The Elemental "Ladder", or whatever you call it Options

The most common path upwards the tree of life if you relate to the elements is as following

Fire
Water
Air
Earth

where you start at earth and go upwards, why is this? The only quick response i've gotten earlier is that this is how it is related to the sephirot in the tree of life and that's why this path goes like that.

The path i've chosen to tread the tree of life is as following tho:

Fire
Air
Water
Earth

thus i've switched water and air and it feels right to me, it makes alot of sense too (in my view)
When i picture them i see the earth, the core of the planet and ontop of it (for most parts are covered with it) is the water, above that is the air and far above is the sun (fire)

Also i feel that it makes a more logical sense in placing the two symbols that point downwards on the bottom part of the 4 and thus balacing it up a bit.

I'd love comments and suggestions and expansive elaborations about it this please, spam away!

This will get more responces in CM.

Well the reason the Golden Dawn and others go throught he elemental grades in order that they do has less to do with the Tree of Life and more to do with the YHVH formula. The ancient qabalalists designated that each letter indicated a different element and a one of the four worlds. So you start at the bottom with Heh or earth and move to Vav air then Heh water and finally the Yah or fire. You are building the name of god into your aura. I hope this helps.

P.S. The elements are not only the element but represent different aspects, such as fire is not only fire but also means passion and force of will. This might make it easier to understand.

Helps alot NERO, thank you.

Someone once told me it has to do with the tree of life tho, would like more info about that.

About that they represent more than just actual fire i knew yes, but thanks, it does help.

Any comments on changing the way you do it tho?

Any comments on changing the way you do it tho?

You start at the bottom and work your way to the top. Why would you want to change that?

No no, i mean switching places of say, air and water as i did. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Starting in malkuth and going upwards i have no beef with

Well then you would get YVHH instead of YHVH.

Besides if you want to link it to the tree like you do.
You start in Malkuth and get grounding and discretion.
Then move onto the union of fire and water which is air and build intellegence.
Then move into the black pillar and the experence the terbulent world of emotions which the air and earth helps maintain your balance.
You finally experence the other extreme in fire and discover your force of will.
This is finally crowned with spirit to balance all before you pierce the veil onto the true balance and glory of tiphareth.

Greetings!
It should be noted that there is some discussion as to the name of GOD and just how it is to be spoken...
For confusions sake (I apologize Frater Nero) the four states of being are Assiah - earth-material, followed by Yetzirah -water-astral, followed by Briah -air-mental, followed by Atziluth - fire-spiritual. The tree(s) are connected with Assiah's Kether with Yetzirahs Malkuth, etc. Crowning all this is the Ain Soph Aur! These diagrams vary within each lodge system and are usually a hotbed of contraversy. That is not to say what Frater Nero says is wrong....by no means! Jewish scholars have debated the Name of God for centuries! Find a system that you feel is correct by whatever means you decide on. I'm sure that I'll be handed my illustrious butt on a plate for this (and probably deservedly so!) The name, nonetheless, still represents the 4 elements! Get into Gematria farther down the road... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/5.gif)

Very nice! Thanks to the both of you.

What Bym says is correct. I incorrectly assumed it would just confuse and dilute the discussion but it seems it has helped Animus in his orginal question. For that I apologize for not bringing it up sooner.

On a side note there are entire books written on the permutations of the name of god and the associations assigned to each letter. One of my favorites is how yod is the initial spark entering into the womb of Heh etc. If you are interested Animus check out some of crowleys writtings and he has some good work discussing how the prince marries the princess and becomes the queen so as to bond with the king. Regardless we can go all day on the subject and maybe that is a discussion needed for another thread.

Off Topic,
I have never understood how in some diagrams assiah is Malkuth only but in other diagrams each sphere has a assiah. I tend to few all four worlds operate on each sphere at the same time but it does not always match up with what other qabalalists do.

What book was that favorite one of yours NERO that you just mentioned?

Also i have a stack of crowley books i have yet to read (currently working with magick without tears) but which ones are you refering to with this topic?