Occult Reality and the Fictionalizing Mind
Alex Owen
March 29, 2013 DOI: 10.7208/chicago/9780226642031.003.0006 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key points | The text argues that occultism and mysticism both rested on the authenticity and broader relevance of inner experience. It describes astral travel as a firsthand exploration of the Astral Light, with magicians trained to navigate planes, test experiences via magical signs and passwords, and protect themselves. It contends that occultists' belief in a verifiable occult "real" forestalled interpretations of the numinous confined to the self. |
Abstract
Although occultism could be directed toward ends other than mystical union with the divine, both occultism and mysticism were predicated on the authenticity and broader relevance of the manifestations of interiority. “Travelling in the Spirit Vision,” sometimes called Astral Projection or, more simply, Astral Travel, involved magicians in an immediate and firsthand exploration of the Astral Light. Magicians were taught how to conduct themselves in the Astral Light, recognize different astral planes and beings, “test” their experiences by reference to magical signs and passwords, and protect themselves in hazardous situations. Occultists had a sophisticated understanding of the relationship between God and the self and dedicated much of their work to the development of “the kingdom within.” Their conception of a verifiable occult “real,” however, forestalled interpretations of the numinous that begin and end solely with the self.