The Hermetic Qabalah

The problem with beginning is that there's so much you have to know to just begin. In esoteric studies, the beginner has to dive into the Qabalah, Tarot, Astrology, Alchemy - and Hebrew, and esoteric orders, and correspondences, and and and and… For someone new, the whole thing quickly becomes overwhelming and full of proverbial rabbit holes, because it's impossible to figure out how to get the critical mass of knowledge you need to be able to move forward.So, start here. This is the beginning you've been looking for, the coherent discussion, at a comprehensible level, of how Qabalah creates the framework for Western esoteric thought. The author takes a broad approach, introducing the reader to concepts at the right level to move forward without so much detail that you get mired down. His language is clear and straightforward, and ideas are illustrated with examples and metaphors that carry you along the logical connections you need to begin understanding.Beware - you'll finish this book with more questions than you started with, because this takes a lifetime of study. But Hermetic Qabalah is the place to start.

Over the decades, as a dedicated Tarot reader, I have tried to understand Hermetics, but I kept failing, as some Dark Ages illiterate poring over an illuminated manuscript that I marveled at but could not begin to read. I seemed to have a lucanae or perhaps a lack of will, and try again and fail, and then come again to the conclusion that I am only the simple minded re-incarnation of a garden variety hedge witch with sight. Yes, I also subscribe to the BOTA and neatly file their lessons in a binder with the good intention that one of these days I will go through them systematically with a highlighter. (I do have a good grasp of yoga, and Eastern practices. Perhaps because I am Asian this time around).I got this book because I heard Dr. Clark being interviewed on the Hermetic Hour Podcast. I thought I sample it on Kindle, and found the next day that I had bought it unintentionally. Being groggy from a lack of sleep last night, I thought I just lay on the couch, (Play Candy Crush) and let my Kindle read to me. Wow, the Heartfelt intent of the author to have the reader understand the subject comes through strongly (I could feel Dion Fortune, Paul Case in the cheering sector) There is a brisk clarity to how he explains concepts, so the Qabalah is no longer like trying to remember foreign verb conjugations to me but something alive and necessary like the steak and frittes I am going to eat after I write this review. Also included were bits of information that answered many half formulated questions I had jangling around in my thought for ages. I totally understand this book! The subject makes total sense. Maybe It would be elementary for a high initiate, but it is a great primer. Thank you for your service Dr. Clark. Now off to the Bistro...

There is a LOT of great writing on this subject, but most of it tends to be very focused on specific aspects of Hermetics (tarot, the Sephira) and someof it is rather densely written - I have to read Paul Case's work rather slowly to grasp it. And this is good, as the depth of the writing requires such focus.Other writings, such as Lotterhand's The Spoken Cabala, are easier to read but not as scholarly in their approach. And that is also good, as there is muchinsight to be gained when an Adept writes in a way that is a bit more accessibleto lighter reading. Dr Clark seems to take a middle approach between these two extremes, adding enough meat to shine light on correspondences and connections and allowing deep study, but including enough insight to allow the reader tochoose to read more casually. I believe that this will make the book palatable to a wider audience, and more valuable for all those on the Path. SOmetimes we want to read deeply and think deeply about what we learn, and sometimes we wantto take a more relaxed approach. I think that The Hermetic Kabalah is good for both.Where this work really shines is its breadth. It begins with basics (Hermetic principles, the four worlds, mentalism and more) And then discusses each Sephira and its relation to Grade work in a Hermetic Order, then moves on to a discussion of Paths and the Tarot Keys. I can't think of another book thataddresses both subjects simultaneously, especially in the context of the Path of Return.I really liked the mentions of the more common issues faced at each step up the tree, and how such issues were framed as normal, natural, and healthy. The overall tone of the book is very positive, which is also a big plus.

as promised for delivery and item - no damage, brand new

The book covers the BOTA / Case qabalah very well but I have a problem with the index.None of the words or names I looked for were on the pages listed. Curious. Anywaybe warned.

exceptional work for the western mystery traditon

Great information. Highly recommend for beginners and students of the mysteries.

My spiritual study