Cicero - Self Initiation into the Golden Dawn Tradition_Part 01

68 SELF-JNmATION INTO 1HE GoLDEN DAWN TRAomON
The Sepher Yetzirah says: "The Seventh Path is the Occult Intelligence,
because it is the Refulgent Splendor of all the Intellectual virtues which are perceived
by the eyes of the intellect, and by the contemplation of faith." The Occult
Intelligence obviously refers to Hidden Intelligence. This is something hidden
deep within ourselves that we mustuncover-our Divine Nature thatis kept hidden
from us by mundane obstacles. The Refulgent or Brilliant Splendor of the
intellectual virtues is the Divine White Light mediated through the prism of
Tiphareth, reflected into many-rayed hues (aspects of manifestation). The One
Light has been reduced to the many for the purpose of manifestation into form.
The phrase "eyes of the intellect" alludes to the Wisdom of Chokmah at the apex
of the Pillar of Mercy while the passage"contemplations of faith" refers to the act
of devotion, the impetus behind all spiritual attainment.
HOD (Hohd)
Translation: SPLENDOR
Keyword: INTELLECT
Yetziratic Title: The ABSOLUTE or PERFECT INTELLIGENCE
Physical Representation: The sphere of MERCURY
Symbols: Names of Power, the Apron (Masonic)
Hod is the eighth Sephirah, situated at the bottom of the Pillar of Severity. Its
name means "Splendor" or "Glory." Just as Netzach symbolizes raw animal
instincts, Hod represents the intellectual part of the mind to which the "left brain"
can be assigned. it is the rational Mind which organizes and categorizes. All
expressions of writing, language, communication, science,and magic are assigned
to Hod. All words and Names of Power have their origins in this sphere. We also
find the idea of the "Individual Mind" here, as opposed to the Group Mind, which
is in Netzach. It is the Individual Mind of Hod which makes one aware of one's
personal relationship to the Divine.
Hod is a lower form of the energy found in Chesed but mediated through
Tiphareth. The energy of Hod is Watery (feminine) and fluidic. Hod and Netzach
cannot function properly one without the other.The Eighth Sphere is where the emotions
and instincts of Netzach take form and come into action.Intellectneeds the balance
of emotion to drive it; otherwise the words and science of Hod become mere
rationallabelings, dead and uninspired. Likewise, emotions need the discipline of
intellectto stabilizeand ground, to keep the dynamic energy from being squandered.
The relationship between Hod and Netzach is symbiotic.In terms of the individual,
the two spheres mustbe in harmony in order to maintain a healthy personality.
According to the Sepher Yetzirah: "The Eighth Path is called the Absolute or
Perfect Intelligence, because it is the mean of the primordial, which has no root by
which it can cleave, nor rest, except in the hidden places of Gedulah, Magnificence,
from which emanates its own proper essence." It is the Perfect Intelligence
because it is the mean (median) of the primordial. This implies a position halfway
between two extremes: Force and Form. Hod is also the seat of the Intellect. To
borrow the terms of Astrology, this correlates to the idea of Intellect being in the