On the Correspondence Between the 8T and the Steps of IIH
© 2003

>> I'm wondering about the follow up work with the individual temples. I get the impression that you should 'master' the work of a lower temple before moving up to the next one, and then apply the appropriate gates to integrate the levels. Is that true? If so, upon working intensively with one temple, when or how do you know when it's time to move up? Is it only an inner feeling, or are there objective criteria? <<

The work of each of the Sephirotic Temples can be matched, Step for Step, with IIH and the same criteria *can* be applied to the 8T. But it all depends upon how thorough you wish to be. To *truly* incorporate the 8T and the 231 Gates, then you *must* be that thorough. It's not necessarily a "quick" process in temporal terms. :) But then *true* initiation is not quick, as you well know.

>> It sounds from the previous posts like the quality of the work with the temples is dependent on your aptitudes and stage you're at in the IIH. Do you then repeat some of the work at a higher level later? <<

The "8 Temples Meditation Project" is meant to introduce the practitioner to these eight Sephirotic Temples. Once introduced, one can work within that Temple whenever they desire. The quality of their work will obviously depend upon their aptitudes and will evolve over time and repeated visits to the Temples.

My best to you,
:) Rawn Clark
15 Oct 2003

>>And here I thought you said, not too long ago, that the steps of IIH did not directly correlate to the sepheroth? What happened? ;) <<

They don't. ;-)

However, the *work of the Temples in the 8T* does! I created the 8T as a Bardonist, with other Bardonists in mind, as a sort of bridge between the Sephirotic progression and that of first 8 Steps of IIH.

My best to you,
:) Rawn Clark
18 Oct 2003

>>In other words, the sepheroth are a necessary, but not sufficient quality for the steps. IE. the steps involve both the sepheroth, as well as the integration of that sepheroth into the levels of self previously explored and expressed via the spoken and hidden paths. In which case the only sepheroth, and Temple, that would directly correspond to the steps of IIH would be Malkuth. Correct? Hopefully? <<

Yes, at the beginning, they coincide, but from that point onward it depends upon in which context you're using the Sephirot. In the context of the 8 Temples, then each phase of *initiatory* work represented by the Sephirot and related "Paths", equate to the successive Steps of IIH. But if we take the Sephirot into their broader, essential context and equate them to the Hermetic's Planetary Zones or Planes, then one could say that the first 8 Steps of IIH equate to the *Sephirot* Malkuth. And if we take the Sephirot into the context of the Levels of Self-Awareness, then, as you know, this *can* have little relevance to which Step one is pursuing. :)

My best to you,
:) Rawn Clark
22 Oct 2003

>>This is quite helpful, but could you say anymore about the correspondences? Offhand, some of them make good sense to me. For example Malkuth relates self analysis, Yesod with personality transformation, and Tiphareth with finding your depth point and communicating with your HGA. But I am not sure about the connection of Hod with Step Three, or Netzach with Step IV (maybe perception of essential meaning to help with transference of consciousness?), or Geburah and up. Also, do the connections apply mentally astrally and physically, or just at one level? <<

      8T Malkuth = Step One mental discipline and self-analysis.

      8T Yesod = Step Two character transformation

      8T Hod = Step Three initial work with the Elements and the accumulation of vital energy, both of which increase one's rational understanding.

      8T Netzach = Step Four transplantation of consciousness, accumulation of the Elements and the production of Element harmony, all of which increase one's pre-rational understanding.

      8T Tiphareth = Step Five space magic, projection of Elements outward and passive communication with one's HGA, all of which promote the awareness of the Individual Self.

      8T Geburah = Step Six meditation on one's own spirit, mastery of the Akasha and deliberate creation of beings, all of which bring the lessons of Individual powerfulness.

      8T Gedulah = Step Seven analysis of one's own spirit and the development of the astral senses, both of which promote the transformation of the Individual Self.

      8T Binah = Step Eight mental wandering, meditation on the Now, perfection of the mental Equilibrium and mastery of the Fluids, all of which prepare one for crossing the Abyss.

My best to you,
:) Rawn Clark
26 Oct 2003