The Tree of Life - Otz Chiim
The central diagram of Kabbalah and Hermetic cosmology, the Tree of Life maps the process of creation from infinite unity to material diversity. It consists of ten Sefirot (spheres) and 22 connecting paths—each path corresponding to a Hebrew letter, astrological sign, and Major Arcana card.
The Ten Sefirot - Spheres of Emanation
The Sefirot represent stages of divine emanation from pure spirit (Keter) to material manifestation (Malkuth). Each is a state of consciousness, a divine attribute, and a world unto itself.
1. Keter - Crown
Divine Unity, the Source. "I AM." Associated with Primum Mobile and pure consciousness.
Explore Keter →2. Chokmah - Wisdom
The Father, active force. Zodiac, pure creative energy, the Word (Logos).
Explore Chokmah →3. Binah - Understanding
The Mother, receptive force. Saturn, the womb that gives form to wisdom.
Explore Binah →5. Gevurah - Severity
Judgment, contraction. Mars, discipline, necessary boundaries.
Explore Gevurah →6. Tiferet - Beauty
Harmony, the Heart. Sun, Christ consciousness, balance of mercy and severity.
Explore Tiferet →10. Malkuth - Kingdom
The material world. Earth, physical manifestation, the Bride.
Explore Malkuth →The 22 Paths - Major Arcana Correspondences
The paths connecting the Sefirot represent transitions, journeys, and states of becoming. Each corresponds to a Hebrew letter, an astrological attribution, and a Major Arcana card. Together they form the map of spiritual initiation.
11th Path: Keter to Chokmah
The Fool (0) - Aleph (א) - Air - The leap into manifestation
12th Path: Keter to Binah
The Magician (I) - Beth (ב) - Mercury - Will made manifest
13th Path: Keter to Tiferet
The High Priestess (II) - Gimel (ג) - Moon - Hidden wisdom
14th Path: Chokmah to Binah
The Empress (III) - Daleth (ד) - Venus - Sacred marriage
15th Path: Chokmah to Tiferet
The Emperor (IV) - Heh (ה) - Aries - Authority and structure
16th Path: Chokmah to Chesed
The Hierophant (V) - Vav (ו) - Taurus - Tradition and teaching
17th Path: Binah to Tiferet
The Lovers (VI) - Zain (ז) - Gemini - Choice and union
32nd Path: Yesod to Malkuth
The World (XXI) - Tau (ת) - Saturn - Completion and mastery
All 22 Paths Complete Reference
Each of the 22 Major Arcana cards represents one of these sacred paths. See the complete Major Arcana index for the full correspondence table.
📚 Primary Sources: Tree of Life
Related Across the Mythos
Major Arcana
22 Cards
Each path personified
The Sefirot
Ten divine emanations