Today it’s become common for people to search for a Kabbalist to solve their problems with some spell or amulet. The term Practical Kabbalah sounds fancy and very attractive for those looking for a “quick fix” because it seems legit.

In fact, it may be legit, but that’s not necessarily a good thing as we will see.

Kabbalah wisdom is divided into 3 parts:

1. Kabbalah Yiunit: This is the theoretical Kabbalah we learn. It is available pretty much to anyone interested and speaks about the order of the spiritual worlds, angels, souls, and kingdoms. It teaches us how all things in creation go from a state of chaos (tohu) to rectification (tikkun).
2. Kabbalah Nevuit: While not as popular as the first one, this type of Kabbalah is getting traction with the publishing of books by the great Rabbi Avraham Abulafia recently. It aims at teaching people meditative techniques to receive Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) which is a lower form of Nevuah (prophecy).
3. Kabbalah Ma’assit: This is Practical Kabbalah and it deals with writing Amulets (Kame’ot) and binding angels by oaths to do one’s bidding. It can also deal with crafting other objects with Hashem’s names (like swords) so they achieve certain spiritual purposes. Included here is also the pronunciation of Hashem’s holy names to effect changes in reality, what is often called “magic”...