View source for Qlippoth

{{Short description|Impure spiritual forces in Kabbalah}}
{{redirect|Sitra Ahra|the Therion album|Sitra Ahra (album)}}
{{Kabbalah}}
In the ''[[Zohar]]'', [[Lurianic Kabbalah]], and [[Hermetic Qabalah]], the '''''qlippoth''''' ({{Langx|he|קְלִיפּוֹת|translit=qəlīppōṯ}}, originally {{langx|tmr|קְלִיפִּין|translit=qəlīppīn}}, plural of {{lang|arc|קְלִפָּה}} ''qəlīppā''; literally "peels", "shells", or "husks"), are the representation of [[evil]] or [[Tumah and taharah|impure]] spiritual forces in [[Jewish mysticism]], the opposites of the [[Sefirot]].{{sfnp|Mathers|1887|loc="The Book of Concealed Mystery"}}{{sfnp|Franck|1926|p=279}} The realm of evil is called '''''Sitra Achra''''' ({{langx|tmr|סִטְרָא אַחְרָא|sīṭrāʾ ʾaḥrāʾ|link=no|The Other Side}}) in [[Kabbalistic texts]].
==In the Zohar==
{{religious text primary|section|date=September 2023}}
The qlippoth are first mentioned in the ''[[Zohar]]'', where they are described as being created by [[God in Judaism|God]] to function as a nutshell for holiness.<ref>{{cite web |title=Zohar |url=https://www.sefaria.org/Zohar.1.19b?ven=Sefaria_Community_Translation&lang=bi |website=www.sefaria.org}}</ref> The text subsequently relays an esoteric interpretation of the text of [[Genesis creation narrative]] in Genesis 1:14, which describes [[God in Judaism|God]] creating the moon and sun to act as "luminaries" in the sky. The verse "Let there be luminaries ({{lang|hbo|מְאֹרֹת}} ''məʾoroṯ'')," uses a [[defective script|defective spelling]] of the Hebrew word for "luminaries," resulting in a written form identical to the Hebrew word for "curses." In the context of the ''Zohar'', interpreting the verse as calling the moon and sun "curses" is given mystic significance, personified by a description of the moon descending into the realm of [[Beri'ah]], where it began to belittle itself and dim its light, both physically and spiritually. The resulting darkness gave birth to the qlippoth.<ref>{{cite web |title=Zohar, Bereshit 9:110 |url=https://www.sefaria.org/Zohar.1.20a.5?ven=Sefaria_Community_Translation&lang=bi |website=www.sefaria.org|quote=When the moon was united with the sun, the moon had its own light. But after the moon was separated from the sun, it descended to the world of Briyah and was placed in charge of the hosts of Briyah, it belittled itself and diminished its own light. So Kelipot upon Kelipot were created, one above the other, to conceal the inner part. All this occurred to complete the light of the inner part, because without a shell no fruit can be had. This is the reason why it is written: "Let there be luminaries ({{lang|he|מְאֹרֹת}})," without [[Waw (letter)|Vav]], which means a curse, because of the Kelipot that emerge due to the diminution of the light of the moon. All this was done for the perfection of the world. Therefore, it is written: "To give light upon the earth" (Gen. 1:15), as these Kelipot emerged in the secret of the shell that precedes the fruit. }}</ref> Reflecting this, they are thenceforth generally synonymous with "darkness" itself.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sefaria.org/Zohar.2.115b.10?vhe=New_Torat_Emet_Zohar&lang=bi |title=Zohar 2:115b |access-date=2021-10-10 |archive-date=2021-10-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010202525/https://www.sefaria.org/Zohar.2.115b.10?vhe=New_Torat_Emet_Zohar&lang=bi |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Full Zohar Online - Mishpatim - Chapter 10 |url=https://www.zohar.com/zohar/Mishpatim/chapters/10 |website=www.zohar.com}}</ref>
