Belial (qlippoth)
- This article is about the qlippoth, for the deity of the same name, see Belial
Belial ("Worthless") is a conceptual eleventh qlippoth on the Kabbalistic Tree of Death where all the other qlippoth unite. It is the shadow opposite sphere of Da'at, its opposing sefirot on the Tree of Life.
Etymology
The term belial (בליאל, bĕli-yaal) with the broader meaning of "worthlessness" is used through the Old Testament to denote those who are against God or at least against God's order.
It is possible that there is a connection between the goetic demon Belial and this qlippoth as there is with the qlippoth representing both Samael and Lilith, but the exact nature of this relationship is ill-defined.
Description
Belial is the opposite of Da'at, which literally means "knowledge;" but this qlippoth represents a complete separation from anything divine, therefore, it is worthless. It also embodies the dark side of knowledge, when knowledge of secret information is used for selfish purposes or when knowledge of spiritual truths is perverted for personal gain or put toward an evil goal.
On the Tree of Death, Belial is separate from the tree itself, and serves as a gateway between the realms.