The Mystical Qabalah Paperback – September 1, 2000

First - it should be noted that Dion Fortune is not without academic prowess, and it shows in her writing. While offering the mildest of backdrops in objectivity via adept knowledge of western philosophy, the reader is still forced into accepting the terminology, symbolism, and metaphysics adhered to in qabalah. Dion Fortune, clearly a master of the subject matter, has laid everything out step by step, in an order that shows deep structure and purpose. Again, without feeling preached to, or as if to say your will must conform to this system - her approach is to present and not convert. This makes the material welcome, as it allows for critical thinking, and never the feeling that there is an attempt to deceive. Mysticism in general appears extremely subject to deconstruction through scientific analysis - and while any thinker worth their salt realizes its like trying to understand music using mathematics - Fortune does a masterful job of appealing to reason, and maintaining the discipline in her presentation. Be aware however, initially the material presents itself in fair simplicity, and then about 50 pages in takes a quick leap into the intense technical anatomy of the Tree of Life. The conclusion here is that this is a book, while quite digestible as something to read cover to cover, is probably best used as a point of reference, with continual visits, and for any proper student, to be accompanied with a good notebook. My suggestion here is - draw, write, notate, and immerse. This is the Qabalah with a slight Christian bend, but it is not even remotely overt - and while she denounces the practice of Qliphoth, Fortune does recommend knowledge and understanding of that as well. You won't find a lot on Qliphoth in the book, the bare minimum in fact, but for the mystic with right attitude in mind, this is of little concern. For the academic, one only need research good texts on Qliphoth - which, I have yet to find. Not to digress, but, from what I can tell all the texts on Qliphoth are littered with cheese, or way too expensive (which I guess makes sense considering those modern sources). One is probably best served looking Kenneth Grant, or even Macgregor Mathers on the subject. Lastly, regarding Macgregor Mathers - Fortune does offer throughout the book her critique of certain of his interpretations, and that also seems fair - as her axiom is that Qabalah is evolving, as semantics/language is always evolving as well. The world is signifiers - and words are just the current breath... I highly recommend this book for beginner, or adept alike.

I have read several books on the Kabbalah, and listened to an entire tape set of a Rabbi, and no one personalizes and clarifies it as well as Dion Fortune. She makes it accessible to modern readers in a way that encourages and entices at the same time. Reading it the first time enveloped my life experience; I came to perceive everything in terms of Force and Form. I imagine my conversation became unintelligible to those unfamiliar with Kabbalic precepts.But the Tree of Life depicted so clearly here does encompass all aspects of existence. Dion was a priestess in her own order. If interested, read her biography, "Priestess". She has also written intriguing works of fiction, of which I read The Demon Lover, supposedly based on an autobiographical relationship.This is the only book on The Kabbalah that I ever recommend. In fact, I have purchased it for anyone showing an interest in this mysterious teaching. I myself came to it by way of the nephew of a Kabbalic master, who was the boyfriend of a fellow college student. It was pure serendipity that I met him that one time. I had read Fortune's " The Secrets of Dr. Taverner," (also highly recommended) and was convinced they were true stories, and so told this nephew. ( I have since confirmed that the stories were indeed based on true events. )He then shared with me his knowledge of Dion Fortune and her engagement with the Kabbalah, and recommended this book.I also recommend "Women of the Golden Dawn", profiles of extraordinary adepts of The Golden Dawn, an esoteric "Temple". They were Fortune's peers at that time, and she was once a member. Their astrological charts and those of some of the male adepts are included.This book will change how you see the world and everything in it, including yourself.

Outstanding, insightful, detailed overview of Qabalistic philosophies/thought-processes by a very wise, discerning, and exceptionally qualified woman.I've studied many spiritual practices/ doctrines, but I'd never yet delved into Qabalah.Fortune's book was my first foray into the subject, and since completing it, I've ordered Israel Regardie's "Garden of Pomegranates" for further perspectives on Qabalah & information on pathworking, as it's called.I've realized Qabalah is:1) a complete template of the human psyche/spirit as well as the macrocosmic level - (a feat made possible due to the fact that it was purveyed via Archangel Metatron).Hence i'd categorize the knowledge in this book as "Esoteric Psychology", helping you to unlock an ever-higher perspective of reality/self through the cultivation of discernment.2) the missing/hidden link of spirituality for Western peoples (we've always relied exclusively on Eastern traditions, such as Buddhism & Hinduism, being unaware of the existence of Qabalistic traditions, which may prove more natural, harmonious, & lucrative for the "Western temperament".)3) the missing mystical aspect of the Christian religion. (although Christianity grew out from Judaism, it neglected to borrow this important tradition of knowledge/ process of illumination)Fantastic book by Dion Fortune- aka Violet Firth- and a great asset to the spiritual Seeker.Peace-Paul C.