Later, the ''Zohar'' gives specific names to some of the qlippoth, relaying them as counterparts to certain sephirot: Mashchith ({{langx|he|מַשְׁחִית|mašḥīṯ|destroyer|link=no}}) to [[Chesed]], Aph ({{langx|he|אַף|ʾap̄|anger|link=no}}) to [[Gevurah]], and Hema ({{langx|he|חֵמָה|ḥēmā|wrath|link=no}}) to [[Tiferet]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sefaria.org/Zohar.3.279b.1?vhe=New_Torat_Emet_Zohar&lang=bi |title=Zohar 3:279b |access-date=2021-10-10 |archive-date=2021-10-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010202525/https://www.sefaria.org/Zohar.3.279b.1?vhe=New_Torat_Emet_Zohar&lang=bi |url-status=dead }}</ref> It also names Avon ({{langx|he|עָוֹן|ʿāvōn|iniquity|link=no}}),<ref>[https://www.sefaria.org/Zohar_Chadash%2C_Tikuna_Kadma'ah.31?vhe=Zohar_Chadash&lang=bi Zohar Chadash, Tikuna Kadma'ah 31], Sefaria</ref> [[Tohu wa-bohu|Tohu]] ({{langx|he|תֹהוּ|tohū|formless|link=no}}), [[Tohu wa-bohu|Bohu]] ({{langx|he|בֹהוּ|bohū|void|link=no}}), Esh ({{langx|he|אֵשׁ|ʿēš|fire|link=no}}), and [[Tehom]] ({{langx|he|תְּהוֹם|təhōm|deep|link=no}}),<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sefaria.org/Zohar.3.227a.10-14?vhe=New_Torat_Emet_Zohar&lang=bi |title=Zohar 3:227a |access-date=2021-10-10 |archive-date=2021-10-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010210627/https://www.sefaria.org/Zohar.3.227a.10-14?vhe=New_Torat_Emet_Zohar&lang=bi |url-status=dead }}</ref> but does not relate them to any corresponding sefira. Though the ''Zohar'' clarifies that each sefira and qlippa is 1:1, even with equivalent [[partzufim]], it does not give all their names.
==In Hermetic Qabalah==
===Mathers' interpretation===
[[Christian Knorr von Rosenroth]]'s Latin ''Kabbala denudata'' (1684) (translated ''The Kabbalah Unveiled'' by [[Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers]]) equates these forces with the Kings of [[Edom]] and also offers the suggestion they are the result of an imbalance towards Gedulah, the Pillar of Mercy or the merciful aspect of God, and have since been destroyed.{{sfnp|Mathers|1887|loc="Greater Holy Assembly", [http://www.sacred-texts.com/jud/tku/tku34.htm Chapter XXVI: Concerning the Edomite Kings]}} In subsequent Hermetic teachings, the qlippoth have tended, much like the sefiroth, to be interpreted as mystical [[hell|worlds]] or [[demon|entities]], and merged with ideas derived from [[demonology]].
In most descriptions, there are seven divisions of [[Hell]]; [[Sheol]] or [[Tehom]]; [[Abaddon]] or [[Tzoah Rotachat]]; ''Be'er Shachat'' {{langx|he|בְּאֵר שַׁחַת||pit of corruption|link=no}} or [[Destroying angel (Bible)|Mashchit]]; Bor Shaon ({{langx|he|בּוֹר שָׁאוֹן||cistern of sound|link=no}}) or ''Tit ha-Yaven'' ({{langx|he|טִיט הַיָוֵן||clinging mud|link=no}}); [[Dumah (angel)|Dumah]] or Sha'are Mavet ({{langx|he|שַׁעֲרֵי מָוֶת||gates of death|link=no}}); Neshiyyah ({{langx|he|נְשִׁיָּה||oblivion, "[[Limbo]]"|link=no}}) or [[Shade (mythology)|Tzalmavet]]; and Eretz Tachtit ({{langx|he|אֶרֶץ תַּחְתִּית||lowest earth, [[Gehenna]]|link=no}}),{{sfnp|Boustan|Reed|2004|p={{pn|date=December 2023}}}}{{sfnp|Mew|1903|p={{pn|date=December 2023}}}}{{sfnp|Lowy|1888|p=339}}{{sfnp|Pusey|1881|p=102}} twelve qlippothic orders of demons, three powers before [[Satan]], and twenty-two demons which correspond to the 22 letters of the [[Hebrew alphabet]].{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}
===Regardie and Crowley===
{{thelema|expand=Related topics}}
According to [[Aleister Crowley]], the three evil forms (before Samael), are said to be Qemetial, [[Belial]], and Othiel.{{sfnp|Crowley|1986|p={{pn|date=December 2023}}}}
Crowley (who calls them "Orders of Qliphoth"){{sfnp|Crowley|1986|p=2|loc=Table VIII}} and [[Israel Regardie]]{{sfnp|Regardie|1970|p=82|loc="Fifth knowledge lecture"}} list the qlippoth and their associated [[sephiroth]] on the [[Tree of life (Kabbalah)|tree of life]] as:
#'''Thaumiel''', associated with [[Kether]]
#'''Ghogiel''', associated with [[Chokmah]]
#'''[[Sathariel|Satariel]]''', associated with [[Binah (Kabbalah)|Binah]]
#'''Agshekeloh''', associated with [[Chesed]]
#'''Golohab''', associated with [[Geburah]]
#'''Tagiriron''', associated with [[Tiphareth]]
#'''Gharab Tzerek''', associated with [[Netzach]]
#'''[[Samael]]''', associated with [[Hod (Kabbalah)|Hod]]
#'''Gamaliel''', associated with [[Yesod]]
#'''[[Lilith]]''', associated with [[Malkuth]].
