I Asked Copilot

I did something I never do.  I went to AI to get some answers about why there are so many stark differences between Jewish Kabbalah and what's known as "occult Kabbalah."  Others may not see the point in this line of research, but for a long time I've meditated on the Kabbalah.  It's a part of my 'spiritual practice' (for lack of better words).  

I'm rather impressed with Copilot's answers.  Some confusion has been cleared up:


How did the Kabbalah from occultists get made after the Jewish Kabbalah?

The transformation of Kabbalah into a form embraced by occultists outside of Judaism has an interesting history.  Originally, Jewish Kabbalah emerged in the 12th-13th centuries in Spain and Southern France, focusing on mystical interpretations of Jewish texts.  The foundational text, the Zohar, was written in the late 13th century.

Over time, Kabbalah's esoteric nature and symbolic interpretations attracted the interest of non-Jewish mystics and occultists.  These individuals often incorporated Kabbalistic elements into their own practices, blending them with other mystical traditions like alchemy and astrology.  This led to the development of what is sometimes referred to as "occult Kabbalah," which diverges from traditional Jewish teachings and practices.

Who started occult Kabbalah?

The transformation of Kabbalah into what is often referred to as "occult Kabbalah" doesn't have a single founder.  Instead, it evolved over time as non-Jewish mystics and occultists began to incorporate Kabbalistic elements into their practices.

During the Renaissance, figures like Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa and Paracelsus integrated Kabbalistic ideas into their magical and alchemical works.  Later, in the 19th and 20th centuries, groups such as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and individuals like Aleister Crowley further adapted Kabbalistic concepts for their esoteric traditions.

Why does occult Kabbalah have different descriptions of the sephirot compared with Jewish Kabbalah?

The differences in descriptions of the sephirot between occult Kabbalah and Jewish Kabbalah stem from their distinct origins and purposes.

Jewish Kabbalah is deeply rooted in Jewish mysticism and theology, with the sephirot representing ten attributes or emanations through which God interacts with the world.  The descriptions and interpretations are based on traditional Jewish texts and teachings, and there is a strong emphasis on maintaining ideological purity and adherence to Jewish law.

On the other hand, occult Kabbalah (often referred to as Hermetic Qabalah) emerged as a syncretic blend of various mystical traditions, including Jewish Kabbalah, alchemy, astrology, and other esoteric practices.  As a result, occult Kabbalah often adapts and modifies the descriptions of the sephirot to fit its broader, more eclectic framework.  This can lead to variations in how the sephirot are understood and depicted.

Would you like to explore more about how these differences manifest in specific practices or teachings?

Yes.

Purpose and Context:  In Jewish Kabbalah, the sephirot are seen as divine emanations through which God reveals himself and continuously creates the physical and metaphysical realms.  This framework is deeply tied to Jewish theology and practice.

Structure:  The sephirot are often depicted as part of the Tree of Life, a diagram that illustrates the path of creation from the infinite (Ein Sof) to the finite world.  Each sephirah has specific attributes and is linked to different aspects of God’s interaction with the universe.

Sources:  The interpretations and teachings around the sephirot are based on traditional Jewish texts such as the Zohar, the Sefer Yetzirah, and writings from various Kabbalistic rabbis.

Occult Kabbalah (Hermetic Qabalah)

Purpose and Context:  In occult Kabbalah, the sephirot are often adapted to fit into a more eclectic and universal framework that combines elements of various mystical traditions.  This version of Kabbalah serves as a tool for personal spiritual development and esoteric practices.

Structure: While still based on the Tree of Life diagram, the sephirot in occult Kabbalah may incorporate additional correspondences such as astrological signs, tarot cards, and alchemical symbols.  This adds layers of meaning and symbolism that are not traditionally part of Jewish Kabbalah.

Sources:  Occult interpretations of the sephirot draw from a wider range of sources, including the works of Western esoteric thinkers like Aleister Crowley, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and others who have blended Kabbalistic concepts with their own systems of thought.

Specific Differences

Names and Attributes:  Some of the sephirot might have different names or slightly altered attributes in occult Kabbalah to better align with other mystical or philosophical systems.

Interpretation and Use: Jewish Kabbalah uses the sephirot in the context of understanding God’s nature and the process of creation.  In contrast, occult Kabbalah often uses them as part of rituals, meditative practices, and magic, focusing on personal spiritual ascent and transformation.

Why do some mystics attribute Da'at as the "abyss" in occult Kabbalah?  (Jewish Kabbalah has a very different descriptoin of Da'at, never mentioning any "abyss.")

In occult Kabbalah, Da'at is often associated with the concept of the "Abyss" due to its position and symbolic significance on the Tree of Life.  Here are some reasons why mystics attribute Da'at as the "Abyss":

Position on the Tree of Life:  Da'at is situated between the supernal sephiroth (Kether, Chokhmah, and Binah) and the lower sephiroth.  This location creates a conceptual "gap" or "abyss" that one must cross to move from higher spiritual understanding to lower human experience.

Symbolism of Transition:  The Abyss represents a profound transition or transformation.  Da'at, as the point of knowledge and understanding, serves as the key to this transition, symbolizing the passage from ignorance to enlightenment.

