Binah (Kabbalah)

In Kabbalistic tradition, Binah is personified as a nurturing mother, reflecting its role in developing and shaping the abstract wisdom from Chokmah into intelligible forms.

[3] In the medieval period, Binah's role in Kabbalistic cosmology was significantly developed with the publication of the Zohar in the late 13th century.

Attributed to the 2nd-century sage Shimon bar Yochai but likely compiled by Moses de León, the Zohar describes Binah as the "supernal mother" from whom the lower sefirot emanate.

Luria's cosmology emphasized Binah's role in the process of Tikkun, or rectification, restoring divine order following the shattering of the vessels (Shevirat HaKelim).

[5] In the modern era, Binah continues to be studied and interpreted by Kabbalists and scholars who emphasize its role in balancing Chokmah (Wisdom) and the lower sefirot, maintaining the equilibrium of divine flow.

[7] Binah is often likened to a 'palace of mirrors' that reflects the pure point of light of Chokmah (wisdom), increasing and multiplying it in an infinite variety of ways.

Black in this context symbolizes the absorption of all colors, reflecting Binah's role in receiving and shaping the pure, undifferentiated light of Chokmah into structured and comprehensible forms.

This association emphasizes Binah's function as the womb of creation, where raw wisdom is transformed into clear, discernible concepts.

By meditating on Binah, individuals seek to cultivate deeper intuition and the ability to perceive the divine wisdom inherent in all aspects of life.

[13] In creative endeavors, Binah plays a crucial role as the sephirah that transforms abstract ideas (Chokmah) into concrete forms.

Therapists and healers might incorporate Binah into their practices to help clients process complex emotions and thoughts, leading to greater self-awareness and healing.

This transformative aspect of Binah is crucial in shaping the chaotic, unformed energy of Chokmah into structured, intelligible forms.

These associations emphasize Binah’s role in nurturing and bringing forth new life, as well as its connection to hidden wisdom and the feminine divine.

[18] Aleister Crowley's Liber 777 associates it with Isis, Cybele, Demeter, Rhea, Woman, The Virgin Mary, Juno, Hecate, and the "threes" of the Tarot.

[20] This represents the shadow aspect of Binah, where the potential for understanding and structure can become rigid and oppressive, leading to a lack of compassion and flexibility.