The art of the occult is a fascinating and mysterious realm that has captivated individuals throughout history. From ancient civilizations to modern times, people have been drawn to the occult in search of hidden knowledge, supernatural powers, and a deeper understanding of the universe. The term "occult" refers to the hidden or secret knowledge that is believed to exist beyond the limits of human understanding. It is often associated with practices such as divination, astrology, alchemy, and the summoning of spirits. These practices are based on the belief that there is a hidden reality that can be accessed through rituals, symbols, and arcane knowledge. One of the central principles of the occult is the idea that the universe is not solely governed by physical laws, but also by spiritual forces and energies.
One of the central principles of the occult is the idea that the universe is not solely governed by physical laws, but also by spiritual forces and energies. Practitioners of the occult seek to tap into these energies, to gain insight, power, and control over their own lives and the world around them. The occult is closely tied to the concept of symbolism.
The Art of the Occult: A Visual Sourcebook for the Modern Mystic (Art in the Margins) (Hardcover)
A 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 Carrington 's surrealist interpretation of myth , alchemy and kabbalah ; and much more.
Featuring prominent, marginalised and little-known artists , The Art of the Occult crosses mystical spheres in a bid to inspire and delight . Divided into thematic chapters (The Cosmos, Higher Beings, Practitioners), the book acts as an entertaining introduction to the art of mysticism – with essays examining each practice and over 175 artworks to discover.
The art of the occult has always existed in the margins but inspired the masses, and this book will spark curiosity in all fans of magic, mysticism and the mysterious .
About the Author
S. Elizabeth (aka Mlle Ghoul) is a Florida-based writer specialising in art, the macabre and the supernatural. She is a staff writer at Haute Macabre and has written for Coilhouse , Dirge and the blog Death & the Maiden . S. Elizabeth was also the co-creator of The Occult Activity Book (vol 1 and 2) and runs two successful blogs: Ghoul Next Door (ghoulnextdoor.tumblr.com) and These Unquiet Things (unquietthings.com).
Praise For…
"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
- Art / Subjects & Themes / Religious
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Occultism
- Art / History
- Kobo eBook (October 12th, 2020): $29.99
Book Description Hardback or Cased Book. Condition: New. The Art of the Occult: A Visual Sourcebook for the Modern Mystic. Book. Seller Inventory # BBS-9780711248830
Symbols are used in occult rituals and practices to communicate with the spiritual realm and to access hidden knowledge. These symbols can be found in ancient texts, art, and architecture, as well as in contemporary occult practices. Another important aspect of the occult is the idea of ritual. Rituals are performed as a way to connect with spiritual energies or entities, to bring about desired outcomes, or to unlock hidden knowledge. These rituals may involve the use of various tools, such as candles, crystals, and Tarot cards, as well as specific gestures, incantations, and invocations. While the occult has often been associated with dark or evil forces, it is important to note that practitioners of the occult come from diverse backgrounds and hold a range of beliefs. For some, the occult is a means of personal empowerment, self-discovery, and spiritual growth. For others, it is a way to connect with their cultural or ancestral heritage. In recent years, the occult has experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly in popular culture. Films, books, and television shows often incorporate occult themes, while occult practices such as Tarot card readings and astrology have become increasingly mainstream. In conclusion, the art of the occult is a rich and complex realm that has played a significant role in human history. Whether viewed as a source of hidden knowledge, a means of personal empowerment, or a cultural practice, the occult continues to captivate the human imagination and offer a glimpse into the mysteries of the universe..
Reviews for "Conjuring Creativity: The Role of the Occult in Artistic Inspiration"
1. Jane Doe - 2/5 - I found "The Art of the Occult" to be quite disappointing. The book promised a deep exploration of the occult and its influence on art, but it failed to deliver. The content felt shallow and repetitive, with some chapters merely skimming the surface of the subject matter. Additionally, the layout and organization of the book made it difficult to follow the narrative or delve deeper into specific topics. Overall, I expected more from this book and was left unsatisfied.
2. John Smith - 2/5 - As someone with a genuine interest in the occult, I was excited to read "The Art of the Occult." However, I found the book to be a letdown. The illustrations and visuals were indeed captivating, but the text itself lacked depth and critical analysis. The author seemed more focused on presenting a compilation of artworks and descriptions rather than providing the promised insights into the occult's influence on art. I was left wanting more substance and a deeper exploration of the topic, making it hard for me to recommend this book to others.
3. Emily Johnson - 3/5 - I had high hopes for "The Art of the Occult" but was ultimately underwhelmed. While the book had some interesting anecdotes and featured beautiful artwork, it failed to provide a cohesive analysis of the occult's impact on the art world. The author often jumped from one topic to another without delving deeper and left many questions unanswered. While it may serve as a starting point for those curious about the subject, it lacked the in-depth exploration I was hoping for.
4. David Thompson - 2/5 - "The Art of the Occult" left much to be desired. The content seemed scattered, lacking a clear direction or purpose. The book attempted to cover a wide range of topics within the occult and art, but it fell short in providing insightful connections or analyses. Additionally, I found the writing style to be rather dull and lacking in excitement. Overall, this book failed to engage me and left me feeling unfulfilled in my quest for knowledge on the subject.