Working with Qliphothic Energy's in the later grades.
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@Jim Eshelman said
"Another way to say it: You don't need to work the Qlippoth. They work you! All you have to do is meet the challenge of what arises.
"Jim nailed it,thank you pretty much what I was thinking.
Then I love how so many Thelemites talk about the Qlipthoth and don't even work with it or experienced it.
In the occult experience is every thing not reading it in Theory.
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93,
RZK wrote:
"I think you have misunderstood my point. Please re-read."
I just re-read your post. I feel I do understand your point. I just don't think you see the opposite viewpoint of the people who disagree. Which wouldn't matter at all, since you've made your own choice of path, and don't need others' approval or comprehension for that.
But you are portraying other Thelemites as (in effect) being closed or narrow minded. And that's not necessarily true at all.
93 93/93,
EM
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@rzk said
"There is nothing wrong with the Right Hand Path."
Was often is left to wonder, though, if the left hand really knows what the right hand is doing.
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@Jim Eshelman said
"Was often is left to wonder, though, if the left hand really knows what the right hand is doing."
"let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth" - Matt. 6:3
616
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@rzk said
"That's the reason why the Left Hand Path works with both the Sephiroth and the Qliphoth, both the right and the left hand."
... therefore the left hand path is "superior"... right?
btw... it is a little misleading to equate the "right hand path" to the "sephiroth" You can follow the ascending path on the sephiroth and still be a left hand path magician. You can work with the qlippoth and still be a right hand path magician. The real scheme of things is the reason why you do those things. That's the real issue. In the end you decide if you keep your ego or let go.
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""... therefore the left hand path is "superior"... right?"
No?
"not really...
In Liber AL vel Legis Chapter I, we also find:
*"50. There is a word to say about the Hierophantic task. Behold! there are three ordeals in one, and it may be given in three ways. The gross must pass through fire; let the fine be tried in intellect, and the lofty chosen ones in the highest. Thus ye have star & star, system & system; let not one know well the other!" *
"52. If this be not aright; if ye confound the space-marks, saying:* They are one; or saying, They are many**; if the ritual be not ever unto me: then expect the direful judgments of Ra Hoor Khuit!"*
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Why anyone would want to "work" the qlippoth is beyond me.
I've been pondering the nature of qlippothic energies in the context of understanding initiation and ordeals as a process of metamorphosis and evolution.
My question is whether qlippoth arise from too much softness or hardness.
Mathers suggests the qlippoth result from an imbalance toward the Pillar of Mercy. Does that mean the aspirant attracts qlippothic energies due to being too open, naive and merciful - i.e. a lack of understanding and severity? Or does the aspirant attract qlippothic energies as a natural adjustment from being too severe, judgemental and hurtful - i.e. a lack of mercy and compassion toward others?
Qlippoth are described as discarded husks or shells. Like the dead skin of a snake or exoskeleton of a cicada. This traditional description does not seem accurate. Based on examples in Nature, I suspect husks and shells are what result from coming in contact with toxic qlippothic energies and subsequently discarded when a new, more mature self emerges from the former identity. That would suggest two conclusions: first, qlippothic energies are not going away anytime soon - like sweeping dead skin into a dustbin; second, these energies have a function to test whether the aspirant has evolved to the next level.
Any opinions?
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One way to think of Qlippoth is like the outer bark of a tree, "dead matter" which is not nourished by the waters of life in the tree. The inner bark is "living matter" (Assaiah) still fed by the water of life (divine/spiritual light).
In the traditional kabbalah, the outer-bark becomes mixed up with the inner bark through a catastrophe referred to as shevirat ha-kelim (the breaking of the vessels). As with a real tree, the cells of the inner bark now suffer because they have become cut-off from the the source of water, or have become exposed to the "outside" elements/toxins.
This catastrophe can be undone through tikkun (the repairing). Tikkun is, in a sense, "working the qlippoth", by clearing away the "dead husks" that are between the living cells of the inner bark and their spiritual wellspring or figuratively realigning these husks so that they protect the living cell from the "outside".
This article discusses the mythology relevant to the Qlippoth (aka qelipot):
Tikkun in Lurianic KabbalahIt's not so much that the aspirant attracts "Qlippothic energies", but that that aspirant becomes more aware of what veils or stands between themselves and the pure source.
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@he atlas itch said
"Why anyone would want to "work" the Qlippoth is beyond me.
I've been pondering the nature of Qlippoth energies in the context of understanding initiation and ordeals as a process of metamorphosis and evolution.
My question is whether Qlippoth arise from too much softness or hardness.
Any opinions?"
The Qlippoth are what occurs in consciousness when there is a lack of conscious-awareness. When Tiphareth is passive (in anyone who has not crossed Paroketh), consciousness will slip, undirected, between the Qlippoth and the positive Sephiroth.
