Description
Book SynopsisA visual feast of eclectic artwork informed and inspired by spiritual beliefs, magical techniques, mythology and otherworldly experiences. Mystical beliefs and practices have existed for millennia, but why do we still chase the esoteric? From the beginning of human creativity itself, image-makers have been drawn to these unknown spheres and have created
curious artworks that transcend time and place – but what is it that attracts artists to these magical realms?
From
theosophy and
kabbalah, to the
zodiac and
alchemy;
spiritualism and
ceremonial magic, to
the elements and
sacred geometry –
The Art of the Occult introduces major occult themes and showcases the artists who have been influenced and led by them. Discover the
symbolic and
mythical images of the
Pre-Raphaelites; the automatic drawing of
Hilma af Klint and
Madge Gill;
Leonora Ca
Trade Review
"This exhibition-in-a-book brings together a cornucopia of images from the Western occult tradition in a manner that inspires curiosity and thought." * MythLore *
Table of Contents
Introduction
Part I The Cosmos
i. The Very Shape of Things: Sacred Geometry in Art
ii. Gazing at the Stars: Astrology and the Zodiac in Art
iii. The Imagery and Inspiration of the Elements
iv. Alchemy and the Artistic Spirit
Part II Higher Beings
v. Gods and Immortals: Divine Expression Through the Arts
vi. The Kabbalah as a Source of Artistic Expression
vii. Theosophical Thought Manifested Through Art
viii. The Hermetic Tradition and the Arts
Part III Practitioners
ix. Potions, Persecutions and Power: Witches and Witchcraft in Art
x. Spirit Art and Spiritualism
xi. Emblems of Insight and Divine Inspiration: Divination in the Arts
xii. Ceremonial Magic: Invoking the Artistic Spirit
Index
Further Reading
Picture Credits
Thanks/About the Author
