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the secret teachings of all ages
Fifteen Rosicrucian
And Qabbalistic Diagrams
CHAPTER xxIx
manly p. hall
IN his well-known work, The
Rosicrucians, Their Rites and Mysteries, Hargrave Jennings
reproduces five Qabbalistic charts which he declares to be genuine
Rosicrucian drawings. He gives no information concerning their origin
nor does he attempt an elucidation of their symbolism. A recent writer
who reproduced one of these charts correlated it to the emblematic tomb
of Father C.R.C., thus exposing the true nature of Christian
Rosencreutz.
The five plates reproduced in
Hargrave Jennings' book are part of a series of fifteen diagrams which
appear in The Magical, Qabbalistical, and Theosophical Writings of
Georgius von Welling, on the Subject of Salt, Sulphur, and Mercury.
This extremely rare volume was published at Frankfort and Leipzig in
1735 and 1760. The numbers and figures on the charts refer to the
chapters and sections of the Writings. These fifteen charts constitute a
remarkable and invaluable addition to the few other known admittedly
authentic Qabbalistic and Rosicrucian diagrams.
Lucifer is the greatest mystery
of symbolism. The secret knowledge of the Rosicrucians concerning
Lucifer is nowhere so plainly set forth as in these plates, which
virtually reveal his true identity, a carefully guarded secret about
which little has been written. Lucifer is represented by the number
741.
Von Welling does not give a
complete exposition of the fifteen charts; to have done so would have
been contrary to the principles of Qabbalistic philosophy. The deeper
significance of the symbols is revealed only by profound study and
contemplation.
TABLE I, Figures 1-11.
Figure 1 is a Ptolemaic chart showing the true relationship existing
between the primordial elements. Its secret significance is as follows:
The outer ring enclosed by the lines A and B is the region
of Schamayim, a Qabbalistic name for the Supreme Deity,
signifying the expanse of the heavens, or a spiritual fiery water.
Schamayim is "The Ocean of Spirit, " within which all created and
uncreated things exist and by the life of which they are animated. In
the lower worlds Schamayim becomes the astral light.
The space between B and
C marks the orbits or planes of the seven Spiritual Intelligences
called the Divine Planets (not the visible planets). According to the
Mysteries, the souls of men enter the lower worlds through ring
B, the fixed stars. All creation reflects the glory of Schamayim,
the energy that filters into the spheres of the elements through the
windows of the stars and planets. Between C and D lies the
region of the subtle, spiritual air, a subdivision of ether. D to
E marks the surface of the earth and sea, by which are also meant
grades of ether. E to F marks the lower region, called
"The Gathering of the Waters and the Production of the Virgin Earth, "
or "Ares. " The alchemists called this "quicksand," the true mystic
foundation of the solid earth. F to G marks the circle of
the subterranean air, which is more dense and coarse than that in the
outer space, C to D. In this denser atmosphere the stellar
influences and celestial impulses are crystallized into corporeal
spirits, thus forming the multitude of forms which exist without
knowledge of their own fiery source. G is the region of the
central fire of the element earth, a coarse fire in contradistinction to
the divine fiery Schamayim. The sphere of the starry heavens likewise
has its opposite in the sphere of the subterranean air; and the sphere
of the upper air (or subtle vaporous water) has its opposite in the
sphere E to F. The focal point, D to E,
between the three higher and the three lower spheres, is called "The
Reservoir." It receives impressions from both the superior and the
inferior regions and is common to both.
Figure 2 is the Qabbalistic
symbol of elemental water; Figure 9 represents the spiritual invisible
water. Figure 3 is the Qabbalistic symbol of elemental air; Figure 7
represents the spiritual and invisible air. Figure 4 is the Qabbalistic
sign of the elemental earth; Figure 8 represents the spiritual and
invisible earth. Figure 5 is the Qabbalistic sign of the elemental fire;
Figure 6 represents the spiritual and invisible fire. Figures 6, 7, 8,
and 9 symbolize the four elements before the descent of Lucifer. They
are the four rivers spoken of in Genesis, having their source in the one
river, Figure W, which represents the elements superimposed on one
another. The golden ball in the center is Schamayim, the fiery source of
all elements. Figure 11 is the emblem of the beginning and the end of
all creatures. From it all things proceed and to it all must return
again, to become one with the fiery water of divine
understanding.
