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Rating: 
Summary: 'Pomegranates' is a charmer . . .
Review: ( revised 5/31/'04)--Note: the five stars is for Regardie's original content, and not necessarily for the content provided in this edition, in footnote or otherwise, by the Cicero's...-- A charming book, especially for the western magic afficianado, as Regardie was. . . However, for the beginner, let him or her be steered DIRECTLY to Regardie's primary qabalistic masterpiece, 'The Art of True Healing,' where basic western qabalistic magic is applied to marvelous and practical effect. The Marcus Allen edition is quite suitable, and but little modifies Regardie's original text. However, with that said . . . Regardie gives a useful list of some qabalistic books in an essay from a now out of print title, 'Foundations of Practical Magic.' Hopefully, this volume will be soon reprinted. It may be useful for some to note that Regardie, in later years, did not have a particularly high regard for 'Pomegranates,' at least in its earlier edition. It may be even more useful to note, that in his final years, he felt that 'The Mystical Qabalah' book by Dion Fortune, was the best basic introductory book on the subject of qabalah; especially, apparently, for those interested in pursuing the Golden Dawn material. I rather enjoy the original printing of Llewellyn's edition of 'Pomegranates,' released in the mid-80s. It was much more portable than this edition. It including the original essay he wrote for the 70s edition/reprint. However, it is now out of print. I'm such a fan of Regardie's however, that I will probably get this edition also. Especially since the Cicero's, like Pat Zalewski, were apparently friends of Regardie. Now doubt Regardie's effort is more useful in any edition, than the many glitzy/flashy qabalah books that have leaked onto the market, obscuring the subject for some looking for the western magic view on the subject. That is to say, being from Regardie, 'Pomegranates' would still be useful, with or without any comments by the Cicero's. Fan ? Yes, a truly grateful fan. I have 20-plus years experience with the Golden Dawn material, and recommend all of Regardie's writings very highly. The benefits will accrue to you, as they have for me.
Rating:
Summary: 'Pomegranates' is a charmer . . .
Review: a comprehensive, captivating work that provides an exciting and workable methodology for using the Qabalah for empowerment and intellectual enrichment. Regardie in many ways was like a more serious version of Crowley, so if you want the insights without all the tricks, this may be right for you. Either way, it makes for great reading.
Rating: 
Summary: Underdeveloped
Review: A Garden of Pomegranates is a book that delivers far less than it promises. This book is split into two parts: a short work by Mr. Regardie, followed by a much longer commentary written by the Ciceros. While most of what is contained in this book is good, most of what is contained in this book can be found in better sources. Mr. Regardie's section briefly summarizes the themes and ideas of the Hermetic Qabalah. He explains the basic ideas behind the Tree of life, describes the Sefiroth and the 22 paths connecting them, and touches momentarily on Qabalistic practices. He also spends some time tying the ideas of the Qabalah to the theories of his day, especially Freudian psychology. Unfortunately, the authorship of this book as a whole is loose and unfocused. It is clear that Mr. Regardie had many great ideas on this subject, but he just does not seem capable of expressing his ideas clearly. He touches on many topics, but doesn't stop long enough to develop any one of them. Reading this book is more like watching Mr. Regardie organizing his thoughts on this subject than good presentation of those thoughts to a reading audience. The second section contains commentary by the Ciceros. The Ciceros briefly explain a few Qabalistic rituals and meditations, and then spend most of their work describing incredibly detailed "guided visualizations." Most of what they write here (e.g. how to do the Middle Pillar Exercise) is described in better detail in other books dealing with ritual or ceremonial magic. For those interested in well-written "guided visualizations," this section might be worthwhile. Overall, this book promises much, but only delivers some of what it promises. There are good ideas in this book, but the organization is too sloppy and confused to be of much value as an introduction to the Qabalah. For a good introduction to the Hermetic Qabalah, I would recommend the much better written The Mystical Qabalah by Dion Fortune. Ms. Fortune deals with the same material as Mr. Regardie, but presents it in a coherent and organized manner.
Rating:
Summary: Greatest explanation of the Tree of Life
Review: I respect a lot of Israel Regardie's works and this is no different. However, sometimes he is a bit more difficult ot follow, but then again so are Crowley, Mathers, and other writers on Qaballah of their period in history. It may require more than one read and analyzing the correspondences. However, this is not a downfall to the book. Another good book to read along with this is Crowley's "777". The Cicero's have constantly proven to take the teachings of Regardie and make them a bit more easier for the modern reader to comprehend, and this book is no different in that area either. Their addition to this book by adding excellent and mind provoking insights along with Pathworking is astounding. I would recommend this to any Qabbalist or serious student of the "Higher Science" You must understand the correspondences. The section on the Literal Qabbalah left me wanting to learn Hebrew so that I could understand it even better. However, another good book to read along with this for the working student is Donald Kraig's "Modern Magick" which I written a review for as well. This and the books mentioned above, I believe, can get you on the road to better understanding of the Qabbalah in all sense of the word. If you are particular for the dogmatic Qabbalah, also get "The Bahir". All of these you can get at the push of a button via Amazon.com. Again this is an excellent book for practioners and even those who are into psychology and how the mind works. All in all, it is a very good book, and I suggest picking it up first because it is great for an introduction to the Qabbalah. Wets your tongue for the experience, and if you are further interested, the other books are at your disposal.
