Natural occultism refers to the study and understanding of the hidden mysteries and supernatural phenomena that occur in nature. It involves delving into the realms of spirituality, energy, and the unseen forces that govern the universe. While occultism is often associated with mystery and secrecy, there are certain secrets that can be revealed to those who are ready to explore this ancient practice. One of the main keys to understanding natural occultism is the recognition that everything in the universe is interconnected. This interconnectedness is often referred to as the law of correspondence or the principle of "as above, so below." This principle suggests that there is a harmony and similarity between the microcosm (such as an individual) and the macrocosm (such as the universe).
The exhibition is divided into seven sections which reflect the repertoire of the principal disciplines and trends within the occult tradition:
It is in the field of the visual arts that esoteric ideas and beliefs have found the ideal terrain for their encoded messages; from the hermetic allegories of the Renaissance to their presence in 20 th century avant-garde art. Through his lectures and writings-particularly 1928 s The Secret Teaching of All Ages , Hall became a well-known philosopher and expert on mysticism and occultism.
" This principle suggests that there is a harmony and similarity between the microcosm (such as an individual) and the macrocosm (such as the universe). Another secret of natural occultism is the recognition that we are all endowed with innate spiritual power. This power is often referred to as the divine spark or the essence of divinity within us.
The Occult in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collections
The Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy describes the “occult sciences” as “mysterious practices and forms of knowledge, such as magic, alchemy, astrology, etc., which since antiquity have aimed to penetrate and master the secrets of nature.” Refining this further, the occult tradition could be seen as based on three suppositions: 1. The transmission since ancient times of a secret wisdom only accessible to a few initiates; 2. The correspondences between different parts of the universe (elements, planets, temperaments, etc.), within the context of a fundamental correspondence between macrocosms and microcosms; and 3. The existence of certain superpowers latent within human beings, which must manifest themselves in order to lead us to a spiritual metamorphosis or transmutation.
Occult knowledge has survived over the centuries in a hostile cultural climate - dominated firstly by hegemonic religion and later by rationalism and positivism - thanks to its ability to disguise itself and infiltrate. It is in the field of the visual arts that esoteric ideas and beliefs have found the ideal terrain for their encoded messages; from the hermetic allegories of the Renaissance to their presence in 20 th century avant-garde art.
Curated by Guillermo Solana, this exhibition brings together around 59 works from the Thyssen-Bornemisza collections (both the museum’s permanent collection and the private collections of various members of the Thyssen-Bornemisza family) which reveal documented traces of the occult. The esoteric tradition provides a series of codes for deciphering hidden meanings. Its value lies in the fact that it reveals details and aspects of works of art that have previously passed unnoticed, offering us new, heterodox readings.
The exhibition is divided into seven sections which reflect the repertoire of the principal disciplines and trends within the occult tradition:
(1) Alchemy The fantastical rock formations in the landscape backgrounds of Renaissance paintings (particularly of the Ferrarese school) may refer to mining activities associated at the time with alchemical research. The subject of alchemy re-emerged with force in 20 th century art, for example in the work of Max Ernst and Lucio Fontana.
(2) Astrology Interest in the celestial bodies and their influence on human life has left its mark on innumerable works of art of different periods, from a zodiac in a religious painting to a horoscope in a portrait or the myth of a constellation’s birth. The stars and their virtual embodiments would later return to fascinate artists such as Miró, Cornell and Matta.
(3) Demonology A profound interest in different forms of the diabolical runs through the entire history of Christian iconography. Aside from explicitly identified devils, Renaissance and Baroque painting features a wealth of grotesque faces which indicate the “evil eye”, together with other disturbing presences that embody the Evil One’s snares.
(4) Spiritualism The occult re-emerged in the 19 th century in the form of an obsession with communicating with the spirits of the dead. Of characterised by its somnambulist figures in crepuscular or nocturnal settings, fin-de-siècle painting often evokes the atmosphere of spiritist seances.
