Serie F brev nr 7

Magazine Overview

This issue of Brevcirkeln, identified as Serie F, Brev Nr 7, focuses on "Studies in the Western Tradition," specifically the second installment on Kabbalah. The magazine aims to present esoteric philosophy as both simple and profound, accessible to individuals with varying levels of prior study in metaphysics or philosophy.

Kabbalah - A System of Connections

The article introduces Kabbalah not as an inscrutable or ridiculous doctrine, but as a system of connections. It emphasizes that the study begins with the known, Malkuth (the physical realm and visible planets), and progresses towards the unknown. The core of this system is the Tree of Life, composed of ten spheres called Sephiroth, connected by lines. The issue provides the Hebrew names of the ten Sephiroth and their Swedish translations: Kether (Crown), Chokmah (Wisdom), Binah (Intelligence), Chesed (Kindness/Mercy), Geburah (Might/Power), Tiphareth (Beauty), Netzach (Victory), Hod (Glory/Splendor), Yesod (Foundation), and Malkuth (Kingdom).

The text explains that the Tree of Life is divided into three pillars: the right pillar is generally considered positive, masculine, or active, while the left pillar is negative, feminine, or passive. The oscillation between these poles is described as the fundamental fact of existence.

The Kabbalistic Cross Ritual

The issue details a ritual known as the Kabbalistic Cross, designed to connect the practitioner with their higher self and open them to divine guidance. The ritual involves specific gestures and vocalizations:
1. Touching the forehead and saying "Atah" (You are).
2. Touching the chest and saying "Malkuth" (Kingdom).
3. Touching the right shoulder and saying "Ve Geburah" (and Might).
4. Touching the left shoulder and saying "Ve Gedulah" (and Kindness/Mercy).
5. Clasping hands over the chest and saying "Le Olahm Amen" (Forever and Ever, Amen).

These phrases are presented as variations of the Lord's Prayer, possibly from an upper room tradition. The ritual is said to release a force that helps balance one's personality and open the soul to higher things. The Kabbalistic Cross is described as having equally long arms, representing the four elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) and the four cardinal directions, symbolizing God's dominion over them.

The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram

The magazine then elaborates on the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP), presented as the first part of a larger ceremony. The purpose of the LBRP is to remove undesirable energies from one's aura and personal space, which may have been accumulated through habits or attracted by the light emitted during meditation.

The ritual requires facing East. It involves performing specific gestures and chanting divine names. The practitioner is instructed to visualize a radiant cross within themselves. The ritual is also described as a way to acknowledge and greet one's higher self (Yecheidah, "I Am") before undertaking important endeavors.

The LBRP is performed by drawing pentagrams in the air in each of the four cardinal directions (East, South, West, North), each associated with specific divine names and Archangels. The pentagrams are charged with light and energy. The ritual concludes with a statement of the six-pointed star, symbolizing the perfected human being.

Invocation of Archangels

• As part of the LBRP, the four Archangels associated with the cardinal directions and elements are invoked:
• Raphael (East, Air): Associated with the color yellow and malva. The practitioner visualizes Raphael before them.
• Gabriel (West, Water): Associated with the color blue and orange. The practitioner visualizes Gabriel behind them.
• Michael (South, Fire): Associated with the color red and green. The practitioner visualizes Michael to their right, offering a sword of light.
• Auriel (North, Earth): Associated with olive, reddish-brown, citron yellow, and dark green. The practitioner visualizes Auriel to their left, offering symbols of abundance.

The issue notes variations in the spelling and pronunciation of Auriel's name. The ritual is effective until sunset if performed in the morning or during the day, and until sunrise if performed in the evening.

Final Steps

• The ritual concludes with two final invocations:
• "Omkring mig glöder pentagrammen" (Around me, the pentagrams glow), visualizing the pentagrams and Archangels.
• "Över mig glänser den sexstråliga stjärnan" (Above me shines the six-pointed star), visualizing the completed symbol of the perfected human being.

After these final statements, the arms are lowered, and the ritual ends similarly to how it began, with the Kabbalistic Cross.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly promotes a structured, practical approach to esoteric study, emphasizing the accessibility of complex spiritual concepts through systematic rituals and symbolism. The editorial stance appears to be one of guiding the reader through foundational practices of Western esotericism, particularly Kabbalah and ceremonial magic, encouraging personal experimentation and consistent practice for spiritual growth and balance. The emphasis on divine guidance, self-improvement, and the connection between the physical and spiritual realms is evident throughout.