the four worlds

I have a question regarding Kabbalistic philosophy. I hope that someone will post or email an answer. I have recently begun studying the Kabbala seriously, after years of dabbling, and I am having difficulty firmly establishing one particular point. Perhaps I should be reading a +ACI-Kabbala for Dummies,+ACI- but here goes. Regarding the four worlds or perceptions of reality, I am having trouble with developing a complete understanding of Briah and Yetzirah. I have a slightly better understanding of Yetzirah, but not much more. I have recently read the explanations in Paths of Wisdom (Greer), but as practical as the explanation is, I still don't quite get the analogy. Can anyone elaborate, or refer me to books, articles, etc., that would be particularly helpful in gaining a better understanding? If you can, I would truly appreciate assistance. At this point in my studies, I think that it is important for me to master a better understanding of this before proceeding any futher. Thanks in advance.

Samelton -

in my studies, I think that it

Not sure about letting it impede you since the appreciation of the Four Worlds is largely experiential. I forget what John used as an analogy in Paths, so bear with me if I end up doing the same thing he did, and thus leaving you as befogged as before (g).

Preliminary Thoughts

Maybe I can confuse you entirely. I cant say that I definatively know any answers but....... 1/ dont dwell on this aspect. The reason is that if you focus on it to much you will miss all the other hints that will assist in gaining an understanding. 2/ Its all in fours isn't it ? surely you would think that understanding any group of fours would assist - pick the group of four you understand and relate it. 3/ In my view Yetzirah is in some ways similar to the triad of Hod, Netzach and Yesod - that is the everyday mind and emotions, or should I say feelings. The sword maybe ? and Briah the hightened emotive state - not the adreline pumping one but the one that calmly guides your hand in crisis, the one that really defines the difference between you brain and your mind. This is emotive but not emotive in the sense that we commonly understand it. It is the emotive stuff that may happen only a couple of times in a persons life time. 4/ Now if you know the answer to this I would be grateful - what are the names of the four winds ? ps email me direct as I only get here every so often.

Remember that understanding does come, read it all and trust your sub-concious, your sub concious will absorb it and bring it to the surface but it cant be forced. All the best and the study is great isnt it ? Peter Trenfield