CH-SH-K – ‘darkness, enchainment of inner heat by compression’ [Finsterniss]

This word is…in its figurative sense…a compressing, hardening movement; in its hieroglyphic, it is a combat, a violent opposition between the contrary principles of heat and cold. The root expressed a violent and disordered movement caused by an inner ardour which seeks to distend. The root depicts on the contrary, a sentiment of contraction and tightening which tends to centralize. In the composition of the word it is the compressive force which prevails and which enchains the inner ardour forced to devour itself. Such was the idea that the Egyptian priests formed of darkness. (The Hebraic Tongue Restored, Fabré d’Olivet, p. 31) [darkness = desire enchained]