For instance, if someone is confronted by another person in a challenging way, the subject may respond with strength of will(the positive energy of Geburah) to confront the situation, but if, through lack of training, Tiphareth is allowed to become passive, then the subject’s strength of will may turn to rage which is an unconscious state. Rage being the shell of Geburah.
The shells are indeed "empty". Empty of 'consciousness=love=light'.
@SetiDraconis said
"Then I love how so many Thelemites talk about the Qlipthoth and don't even work with it or experienced it."
Every person who walks the path works with and experiences the Qliphoth. They are our every slip. They are the hurdles that cause our growth.
@Jim Eshelman said
"Another way to say it: You don't need to work the Qlippoth. They work you! All you have to do is meet the challenge of what arises.
"Precisely!
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Thanks for both of your replies.
I can see how qlippoth are energetic shells or husks "cut off" from the Tree as a whole (etheric doubles come to mind). But it does not seem accurate to describe them as shells or husks in the sense of dead bark or dead skin or exoskeleton of a cicada or carapace of a crustacean - which are dead forms and identities that have been discarded due to no longer being useful for the organism's evolution. Kabbalists describe qlippoth as shards of energy that have survived the destruction of prior worlds. They are toxic for human consciousness due to being from another aeon and I would like to better understand how these poisonous energies play a role in the aspirant's metamorphosis - not in the sense of deliberately seeking to work with the Tree of Death or Goetia, but in the everyday interaction, experiences and transformation of the aspirant. As Jim noted earlier - one does not need to work the qlippoth, they "work" you. If so, the qlippoth seem to play a role in perfecting the aspirant and building a stronger relationship with his or her HGA.
Shunyata - how does your description apply to a scenario where the aspirant suddenly becomes aware of qlippothic energies coming at him via others? And others seem intent on projecting these qlippothic aspects onto him whereas the aspirant feels nothing has changed inside himself? Is it a sign that the aspirant is being far too ambitious in his or her magickal work or far too inexperienced to be working Liber O?
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@he atlas itch said
"Thanks for both of your replies.
Shunyata - how does your description apply to a scenario where the aspirant suddenly becomes aware of Qlippothic energies coming at him via others? And others seem intent on projecting these Qlippothic aspects onto him whereas the aspirant feels nothing has changed inside himself? Is it a sign that the aspirant is being far too ambitious in his or her magical work or far too inexperienced to be working Liber O?"Your question goes to the heart of what it means to be an adept.
The Qlippoth manifest under the absence of conscious awareness. When Tiphareth is active then the manifestations of the self are observed by the adept and, if proper understanding is present, they are directed. When Tiphareth is passive, then consciousness is blown by the winds of whim.
Qlippothic energies are nearly always self serving. You will find that they nearly always indicate an upside down hierarchy on the tree. In the average person, their higher centers are made to serve their lower. Strength manifests as rage, mercy as weakness, sex as lust, all to serve the preservation of one’s insecurities, power games, etc.
The point of the K&C being the first and primary goal of any aspirant is that the attainment of Tiphareth indicates proper polarization of the tree where the lower centers are now made to serve the higher. Thus the symbolism of “every Sephirah is passive(negative) with regards to the Sephirah above it”. This is true for the adept, but not true for the average person off the street.
The initial struggle is then a struggle to maintain consciousness. Having led one’s whole life in a reactionary manner, letting the lower centers run the show, it takes a long time to build a habit of being conscious(making Tiphareth active).
And so to address your question, one’s own Qlippothic energies are delegated to their proper place when Tiphareth is active. At such a time, one need not worry at all about the energies of others, Qlippothic or otherwise. It is however easy for an unconscious person to fall victim to the mental projections of others.
Regarding liber O, it is a potent art, and a very important one. It would be difficult to say whether or not you’re ready for it, as I hardly know you, but it must be undertaken at some point.
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Shunyata - I am grateful for, and appreciate your insightful replies. Your observations seem on-target.
I note you refer to "training" to activate Tiphareth and that it appears to be an ongoing process for the adept to maintain his or her center in Tiphareth. I would be interested to hear specifics on this type of training - whether you refer to performing the Abramelin operation, Liber Samekh, invoking the sun via the Lesser Hexagram Ritual etc.
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Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law,
@he atlas itch said
"Shunyata - I am grateful for, and appreciate your insightful replies. Your observations seem on-target.
I note you refer to "training" to activate Tiphareth and that it appears to be an ongoing process for the adept to maintain his or her center in Tiphareth. I would be interested to hear specifics on this type of training - whether you refer to performing the Abramelin operation, Liber Samekh, invoking the sun via the Lesser Hexagram Ritual etc."
Making Tiphareth active is an ongoing process. Rituals are good, even daily rituals, but the path is a moment to moment activity.
