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Chapters 1,2 and 3 were the Hisbonenus section of the series where it was explained that one must have Hisbonenus (deep analytical study also called Iyun) on all of the details of the Seder Hishtalshellus (the chainlike orderly descent) of the worlds. So, now it is necessary to explain all of these details and this will be accomplished by the second half of the book, beginning with Chapter 10. However, before beginning with the specifics of the Hishtalshellus one must first have a general picture of the whole thing so as to be able to understand about which level one is talking about and where that level is in relationship to the other levels and so before beginning Chapter 10, where the Mittler Rebbe begins to explain the specifics of the Hishtalshellus we will begin with some of Chapter 7, where the Mittler Rebbe describes the basic Hishtalshellus.
First, an overview of the Kabbalistic World System:
In order to have a place where to make the World, G-d made a Lessening in His Infinite Light.
This Lessening is called the Tzimtzum.
After the Tzimzum was left over an Impression of the original Infinite Light which is called the R'shimu
This is the Tzimzum U'Rshimu
From the Reshimu which is also called the Point came The Kav VaChut (The line) of Light.
That is, the finite Ray of the Infinite Light Which brings the Worlds into Being.
And from the Line was created A"K - Adam Kadmon - Primal Man or Man of Creation which is the General Crown or Will for the Will
From A"k is revealed The Particular Crowns Attik and Arich - Delight and Will and the world of Atzilus - Emanation. This is the world of the Primal Sephiros
From there are created the Consecutive Worlds of
Bria - Creation
Yetzirah - Formation
Assiah - Action or Making
In these three worlds the Divine Light becomes grosser and grosser in order to finally enter the World of the Qlipah - the Astrological Universe i.e our Universe which is the Physical Universe.
Then, in our Universe, the influence comes down from the Upper Circle through the Constellations and Stars down to Earth.
In the Kabbalistic Astrology/Astronomy system, the Earth is usually considered the stationary center of the Universe, with the heavens and heavenly bodies revolving around it. In several places in the Kabbalistic books, it is stated that the Earth revolves around the sun but this is considered to be true only within the relativistic setting of the solar system. The actual Absolute Center of the Universe is the place of the Holy of Holies of the Temple in Jerusalem (may it be rebuilt speedily in our days).
The revolutions of the Heavens influence us down here. Some of these influences are very obvious - e.g. the revolution of the Sun around the Earth causes night and day. The revolution of the Moon causes the tides of the Waters. The revolution of the Earth around the Sun through the twelve signs of the Zodiac cause the Seasons. Recently we've had some hurricanes. These were caused by the revolutions of the heavens and obviously affected many peoples lives.
The various climates on Earth are a result of where one is located under the sky. So at the poles it is extremely cold and at the equator it is hot. These climates also affect the food chain. It is well known that certain places are especially good for growing grapes or apples etc.
The above are very obvious effects of the Sky upon life on Earth. However Kabbalistic Astrology teaches that the Heavenly influences affect us in much more subtle ways. Even a person's character is affected by when and where he is born.
However, Kaballistic Astrology is not Fatalistic. The universe is a backdrop to our actions but within its framework we have a choice of good or bad. So, for instance, a person who is influenced by Mars - a blood sign - can become a murderer or a surgeon Please remember that these posts are not meant to explain Astrology but rather the relationship of Astrology to the Kabbalah
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The material in this series is copyrighted by Rabbi Yossi Markel