The Pentalpha (Eliphas Levi's Esoteric Pentagram)

 

The Pentalpha expresses the dominion of the Spirit over the elements of Nature. It represents the human being in its entirety, acting as the ultimate geometric synthesis of the macrocosm and the microcosm. The blazing star is traditionally known as the Pentalpha because it contains within itself five Alphas, representing the first letter of the Greek alphabet concealed within its five angles, which symbolizes the Word or the underlying Principle of Creation.

 

The sign of the Pentagram is also called the sign of the Microcosm. It represents what the Kabbalist Rabbis of the book Zohar call the Microprosopos. The comprehension of the Magic Pentagram is the key of the two Spaces.

 

 

The Hebrew Inscriptions

 

יהוה (Iod-Hei-Vav-Hei): The Tetragrammaton is inscribed around the perimeter.

 

 

Adam, Pechad, and Kaphar

 

• אדם (Aleph-Daleth-Mem): Pronounced Adam, signifying the human-manas or Celestial Man made in the image and likeness of God.

 

• פחד (Pei-Chet-Daleth): Pronounced Pechad, meaning "awe" or "ardor." It represents a profound reverence and respect towards the essence of God.

 

• כפר (Kaph-Pei-Reish): Pronounced Kaphar, meaning "expiation." It signifies the internal sacrifice and discipline required to purify karma and balance the scales of divine justice.

 

 

The Eyes, Alpha, and Omega

 

• The Eyes of the Spirit: Located in the superior angle, symbolizing the permanent, omniscient sight of God, the Holy Eight (infinity), and the equilibrium between brain, heart, and sex.

 

• Alpha (A): The first letter of the Greek alphabet, forming the mouth of the figure. It represents the Verb or Word, and the Principle of Creation.

 

• Omega (Ω): The last letter of the Greek alphabet, situated between the legs. It symbolizes the Cosmic Christ or Universal Verb.

 

 

The Numerical Synthesis

 

• 12 (1 + 2 = 3): The number 1 is the male (fire), and the number 2 is the female (water). Adding them yields 3, representing the Christified Soul achieved by means of sacrifice.

 

• 123 (1 + 2 + 3 = 6): The Father (1), the Mother (2), and their Child (3) form the Trinity. Adding them yields 6, representing the Soul united to God by means of Love.

 

• 9 (3 + 6 = 9): Adding the outcomes of the previous equations (3 + 6) equals 9, representing the Ninth Sphere.

 

• The Ultimate Outcome: The Pentalpha as a whole—the Man God, the Adam Christ, the Alchemist, and the Kabbalist—is the ultimate outcome of the nine.

 

 

Planetary and Astrological Symbols

 

Jupiter (♃): Positioned on the superior angle (forehead), symbolizing IO-PITAR, the Internal Christ, and the Sacred Father of all Gods. Governed by the Archangel Zachariel.

 

Mars (♂): Located on the arms, representing Strength and the Willpower that transforms the human being. Governed by the Archangel Samael.

 

Mercury (☿): Located on the chest, symbolizing Occult Philosophy, Intelligence, and the prudent activity of the Wise. Governed by the Archangel Raphael.

 

Saturn (♄): Located at the feet, representing Magic, Death and Resurrection, and the Elder of Days. Governed by the Archangel Oriphiel.

 

Venus (♀): Located on the chest, the symbol of Love, Chastity, and Beauty. Governed by the Archangel Uriel.

 

The Moon (☽): Located on the left side, symbolizing Fertility, Fecundity, and dominion over the waters of life (Ens Seminis). Governed by the Archangel Gabriel.

 

The Sun (☉): Located on the right side, the symbol of the Solar Logos, the substance and Consciousness of Christ, and the powerful life whereby everything advances. Governed by the Archangel Michael.

 

 

Geometric and Esoteric Instruments

 

The Seal of Solomon (Hexagram): Symbolizes dominion over the Earth element and the perfect symbol of the Central Sun, with its twelve rays representing the zodiacal constellations.

 

The Superior Triangle: Symbolizes the Holy Trinity: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

 

The Inferior Triangle: Symbolizes the internal powers: The Power that Governs (The Innermost), the Power that Deliberates (The Mind), and the Executive Power (The Personality).

 

The Caduceus of Mercury: Symbolizes the dorsal spine and its two channels (Ida and Pingala), representing the ascent of the fire of the Holy Spirit through the seven chakras.

 

The Chalice (Holy Grail): Representing the receptive, feminine principle, the Chalice is the spiritual container or consciousness that is purified and made ready to receive the Divine Light.

 

The Staff of Seven Knots: Acting as a geometric map of the internal architecture of the human soul, the Staff represents the central nervous system, the human spine, and the process of Spiritual Awakening.

 

The Sword: Symbolizing the active, projective force of the human Will and the penetrating power of the intellect, the Esoteric function of the Sword is to cut through heavy astral illusion to isolate Pure Truth.

 

 

Divine Magic unites us most strongly to Divine nature. This nature begets itself through itself, moves through its own Powers, supports all, and is Intelligent. Being the ornament of the Universe, it invites us to Intelligible Truth, to perfection and imparting perfection to others. It unites us so intimately to All the Creative actions of the Gods, according to the capacity of each of us, that the Soul having accomplished Divine acts of Devotion and Worship is consolidated in their [Gods] Actions and Intelligences, until it launches itself into and is absorbed by the primordial Divine Essence.