@Uncle AL, in his commentary on Chapter 1, Verse 37 said
"But all we say and do, however casually, adds up to more, far more, than our most strenuous Operations. "Take care of the pence, and the pounds will take care of themselves." Your daily drippings fill a bigger bucket than your geysers of magical effort."
Opening Tiphareth is a personal journey that involves confronting one’s personal issues. One’s journey from birth to initiation is usually paved with the building of habits that involve letting our passions rule us. Every person’s habits are different, but the progression of the path involves facing these behaviors and putting them into our service instead of letting them rule us.
One may be overbearing in personal relationships, another may let others walk all over them, another will dismiss other’s thoughts without giving them due course. Eating disorders, self-deprecation, self-aggrandizement, the list is endless, but the bottom line is that in most of their personal interactions, the uninitiated have a habit to act with behavior that is very mechanical. Old habits, old behaviors get acted out without conscious thought. The opening of Tiphareth is the bringing of these behaviors into the realm of conscious awareness and either struggling against them or coming to terms with them.
The struggle against them is technically the work of Geburah, but it takes the awareness of Tiphareth to pave the way for the struggle that comes. These behaviors are acted out unconsciously and so simply being conscious of them on a moment to moment basis is a tremendous struggle in and of itself.
Liber 3 is a good beginning exercise for this work. It is actually prescribed to be started before the aspirant is aware of the things they would choose to be working on had they more of the path behind them, but just the habit of struggle is itself the real catalyst that awakens Tiphareth.
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of the struggle. One sets out to make a change and works a few minutes, hours even, then completely forgets the struggle. Hours pass, days even, then the will to change is remembered. One takes up the cross again, struggles a bit, forgets again. This is the flickering of the consciousness of Tiphareth.
It is a moment to moment effort to remain conscious.
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As I understand it, the idea is to work ones way back up the tree of life and to establish each sphere along the way.
one starts out on the ground, the whole tree busted to pieces, and each sphere holds certain types of pieces and a certain formula for arranging the piece, than one does not fully understand until the sphere is completely established in oneself.
The Qlippoth are the shattered pieces of the sphere, the elements that don't fit the puzzle, and thus are discarded. (Of course one sphere's Qlippoth may be another sphere's proper constituents, such than Malkuth is constructed out of what is cast out of Yesod, etc.
But to work with or take interest in the qlippoth is pointless, its only a distraction from the work of the sphere you are on. For example if you are trying to study to pass a physics exam, watching the local news is a distraction. To study or work with distractions out of some misguided notion that we must respect the inherent value of even the darkest forces, is a mis-understanding of the situation.
To work With the Qlippoth is to invite failure into your proper work, on the other hand if your focus is on the Qlippoth then your actual work will be a distraction and thus the work and the Qlippoth trade places, and your true effort is not Qlippoth works but rather the proper work of a different sphere than the one you claim to be attending to. As with one who attends to the gum on ones shoe while claiming to be interested in the opera on stage.
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I am sure those interested in working with the Qlippoth have their good reasons. It just seems the human condition itself is already quite mysterious and difficult to master, much less trying to consciously work with these Qlippothic energies. Regardless of whether one chooses to work with them or not, they come into play when travelling the path and thus require understanding of their role.
One thing I have learned from the Gurdjieff school is learning to control the expression of negativity. Excessively negatively thoughts and words are a sign of a weakness in one's being and therefore something to be controlled so that one acquires the strength to bear and endure all things. Another practise for strengthening one's being is learning to avoid lying and deception. Carrying out a magickal regime only amplifies and raises the stakes on any traits in oneself, bringing to the forefront any hidden self-deception (here I would draw an analogy between toxic energies of ordeals and subsequently discarded identities, dead skin, carapace that come with the development of an organism).
One aspect I feel I have neglected is meditating on a daily basis to acquire the rock steady concentration of mind so that when magickal currents do manifest, I am in control of the situation rather than vice versa - to be centered in the eye of the hurricane, so to speak.
Shunyata - thanks for the advice and recommendation on Liber 3. One thing I've felt strongly before is that consistent and incremental changes in lifestyle are far more important than one-off great magickal feats and Liber 3 is a good starting point in this respect.
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I think what you are not understanding is that the qlippoth are not an energy.
Each sphere has a virtue and a vice. A vice is the undevelopod state, its the base state, before a virtue has been cultivated. The Qlippoth is where you are at when you enter any sphere.
Gluttony is the natural state one learns and trains oneself in moderation of diet. Greed is the base state of a human, one does not work with the energies of greed, one learns to direct ones desire to acquire and everything for the sake of acquisition alone, to a virtue of knowing what is necessary to acquire for ones Will and what one does not need. -
Froclown - what is your source for claiming that 1) the Qliphoth have no energy, 2) the Qliphoth is where one is "at" when approaching any sephira?
