The first account of creation, where is the appellation of G-d, refers to the creation of archetypes, the creation of potentialities. The second account, starting at Gen. 2:4, uses as the name of G-d refers to the creation of the actual physical world. can be seen as a much more personal G-d than , it is possible for mankind to interact with the former more easily than with the latter.

The fact that the G-d of potentiality starts with an aleph while the G-d of actuality starts with a yod demonstrates the difference in degree between the two letters. Aleph is the life force that creates the containers, yod is the life force that fills those containers and makes them manifest.

On the Tree of Life is attributed to Geburah, indicating the restrictive aspect of the first level of creation - the potentiality for all and everything is restricted in to the potentiality for the creation of this physical universe.

is attributed to Tiphareth, where the severity of Geburah is balanced by the mercy of Chesed. Thus the created universe is held in balance between these two opposing aspects of the G-dhead.

Our task in life, as kabbalists, is to maintain this balance.