The Mysteries of the Qabalah: or Occult Agreement of the Two Testaments [Paperback]

Eliphas Levi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2000

Eliphas links the Old and New Testament of the Bible by comparing qabalistic imagery and conceprs inherent in both The Prophecy of Ezekiel and The Apocalypse of St. John a symbolic resume of knowledge for initiates and a key to the Qabalah.

The Mysteries of the Qabalah completes the second book in a trilogy written by the famous French esoteric scholar, Eliphas Levi. In the first part of this wrk, Levi links the Old and New Testament by comparing the quabalistic imagery anc concepts inherent in both "The Prophecy of Ezekiel" and "The Apocalypse of St. John." He explains how the description of Solomon's temple, the great sanctuary of the true God, represents the Qabalistic or traditional theology of the Hebrews--even the measurements are symbolic and refer to sacred numbers. In the second part of the treatise, Levi demonstrates that "The Apocalypse of St John" is a symbolic resume of knowledge for intiates and a key to the high Qabalah. The theology of the Hebrews can be attached to Christianity through the prophecy of Ezekiel. It served as a model for the "The Apocalypse of St. John." which --behind the emblems of the Qabalah--hides the most profound secrets of Christian theology. Students of the Western Mystery tradition will find this material of special interest when exploring the sybolism of the Bible and Qabalah.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Red Wheel / Weiser (November 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877289409
• ISBN-13: 978-0877289401
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,105,002 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Agreement of the OT and NT, May 30, 2002

By 

rareoopdvds (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Mysteries of the Qabalah: or Occult Agreement of the Two Testaments (Paperback)

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 my imagination. It allows me to keep searching for my own truths about myself and the universe.

4 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good for the Christian Qabbalist, January 15, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Mysteries of the Qabalah: or Occult Agreement of the Two Testaments (Paperback)

It's a good book for people interested in the Revelations and its qabbalistical meaning, the whole book comments it.