TABLE II, Figures 12-51.
Figures 12, 13, 14 demonstrate the sphere as a symbol of motion to be
emblematic of fire, water, and air; and the cube as a symbol of weight
to be emblematic of earth. The sphere rests upon a point, the cube upon
a surface; the sphere is therefore used to symbolize spirit, and the
cube, matter. Figure 14 demonstrates that atmosphere rushing in behind a
falling object increases its velocity and apparently adds to its weight.
The essential nature of each element is occultly signified by the
peculiar symbol and character assigned to it.
Of Figure 15, the symbol of
salt, von Welling writes, in substance: The cube has six sides,
corresponding to the six days of creation, with the point of rest (the
seventh day) in the center of the cube. On each surface of the cube
appear the signs of the four elements [triangles]. The alchemists
declared that salt was the first created substance produced by the fire
(Schamayim) which flowed out of God. In salt all creation is
concentrated; in salt are the beginning and end of all things. The cube,
furthermore, is composed of twelve bodies, each of which has six sides.
These bodies are the twelve fundamental pillars of the true invisible
church, and when these twelve bodies are multiplied by their six sides
the magical number 72 results. The wise have said that nothing is
perfect until it has been dissolved, separated, and again united so that
it becomes a body composed of twelve bodies, like the cube. The cube
also consists of six pyramids with the six surfaces of the cube as their
bases. The points of these six pyramids meet at the center of the cube.
These six pyramids, each consisting of four triangles, signify the
elements, and produce the magical number 24, which refers to the Elders
before the Throne. The six surfaces and the point constitute the magical
number 7. If 7 be multiplied by 7 again, and so on 7 times, the answer
will reveal the method used by the ancients for measuring the periods of
eternity; thus: (1) 7 X 7 = 49; (2) 49 X 7 = 343; (3) 343 X 7 = 2,401;
(4) 2,401 X 7 = 16,807; (5):16,807 X 7 = 117,649; (6) 117,649 X 7 =
823,543; (7) 823,543 X 7 = 5,764,801. (This is not to be taken as earth
years or times.) The 5,000, 000 represents the great hall year; the
700,000 the great Sabbath year, wherein all human beings gradually gain
true understanding and become heirs to their original and eternal
inheritance, which was lost when they were enmeshed in the lower
elements. The 64,800 is the number of the fallen angels, and the last
one year signifies the liberation of Lucifer and return to his original
estate.
Figure 16 is another symbol of
salt, while Figure 17 (the dot) is the sign of spirit, gold, the sun, or
the germ of life. If the dot be moved before itself it becomes a line,
Figure 18. This motion of the dot is the first motion. The beginning and
end of every line is a dot. Figure 19 is the circle. It is the second
motion and the most perfect of all lines. Out of it are formed all
figures and bodies imaginable. Figure 20
represents the outpouring of the upper and spiritual life into
manifestation. Figure 21 represents darkness, for it is the loosening of
the subterrene destructive principle. Figure 20 is also the symbol of
day, and Figure 21 of night.
TABLE I, Figures
1-11.
TABLE II, Figures
12-51.
Figure 22 is a symbol of water;
Figure 23 is the complete universal character of light and darkness. The
upright triangle represents Schamayim; the inverted triangle the dark
earth which imprisons the infernal subterranean fire. It is "The First
Day of Creation," or the time of the separation of Schamayim and Ares.
Figure 24 represents the six days of creation and proves that the
elements are an outflow of the Divine Fire which, breaking up, becomes
the substances of the tangible universe, as signified in Figure
25.
