Paths of Wisdom: A Guide to the Magical Cabala Paperback – April 1, 2008

I'm just starting out learning about the tree of life and I was looking for a book that would be thorough, yet not overwhelming. I also wanted the book to put the concepts into some kind of historical context and also show how theory relates to practice. This book supplied everything that I wanted.For me, the best way to approach this book was to read Part I, then skip to Part III. I finished up with Part II. Part I provided a good overview of the tree, along with the meanings behind the spheres and paths. It also discussed the tree's pillar structure and how it relates to the concept of polarity. It also explained the microcosm and macrocosm and how the tree maps both onto a single symbolic structure. Enough historical context was provided to help clear up some initial confusion and provide some sense of continuity between the concepts.Enough detail was provided in Part I so that Part III could be read with understanding. This section described how the tree is used in magical tradition. It clearly described the purpose of magic and how the tree's microcosmic symbolism aids in the human redemptive process. It explains how following the path of the serpent leads to wholeness.Part II goes into the structure of the tree's symbolism in much greater detail that Part I. However, reading Part III first seems to supply just the right amount of motivation to tackle the in-depth theory, since by now, the reader can see the usefulness of the tree's symbolism in their personal life.All in all, I found this book well written. John Michael Greer's easy-going writing style, coupled with his obviously vast knowledge of the subject makes this an excellent book for the beginner.

This book is well written and organized. It is made to be able to skip around, with the first part more theory and the last part exercises and practical applications. I especially liked the way he would discuss a few of the more confusing areas, especially ones where different books (and teachers) will have different paths, by saying that different approaches are ok, just start with one and stay with it through the learning stages, then after there is more synthesis and understanding, you can then see which ones seem to resonate best with you.

Great introduction into path working and the Cabala.

Qabalah is usually considered to be an extremely dense topic- mostly because of the fact that the standard guides to the topic (Dion Fortune's "The Mystical Qabalah", Crowley's "777", Mathers' and Westcott's books on the subject, etc) are written with more technical jargon and less style than a UNIX manual. Most of these (outdated) books assume that the reader has recieved initiation in a magical order and is pursuing study with a teacher already versed in the "mysteries". Being that this is seldom the case today, the modern student of Qabalah needs a guide tailored to their level of understanding."Paths of Wisdom" provides such a guide. Presenting the reader with a step by step guide to the philosophy, metaphysics, and psychology of the Qabalah, the author (John Michael Greer) guides you through a tour of the tree of life, from bottom to top, all within a single book. With considerable erudition as well as an easy reading style, the book succeeds at presenting Qabalistic wisdom to a modern audience.Unfortunately, the book's strengths end there. There is a brief introduction and overview of the actual practice of Qabalistic mysticism, but Greer does not go into considerable depth in presenting the practice. He does, however, present enough material to get the beginner started in Qabalistic practice. I'd recommend D.M. Kraig's "Modern Magick" and Israel Regardie's "The Golden Dawn" to anyone looking for a book of practical work to go with the theory so clearly deliniated here.

For nearly ten years, I have flirted with the idea of studying Cabalah (Kabalah, Qabalah--however you want to spell it) and I have been a member of several Mystery Schools and Masonic organizations that espouse the need to study Cabalah.... However, until I found this book, I just was not sure where to begin (this decision was difficult, pre-Internet) !Previous to reading this book, I knew of Gematria, Notariquon, Temura and the basic layout of the Tree of Life --and I even tackled Crowley's "777," but I just was not sure what to start memorizing, or which school had it right....This book cleared-up so many of the confusing aspects of The Cabalah and the Tree of Life--with clear, concise descriptions of the various aspects of the study (with helpful illustrations). This book is the equivalent of having a Teacher, who takes the time to explain The Cabalah, in detail --without all the usual egotistical, rambling, extraneous material found in many books on the subject (e.g., Crowley's dissertations on the subject).John Michael Greer takes you by the hand and says, "Let's start with the beginning...." --whereas Crowley just throws you into the Deep End and says, "Sink or Swim."Personally, I like Greer's method of Teaching Cabalah! Reading this book makes studying Cabalah interesting, fun and EASY (and you do not need to wade through numerous pages of extraneous ramblings to find the teachings--they are all laid-out and diagramed, concisely....unlike most pretentious works on the subject).I also highly recommend purchasing the following book in conjunction with (or because you cannot find/afford this one, due to the sad fact that it is ludicrously "out of print") :"The Chicken Qabalah of Rabbi Lamed Ben Clifford: Dilettante's Guide to What You Do and Do Not Know to Become a Qabalist" by Lon Milo Duquette (ISBN # 1578632153). This book receives rave reviews from Kabalists.These two books, together, are perfect for the Beginner. Both of these men have a wonderful way of setting Personal Ego aside, and explaining Cabalah as a Friend and Teacher, instead of a Mystical "Know it All."Anyone who has ever been Intimidated by the study of The Cabalah, or by various well-known Cabalist's works, should acquire this book (if possible) and Duquette's book, as well.Also, obviously, you will need the famous "777" and other well-known Cabalistic Reference works (Sepher Yetzirah, etc.)....but, for the Beginner, "Paths of Wisdom" is the perfect starting point on the Journey up The Tree of Life.

I have acquired several of John Michael Greers works including The Celtic Golden Dawn and wanted to acquire this as the prequel to Greers 'Circles of Power' which I have recently acquired. There are many books which introduce this subject but few that do so in such a well structured and concise manner, making it accessible to new students, whilst at the same time breathing new life into this complex subject through the conveyance of fresh ideas and perspectives for the more experienced.

This book is a ral good starting point to begin your travel.Its companion "Circles of Lght" offers an even more deeper dive into GD's philosophy. Both will help everybody who's interessted in this to start right away.