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.
