who taught the
credulous to believe so utter words of their own
therefore, in a hissing manner; hence the same
nahash expressed 'to whisper,' 'to give an oracle,'
and 'an omen.' It also signified 'brass, or copper.'
... the reader of Scripture is struck by the fact that
the same Moses, who, amidst the thunders of
Sinai, was forbidden to make any graven
image ... (Exodus 20:4), should be told by the
same authority to make a serpent of brass, which
was not only the emblem of life, but was to
become itself a life-giver, and remain for may
succeeding centuries an object of veneration to
the faithful (2 Kings 18:4).
messiah. "the anointed" (one), king, high
priest, which is translated Christos in Greek, and
Christ in English. Assigned to Tiphareth on the
Tree of Life along with Adam (humanity) and
Melekh (king). The connection between the
serpent and the messiah is one of the profoundest
esoteric doctrines. The secret powers connected
the serpent and the anointed are of fire, the
element corresponding to the sign Leo. All
practical occultism has to do with the right use of
these fiery powers. Hence, it is written,