Term: Kabbalah

DEFINITIONS

Qabalah: "Qabalah" is a Hebrew word which means "tradition.” It is derived from the root word "Qibel," meaning, "to receive." This refers to the ancient custom of handing down the esoteric knowledge by oral transmission. What the word Qabalah encompasses is an entire body of ancient Hebrew mystical principles that are the cornerstone and focus of the Western Esoteric Tradition. Virtually all Western spiritual systems can trace their roots to the Qabalistic Tree of Life. The exact origins of the Qabalah are unclear, but it certainly contains some vestiges of Egyptian, Greek, and Chaldean influence.

By its nature, mysticism is knowledge that cannot be communicated directly, but may be expressed only through symbolism and metaphor. Like other esoteric systems, Qabalah also draws upon the mystic's awareness of the transcendence of the Divine or the Eternal. Another element of Qabalah is that of theosophy, which seeks to reveal the hidden mysteries of the Divine as well as the relationship between the Divine Life on one hand, and the life of humans on the other. The goal of the Qabalist is to discover and invent keys to the understanding of arcane symbols that reflect the eternal mysteries.
source: The Truth about the Golden Dawn, Chic Cicero and Sandra Tabatha Cicero

Cabala: Cabala...is a system of mysticism with its origins in Judaism, stemming in part from the "chariot" visions of first-century mystics, in part from Gnosticism and ceremonial magic.
source: The Truth About Cabala, David Godwin

Kabbalah: A mystical system which forms the mystical underpinnings for the three major Western religions as well as for modern Ceremonial Magick. The word is transliterated Hebrew, and is spelled in English in various ways, including Qabala, Cabala, etc.
source: Modern Magick, by Donald Michael Kraig (Llewellyn Publications)

Also See: Cabala, Qabalah, Qabala, Kabbalah

ARTICLES

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What Makes Runes Powerful?

Runes are the manifest symbols through which rune magic is worked. They can be employed for all of the magical purposes that other magical systems serve, but they possess unique aspects that make them superior for certain uses. Because they were ...

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Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers

English occultist, 1854-1918. Born in London and educated at Bedford Grammar School, he came from a background of poverty and never attended university. He spent his early adult years living with his mother in Bournemouth, working as a clerk and ...

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Magic Provides an Alternative Viewpoint

Where in the world is magic? It is not in science, which denies the reality and value of anything not amenable to the scientific method. It is not in religion. The Church has historically looked upon magic as devilish, and in modern times regards it ...

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Golden Dawn Bibliography

Cicero, Chic and Cicero, Sandra Tabatha. Creating Magical Tools: The Magician’s Craft. St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 1999. ____________. Experiencing the Kabbalah: A Simple Guide to Spiritual Wholeness. St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn ...

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The New and the News in Your Tarot Reading

Curiosity is a great cure-all because it generates energy and enthusiasm. Even if you don’t have much control over your present circumstances, you can nevertheless indulge your curiosity with simple tarot readings. The following is a “card search” technique that gives you something to look forward to. As you shuffle your deck,... read this article

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