Rating:
Summary: Greatest explanation of the Tree of Life
Review: I respect a lot of Israel Regardie's works and this is no different. However, sometimes he is a bit more difficult ot follow, but then again so are Crowley, Mathers, and other writers on Qaballah of their period in history. It may require more than one read and analyzing the correspondences. However, this is not a downfall to the book. Another good book to read along with this is Crowley's "777". The Cicero's have constantly proven to take the teachings of Regardie and make them a bit more easier for the modern reader to comprehend, and this book is no different in that area either. Their addition to this book by adding excellent and mind provoking insights along with Pathworking is astounding. I would recommend this to any Qabbalist or serious student of the "Higher Science" You must understand the correspondences. The section on the Literal Qabbalah left me wanting to learn Hebrew so that I could understand it even better. However, another good book to read along with this for the working student is Donald Kraig's "Modern Magick" which I written a review for as well. This and the books mentioned above, I believe, can get you on the road to better understanding of the Qabbalah in all sense of the word. If you are particular for the dogmatic Qabbalah, also get "The Bahir". All of these you can get at the push of a button via Amazon.com. Again this is an excellent book for practioners and even those who are into psychology and how the mind works. All in all, it is a very good book, and I suggest picking it up first because it is great for an introduction to the Qabbalah. Wets your tongue for the experience, and if you are further interested, the other books are at your disposal.
Rating:
Summary: Most Excellent Book!!
Review: I study books as my favorite thing to do, and Isreal Regardie is absolutely fantastic at opening the mind to new demensions, ... opening up your consciousness to the reality of other truths that were previously out of reach. Anyone... who is serious about learning how to increase their knowledge, or who is a seeker of truth, will be absolutely in love with this book, and this author, ... so many times I wish I could write him a letter to tell him how much I appreciate every book I have read of his so far, and look forward to reading every book he ever wrote... but then remember that he has passed on. I am grateful that he spent his life not only seeking truth, but writing down his findings for other seekers of truth to discover the treasures he had found. His books are not for mere reading, but more like "serious" study manuals, and reference books, and reading them gives me the feeling that I have a teacher of my very own. As much as I love reading, and studying, and seeking truth,
to say that he is my favorite author is TRULY a great compliment. Sincerely,
Rating:
Summary: Should get this for the philosophy alone
Review: I would rate this book higher if regardie had not used the color scheme that he did, for most practicers of Ritual magick and Kabbalah know that the Queen scale colors are traditionaly most important for the sephiroth, which he used, but for the paths he use the Knight scale, or Yetziratic scheme. If you were to be totally correct when makeing an illustration of the tree with these colors the Queen for the sephiroth and the King for the paths would be better. Aquire The Magicians companion by Bill whitcomb for a full list of these and by different authorities. Other then that one thing, the book puts forth a greath philosophy and way of thinking. I especially enjoy his describing what he means by solar and lunar consciousness, and the combining of the two. It helps put you in the proper mind set in other words.
Rating: 
Summary: A wealth of information...
Review: Now, before I start harping on the wonders that is this book I'd just like to say one thing. This is not the only book you'll ever need. There is not, nor will there ever be, one all encompassing tome that will serve every student's every need. There, now that I've said that, on with the review: This book, as others have said, is one of the most complete books on the practical Qabalah that is on the market today. It is a necessary part of any serious student's library, and will require more than one reading to successfully gain all that this book has to offer. The reason that I gave it only four stars, instead of five, is that despite all of the information that is contained in the book, it is not written in a user-friendly manner. His sentence structure and choice of words are sometime difficult to comprehend, which is another reason that this book should be read more than once.
Rating:
Summary: Unlocking the Qabalah
Review: Symbols have always been used in the mystical tradition to express spiritual truths that cannot be properly expressed in words. The founders of the Qabalah created a particularly elegant system of symbols, numbers and the figure of the Tree of Life to convey their insights. The word "skrying" means "to see" or "observe" and refers to the type of clairvoyance where use is made of mirrors, crystals, water in a bowl (like Galadriël in Lord of the Rings) or the tarot, to concentrate and focus psychic abilities in order to receive and interpret visions in the normal state of waking consciousness. Regardie published this work in 1932 as an easy albeit comprehensive guide to the complex system of the Qabalah and to serve as a key to its symbolism. The primary symbol of this ancient Hebrew system is the tree of life that has been used for centuries as a means to study the nature of the cosmos and the qualities of the psyche. With its emphasis on direct experience by meditating on the paths of wisdom, this is a most understandable introduction to the Qabalah. The editors have enhanced this classic work with their commentary, notes and a system of reference and have added practical material in the form of meditations, exercises, rituals and mantras. Garden of Pomegranates is an excellent book for those interested in the working of the mind, in psychology, parapsychology and for practicians of the magical arts. This edition contains a glossary, bibliography and index. The text is enhanced by 52 beautiful illustrations and figures.
Rating:
Summary: Indispensable sourcework
Review: This book is totally indespensable for anyone interested in the Practical Kabbalah. I only regret that I purchased three books which covered different aspects of the material contained in this volume without checking out the "Garden" first. Don't make the same mistake. Most modern texts are versions of bits and pieces of this one. The editors' contribution, which constitutes half of the edition, contains practical meditations that illuminate the different paths beautifully. There are also instructions for Scrying in the Sprit Vision and actual pathworking. I only wish all modern writers on the Kabbalah took the approach the Ciceros do. That is, taking an existing classic, adding footnotes to clear up confusion, then giving practical suggestions for its usage. This is much better than the typical proccedure of throwing together a cribbed version of ohter's work and passing it off as your own. Highly, highly reccomended.
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