Rectification of Lines 24. Now in the first three partzufim of Adam Kadmon, which are referred to as gulgalta, Ab, and Sag of Adam Kadmon, the sefirot were on one line, one below the other. However, in the world of Nekudim (Points), which enclothes from the navel and below, of Adam Kadmon,32This terminology refers to how different layers and partzufim are “positioned” relative to each other. The enclothing here means that the level of the world of Nekudim operates in the spiritual environment that is from the navel of the world of Adam Kadmon and downward.
As was discussed previously, and as will be discussed further, a partzuf has a head, body and end. Each of these different areas of a partzuf have different dynamics with regards to the supernal light flowing through the partzuf. The point here is that the world of Nekudim only begins below the navel of Adam Kadmon, while the previous partzufim of Adam Kadmon are all above the navel. This difference sets the stage for the discussion of the rectification of lines. a rectification of lines occurred in the first three sefirot, but not in the seven lower sefirot.
In the world of Atzilut, a rectification of lines transpired in the seven lower sefirot as well.33This section begins the discussion of the rectification of lines, a process resulting from the second constriction. In the previous section, the author of the Sulam explained that the second constriction caused Malkhut, the fourth level, to ascend and mix together with the second level, the level of Bina.
Prior to the second constriction, the sefirot were said to be stacked in one column. The reason for this was that each sefirot structure had one partition upon the level of Malkhut to interact with the direct light, and therefore only one element of opacity from that Malkhut within the structure. This opacity gave rise to the returning light which served to enclothe the direct light, creating a single column or structure of contained light.
After the second constriction, however, each structure of sefirot interacting with the direct light has two imprints of Malkhut and Bina (and therefore effectively two partitions), which generate two different columns of light. These two columns are called “lines,” and they also require a third column or line to mediate between them.