WHAT IS THE TREE OF LIFE? It is the ground plan of the Qabalistic system a set of symbols used since ancient times to study the Universe. The Tree of Life is a geometric arrangement of ten sephiroth, or spheres, each of which is associated with a different archetypal idea, and 22 paths which connect the spheres. This system of primal correspondences has been found the most efficient plan ever devised to classify and organise the characteristics of the self. Israel Regardie has written one of the best and most lucid introductions to the Qabalah. This book combines Regardies own studies with his notes on the works of Aleister Crowley, A E Waites, Eliphas Levi and D H Lawrence. The many diagrams and tables of definitions and correspondences are designed to simplify the student s grasp of the complex system and provide a guide to its symbolism. No longer is the wisdom of the Qabalah to be held secret! The needs of today place the burden of growth upon each and every person each has to undertake the Path as his or her own responsibility, but every help is given in the most ancient and yet most modern teaching here to humankind.
Israel Regardie (1907-1985) was an Adept of the Golden Dawn and he was one of the greatest exponents of the Western Esoteric Tradition of the 20th century. He was also an initiate of Aleister Crowley's Order of the A.·. A.·., and he was a IXth degree initiate of Crowley's O.T.O. It was his aim to preserve the teachings and work of the Golden Dawn and Aleister Crowley. His success in this task has profoundly influenced occult thought. From the age of 21, Regardie worked as Crowley's personal secretary. During this period, until their bitter parting, Regardie was one of the few who knew Crowley well. He was one of the few who were qualified to provide first-hand, personal insight into the character and personality of one of the major figures in Western Magick. In addition to his extensive writings, Regardie practiced as a chiropractor and as a neo-Reichian therapist. He taught Psychiatry at the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic and contributed articles to many Psychology magazines. Regardie's most profound work, The Complete Golden Dawn System of Magic, is a 1200 page book published by New Falcon Publications; a company he founded with his student Dr. Christopher Hyatt. The book is currently available in three different editions: a) 1200 page hard bound with index; b) eBook with the same material; and c) a new portable edition as a soft cover. Today Regardie's work is being preserved and perpetuated by New Falcon Publications and the Israel Regardie Foundation.
A Regardie Classic and a MUST HAVE for the series student of Magic and the Occult. --Dr. Christopher S. Hyatt
