Behold by Bethsheba Ashe is an intricate and well-presented exploration of gematria. This ancient art, which uncovers hidden meanings within words through numbers, is made accessible and engaging in Ashe’s third edition. Updated with new findings and insights, Ashe brings a modern perspective to this age-old mystical practice, making Behold a compelling and essential read for anyone curious about numerology, religious studies, or the Kabbalah.
One of the book’s many strengths is how Ashe presents complex material with rare clarity in such esoteric subjects. By beginning with the basics, such as learning the Hebrew “alephbet”, she allows readers to build a solid foundation before moving into more advanced applications. Each chapter is laid out logically, and colour-coded diagrams help readers keep track of the details as they progress. These visuals show the depth of Ashe’s commitment to making gematria accessible to newcomers.
History
Ashe delves into the different historical scripts, from the Proto-Consonantal and Paleo-Hebrew scripts to Modern Hebrew, Greek, and Arabic. Each script is meticulously introduced and explained, allowing readers to understand how gematria evolved and how these languages and writing systems hold significance within gematria’s mystical and historical context. For anyone interested in the roots of language and its evolution, Ashe’s explanations of these scripts provide fascinating insights.
As an amateur cryptographer, Ashe has fun exploring various cyphers and their applications. Ashe details the Genesis Order, Biblical Gematria, and Reversal cyphers, among others, showing how each cypher brings a unique lens through which to interpret ancient texts. This section serves as a mini-tutorial, equipping readers with the tools to analyse texts in ways that reveal the symbolic and numerical meanings embedded within them. Ashe’s in-depth approach empowers readers to explore these texts independently, a rare achievement in a field that is often shrouded in mystique. In doing so, she is following a long line of occultists, such as Doreen Valiente, Dr John Dee, Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa and Abbot Johannes Trithemius.
One of Behold’s remarkable aspects is how Ashe connects gematria with broader historical and cultural practices. By addressing how gematria intersected with the beliefs and practices of cultures from the ancient Near East, such as the Canaanites and the Israelites, she situates gematria within its proper historical and religious context. This enriches the reading experience, giving readers a sense of the cultural tapestry from which these practices arose. Ashe’s scholarship, paired with her accessible writing style, makes these topics engaging and understandable.
Influence on traditions
Ashe explores how gematria has influenced other esoteric traditions, from early Christianity to Western occult practices. Her inclusion of Christian, Islamic, and even occult gematria highlights the interconnected nature of these mystical traditions. By showing how gematria influenced diverse spiritual systems, Ashe reinforces the idea that these traditions share a common language of symbols and numbers, fostering an appreciation for the universality of gematria.
The book’s depth is further enhanced by Ashe’s inclusion of calculations and practical examples. By presenting gematria through calculations based on the Bible, Talmud, and Kabbalah, Ashe offers a concrete understanding of how this ancient practice was applied. This approach adds credibility to her work, showing that gematria is more than theory—it is a method with tangible outcomes. These calculations allow readers to engage directly with the source texts, providing a hands-on approach to learning.
Politics
This edition features Ashe’s expanded look at the geopolitical implications of religious ideologies. By examining how interpretations of scripture have influenced historical events and conflicts, Ashe demonstrates the importance of gematria beyond spiritual understanding. Her analysis of religious Zionism and its lack of scriptural basis adds a thought-provoking layer to the book, inviting readers to consider religious texts’ impact on modern political ideas.
Ashe’s commitment to practical learning shines through in the resources she provides. In addition to the Shematria Gematria Calculator, which allows readers to perform their calculations, Ashe includes links to transliteration guides and online tools to enhance the learning experience. These resources make Behold a unique blend of theoretical study and practical application, offering readers knowledge and the tools to explore it further. These resources provide an invaluable starting point for those looking to delve deeper.
Temurah
Ashe goes even further, introducing readers to advanced techniques such as Temurah and Notariqon, which offer alternative approaches to gematria. These techniques expand on traditional gematria by rearranging letters or using abbreviations, allowing for even more layers of interpretation. Ashe’s careful explanation of these methods invites readers to experiment with their own interpretations, fostering a sense of creativity and discovery.
A journey through numbers
Behold is a journey through the mind and spirit. Ashe’s passion for gematria and her deep respect for its traditions are evident on every page, making the book a pleasure to read. Her writing is filled with reverence for the mystical aspects of gematria, yet she approaches it with the rigour and discipline of a scholar. This combination of academic precision and spiritual depth makes Behold an exceptional work that will likely inspire readers for years.
It is an indispensable guide for anyone interested in unlocking the hidden meanings within sacred texts. It is sure to become a classic in the field of gematria studies. This third edition cements Ashe’s place as a leading voice in the study of mystical mathematics and invites readers to join her on an unforgettable journey of discovery.
Behold is a hardback and available here
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