The Kabbalah Unveiled — S. L. MacGregor Mathers (from Knorr von Rosenroth's Latin) (1887)

[See Introduction, page 33, Table showing the writing of the- Tetragrammaton in the four worlds.]

33. When (this form) beginneth, they are discovered in the cranium (namely, these letters, and therein are they distributed in the most supernal part of Macroprosopus).

[“In the cranium” (or skull), BGYLGLThA, Begolgoltha, or in Golgoltha. In the New Testament it is worthy of note that Jesus Christ (the Son) is said to be crucified at Golgotha (the skull) ; while here, in the Qabalah, Microprosopus (the Son), as the Tetragrammaton, is said to be extended in the form of a cross, thus —

Y

— in Golgotha (the skull). The text above says, at the end of section 33, “ of Macroprosopus ” ; but I think this is a misprint for “ of Microprosopus.”]

34. Thence are they extended throughout his whole form (from the original benignity), even to the foundation of all things (namely, as the soul of the inferiors).

THE BOOK OF CONCEALED MYSTERY.

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35. When it is balanced in the pure equilibrium (that is, when the white locks of the most holy Ancient One send down the lights or names) then are those letters equilibrated. (That is, from their virtue cometh the light.)

[The “ lights or names ” are the ten Sephiroth and the Divine names associated with them (see Introduction), which are (with the exception of the first Sephira) comprehended in the Tetragrammaton IilVH.]

36. When he is manifested in Microprosopus (namely,
Macroprosopus) , in him are those letters, and by them
is he named.

37. IYD, Yod, of the Ancient One, is hidden in its origin (that is, the father, who is usually symbolized by I, Yod, and is himself also called the Ancient One, is shrouded by the beard of Macroprosopus ; or otherwise. Instead of that manner in which the other two letters duplicate their literal parts — e.g., HH and YY — I, Yod, by reason of his very nature, cannot be expressed by this duplication, but remaineth one and alone), because the name is not found ; that is, because if II be put, it can no longer be pronounced as I, Yod ; therefore is it written I YD).

[The “ Ancient One ” is one of the titles of Macroprosopus, the first Sephira. But the letter I, Yod, of the Tetragrammaton is referred to the second Sephira, Chokmah, which is also called the Father. See Introduction, § 67.]

38. HA, He, is extended by another (He, as it is written HH in open and plain writing ; but also it is sometimes written in another way, HI, also HA; the one in the name OB, Aub, the other in the name MH, Mali), and in the feminine symbol it denoteth the two females (namely, the supernal mother and the inferior mother ; the understanding and the kingdom). And it is discovered through the- forms. (That is, when the beard of Macroprosopus, and its forms or parts, send

KABBALAH.

down his light into Microprosopus ; then herein is his bride produced in the light, and the supernal H, He, is reflected by another inferior H, He.)

[See Introduction, wherein a Table is given showing the writing of the T etragrammaton in the four worlds.]

• 39. YY, Vau , is extended by another ( Vau , as it is written YY,»for likewise it is elsewhere written with I in the name OB, Aub , and by A in the names SG, Beg, and MH, Mali , in this manner YAY. So also in the name BN, Ben , it is thus written, YY. But to be disclosed it is fully written). Like as it is written, Cant,
• vii. 9, “ Going down sweetly to my delight ” (where by

sweetly ” are understood these two letters YY properly ■extended) .

[The Authorized Yersion renders it: “And the roof of thy • mouth like the test wine for my beloved, that goeth down sweetly, .causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak.”]

40. In that tremendous flashing flame (is he found — i.e ., in Microprosopus, seeing that in a lesser degree he hath in himself unmixed judgments), for the purpose of enshrouding that gate (that is, in order that he may be advanced to the condition of maturity, and may then superumbrate his mother, who is symbolized by the fifty gates).

[“ He,” that is the letter Y, Vau, of the Tetragrammaton. I have before noticed that the fifty gates of the understanding are equivalent to I and H, 10 and 5, multiplied together, which yield 50 = numerical value of the letter N, Nun.']