The Qlippoth (or Qliphoth) are a concept from the Kabbalistic tradition of Jewish mysticism, representing the "shells" or "husks" of impurity and evil that obstruct divine light. The term comes from the Hebrew קליפות (Qliphoth), meaning "peels" or "husks."
Origins & Meaning in Kabbalah:
In the Tree of Life (a central symbol in Kabbalah), the Sephirot represent the ten emanations or attributes of God through which He creates and sustains the universe. The Qlippoth are their dark counterparts—forces of chaos, imbalance, and spiritual impurity. They are often depicted as the shadow side of the Sephirot, representing:
- Unbalanced energy
- Demonic forces
- Spiritual obstacles
- The sitra achra ("the other side," a realm of impurity in Kabbalah)