Qabbalism

Qabbalistic Tradition
Combat Air
Detection Earth
Health Fire
Illusion Water
Manipulation Task
Drain Willpower + Logic
Note: Qabbalism is a possession tradition
Preferred Spells Borrow Sense, Double Image, Nutrition, Slay
  Perhaps the most ancient mystic tradition, Qabbalism is based on the teachings of the Torah and other works, including the Zohar, the SeferYetzirah and the Bahar. These works form the basis of the Hebrew mysticism and also a portion of hermetic lore. The tradition use a combination of esoteric philosophy and frequently refers to the mystical power of the Hebrew alphabet and true names to influence the universe.


Casters who follow Qabbalism tend to cast spells using ancient Hebrew, and their research features complex formulae and diagrams, with numerology and astrology forming a significant part of their theories regarding the flow of mana. This method of explaining the Awakened universe is also part of the hermetic paradigm, although the hermetics use other sources of information as well.


Qabbalist spirits are normally referred to as elohim. They do not manifest in the physical realm, but temporarily possess a living or inanimate vessel to influence the world directly. The classic example is a clay golem, which still has its proponents today amongst certain practitioners. Mentor spirits are typically related to the ten sephirot, the emanations through which the Ein Sof reveals itself.


There are two main schools of thought within the Qabbalstic tradition: those who have an almost secular method of belief, and ultra-orthodox Hebrews sects who follow what they believe to be undiluted texts from ages past. The former group is common and its members are often treated like a sub-branch of hermeticism, and there are many members in academic, entertainment, and business circles. The latter reside within Orthodox strongholds and Israel, with peaceful interactions with outsiders being rare.


Fredrick Rosen is a fairly new member of the University of Denver’s faculty, with a known penchant for picking up strays. He appears frequently in public, with his near-unique accent and good looks making him a bit of a celebrity among the uninhibited wives of the CAS sector. He currently teaches a number of introductory magical theories classes and also holds an Awakening for Business class as part of the evening program. He has been known to sell spell formulae, and may barter for services instead of taking cash. He also advertises as a private tutor for promising students, most of whom are attractive females. While these traits may provide an enterprising runner with an opportunity, angering a mage and leaving them alive is rarely a good practice. Especially one with known connections to Mossad.


(p48 SG)