The Enneagram and Kabbalah (2nd Edition): Reading Your Soul

by Howard A. Addison

Overview

An updated and expanded examination into the groundbreaking exploration and connection of two of the most powerful mystical traditions.

Patterns in our lives may escape us; reasons for our behavior often confuse us. To help us better understand the interplay of these dynamics, Rabbi Howard A. Addison combines two of the most powerful maps of consciousness known to humanity: the Tree of Life (the sefirot) from the Jewish mystical tradition of Kabbalah, and the nine-pointed Enneagram that was developed over several generations by mystics of several spiritual traditions.

Individually, each offers guidance and wisdom; together, they show the forces that propel us and shape our personalities and behavior. Most important, the two suggest how we can live more harmoniously with ourselves and with others, minimize friction and tension and discover our own spiritual gateway to God.

In this updated and expanded edition of his pioneering book, Rabbi Addison explores new understandings of the stages and pitfalls we experience along life's journey and the ways we can transcend the limits of our personalities in search of greater wholeness. He shows that, when brought together, the Enneagram and Kabbalah may enhance understanding of humanity's deepest motivations—both individually and collectively—thus opening wider the gate to personal growth.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781580232296
Publisher:	Turner Publishing Company
Publication date:	01/01/2006
Edition description:	2nd Edition, Revised and Expanded
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	2.36(w) x 3.54(h) x 0.48(d)

About the Author

Rabbi Howard A. Addison has trained with leading Enneagram practitioner Helen Palmer, and also served as the last student assistant to Abraham Joshua Heschel. He offers seminars on the Kabbalah and the Enneagram to teachers of both disciplines. Educated at both The Jewish Theological Seminary and the United Church of Christ's Chicago Theological Seminary, Addison serves as senior rabbi of Temple Sinai in Dresher, Pennsylvania.

Table of Contents

Preface to the Second Edition v
Preface to the First Edition vii
Acknowledgments xi

Section I
Two Diagrams of Life
1 "Where Are You?" 3
2 The Tree of Life 9
3 The Enneagram 19
4 Correlation—Being and Spirit 35

Section II
The Enneagram through the Lens of Kabbalah
5 The Sefirot: Type and Redemption through Spiritual Task 47
6 Point One: Chochmah—Wisdom 53
7 Point Two: Binah—Understanding 61
8 Point Three: Gedulah—Greatness 69
9 Point Four: Tiferet—Beauty 77
10 Point Five: Din—Rigor 87
11 Point Six: Netsach—The Enduring 97
12 Point Seven: Hod—Splendor 105
13 Point Eight: Yesod—Basic Force 115
14 Point Nine: Shechinah—Divine Presence 123

Section III
Returning to God
15 Keter: Divine Crown, Our Transition to the Divine 135
16 A Meditation on the Return to Ayn Sof 143

Epilogue 155
Endnotes 159
Glossary 165
Suggested Readings 169

Editorial Reviews

The Enneagram, and Kabbalah: Reading Your Soul 2nd ed. by Rabbi Howard A. Addison. Combined here are two of the most powerful maps of consciousness known to humanity: the Tree of Life and the nine-pointed Enneagram. Here we are helped to see patterns in our lives and the interplay they have with the reasons behind those patterns.

The Messenger

"In comparing the Enneagram diagram with the Tree of Life, this groundbreaking book initiates the important and necessary work of bridging historic mystical traditions."
—Helen Palmer, Center for Enneagram Studies, Berkeley, California

“A stimulating blend of two flavors of mystical psychology. Guaranteed to help you understand yourself and others more deeply.”
—Daniel C. Matt, author of The Essential Kabbalah and Zohar: Annotated and Explained

“Finally, someone has made the helpful connection between the Enneagram and Kabbalah; Howard Addison does it very well. His book should help restore the spiritual goal and foundations of the Enneagram.”
—Richard Rohr, OFM, Enneagram teacher and author of Discovering the Enneagram

“This most enlightening book offers a powerful prescription for self-discovery, spiritual healing and personal growth. Read it and let your soul soar to the highest realms of knowing and being.”
—Rabbi Wayne Dosick, PhD, author of Soul Judaism and The Business Bible

From the Publisher

The Enneagram and Kabbalah: Reading Your Soul (Second Edition)—Addison, Howard A.. Jewish Lights, 2006. 182p. $16.99, Paperback. ISBN-10: 1580232299. ISBN-13: 9781580232296. 296.7 Spiritual life- Judaism. Self-perception-Religious aspects-Judaism. Enneagram. Sefirot (Cabala).

In this expanded and revised edition of his 1998 volume, Rabbi Howard Addison analyzes the Enneagram and the sefirot, two mystical ways of comprehending the world and personality types. Both are diagrams that help seekers understand the wisdom of their traditions and mankind's personalities.

In Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical tradition, the sefirot, as pictured in a symbolic figure of a human being, is the source of every soul and contains ten characteristics including wisdom, greatness, understanding, the awareness of the splendor of God, and righteousness. The Enneagram, originally from ancient and Middle Eastern traditions, is a nine-pointed symbol, divided into three triads. These correlate with aspects of an individual's personality.

Most of the book is devoted to discussion of the interrelatedness of the Enneagram and the sefirot. Addison mentions that the personality types in the Enneagram are not static and can be affected by adjacent points. In giving details about each symbol, he also refers to biblical heroes who are examples of how they repaired the world through their personality characteristics.

Addison's book is written for the layperson who has a serious interest in mysticism and meditation as a way to enhance spirituality. A glossary and a list of suggested readings are provided.

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