Samael (qlippoth)
- This article is about the qlippoth, for the deity of the same name, see Samael
Samael ("Poison of God") is the eighth qlippoth on the Kabbalistic Tree of Death. It is the shadow opposite sphere of Hod, its opposing sefirot on the Tree of Life.
Etymology
The name Samael (סמאל) is translated as "poison of God" in Hebrew. To avoid confusion with the fallen angel/demon Samael, this sphere is often rendered as "the Deceivers" or the "desolation of God," which are additional designations of the angel Samael in the Bible.
It is possible that there is a connection between the angel Samael and this qlippoth as there is with the qlippoth representing both Lilith and Belial, but the exact nature of this is ill-defined.
Description
Samael is the opposite of Hod, which represents splendor; but this qlippoth represents lies, false logic, and a corruption of the intellect. There is an overtone of deceit inherent in Samael, and nothing about it can be trusted. It has been compared to a radiating object whose light is so brilliant that we are unable to see what is behind it and must trust that it is pure, when in fact, it is not.
On the Tree of Death, Samael is the first sphere in the Realm of Mud and Clay. This region, located at the very bottom of the Tree of Death, is described in the Zohar as a place where prayers of the unrighteous settle into the muck instead of rising to heaven.
Occult correspondences
In astrology, Samael corresponds to Mercury.
Its demon ruler is Adrammelech.