The middle pillar is one of the primary rituals of Western esotericism, and next to the lesser rituals of the pentagram is perhaps the most used. In this exercise we are mainly concerned with the middle pillar of the qabalistic tree. When the tree is laid upon the body the spheres in question correspond as follows:

For those familiar with the charkas used in certain systems of Yoga there are correlations between each of the paths and spheres on the middle pillar, but these are treated elsewhere in the esoterica section.

The middle pillar exercise is a technique of building a circuit of force in the aura, of vitalising the life body or etheric and charging it. The use of the body as a temple in the Western esoteric tradition ensures the use of it as the magicians primary tool. So although at its most exoteric the Middle Pillar is intended to charge the etheric vehicle, it is also generating power which can be channelled and directed outwards. One way in which this may be used is in charging items such as tools and sigils.

Before the actual ritual dynamics are explained it is important to note the middle pillar is normally performed in conjunction with the Qabalistic Cross and the Lesser Banishing Ritual Of The Pentagram which is performed before to seal of the temple of the body from negative external influences and to bring the being into balance.

As with all operations the use of correspondence and symbolism is strong. In the middle pillar we are working with a number of different symbolic correspondences.

First we have the sphere itself and its name, Kether means crown, and is physically placed just above the head. It is coloured radiant, almost blinding white. From the point where all of this symbolism has been formed the God name connected with this sphere is then vibrated. In the case of Kether this name is “Aye” or “Eh-hey-eh”.

Once this is done a beam of pure energy, a silver and glittering spiders thread, shining and breathtaking in its dewy morning glory. This extends down as far as the throat where it meets the sphere which is not a sphere, Da’ath. Da’ath is located at the throat centre. Its title is knowledge. Picture it as a dull grey. Once again form a mental consideration, and picture of the energies of the sphere. When the magical imagination of the sphere has been developed vibrate the God name “Jehovah Elohim”. This is most commonly transliterated as “Ya-hov-ah El-oh-hem”

Once again the thread of energy descends the tree to the Solar Plexus, located just below the rib cage. It comes to the sphere of Tipereth, the solar centre. It shines with the radiant brilliance of the sun, dazzling yellow in colour. Those who work with solar Godforms such as Ra, Christios and Helios can envisage the image of this Godform here. Once a clear imagination of the sphere has been created the God name of the Sphere is vibrated. Jehovah Eloah va Da’ath (Ya-hov-ah va Da-ath).

Again the thread further descends, down to the point of the groin where it enters a sphere of purple. This is the sphere of Yesod, the lunar centre and is linked with the etheric body. Build up the image of the sphere in the area of the groin and vibrate: “Shaddai El Chai” (Shad-a-ee el K-a-ee).

The thread of energy descends until it reaches the feet. Here it finds the sphere of Malkuth, the kingdom. On a diagram of the tree of life the sphere is depicted as being quartered diagonally with the four colours, and this can be held as an image. On a personal level I prefer to think of the four elements these colours represent as being dynamic forces constantly at play. So I tend to picture a sphere of movement comprised of black, citrine, olive and russet which blend into each other and constantly move. It is a difficult image to sustain, but I find the effort is worth it. Once the image is built vibrate the god name “Adonai ha Aretz” (Ad-on-a-ee ha Ar-ets).

Having duly activated the major qabalistic or western chakras one by one, the image of the gestalt or whole being must be built. If an image of the body from head to foot can be made, with each of the spheres in their appropriate colour. Between each is the thread of energy. Here the technique of the fourfold breath is used to create an awareness of the energised spheres, on breathing in Kether, and Da’ath glow and pulsate, the strands which connect them down to Tipereth have movement. As the breath is held it grows in the heart centre and moves down to vitalise Yesod and Malkuth.

The use of the fourfold breath in connection with the middle pillar has many uses. An example would be a ritual which commences with the Qabalistic Cross and the Earth Banishing of the Pentagram. An intent may be stated at this stage, for example, courage and strength. At this stage the person performing this rite would have retrieved the information pertinent to the working, for example the corresponding sphere would be Geburah. They should have connected with these ideas by thinking about them, and how they relate to the personal situation.

The middle pillar would then be performed, as well as the four fold breath technique. Once the fourfold breath has been regulated and the pictorial image of the spheres on the body can either be visualised or otherwise sensed and observed, the exhalation can be a channelling out of energy from the Midddle Pillar and its direction can be regulated by the vibration of the God name of the sphere. On inhaling again the inbreathing can be accompanied by the image of the etheric body being filled with a red auric quality, corresponding to the colour of the sphere. The Godform of Mars could also be taken on. This may be continued for several vibrations of the God name. The Qabalistic Cross and the Lesser Banishing can again be performed.

This ritual may be continued as part of the daily routine of ritual to strengthen the working and align daily with the energies needed.

Picture a white sphere over the head- vibrate: “aye”

See a line of energy descend to the throat, a dull grey sphere. Vibrate: “Jehovah Elohim”.

The line further descends to an orb of golden yellow just below the ribcage. Vibrate: Jehovah Eloah va Da’ath

Again the line of energy descends further to the groin area, to a purple sphere. Vibrate: “Shaddai El Chai”

The line descends to the feet to a sphere of black, russet, olive and citrine. Vibrate: “Adonai ha Aretz”

This is a rather empty outline of the middle pillar. It is up to those using it to fill it out by looking at the correspondences, taking the correspondences and find what from each sphere means something to them. These images make easier the activation of each of these Western chakra’s.

Crowley, Aleister “777 And Other Qabalistic Writings” (Good for correspondences)

Regardie, Israel “The Middle Pillar” An anatomy of the Middle Pillar with several variants.