Figure 26 is the character of
the air, showing that air is born out of the Eternal Light and the
ethereal water. Figure 27 is the character of water. It is the inversion
of Figure 26, indicating that its origin is from the lower fire and not
the higher. Its upper part signifies that water does not lack the Divine
element, but as a universal mirror reflects the heavenly influences.
Figures 28 and 29 are symbols of salt, showing that it is both fire and
water in one. Figure 30 is the character of fire in all its attributes,
and Figure M (the same inverted), water in all its powers. Figure 32 is
the character of salt in all its attributes. Figure 33 represents both
gold and the sun. Their essential natures are identical, being formed
from the first fire out of Schamayim. They are perfect, as can be seen
from their symbol, for no more perfect form can be produced out of the
dot than the circle.
Figure 34 is the character of
the greater and lesser worlds; as the dot is surrounded by its
circumference, this world is surrounded by Schamayim. Man (the Little
World) is included in this symbol because his inner nature is potential
gold (Aphar Min Haadamah), which gold is his eternal indestructible
spiritual body. Gold is the masculine principle of the
universe.
Figure 35 is the character of
silver and the moon. It signifies that silver (like gold) is a perfect
metal, except that the red part of its nature is turned inward. Silver
is the feminine principle of the universe.
Figure 36 is the character of
copper and Venus; Figure 37, of iron and Mars; Figure 38, of tin and
Jupiter; Figure 39, of lead and Saturn; Figure 40, of Mercury (both the
planet and the element); Figure 41, of antimony, the key metal of the
earth itself; Figure 42, of arsenic; Figure 43, of sulphur; Figure 44,
of cinnabar; Figure 45, of quicklime; Figure 46, of nitre; and Figure
47, of vitriol. Figure 48 is the character of sal ammoniac, which
element derives its name from the Temple of Jupiter Ammon in an Egyptian
desert, where it was found. Figure 49 is the character of alum; Figure
50, of alkali, a name of Arabian origin; and Figure 51, of sal tartar, a
substance possessing great occult virtue.
TABLE Ill, Figure 52.
The eight globes and the central square represent the seven days of
creation. The three worlds wherein creation occurs are symbolized by
three concentric rings. The German words in the outer ring are extracts
from the first chapter of Genesis. The words around the outside of the
outer ring are The First Day. The four small globes inside the
outer ring deal with the abstract phases of creation. The upper globe
containing the triangle encloses the words Heaven and Earth. The globe
to the right contains the word Light, and the one to the left, Jehovah
Elohim in the upper part and Darkness in the lower part. The globe at
the bottom contains the word Day in the upper half and Night in the
lower.
The four globes within the
second ring depict the second, third, fourth, and fifth days of
creation. The white globe above divided by a dotted line is designated
The Second Day; the globe to the left with the mountains, The
Third Day; the globe to the right with the planetary rings, The
Fourth Day; and the globe below bisected by a dotted line, The
Fifth Day. The square in the central ring containing the human form
is marked The Sixth Day. This chart is a diagrammatic exposition
of the three layers of the macrocosmic and microcosmic auric eggs,
showing the forces active within them.
TABLE IV, Figure. 53.
Figure 53 has been designated the symbolic tomb of Christian
Rosencreutz. The upper circle is the first world--the Divine Sphere of
God. The triangle in the center is the throne of God. The small circles
at the points of the star symbolize the seven great Spirits before the
throne, mentioned in the Book of Revelation, in the midst of which walks
the Alpha and Omega--the Son of God. The central triangle contains three
flames--the Divine Trinity. From the lowest of these flames proceeds the
first divine outflow, shown by two parallel lines descending through the
throne of Saturn (the Spirit Orifelis, through whom God
manifested Himself). Passing through the boundary of the celestial
universe and the 22 spheres of the lower system, the lines end at point
B, the throne of Lucifer, in whom the divine outpouring is
concentrated and reflected. From him the divine light irradiates in
succession to d (Capricorn), e (Gemini), f (Libra),
g (Taurus), h (Pisces), i (Aquarius), k
(Cancer), l (Virgo), m (Aries), n (Leo),
o (Scorpio), p (Sagittarius), thence back to d. The
zodiacal circles represent twelve orders of great and beneficent
Spirits, and the smaller circles within the ring of fixed stars mark the
orbits of the sacred planets.
