Immanence: Solomon’s Temple

According to one mystical tradition, immanence is a veiled relationship to the divine that is experienced from within the material world (rather than transcending it).

This story imagines a journey at the core of Jewish mysticism: Solomon’s Temple 3000 years ago through its main hall (Hekhal) and curtain veil up into ‘the room of words’ (Devir) where god’s presence dwelt that the High Priest King could speak to. Flowers and trees were engraved across its golden walls, so this story draws on the tradition that the Garden of Eden was an allegory for Solomon’s Temple; Adam was the High Priest King; and the Tree of Life grew in Devir as a symbol of the goddess.

Swallowed. Through temple doors
Into planted paradise.
Chirping
Buzzing
Wild beast.
Biting
Chewing
Omni feast.
Except: arbour amor!
Senses seduced.
Bulging fragrant fruit
Pining acacia, ceder
Palm gropes, ears prick
Lips wet, lids flick.
Lusting wisdom is no crime
When good and evil taste divine.

Hallowed Hekhal.
Golden garden enchanted.
Priestly Adam animated.
Steps forwards
But backwards into
Each Creation day.
Sanctify
Cleanse
No impurity.
Cultivate
Prune
All harmony.
Gemstone armour, anointed oil
Reaches aroma veil:
Inhale.

Revered
Royal robes river throne room.
Winged serpent
Seraphim bless: holy! holy! holy!
Foundations shook.
Four faced Keruvim:
Lion, ox, eagle, androgyne
Chimera look
Into Devir darkness.
Words incensed with smoke
Heard his voice but it was she who spoke.

Burning bush unconsumed by flames
Unextinguished by wisdom rains.
Almond blossom bosom
Babe cradled and cuddled
Sucked and suckled
Turned to barky bite;
Deciduous cycles, fiery white.
Bloom sage sap imbibed dry
High; we watched Death die.

Anima kiss
Unity bliss.
Time
Still
…
Until:
Drunk;
Hearty mystery
Vitally
Courses via veins.
Now become god
Pray: tell me your names.

I am who I am
I was who I was
I will be who I will be.
You: immortality?
Denied!
Yes to knowledge but no to life.
Blazing sword
Blading knife
Drawn towards the veil:
Exhale.

Re-appeared
Priest steps backwards into Hekhal
Forwards cosmic separation;
Digestion:
Dark into light
Day then night.
From sky: waters then earth
Birth: birds, plants, creatures
Emerge: under shady shrine.
They attend Eden
To serve and preserve, liminal vowed;
Before temple doors
Egested out.