Occult: Decoding the Visual Culture of Mysticism, Magic and Divination (Religious and Spiritual Imagery, 3)

A clear, concise, and detailed historical exploration of the eclectic and arcane visual and material culture of the occult.

Focusing on a carefully curated selection of esoteric art and artifacts, Occult explores the meaning and mystic power of occult manuscripts, ritual objects, and symbols from around the world. The author identifies five central elements of occultismalchemy, astrology, magic, mysticism, and divination. Key symbols are highlighted and examined, and important rituals and practices are explained to provide new insights into the philosophies and beliefs of occultists from antiquity to today.

The book begins with an introduction that clarifies what we mean by "occult." Occult is then organized into three broad sections, each containing three themed chaptersexploring the foundations of the occult, the philosophy of occult magic, and the modern occult revival.