ב (Beth) is the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet, its name meaning 'house' in Hebrew. It represents a shelter, a container, or a vessel—the first letter that encloses space, distinguishing inside from outside. In its form, a dot (dagesh) can be placed within it, changing its pronunciation from a soft 'v' to a hard 'b', reflecting its dual nature. Etymologically, Beth is linked to the Semitic root for 'house,' and its shape is thought to derive from the floor plan of a tent or dwelling.

Position on the Tree of Life

Beth corresponds to Path 12 on the Tree of Life, connecting the sephirah Chokmah (Wisdom) to Binah (Understanding). This path bridges the first outflow of creative force (Chokmah) with the receptive, structuring principle (Binah), making Beth the channel through which raw potential is given form and limitation. It is the first 'house' that contains the divine impulse.

Astrological and planetary correspondence

Beth is assigned to the planet Mercury in the Hermetic Qabalah. This correspondence links the letter to communication, intellect, speed, and the mediating power that bridges opposites. Mercury’s dual nature—as both the morning and evening star—echoes Beth’s own duality, and its role as a messenger aligns with Beth’s function as a vessel that carries and transmits force.

Historical context

In the Sefer Yetzirah, Beth is one of the twelve 'simple' letters, associated with the month of Iyar, the zodiac sign Taurus, and the sense of hearing. The text describes it as governing life and death, emphasizing its role as a container for the breath of life. In the Zohar, Beth is the letter that begins the Torah (Bereshit), and the rabbis teach that God created the world with Beth because it is the letter of blessing (berakhah). The shape of Beth—closed on three sides and open on one—is said to symbolize that one may not inquire into what is above, below, or before creation, only into what comes after. In medieval Jewish mysticism, Beth is also linked to the concept of the Shekhinah, the divine presence dwelling in the world.

In the table of Liber 777, Beth appears at step 12 under the column of Hebrew Letters, serving as the glyph for Path 12. Its correspondences here include the number 2, the color yellow (associated with Mercury), and the magical formula of the 'House of God.' This placement underscores Beth’s role as the foundational vessel that receives and shapes the divine light into the structures of creation.