Is the Kabbalah Relevant for Christians?

July 31, 2010 - PRLog -- The Kabbalah is an ancient tradition of esoteric teachings that sprang up within Judaism. In the late 19th century, the theosophists incorporated its teachings into a mystical form of Christianity.

Patricia Waldygo created this meditation painting in the early 1980s, based on the viewpoint of an early theosophist, Dion Fortune. Just as Far Eastern sacred art guides spiritual seekers to enlightened states of mind by using imagery from Buddhist and Hindu cosmology, each sephiroth (sphere) on this Kabbalistic Tree of Life uses archetypal symbols that are familiar to Westerners.

This version of the "Kabbalistic Tree of Life" would appeal to both Christians and Jews, especially those whose beliefs are not strictly Orthodox. If you are interested in Christian mysticism or esoteric Christianity, gnosticism, theosophy, or a New Age version of Christianity, this painting may inspire you to look more closely at your Judeo-Christian origins.  One element of this Tree of Life that illustrates its Christian view is the yellow center sephiroth, called Tiphareth, which has a Crucifix superimposed over a Star of David, as well as the young Christ child and a King. This sephiroth corresponds to the heart center or heart chakra in yogic traditions. In the painting, the sephiroths are laid over a fiery silhouette of Adam Kadmon, the universal man.

Patricia Waldygo's "Kabbalistic Tree of Life" had a long public life as a poster. Beginning in 1984, it was in print for 15 years and sold more than 15,000 copies. Samuel Weiser, Inc., the publisher, also used it as a book cover for "The Mystical Qabalah" by Dion Fortune and as the cover of Weiser's 1984-85 catalogue.

The painting is now back in print as a poster. It is a digital print, 26" X 18" and sells for $15. To see it, along with details of the sephiroths, visit this link: http://www.patriciawaldygo.com/kabbalistic-tree-of-life.html

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Patricia Waldygo Paintings is an artist-owned and operated website and online gallery featuring the paintings of Santa Fe area artist Patricia Waldygo.