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(THE BOOK OF THE ANGEL REZIAL) edited and translated by STEVE SAVEDOW Samuel Weiser, Inc. $19.95 (softcover)
No, I won’t quite buy that myth — the text too clearly walks a Judaic path. The book is often attributed to Eleazer of Worms, who may have compiled it in the 13th century, but whether he wrote the thing himself or compiled it from earlier texts is unclear. What is certain is that it’s a collection of important esoteric teachings, ranging from angelic hierarchy and astrology to Kabbalah and Gematria (numerology of the Hebrew alphabet). If Eleazer did write it, he was thoroughly versed in the mystical thought of the day. Sepher Rezial Hemelach is not just a casual read, so I don’t recommend it for a weekend’s entertainment. For those studying biblical and other historical holy texts, this can be an excellent cross-reference. But my highest recommendation goes to those studying astrology, numerology, alchemy, magick, and Kabbalah. Many times, the text enters (in great detail) into the seasons and the zodiac, the associated elements, and how these play out in the creation process. It also enters in other ways into creation, sharing secrets of Gematria, combinations of the elements, and even the 72 holy names of God, which sounds are used in creation. Students of Kabbalah will find frequent references to the sephirah of the Tree of Life. Mention is made of "kingdom," "power," "glory," and "beauty," and in contexts that can help explain the paths of the Tree; recurring guidance is given on the upper portion of the Tree as well: "Of learning the knowledge, understand and fill the heart with wisdom." This means guidance regarding Daath, the hidden sphere, so that we do not dwell in empty knowledge, but instead bring it into use. That, in itself, is enough to tell us that even a book by the very archangel of wisdom cannot make one wise; but regardless of its origin, this book does offer a great deal that the earnest person of service can turn around and apply. It seems a book of certain depth, and one from which the careful reader can learn a lot. |
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Amidst all the books I have for review, this one grabbed my interest so thoroughly that I set all else aside to peruse its pages. And what was the immediate draw? This appears to be the first English translation of a Hebrew magickal text dating back at least into medieval times. According to myth, it is in fact the first book ever, given to Adam by the archangel of wisdom, Rezial.