The Sefirot as the structure of the universe

“As well as the soul fills the body, so the Creator has filled the world; and just as the soul sees but is not seen, so the Creator sees all, but nobody can see it.”
Zóhar, Part III, 288a

I. General Introduction: The Sefirot as the Structure of the Universe

The Ten Sefirot (in Hebrew, ספירות, Sephirothplural of Sefirah, “emanation”) represent the demonstrations or divine attributes through which the Infinite —the Ein Sof— be reveals and sustains the universe. They are not “gods” or “parts” of God, but channels of spiritual energy connecting the infinite with the finite.

The term “Sefirah” comes from the Hebrew root ס.פ.ר (S-F-R)that means:

• Count (lispor),
• Shine (sapir, sapphire),
• Tell (sefer, book).

Therefore, the Sefirot are “emanations of light” that narrate the divine mystery and at the same time “lists” the order of creation.

II. Structure of the Tree of Life

The Sefirot are arranged in a diagram symbolic known as the Etz hachaim (Tree of Life), composed by three columns or pillars:

1. Pillar of Mercy (Right) – Energy blast and positive.
2. Pillar of Strictness or Severity (Left) – Energy-restrictive and structuring.
3. Pillar of Equilibrium (Center) – Mediator and harmonizing between the previous two.

III. The Ten Sefirot and their Description

1. Kéter (כתר) – The Crown

• Meaning: Divine will is pure.
• Function: It represents the origin of the transcendent, the highest point and inaccessible.
• Symbolic element: Infinite light before any differentiation.
• Correspondence human: Will and conscience suprarracional.
• Color mystic: Pure white or transparent.
• Divine name associated with it: Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh (“I am that I Am”).
• World partner: Atzilut (Emanation).

2. Jojmá (חכמה) – Wisdom

• Meaning: Inspiration, the spark of divine wisdom.
• Function: The idea of pure, the male principle creator.
• Correspondence human: Intuition, sudden revelation.
• Color: Silvery grey.
• Divine name: Yah.
• Hebrew letter associated: י (Yod).

3. Biná (בינה) – Understanding

• Meaning: Understanding, discernment.
• Function: The structure that gives form to the idea (feminine principle).
• Correspondence human: Reasoning, analysis, spiritual motherhood.
• Color: Red or crimson.
• Divine name: Elohim.
• Relationship with Jojmá: Biná receives the spark of Jojmá and develops.

4. Jésed (חסד) – Mercy or Love

• Meaning: Love expansive, generosity.
• Function: Radiate the divine goodness towards all of creation.
• Correspondence human: Unconditional love, altruism.
• Color: Blue.
• Divine name: The.

5. Gevurah (גבורה) – Rigor or Justice

• Meaning: Strength, judgement, restriction.
• Function: To limit, define, establish boundaries.
• Correspondence human: Discipline, self-control, justice.
• Color: Intense red.
• Divine name: Elohim Gibor.
• Relationship with Jésed: Jésed da, Gevurah restricted. The balance between the two produces harmony.

6. Tiféret (תפארת) – Beauty or Harmony

• Meaning: Compassion, balance, truth.
• Function: Synthesizes the mercy and justice.
• Correspondence human: Empathy, sincerity, spirituality balanced.
• Color: Gold or emerald green.
• Divine name: YHVH Eloah va-Da'at.
• Symbol: The heart of the Tree of Life.

7. Nétsaj (נצח) – Victory or Eternity

• Meaning: Perseverance, active power, conquest.
• Function: Channeling the creative impulse toward action.
• Correspondence human: Lofty ambition, persistence.
• Color: Green.
• Divine name: YHVH Tzvaot (“Lord of Hosts”).

8. Hod (הוד) – Glory or Splendor

• Meaning: Humility, resonance inside, recognition.
• Function: Receptivity to emotional, language, communication of the spirit.
• Correspondence human: Empathy, art, prayer.
• Color: Orange or amber.
• Divine name: Elohim Tzvaot.
• Relationship with Nétsaj: One acts (Nétsaj), the other responds to and reflects (Hod).

9. Yesod (יסוד) – Basis

• Meaning: Channel or connection.
• Function: Transmits the higher energies onto the physical plane.
• Correspondence human: Unconscious, sexuality, and deep communication.
• Color: Violet or indigo.
• Divine name: El Shaddai.
• Symbol: The “covenant” between the divine and the human.

10. Maljut (מלכות) – Kingdom

• Meaning: Manifestation, the receptacle of all the energy higher.
• Function: Represents the material world and the action.
• Correspondence human: Expression, leadership, physical body.
• Color: Black or dark blue.
• Divine name: Adonai.
• World partner: Asiya (Action or Fact).

IV. Interconnection and Spiritual Dynamics

The Sephiroth do not act independently. Are vessels interdependent, where each flow of energy (Or) descends from Kéter up Maljut in a process known as the Chain of Emanations (Seder Hishtalshelut).
The drop symbolizes the creation of the world and the path of the soul towards perfection.

In reverse, the ascent of the soul through the Sephiroth is known as the Jacob's Ladder of spiritual: the process of return (Teshuvah) towards the union with the Ein Sof.

V. The Sephiroth and the Four Worlds

VI. Interpretation Philosophical and Psychological

• In the philosophy kabbalistic, the Sephiroth are the internal structure of the cosmos and of the human soul.
• In the psychology kabbalistic modern (inspired by the thought of Gershom Scholem and Yehuda Ashlag), are interpreted as levels of consciousness or faculties of the soul.
• Every human being plays the Tree of Life inside: what happens in the spiritual has its mirror in the human.

VII. Conclusion: Unity in Diversity

The purpose of the Ten Sefirot is not split to God, but reveal Your unity in multiplicity. Through them, the Infinite becomes understandable and perceptible.
The Kabbalah teaches that the goal of the human being is to harmonize the Sefirot within themselvesrestoring the cosmic balance lost —the Tikkun Olam— and returning the building to its original source.