THE AQUARIAN AVATAR
TIPHARETH TO DAATH, THE STAR and
THE QABALAH
By Donna M. Brown
Astrologically, we are transiting into the sign of Aquarius, the sign of the new dispensation poured out to humanity and to all life. We are told that the great gift of this Aquarian Age will be the coming of a Group Avatar and a Planetary Teacher, a “Sun of Righteousness” whose fiery radiation will transmit “Life more abundant” to the earth and to all its inhabitants.
As students of the Ageless Wisdom we are ever alert to the many signs that speak to the veracity of these teachings on the New Age and The Coming Avatar. To that end, I would like to turn to one of the esoteric symbol systems with roots in the Mystery religions that can provide us with a fresh perspective on this auspicious time in which we have the great privilege to be living. This symbol system is the modern Hermetic-Qabalah.
For those not familiar with the Qabalah it is comprised of a vast superstructure of Gnostic thought which focuses on the Tree of Life as a symbolic representation of Divine Consciousness. The Tree contains ten sephiroth or emanations consisting of the Supernal Triad, an upper triplicity of divine force, (analogous to the Christian Trinity) along with a sepentary expression of energy and force, i.e., the seven rays. The Tree of Life can be likened to an immense circuit or vast energy system, where power flows from the apex of the Supernal Triad down the Tree and up again.
The first progression of divine emanations begins with
Kether (also called the Ancient of Days). From the activity of Kether emanates
two sub-divisions; these are Chockmah, the male-positive force, whose physical
expressions is the Zodiac, and Binah, the female-negative force or great mother
whose physical expression is Saturn. Together these sephira form the great
Trinity. [1]
From this “Three in One” the following sepentary of divine
emanations are derived. They are Chesed, cohesive intelligence and love, whose
physical expression is Jupiter. Next is Geburah, the warrior, whose physical
expression is Mars, then, Tiphareth, beauty, the son, whose expression is the
Sun, then Netzach, occult intelligence, whose expression is Venus, (Hierarchy
of mind to our planet). Following these is Hod, the glory of form which has now
been brought down to the mental plane and whose expression is Mercury; then
Yesod, the foundation or machinery of the Universe, whose expression is the
Moon, and finally Malkuth, the kingdom, (our planetary Sprit) whose physical
manifestation is Earth.[2]
The Qabalah also portrays the universe as existing in four levels or worlds. These four worlds form a chain of ever increasing concreteness, from the most abstract, spiritually rarified levels, to the most dense and material. This is important to keep in mind as it speaks to the multidimensionality of the Tree and the various expression of the sephiroth within each of these four worlds. For example, it explains why Tiphareth (#6 on the Tree) can be seen as signifying individuation, Christ Consciousness and the Cosmic Christ. This multidimensionality reflects the fact that our minds are an integral part of the mind of the Cosmic Christ.
The Tree itself is divided into three Pillars; the sephiroth
on the right side are on the Pillar of
Mercy or Mother, those on the left are on the Pillar of Severity or Father, and
those in the center are
on the Pillar of Equilibrium, consciousness
or Son. Through a “Science of Triangles” each sephira is balanced by its
opposite with the sephria on the center pillar of the Tree. The process of
synthesis and harmonization is an important part of the practical work with the
Hermetic- Qabalah since it is from the Pillar of Equilibrium or (Noble Middle
Path) that the individual and the group can invoke and evoke higher, more
refined spiritual energies. Self realization occurs when the initiate realizes
all ten sephiroth, via the major Trinity of Triads within him or herself.
(Diagram # 1: The Descending
Lightening Flash)
One of the meditative aids used for ascending Tree is the Major Arcana of the Tarot. These cards or trumps might be said to represent a synthesis of the chief symbolic languages: numerical, geometrical, astrological, mythological and theosophical.[3] Used in conjunction with the Tree they constitute a rich ontological system that can used for penetrating deeper into the essence of being.
The 22 Trump or Court Cards are allocated to the Paths
running between the 10 Emanations on the Tree. These give us the 32 Paths to Wisdom
or steps to the initiations. When the
these paths have been traversed both up and down the Tree we have the sixty-four
ways of manifestation, the sixty-four Hexagrams of the I Ching and the
sixty-four members of the occult Hierarchy.[4]
While path-working on the Tree will necessarily involve working with all ten emanations and all 22 Major Arcana, the focus of this paper will be on the synthetic Middle Pillar and those cards that constitute the path of alignment from Tiphareth, ( # 6, the Self or Christ within) into Daath (Knowledge or Meaning.) Daalth is the sephira that leads into the Supernal or Logic Triangle. This link or bridge built up between the aforementioned sephiroth can be likened to both the individual and planetary Antahkarana and to the emergence of the Aquarian Group Avatar.
