Description
Book SynopsisOffers multidisciplinary perspective on the mystical practices of heavenly ascent. Covering from the oldest form of Jewish mysticism through the dead sea scrolls, this title reveals an emphasis on the number seven and its association with heavenly themes, including those of a chariot, a Throne, a Temple and a divine Being.
Trade ReviewWhile a scholarly book this is also quite readable especially the latter sections which deal with 20th-century European occult societies. * Catholic Herald, March 2009 *
One of the most intelligent and deep digging comparative studies on the art of spiritual transformation. * Acta Comparanda XXI FVG, 2010 *
Independent scholar Levenda (Unholy Alliance: A History of Nazi Involvement with the Occult) has been studying and writing about occult history for more than a decade. Here, he looks deeply into the astrological/astronomical roots of the occult tradition as well as at the related theme of an adept's celestial ascent through seven stages. Central to the narrative are the North Pole Star (Polaris) and those stars around the pole that never set, in particular, the seven stars of the Big Dipper. This study is recommended for academic libraries and public libraries with strong religion collections. -- James F. DeRoche * Alexandria, VA Library Journal *
Table of ContentsPart I: Pre-Biblical Israel; 1. Ascent Myth and Ritual in Ancient Egypt; 2. Ascent Myth and Ritual in Ancient Babylon; Part II: Ezekiel; 3. The Vision of Ezekiel; 4. Ezekiel and Apocalypse; Part III: Hekhalot Literature; 5. Ezekiel's Vision as Template for Mystical Ascent; 6. The Chariots and the Throne: The Seven Palaces and Ursa Major; Part IV; 7. Ecstatic Flight in Siberian Shamanism; 8.Ecstatic Flight in Afro-Caribbean Ritual; 9. Ecstatic Flight in Asian Ritual and Alchemy; Part V: European Esotericism; 10. Pico della Mirandola and the Christian Kabbala; 11. The Sabbatian Movement, the Frankist Phenomenon, and Da'ath; 12. The Initiatory System of the SRIA and the Golden Dawn; 13. Aleister Crowley, Kenneth Grant, and Da'ath.
