The Sphere of Redemption Part III

Part III: The Three-Fold Tree of Eden, Tempera, 4' x 9'

The Eden Theme of Genesis is here set against the symbol of the Threefold Tree of Life. The Divine middle shaft balances and supports the outer trunks of Good and Passion. Adam is of light, and cannot therefore be contacted directly by Lucifer, who, in his serpent form, persuades Adam, through Eve, to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil forbidden to him by God. Adam makes Passion Evil by choosing to direct it away from the Divine Will, and the knowledge of it's power, as distinct from Good, becomes general. This strains and divides the outer trunks from the oneness with the middle shaft, even as it drives Adam and Eve forth from Eden on their separate male and female adventures. Throughout the Theme, Adam represents universal man, who is not conscious, Lucifer, the ever-conscious individual, Eve, the intuitive subconscious operating between the two. The Flaming Sword, turned every way against them, concludes this section with the Eviction from Eden.