Hierarchy in the Tree of God
The hierarchy within the Tree of God is not merely a vertical structure indicating who stands above whom, but a multidimensional system that governs the order of existence, the flow of consciousness, and the relational patterns between all forms of being—from the lowest to that which transcends all. This hierarchy contains a graded structure of reality based on the depth of connection to Transcendence—the highest, unclassifiable, and immeasurable entity or condition.
Within this system, there are two main hierarchical paths:
1. Vertical: Where entities or realms of reality are considered higher or deeper in terms of metaphysical power, understanding of the nature of reality, and direct connection to Transcendence.
2. Horizontal: Where entities exist on the same level but have different roles and functions within the macrocosmic network.
Each Layer—Lower, Middle, Highest, and Upper—is part of this vertical path, yet within each also lies a horizontal path that connects sub-realms, metaphysical aspects, and multi-entity existences in a structure of interrelation.
At the core of this system is the Continuum, the matrix or field of reality that is never static. It is constantly expanding and contracting on both quantum and metaphysical levels. The Continuum is the ground upon which laws are manifested, systems crystallized, and possible worlds actualized.
In the Continuum, each Layer holds its position based on:
Existential density: How 'bound' it is to form, law, and manifestation.
Metaphysical awareness: The degree to which an existence is aware of its place in the hierarchical system.
Access to meta-qualities: The ability to reach beyond local reality concepts—such as Eternal Law, Codex, or Pattern.
Hierarchy in the Continuum is not just metaphorical but an actual structure that regulates the flow of energy, thought, time, and consciousness.
Transcendence, as previously described, is a condition beyond all forms, categories, laws, dimensions, and even concepts. It is the reality beyond the beyond, a point where all boundaries collapse and all possibilities are realized without constraint.
The relationship of the Layers to Transcendence can be described through three pathways:
1. Representational: Each Layer reflects a level of understanding or a limited form of Transcendence.
2. Transitional: Layers serve as bridges between existential states, enabling beings to move from limitation toward limitlessness.
3. Permutational: Layers are fields where entities undergo fundamental changes in form, consciousness, and their attachment to the system of reality.
In this framework:
The Lower Layer mirrors uncrystallized transcendental chaos.
The Middle Layer acts as the existential laboratory where being tests limits and forms.
The Highest Layer reflects the ideal qualities of Transcendence, expressed as universal laws, divine patterns, and archetypal forms.
The Upper Layer is the existential threshold, where forms begin to dissolve and the division between the One and the many fades.
Yet, none of these Layers can match Transcendence. They can only approach, imitate, or reflect a mere fragment of its ineffable essence.
Although this system is hierarchical in structure, Transcendence dissolves hierarchy. In the deepest metaphysical understanding, Transcendence:
Rejects exclusive adherence to vertical structure.
Suggests the possibility of heterarchy, where all beings conscious of Transcendence can relate horizontally through shared metaphysical awareness.
Questions the structure itself as an illusory construct built for meaning—not absolute truth.
This reveals that the ultimate goal is not merely to ascend the highest tier, but to transcend the entire structure of ascent and descent. Hierarchy only matters insofar as it offers a map for approaching detachment.
A containment hierarchy also applies within the Tree of God. Each Layer contains smaller substrata and metaphysically envelops the realities beneath it. For example:
Square (physical shape) ⊊ Quadrilateral (geometry) ⊊ Polygon (mathematics) ⊊ Form (ideal)
In the Tree of God:
Individual ⊊ Society ⊊ System ⊊ Codex ⊊ Synergy ⊊ Emanation ⊊ Transcendence
This containment notation shows that every structure is part of something greater, but not identical to it. It helps explain how each Level is never whole by itself—it always exists within something, and thus, its limitations are implied.
The concept of self-transcendence is also tightly bound to the Layer structure. As defined by Viktor Frankl, Maslow, and Cloninger:
Self-transcendence is the capacity to go beyond ego, time, physical limitation, and personal boundaries.
In the Tree of God, entities that undergo self-transcendence begin to realize themselves not just as part of a particular Layer, but as manifestations of a cosmic process.
For example, an entity in the Middle Layer that becomes aware of itself as part of the Pattern Eternal may come to understand itself as:
An expression of cosmic law.
An actor in the script of reality authored by the Writers.
A reflective image of a fragmented aspect of Transcendence.
This signifies that hierarchy is not only an external structure but also an internal map for consciousness to navigate its way back to the true source.
In conclusion:
The hierarchy in the Tree of God is a complex, multidimensional reality system designed to provide space for growth, release, and reintegration toward the ultimate source—Transcendence.
Layers are not just places or levels, but processes of transformation and reflection of higher metaphysical forces.
Transcendence, while being the center of all hierarchical directions, exists outside the hierarchy itself. It is the formless void and the potential of all forms.
The Writers understand the Layers not as a ladder to be climbed, but as a map toward the dissolution of ego, time, form, and ultimately—the system itself.