It's not as simple as a straight-line hierarchy. Think of it more like a complex dance, a flow of energy where things aren't always as they seem.
One of the trickiest ideas is the relationship between Adam Kadmon and Atzilut. Now, Adam Kadmon is often understood as primordial man, the original divine configuration. Atzilut, on the other hand, is considered the realm of emanation, the highest of the four spiritual worlds.
The question is: Does Atzilut come from Adam Kadmon? And if so, is it under Adam Kadmon in terms of authority?
According to the Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah, the answer is a nuanced one. In terms of development, how things emerge and unfold, Atzilut doesn't stand "under" Adam Kadmon. It arises from the radiance of Adam Kadmon's face, like branches sprouting from a mighty tree.
But when it comes to government, to how things are actually controlled and managed, Atzilut is under Adam Kadmon. This is a crucial principle throughout Kabbalah: the order of development isn't always the same as the order of governance.
Think about the Sefirot, those ten divine attributes or emanations through which God reveals Himself. They can be visualized as igulim (עיגולים), circles nested within each other. For example, Gevurah (severity or judgment) emerges from and sits "under" Chessed (loving-kindness). But in the governmental order, Chessed, Gevurah, and Tiferet (beauty) stand in a row, balanced and working together, even though their developmental relationship is hierarchical.
So, how does this work with Adam Kadmon and Atzilut? Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah explains that Atzilut is subject to the governmental rule of Adam Kadmon through the latter's Yesod (foundation) and Malchut (kingdom). Even though Atzilut emerges from the "branches" of Adam Kadmon – the radiance of its face – in terms of how things are governed, it's under the control of Yesod and Malchut of Adam Kadmon.
It's a bit like a company. The research and development department (the source, the emanation) might come up with brilliant new ideas, but ultimately, the CEO and the board of directors (the governmental structure) decide which ideas get implemented.
What does this mean for us? Perhaps it teaches us that things aren't always as they appear. Just because something comes from something else doesn't necessarily mean it's subservient in every way. There are different kinds of relationships, different orders at play. And understanding these nuances can unlock deeper insights into the very fabric of reality, both divine and human.