I picked up a book at the bookstore that's about Qabbalah, not realizing it was about Qabbalah (nothing on the book jacket indicated Qabbalah), and the more I read the less I'm certain that I care to take the time to finish it. Yes, I know it's good to be well informed about other religions, but I don't have a lot of time these days and it's really not something I find strikes a chord with me. Has anyone else looked into Qabbalah? Is it worth my time beyond just general education, or should I shelve it until after the holidays? Has understanding it proved beneficial to any other Wiccans/Pagans out there? Thanks!
Blessed be.
)O(
P.S. - anyone who wants to answer this question to spout hatred or insults at me, or who wants to tell me that I'm following a false path, I'm just going to skip over your questions so you might as well find another question to answer.
2006-11-13 03:31:52 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's a Judeo-Christian tradition, so if that works for you, you'll get something from it.
It is actually a good background to have. A lot of Golden Dawn material which Gardner "borrowed" is taken from the Kabbalistic tradiction. The Waite-Rider Tarot is loaded with Kabbalistic symbolism as well. So it's a good reference book at the least.
2006-11-14 08:05:08 · answer #1 · answered by Celtic Rebel 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that you have already answered your own question. Yes, I agree that is is good to informed about other religions. What is most important right now is your time. Will the world come to an end if you don't read this book right now?? No, most likely it will not. Shelve it until after the holidays or when you want to know more about Qabbalah. You are free to read what you want when you want to unless it is for a class of course. Many blessings to you in the upcoming Yule. Blessed Be
2006-11-13 11:43:41 · answer #2 · answered by Sunrhyse 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, having studied both Jewish Kabbalah (I've read the whole of the Sefer Yetzirah and the Zohar), and much of the new age version of it... I truly and deeply mean no disrespect to my pagan co-travelers on this 'spaceship earth'... but the new age version's crap. It's all effectively Aleister Crowley's take on it via his efforts in pathworking, with an eye towards aquiring it and shaping it to fit his Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn symbology.
It's hard to sift the chaff from the wheat when it comes to Kabbalah/Qabbalah. Too many people have taken it and made it for their own purposes instead of honoring it for what it is -- a deeply mystical experience founded on the Jewish awareness of the One True G-d and Its Majestic Glory.
If your book teaches Kabbalah as a way to reach G-d, you've got some new age garbage going. If it teaches Kabbalah as realizing that we contain within us, and are infact our very SELVES, the sparks of the creator G-d, then you may be onto a decent source. If they do the 'G-d' thing (a Jewish practice since spelling out the name of the Mighty One is forbidden; though the tradition has lost its meaning with overuse), that's a good sign. If you see 'god', run. If you see 'God', doubt.
2006-11-13 11:44:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Qabbalah may have some similarities to Wicca, but it is another path, one rooted in ancient Hebrew culture. If it didn't appeal to you, don't worry about it. Put it aside and skim it when you have more time.
2006-11-13 11:48:26 · answer #4 · answered by kent_shakespear 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Knowledge of Kabbalah can help out alot with classifying elements of many traditions,I don't recommend it unless you're interested in spending alot of free time learning Hebrew though.Also,I don't know which book you have but if you want a good crash couse on the basics,get Dion Fortune's "The Mystical Qabbalah"
2006-11-13 11:40:32 · answer #5 · answered by Broken_upon_wheels 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I've studied the Qabbalah a bit, so I feel confident in telling you that if it doesn't seem to be working for you, then maybe you should follow your instincts and set it aside.
Put it away on a shelf, it may be what you are looking for in years to come.
2006-11-13 11:38:42 · answer #6 · answered by Chris R 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The holidays can be intensely emotional and spiritual for alot of people. So if your instincts are telling you to resume your study after the new year I'd listen.
I also agree in educating yourself in other cultures and religions. You are doing the right thing. Stay aware of who you are and what you need and don't get caught up in anything you are even the slightest bit unsure of. Instinct is there for a reason.
Blessed be.
2006-11-13 11:55:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As you are aware, the Kabbalah delves into esoteric Jewish mysticism and is among the old World religions, deeply entrenched in symbology and numerology, among others.
Learning more about it requires an investment of one's time, energy and great interest... Its true practitioners are not easy to find and, if you do come across one or two, they aren't open enough to discuss the various nuances of their practices. Good luck!
Peace be with you.
2006-11-13 11:57:45 · answer #8 · answered by Arf Bee 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have often done this with books that don't hold my attention. I generally blame it on the author, and move on to something else. If I see a different book about it later that looks interesting, I read it. Don't waste your time with something that doesn't really interest you, you won't really enjoy or appreciate it.
2006-11-13 11:37:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well, knowledge is power, that's true, but If you're feeling it's not something you want to continue reading....especially this time of year (Season changes and all) I'd find something that does spark your interest! :)
2006-11-13 11:47:05 · answer #10 · answered by Joeygirl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