Concept of Separation:  The Abyss is often seen as a divide between the divine and the earthly realms.  Da'at, being the bridge between these realms, embodies the idea of separation and the need to reconcile opposites to achieve spiritual growth.

Historical and Mythological Influences:  The notion of the Abyss has roots in various mythological and religious traditions, including the idea of a primordial chaos or void before creation.  Da'at, as a point of hidden knowledge, aligns with this concept of a deep, mysterious chasm that must be navigated.

Why does Jewish Kabbalah associate Gevurah with judgement, while occult Kabbalah associates Binah with judgement?

The differing associations of Gevurah and Binah with judgment between Jewish Kabbalah and occult Kabbalah highlight the variations in interpretation and emphasis within these traditions.

Jewish Kabbalah

Gevurah (Judgment):  In Jewish Kabbalah, Gevurah is traditionally associated with judgment, strength, and discipline.  It represents God's ability to set boundaries, enforce justice, and exercise restraint.  Gevurah balances the sephirah of Chesed (Kindness) to create a harmonious interplay between mercy and judgment.  This duality is central to Jewish mystical thought, emphasizing the need for both compassionate and strict attributes in divine and human actions.

Occult Kabbalah (Hermetic Qabalah)

Binah (Understanding/Judgment):  In occult Kabbalah, Binah is sometimes associated with judgment due to its role as the sephirah of understanding and structure.  Binah is connected to the formation of limits and the process of discernment, which can be seen as a form of judgment.  This interpretation aligns with the broader framework of Hermetic Qabalah, which often reinterprets and reassigns attributes to fit a more universal and eclectic mystical system.

Key Differences

Context and Tradition:  Jewish Kabbalah adheres to traditional Jewish theological concepts, where Gevurah's role as judgment is integral to the balance of divine attributes.  In contrast, occult Kabbalah integrates multiple esoteric traditions, leading to reinterpretations where Binah's attributes encompass aspects of judgment.

Symbolism and Application:  The symbolic and practical applications of these sephirot differ due to the distinct spiritual goals and practices of each tradition.  Jewish Kabbalah focuses on understanding God's nature and maintaining spiritual and ethical practices, while occult Kabbalah uses the sephirot for personal transformation and mystical exploration.

Is Jewish Kabbalah a more powerful system compared with occult Kabbalah?

The question of whether Jewish Kabbalah is more "powerful" than occult Kabbalah largely depends on the context and the goals of the practitioner.  Both systems have unique strengths and applications based on their historical and cultural backgrounds.

Jewish Kabbalah

Spiritual Depth: Jewish Kabbalah is deeply rooted in Jewish mysticism and theology, providing profound insights into the nature of God, creation, and the soul.  It is a highly developed system with centuries of scholarship and practice.

Religious Context:  It is closely tied to Jewish religious practice, offering a spiritual framework that is integrated with Jewish law, ethics, and rituals.

Community and Tradition:  Jewish Kabbalah is supported by a rich tradition of rabbinic scholarship and community practice, which can provide a sense of continuity and support for practitioners.

Occult Kabbalah (Hermetic Qabalah)

Adaptability:  Occult Kabbalah is often more flexible and eclectic, incorporating elements from various mystical traditions, such as alchemy, astrology, and tarot.  This can make it more accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Personal Growth:  It focuses on personal spiritual development and transformation, often emphasizing practical techniques for achieving personal enlightenment and empowerment.

Creative Integration:  Practitioners of occult Kabbalah may find it easier to integrate into other esoteric practices, allowing for a broader exploration of mystical and magical traditions.

Comparison

Purpose:  Jewish Kabbalah aims to deepen one's understanding of God and fulfill religious and ethical duties within a Jewish framework.  Occult Kabbalah, on the other hand, is more focused on individual spiritual growth and the exploration of mystical experiences.

Practice:  Jewish Kabbalah involves traditional Jewish practices, prayers, and study of sacred texts.  Occult Kabbalah may include a variety of esoteric rituals, meditative practices, and symbolic interpretations.

Ultimately, the "power" of each system is subjective and depends on what the practitioner seeks to achieve.  For those within the Jewish faith, Jewish Kabbalah may offer a profound connection to their religious heritage.  For others seeking a more eclectic and personalized mystical experience, occult Kabbalah might provide a more adaptable path.

-------

Next I asked Copiolot about E'Asha Ashayana's (this is her current name, lol!) keylontic science:

Is keylontic science accurate when it says that the Kabbalah is fallen?

The claim that Kabbalah is "fallen" according to Keylontic Science is a matter of perspective and belief.  Keylontic Science, which blends spiritual and metaphysical concepts, suggests that the original teachings of Kabbalah have been distorted or misinterpreted over time, leading to a departure from its pure form.

However, this perspective is not universally accepted.  Traditional Jewish Kabbalah and its practitioners would likely disagree with this assessment, viewing their practices and teachings as authentic and divinely inspired.

Ultimately, whether Keylontic Science's claim is accurate depends on one's beliefs and the framework through which they interpret spiritual teachings.  It's always valuable to explore multiple perspectives and sources to form a well-rounded understanding.