===Kenneth Grant===
[[Kenneth Grant]], founder of the [[Typhonian Order]], provided extensive teachings on the Qlippoth, the shadow side of the [[Kabbalistic Tree of Life]], which represent the chaotic, negative counterparts to the ten [[sefirot]]. Grant emphasized the importance of understanding and integrating these darker aspects for a holistic spiritual perspective.{{sfnmp|1a1=Grant|1y=1991|2a1=Asprem|2y=2013|3a1=Rees|3y=2022}}
In ''Nightside of Eden'', Grant explores the Tunnels of Set, pathways corresponding to the Qlippothic Tree. These tunnels symbolize hidden paths filled with transformative energies beneath the surface of consciousness. Traversing these tunnels involves confronting and integrating darker aspects of the psyche and the universe, which Grant views as crucial for spiritual development.{{sfnmp|1a1=Grant|1y=1977|2a1=Butler|2y=2011|3a1=Fries|3y=2012}}
Grant advocated for balancing light and dark forces, believing that engaging with Qlippothic energies can lead to significant spiritual growth. He often linked the Qlippoth to [[sexual magic]] and [[Tantra|Tantric]] practices, suggesting these could harness primal energies for transformation.{{sfnmp|1a1=Grant|1y=1991|2a1=Flowers|2y=1997|3a1=Rees|3y=2022}}
Additionally, Grant suggested that [[H. P. Lovecraft]]'s description of [[Yog-Sothoth]] as a conglomeration of "malignant globes" may have been inspired by the Qlippoth. This connection underscores the view that Qlippothic forces are integral to both ancient and contemporary esoteric thought.{{sfnmp|1a1=Grant|1y=1991|2a1=Drury|2y=1989|3a1=Harms|3a2=Gonce|3y=1998|3p=109}}
Grant's writings incorporate mythological and symbolic references, including Lovecraftian mythology and ancient Egyptian deities, to provide deeper insights into the Qlippothic entities. His works, such as ''Nightside of Eden'' and ''The Magical Revival'', are essential for understanding his esoteric teachings and their implications for modern occult practice.{{sfnmp|1a1=Karr|1y=2002|2a1=Rees|2y=2022}}
==See also==
* [[Fallen angel]]
* [[Sorcery (goetia)]]
* [[Tohu and Tikun|''Tohu'' and ''Tikun'']]
* ''[[Yetzer hara]]''
==References==
{{Reflist}}
===Works cited===
{{refbegin}}
*{{cite book |last=Asprem |first=E. |year=2013 |title=Arguing with Angels: Enochian Magic and Modern Occulture |publisher=State University of New York Press |isbn=978-1-4384-4190-0}}
*{{cite book |editor1-last=Boustan |editor1-first=Ra'anan S. |editor2-last=Reed |editor2-first=Annette Yoshiko |title=Heavenly Realms and Earthly Realities in Late Antique Religions |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2004 |isbn=978-1139453981}}
*{{cite book |last=Butler |first=Alison |title=Victorian Occultism and the Making of Modern Magic: Invoking Tradition |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |year=2011 |isbn=978-0-230-29470-7}}
*{{cite book |last=Crowley |first=Aleister |author-link=Aleister Crowley |title=[[777 and Other Qabalistic Writings of Aleister Crowley]] |year=1986 |isbn=0-87728-670-1 |publisher=Weiser Books}}
*{{cite book |last=Drury |first=Nevill |author-link=Nevill Drury |title=The Occult Experience: Magic in the Modern World |publisher=Prism Press |year=1989}}
