The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft: The Complete A-Z for the Entire Magical World - Judika Illes 2005

Cabala
Magical Arts

The Christian derivative of Kabalah is spelled with a “c” to distinguish it from its ancestor. Kabalah posed a dilemma for some medieval Christian spiritual seekers. They were fascinated with its traditions and sought to understand and master them; yet for many, its clear and unavoidable associations with Judaism were troubling. In response, Christian Cabala developed based on the teachings of Kabalah but consciously attempting to incorporate a Christian overlay. (This may also have been necessary for practitioners’ safety.) Cabala first developed in Spain during the Golden Age when Christians, Jews, and Muslims mingled in the academies of mysticism in Toledo.