Psychological Mapping and Kabbalah

topic posted Tue, March 6, 2007 - 9:21 AM by  joy
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Shalom,

I am seeking an answer to a question for a very long time, I hope someone here can assist to shed light. And that is if an individual has experienced disconnection and severance from all relationship and society, has no attachment and there is also indication of an inability to carry through on plans - how would this be explained on the Tree of Life? What spheres are involved? Is there something called a path being disconnected or short-circuited? Why would this happen and how would one repair?

Any data/resources/information would be greatly appreciated.

Shechinah
posted by:
joy
offline joy
SF Bay Area
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  • Re: Psychological Mapping and Kabbalah

    Tue, March 6, 2007 - 1:27 PM
    The only thing which disconnects one from others is a one's ego. If you ask what sfeera is related to such state - it's malhut. But it doesn't really matter in this case. Nothing wrong with the person really, since everybody's nature is a desire to receive (ego).
    All people are just one. This one called Adam Arishon. He just feel himself like one and other 7 billions. He feels this way because of ego.
    How to solve this problem? Just start to receive for God's sake. Only for Him (since He desires to give) and nothing for yourself. To get knowledge of such state person has to practice on others (love your neighbor as yourself)..
    This is very rough explanation, you'll find better from true kabbalists, which now revealed and available for everybody.
  • Re: Psychological Mapping and Kabbalah

    Wed, March 7, 2007 - 8:40 AM
    You might find some answers in Rabbi Abner Weiss's book "Connecting To God: Ancient Kabbalah and Modern Psychology"

    The paths between the spheres are still connected. They haven't short-circuited. All the sefirot--with the exception of Keter--are involved to some extent.

    Problems arise when some sephirot become overdeveloped and others are atrophied as a result of past experiences (usually in childhood). When sephirot are out of balance, they become encrusted by kelipot (husks) and shadow characteristics and behaviors emerge.

    Weiss regards inability to carry through on plans as an imbalance in the energies of the Chokhmah-Binah-Da'at (CHaBaD) upper triad.

    According to Weiss:
    CHaGaT (Chesed-Gevurah-Tif'eret) is the triad of feeling
    and NeHiY (Netzach-Hod-Yesod) involves the sefirot of relating to others.
    Detatchment and disconnection often result when the left side sefirot (Binah, Gevurah and Hod) are overdeveloped.

    Weiss' approach to repairing the imbalances involves multiple theapeutic strategies and spiritual practices (including guided visualizations) based on the individual's needs. Check out his book for more. I borrowed it from the San Fran public library:

    www.connectingtogod.com/
    • joy
      joy
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      Re: Psychological Mapping and Kabbalah

      Thu, March 8, 2007 - 1:06 PM
      Thank you so very much for putting me in touch with this book. I will be ordering it asap. I need to get as much of a clear understanding as I can and bring it into practice. Much thanks, joy
      • Re: ordering books

        Thu, March 8, 2007 - 1:30 PM
        unless you wish to order to directly from the author,

        check out this meta-search engine which gives some of the best prices on new and used books:

        www.bookfinder.com/
        • joy
          joy
          offline 0

          Re: ordering books

          Thu, March 8, 2007 - 1:43 PM
          Synergee,

          A ray of light. Can you be my first friend on Tribe.net? How is this done?

          I will seek out the best price and start doing some Work. It's time.

          blessings,
          joy
  • Re: Psychological Mapping and Kabbalah

    Wed, March 7, 2007 - 9:55 AM
    Joy, I would just like to suggest one thing to keep in mind: the map is not the territory.

    The functioning of the mind (what you are describing is known as "dissociation") can be mapped in a wide variety of ways. The ToL is one of those maps, and IMO, a very useful one at that.

    But I would also suggest that it is important to look at the person, not the map. That is, what does the person need to become more associative rather than how the ToL functions. I would contend that failure to do this among some clinical therapists--who try to fit their clients into their favorite healing modality rather than having access to a variety of healing modalities and selecting the one or ones that will fit the client's needs--is a primary cause of failure in establishing positive change.

    Be that as it may, a common look at the mental aspects of the ToL, going from top to bottom, is as follows:

    1=Yechidah (True self; Transcendental ego; Freud's "superego")
    2=Chiah (True Will; Our creative and inquisitive inner impulse aligned with the Will of God)
    3=Neschamah (Intution)
    4= Memory
    5=Will (that can be moved by superficial and transitory desires)
    6=Imagination
    7=Desire
    8=Reason
    9=Nephesch (The "lower" self; Freud's "Id")
    10=Guph (The physical body and the way it influences us)

    Using this model, you would have to look at the person with the problem and discover what is the source of where the problem lies. That is, what could cause dissociation. If the problem was physical abuse, the cause might be dwelling in the 10th Sephira (escaping from the physical). If the problem is ennui, the cause might be in the 7th (no desire to move on and live). If the problem is caused by a dissipated lifestyle, the cause might be in the 8th Sephira (No logical reason to associate).

    Thus, there is no single answer to your question. Dissociation is not a cause but a symptom, and you have not given the cause. Not only that, but unless you are a trained professional, it is possible that your analysis of the cause might be in error or only a superficial cause and not the real cause. That's why professional don't diagnose in absentia.

