Merkabah Mysticism; The Mystery Behind Ezekiel’s Biblical Vision
Ezekiel is one of the most curious figures in the Old Testament. His visions are reminiscent of visitations from other-dimensional beings, and the Book created in his name — the Book of Ezekiel — is the foundation for Merkava mysticism, a school of thought that has survived to this very day. It takes a discerning and informed mind to parse metaphor from historical reality, but both are equally helpful in discovering more about the mystical path created in the shadow of this most mysterious character of early Jewish mysticism.
Merkava (also spelled Merkabah, Merkaba, and Merkavah) is the Hebrew word for “chariot,” and it refers to the throne-chariot of God described by the prophet Ezekiel. So powerful and moving was the description given by Ezekiel that a sect of devotees created Merkavah mysticism, which began to flourish in ancient Palestine during the 1st century AD. When the Jews lost their homeland and were sent wandering to the corners of the earth, the center of Merkava mysticism was relocated from the 7th to the 11th century in Babylonia.
Overlapping with Hekhalot literature, the story of Ezekiel’s vision tends to be grouped within the same category of biblical passages as the Dead Sea Scrolls found at the Qumran caves, the Book of Enoch, and other biblical Apocrypha.
Ezekiel’s Vision; Chariot Mysticism in Biblical Passages
The earliest mystics of the Merkabah in Judaism deeply contemplated the spectacular vision that opens the Book of Ezekiel, one of the Jewish texts. In this event, the prophet encounters a wondrous manifestation from the highest heaven. Like a dream, Ezekiel’s vision leaves the reader confused, enchanted, and searching for meaning. The question remains whether what the prophet had seen was a hallucination, an actual visitation by otherworldly (perhaps interdimensional) beings, or something else that was lost in the attempt to describe it.
Ezekiel describes in great detail and awe what occurred: “In the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, when I was in the community of exiles by the Chebar Canal, the heavens opened, and I saw visions of God…[Ezek 1:4] I looked, and lo, a stormy wind came sweeping out of the north—a huge cloud and flashing fire, surrounded by a radiance; and in the center of it, in the center of the fire, a gleam as of amber…”
As the cloud approaches closer, Ezekiel sees four “living creatures,” or living beings, each with human-like characteristics but with four faces, four wings, and a single straight leg with a calf’s hoof. The hands of the creatures were visible to Ezekiel from underneath their wings. Because they had four faces, corresponding to the compass points, they did not need to turn to encounter a new direction. Ezekiel described the faces as a human face in front, a lion’s face to the right, an ox to the left, and an eagle in back.
Perhaps the most notable aspect of Ezekiel’s account of the chariot is the wheels. He said, “[Ezek 1:15] As I gazed on the creatures, I saw one wheel on the ground next to each of the four-faced creatures. As for the appearance and structure of the wheels, they gleamed like beryl. All four had the same form; the appearance and structure of each were as of two wheels cutting through each other.”
New York University professor Carl Ehrlich noted that each of the four wheels consisted of a wheel within a wheel.
Possibly, the text was an attempt to describe a wheel with the ability to face or move in every direction, as exemplified by the four-faced creatures.Â
“In this manner, the two parts of the wheels are described as being perpendicular to each other rather than parallel, once again emphasizing the ability of the wheels to convey the creatures in whatever direction they pleased without having to change position or orientation … The concept so fascinated the engineer turned ufologist, Josef Blumrich, that he actually invented the omnidirectional wheel and patented it.”
Ezekiel’s description of the wheel is quite unlike inanimate wheels known to the people of his day. These wheels had the spirit of the creatures within them, as well as eyes along their rims.Â
For some, the wheels of Ezekiel’s vision bring to mind the concept of a biological craft of sorts that is known to science fiction and UFOlogists alike. Trevor James Constable, author of The Cosmic Pulse of Life: The Revolutionary Biological Power Behind UFOs, posits the idea that our atmosphere has been home to huge, invisible living organisms that are sometimes confused with spacecraft when they became visible.Â
Compare Constable’s theory to what witnesses of a 2016 UFO over the skies of Guadalajara, Mexico, reported overhead, as “a translucent light blue object, as moving like a living, breathing animal and almost swimming through the sky.”
