A Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism [Paperback]

Gareth Knight (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2002

In this groundbreaking book, Knight shows how the Qabalah and its basic diagram, the Tree of Life, is a system of relationships among mystical symbols that can be used to gain access to the hidden reaches of the mind. He also demonstrates how the Qabalah is applicable to all mystical traditions and religious beliefs, including Christian mysticism, Greek, Egyptian and Celtic mythologies, and even Native American beliefs. It is indeed symbolic of our universal search for the Divine. Included here are two books in one. The first compares the Western Mystery Tradition with the Eastern system of yoga, analyzes the Tree of Life in full detail, and describes the practical application and theories of Qabalistic symbolism. The second gives the most comprehensive analysis ever published of the twenty-two 'Paths of Concealed Glory' that join the Spheres of the Tree of Life taking into account the Hebrew alphabet, astrological signs, and tarot trumps. A large section explores the history of tarot design and the varying systems of correspondence with the Tree of Life.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gareth Knight is one of the major occult practitioners and authors of today. His many books include Experience of Inner Worlds(0-87728-787-2), Magical World of the Tarot(0-87728-873-9), Secret Tradition in Arthurian Legend(0-87728-861-5).

Product Details

• Paperback: 640 pages
• Publisher: Weiser Books (January 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578632471
• ISBN-13: 978-1578632473
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #192,532 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A first rate presentation with a few blemishes, August 24, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism (Hardcover)

Gareth Knight has put together perhaps the most complete assessment of Qabalistic symbology yet published in one book, both for the Tree of Life and the Tarot. As such, it's value to beginning students of Qabalah cannot be overstated. Be this as it may, Knight sometimes uses the book as a soapbox for trumpeting his particular Christian/Scientology brand of Qabalistic dogma, which may leave many libertines out in the cold. He also mistakenly considers Gematria unnecessary to the understanding Qabalistic symbology (!) and tends to beat up Aleister Crowley needlessly while embracing the Master's exchange of the Tarot cards The Emperor and The Star in accordance with Liber AL vel Legis (an allusion to L. Ron Hubbard's Thelemic roots, methinks). However, in spite of these drawbacks, Knight presents the Qabalah lucidly and with great erudition, in a language which is suprisingly accessible to all newcomers. He even dares to show how the Christian Mysteries are relevant to Qabalistic philosophy, often considered taboo in esoteric circles. One of the best features of the book is Knight's thorough comparative analysis of numerous Tarot symbologies, including those of A. E. Waite, Aleister Crowley, and Paul Foster Case. This is definitely an important work which belongs on every Qabalist's bookshelf.

27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Deeper than McSpirituality., April 20, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism (Hardcover)

Looking at the physical object that is this book, and comparing it to 99% of other 'occult' books on the typical mass-market shelf, one gets the sense that the Practical Guide is a little different. Knight has written an intense examination of the qabalistic tree of life. Unlike many of the Do-it-yourselfer books on occultism out nowadays, Knight focuses on esoteric *meanings* of the symbolism, rather than spell formulae and such. Therefore, the Practical Guide has a refreshing quality of weightiness and depth lacking in other works.

On the other hand, Knight himself attacks 'deviant' behaviours such as homosexuality in a prejudiced and bigoted manner. Some of his other comments could also be construed as racist. Furthermore, his discussions of the qabalistic spheres and paths often lapse into abstruse ramblings which are difficult to make heads or tails of. Refreshing in its depth, thankfully not superficial, but offensive and sometimes hard to follow. Worthwhile read for anyone interested in qabala.

And the cover crushes anything published by Lewellyn like a grape.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended for serious students of the Qabalah, April 11, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism (Paperback)

A Practical Guide To Qabalistic Symbolism by author and modern occultist Gareth Knight is a comprehensive reference, encompassing Volume 1: On the Spheres of the Tree of Life and Volume 2: On the Paths and the Tarot, showcasing the power of Magick and the applications of Qabalah. Diagrams, tables, black-and-white illustrations and extensively annotated explanations help lead readers through the fascinating, sometimes conflicting and hidden meanings of the skill, art, and practice of Qabalah in this most thorough guide. Highly recommended for serious students of the Qabalah, magick, and metaphysics.