The 32 Secret Paths Of Solomon: A New Examination Of The Qabbalah In Freemasonry

The author presents many interesting links between Freemasonry and the Kabbalah. Chapter 3 deals with gematria almost to an extreme mostly based on the Sephir Yetzirah. As a noted Kabbalahist once said: "Studying the Sephir Yetzirah will get you lost in possible meaning of the numbers and you will loose the picture of the whole Tree." He cites multiple references but appears to lack a deeper understanding of the implications and linkages between the Kabbalahistic Tree of Life as it applies to Freemasonry. There is no index and the nature of the chapters gives the impression they were pulled from separate articles / talks and were not originally harmonious manuscript. Perhaps the greatest error is his perpetuating the myth that "GOD" is an abbreviation of "Gomar, Oz, Dabar" meaning Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty. After consultation with a number of Rabbis (both Masons and non-Masons) and multiple Hebrew/English dictionaries "gomar" and "dabar" are not be found. Of the three words only Oz actually translates into 'strength'. Not without some interest, but fails short in the overall understanding of how Freemasonry and the Kabbalah can be symbolically linked.Would suggest to readers who are interested in the symbolic links between Kabbalah and Freemasonry to examine Kirk MacNulty and other authors.

Okay, so let me start this review by saying I don't personally know the author. While that shouldn't have to be said review of new Masonic books sometimes ( a lot of times) are done by men and women who personally know the author and want to give him/her a good review. Go and look up recent Masonic publications on Amazon, and you will see what I mean. The problem is that today, most anyone can publish either through an e-book or through hard copy. So I believe I am as impartial as they come when it comes to this review.The Book "32 Secret Path of Solomon A New Examination of the Qabbalah in Freemasonry" written by Bro Timothy Hogan is a quick primer and look at potential applications of the Qabbalah in Freemasonry. Bro. Hogan wrote in the introduction:"Within Freemasonry itself, in the fourth degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (SJ), we are likewise taught that qabbalah is the key to Freemasonry, and in fact, Freemasonry cannot be understood unless one has at least a preliminary understanding of qabbalah."I was drawn to this book, as more and more books coming out about Freemasonry concern themselves with an historic account or accuracy of our Craft. Either within a specific time period (Civil War, French Revolution, etc) or trying to explain the reality of the events depicted in our rituals as being either historic or rather "Masonic Tradition". This book refreshingly does not attempt any of that, rather to give the reader the basic tools and understanding of the qabbalah in regards to western esoteric thought. The challenge the author had is that qabbalahism is one of the most studied and written aspects of the Hebrews, and is very complex. The author attempted to break it down simply in how it relates to our Masonic initiation, and how we may meditate and apply it when attempting to apply the rich ritualism and symbols we are taught.My knowledge of qabbalah before reading this book is little to none, which made me the target audience for the author who wrote this pithy 96 page book as a quick primary to the qabbalah and how some of these concepts directly relate to Freemasonry. The book does a good job of introducing what are very basic concepts of qabbalah, different schools of interpretation and explanation of the tree of life. The author does a good job of picking concepts within qabbalahism such as the Sephir Yetzirah and the explanation of said concept. Hogan also does a good job in relating the symbolism threads within the first three degrees of Freemasonry and qabbalah, and if you were not an initiated as a Freemason, would be somewhat confusing.The down side of the book? For 96 pages you pay $15 (or $10 if you own a Kindle). Also, while someone did go through and edit the book, there are repeated phrases in the book like "I should also mention", which after a while I think the author is sending us code. Also, there are some parts of the book that I don't understand, including his personal interpretation of the Tree of Life and the "correct path", which seems contrary to any rudimentary look up of the tree of life (along with his own incorporation of Tarot Cards). It appeared that he started to make assertions, that were left unfinished, or under defended.I would recommend this book as it is an excellent way to start examining your Masonic journey and the potential incorporation of the qabbalah. It is also refreshing to see an honest look at applications of qabbalahism without it taking over all of your free time.[...]

Although this book contains interesting and helpful insights into the Kabbalah and its influence on the esoteric aspects of Freemasonry (particularly Scottish Rite), you may get lost without a basic foundation of understanding regarding the Kabbalah and its Sephirothic Tree of Life. For this, I recommend first reading, "Cabalah Primer," by Henrietta Bernstein. Bernstein's book is a very easy read.

I am a Freemason and I practice Masonry. I was an initiate of two well known Mystery Schools in the 80's and 90's when I lived in Chicago and Los Angeles. Now I am a small town Mason, and THE 32 PATHS OF SOLOMON is a fantastic synthesis of what I've learned in my past groups and what I've learned in my 3 Blue Lodge initiations! The old/new information about the 4th thru 10th spheres makes perfect sense to me. If you are a Mason who has dabbled or studied Qabbalah seriously, this little book is a treasure!

Top book. Interesting insight and very well explained! Highly recommended.

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