Cicero - Self Initiation into the Golden Dawn Tradition_Part 01

62 SELF-INITIATION INTO lHE GoLDEN DAWN TRAOmON
CHOKMAH (Chohk-mah)
Translation: WISDOM
Key word: SUPERNALFATHER
Yetziratic Title: The ILLUMINATING INTELUGENCE
Physical Representation: The ZODIAC
Symbols: The Line, the Phallus, the Yod
Chokmah is the second Sephirah, and its name means Wisdom. Chokmah is
almost an extension of Kether-the overflowing of the Divine into a second,
which is a reflection of the First. From the Absolute Unity of the One now comes
the Two, the first active expression of polarity and the balance ofoppositeswhich
forms the matrix of the manifest universe.
According to the Sepher Yetzirah: "The Second Path is that of illuminating
Intelligence; it is the Crown of Creation, the Splendor of the Unity, equaling it, and
it is exalted above every head, and named by the Qabalists the Second Glory."
Chokmah is clearly confirmed here as the essence of illumination; not the same as
that BrilliantSpark of Kether which exists on a higher plane, butas Wisdom-perfect
knowledge and understanding that has developed as a result of the reflection
of Kether into a second sphere; a mirror of the First, enabling the Divine Spirit to
both emanate from itself and behold itself. The "Crown of Creation" indicates that
Chokmah was "created" from the Crown (Kether). Again we are presented with
the idea that the Primal Spirit is not diminished in any way through the succession
of the Sephiroth; "the Splendor of UNITY, equaling it." That, "it is exalted above
every head," alludes to Chokmah's high position on the Tree along with the other
Supernals above the Abyss.
As the first Sephirah to develop polarity, Chokmah is placed at the summit
of the Pillar of Mercy or the right-hand pillar. IfKether canbe described as a point,
then Chokmah couldbe portrayed as a straight line, an extension of the pointinto
space. The energy of Chokmahis dynamic and outpouring, for it is the greatStimulator
of the universe. Within Chokmah lies the first masculine (Fire) expression
as opposed to the androgynous expression of Kether. Whereas Kether is the calm
center point of the universe, Chokmah is complete action and movement-the
vital energizing element of existence. It is the archetypal Positive and the Great
Supernal Father, Abba. However, Chokmah is not simply a masculine sexual
energy, but rather the root essence of masculine or dynamic Force.
DINAH (Bee-nah)
Translation: UNDERSTANDING
Key word: SUPERNAL MOTHER
Yetziratic Title: The SANCTIFYING INTELUGENCE
Physical Representation: The sphere of SATURN
Symbols: The Womb, the Cup, the Triangle, the letter Heh
Binah, the third Sephirah, whose name means "Understanding" is the feminine
counterpart of Chokmah. This sphere is situated at the summit of the left-hand