Ra, the Sun-god illuminating the Darkness of Set

The qabalah is a complex metaphysical scheme based on 32 primary components. These are the 10 original numbers (ie 1 to 10) and the 22 basic vocal sounds.

An excellent system of qabalah has been passed down to us in the Hebrew language (which consists of 22 letters) and the 'tree of life' (which portrays the interrelation of the 10 numbers). But its use is not limited to the Hebrew tongue, it is a universal cipher of 'names'.

It is because the human vocal sounds and the numbers are universal that we are able to meditate upon any word (of any language) in the light of the Hebrew qabalah. Thus we can glimpse the deeper metaphysical meaning behind the physical symbol, the work, and the object it describes.

By using the qabalah in this way it becomes possible to perceive any 'named thing' as the expression of the archtypal energies to which it is connected.

Pronouns (or names) are especially significant in qabalistic thought because they describe specific phenomenon rather than categories of things. The Hebrew prophets/masters usually carried formula encoded within their names, indicative of the particular aspect of the universal law they were exemplifying. Likewise, modern day magicians and mystics choose names and mottos that qabalistically describe themselves, their aspirations, and their purpose as they perceive it.

Therefore, by meditating on the names of the masters of the divine Hierarchy and the Ashtar Command, we may open ourselves to an understanding of the deeper dimensions of their being.

The supreme commander of the Ashtar Command is, of course, Ashtar. The transliteration of his name into Hebrew is - Its value is 511

(1+300 +9+1+200=511). The individual hieroglyphs of the name are as follows:

 

(A) The all-pervasive 'air' (or 'breath') of spirit. The ultimate synthesising principle. Its nature is Love because Love is the binding force of the universe.

 

(Sh) The co-ordinated, evolutionary movement of the collective units of consciousness within the universe. The expanding wave (circle), the 'swarming' multitude of conscious beings.

 

(T) The 'serpent of knowledge'. The head of the serpent is wisdom, its tail is knowledge. It is sometimes portrayed with its tail in its mouth. It is a symbol of 'initiation', of transformation, of the transition from one state of consciousness (or understanding) to a superior state. As the serpent grows larger, it periodically sheds its skin and the circle formed by its body expands.

 

(R) The 'sun'. A sphere (or atom) of creative consciousness. A coherent and radiating 'system' of consciousness/knowledge.

 

The formula "AShTAR can be divided into three interrelated sub-formulae. These might give us a clearer impression of the name:

ASh-T-AR

 

(ASh) In Hebrew this word means 'fire' and can be thought of as the one fire of which all 'suns' (or stars) are made. See it as a raging fire, rushing through and consuming the forest (matter) of space. Each flame of the inferno is an individual star that adheres to its own 'twig' of physical substance, transforming its darkness (density) into Light. (See the description of 'Sh' above).

 

(T) (See above).

 

(AR or RA) The sun god (see the description of 'R' above).

 

The image is of a universal sea of fire. Within it we focus upon one singular atom of the fire; a flame. It is a star. The region of space it inhabits supplies the star with the particles of matter it needs to sustain its physical existence. In turn, the darkness becomes illuminated with its Light.

Ringing the star is a richly coloured serpent with its tail in its mouth; a band (or zone) of living, evolving, organic matter. This is the 'living flesh' of the star; the planets orbiting within its system, the knowledge and experience of life that it brings to birth. In other words, the serpent is the manifestation in physical form of the wisdom, understanding, and creative will of the star.

Another similar perspective of the formula 'AShTAR' arises from the following alternative division of the name:

A-ShT-AR

(A) The ultimate unifying principle of pure spirit, uniting the centre of the circle with its circumference. It unites also, all the multitude of circles together into one infinitely vast circle.

 

(ShT) 'Set' (or Saturnus). The Adversary. The threshold of darkness; the brink of night. The limit of understanding. The circumference of the circle, the principle of form.

 

(AR) 'Ra' (or Sol). The falcon or eagle-headed god. He who (as Horus) overcomes the darkness of 'Set'. Expanding consciousness. The sun as the centre of the circle, radiating Light.

 

This arrangement paints essentially the same picture as the previous one, but is clothed in astrological symbolism. Saturn is said to delineate the boundary of consciousness, because it is the farthest planet from the earth able to be viewed with the naked eye. Beyond Saturn lies the invisible superconscious realm of the outer planets. In effect, Saturn defines the barriers of ignorance and fear that limit our understanding and perception, and therefore, the extent of our consciousness.

When we align ourselves with the light rays of the sun, we are able to pass beyond the confines of Saturn and achieve a cosmic level of consciousness. The universal spiritual principle 'A' comprehends both darkness and light, and makes the journey possible through Love (see diagram).

Therefore, the name AShTAR is a qabalistic formula that might be summarised in the words:

The ever-expanding mind/spirit of the Creator; surpassing the barriers to understanding, crystallising into new forms of knowledge/life.

 

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