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Lately, I've been putting some thought to putting together my own Tree of Life. Basically, the associations that I've discovered as my mind wanders. My main focus has been in regards to less 'mystical' associations such as Jungian archetypes and Leary's circuits of the brain. Things seemed to click together when I connected the archetypes with the circuits and then brought in the Virtures of the Sephiroth. Dr. Leary believed that the main cause of 'bad trips' could be overcome through a strong imprinting on the four terrestrial circuits and that sometimes, there was a period of negativity that he called Castle Perilous. It struck me that this progression was quite similar to the notion that a strong harmony with the four archetypes could bring about an experience of the anima or animus, that part of the personality that seems to carry our dormant traits relating to the opposite gender. In turn, these experiences could be placed on the Tree of Life.
The Warrior Archetype is focussed on our ability to take action or know when to retreat to safety. Protection is his key motivation and as such, he relates closely with the Bio-Survival Circuit, which helps infants determine safe objects (like Mother) and harmful objects (like a hot stove). Both are one dimensional, move forward or move back, act or retreat. This brings to mind the virtue of Malkuth, which is Discrimination. At its most basic level, a person who can't tell the difference between a glass of milk and a glass of battery acid won't survive long. At its highest level, it becomes the ability to pick and choose from the near-infinite material objects in this physical world and know what suits one's needs at the time.
The King Archetype relates to confidence, command and inner strength. He knows who is weak and who is strong and who is most suited to the job he needs accomplished; the art of Delegation. The Emotional Circuit suits him best as it adds a second dimension of left and right to the singular forward/retreat of the Bio-Survival Circuit. With two dimensions, you can explore and begin considering territory. Many children who imprint this circuit begin exploring politics, like crying merely for the sake of getting attention and drawing others toward you. The virtue of Yesod is Independence; the child who imprints the second circuit is just beginning to explore independence whereas the King radiates a level of confidence and independence that cause him to act as a magnet for others.
The Magician Archetype knows things, secrets about the universe that most others can't fathom. He solves puzzles and unravels enigmas. This describes the Dexterity-Symbolism Circuit perfectly. When this circuit is imprinted, the child begins toying with abstract concepts and can imagine goals when he builds or pursues other crafts. This circuit adds the third dimension, up and down, directions humans can't really use that well since we can't fly or burrow but we can grasp it easily enough. The third dimension is a practical abstraction among many others that we discover through this circuit. The virtue of Hod is Honesty. When you begin to grasp the manipulation of concepts, intelligent discussion is possible but you can discuss anything from flying through a purple sky to hiking through a forest. Deception and delusion become tools and sometimes shackles. The Magician knows when the secrets he discovers are true or false and he is wise when he can be honest with himself.
The Lover Archetype turns outwards; he pursues potential lovers and gives them pleasure. However, the Lover can also become a parent and the selflessness he demonstrates in the bedroom now applies to his offspring. The Lover represents the fourth dimension as a child makes one look forward to the future and one's own parents are a view into the past. The Social-Sexual Circuit is often imprinted in the early teens as puberty sets in. Teens run amok, whispering to their friends about sex and their current girlfriend or boyfriend. Sexuality transforms into social consciousness as you wonder about the world your parents brought you into and the world you will leave to your own children. The virtue of Netzach is Unselfishness and it's pretty obvious why. Selfishness brings out the worst in both parents and lovers and if you can't set aside your own desires for those you love, how can you possibly contribute to society as a whole?
I won't discuss much about Tiphareth, especially since I'm still struggling to master the four basic elements/archetypes/sephiroth. Perhaps one day, I will get a taste of the bliss that lies behind the Veil of Paroketh, commune with my anima and see the vastness of the universe that lies just outside visceral experience. For now, I travel on, pursuing the Great Work in all its wonder and splendour.
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