Chapter 3, Verse 1


1. Three mothers: Aleph-Mem-Shin. Their foundation is a palm of merit, a palm of liability, and the tongue of decree deciding between them.

As mentioned before in order for the world of multiplicity and change to exist, an apparent division of Oneness into three parts must take place. The fundamental motif is to have two opposites and communication between them. This allows for a dynamic and evolving universe. At the most basic level this triad is represented by expansion, contraction, and a flow from one to the other. Expansion/mercy/giving/merit is represented by the letter Mem. Contraction/form/justice/liability is represented by the Shin. Notice that these letters are formed in opposite parts of the mouth. Also recall that the letters Shin-Mem spell the Name from which represents the creation. Additionally, the letter Aleph which is silent represents the air which allows the transition from Shin to Mem in speech.