“The Second Path is called the Illuminating Intelligence.  It is the Crown of Creation, the Splendour of Unity, equalling it.  It is exalted above every head and is named by the Qabalists, the Second Glory.”

Sepher Yetzirah

Chokmah, pronounced Hok-mah and meaning Wisdom, is the second of the Sephiroth of the Tree of Life.  The preceding Sephiroth, Kether brings pure Being into existence, but is motionless and actionless, all-potential, all-being at the centre of everything simultaneously.

Chokmah begins the action of the Cosmos and every action that follows where there is initiation of motion or change.  Chokmah is symbolised by the line.  A one dimensional extension in contrast to the zero-dimensional point of Kether.

Chokmah forever heads up the right hand pillar of the Tree of Life, which is associated with expansive force or energy as opposed to the formative “container” that characterises the left hand pillar.  Force and Form begin their eternal dance here.

For an idea of the forces behind Chokmah, think of the most wise male figure you can imaging.  All-knowing, all understanding and imbued with awesome power and will-to-action.

Go to the next sephirah, Binah