Temple Classroom:
Sipru Chukmi

The Seven Components

• Introduction to the Seven Components
• The Seven Components
  • Cedar
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Lapis Lazuli
  • Gems (or Ore)
  • Fire
  • Brick
• Table of Suggested Correspondences

For a Site Map, please see Stele.

Introduction to the Seven Components

The idea of the Seven Components and their associations is my own modern-day idea: this is not something the ancient Canaanites have in their writings. The ancient Canaanites may have had an idea that as Ba’al’s palace exists “on high,” i.e. the sacred Mount Sapunu, so his temple exists in the human city below.(1)

I thought that as Ba’al’s palace is built of, conveniently and appropriately, seven components, that perhaps these seven components should be present when creating a place of veneration. In this way, we can reenact the reconstruction, albeit temporarily, of a sacred temple as we are creating a sacred space for ritual. I feel that having the Seven Components present helps to define temple space: here are the components, thus here is the temple. In addition, I associate each one of the Components with themes I’ve found in the ancient texts. I encourage you to read and examine the texts for yourself to find what you think are important themes and values to the Canaanites. The ancient Canaanites would not have needed to use this system because their temple space was always ready and waiting for activity: most of us do not have this luxury today.

Please note that by virtue of having these components present, it has made this site temple space. Also keep in mind that the Seven Components are not meant to be treated in the same way that the Wiccan four direction/four element system is used, and that modern Canaanite polytheists do not "cast circles." (Please see Wicca Corner: Practices for a brief discussion on casting circles and temple building.)

If you wish to see the Seven Components in context of their Canaanite myth of “Ba’al Builds His Palace” please see the Ba’al texts in the Library. If you wish to study further, and I certainly encourage it, please consult one of the Resources.

 

1. Del Olmo Lete, Gregorio. La Religión Cananea Según la Liturgia de Ugarit. Editorial Ausa, Barcelona, 1992.
There is an Engish Language Version: Canaanite Religion According to the Liturgical Texts of Ugarit. Eisenbrauns, Winona Lake, IN, 2004, p. 28

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The Seven Components

Cedar: Arzu

Cedar represents wisdom, grounding centering. The Ugaritic word for wisdom is chukmu. Athirat and Ilu are known by their great wisdom; the element of cedar honors them. Sometimes cedar is associated with the direction of center, the axis mundi. If you need to ground and center, try using essential oil of cedar.

Silver: Kaspu

Silver represents intuition and dreaming. The Ugaritic word for dream is chalmu. Silver honors Yarikh the silvery moon that shines at night, the time of dreams; and silver honors Ilu who speaks in dreams, offerining advice and guidance. Sometimes silver is associated with the direction of above.

Gold: Khuratzu

The component of gold symbolizes hospitality and compassion. We are all welcome at the deities' table, and as such, gold honors the Assembly of Deities. The hospitality of Gold also reminds us to offer compassion and hospitality to the less fortunate. Gold also indicates to us that we should remember our ancestors and make offerings to them. The Ugaritic word for hospitality is pi'du. Gold is sometimes associated with the direction of east, the direction of birth and the beginnings of life. Shachar and Shalim as young children live in the eastern desert for a duration into their childhood.

Lapis: Iqun'u

Lapis is a "true blue" color. Because Yarikh gives lapis to Nikkal's family as part of a gift and as part of negotiations, lapis reminds us of love and communication. The Ugaritic word for love is dadu. Lapis gives honor to both Yarikh and Nikkal, and to the messenger deities, such as Gapn and Ugar, as well. The component of Lapis is sometimes associated with the direction of west, the direction of death. In Canaan, the sun sets over the Mediterranean Sea, and the color of this stone can remind us of the sea. There is a slight possibility that lapis carries an association with funereal practices. Also, because this stone is associated with love and communication, it may help to clear the way to communicate with the ancestors who have passed beyond the sunset of their lives into the night of the underworld.

Gems: Ilqatzuma

Because of their many properties and energies, I associate gems with health and healing. The Ugaritic word for healing is shalam which can also mean peace, wellbeing, and wholeness. I associate gems with Kothar-wa-Khasis, the deity of crafting and magic; with Shapshu as she visits the underworld at night, and as her sunlight burns the "fog" of illness; with Rashap, the god of plague and healing of plague; and with Choron who is somtimes called upon to heal snakebite. Sometimes the component of gems is associated with the direction of below. In some translations of the Ba'al texts, the translation reads "ore" instead of "gems."

Fire: Ishatu

Fire represents creativity, passion, and magic. The Ugaritic word for magick and crafting (as in creating an object) is the same word: charshu. Fire honors the crafting Deity Kathir-wa-Khasis, as well as the passionate 'Anat. The element of fire may also honor one of Yam's allies Ishat; but do not call Ishat and Anat at the same ritual as they are enemies. Fire may sometimes be associated with the directions of south or east, due to the dryness of Egypt (except during Nile floods), and due to the eastern desert.

Bricks: Labnatu

Bricks symbolize community service, a coming together of individuals to form a whole. This component reminds us of community, family, clan. The Ugaritic word for clan is umatu. The component of brick honors Kathir-wa-Khasis, the team of 'Anat and Ba'al, the Assembly of Deities, the Katharat who function as a team to ensure the survival of the community, and the past communities of the Canaanites. The direction of north is sometimes associated with the component of bricks.

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Table of Suggested Correspondances

Please note that these correspondances are spurious at best and are subject to change, especially the correspondances regarding the Indian chakra system and the assignments of the days of the week. These are entirely modern associations based on my opinions.

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Sipru Chukmi

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All original written work on this site is copyright © 2005, 2008 Tess Dawson, unless otherwise noted.
Please do not use without permission, proper crediting, and a link to my site.

All original artwork and photographs on this site are copyright © 2005, 2008 Tess Dawson, unless otherwise noted.
Please do not use without permission, proper crediting, and a link to my site.