Partzufim | פרצופים

Partzufim (faces) are energetic configurations that represent the interaction of masculine and feminine energies. They play a vital role in structuring the divine realm and transmitting divine energy to the lower worlds. Here is a brief overview of the Partzufim:

- Atik Yomin - The Ancient of Days: The innermost and highest Partzuf, representing the hidden and transcendental aspect of divine wisdom. Corresponds to the Sefirah of Keter (crown).
- Arij Anpin - The Long Face or The Patient One: A Partzuf associated with the Sefirah of Keter, representing the aspect of divine mercy and the expansion of divine light.
- Aba - Father: Corresponding to the Sefirah of Chochmah (wisdom), Aba symbolizes the masculine aspect of divine intellect and the origin of creative energy.
- Ima - Mother: Associated with the Sefirah of Binah (understanding), Ima represents the feminine aspect of divine intellect, nurturing and shaping the creative energy initiated by Aba.
- Zeir Anpin - The Short Face or The Impatient One: A Partzuf that encompasses six Sefirot (from Chesed to Yesod), representing the emotional and active aspects of the divine. Zeir Anpin is responsible for transmitting divine energy to the lower Olamot and is often called the Son.
- Nukva - Bride: Corresponding to the Sefirah of Malchut (kingdom), Nukva represents the feminine aspect of divine manifestation, receiving and actualizing divine energy from the higher Partzufim. Nukva is also called the Daughter or the Bride.

These are the main ones, but in reality, there are a total of 12 Partzufim if we count their coverings:

- Atik Yomin - Ancient of Days.
- Nukva de Atik Yomin - Female Counterpart of Atik Yomin.
- Arij Anpin - Long Face.
- Nukva de Arij Anpin - Female Counterpart of Arij Anpin.
- Aba Ilaa - Higher Father.
- Israel Sheba - Israel the Grandfather.
- Ima Ilaa - Higher Mother.
- Tevunah - Understanding.
- Zeir Anpin Ki Israel - The Son as Israel.
- Zeir Anpin Ki Jacob - The Son as Jacob.
- Nukva Ki Leah - The Bride as Leah.
- Nukva Ki Rachel - The Bride as Rachel.

The Partzufim work together to balance and transmit divine energy, playing a fundamental role in the organization and operation of the divine domain. To understand the Partzufim, we must also discuss Tzimtzum and Adam Kadmon.

Tzimtzum attempted to address the imbalance between Infinite Light and the limited vessel of the Lamps of Darkness. This act created both good and evil. This model of the universe shows how everything began and developed. There are several worlds or Olamot, such as Adam Kadmon, Olam haAtzilut, Olam haBeriá, Olam haYetzirá, and Olam haAsiyá.

Adam Kadmon and Olam haAtzilut were formed after the initial act of self-limitation, Tzimtzum. Adam Kadmon has more energy, while Olam haBeriá emerged when Ein Sof was reduced to a single point at the moment of creation. Although Adam Kadmon can be called the first emanated world, it is better to use its own name to avoid confusion with the other emanated world, Olam haAtzilut.

The latter underwent self-limitation and divided into five segments. These are Gulgolet or the crown of Adam Kadmon, AB (72), the eye of Adam Kadmon or Wisdom, SaG (63), the ear of Adam Kadmon or Understanding, MaH (45), the nose of Adam Kadmon or Beauty, BaN (52), the mouth of Adam Kadmon or Kingdom. The energies of MaH and BaN went into the empty space, while the levels of SaG, AB, and Gulgolet were too strong to enter. Energy is reduced in stages, each transforming into the energy of the next level.


In Adam Kadmon, the energy is the same on all levels, although the intensity of its interaction changes. Some energy levels such as Gulgolet, AB, and SaG are too powerful to enter the limited world of Olam haBeriá. The levels of MaH and BaN were able to enter Olam haBeriá thanks to higher vibrations, but they were so strong that they broke the system containing them in Olam haBeriá.

The entire universe is made of a single divine substance called Ohr Ein Sof. Within this, there are different levels of energy that change when they move into denser areas. The Infinite is a source of indivisible light representing the purest unity.

When the act of self-restraint occurs, time, space, and the will to receive emerge. This also activates the will to give and fill the created void. This empty space in the universe's creation triggered an intense reaction in the infinite energies of Ein Sof, breaking their initially limited state.

There is a difference between the first self-restraint, or Tzimtzum, and the subsequent phases involving infinite energy entering a limited space. The finite world stems from an internal imbalance in Ein Sof, and understanding the laws of the universe can help the soul rise within this irregular structure. A less powerful Ohr Ein Sof makes it possible to create finite worlds like Olam haBeriá. Although Tzimtzum temporarily reduced the power of Ein Sof, the infinite energy of Ohr Ein Sof ultimately overcame this limitation. Reshimó was the first vessel in the universe but could not withstand the intense vibrations of Adam Kadmon.

The expansion of the universe as we know it came from a second movement caused by the withdrawal of energy from Tzimtzum. The energies filling the empty space collided with each other due to a false sense of independence and separation created by Tzimtzum. This act, known as Shevirat haKelim, showed that evil existed from the beginning of creation and will continue until the universe is corrected.

In Adam Kadmon, energies come from the masculine power, which is activated from a limited feminine power point. This feminine energy also plays a role in Tzimtzum, and when the five levels of energy are created in the universe. Tzimtzum is created by the collision of two different vibrations, leaving an empty space in the infinite.

This first entry of energy into the universe leads to the formation of evil, known as Qlifot. The purpose of Tzimtzum is to reduce the energy of Ohr Ein Sof and thus form the five levels of energy. These five levels are like a miniature model of the entire universe, and their interactions form the reality we know.

If we could fully understand Adam Kadmon, we would say that Adam Kadmon is more than just the "head" of Adam Kadmon. From this point, the first Partzuf is created through interconnections, and each Partzuf descends through the body of Adam Kadmon, passing through the worlds of Beriah, Yetzirah, and Asshiyah. So Adam Kadmon is not just the "head," but it includes all energies, from the highest to the end of Olam haAsiyá and the realm of the Qlifot.

A common mistake is to think that the Partzufim are linear and have the same energy. But in reality, each Partzuf exists within another Partzuf. If you were to delve into a Partzuf, you would find yourself in several Partzufim at the same time.

Now, let's talk a bit about the "coverings" of the Partzufim. These coverings help us understand what types of energies exist, how they function, and where they are located on the universal map. It is important to clarify that when we talk about "masculine" and "feminine" energies, we are not referring to biological genders. These terms are merely ways to describe different types of energies and how they interact in the Qabalah's view.
Masculine energy is associated with expansion and the will to give, while feminine energy is related to restriction and the will to receive. Both are necessary to maintain balance and work together in a constant flow of giving and receiving.

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