The Mysteries of the Qabalah: Or Occult Agreement of the Two Testaments

This book is actually a second part of a trilogy beginning with "The Book of Splendours" and ending with "The Great Secret", in which Eliphas Levi expounds his experiences of magic, qabalah, tarot and the divine and universal energies. To explain the subtitle of this book, "The Mysteries of the Qabalah: Occult Agreement of the Two Testaments", is essentially there is a strong correlation between the prophecies of Ezekiel in the Old Testament and the Book of Revelations of St. John in the New Testament. As you read, you will notice that Levi quotes the scriptures somewhat loosely, however not miscontruing the nature of the text. The italicized are the scriptural, while the regular print is Levi's commentary. Within these pages are many symbolic drawings which help the reader understand some of the writings which can be abstract and elusive at times. Erudite occultists will immediately recognize some of the drawings from various tarot interpretations, qabalistic, alchemical and astrological relationships as well as magical symbols represented throughout the text. Through all of this formulaic instruction, Levi is attempting to empower the reader with special knowledge, which I will explain. First, the writers of both the Old Testament and New Testament had divine insight. That there is a universal consciousness at work in which both prophecies reveal similar experiences and visions (told in different cultural symbols). Second, the formulas at hand are a means towards the Great Work. That is, the design of the symbol is of utmost importance in understanding how one is to proceed in their Work. Lastly, that the relationship between Exekiel and St. John are only 2 examples, where Levi also gives other examples from the Hindu, Greek, Roman and Pagan societies that make for similar arguments. The writing style of Eliphas Levi is one that can easily be said of as creative and highly imaginative, but with no base in reality. Contrary one might describe it as divinely insightful, yet, ambiguous enough for any interpretation that one sees fit. Because there is no definitive quality in his writing, Levi is not for the beginning occultist or practitioner of the magical arts. While his writings are manditory for any serious magician, intelligence is duly needed when studying his works. In regards to 'The Mysteries of the Qabalah', while this being the second of the trilogy, there is no neccesity in following his arrangement, however, I would not suggest this book as a primer of Levi's works. In my personal experience, this book is not to be read, but studied in conjuction with a Greek and Hebrew Bible, and a dictionary of each of those languages for a fuller understanding as well as a to draw your own conclusions as to whether Eliphas Levi is correct in his revelation. While I am still in the course of exploring these issues personally, I enjoy Levi's work, not because I find him more right than wrong, but specifically because he sparks my intellect as well as