The Teli

The תלי (tav lamed yod) of Sefer Yetzirah 6:1 implies a lack of firm connection to the earth. It "hangs" and is "suspended" between nothing and everything. Consequently, it "hangs" above the rational mind, not yet anchored in nor formed through reason. It hasn't yet penetrated Binah at this point nor has the discernment of a "developed Binah" (partzuf Imma, including Imma Ila'ah and Tevunah) processed its "power and information" yet. That is why this energy may be seen as a dragon; an uncontrollable force unleashed as a powerful, fiery and chaotic energy which is unfocused by mature Binah. The תלי is a powerful yet unformed energy. Most people, particularly those not actively engaged upon the way toward improving the middot¹, lack the tools (a capable Binah) to form and focus it properly. Not properly formed and focused, it tends toward distortion when it "connects" with the earthly universe of the mind, which may "break out" with awesome delusion and/or set in motion disastrous consequences if its power is drawn down prematurely.

Footnote:

¹ The middot significantly impact proper assimilation of intellectual comprehension through Tevunah.

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