Daily Meditation: Monday, December 19, 2011

Matter - its roots are in God; the four holy animals contemplated by St John

12/19/2011

In the book of Revelation, St John recounts how he was transported in spirit before the throne of God. ‘Around the throne, and on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind; the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with a face like a human face, and the fourth living creature like a flying eagle.’ These four living creatures, also known as the four holy animals, standing before the throne of God are the seraphim. They represent the four principles of matter, the four elements: fire (the lion), earth (the ox), air (the human being) and water (the eagle). The seraphim are the angels of the four elements. So we can say that the roots of matter are in God, in the highest sephirah, Kether. But do not be misled by the words: at this level of purity, matter can hardly be differentiated from spirit.