Publisher's Synopsis
A highly practical exploration of the links between the Mediaeval Kabbalah and its manifestation within the Western Mystery Tradition, drawing in base concepts shared by both strands. Also examined is the controversial topic of Magick in the sense of polarity (sexual) working, and some practical advice on how to learn what the Tree of Life represents, how magic (in all its esoteric forms) correlates with psychology, how valid comparisons can be drawn with other cosmologies including recent understandings in particle physics, and how visualisation and the active imagination play an enormous role when learning to work with these diverse concepts and energies. This is a thoroughly practical text with exercises and examples, and with specific advice on how to contact and work with inner plane entities in addition to solid advice on working with groups and teachers upon the physical plane. This text takes a very eclectic approach, drawing on the principle that the various different 'strands' within these systems have more in common than they do in conflict, and that the most important factor is "what works" rather than dogmatic distinctions. Important aspects also covered include the "suspension of disbelief," the nature of evil and the Jungian "Shadow," links between the early Kabbalah and Sufi mystical practices, a discussion of how some of Aleister Crowley's ideas are not quite so different from ancient practices as might be expected, methods of connecting with inner energies by means of Pathworkings and the construction of "Inner Plane Temples."