The Focus of Merkava Mystics
Mendel Dubov, of the Rabbinic College of America, Morristown, NJ, explained that the portion of the Old Testament detailing Ezekial’s vision is the primary source for the gnostic Jewish tradition known as Kabbalah. The Ezekiel narrative describes, in physical terms, a spiritual reality. “It is impossible to interpret any part of this description in a literal way, as it is only an allegory for metaphysical concepts.”
In Ezekiel’s vision, the prophet was shown images of the physical, while understanding that they corresponded to spiritual, Godly, concepts. “This style is replicated in most Kabbalistic works, where much of the teachings are also taught via physical metaphor. The sages throughout the ages warned that the student of Kabbalah Jewish mysticism must ‘divest the words from their physicality’ and be knowledgeable enough to do so,” wrote Dubov.
But What Did the Vision Actually Mean?Â
Especially because Ezekiel’s vision was his own, only he could know exactly what it meant. But if we enter the world of any true school of mysticism, we may find some commonality of thought and experience. By integrating Ezekiel’s vision with other texts, argues David R. Blumenthal, Emory University, Hoter ben Shelomo, a Jewish 15th-century savant from Yemen interpreted the experience as a complete cosmology describing the downward flow of divine energy (or light) and the upward flow of the human soul (or spirit).Â
Ezekiel’s vision was a metaphor of consciousness. Blumenthal wrote that Hoter interpreted the radiance of the electrum (a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver, with trace amounts of copper and other metals) in the vision to represent the emanation of the intelligence. He interpreted the radiance and fire surrounding the vision as the process by which the forms (mystical thoughts) were impressed into the matter.Â
“As to the upward flow of the human soul, Hoter taught that man must learn about the structure of the cosmos from revelations such as Ezekiel’s vision and, then, he must meditate his way up the vision: from the earth to the elements, to the spheres and their characteristics, to the Prime-Matters, to the Universal Soul, and finally to the Agent Intelligence.”Â
This cosmology and ascent of a human being into enlightenment is the cornerstone in today’s Gnosticism of the mystical Kabbalah movement, and it is also common to the teachings of mystical sects of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and others. The goal is to meditate upon the sense of self until the divine is revealed.
Skeptics Dismiss the Ancient Astronaut Theory
More than any other Bible writer, Ezekiel was extremely detail-oriented, as seen in his very accurate model of the layout of an entire city, as well as a huge temple complex that can be constructed by using his specifications. It’s argued that Ezekiel is merely describing the throne of God, which rests on a platform, and that platform is supported by four cherubim on each corner.
This is a common description of holy thrones of the Bible that includes four wheels next to angels. In the Book of Daniel, the prophet mentions that the throne of God has “wheels” (Daniel 7:9). The artwork of the ancient world reveals that there are thousands of pieces of art illustrating various elements that Ezekiel described of God’s throne-chariot.
Despite the claims of debunkers, the mystery of Ezekiel’s experience prevails because, like a dream, it is fraught with metaphor and symbols. What debunkers do not address are the meanings of the vision. Instead, they focus on the physical description.Â
Mendel Dubov explained that the experience of the Divine chariot, “as lofty as it is, can be considered only of secondary importance.” And so a materialist argument based on the disassembling of a metaphorical image misses the point completely. The essence of the mystery, then, is not in the “what,” but rather in the “why” — that which gives Merkaba meaning, and that which held Ezekiel spellbound.
The Story of Atlantis, the Lost City
The history of Atlantis, with its sophisticated society and its tragic disappearance, has been the subject of study and fascination for centuries. In the series Initiation, Matias De Stefano offers a detailed and in-depth look at the evolution and impact of this lost city. In this article we explore the origins, structure, beliefs and fall of Atlantis, based on the accounts and knowledge shared by Matias.
Table of Contents
- The Origins of Atlantis
- The Structure of Atlantis
- Their Spiritual and Religious Beliefs
- The Heyday of the Atlantean Empire
- The Fall of Atlantis
- Khem: The New Atlantis
- The Legacy of Atlantis
The Origins of Atlantis
The story of Atlantis begins with the arrival of the Anunnaki, giant beings from the Middle East, who settled on Earth to help their species survive while their own planet was dying. These extraterrestrial beings had children with humans, creating a new civilization that would eventually become the Atlanteans. This mixing of races allowed the Atlanteans to inherit advanced knowledge and skills from the Anunnaki.
The Greek god Poseidon, known to the Atlanteans as Talyn, was one of these Anunnaki. Talyn protected and guided twelve of these mixed-race children, leading them from their isolated civilization in the Middle East to the Atlantic Ocean, away from the dominating influence of other Anunnaki. This established the twelve families of Atlantis, each charged with preserving and transmitting the star information they possessed.
