The Three Triangles of Tree of Life

Introduction

A sequel to the previous, this post proceeds to examine the Tree of Life in its entirety. While the former introduces the glyph and explores its Pillars, this focuses on the second most apparent grouping inside it — its 3 triads or triangles. Like the pillars form the totality of three principles, the three triangles represent basic levels of human existence and divine manifestation.

The Celestial Triangle

Being the uppermost, the Celestial or Logoic triangle is the only one pointing upward. It is composed of what’s known as the Supernal Triad, including sephiroth 1, 2, and 3, or Kether, Chokmah, and Binah (Crown, Wisdom, and Understanding). Separated from the others, it is unmanifested and formed through the division of a unity into duality.

As addressed in the preceding post, Qabalistic wisdom views divinity as the ultimate unity beyond duality. How divinity manifests is by dividing itself into a couple of opposing principles, expressing the two faces of nature.

The division occurs through the absolute’s or one’s identification of its own existence — a process explained as one’s reflection into two, which next reflects into three. Or one’s overflowing into two to then “overflow” into three. Said differently, spheres 2 and 3 (Chokmah and Binah) are really attributes of sphere 1 (Kether). Hence the three of them operate as a single trinity unit.

While Kether is considered consciousness’ raw material, the whole first triad represents the creative forces and substances of the universe. Regarded as the great Father and Mother, Chokmah and Binah represent force and form. Chokmah’s “force” is turned into form by Binah. Chokmah contains the zodiac, whereas Binah is the sphere of Saturn and the creator of all gods.

One of the first lessons practitioners learn is that uniting with the divine requires overcoming that duality via reconciliation and balancing. Rather than being perceived as fighting each other, those opposites should be considered evenly balanced parts of the same thing. Applying to male and female, black and white, electric and magnetic, cold and hot, etc., this shows that while divinity is unity, everything manifested has two sides.

Reflection

This brings us to the manifestation of all triads. As noted spheres, 2 and 3 reflect 1. And triangle 1 behaves precisely as sphere 1. What happens next is that the first triangle reflects itself into the second. Then, because of accumulated momentum, this second reflects itself into another third. And that finally materializes in sphere 10 — the physical reality.

The Moral Triangle

Positioned in the middle and pointing downward, the second triangle is regarded as Ethical or Moral. Comprising spheres 4, 5, and 6, Chessed, Geburah, and Tiphereth (Mercy, Severity, and Beauty), it is the one in the middle.

Like the first triangle is unity splitting itself into duality, this includes a couple of opposites being unified in one. Similar to the pillars, this displays an equilibrium of forces. It shows that balancing Mercy and Severity results in Beauty that’s actually Harmony, as previously addressed.

Also noteworthy is that underneath Chokmah and Binah, the Abyss separates the Supernals from the resting sephiroth, whereas below/behind Tiphereth, the veil of Paroketh follows the same analogy on a lower plane. Both the Abyss and the veil mark chasms in consciousness. And while Kether is the highest in the tree, Tiphereth is the highest average human consciousness can elevate to.

The second triangle represents the ruling forces of evolving life. Chessed is the sphere of Jupiter, whereas Geburah is that of Mars. Tiphereth, on the other hand, is the sphere of the Sun.

According to Mystical Qabalah, Chessed’s function can be viewed as the king or emperor who does good to his people, expanding and building cities, utilities, and developing civilization. In that manner, Geburah is the warrior king or chief commander waring against enemies, conquering new territories, and banishing evil within and outside the country.

Equally essential to wellbeing and growth, this couple finds balance in Tiphereth, the redeemer, Christ-center to which all sacrificial gods are attributed. Еxamples being Jesus and Osiris.

The Magical Triangle

Including spheres 7, 8, and 9, Hod, Netzach, and Yesod, or Glory/Splendor, Victory, and Foundation, the third triangle is created simultaneously with and in a fashion identical to the second. Also referred to as the Astral, this too displays equilibrium of opposing forces.

Associated with instinctive emotion (and feelings function), Netzach is ruled by Venus, the Lady/Goddess of Nature. On the other side, we have Hod, the sphere of Mercury, Thoth, the Lord of books, learning, and magic. Where these find equilibrium is in Yesod, the sephira of Luna to which various lunar deities correspond. Examples being Hecate and Diana.

The Physical Reality

Standing on its own is sphere 10 Malkuth, the Kingdom to be the materialized universe and our physical reality, bodies, and social life. According to Lon Milo Duquette, this is where the divine light vibrates at its lowest frequency, entrapped into the matter. Not part of any triangle, Malkuth receives influences of all three. Yet, it’s somewhat separated from the other spheres. And it’s also said that it’s close to the reversed tree of death, evil and unbalanced forces. But that’s a subject calling for a different post…

Thank You For Your Time!