TABLE V, Figure 54.
Figure 54 is similar to Figure 53, but represents the universe at the
time God manifested Himself through the character of Jupiter, the Spirit
Sachasiel. Von Welling gives no reason for the change in the
order of influx into the twelve orders of spirits, for the third world,
for the adding of another circle and the interlaced triangles in the
upper world, or for the letters Y and Z. In the upper
triangle, A represents the Father Principle,
F the divine outflow, G the point of influx into the
twelve orders of spirits (probably Sagittarius). The letters H,
I, J, K, L, M, N, O,
P, Q, S, and T denote the sequential points
of irradiations to each other; W and X, the World of the
Sons of God; and B, C, D, and E, the World
of Lucifer. This plate shows the universe after the descent of Lucifer
into matter. According to von Welling, when Lucifer wanted to control
power, the influx of the divine light instantly ceased. Lucifer's world
(which later became the solar system), with all its legions of spirits
(who in their essence were Schamayim) reflecting his ideas and inverting
the divine light, was turned into darkness. Lucifer's Schamayim
thereupon became a contracted disc, a tangible substance; and Chaos came
into existence.
Table III, Figure
52
Table IV, Figure
53
Table V, Figure
54
Table VII, Figures 1-5, 7 and
8
TABLE VI, Figures 55-59.
Figure 55 symbolizes the Chaos of Lucifer; Figure 56, the separation of
light from darkness; Figure 57, the light in the midst of the darkness;
and Figure 58, the regions of the elements and their inhabitants. The
four A's signify the Abyss surrounding all things. The A
B is the fiery throne of Lucifer. The plane of g is the
subterranean air; f, the subterranean water; c, the earth
region; d, the outer water; e, the outer air, W and
X the region of Schamayim. The elemental inhabitants of the
planes differ in goodness according to their proximity to the center of
wickedness (A B). The earth's surface (c) divides
the subterranean elementals from those of the outer water, air, and fire
(d, c, and X). The elementals of the upper strata
(the upper half of c, and all of d, e, and
X) represent an ascending scale of virtue, while those of the
lower strata (the lower half of c, and all of f, g,
and A B) represent a descending scale of
depravity.
The region of air (e) is
a partial exception to this order. While air is close to the light and
filled with beautiful spirits, it is also the habitation of Beelzebub,
the Evil Spirit of the air, with his legion of elemental demons. Upon
the subtle element of air are impressed the influences of the stars; the
thoughts, words, and deeds of man; and a myriad of mysterious influences
from the various planes of Nature. Man inhales these impressions, and
they produce diverse effects upon his mind. In air are suspended also
the seed germs by which water is impregnated and made capable of
bringing forth forms of organic and inorganic life. The grotesque
figures seen in crystal caves and frost pictures upon windows are caused
by these aerial impressions. While the air elementals are great and
wise, they are treacherous and confused because amenable to both good
and evil impressions. The mighty elemental beings who inhabit the watery
light fire of the region X cannot be deceived by the spirits of
darkness. They love the creatures of the waters, for the watery element
(d) proceeded from the fiery water (X). Mortal man cannot
endure the society of these fiery spirits, but gains wisdom from them
through the creatures of the waters in which they continually mirror
themselves. Figure 59 represents this solar system, with W and
X as the locality of the Garden of Eden.
TABLE VII, Figures 1-5, 7,
8. (Table VIII has Figure 6.) Figure 1 is the triune divine sulphur,
the All-Perfect out of the All-Perfect, the Soul of creatures. The
threefold Divine One is symbolized by three interlaced circles
designated alchemically salt, sulphur, and mercury.
