21/10/2023
THE FOUR ELEMENTS AND THE TETRAGRAMMATON
Lon Milo DuQuette's writing on the elements and their relationship to the ancient mystery schools is fascinating and insightful.
In the mystery schools, the elements were seen as more than just physical substances or forces. They were also seen as representations of different aspects of the divine and of the human experience.
Fire, for example, was associated with the sun, with creativity, and with the spirit. Water was associated with the moon, with emotions, and with the soul. Air was associated with the mind, with communication, and with the breath of life. Earth was associated with the body, with materiality, and with grounding.
The four elements were also associated with the four qabalistic worlds: Atziluth (the World of Emanation), Beriah (the World of Creation), Yetzirah (the World of Formation), and Assiah (the World of Action).
Atziluth is the highest of the four worlds, and it is associated with the element of fire. It is the world of pure spirit and potential.
Beriah is the second-highest world, and it is associated with the element of water. It is the world of creation and manifestation.
Yetzirah is the third world, and it is associated with the element of air. It is the world of formation and transformation.
Assiah is the lowest of the four worlds, and it is associated with the element of earth. It is the world of materiality and action.
The four elements were also associated with the four letters of the Tetragrammaton, the Hebrew name for God. Yod, the first letter, is associated with the element of fire. Heh, the second letter, is associated with the element of water. Vau, the third letter, is associated with the element of air. And the final Heh is associated with the element of earth.
In the tarot, the four elements are represented by the four suits: Wands-Fire, Cups-Water, Swords-Air, and Disks-Earth.
The mystery schools taught that by understanding and mastering the elements, we could achieve a deeper understanding of ourselves and of the universe. We could also learn to channel the elemental powers for our own benefit and for the benefit of others.
Thus, DuQuette's writing on the elements is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the ancient mystery schools and their teachings.
Duquette, Lon Milo (1993). The Magick of Thelema, Handbook of the Rituals of Aleister Crowley. Published by Red Wheel/Weiser.
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