Unlike prophetic or inspired mysticism (where God speaks to man), the Kabbalist believes that wisdom must be received through a direct, unbroken chain of oral transmission. Traditionally, a man (and in most orthodox views, only a man over 40 who had mastered the Talmud) could study Cabala. It was considered too volatile for the spiritually immature—like handing a loaded weapon to a child.
No discussion of is complete without the visual centerpiece: The Tree of Life . This diagram of 10 Sefirot (spheres) and 22 paths (connecting channels) is the operating system of creation. La Cabala
Many traditions believe that the Noahide Laws (seven laws for all humanity) are sufficient, but studying Cabala for the sake of ethical improvement is permissible. You should avoid attempting to practice the ritual magic of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, which appropriates Jewish mysticism. Unlike prophetic or inspired mysticism (where God speaks