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The earliest documents (cir. 100-1000 A.D.) associated with Qabbalah describe the attempts of ....Merkabah'' mystics to penetrate the seven halls (Hekaloth) of creation and reach the Merkabah (throne-chariot) of God. These mystics used the familiar methods of shamanism (fasting, repetitious chanting, prayer, posture) to induce trance states in which they literally fought their way past terrible seals and guards to reach an ecstatic state in which they ....saw God.'' An early and highly influential document (Sepher Yetzirah) appears to have originated during the earlier part of this period