Meditating On Aleph: A Beginner's Guide

how to meditate on aleph

Meditating on the Hebrew letter Aleph, the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, is a spiritual practice with roots in Kabbalah. The numerical value of Aleph is one, and it symbolises the infinite and eternal nature of God. The letter is composed of three elements: the upper pointer, the lower pointer, and the diagonal connector, which represent the higher-order self and the lower-order self, respectively. During meditation, practitioners focus on each element and their coexistence within the individual. This practice aims to bring balance and integration to one's being by connecting with the divine and understanding the interplay between the ego and selflessness.

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The upper pointer of the letter Aleph refers to the higher-order self, Nefesh Elo-hit, and the lower pointer refers to the lower-order self, Nefesh Behemit

The Hebrew letter Aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet and is used in meditation. The letter has three elements: the upper pointer, the lower pointer, and the diagonal connector. The upper pointer refers to the higher-order self, called Nefesh Elo-hit, which is the divine component of the soul. The lower pointer refers to the lower-order self, the Nefesh Behemit, which is the "animalistic" tendency latent in the soul.

When meditating on the letter Aleph, one should first look at the upper pointer and inhale the breath of God, feeling a connection to the Divine Presence. Then, one should look at the lower pointer and again inhale the breath of God, meditating on how these two co-exist within oneself.

The diagonal connector is then meditated upon, as it balances the Nefesh Elokit and the Nefesh Behamit. This meditation aims to redirect egocentricity into a posture of positive self-worth, recognition of one's gifts and uniqueness. The higher-order self directs one's behaviour so that these gifts can be conferred upon others, leading to close-knit relationships, peace, and harmony.

The first time one approaches this meditation, it is important to simply acknowledge the questions raised and seek to understand, rather than compete with oneself.

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The diagonal connector of the letter Aleph redirects egocentricity into a posture of positive self-worth

The Hebrew letter Alef, or Aleph, is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet and is used in meditation. It is made up of three elements: the upper pointer, the lower pointer, and the diagonal connector. The diagonal connector is also referred to as the diagonal transformer. This stroke redirects egocentricity into a posture of positive self-worth, helping you recognise your gifts and uniqueness.

The upper pointer refers to the Nefesh Elo-hit, or the divine component of the soul. When meditating, you should look at this stroke and feel yourself inhaling the breath of God and connecting to the Divine Presence. The lower pointer, or Nefesh Behemit, represents the "animalistic" tendency latent in the soul. As with the upper pointer, you should meditate on this stroke and feel the breath of God. You should then spend a full minute meditating on how these two co-exist within you.

The diagonal connector, or transformer, then balances these two elements. Meditate on the Nefesh Elokit and the Nefesh Behamit: the lower-order self representing ego and the higher-order self representing selflessness and humility.

The first time you try this meditation, you should simply acknowledge the questions raised and seek to understand. You are not in competition with yourself, and the answers will come in time.

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Aleph is associated with the element of air and the Fool card in the tarot deck

The Fool card in the tarot deck is a symbol of new beginnings, optimism, and taking risks. It represents the start of a journey with naivety, and the figure on the card is about to step off a cliff, portraying a leap of faith into the unknown. The card usually corresponds to carefree people who are ready to take on an adventure with a child's enthusiasm. The Fool is also associated with the concept of "divine madness", referring to the willingness to let go of rational thought and embrace a more spontaneous approach to life.

In Kabbalah, the Fool card symbolises the path of Aleph, which connects the sephiroth of Kether (the Crown) and Chokmah (Wisdom). This path is sometimes called the "First Step" or the "Beginner's Path", as it illustrates the initial stage of spiritual development and new beginnings.

The letter Aleph itself has three elements: the upper pointer, the lower pointer, and the diagonal connector. The upper pointer refers to the higher-order self, or the Nefesh Elo-hit (the divine component of the soul). The lower pointer refers to the lower-order self, or the Nefesh Behemit (the "animalistic" tendency latent in the soul). The diagonal connector transforms and redirects egocentricity into a posture of positive self-worth, recognition of your gifts, and uniqueness.

Meditating on the letter Aleph involves focusing on these three elements and acknowledging the questions they raise. Are your Nefesh Elokit (G‑dly soul) and Nefesh Behemit (animalistic soul) in balance? How is your Nefesh Behemit manifest? What aspects keep you out of balance? If you were in perfect synchronicity with the universe, how would you behave?

Through meditation on the letter Aleph and its association with the element of air and the Fool card in the tarot deck, one can explore new beginnings, optimism, and a more spontaneous approach to life.

