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p. 145
Fifteen Rosicrucian
and Qabbalistic Diagrams
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
TABLE I, Figures 1-11.
TABLE II, Figures 12-51.
p. 146
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.
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,
Table III, Figure 52
Table IV, Figure 53
Table V, Figure 54
Table VII, Figures 1-5, 7 and 8
p. 147
[paragraph
continues] 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 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
p. 148
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
Next: Alchemy and Its Exponents