[.ca] A Garden of Pomegranates: Skrying on the Tree of Life (ISBN 1567181414)

'Pomegranates' is a charmer . . .:
( revised 5/31/'04) --Note: the five stars is for Regardie's original content, and not necessarily for the content provided in this edition, in footnote or otherwise, by the Cicero's...-- A charming book, especially for the western magic afficianado, as Regardie was. . . However, for the beginner, let him or her be steered DIRECTLY to Regardie's primary qabalistic masterpiece, 'The Art of True Healing,' where basic western qabalistic magic is applied to marvelous and practical effect. The Marcus Allen edition is quite suitable, and but little modifies Regardie's original text. However, with that said . . . Regardie gives a useful list of some qabalistic books in an essay from a now out of print title, 'Foundations of Practical Magic.' Hopefully, this volume will be soon reprinted. It may be useful for some to note that Regardie, in later years, did not have a particularly high regard for 'Pomegranates,' at least in its earlier edition. It may be even more useful to note, that in his final years, he felt that 'The Mystical Qabalah' book by Dion Fortune, was the best basic introductory book on the subject of qabalah; especially, apparently, for those interested in pursuing the Golden Dawn material. I rather enjoy the original printing of Llewellyn's edition of 'Pomegranates,' released in the mid-80s. It was much more portable than this edition. It including the original essay he wrote for the 70s edition/reprint. However, it is now out of print. I'm such a fan of Regardie's however, that I will probably get this edition also. Especially since the Cicero's, like Pat Zalewski, were apparently friends of Regardie. Now doubt Regardie's effort is more useful in any edition, than the many glitzy/flashy qabalah books that have leaked onto the market, obscuring the subject for some looking for the western magic view on the subject. That is to say, being from Regardie, 'Pomegranates' would still be useful, with or without any comments by the Cicero's. Fan ? Yes, a truly grateful fan. I have 20-plus years experience with the Golden Dawn material, and recommend all of Regardie's writings very highly. The benefits will accrue to you, as they have for me.

Underdeveloped:
A Garden of Pomegranates is a book that delivers far less than it promises. This book is split into two parts: a short work by Mr. Regardie, followed by a much longer commentary written by the Ciceros. While most of what is contained in this book is good, most of what is contained in this book can be found in better sources. Mr. Regardie's section briefly summarizes the themes and ideas of the Hermetic Qabalah. He explains the basic ideas behind the Tree of life, describes the Sefiroth and the 22 paths connecting them, and touches momentarily on Qabalistic practices. He also spends some time tying the ideas of the Qabalah to the theories of his day, especially Freudian psychology. Unfortunately, the authorship of this book as a whole is loose and unfocused. It is clear that Mr. Regardie had many great ideas on this subject, but he just does not seem capable of expressing his ideas clearly. He touches on many topics, but doesn't stop long enough to develop any one of them. Reading this book is more like watching Mr. Regardie organizing his thoughts on this subject than good presentation of those thoughts to a reading audience. The second section contains commentary by the Ciceros. The Ciceros briefly explain a few Qabalistic rituals and meditations, and then spend most of their work describing incredibly detailed "guided visualizations." Most of what they write here (e.g. how to do the Middle Pillar Exercise) is described in better detail in other books dealing with ritual or ceremonial magic. For those interested in well-written "guided visualizations," this section might be worthwhile. Overall, this book promises much, but only delivers some of what it promises. There are good ideas in this book, but the organization is too sloppy and confused to be of much value as an introduction to the Qabalah. For a good introduction to the Hermetic Qabalah, I would recommend the much better written The Mystical Qabalah by Dion Fortune. Ms. Fortune deals with the same material as Mr. Regardie, but presents it in a coherent and organized manner.

worth the read:
a comprehensive, captivating work that provides an exciting and workable methodology for using the Qabalah for empowerment and intellectual enrichment. Regardie in many ways was like a more serious version of Crowley, so if you want the insights without all the tricks, this may be right for you. Either way, it makes for great reading.

Unlocking the Qabalah:
Symbols have always been used in the mystical tradition to express spiritual truths that cannot be properly expressed in words. The founders of the Qabalah created a particularly elegant system of symbols, numbers and the figure of the Tree of Life to convey their insights. The word "skrying" means "to see" or "observe" and refers to the type of clairvoyance where use is made of mirrors, crystals, water in a bowl (like Galadriël in Lord of the Rings) or the tarot, to concentrate and focus psychic abilities in order to receive and interpret visions in the normal state of waking consciousness. Regardie published this work in 1932 as an easy albeit comprehensive guide to the complex system of the Qabalah and to serve as a key to its symbolism. The primary symbol of this ancient Hebrew system is the tree of life that has been used for centuries as a means to study the nature of the cosmos and the qualities of the psyche. With its emphasis on direct experience by meditating on the paths of wisdom, this is a most understandable introduction to the Qabalah. The editors have enhanced this classic work with their commentary, notes and a system of reference and have added practical material in the form of meditations, exercises, rituals and mantras. Garden of Pomegranates is an excellent book for those interested in the working of the mind, in psychology, parapsychology and for practicians of the magical arts. This edition contains a glossary, bibliography and index. The text is enhanced by 52 beautiful illustrations and figures.

Most Excellent Book!!:
I study books as my favorite thing to do, and Isreal Regardie is absolutely fantastic at opening the mind to new demensions, ... opening up your consciousness to the reality of other truths that were previously out of reach. Anyone... who is serious about learning how to increase their knowledge, or who is a seeker of truth, will be absolutely in love with this book, and this author, ... so many times I wish I could write him a letter to tell him how much I appreciate every book I have read of his so far, and look forward to reading every book he ever wrote... but then remember that he has passed on. I am grateful that he spent his life not only seeking truth, but writing down his findings for other seekers of truth to discover the treasures he had found. His books are not for mere reading, but more like "serious" study manuals, and reference books, and reading them gives me the feeling that I have a teacher of my very own. As much as I love reading, and studying, and seeking truth, to say that he is my favorite author is TRULY a great compliment. Sincerely,