    But let's say you have found which Sephirah is the source of the dissociation. IME a great technique for resolving this is working with the Tarot major arcana. Now, it can be pointed out that historically the Tarot and Kabalah developed separately and have only been linked over the past few hundred years. IMO that's irrelevant. Both the Tarot and ToL are maps, not the reality. Using the two together is simply an overlay, not the law or life.

    The ToL map, then, has "cities" (Sephiroth) and roads (paths between the Sephiroth). The major arcana of the Tarot function as the names of the roads.

    So let's say, for example, that the cause of the problem is physical abuse. On the over all map, the "opposing" city from a visual perspective would be the True Self at the top of the tree. The road to that has the names Universe, Temperance, and High Priestess. Finding a Tarot that deeply appeals to your unconscious and spending time meditating on those cards can help take a person to their True Self.

    Or perhaps the cause is ennui, a lack of desire (7th Sephira) to move ahead. The opposing "city" is the 8th Sephira because such a person needs a reason to recreate that desire for life. The "road" is named Tower, and meditation on that card can help a person discover reasons to associate.

    Unfortunately, this is a simplification because we do not have a specific client. Sometimes, taking the most direct route on the map won't solve the problem. Instead, you have to take the scenic route. For example, perhaps the client has led a life of dissapation and has no reason to move on. The goal state is to have a desire to move forward, but the person is so "stuck" in reason that something more is needed to achieve that desire for life. That "something" could be imagination for what could be. In which case the road would be named Devil and Death to be reborn. Or perhaps the person needs to re-establish their imagination(6th Sephira) so they can remember (4th Sephra) what they enjoyed in the past and rekindle a Desire (7th Sephira) to live again. In this case the names of the road would be Devil, Hermit, and the Wheel of Fortune.

    I hope this gives you a bit of an idea of how this process can work. Is what I've described the only way and only interpretation? Absolutely not! I'm sure there are many others. However, they are all only maps. Each person has their own map and IMO it is important to use your client's map rather than forcing them into following yours.
    • joy
      joy
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      Re: Psychological Mapping and Kabbalah

      Thu, March 8, 2007 - 1:24 PM
      Hi Shabalanth

      Thank you too for your reply. It really resonated with me and now I am positive that this is the path (Understanding) that I must take. The situation really lies with myself - there has been much abuse mental, emotional, psychic, sexual and physical, with repeated early trauma. For years I acted out, now I act within - and keep mostly to myself in solitude, but also have disconnected from all people. Even my own son. It is very severe in that to his wedding I did not go and at the birth of his new daughter too I was absent. I feel no inclination to be around people at all. My phone is disconnected most of the time. I rarely return calls. My only contact is via this mode -internet. Maybe this is ennui. No energy for people. Also feeling that I do not belong. An alien on this planet. No one understands and so - well - so be it. I will continue alone doing my thing and this has been ongoing for years. Where to begin to understanding the places that need healing? What is the purpose of this state of being? Was it predestined? Are these the lessons I must learn and correct? When I think about these issues - I have inklings of ideas that it has to do with forgiveness, re-alignment with my Soul, connection with God, integration of my gifts into this world, humility and more. I need to understand the Tree of Life and how it pertains to me personally, to my past, present and future and all my relationships. I need to understand why I've taken the paths I've taken. I'd like to study with someone who knows. The tarot, though I cant do - it seems to counter Torah and there's that fine line I will draw with consciousness. All other options are open though - my mind, heart and soul are willing.

      blessings,
      joy
      • Re: Psychological Mapping and Kabbalah

        Thu, March 8, 2007 - 10:03 PM
        Dearest Joy,

        I know that at times you feel very alone, as you put it, "an alien on this planet." But you're not alone. I think you'd be surprised to know how many other aliens there are here.

        Right now, from what you've posted, you sound to involved with who and where you are to be able to examine the situation objectively. You're not alone in this. It's very difficult to be objective about oneself!

        Studying the books and ideas, perhaps including what I presented, is very positive.

        But to really get through the subjectivity to the heart, soul, and spirit, I would respectfully suggest that you find a trained and caring counselor, someone whom you feel safe with.

        Posting to us here is a great start. Making the move to find a therapist can be difficult, but ultimately incredibly fulfilling.

        The Tarot was not created until about 1,800 years after the Torah was finalized by Ezra. IMO, an in-depth study of them shows that they are in perfect harmony and the basics of Torah philosophy and law is explicated by the Tarot. However, for those who haven't actually studied the Tarot--and since it is symbolic rather than historical/metaphoric like the Torah--it is certainly understandable that some may find it foreign. If you are not comfortable with the symbolism of the Tarot, another method would be using the appropriately placed Hebrew letters and learning their original pictographic symbolism and meaning.

        Good luck on your path!
        • joy
          joy
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          Re: Psychological Mapping and Kabbalah

          Fri, March 9, 2007 - 5:43 AM
          Hi,

          Well here's the thing - I am on this Path to seek out answers not via therapists but via havruta which is primarily why I joined this tribe. I am not seeking quick solutions, but relationship and mutual support. The primary way to be a Kabbalist is to live being a Kabbalist in all words, actions and thoughts and via one's study group.

          I thank you for your advice and good luck wishes, but I am adamant in studying and grasping this material within the parameters of a serious online group setting. Whichever that may be.

          Shabbat Shalom to all,
          joy

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