This came about because a member of a group I taught responded to my statement that, '...the Tree models all creative systems', by asking, 'What about the hot water system in a house?' Since then it has become an essential. It has exactly one function for each of the Sephiroth, with nothing left over - and, additionally, it exemplifies things that, in other systems (such as human psychology) are not so apparent. So, without apology, and with great sincerity -
The Hot Water System as a Model of all Creative Systems:
|
Sephirah |
Function |
|
Role in Hot Water System |
|
Kether |
Idea |
י |
‘Wouldn’t it be a good idea to have hot water in the house!’ |
|
Chokmah |
Active |
Electricity Switch to enable/disable current. |
|
Binah |
Receptive |
ה |
Float in cold water tank to enable/disable water flow. |
|
Abyss |
Barrier |
|
There is one good way to combine electricity & water – and a load of bad ways. Only if the ‘Vav’ is properly formed can the Lightning Flash cross the Abyss correctly. |
|
Da’ath |
Union |
|
If done right, the Union of Chokmah and Binah leads to a successful crossing |
|
Chesed |
Expansive |
ו |
Immersion element - heats water |
|
Geburah |
Restrictive |
Thermostat – cuts supply when desired temperature reached |
|
Tiphareth |
Equilibrium |
Tank of Hot Water |
|
Paroketh |
|
All the processes above this point are ‘out of sight’. Literally, in the case of many systems, but always metaphorically. We don’t need to know about this stuff. |
|
Netzach |
Recognition |
The gravity slope; enables the system to recognise that equilibrium has been lost due to water flow, so more water needed. |
|
Hod |
Decision |
The Tap: most interesting of all these; we think of the tap of getting the water to flow; but it is its natural tendency; The tap is there to prevent the flow until the right moment! |
|
Yesod |
Manifestation |
The Basin; where we see the results |
|
Malkuth |
Disposal |
ה |
Drain: where the waste water goes when we are finished with it. | | 