Discussions can occur at the most unexpected times, and with the most unexpected people! When Sorita and I went with our little boy to the local library, we got into discussion with the very nice American woman who was the librarian. When asked why she had ended up there, she replied that she had been a Roman soldier in a past life, stationed in the village, and she liked it there returning to her (ancient) roots! This then led to a discussion on reincarnation, something which has been on my mind due to the research we had done for our most recent book, Practical Qabalah Magick.
Reincarnation is one of those tricky topics – I hace had experiences which suggest reincarnation, but cannot dismiss other possibilities. As a result for me the jury remains open on the idea. I like the idea of reincarnation and do not believe the death of the body is the end of our existence (but that could just be a sense of self-preservation!). It has been suggested that the presence of reincarnation in Qabalah stems from the Neo-Platonic influence, which probably was a major influence. However if we look at some early Jewish texts like the Book of Enoch, they also indicate reincarnation as a doctrine which was excised from later Judaism and Christianity.
Resurrection presents a difficulty if you believe in reincarnation, as this quote from the Zohar describes:
“Said Rabbi Hizkiah: ‘If it be so that all the dead bodies will rise up from the dust, what will happen to a number of bodies which shared in succession the same soul?’ Rabbi Jose answered: ‘ Those bodies which were unworthy and did not achieve their purpose will be regarded as though they had not been: as they were a withered tree in this world, so will they be regarded at the time of the resurrection. Only the last that had been firmly planted and took root and prospered will come to life, as it says, ‘For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters … but its foliage shall be luxuriant (Jer 17:8).’”
So whether you were a Pharaoh, a peasant or a peacock, reincarnation is something which provides a mental link to the past, though for me the important time is here now, learning from this existence.
Interesting post, but actually I have an unrelated question which I would very much like to ask you. I have recently read ‘Climbing The Tree Of Life’ and found it to be the best modern book on the subject that I have read, which is why I would like to ask you this question which has been on my mind.
The question relates to the attribution of the Tarot trumps to the paths of the Tree of Life. Crowley switches the traditional attributions of The Star and The Emperor, which always seemed misguided to me, but also introduces a conundrum by keeping the traditional attribution in his tables for 777. Perhaps he was, rather than revealing a truth, merely hinting at one. I say this as, after working with the traditional attributions, I have come to the conclusion that although the Star is indeed correctly placed, the Emperor is not. I have come to feel certain that The Emperor would more appropriately be associated with path 20 (4-6), whereas the Hermit would more appropriately belong to path 15 (2-6).
I would very much appreciate your imput on this matter – you can contact me on the email address included with the submission of this comment if you have any relevant thoughts or if you would like me to further elucidate whereby I came to this conclusion.
Thank you.
Dean Walsh.