Why Study the Kabbalah or Tree of Life?

Personal Reasons for Studying Jewish Mysticism Vary

Mar 25, 2009 Angela Schnaubelt

When approaching the study of Kabbalah, begin with the end in mind. Here is an extensive list of reasons people are drawn to the Jewish Mysticism known as the Kabbalah.

The mystical wisdom of the Kabbalah is comprehensive and can therefore be overwhelming at first approach.

Kabbalah is not a study lightly undertaken, as it is a complex spiritual system describing the very nature of God, complete with extensive symbolism, overlapping gems of insight, and alchemical truths.

Wisdom of the Kabbalah

Jewish Mysticism is vast, so there are dozens of Kabbalistic books from which to choose. It is easier to make initial selections on books when the reasons for study are clear.

Begin with the end in mind by asking yourself what it is exactly that you want to get out of the Kabbalah. The word “Kabbalah” means literally “to receive.” What is it that you would like to receive from the knowledge and wisdom the Kabbalah has to offer?

Uses of the Kabbalah

The Tree of Life can be used as a tool, as a map, as a worldview, or as a complimentary system of study to many other fields of knowledge.

Many people use the Kabbalah as the base for magical and alchemical work.

Reasons to Study the Kabbalah

Why are you drawn to the Kabbalah? You can achieve many benefits from study of this ancient mysticism as you go deeper in your studies and begin to experience the Kabbalah in your daily life.

But first, it is good to have a clear starting point, a springboard from which to begin the journey. Personal growth comes in many forms.

Here, below is a list of reasons why many people have been called to this field of study.

1. To expand consciousness
2. System of spiritual development
3. Comparative religion (e.g. sacraments, chakras, sephiroth)
4. Jungian psychology elucidation
5. Symbolism
6. Map (coherent map of the microcosm and the macrocosm)
7. Physical healing, as The Tree of Life is also a map of the physical body.
8. Spiritual healing and integration
9. Illuminate Christian principles
10. To better understand the creation process formula for creation
11. Magical studies
12. Path to God and a search for God
13. Redemption
14. Kundalini
15. Divination. Tarot pathworking, Kabbalistic astrology, I-Ching, and other forms of divination can be elucidated from incorporating symbols and correspondences from the Tree of Life.
16. Understand human personality traits (enneagram)
17. Sacred geometry studies (Flower of Life)
18. Gematria
19. Magic
20. Seeking answers to questions on the meaning of life (e.g. Who am I? Why am I here? Who is God?)
21. Access to universal archetypes
22. Resolve duality. There is a dark side to the Tree of Life, just as humans all have an inner dark side to confront and integrate within the self.

Kabbalistic studies offer many different angles of approach.

Find just one that you can relate to as a starting point to navigate the wisdom of Jewish mysticism, or investigate different subjects until you find an approach that resonates within you.

Once you know what it is you want to receive from these studies, moving forward and comprehension will be much more gratifying and rewarding.

Resources

Basic Kabbalah Overview for Beginner Students. Article about studying the Kabbalah to understand the energetic qualities of the Divine and of the HIgher Self.

The copyright of the article Why Study the Kabbalah or Tree of Life? in Kabbalah is owned by Angela Schnaubelt. Permission to republish Why Study the Kabbalah or Tree of Life? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Aleph (Primal Force of Creation)