Sepher Yetzirah (Book of Formation) - Westcott

Only God original: "15" refers to the Hebrew name El, the Faithful King, rules all these from his holy seat original: "16" refers to the Throne of Glory, forever and ever.

6. The ten ineffable Sephiroth The ten creative powers or attributes of God in Kabbalah have the appearance of a lightning flash. Their origin is unseen and no end is perceived. The Word is in them as they rush forth and as they return; they speak as if from a whirlwind, and upon returning, they fall prostrate in adoration before the Throne.

7. The ten ineffable Sephiroth, whose end is joined to their beginning, are like a flame arising from a burning coal. For God original: "18" refers to the Tetragrammaton is supreme in his Unity, and there is none equal to Him: what number can you possibly place before One?

8. Ten are the ineffable Sephiroth; seal your lips lest you speak of them, and guard your heart as you meditate upon them. If your mind escapes your control, bring it back under your command; even as it was said, "running and returning" (referring to the living creatures who ran and returned in Ezekiel's vision), and for this purpose was the Covenant made.

9. The ineffable Sephiroth produce the ten numbers. First: the Spirit of the God of the living; blessed and more than blessed be the Living God of the ages. The Voice, the Spirit, and the Word—these are of the Holy Spirit.

10. Second: from the Spirit, He produced Air, and formed in it twenty-two sounds—the letters. Three are "mothers," seven are "double," and twelve are "simple"; but the Spirit is first and above these. Third: from the Air, He formed the Waters, and from the formless and void original: "Tohu and Bohu" He made mire and clay, designed surfaces upon them, carved recesses into them, and formed the strong material foundation. Fourth: from the Water, He formed Fire, and made for Himself a Throne of Glory with Auphanim Wheel-like angels, Seraphim Fiery, six-winged angels, and Kerubim Cherubim; angelic guardians as his ministering angels. With these three elements, He completed his dwelling, as it is written:

11. He selected three letters from among the simple ones and sealed them, forming them into a Great...