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Aleph is one of the three mother letters and serves as the path that connects the crown to wisdom on Jacob's Ladder

Aleph, or Alef, is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet and is associated with the element of air. It is also known as one of the three "mother letters", alongside mem and shin. The mother letters symbolise the three primordial elements of all existing things: mem represents water, shin symbolises fire, and aleph designates air.

Aleph is also the path that connects the crown to wisdom on Jacob's Ladder, otherwise known as the Tree of Life. This is a way of describing the myriad of emanations stemming from the Source of All Creation, as well as the "paths" taken to comprehend them.

The numerical value of the Hebrew letter aleph is one. It represents the infinite and the eternal nature of God. The aleph has three elements: the upper pointer, the lower pointer, and the diagonal connector. The upper pointer refers to the higher-order self, the Nefesh Elo-hit (the divine component of the soul). The lower pointer refers to the lower-order self, the Nefesh Behemit (the "animalistic" tendency latent in the soul). The diagonal connector balances the two, redirecting egocentricity into a posture of positive self-worth and recognition of your gifts and uniqueness.

Meditating on the letter aleph involves focusing on these three elements. First, look at the upper pointer and inhale the breath of God. Feel your connection to the Divine Presence. Then, look at the lower portion and, once again, inhale the breath of God. Meditate for a full minute on how these two strokes coexist within you. Finally, look at the connecting stroke and meditate on the Nefesh Elokit and the Nefesh Behamit: the lower-order self representing ego and the higher-order self representing selflessness and humility.

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The Hebrew letter Aleph is incorporated into meditation through breathing and visualisation techniques

The Hebrew letter Aleph, the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, is a powerful symbol that can be incorporated into meditation practices through breathing and visualisation techniques. According to the Kabbalah, combining ancient meditation sequences with specific breathing techniques can open up spiritual pathways and bring universal Light into one's system.

The letter Aleph itself is composed of three elements: the upper pointer, the lower pointer, and the diagonal connector. The upper pointer represents the higher-order self, or the Nefesh Elo-hit (the divine component of the soul), while the lower pointer represents the lower-order self, or the Nefesh Behemit (the "animalistic" tendency latent in the soul). The diagonal connector symbolises the balance between these two forces, redirecting egocentricity into a posture of positive self-worth and recognition of one's gifts and uniqueness.

To meditate on the letter Aleph, one can follow these steps:

  • Begin by focusing on the upper pointer, inhaling the breath of God and feeling a connection to the Divine Presence.
  • Next, look at the lower pointer and again inhale the breath of God, meditating on how these two opposing forces coexist within you.
  • Now, shift your focus to the diagonal connector, visualising the balance between the Nefesh Elokit (higher-order self) and the Nefesh Behamit (lower-order self).
  • As a beginner, simply acknowledge the questions that arise during this meditation practice. There is no competition or pressure to find immediate answers.
  • With regular practice, you may start exploring deeper questions, such as: Are your Nefesh Elokit and Nefesh Behamit in balance? How is your Nefesh Behamit manifest? What aspects keep you out of balance? If you were in perfect synchronicity with the universe, how would you behave?

Through this meditative practice, one can strengthen their Light aspect, weaken the shadow aspect, and open up spiritual pathways to receive messages from their soul.

Frequently asked questions

Aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet and has a numerical value of one. It is composed of three elements: the upper pointer, the lower pointer, and the diagonal connector.

Meditating on Aleph can help strengthen your Light aspect while weakening and reducing the power of your shadow aspect. It can also help you to focus on how God is speaking to you through the Bible, and prepare your mind and heart for prayer.

First, focus on the upper pointer of the letter, which refers to your higher-order self, or Nefesh Elo-hit (the divine component of the soul). Inhale and feel your connection to the Divine Presence. Next, look at the lower pointer, which refers to your lower-order self, or Nefesh Behemit (the "animalistic" tendency latent in the soul). Inhale and meditate on how these two co-exist within you. Finally, look at the connecting stroke and meditate on the balance between the Nefesh Elokit and the Nefesh Behamit: the lower-order self representing ego, and the higher-order self representing selflessness and humility.

Find a calm and quiet place to sit. Set a time limit—if you're a beginner, try meditating for a short period, such as five or ten minutes. Notice your body and your breath. When your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath. Be kind to yourself and don't judge your wandering mind.

Aleph is associated with the element of air, as well as the Fool card in the tarot deck. It is also known as one of the three "mother letters" and is said to represent the path that connects the crown to wisdom on Jacob's Ladder, or the Tree of Life. Aleph is also associated with the Magician card in the tarot and is seen as a representation of God and Man, and Unity.

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