Sigma (σ, ς) is the eighteenth letter of the Greek alphabet, carrying a numeric value of 200. Its name derives from the Phoenician letter shin, meaning "tooth," reflecting the letter's original pictographic form. In the Greek alphabet, sigma is the direct counterpart of the Hebrew letter shin (ש), which itself is associated with fire, spirit, and the divine name Shaddai.

Position on the Tree of Life

Sigma is assigned to the 25th Path of the Tree of Life, which connects the Sephirah Chokmah (Wisdom) to the Sephirah Binah (Understanding). This placement on the second Sephirah, Chokmah, underscores its role as a symbol of the active, creative, and dynamic force of the divine will. The 25th Path is associated with the element of Fire, further emphasizing sigma's connection to transformative energy and the initial impulse of manifestation.

Astrological and planetary correspondence

In the system of Liber 777, the 25th Path is governed by the element of Fire, not a specific planet or zodiac sign. This fiery nature aligns with the Hebrew letter shin, which is the letter of the element of Fire in the Tetragrammaton. The correspondence to Chokmah, the second Sephirah, links sigma to the astrological sign of the Zodiac as a whole, representing the creative, ordering principle of the cosmos.

Historical context

Sigma has a rich history in Greek and Western esoteric traditions. In ancient Greek, it was used as a symbol for the number 200, and its shape evolved from the angular "lunate" form (Ϲ, ϲ) to the modern curved sigma (σ, ς). The letter's association with the Hebrew shin is significant in Kabbalistic and Hermetic thought, where shin is the letter of the element of Fire and the divine name Shaddai. In the Greek alphabet, sigma is the equivalent of the Hebrew shin, and its placement on the 25th Path in Liber 777 reflects this connection. The 25th Path is also associated with the Tarot card "The Aeon" (or "Judgment" in some decks), which symbolizes resurrection, transformation, and the call of the divine will.

In the table of Liber 777, sigma (σ) appears as the Greek letter corresponding to the 25th Path, representing the fiery, creative aspect of Chokmah, the first emanation of the divine will. Its numeric value of 200 links it to the concept of completion and the cycle of manifestation, as 200 is the number of the Hebrew letter resh (ר), which is associated with the Sun and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.