I see a vague correspondence between your comments on establishing the proper energies of sephira, whereupon the Qliphoth of that respective sephira becomes discarded, and the restoring work of tikkun. Where we differ (and I may be wrong, mind you) is that I understand Qliphoth to be 1) energetic shards that survived the destruction of worlds prior to ours and 2) I do not presume the "fallen" state of humanity is automatically Qliphothic in nature. If you look at the Tree of Death the entities are perversions of each respective sephira. But the Qliphothic energies that manifest during ordeals do not seem "normal" in any sense of the word; vices, on the other hand, seem understandable and even acceptable.
Now perhaps my understanding of the Qliphoth is incorrect and the error lies in referring to Qliphothic energies. Maybe it's all only energy that becomes perverted or deformed when it hits some weakness/immaturity/mechanical habit in the Adept corresponding to the respective sephira and that perversion of the energy is what should be referred to as "Qliphotic". If so, I can see what you might be referring to as vices vs virtues. One thing I have learned is to avoid all substance use (alcohol, chemicals) when carrying out a regular magical regime since the results can be highly volatile and catastrophic.
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Well first of all I say they are not "energies" because these practices are not physics and the term "energy" has a specific meaning which is a potential to do work, that is to exert a force over a distance.
We can not measure the energy of Tiphereth in joules or newtons, because no such energies exist. Rather Tiphereth is a particular schema by which to organize perceptions. Information theory comes much closer to expressing these events than physics, either Newtonian or Relativistic are both inaccurate. One could say that Newtonian physics is part of the Qlippoth of th new paradigm put forth by Einstein, under one sort of understanding of the qlippoth, as it by first reply. However, if you are focused on a local scale physical event, relativity is the shell or excess information than over-complicates and distracts one from the result.
Moving on, the qlippoth of malkuth is inertia, that is the sloth of the body, the natural inert tendancy of gross matter to grow fat, to harden and decay. The Virtue of Malkuth is in the potential of a well developed body, the proper use of its matterial substance to forge a vessel of the WILL. Each sphere has its own nature and to develop that sphere is to concentrate it to its center, to discard the outter layers of its vice, and forge each that it aids rather than hinders the WILL.
Another way or looking at this, if you must use energy metaphors, is the healthy developed sphere is like a river with a power plant set up to provide energy to the WILL, The Qlippoth are the untapped river, the water flowing any which way, not a river at all but a splash, all energy lost to entropy. The task of Magick then in to direct the splash into a river in one direction to power the WILL.
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@Froclown said
"Moving on, the qlippoth of malkuth is inertia, that is the sloth of the body, the natural inert tendancy of gross matter to grow fat, to harden and decay."
The Qliphotic entity for Malkuth is Nehemoth. Your concept of the Qliphoth bears no resemblance to traditional descriptions:
Nehemoth: Whisperers (or Night Specter)
"These are responsible for frightening sounds in strange places. They excite the mind and cause strange desires." This corresponds with Malkuth as well.
Nehema: Groaning
To Nehemoth, Nehema is attributed, "and is traditionally a demon and the sister of Lilith, possibly a remembrance of the Egyptian Nephthys and Isis. It is conceivable that Nehema is the same as Naamah, the sister of Tubal Cain." -
and how are these night specters that distract the mind with sounds and desires, different exactly than the inertia of the physical body to seek after distracting desires of the flesh, that lead one off the Path which is WILL and into the darkness of the Forrest to wonder aimlessly.
Its not like these entities are "real" anyway. They are no more real than that eagles are really linked to liberty. Its just a projection of the conception in one semantic network of the brain into another.
Like santa and the spirit of giving, Santa clause in not a REAL person, he does not exist somewhere. Its just a persona, image, set of cliches like saying ho ho ho, that we associate strongly in our minds with being kind to children and gift giving. If we dress and act like santa thats invocation of Santa Clause virtues.
Likewise we have images associated with vices, jealous people are said to have green eye, and jealousy itself to be a green eyes monster waiting to catch us.
The same goes for the whole system of the Tree of life, the sphere are just associated notions with other notions, a semantic map. The intent of the Qlippoth is to be a place to map out those ideas associated with each sphere but the undesired traits of that sphere. Thus vengeance is part of gevurah but so is uncontrolled rage, in that both are aspects of active force and severity, but Rage is is merely Force with no direction, its unwilled severity, where as vengeance in WILLed severity to punish ones enemies and promotes successful use of active force. If one decides to personify rage as a blind beast, and Vengeance as say Horus in battle with Set, that is merely a device used by the individual to place a symbol to get a handle on the idea of the sphere which transcends all expressions. Is rather the invisible order that links all the symbols to a common theme.
The Qlippoth are the brute unrealized, unmastered elements of the any sphere. Thus one always enters any sphere dealing with the Qlippoth, once the Sphere has been mastered all the wild beasts of the Qlippoth have been tamed and are at the command of the WILL.