7 replies to this topic

[DarkMysticFool]

Hello all! My apologies to the moderators! I know that I should search before posting, but being such a newbie I have no idea what to search for!

I have seen a number of topics discussing working with the Sephiroth/Qlippoth. How does one do this? Could anyone help with some very beginner level things to study for me a lowly newbie?

[Brennan]

Looking in the Beginner's section of this here forum is great place to start.

There really isn't any one solid place to start, y'just gotta get your toes wet and wade through it all until it starts to make some kind of sense.

Google helps too, in understanding the various meanings behind the Tree.

[DarkMysticFool]

I hear that! My question really relates to path working on the Tree as well as with the qlippoth. Is it a meditative procedure, or something else?

[Nalyd Khezr Bey]

Pathworking is like a very heightened guided meditation using the keys of the Tarot as a framework. Actually pathworking is scrying or "scrying in the spirit vision" as it was once called. I don't advise getting into this practice to start especially with an emphasis on the Qliphoth. There are a number of preliminary exercises you will need to do to build and strengthen your so-called "astral body" before delving into something like this.

Recommended for you: Aleister Crowley's Magick: Book 4. The complete book will supply more than what you need but in particular part one on mysticism and the libers contained in appendix VII. I am referring to the full book published in a large blue hardbound edition by Weiser. You can find all of this same information scattered about on internet but I suggest having the actual book with its organization and extensive index. Practice what is laid out there and you will be on your way. There is no shortcut.

Also try Ramsey Dukes' How to See Fairies for a more playful approach. This book is not specifically about pathworking but mastering the methods he suggests will lend itself very well to it when you get there. You'll know what I mean when you get into the stuff in a practical way.

Once you get some of these things down you can embark on a study of Qabalah. I'll let you decide what angle you want to approach that subject. There is far too much out there for me to suggest anything particular. I will say though that there is really no need to make a specific study of the Qliphoth. If you invoke the dayside of the tree it will automatically cast its shadows. As I mentioned, you use the Tarot for these operations so you'll need to find a compatible deck that resonates with you personally. You can actually start with that if you want.

Edited by Nalyd Khezr Bey, 02 May 2012 - 03:23 AM.

[Caliban]

Relating to Tarot pathworkings, the only deck I know that is specifically, intentionally keyed to both the sephiroth and the qlippoth is Crowley's Thoth deck (though I dislike it on other technical grounds which shouldn't deter you in your work).

Image magic of all sorts seems to work best in dim lighting. Candles are nice because a.) they feel "occult" because we seldom use them for our principal light source, b.) they give enough light but not too much and c.) the flickering nature of the light helps give still images a greater appearance of life.

[DarkMysticFool]

I am about to order the Book 4 now. I really appreciate all the help so far. Just because I know so little, when you say sit in candlelight and look at the Tarot images, what exactly does that entail? I have the Rider-Waite deck btw.

[Caliban]

To begin, simply daydreaming on a card that strikes your imagination in a meditative atmosphere is a perfectly good way to start. See what that gets you. You can fancy things up as you go and learn new things you want to incorporate. But simple is a fine start, and far more useful than worrying about doing it "right".

Edited by Caliban, 02 May 2012 - 04:56 AM.

[ChaosTech]

Modern Magick: Twelve Lessions in the High Magickal Arts, is a good book to start with to get you into doing rituals too. Has alot of beginner Q and A too!