In the central triangle is the divine name Ehieh. Geist
means spirit. The other words require no translation. Figure 2 is common
destructive sulphur. A bar placed in the triangle makes it the character
of earth. Figure 3 is true oil of vitriol, composed of a circle with two
diameters and two reversed half-circles hanging below. In this are
hidden the characters of all metals. Tin is symbolized by Figure 4 and
iron by Figure 5. Figure 7 is the solar system according to Copernicus.
Figure 8 is the last judgment. The sun is removed from the center of the
solar system and replaced by the earth. This changes the respective
positions of all the other planets except Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn,
which retain their respective circles. The letter a signifies the
circle of the sun; b, that of Mercury; c, that of Venus;
d, (sic) that of the moon; and E, that of the earth.
Inward from the sphere h are the great circles of damnation.
TABLE VII., Figure 6. In
Figure 6 the letter a marks the center of eternity. The motion of
the rays toward b, d, and c was the first divine
manifestation and is symbolized by the equilateral triangle, b,
d, c. The eternal world within the inner circle became
manifest in the water (salt), the light (mercury), and the fire
(sulphur) of the archetypal world, represented by the three circles
(f, e, g) within the triangle of complete equality
(h, i, k), which is in turn surrounded by the
circle of the high throne. The circle f is named
understanding; e, wisdom; g, reason.
In circle i is the word Father; in circle h,
Son; in circle k, Spirit. The seven outer circles
are the seven spirits before the throne. The lower part of the figure is
similar to Figures 53 and 54. The outer circles are the angelic world
ending in the cognizable world of the Sons of God. Then comes the circle
of the visible constellations and fixed stars; within this is the solar
system with the sun as the center (l). Ungrund means the
Abyss.
TABLE IX, Figure 9.
Figure 9 is a synthesis of the Old and New Testaments and represents the
interblending planes of being. In the right margin the seven outer
circles contain the names of the planetary angels. The words in the
graduated circles from the top triangle downward read: (1) Abyss of
Compassion; (2) Zion; (3) The New Heaven and the New
Earth; (4) The New Jerusalem; (5) Paradise; (6) The
Bosom of Abraham; (7) The Outer Courts of the Lord. From
below the circles of darkness reach upward, each divine principle being
opposed by an infernal opposite. The small circle on the left containing
a triangle and cross is named The Tree of Life, and that on the
right The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. In the center
of the diagram is the Trinity, joined with the superior and inferior
planes by lines of activity.
TABLE X, Figures 10-15.
Figure 10 shows the New Jerusalem in form of a cube, with the names of
the twelve tribes of Israel written on the twelve lines of the cube. In
the center is the eye of God. The words round the outer circle are from
the Book of Revelation. Figures 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 possibly are
cipher symbols of the angels of the plagues, the name of the Antichrist,
the signature of the beast of Babylon, and the name of the woman riding
on the beast of blasphemy.
Table VIII, Figure 6.
Table X, Figures
10-15.
Table IX, Figure
9.
Table XI, Figures
1-11
TABLE XI, Figures 1.-11.
Figure 1 is the solar system according to Genesis. The o on top
of the radius of the circle is the dot of Eternity--the Beginning of
Beginnings. The whole diameter is the outflow of God, manifesting first
in the heaven of heavens--the Schamayim, in which region human
understanding cannot function. The space from k to i
contains the heavens of Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars; l to m,
the heavens of Venus and Mercury; m to h, the heavens of
the sun. The letter e is the moon, the circle of the
earth.
Figure 2 is the globe of the
earth, showing the houses and signs of the zodiac. Figure 3 is the
character of the Universal Mercury (Divine Life) in its triune aspect of
mercury, sulphur, and salt. Figure 4 is true
saltpetre purified with quicklime and alkali. Figure 5 shows the exact
degree or angle of the planets' places as well as the individual fixed
stars in the zodiac. The letter a is the sun and b is the
earth. From k to i are the circles of Mercury and Venus;
g to h, the circles of earth and moon; f to
e and e to c, of Jupiter and Saturn; c to
d, the starry belt or zodiac. Figure 6 is the Microcosm, with the
planets and signs of the zodiac corresponding to the different parts of
its form. The words upon the figure read: Know thyself. In words,
herbs, and stones lies a great power. Figure 7 is the universal
character from which all characters have been taken. Figures 8, 9, and
10 are left to the solution of the reader. Figure 11 is the radiating
Universal Mercury.
