Inner Visions: Explorations in Magical Consciousness Drury, Nevill by Drury, Nevill

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Ceremonial Magic

Inner Visions: Explorations in Magical Consciousness Drury, Nevill

Name: Inner Visions: Explorations in Magical Consciousness Drury, Nevill
Price: 135.00 USD
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Rating: 4.6 (2 reviews)
Author: Drury, Nevill
ISBN: 9781032248646

Drury, Nevill

Reader rating

4.6

(1 reviews) 25 sold

$135.00

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Uncover the profound connection between magical consciousness and the boundless realm of human creativity.

Nevill Drury's *Inner Visions* delves into the fabric of modern magical thinking, from Tarot to Qabalah, revealing its profound connection to the creative spirit. Originally published in 1979, this work explores how a "new consciousness" emerged, blending magical, mythological, and artistic currents. It examines the influence of surrealism and psychedelic culture on 1970s art and music, such as the visionary imagery on album covers accompanying electronic soundscapes. Drury posits that this movement represents a powerful rejection of scientific reductionism, advocating for a return to profound visionary sources and an invigorating link between the individual and the cosmos.

Key themes

Magical Consciousness & Creativity Psychedelia and Surrealism Mythology in Modernity

Historical context

This text anchors itself in the late 1970s esoteric landscape, bridging traditional ceremonial magic with the era's burgeoning psychedelic and surrealist art movements. It serves as a theoretical framework for understanding how magical consciousness influenced contemporary creative expression during that specific historical period.

Drury, Nevill

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🏛 Routledge 📅 2022 📖 182 pages 📔 Hardcover 📐 Hardcover ISBN: 9781032248646

Fun fact

Nevill Drury's *Inner Visions* masterfully articulates the symbiotic relationship between esoteric thought and artistic expression, particularly within counter-culture. It excels in drawing connections across seemingly disparate fields, offering intellectual depth over practical instruction. While it may disappoint readers seeking a hands-on magical guide, it's essential for those interested in modern occultism's philosophical underpinnings and its vibrant impact on creativity. A foundational work on the "new consciousness."

📝 Description: Inner Visions: Explorations in Magical Consciousness Drury, Nevill

First published in 1979, Inner Visions discussion the nature of contemporary magical thought - encompassing the Tarot and the Qabalah - and considers its impact on the creative imagination. The author presents a fusion of the creative, magical and mythological undercurrents which are part of the 'new consciousness', and traces the influence of surrealist art and the expansive psychedelic period on the art and music of the 1970s. He looks, for example, at the relationship of the fantasy art on record sleeves to the electronic inner-space music which it often accompanies, and shows that this form of modern music represents one facet of the contemporary reaction against scientism and of the search for what Roszak has termed the visionary sources of our culture. The author concludes that a major mythological impulse is emerging in our culture and that magical and surreal approaches represent a profoundly invigorating and inspiring attitude linking the individual to the cosmos. This will be a fascinating read for anyone interested in magic, mythology, art, music and literature.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Drury provides a compelling, albeit dense, analysis of magical consciousness as a counter-movement to scientific rationalism. The text shines in its examination of how visionary imagery permeated 1970s electronic soundscapes and album covers, offering valuable insight for art historians and occult scholars alike. However, readers expecting practical spellcasting instructions or straightforward dogmatic theology will be disappointed, as the work is primarily theoretical and cultural. It may also prove inaccessible to those strictly adhering to traditional, non-syncretic ceremonial magic frameworks, given its heavy reliance on surrealist and psychedelic interpretations rather than classical grimoire traditions.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers fascinated by the intersection of occult theory and artistic creativity will find this work deeply rewarding. It offers a unique lens through which to view the rejection of scientific reductionism, advocating instead for a profound visionary link between the self and the cosmos. Those interested in how magical thinking influenced 1970s music and album art will appreciate the detailed exploration of surrealism’s role in shaping modern cultural currents. This book is ideal for those seeking to understand the 'new consciousness' that blended mythological and artistic forces, providing a rich context for exploring the boundless realm of human creativity through an esoteric perspective.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.7/5

★★★★★

If you're drawn to the intersections of magic, art, and consciousness, or curious about the counter-cultural movements of the 1970s, this book offers profound insights. It's for seekers who appreciate how mystical thought has continually shaped our artistic and spiritual evolution.

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Drury provides a compelling, albeit dense, analysis of magical consciousness as a counter-movement to scientific rationalism. The text shines in its examination of how visionary imagery permeated 1970s electronic soundscapes and album covers, offering valuable insight for art historians and occult scholars alike. However, readers expecting practical spellcasting instructions or straightforward dogmatic theology will be disappointed, as the work is primarily theoretical and cultural. It may also prove inaccessible to those strictly adhering to traditional, non-syncretic ceremonial magic frameworks, given its heavy reliance on surrealist and psychedelic interpretations rather than classical grimoire traditions.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While rooted in the late 1970s, Drury's insights into the relationship between magic, art, and consciousness remain remarkably relevant. It explores timeless connections between inner experience and external creation, making it more than just a period piece.

Not necessarily. While familiarizing yourself with basic occult concepts like Tarot or Qabalah will enhance your reading, Drury's accessible style makes it approachable for anyone interested in the broader cultural and artistic implications of magical thought.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Magical Consciousness & Creativity

This book investigates how esoteric traditions like Tarot and Qabalah aren't just abstract systems, but active forces shaping the creative imagination. It explores the interplay between mystical insight and artistic expression, highlighting how artists channel deeper, non-rational understandings into their work, forging new paths for human perception.

Psychedelia and Surrealism

Drury meticulously traces the indelible impact of surrealist art and the expansive psychedelic era on the cultural landscape of the 1970s. He demonstrates how these movements, through their embrace of the subconscious and altered states, catalyzed a distinct aesthetic in music and visual art, moving beyond conventional artistic boundaries.

Mythology in Modernity

The author identifies a significant mythological resurgence within contemporary culture, viewing magical and surrealist approaches as vital conduits for this impulse. He argues that these artistic and spiritual explorations offer a potent, inspiring way for individuals to reconnect with universal archetypes and the broader cosmic narrative, counteracting materialistic viewpoints.

💬 Quotes from the book

“The truly potent artwork emerges not from mere technique, but from a conscious channeling of esoteric currents, bridging the mundane canvas with cosmic intention.”

“In an age increasingly dominated by sterile empiricism, the resurgence of the visionary impulse offers a profound counter-narrative, re-enchanting our perception of reality.”

📜 Historical context

Published in 1979, *Inner Visions* emerged during a period of intense cultural introspection, reflecting a burgeoning "new consciousness." It stands as a pivotal text documenting the era's turn away from purely rationalist thought, seeking instead to reclaim humanity's inherent visionary and mythological roots, placing it firmly within the tradition of esoteric cultural commentary.

📚 Glossary

Qabalah
Surrealism
Scientism

📔 Questions to reflect on

How has magical or mythological thinking influenced your own creative pursuits or appreciation of art?
Reflect on a piece of art or music that you feel embodies a "new consciousness" or challenges conventional scientific understanding. What qualities make it so?
In what ways do you believe contemporary society still seeks "visionary sources" beyond purely rational or scientific explanations?