The Witches Qabala: The Pagan Path and the Tree of Life

by Ellen Cannon Reed

Because the classic writings on the Qabala have been expressed primarily in the terminology of the Western Mystery Tradition or in terms of the ceremonial magician, its usefulness as a tool for the Craft has been overlooked. With this book, Ellen Cannon Reed a High Priestess of the Isian tradition brings the symbolism of the Qabala into a new light so pagans can see its value and use it to enhance the Great Work. Reed explains the Tree of Life the primary symbol used to represent the universal energies as "revealed" by the Qabala and how its spheres and paths correspond to elements in the pagan tradition. Teachers can use the Qabala to understand the growth of students and their problems, using the Vices and Virtues to recognize stages of growth. Reed also provides exercises, meditations, and encouragement to students who are studying without a teacher. She discusses the Qabala as it appears in everyday life, which spheres of the Tree of Life to use for specific workings, and details two rituals using the a Dedication to the Journey, and the Rite of mending Love. Reed's command of the material allows teachers and students alike to gain powerful insight into their own search for spirituality. First published in 1983 as Witches Qabala Book 1: The Goddess and the Tree , this revised and updated edition is enhanced with Reed's thirteen additional years of experience.

Genres: Nonfiction, Paganism, Spirituality, Wicca, Magic, Magick, Religion

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1997

About the author

Priestess of the Isian Tradition of Witchcraft. She lived in Southern California. She was also the founder of the Internet Relay Chat Channel #witchcraft on Undernet.org network. Died from leukemia in 2003.

Reviews

[Mica · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book for anyone starting the study of the Qabalah. Ellen Cannon Reed's writing is easy to follow without being insulting. She covers the basic structure of the Tree of Life (ToL) and several correspondences. She includes exercises on how to acquaint yourself with the ToL and how to incorporate the Qabalah into your life.

[Colleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this as part of my 1st degree work. I didn't find it particularly useful or fitting with my personal philosophies, but at least I sort of get what people are talking about now when they refer to the spheres. Given that this is supposed to be written for a pagan audience, I was rather turned off by the preponderance of Judeo-Christian imagery used throughout the book.

[Mary Mourning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book on the Qabala. It goes into depth on the Tree of Life without being to dry. A must read for those studying the Hermetic Arts.

[Hannah Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and quick read. I had some trouble grasping concepts and I think my own exvangelical lens got in the way to a certain extent - but I'd like to revisit eventually.

[Pablo Roman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im reading this book in connection with an experiential kabalah course im currently completing. Cannon-reed’s writing style is one that is simple endearing and very insightful. Quite in a kabalastic way she is able to convey complex concepts and meanings in a way that readers can grasp and leaving the reader in deep thought.
I dont think that it alienates readers that may not identify as a witch or broadly pagan, though for the record I identify as pagan. In any event a highly recommended book for anyone wanting to learn more about the Kabala

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book on qabala designed for Pagans.

[Garrett · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't get into this book for some reason, so I didn't finish it.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't really understand using Christian system of symbols in witchcraft. I hoped this book could make me a bit more familiar with the topic but didn't.

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautifully brings kaballah and the pagan path together. easily understandable and the explanations of the magical imagery help open a new world of wonder.

[J.T.K. Gibbs]

Definitely a reference book I will use again and again.

[Marian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of Qabala especially for those without a Jewish background for understanding the subject.

[Sheena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings the Qabalah into a Wiccan context. Very easy to understand, beautifully written.