An Introduction to the Kabbalah

S. L. Mastros; Winter 2002

The western mysteries are based in three traditional foundations, the Greek, the Egyptian, and the Hebrew. The most esoteric of these foundations -- the one most explained and least understood -- lies at the heart of the Hebrew tradition. The Holy Kabbalah, apocryphally revealed to Man upon his expulsion from Eden, is a rich and beautiful body of wisdom, strength, and splendour.

It is my goal in this class to share my love for the raw elegance of the kabbalistic metaphysic, as well as to impart a strong understanding of the fundamentals of the kabbalah to interested parties. I hope to provide a personal insight into a field where popular books and simplistic treatments seem ubiquitous but real teaching often hides in shadowed corners.

In the past, there have been restrictions on the dissemination of Kabbalah. I have been asked why it is that I appear to be so openly flouting these traditions. Read more here.

Please be aware that Kabbalah is, and always has been, inextricably tied to Judaism. I teach from a more hermetic position than many, but I am Jewish, and I believe the Holy Kabbalah has no place and no use outside of the Living Torah. My Judaism is unconventional and it's flavor is woven throughout my kabbalah. As with any teaching, I would always advise you to consult a number of sources and come to your own conclusions. I am not a Torah scholar, nor am I especially enlightened or wise. What I teach is only my part in the eternity of the Living Torah. If you are interested in pursuing studies with me, I strongly recommend you read more here.

The material to be covered is divided into ten chapters. Please understand that the final tree lectures will not appear here, as I do not feel their content is apropriate for mass distribution (at least, not by me).

• Kingdom: What is the Kabbalah? History and Context
• Foundation: The Tree of Life, and the nature of symbol
• Splendour: The Sephiroth, lenses on creation
• Victory: The Paths, and the nature of spiritual growth
• Beauty: Kabbalah and the Great Work
• Strength: Working the Kabbalah
• Mercy: Living the Kabbalah
• Understanding: Meditative Kabbalah, and the Unification of the Name
• Wisdom: Practical Kabbalah, and the Restoration of the Temple
• Crown: True Kabbalah, and the Central Mystery

I have had a number of people ask me whether they can particaipate without coming to classes, as they have transportantion or schedule conflicts. This is ok with me. It will require one self addressed, stamped 9x12 envelope plus $5 per week. Additionally, the student must arrange a time to call me once a week. The money is simply to cover my photocopying expenses and the like. I would also recommend that people pursuing the class on their own acquire a few books, most are traditional and not uncommon, and should be available at any large library. I'll have a list soon (hopefully that links to an online retailer)

My Writing Style: I have received a few comments that my writing style is sort of dense. I am always more than happy to talk about anything I have written. Feel free to email me at sara@rtweb.net. However, if you simply need a dictionary (an utterly indespensible tool for any serious kabbalist) this will provide a live search at Merriam-Webster:

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