The 10 Sefirot (Hebrew for “emanations”) are the 10 attributes of God in Kabbalah, through which Ein Sof (the Everlasting name of God) reveals Himself/Themselves to humankind. There are a few different ways of using the Sefirot. Some Kabbalists study and grow from attribute to attribute, while others see them as an urim and thummim. As an urim and thummim, the right and left sides create a series of “lenses” for the natural eyes, while the center creates a series of “lenses” for the third or spiritual eye. Through this urim and thummim, God helps us see both the physical realm and the chain of higher metaphysical realms.
In Mormon Kabbalah, we do both; using the Sefirot for growth and as seer stones. We grow from Sefirot to Sefirot in Christ’s grace, and seeing the world through spiritual eyes by the power of the Holy Ghost. Here we will give a quick over view of each Sefirot and how one may grow their perspective with each as we grow closer to God.
Gevurah
”Respect your Mother and your Father; blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” –Exodus 20:12, Matthew 5:8
English: Judgement
Body part: Left hand
Color: Red
Element: Fire: cleansing
Associated with: The Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost
Herald: Adam/Michael “One who is like God;” Michael is the chief archangel who leads God’s armies against Satan’s forces in the war in heaven he defeats Satan, as recorded in the Book of Revelation (12:7-9). As Adam, he is the Ancient of Days, a prince, and the patriarch of the human family (Daniel 7). Some branches of Mormonism teach or imply that Michael or Adam actually is the Holy Spirit.
Day of Creation: The second day. On this day God divided the waters from the waters, the heavens from the earth. Likewise we are able to separate the worldly from the spiritual, to help us finish the creation. Just as the rain pours down from the heavens and evaporates up to the clouds, so too must we make that which is above and below unified. As above so below, as below so above. This creates the inner balance between the physical and spiritual worlds we live in.
Gevurah is Din, the essence of judgment. If we are saved, the Holy Spirit cleanses us with Fire. However, if we are wicked we are burned as those same flames become Hellfire. Gevurah then is both God’s mode of perfecting the Saints and punishing the wicked; judging humanity in general. It is the fulfillment of the Law, and strict meting out of justice. It stands in contrast to Chesed, though Christ’s mercy in Chesed will protect us from Genurah’s fire.
It is because of Chesed that Gevurah is associated with the power to bestow goodness upon others, the cleansing fire becoming Christ’s light of Creation. Gevurah allows one to overcome the true enemies, be they from without (Satan) or from within (Ego).