I don't know what made me get this book but now my brain feels funny.

I find Baba Lon's 'trickster' attitude a bit annoying, like it's more of a defense mechanism than a actual sense of humor. I also find his whole "Rabbi Lamed" persona and "Chicken Qabalah" vaguely culturally insensitive and again, defensive. That said the man is a scholar and impressive practitioner who tries his very best to lay some heavy concepts down. I always get something important out of his books. ( )

I decided to read this book for a number of reasons. I'm currently learning the Hebrew alphabet and beginning the study of Qabalah. So, as an into book I decided to read Lon DuQuette's book on the subject. Lon is one of my favorite occult writers and also one of the most knowledgeable occultists in the world. He takes very complex subjects (like this one) and makes them understandable though humor. One can surmise that right from the title. It's much appreciated in a genre where writers tend to take themselves a bit too seriously. Fortunately for me, I seem to learn quicker when subjects are presented in a humorous way, so this book was a perfect fit.

The book itself was really an eye-opener. Prior to this, I really didn't have much understanding of what Qabalah is. I knew it had to deal with the "Tree of Life" and numerology, but that's about it. I had no idea how profoundly complex, yet elegant, it is. It's both a puzzle and a context in which to view the world around us. In fact, it's what all Western magick is based on.
Without going into details, I'll just say it's some pretty profound stuff -- quite mind-boggling actually. It's really changed the way I few the nature of reality.

Another great book by Lon. ( )

Lon is always terribly funny. As he describes this book "the qabablah book for non-qabalists." It gives you the basics. ( )

Fascinating and humorous introduction to the Qabalah! The philsophical components are complex and compelling. You've got to read it through more than once to even begin to get it! ( )

Review located at http://lupabitch.wordpress.com/2006/12/21/the-chicken-qabalah-lon-milo-duquette/ ( )

A very excellent basic introduction to Western Cabala. ( )

A funny and educational introduction to the magical Kabbalah. There is no better introduction to the ideas of Kabbalah than this. ( )

With the exception of the Tarot chapter (Kabbalah has nada to do with the Tarot), a great, lucid, and thought-provoking introduction to the Kabbalah told with wit, flair, and humor. ( )