*{{cite book |last=Flowers |first=Stephen E. |author-link=Stephen Flowers |title=Lords of the Left-Hand Path |publisher=Runa-Raven Press |year=1997}}
*{{cite book |last=Franck |first=Adolphe |author-link=Adolphe Franck |year=1926 |title=The Kabbalah: Or, The Religious Philosophy of the Hebrews |place=New York |publisher=Kabbalah Publishing Company |translator=I. Sossnitz |chapter=Relation of the Kabbalah to Christianity}}
* {{cite book |last=Fries |first=Jan |year=2012 |title=Nightshades: A Tourist Guide to the Nightside |place=Oxford |publisher=Mandrake of Oxford |isbn=978-1906958459}}
*{{cite book |last=Grant |first=Kenneth |author-link=Kenneth Grant |year=1977 |title=Nightside of Eden |place=London |publisher=Frederick Muller Limited |isbn=0-584-10206-2}}
*{{cite book |last=Grant |first=Kenneth |title=The Magical Revival |publisher=Skoob Books Publishing |year=1991}}
*{{cite book |last1=Harms |first1=Daniel |last2=Gonce |first2=John Wisdom |title=The Necronomicon Files |publisher=[[Red Wheel/Weiser/Conari|Red Wheel/Weiser]] |year=1998 |isbn=1578632692 |location=[[York Beach, Maine|York Beach]], [[Maine]]}}
*{{cite journal |last=Karr |first=Don |title=Notes on the Study of Later Kabbalah in English |journal=Journal of the Western Mystery Tradition |number=3 |date=Autumn 2002}}
*{{cite conference |last=Lowy |first=A. |conference=Proceedings of the Society of Biblical Archaeology |volume=10 |title=Old Jewish Legends of Biblical Topics: Legendary Description of Hell |year=1888}}
*{{cite book |first=S. L. MacGregor |last=Mathers |author-link=Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.36728 |title=The Kabbalah Unveiled |year=1887 |location=London |publisher=Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co. |url-access=registration }}
*{{cite book |last=Mew |first=James |title=Traditional Aspects of Hell: (Ancient and Modern) |publisher=S. Sonnenschein & Company Lim. |year=1903}}
*{{cite book |last=Pusey |first=Edward Bouverie |title=What is of Faith as to Everlasting Punishment: In Reply to Dr. Farrar's Challenge in His 'Eternal Hope', 1879 |publisher=James Parker & Co. |year=1881}}
* {{cite book |last=Rees |first=I. |year=2022 |title=The Tree of Life and Death: Transforming the Qliphoth |publisher=Aeon Books Limited |isbn=978-1801520065}}
*{{cite book |last=Regardie |first=Israel |author-link=Israel Regardie |title=The Golden Dawn |year=1970 |isbn=0-87542-663-8 |publisher=Llewellyn Worldwide}}
{{refend}}
==Further reading==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |editor-last=Dan |editor-first=Joseph |author-link=Joseph Dan |year=1986 |title=The Early Kabbalah |publisher=Paulist Press |isbn=978-0809127696 |ref=none}}
* {{cite book |title=Cults of the Shadow |last=Grant |first=Kenneth |publisher=Skoob |year=1994 |isbn=978-1871438673 |ref=none}}
* {{cite book |last=Scholem |first=Gershom |author-link=Gershom Scholem |year=1974 |title=Kabbalah |publisher=Quadrangle/New York Times Book Company |isbn=978-0812903522 |ref=none}}
{{refend}}
==External links==
* [https://theomagica.com/on-the-nature-of-the-qlippoth On the Nature of the Qlippoth]
[[Category:Qlippoth| ]]
[[Category:Kabbalah]]
[[Category:Hermetic Qabalah]]
[[Category:Left-Hand Path]]
[[Category:Kabbalistic words and phrases]]