Tiphareth or Beauty is, for our purposes, the starting point. But before proceeding to Triphareth it is important to bear in mind that the Tree can be viewed from the perspective of both the individual and the group, and in terms of past, present or
future.
The glyph of the Tree is a compound symbol reflecting both macrocosmic and
microcosmic evolutionary processes.
It is also necessary to give some additional background on the sephira preceding Tiphareth. The first rung of spiritual ascent begins with # 10 Malkuth: The Kingdom. Malkuth pertains to manifest creation and to the world of appearances. It represents the physical world, the physical body and the animal instincts. However, it is also Spirit vibrating at its lowest level. To describe it in another way, Kether is in Malkuth and Malkuth is in Kether. This reveals a correspondence to the Seventh Ray.
Yesod, # 9, the Foundation, corresponds to Pisces and the Moon, to the past and the Etheric World, Hod # 8 is the concrete mind or passive recognition, and # 7 Netzach, represents the astral world the emotions and emotional control. When the various energies in each are realized and brought into balance they form what is known as the Ethical Triangle.
From the Ethical Triangle the aspirant progress to Tiphareth or Beauty which is located in the nerve center (#6) or at the Heart of the Tree. Tiphareth is regarded as the “Mediating Intelligence” where the upper sephiroth may enter into communication with the lower ones. The powers of all the other sephiroth flow into Tiphareth where they are balanced, synthesized and sanctified.[5] From Tiphareth it is possible to work in group formation.
Tiphareth is also the path that has more or less direct access to Kether, the Crown or Infinite Source on the Tree. At it lowest level Tiphareth is the integrated human being, a vision of the Soul or Soul Contact. At higher levels it signifies the Inner Christ, the Human Soul, the Causal World and the first of the great Initiations.
Tiphareth, ultimately synthesizes or balances with Geburah, the Warrior or Strength and with Chesed or Mercy. Geburah is discipline, endurance, steadfast determination and the controlled and purposeful use of energy. Chesed is love, beneficence, compassion and generosity. When these are brought into a balance in Tiphareth we see the beauteous reflection of “His Mercy that endureth forever.”
Not surprisingly, the Tarot Card allocated to this sephira is L` Amoureux, usually translated as The Lover(s). Its inner meaning, however, is closer to “he who is enamoured,” signifying the yearning for and creation of harmonious relationship and brotherhood, the ability to think in the heart, and Love as unifying and healing force. It also speaks to the development of right choice or discrimination, to freedom from the separative, lower self, to the ability to hold “a point of tension” and to the expression of Soul Love and Solar Light. Tiphareth, therefore, is our essential nature, the Observer or Self. We might also view it as the First Divine Recognition – the recognition of the soul-infused personality which serves as the core of group will and action. Tiphareth expresses as an outpouring of love, consciousness and harmony which is directed into the world of human endeavour and into the higher formless worlds.
Tiphareth then, is the heart of the group organism, “who in
the fullness of time and through the work of evolution, and embodying the group
ideas (abstracted from the higher sephira on the Tree) and demonstrating the
group nature, can manifest in a small way the true significance of the Body of
Christ”….Treatise on White Magic.
From Tiphareth we can ascend further up the Tree into the transpersonal or universal realms. But along the path and between Tiphareth and the direct influences of the supernal spheres, is the “invisible” sephira of Daath. Also known as the Door and the Abyss, Daath is said to “veil” the upper Triad. In terms of pure Qabalistic doctrine, Daath is not represented in the Tree and is not actually considered a sephira. But the experience of Daath is requisite to cross the Abyss (the gulf or gap in consciousness) separating the Supernal Triad (the creators) and the world below (the created.) The Qabalah states that the level of Daath is as far as the Higher Self or Soul can go. Those seeking union with the Divine must leap across the Abyss, fearlessly and unaided, creating for him/herself the transition of Daath.[6]
Another important idea associated with Daath is that of Knowledge of and Conversation with the Holy Guardian Angel, i.e., Angel of the Presence. This idea refers to the fusion of personal light, soul light and the light of the Presence. The ultimate experience of Daath, however, involves willfully relinquishing one’s acquired powers. In other words, Daath requires a willing sacrifice to God’s Will. These ideas are clearly suggestive of the need for building the Antahkarana and the encounter between the Angel and the Dweller. Entrance into Daath represents development of the intuitive faculties, the higher initiations and ultimately, Monadic realization.
