According to Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah, various kinds of radiations emerge from Zeir Anpin. And these radiations aren't just vague, undefined energies. They manifest in specific forms, described as "staffs" (matot) and "diagonals." Think of it like light shining through a prism, creating a spectrum of colors, each with its unique properties.
But what are these "staffs" and "diagonals" actually referring to? They are symbolic representations of different aspects of the divine flow. The text links them to some pretty significant figures and concepts: the staffs of Jacob and Leah, Leah of the Generation of the Wilderness, the Clouds of Glory that sheltered the Israelites, the Manna that sustained them, the Staff of God, the Staff of Moses, the Mixed Multitude that left Egypt with the Israelites, and even Esau. Quite a list, right? (You can find a deeper dive into these connections in Etz Chayim, Shaar He’arat HaMochin ch’s 1-2; Klalut HaIlan 7:4 if you want to explore further!)
The Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah explains that these "staffs and diagonals" are essentially radiations of the Mental Powers as they settle within Zeir Anpin. It’s like the divine mind expressing itself through different channels, different pathways. Now, here's where it gets really interesting. The text tells us that these radiations actually go out in all directions. So why don’t we perceive them all?
The key is reception. Where there's a "receiver," the radiation is absorbed and integrated. The Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah highlights that the "direct lights" go to Rachel, the essential Nukva (feminine aspect of God), and to Leah and Jacob, who are formed from the "hind parts" of Abba (Father) and Imma (Mother), the primordial divine parents. When Abba and Imma become grafted into Zeir Anpin through his Mental Powers, Jacob and Leah are there to receive these radiations.
But what happens when there's no receiver? When the energy isn't drawn in or grounded? That's when these radiations continue to radiate on their own, creating other partzufim – these "staffs and diagonals" that we've been discussing.
So, what does this all mean for us? It’s a reminder that the divine energy is constantly flowing, constantly seeking connection. It’s also a call to become better "receivers" – to open ourselves to the flow of divine light and allow it to nourish and transform us. Maybe these "staffs and diagonals" aren't just abstract concepts, but rather opportunities waiting to be recognized, potentials waiting to be activated within ourselves. Perhaps by understanding the nature of these radiations, we can better understand our own capacity for connection and growth.