TABLE XII, Figures
12-19. Figure 12 is called A Mirror of Astrological Aspects.
Below it is an astrologer's wheel. Figure 13 is similar to Figure 12.
Figure 14 is a secret alchemical formula. The words around the circle
read: Out of one in all is all. Figure 15 is an unsatisfactory attempt
to show the comparative sizes of the suns and planets and their
distances from each other. Figure 16 is the solar system with its
internal and spiritual heavens. A B is the solar system;
C is the sphere of fixed stars; D, E, F,
G are the systems of the spiritual worlds; H is the throne
of the living God; J, K, L, M, and N
are the Great Beyond, unmeasurable.
Figure 17 shows the creation of
the solar system out of the ring of the Divine Eternity. The four
A's are the Abyss, B is the first revelation of God out of
the Abyss, and from this revelation C, D, E,
F, and G were created. C and D represent the
spiritual hierarchies; D and E, the upper worlds, or
constellations; E and F, the distance from Jupiter to the
upper worlds; F and G, the solar system with its planets
and their heavens; B and C the throne of
Christ.
Figure 18 describes the
division according to Genesis of the waters above the heavens (D)
from the waters below (A, B, and C). Figure 19 is
the mercury of the philosophers, essential to material
existence.
TABLE XIII, Figures 1-4.
Figure 1 is Ain Soph, the Incomprehensible Abyss of Divine
Majesty, an endless welling up, limitless in time and space. Figure 2
symbolizes the three Divine Principles--Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Around the triangle is written: I Shall Be That I Shall Be. At
the apex of the triangle is the word Crown; in the left point,
Wisdom; in the right point, Understanding. Figure 3
represents the Trinity with its outflow. The words above the upper
sphere are Revelation of the Divine Majesty in Jehovah Elohim.
The lower circles contain the names of the Hierarchies controlling the
lower worlds. The words within the circle of stars read: Lucifer the
Son of the Aurora of the morning. The letter C represents the
Universal Mercury. The words within the circle read: The first
beginning of all creatures. Figure 4 represents the abode of Lucifer
and his angels, the Chaos spoken of in Genesis.
TABLE XIV, Figures 5, 7,
8. Figure 5 shows the triangle of triune Divinity in the midst of a
cross. At the left is a small triangle containing the words The
Secrets of Elohim, and at the right is another inscribed The
Secrets of Nature. On the horizontal arms of the cross are the words
The Tree of Life and The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and
Evil. The plate explains the interblending of the spiritual and
infernal powers in the creation of the universe. Figure 7 is called
The Road to Paradise. It probably indicates the positions of the
sun, moon, and planets at the moment of their genesis. Figure 8 is the
earth before the flood, when it was watered by a mist or vapor. The
words at the left are The Tree of Life; those at the right, The
Tree of the Knowledge of good and Evil. The diagram with the symbol of
Mars is devoted to a consideration of the rainbow.
TABLE XV, Figures 6, 9,
10. Figure 6 is similar to Figure 5 and is called The Secret of
Nature. An interesting diagram is shown on either side of the
central figure, each consisting of a triangle with circles radiating
from its points. The diagram on the left is called The Secrets of the
Upper World, and the one on right The Secrets of the
Underworld.
Figure 9 is the solar system.
Around the central part are the words The Place of the Damned.
Figure 10 shows the dot, or point of rest, surrounded by a triangle
enclosing a circle containing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.
It represents completion of the process of regeneration and the
consummation of the Great Work.
Table XII, Figures
12-19
Table XIII, Figures
1-4
Table XIV, Figures 5, 7, and
8
Table XV, Figures 6, 9, and
10
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