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| Sunday, September 5th, 2010 ev | ||
| Four part series in January |
| Dec 09, 2009 |
| After the destruction of the Temple at the hands of the Romans a radical change occurred in Jewish spirituality. During the period of the writing of the Talmud we see the creation of the literature of Enoch, and the Sefer Yetsirah, and evidence of mystical and magical practices focused on obtaining direct knowledge of the science of the Creation and ascent to the Heavenly Palaces to stand face to face with the Throne of God. This system stands as a direct precursor to much of Solomonic Magic, and appears an almost mystical prototype for the Enochian system. Over these four classes we will explore some of the basic concepts and texts of the Merkavah mystical and magical system, and look at how it fits into magic today.
Dates|Times: January 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th 7:30pm: Arrival/Social time Doorkeeper will let people into the Cambridge Building between 7:30pm & 7:55pm. Please arrive punctually. 8:00pm: Class Cost: $20 per class, at the door, for non-WBL members $60 for series, at the door or via PayPal, for non-WBL members The Merkavah
In this class we will explore the basic history and concepts of the Merkavah system, which has been referred to as Jewish Gnosticism, by some. We will look at the idea of the image of God, the concept of the seven heavens, and the purpose and idea behind this ancient system of spirituality. Class 1 - Jan. 7, 2010 The MerkavahIn this class we will explore the basic history and concepts of the Merkavah system, which has been referred to as Jewish Gnosticism, by some. We will look at the idea of the image of God, the concept of the seven heavens, and the purpose and idea behind this ancient system of spirituality. Class 2 - Jan. 14, 2010 The Greatest of Men and the Seven HeavensIn this class we will explore the story of Enoch, the man so great that God elevated him beyond all the angels. We will look at his role in the Merkavah system and in later magical systems. We will also begin looking at the nature of the Seven Heavens of the Merkavah. Class 3 - Jan. 21, 2010 The Four Who Traveled in Paradise and the Dangers of MysticismIn this class we will look at the story of Rabbi Akiva and those who went with him to Paradise in an attempt to attain the vision of the throne of God. We will also look at the concept of danger in mysticism, as this concept is prevalent within the Merkavah system. Class 4 - Jan. 28, 2010 The Descent to the Chariot and the Merkavah TodayIn this class we will look at the actual means by which the Rabbi Akiva and the others of the Merkavah stories traveled through the heavens, as well as exploring the powers and knowledged gained by them and how this is reflected in later Jewish and Christian Magical systems. We will touch on the similarities between Merkavah and the Enochian system and look at how Merkavah can relate to contemporary mystical practice. |
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