(5) Theoshopy Founded in 1875 by Helena Blavatsky, the Theosophist movement combined elements from the western esoteric tradition with oriental religions and philosophies. In the early 20 th century it enjoyed enormous cultural influence and inspired the pioneers of abstract art such as Kandinsky, Kupka, Balla, Severini, Mondrian and Van Doesburg.
(6) Shamanism Avant-garde artists identified with the figure of the shaman, a spiritual mediator and healer in many cultures. Picasso, Chagall, Kandinsky and Pollock are well known examples of artists who appropriated shamanistic objects and rituals.
(7) Dreams, oracles and premonitions The Surrealists were fascinated by occultism and adopted its practices although not necessarily its beliefs. Endowed with apparent scientific rigour by psychoanalysis, the interpretation of dreams occupies a central place within Surrealism’s obsessions, particularly in connection with premonitions and the powers of clairvoyants. In this section works by Dalí, Ernst, Tanguy and Delvaux establish dialogues with artists difficult to classify such as Schad, Balthus and Bacon.
Born in Canada, Manly P. Hall (b. 1901, d. 1990) was drawn into the world of mysticism when he moved to Los Angeles at age 18. He quickly began to preach and lecture at the Church of the People. Soon, he was leading the evangelical congregation as its minister. This began a long career that spanned thousands of lectures, often well-attended affairs that received local coverage in the Los Angeles Times.
By tapping into this inner power, we can awaken our spiritual potential and manifest our desires. The practice of natural occultism also involves attuning oneself to the cycles and rhythms of nature. This includes observing the phases of the moon, the changing seasons, and the movements of celestial bodies. By aligning ourselves with these natural rhythms, we can harness the energy and power that flows through the universe. Meditation and visualization are essential tools in natural occultism. Through meditation, we can quiet our minds and connect with the divine source of wisdom and guidance. Visualization allows us to create and manifest our desires by vividly imagining them in our minds. Another secret of natural occultism is the importance of intuition. Our intuition is our inner guidance system that can provide insights and knowledge that may not be accessible through logical reasoning alone. By trusting and developing our intuition, we can navigate through life with greater clarity and purpose. Lastly, natural occultism emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and ethics. As we explore and practice occultism, it is crucial to remember that our actions have consequences. The energy and intentions we put out into the world will eventually come back to us, which is why it is essential to act with integrity and compassion. In conclusion, natural occultism offers a path of self-discovery and spiritual growth. By understanding the interconnectedness of all things, awakening our inner power, aligning with natural rhythms, and utilizing tools such as meditation and visualization, we can uncover the secrets of this ancient practice. However, the journey into natural occultism requires an open mind, a dedication to personal growth, and a respectful approach to the mysteries of the universe..
Reviews for "Mystic Masters of the Past: Learning from Natural Occultism's Pioneers"
- John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with this book. I was expecting a comprehensive guide to natural occultism, but instead, I found it to be very superficial. The author barely scratched the surface of the topic, making it difficult to understand and apply the concepts. The book lacked depth and seemed more like a compilation of random information rather than a well-structured guide. Overall, this book left a lot to be desired and I wouldn't recommend it to someone seeking a thorough understanding of natural occultism.
- Sarah - 1 star - I regret buying this book. It was filled with vague explanations and unclear concepts. The author failed to provide clear examples or practical tips, making it hard for me to follow along. The content seemed disorganized and lacked a coherent structure. Additionally, the writing style was convoluted and difficult to comprehend. I found myself rereading several paragraphs multiple times, and even then, I couldn't grasp the author's intended message. I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in natural occultism.
- Alex - 2 stars - As a beginner in natural occultism, I found this book very confusing and overwhelming. The author introduced complex concepts without providing any foundation or explanation, making it incredibly difficult for me to understand. The lack of clear examples or practical exercises left me feeling lost and frustrated. Moreover, the book contained numerous grammatical errors and typos, which only added to the confusion. Overall, I felt this book wasn't suitable for beginners like myself and would be better suited for those with prior knowledge in the subject.