The Book of Raziel (read it here) is presented as a divinely revealed text containing profound secrets. The other books in this collection detail specific aspects of this knowledge, including angelic hierarchies, cosmic influences, and divine names. The Book of Raziel explores the nature of divine wisdom, the importance of reverence and obedience to God, the existence and interaction of angels, the secrets of creation and the cosmos, and practical guidance for attaining knowledge, protection, and spiritual growth.
The Book of Raziel
The text repeatedly emphasizes “reverence of the Lord” (and variations like “reverence of Shaddai” and “reverence of Elohim”) as the “first wisdom” and the foundation of a righteous life.
The first commandment is the first wisdom, reverence of the Lord. It is written, reverence of the Lord is the first knowledge. The beginning wisdom is reverence of the Lord, corresponding to three wisdoms.” –Raziel 3
The book itself is described as containing the secret of Raziel, accessible only to the humble. These secrets relate to the Torah, Genesis, and the laws of God, as well as the workings of the cosmos. It describes the importance of love, petition, and reverence. These three are presented as fundamental classes of righteousness, corresponding to different types of offerings (burnt, peace, and sin offerings). Various divine names (Lord, Elohim, Shaddai, El) are used, each associated with specific aspects of God’s nature and the appropriate form of reverence. The explicit Name is linked to love.
It is written of reverence and love, the explicit Name was created from love.” –Raziel 8
The text touches upon the creation of the universe by the “word” of God, not by labor. It also mentions a cosmic timescale of five hundred years linked to the patriarchs. It also hints at the mystical significance of Hebrew letters and their numerical values, particularly in relation to divine names and cosmic structures. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are frequently mentioned as exemplars of faith and reverence, and their lives are linked to cosmic and spiritual principles. Prayer is presented as a means of giving praise, petitioning for goodness, and showing reverence.
Thus, praise in prayer. Proclaim the praise, speaking: Praised is the ruler above, and the chosen cast down to Earth.” –Raziel 13
The Book of Mysteries
The book’s origin is attributed to the angel Raziel, who revealed it to Adam. It is presented as a source of profound knowledge passed down through a lineage of righteous individuals. It emphasizes the observation of celestial bodies (Moon, Big Dipper, Orion, Pleiades, zodiac signs) and their influence on earthly affairs, including periods of life and death, grief and healing, and the outcomes of battles. The text details different orders of angels, including those governing judges, the seven firmaments, and the zodiac signs. Their names and responsibilities are listed, suggesting a structured spiritual hierarchy influencing the world. It suggests practical uses for this knowledge, such as understanding the works of death and life, interpreting dreams, achieving peace in battles, and even controlling the minds of others (though framed within worship).
The effectiveness of the book seems tied to the knowledge and proper use of specific divine and angelic names in various situations (troubles, healing, requests). The text traces the transmission of the Book of Mysteries from Adam through a lineage of righteous individuals, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Solomon, highlighting its sacred and authoritative nature.
Search through the steps of heaven while seven houses, all circling each zodiac sign. Observed in every way of life. Examines and questions the Moon. Shows the paths of the Big Dipper, Orion, and the Pleiades.” –Mysteries: 3
Book of Vestures
The Book of Vestures emphasizes that true knowledge and wisdom are secret and attained through understanding and humility. The wise cry with joy by the names learned, suggesting the efficacy and spiritual power inherent in these names. The Tree of Life is presented as guarded, and obtaining glory is linked to the fear of the Lord. Divine glory is immeasurable and manifested in powerful ways (seven fountains, river of fire). The text describes the Throne of Glory surrounded by Malachim (angels), emphasizing the grandeur and power of the divine realm. Attempts to duplicate divine works without the proper spiritual state or arrogance lead to negative consequences and punishment.
Adam, the first man, received initial wisdom through Michael and the holy book, enabling him to name all living creatures. Adam’s actions to preserve the book, placing it in a rock after purifying it, highlight its immense value and the need to protect it. Adam’s ability to record and understand significant cosmic events and their implications underscores the profound knowledge contained within the book.
The wise are humble and cry with joy by the names learned in plain language.” –Vestures: 2
The 72 Names
This section focuses on 72 specific divine names, each associated with unique attributes, powers, and connections within the spiritual and cosmic realms. Each name is introduced with “Watch” or “Reveals,” indicating its function and the insight it provides. Descriptions detail the name’s “union,” “shape,” “connection,” and the “powers” it forms or influences. Many names are explicitly linked to the Sefirot (e.g., Tiphereth, Binah, Chesed, Yesod, Malkuth), Kabbalistic structures, like the Merkavah, and concepts including Mercy, Judgment, Unity, and Eternity. Some names are connected to cosmic elements, such as the Sun, Moon, stars, twelve signs of Israel, or historical events like the judgment in Egypt, Moses’ miracles.
The descriptions imply that understanding and potentially utilizing these names can lead to various spiritual benefits, such as forgiveness, serenity, strength, victory, and connection to the divine. Several names highlight the unity of God and the interconnectedness of creation. The Hebrew letter Yod is frequently mentioned as a central element within the names and their associated powers.
Ani – Shows that the word is the Yod and that everything is derived from י and fifty gates.” –The 72 Names: 37
The Prayer of Adam and the Bringing Forth of the Book of Raziel
After his expulsion from Paradise, Adam expresses deep remorse for his sin, acknowledging God’s greatness and his own foolishness. He pleads for knowledge, understanding, and mercy for himself and his descendants.
O God, Lord of the world! Thou didst create the whole world unto the honor and glory of the Mighty One… I did sin and commit a trespass, and, by reason of my sins, I was driven forth from Paradise… Grant me knowledge and understanding, that I may know what shall befall me, and my posterity…” –The Prayer of Adam 1
God answers Adam’s prayer by sending the angel Raziel with a sacred book containing profound wisdom and knowledge of the future. The book is intended to provide knowledge of future events, distinguish between good and evil, and offer guidance in various circumstances. It is presented as a source of wisdom that can elevate those who read it with purity and humility.
The book’s benefits are not universally accessible but are reserved for the wise and God-fearing who approach it with holiness. The angel Raziel’s fiery ascent after delivering the book confirms its divine source and sacred nature.
In the moment when Adam took the book, a flame of fire shot up from near the river, and the angel rose heavenward with it. Then Adam knew that he who had spoken to him was an angel of God, and it was from the Holy King Himself that the book had come…” –The Prayer of Adam, 4
Conclusion
These texts offer a glimpse into a rich mystical tradition centered on divine revelation, angelic beings, and the power of sacred knowledge. The book emphasize the fundamental importance of reverence for God as the key to wisdom and spiritual understanding. The Book of Raziel serves as a foundational text containing profound secrets, while the subsequent books delve into specific aspects of this knowledge, such as the workings of angels, cosmic influences, and the potent nature of divine names. The narrative of Adam’s prayer and the angel Raziel’s appearance underscores the divine origin and significance of this wisdom tradition.
