Lamed is the ox-goad, attributed to Libra and Adjustment.
Mem is water, attributed to Water and The Hanged Man.
Daleth is the door, attributed to Venus and The Empress.
The path of Lamed is attributed to the equilibrium of all parts of the psyche, such that the sum total is zero. This zero pertains specifically to the Microcosm. The zero of any given Microcosm bears a particular relationship to the zero of the Macrocosm. In other words, the root essence of any individual psyche bears a unique relationship to the root essence of universal mind (or, every star moves along a particular course through the body of Nuit). This relationship is the essence of True Will. True Will is the most natural expression of a particular Microcosm, which arises effortlessly in the absence of the interference of any one part of the Microcosm by any other part. This state of internal harmony, and thus the free expression of True Will, is the goal of this path.
In the grade of Adeptus Minor, 5=6, the Microcosm (symbolized by the pentagram, hence 5) is made to be a complete reflection of the Macrocosm (symbolized by the hexagram, hence 6). This is done through the conscious integration of all of its elements. In the next grade, that of Adeptus Major, 6=5, the essential relation between the Microcosm and the Macrocosm, which relation characterizes True Will, must be made to be the sole impetus from which every action arises. This is achieved through 2 methods, the first corresponding to Mem and the second to Daleth.
The method corresponding to Mem is that of the regular dissolution of the Microcosm into the Macrocosm, or the dissolution of the individual point of view into that of all possible points of view, or the dissolution of the particular into the universal. This is the experience known as Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel, as well as by such other terms as samadhi, union with God, transcendence, and several others. The regular dissolution of the ego into the waters of universal mind gradually purifies the ego of its dross, loosening the grip of attachment and identification, both of which hamper the natural expression of True Will.
The second method, corresponding to Daleth, is that of love. This is not sentimental love (which is based on ego and possessiveness), but rather a higher type of love which signifies the ultimate aim of all attraction, resulting in the loss of the self in the beloved, and a new conception of self that emerges as a result of the union.
The method is as follows: identify some idea that lies outside of the conception of "self", whether it be represented as a person, a piece of art or music, or something else. Even after all of the major aspects of the psyche are integrated at the 5=6 level, there are bound to be several elements left out of the conception of self - at the very least a pet peeve or two. Once the idea has been identified, love it totally, give yourself over to it unreservedly to the point of loss of self. The new conception of self that emerges from the union will include the essence of the idea which is the object of the operation.
These methods may be employed to eliminate all disturbances and imbalances in the psyche, allowing for the spontaneous expression of True Will in every moment as the particular circumstance of that moment demands it. Keep in mind that these methods are especially suited to the development of the adept at this particular point on the path, and will not necessarily work out for those who have not yet reached this point (it is impossible to make full use either method before Knowledge and Conversation has been fully realized).
The path of Lamed leads (in the A.:A.:) from Tiphareth in Briah to Geburah in Briah. The essence of the experience of Tiphareth in Briah is the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel, while the essence of the experience of Geburah in Briah is the natural and unhampered expression of True Will. If Chesed is the un-carved block, then Geburah is the chisel in action, resulting ultimately in the creation, through limitation, of a particular form. By this means does the Adeptus Major work to refashion the world in their own image.
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