The twelve families of Atlantis divided the main island into twelve small regions, each controlled by a family. These were not traditional rulers, but guardians of cosmic information. Through their connection to the stars, the Atlanteans developed a civilization that valued both spiritual knowledge and technological advancement.
The purpose of Atlantis was to be an experiment in human evolution, run by star beings such as the Arcturians and Pleiadians. These beings taught the Atlanteans to use sacred geometry and cosmic energies to build structures that were not only architecturally impressive, but also spiritually potent. These practices enabled the Atlanteans to achieve high levels of consciousness and wisdom.
In the series Initiation, available on Gaia, Matias De Stefano explores these origins in depth, revealing how ancestral knowledge and connection with beings from other dimensions shaped the advanced civilization of Atlantis.
The Structure of Atlantis
The structure of Atlantis stood out for its advanced organization and the integration of spiritual and technological principles in its urban and social design. The following are the most relevant aspects of this civilization:
- Regional distribution: Atlantis was divided into twelve regions, each governed by one of the twelve families. These regions represented not only administrative divisions, but also areas of spiritual and technological responsibility.
- Spiritual rule: The twelve families that ruled Atlantis were not monarchs in the traditional sense, but guardians of cosmic wisdom. Their leadership was based on spiritual knowledge and ethical guidance rather than authoritarian control.
- Circular city: The capital of Atlantis was a circular city located on the main island. This layout reflected the harmony and balance that the Atlanteans sought in all aspects of their lives.
- Resonance technology: The Atlanteans used vibration and sound technology for building and healing. This technology allowed the construction of pyramids and temples that acted as resonance points for communication and energy transfer over great distances.
- Sacred geometry: Atlantean architecture incorporated principles of sacred geometry, using shapes and patterns such as the Flower of Life to align their structures with cosmic energies, facilitating meditation and spiritual connection.
- Portal network: Atlantis had a network of natural and artificial portals that allowed the connection with other dimensions and the transfer of cosmic information. This network was fundamental for its spiritual and technological evolution.
- Wisdom centers: Temples in Atlantis served as places of knowledge and energy. They were designed to optimize energetic resonance, facilitating advanced spiritual practices and connection with cosmic forces.
- Stellar influence: The knowledge and skills of the Atlanteans came from their interaction with beings from other worlds, such as the Arcturians and Pleiadians. This interaction profoundly shaped their culture, religion and technology, integrating cosmic knowledge into their daily lives.
- Strategic expansion: During their heyday, the Atlanteans established settlements in key regions such as Egypt and the Mediterranean. These settlements not only expanded their territorial influence, but also allowed them access to important energy portals around the world.
Their Spiritual and Religious Beliefs
The spiritual beliefs of the Atlanteans were deeply rooted in an understanding of the connection between the cosmos and life on Earth. They believed that all divinities were different expressions of a single universal consciousness. This approach allowed the Atlanteans to see every aspect of nature and the cosmos as a divine manifestation. Natural elements such as water, fire, earth and air were considered sacred, and each had its own gods and guardian spirits. This worldview fostered a deep respect for nature and the interconnectedness of all life.
One of the pillars of Atlantean spiritual beliefs was the practice of sacred geometry. Atlanteans used specific shapes and patterns, such as the Flower of Life, to align their structures with cosmic energies. They believed that these geometric shapes were the key to understanding and manipulating the energies of the universe. Temples and other important buildings were built according to these principles, allowing the Atlanteans to create spaces that facilitated meditation and spiritual connection.
Atlantean rituals and ceremonies were designed to maintain balance and harmony at both the individual and collective levels. They used vibration and sound to heal and elevate their consciousness, integrating practices such as chanting and harmonic resonance. These ceremonies not only strengthened the community, but also served as a means to align with cosmic forces and receive spiritual guidance. This holistic approach to spirituality allowed Atlanteans to live in harmony with the universe and foster continued spiritual growth.
The Heyday of the Atlantean Empire
At its peak, Atlantis had a population of approximately 300,000 people distributed in several villages along three main islands. This distribution reflected the advanced organization and planning of the Atlantean civilization.
