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

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

Focusing on a carefully curated selection of esoteric art and artefacts, Occult explores the meaning and mystic power of original occult manuscripts, ritual objects and symbols from around the world. The author identifies five key elements of occultism - alchemy, astrology, magic, mysticism and divination. Key symbols are highlighted and examined, and key 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'. It traces the pre-Christian origins of esotericism in Mesopotamian astrology and Egyptian, Greek and Arab alchemy and its development through the Middle Ages as occult sciences, encompassing Kabbalah and natural, astral and ritual magic.