HERMETIC QABALAH & Western Esotericism
Master of Arts in Hermetic Qabalah and Western Esotericism
Program Overview
- Degree Title: M.A. in Hermetic Qabalah and Western Esotericism
- Duration: 2 years (full-time) or 3–4 years (part-time)
- Delivery: 100% Online (asynchronous + synchronous modules via secure platform)
Program Objectives
Graduates will:
- Master the historical, symbolic, and practical foundations of Hermetic Qabalah
- Gain deep familiarity with the Tree of Life, planetary and elemental correspondences, Tarot, alchemical symbolism, and Qabalistic magic
- Be able to interpret Hermetic texts and conduct ritual work with precision and ethical integrity
- Situate Qabalah within the broader currents of Western esotericism and mysticism
Curriculum
Year 1: Foundations of Hermetic Thought
- Introduction to Hermetic Qabalah
- History of Western Esotericism
- Symbolism and Sacred Geometry
- The Qabalistic Tree of Life
- Hebrew for Occultists (optional)
- Tarot and the Qabalah
Year 2: Advanced Practice and Integration 7. Ritual Magic and Ceremonial Practice
8. Pathworking and Astral Travel
9. Alchemy, Astrology, and Qabalah
10. Thelemic and Modern Magickal Systems
11. Initiatory Models in Western Mysticism
12. Capstone Project / Thesis
Sample Electives
- The Goetia and the Qliphoth
- Jung, Archetypes, and the Magical Imagination
- Qabalah and Christian Mysticism
- Comparative Kabbalah: Jewish vs Hermetic Traditions
- Women in Western Esotericism
Faculty & Mentors
- Scholars of Western esotericism
- Experienced initiates from Golden Dawn-style orders or equivalent systems
- Spiritual directors versed in alchemy, astrology, and ritual psychology
Suggested Texts Foundational
- Dion Fortune – The Mystical Qabalah
- Israel Regardie – The Tree of Life
- Aleister Crowley – 777, Magick in Theory and Practice
- Gareth Knight – Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism
Academic
- Wouter Hanegraaff – Esotericism and the Academy
- Antoine Faivre – Access to Western Esotericism
- Kocku von Stuckrad – Western Esotericism: A Brief History of Secret Knowledge
Graduation Outcomes
- Certified Master in Hermetic Qabalah
- Eligible to teach or guide Qabalistic meditation and ritual
- Capable of initiating symbolic systems or integrating into esoteric orders
- May continue to Ph.D. in Western Esotericism, Comparative Religion, or Depth Psychology
🔹 Core Courses (24 credits total)
| Course Code | Title | Credit Hours | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| REL 5305 | Introduction to Hermetic Qabalah | 3 | Asynchronous lectures + live Q&A |
| REL 5246 | History of Western Esotericism | 3 | Asynchronous readings + discussion boards |
| REL 5353 | The Qabalistic Tree of Life | 3 | Live diagram workshops + multimedia lectures |
| REL 5195 | Symbolism and Sacred Geometry | 3 | Hands-on art activities + PDFs |
| REL 5137 | Tarot and the Qabalah | 3 | Weekly spread practice + visual feedback |
| REL 5330 | Ritual Magic and Ceremonial Practice | 3 | Recorded rites, student video submissions |
| REL 5362 | Pathworking and Astral Travel | 3 | Guided meditations (MP3), journaling uploads |
| REL 6971 | Capstone Project or Thesis | 3 | Supervised 1-on-1 online mentoring |
🔹 Language & Research Support (Optional – up to 6 credits)
| Course Code | Title | Credit Hours | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| REL 4905 | Hebrew for Occultists | 3 | Video lessons + pronunciation drills |
| IDS 5925 | Interdisciplinary Research Methods | 3 | Self-paced + weekly office hours |
🔹 Electives (Choose 6–12 credits)
| Course Code | Title | Credit Hours | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| REL 5561 | Alchemy, Astrology, and Qabalah | 3 | Interactive sky charts + symbolic analysis |
| REL 5507 | Thelemic and Modern Magickal Systems | 3 | Textual analysis of Liber AL, forums |
| REL 5930 | Qabalah and Christian Mysticism | 3 | Compare medieval & modern traditions |
| REL 5562 | The Goetia and the Qliphoth | 3 | Deep shadow work with visual meditation |
| REL 5286 | Women in Western Esotericism | 3 | Feminist lens on esoteric history |
| REL 5935 | Jung, Archetypes, and the Magical Imagination | 3 | Dreamwork, image interpretation labs |
| REL 5608 | Comparative Kabbalah: Jewish vs Hermetic | 3 | Source readings in both traditions |
🔹 Online Ritual Practicum (Required, Non-credit)
- Monthly Online Circle: Live Zoom ritual led by faculty or peers
- Virtual Retreat (1 per year): 3-day immersive experience via encrypted platform
- Digital Ritual Journal: Upload entries and receive feedback
- Final Astral Working: Recorded pathworking or video performance submitted for review
🏁 Graduation Requirements
- Completion of 36 credits
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Capstone or thesis submission
- Final portfolio: ritual journal + creative ritual design
- Adherence to ethical guidelines and spiritual safety protocols