The Qabalah’s Tree of Life is a glyph that represents, simultaneously, two directions: the flow of the Divine from Above to Below, and the Path of Return to Source, Below to Above, for those on spiritual journeys of enlightenment. It is a glyph that represents all of creation and all the energies of creation.
The Tree of Life is comprised of ten circles called Sephiroth and the 22 paths that connect them. The Paths are subjective, and allocated to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet as well as the 22 Major Arcana of the Tarot. The 10 Spheres are objective and are considered emmanations of the Divine. They are allocated to the First Swirlings, the Zodiac, the six visible planets, the Moon and the Earth.
The Sun is represented in two main places on the Qabalistic Tree of Life. The first and central representation of the Sun is the central Sephirah of Tiphareth.
Tiphareth translates (from Hebrew) to Beauty. It represents beauty, harmony and is the radiant heart of the Tree. It directly corresponds to the Sun in both planetary and symbolic terms. Positioned centrally on the Tree, Tiphareth balances and reconciles Sephirah of Chesed (Mercy) and Geburah (Severity) which are placed on the right and left sides, respectively. Together these three form the Ethical Triad, which is also called the Triad of the Higher Self, and is symbolic of God’s Moral Power. Tiphareth is the sphere of sacrifice, enlightenment, and transformation, and is often linked with the archetype of the dying-and-resurrected god (like Christ, Osiris, or Mithras), whose deaths bring illumination. Tiphareth represents the Higher Self, and it’s magical experience is Conversation with the Holy Guardian Angel.
The second representation of the Sun on the Tree of Life is the 18th Path of the Hebrew letter Resh, which corresponds to The Sun card in the Tarot. Resh means “head” which is perhaps appropriate, as the Sun symbolizes the Self, the Ego, and Consciousness, as well as the active male principle.
SOLAR EXERCISE of TIPHARETH
Sit Outside in the sunlight, ideally in view of the Sun
NOTE: Take precautions not to get sunburned, apply sunscreen if necessary.Close your eyes and take 6 deep breaths, in and out, slowly.
Firmly visualise the a bright beaming Sun above your head.While visualizing this, quietly intone one of the following:
”RAM” (Rahm) This mantra activates and balance the Solar Plexus chakra, which is associated with personal power, confidence, and self-esteem.
”Jehovah Aloah Va Daath” This is the Qabalistic god-name for Tiphareth, which inspires alignment with the Higher Self & the DivineWhile intoning, let the Sun descend into the top of your head. Let the whole body light up, and become warm.
Pause intonations when inspired to do so, and receive any impressions. Again, if you have not applied sunscreen, take care not to lose track of time and get sunburned.