A mystical and esoteric tradition blending ancient Jewish Kabbalah with Western occult and esoteric beliefs.
Religion: Occultism
Denomination: Hermeticism
Location: Ancient Egypt, later developed in Europe
Hermetic Qabalah is a Western esoteric tradition that integrates mysticism and the occult, serving as the philosophical and mystical backbone for several magical societies, including the Golden Dawn, and has significantly influenced Thelemic orders and various mystical-religious societies like the Builders of the Adytum and the Fellowship of the Rosy Cross. Originating alongside and in conjunction with Christian Cabalistic engagement during the European Renaissance, Hermetic Qabalah has evolved into a diverse system, embodying Esoteric Christian, non-Christian, or anti-Christian elements across its various schools.
This tradition is a more openly syncretic system compared to its Jewish counterpart, drawing from an extensive range of influences such as Jewish Kabbalah, Western astrology, alchemy, pagan religions (notably Egyptian and Greco-Roman), Neoplatonism, Hermeticism, and the symbolism of the tarot. Despite these vast sources, it shares numerous concepts with Jewish Kabbalah, with its teachings deeply rooted in the structure and dynamics of the Tree of Life, which outlines the ten Sephiroth (or emanations) and their interconnections through paths that represent different aspects of existence and consciousness.
At the heart of Hermetic Qabalah is the Tree of Life, which is structured around three pillars: the Pillar of Mercy, the Pillar of Severity, and the Pillar of Balance, symbolizing different divine aspects and their manifestations in the universe. This model extends into the conception of the Four Worlds, representing different levels of existence and consciousness from the most spiritual (Atziluth) to the physical (Assiah).
Furthermore, Hermetic Qabalah emphasizes the complex relationships between the Sephiroth, astrological bodies, and various elements of mysticism, with each Sephirah corresponding to specific divine attributes, planetary influences, and more. This intricate system of correspondences aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the universe’s spiritual structure and the individual’s journey towards enlightenment.
image via Wikimedia Commons
