The Shekhinah

Culture: Jewish mystical tradition (Kabbalah), later adopted into some Hermetic Qabalah occult practice

The Shekhinah refers, in Jewish mysticism, to the dwelling, immanent presence of the divine, especially understood as present within the community and even in exile alongside a suffering people; later Western Hermetic Qabalists, a distinct and separate esoteric tradition, adapted Kabbalistic concepts including the Shekhinah into their own occult frameworks, which practitioners should understand is a real departure from her place in living Jewish religious practice.

Associations

Divine immanence, felt and dwelling presence, comfort in difficulty, indwelling holiness.

Ways people honor this concept (modern)

• If studying this concept, seek out actual Jewish sources and, ideally, Jewish teachers rather than only secondhand occult summaries
• Reflect on divine or sacred presence as something close and dwelling, not only distant
• Approach the distinction between living Jewish mysticism and later Western occult borrowing with real care and respect
• Research Hermetic Qabalah's own history as an adaptation, honestly labeled as such

Approach any deity with respect and do your own research. Practices vary widely between traditions, and modern devotional practice often goes beyond what survives in ancient sources.