Hi Uma,
Thanks for that link, the world tree does seem to be a universal symbol of self. However, I do think the Tetractys and the Tree of Life with their ten spheres really map the magickal psyche very well (and since reality originates from psyche, the universe as well).
I agree with you that the West needs to absorb the Eastern wisdom, and vice-versa too. Recall though that the East really only opened up to the West from the mid 1800's. With the general unpopularity of creative spirituality (and the usual resistance of tradition to change), we are only now really experiencing the open possibility of complete homogeneity of doctrine.
Like you, I have embraced nearly all traditions, seeing them as enriching my perspective and appreciation of the world's spiritual creative expression. One thing that has allowed me to appreciate diverse cultures widely is their mystical alphabets, which I align to the Tarot just as Hebrew by serial place value, again once you can posit assuredly their correct alphabet orders.
As far as the chakras and the Tree of Life's comparison, I explain mine here:
http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=51550&page=2
I realize the similarity of depicting the middle pillar as sushumna and the left and right as ida and pingala, as well as kind of overlaying the two schemas upon each other. I also note Chokmah and Binah in the past were posited to symbolize the right and left brain (which is why some people ascribe both to Ajna). I take a different approach. I base my correlations upon number, which is at the heart of psyche and reality.
Rubedo (Yechidah, Chiah, Neshamah):
1. SAHASRARA KETHER-MERCURY
2. AJNA CHOCKMAH-MOON
3. VISHUDDHA BINAH-VENUS
Albedo (Ruach):
4. ANAHATA CHESED-JUPITER
5. MANIPURA GEBURAH-MARS
6. SWADHISTHANA TIPHARETH-SUN
Nigredo (Nephesh):
7. MULADHARA NETZACH, HOD, YESOD, MALKUTH-SATURN
One of the core things to note is the division between 3 and 4 in both schemas, as this is the macrocosm and microcosm, where the mysterious abyss lies at their intersection. On the Tree this is Binah and Chesed, the separation between the supernal triad and the rest of the Tree. In the chakras, this is Vishuddha and Anahata, the separation of the head and neck from the torso. Chesed as Jupiter is Anahata, the Heart chakra I believe. Many schemas that attempt to overlay the two patterns resort to putting Vishuddha in Daath, which I think is a mistake, it is clearly Binah residing in its creative purity above the abyss.
I view the Tetractys, the Tree of Life, the Chakra schema, and the Tarot (which I feel is based serially upon the alphabet symbolism of Hebrew) as the four great initiatory models. Note then that in the chakra schema we have 34 consonants, 1-12 in Anahata and 13-22 in Manipura. This is where Hebrew ends with its 22 letters. The chakra schema actually posits at least 34 Tarot keys! This is a fact rarely perceived.