The Kabbalah Unveiled — S. L. MacGregor Mathers (from Knorr von Rosenroth's Latin) (1887)
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* This word in the original is ABHThA, Ebahatlia , which, according to the context, may mean simply “ Fathers ” ; or, in a more emphatic sense, “ Patriarchs ; ” this latter is the sense in which it is employed in this passage. The three Patriarchs are Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, for this word Ebahatha is not employed to denote the twelve sons of the latter.
t This is usually translated “at the end of the days.” This translation is simply due to a difference in th q pointing, the words being the same in orthography — thus, IMIN.
THE GEE A TER HOLY ASSEMBLY.
2 37 forth, but remaineth still), with its three members, of which mention hath been made before.
i o 1 1 . But when sinners are stirred up and spread abroad in the world, three other members are excited, which are severe judgment, and His arm is stretched forth.
1012. And when that arm is stretched forth, it is as it were the right hand {also) ; but it is called “ the arm of Tetragrammaton ” : “ O Tetragrammaton ! Thine arm hath been stretched forth ” (i Kings viii. 42).
1013. When these three members are contained in those three, all are called the right hand, and judgment is exercised and mercy.
1014. This is that which is said, Exod. xv. 6 : “Thy right hand, 0 Tetragrammaton, is marvellous in power ; with Thy right hand, 0 Tetragrammaton wilt Thou dash in pieces the enemy ; ” seeing that therein are stirred up the mercies.
1015. Also, we have learned that unto this right hand adhere three hundred and seventy thousand myriads (otherwise, which are called the right hand, and one hundred and eighty-five thousand myriads) from the arm, which is called the arm of Tetragrammaton.
1016. Therefore, from either side is the arm ( i.e ., it is either the right arm or the left arm), because that it is said {to be) on either side of Tiphereth.*
1017. For it is written, Isa. lxiii. 12: “That led
Moses to his right hand, by the arm of his Tiphereth.’’
1018. The first expression denoteth the right; but the “ arm ” denoteth the left ; for it is written, “ by the arm of his Tiphereth,” one {side) with the other {i.e., right and left).
1019. Moreover, we have learned that to that which is on the left side there adhere four hundred and fifty!
* See table of the Sephiroth, &c.f in the Introduction, where it will be seen that Tiphereth is as it were the centre.
f 450 = ThN, Titan , which is the root of Serpent or Dragon. Compare Leviathan, which is probably formed from this root.
KABBALAH .
Lords of Shields, and that they adhere unto those separate fingers.
1020. And in the single fingers there are found ten thousand Lords of the Shields. Go thou then forth, and number how many of them there are in the hand.
1021. And this right hand is called the Holy Aid, which cometh forth from the right arm, from the three members {thereof).
1022. And although it be called the hand, yet is it
Aid, since it is written, 2 Sam. iii. 12: “And behold,
My Hand is with thee.”
1023. And in it are contained one thousand and four myriads and five hundred and eight thousand lords, the aiders in every world,* who are called the supernal hand of the Tetragrammaton, the inferior hand of the Tetragrammaton.
1024. And although everywhere it be called the hand of Tetragrammaton, it is understood ( that sometimes) the left hand f (is intended to be spoken of). For if they be benevolent, it is called the right hand of Tetragrammaton, and the hand is included in the arm, and is for aid, and is called the hand ; and if, on the other hand, it be not so, the inferior hand of Tetragrammaton is (to be understood).
1025. We have learned that when the severe judgments are excited so that they may descend into the world, that then it is written, Ps. xxv. 14 : “The Arcanum of Tetragrammaton is over those who fear Him.”
* That is, on every qabalistical plane. (See Introduction regarding the Four Worlds, &c.)
t For in Microprosopus there is always right and left, Mercy and Justice; while in Macroprosopus all is said to be “ right.” But Microprosopus is manifest, and Macroprosopus is hidden.
CHAPTER XLII.
CONCERNING THE SEPARATION OF THE MASCULINE AND THE
FEMININE, AND CONCERNING THEIR CONJUNCTION.
1026. Also we have learned in the “ Book of Concealed Mystery ” * that all the judgments which arise from the Masculine are vehement in the commencement, and relax in the termination ; but that those which are found to arise from the Feminine are relax in commencement, and vehement in termination.