The sign allocated to this part of the path is Aquarius and its symbolic representative is “The Star.” Our Sun’s present transit into the sign of Aquarius and its relationship to this part of the Tree should be looked at with special interest since it represents a highly potent confluence of energies. It speaks to developments that are currently taking place on both the individual and planetary level.
The glyph of Aquarius gives us some hints about the
influences at play. It consists of two jagged or wavy lines, one on top of the
other. The upper line might be seen as the Door leading into the formless and fiery
worlds and into the realm of the supernals. The lower line might be viewed as
the Abyss or the test of knowledge, science and power that if misused or disconnected
from the preceding sephiroth can take the individual or group back down the
Tree into the deep sleep and bondage of Malkuth. This dual vibration has
special relevance when seen in the light of the tremendous scientific and
technological advancements presently at the disposal of humankind and to the
amassing of vast stores of knowledge, wealth and power. It suggests that
humanity is on the threshold of realizing its inherent potential to co-create a
new world. But it also suggests the importance of linking heart and head to
prevent certain and unexpected dangers. These ideas seem to be borne out by the
Tibetans comments that Aquarius is a dual sign and signifies two vibrations.[7]
Looking at the lines or waves of this glyph from another perspective we can see that they convey the idea of motion or the ability to move from place to place (perhaps an electromagnetic frequency). The upper line represents the higher Aquarian vibration, divine inspiration and the intuitive aspect of the mind dispensing higher knowledge and great ideas to the rational, concrete mind, (the lower line.) From this we can see that Aquarius brings about a free flow of ideas and interconnectedness. It also facilitates the development of the insight, intuition and direct knowledge. In this context we might see Aquarian energies as contributing to the development of the so called “global brain” with its potential for global illumination, transformation and initiation.
The Star Card graphically depicts this process on both the individual and collective levels. But before turning to the symbolism it contains lets look at the Hebrew letter given to this Card, which is Pe. Pe is said to represent the influence of the macrocosmos on humankind. It stands for liberation, inspiration and spiritual perception. It is also said to represent the mouth and the tongue, which gives the teacher, the spiritual visionary or group, great powers of communication and the ability to broadcast or dispense the water of consciousness and of “life more abundant” to others.
The Symbolic Language of the card communicates much of the
same indicating the nourishing of humanities spiritual consciousness. The naked
figure suggests unmasked or naked truth and the mystery of revelation. It
evokes Venus, the symbol of expansive, life giving power. The connection to
Venus, the other or little sun, is reinforced by the eight pointed stars on the
card.[8]
The seven smaller stars seem to refer to the seven sacred planets, the seven
interior stars and the seven great ashrams, all of which imply the presence of
seven centers or groups of radiant psychic force.
The great central Star could also be viewed as reference to Kether, the
symbol of Divine Fire and Life which is concentrated and radiated from all the
other stars. It may also refer to Sirius,
the Central Spiritual Sun about which our own sun revolves. This correspondence
to Sirius also has relevance since the idea of Liberation or Freedom is so
central to this path on the Tree.
One of the other significant symbols is the figure of the water bearer who is shown as pouring out two streams of water (symbolic of the ocean of space) from her/his jugs. This sacramental dispensation signifies the pouring forth of stellular consciousness or the “food of the Gods,” dispensed, not to just a few, but to all creation. This sprit/seed-water is brought down in the way of divine ideas from the fiery realms of the Tree to the sphere of practical living. In some renditions of this Card the water bearer is shown carefully combining these life giving waters. This suggests a “Doctrine of Synthesis,” or a wise blending of all the major religious traditions and authentic systems of self-realization.[9] This blending represents the emergence of the One World Religion.
Looking at the Tree of Life from the angle of the Tibetans teachings there is clear reference to a new dispensation, to a global mind shift or awakening brought about through the aid of a Group Avatar. This Group, traversing the path from Tiphareth through Daath and beyond, consists of the aspirants, disciples and initiates who are working with the Christ on behalf of humanity and all planetary Life. They are the knowers of God emerging from within the ranks of humanity (and the Tree) who will anchor dynamic truths in the hearts and minds of wo/men that have never been expressed before. It is this group the Coming One will use to liberate humanity into a new initiatory level of awareness thereby ushering in the New Age.
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