The Atlantean empire reached its greatest expansion by establishing settlements in the Mediterranean and beyond. Following Earth’s energetic patterns, the Atlanteans founded colonies in regions such as Egypt, Asia Minor and the Middle East. These settlements not only extended their territorial influence, but also allowed them access to important energetic portals that strengthened their connection to cosmic energies. Atlantean expansion was both a territorial conquest and an effort to unify the planetary energies under their control.
Atlantean technology played a crucial role in their heyday. They used vibration and sound to build and heal, developing a network of pyramids and temples that functioned as resonance points. This network allowed the Atlanteans to communicate and transfer energy over great distances. In addition, this technology was used for cell regeneration and life extension, demonstrating their mastery over natural forces and their ability to manipulate physical reality.
The Atlantean system of government was based on wisdom and spiritual guidance. The twelve families that ruled Atlantis were not tyrants, but guardians of cosmic wisdom. Their leadership was focused on maintaining balance and harmony in society, using their knowledge of the stars and sacred geometry to guide the civilization toward sustainable and spiritually advanced development. This approach allowed Atlantis to flourish as a prosperous and balanced civilization, capable of integrating advanced technology with deep spirituality.
The Fall of Atlantis
The fall of Atlantis is one of the most tragic and fascinating stories of antiquity. The Atlantean civilization began to disintegrate during the Age of Scorpio. This period was marked by an abuse of the knowledge and technology possessed by the Atlanteans. The leaders of Atlantis, once guardians of cosmic wisdom, began to use their abilities to exert power and control over others, deviating from their spiritual and ethical principles.
This abuse of power led to a series of natural catastrophes that contributed to the destruction of Atlantis. The Atlanteans had developed advanced technologies that used frequencies and resonances for multiple purposes. However, these same technologies were employed for war and domination, resulting in devastating energy waves that caused the disappearance of entire cities and turned fertile regions into barren deserts.
Internal tensions and conflicts with other civilizations also played a crucial role in the fall of Atlantis. The war with the civilization of Mu was especially destructive, leading to a series of battles that depleted Atlantean resources and morale. Finally, a combination of natural disasters and internal social collapse culminated in the complete destruction of the Atlantean civilization, with the main island sinking into the ocean in a single night of misfortune.
Khem: The New Atlantis
Khem, known as the new Atlantis, emerged after the collapse of the Atlantean civilization. This transition occurred during the Age of Virgo, when the remaining Atlanteans migrated and established new bases in Egypt and other regions of the Mediterranean. Khem inherited much of Atlantean knowledge and practices, including the use of sacred geometry and vibrational resonance in their constructions. The temples and pyramids of Egypt bear witness to this transfer of wisdom, which continued to influence the spiritual and technological development of the region.
The new civilization of Khem focused on maintaining and expanding Atlantean knowledge, adapting it to its new environment. This integration allowed Khem to flourish as a center of learning and spiritual evolution. Khem’s leaders, many of them descendants of the ancient Atlantean guardians, worked to preserve the harmony and balance that once characterized Atlantis. Thus, Khem became a bridge between the legacy of Atlantis and future civilizations, ensuring that the lessons learned would not be lost to time.
The Legacy of Atlantis
Despite its destruction, the legacy of Atlantis lives on in numerous cultures and traditions around the world. The teachings and technologies of the Atlanteans were carried to new lands by their survivors, influencing regions such as Egypt, Greece and Central America in their mythology, architecture and spiritual practices. These cultures reflect Atlantean knowledge of sacred geometry and cosmic alignment in their monuments and temples.
The spiritual impact of Atlantis is also evident in many religions and esoteric philosophies. The principles of connection to the cosmos, the importance of energetic alignment, and the use of vibration and sound for healing and evolution are concepts that have endured throughout the centuries. These teachings continue to inspire spiritual seekers and modern practitioners who seek to integrate these principles into their daily lives.
In addition, the story of Atlantis has been a catalyst for exploration and the search for lost civilizations. Archaeologists, historians and explorers have dedicated their lives to unearthing the remains of this ancient civilization, searching for evidence to corroborate the accounts of Plato and others. These efforts have led to numerous important discoveries that have enriched our understanding of ancient cultures and their connection to Atlantis.
The story of Atlantis continues to be a source of inspiration and reflection on human potential and our capabilities. It reminds us that while we can reach great heights of knowledge and technology, we must do so with a sense of responsibility and ethics. The legacy of Atlantis urges us to learn from its mistakes and use our abilities to create a more harmonious and balanced world, avoiding the paths that led to its downfall.
