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Source Magic: The Origin of Art, Science, and Culture

Abrahamsson, Carl; , Frisvold, Nicholaj De Mattos
Reader rating
4.6
(1 reviews) 78 sold
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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Uncover the primal magic woven into humanity's deepest expressions of art, science, and spirit.

This compelling study delves into the fundamental role of magic as the wellspring of all human endeavor, from our earliest spiritual stirrings to our most advanced cultural forms. It traces a "magical-anthropological" lineage, revealing how this inherent human attraction to the numinous has shaped everything from Norse shamanism to contemporary occult practices. The authors explore magic's connection to psychedelics, individuation, and even Beat Generation literature, demonstrating its pervasive influence on our collective and individual realities, while also noting potential corruptions by organized belief systems.

Key themes
Magic's Ubiquitous Origin Journey Through Occult History The Human Magnetic North
Historical context

This work situates itself within the intersection of magical-anthropological study and contemporary occult theory, bridging ancient Norse shamanism with modern esoteric thought. It challenges traditional boundaries by linking magic to the roots of art, science, and cultural development.

Difficulty
●●● Demanding
Fans will love it
Carl Jung · Gustav Meyrink · William Blake
🌙 Witchcraft & Wicca
🏛 Park Street Press 📅 2023 📖 256 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9781644115015
Fun fact
"Source Magic" is a truly ambitious and thought-provoking volume, masterfully connecting disparate historical and cultural threads under the umbrella of a universal magical impulse. While it offers profound insights for students of occult philosophy and cultural anthropology, those expecting a how-to guide for spells will be disappointed. This book is a significant contribution to understanding magic's fundamental role in shaping human consciousness and civilization, offering a fresh perspective on ancient wisdom and modern esotericism.

📝 Description: Source Magic: The Origin of Art, Science, and Culture

An exploration of how magic can be found within all human activities - Offers a "magical-anthropological" tour from ancient Norse shamanism to the modern magick of occultists like Genesis P-Orridge - Looks at how human beings are naturally attracted to magic and how this attraction can be corrupted by both religious organizations and occult societies - Examines magic as it relates to psychedelics, Witchcraft, shamanism, pilgrimage, Jungian individuation, mortality, and the literary works of Beat icons like Burroughs and Gysin Since the dawn of time, magic has been the node around which all human activities and culture revolve. As magic entered the development of science, art, philosophy, religion, myth, and psychology, it still retained its essence: that we have a dynamic connection with all other forms of life. Exploring the source magic that flows beneath the surface of culture and occulture throughout the ages, Carl Abrahamsson offers a "magical-anthropological" journey from ancient Norse shamanism to the modern magick of occultists like Genesis P-Orridge. He looks at how human beings relate to and are naturally attracted to magic. He examines in depth the consequences of magical practice and how the attraction to magic can be corrupted by both religious organizations and occult societies. He shows how the positive effects of magic are instinctively grasped by children, who view the world as magical. The author looks at magic and occulture as they relate to psychedelics, Witchcraft, shamanism, Thee Temple ov Psychick Youth (TOPY), the panic rituals of the Master Musicians of Joujouka in Morocco, psychological individuation processes, literary "magical realism," and the cut-up technique of Beat icons like William S. Burroughs and Brion Gysin. He explores the similarities in psychology between poet Ezra Pound and magician Austin Osman Spare. He looks at the Scandinavian Fenris Wolf as a mythic force and how personal pilgrimages can greatly enrich our lives. He also examines the philosophy of German author Ernst Jünger, the magical techniques of British filmmaker Derek Jarman, and the quintessential importance of accepting our own mortality. Sharing his more than 30 years of experiences in the fields of occulture and magical anthropology, Carl Abrahamsson explores ancient and modern magical history to reveal the source magic that connects us all, past and present.

💎 Expert review

💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
This study presents a bold thesis on magic as the wellspring of human endeavor, weaving together diverse threads from Norse shamanism to contemporary occult practices. While intellectually stimulating for those interested in the anthropological roots of art and science, it may not suit readers seeking practical ritual instructions or straightforward historical accounts. Those preferring rigid academic structures might find its interdisciplinary approach too fluid. However, for open-minded explorers willing to engage with complex ideas about magic’s pervasive influence on reality, it offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective that expands the understanding of esoteric history beyond conventional limits.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers fascinated by the hidden threads connecting human creativity to spiritual origins will find this book indispensable. It appeals specifically to those interested in the magical-anthropological lineage that shapes our deepest expressions, from early spiritual stirrings to advanced cultural forms. If you are drawn to how magic influences individuation, psychedelics, or even Beat Generation literature, this text offers a compelling framework. It is ideal for seekers who wish to understand the numinous attraction inherent in humanity and how it has permeated our collective reality, while also encouraging critical thought regarding the corruptions introduced by organized belief systems.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5
★★★★
If you're a seeker of deep cultural origins, a student of comparative religion, or an occult enthusiast curious about magic's pervasive influence on human development, this book will illuminate your understanding of our shared spiritual heritage and its modern manifestations.

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 1 reviews
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Esoterica Books editorial team

This study presents a bold thesis on magic as the wellspring of human endeavor, weaving together diverse threads from Norse shamanism to contemporary occult practices. While intellectually stimulating for those interested in the anthropological roots of art and science, it may not suit readers seeking practical ritual instructions or straightforward historical accounts. Those preferring rigid academic structures might find its interdisciplinary approach too fluid. However, for open-minded explorers willing to engage with complex ideas about magic’s pervasive influence on reality, it offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective that expands the understanding of esoteric history beyond conventional limits.

❓ Frequently asked questions

It examines magic broadly, not just as ritual, but as an inherent life force connecting all things. This includes everything from ancient shamanic practices and Witchcraft to the psychological individuation process and the creative spark in art and literature.
No, this is primarily an academic and philosophical exploration. While it discusses magical concepts and practitioners, its focus is on understanding magic's historical, cultural, and psychological significance rather than providing instructions for magical practice.

📖 Who should read this

If you're a seeker of deep cultural origins, a student of comparative religion, or an occult enthusiast curious about magic's pervasive influence on human development, this book will illuminate your understanding of our shared spiritual heritage and its modern manifestations.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Magic's Ubiquitous Origin

This work posits that magic isn't just a separate practice, but the foundational force from which all human cultural expressions—art, science, philosophy, and religion—emerged. It argues that a dynamic, interconnected essence underpins our very existence, manifesting in diverse forms across history and societies.

Journey Through Occult History

Embark on a fascinating expedition spanning millennia, from the ancient shamanic traditions of the Norse to the avant-garde magical currents of modern figures like Genesis P-Orridge. The book provides a sweeping historical and anthropological view of how magical thought has evolved and persisted.

The Human Magnetic North

Explore humanity's intrinsic draw to the magical, an innate connection that drives our spiritual and creative impulses. The authors also critically examine how both conventional religious institutions and certain occult societies can distort or exploit this fundamental human attraction.

💬 Quotes from the book

“Every spark of human ingenuity, from the first cave painting to the latest scientific breakthrough, carries the indelible imprint of a primal, magical impulse.”

“The seemingly disparate threads of ancient ritual, psychedelic exploration, and even literary rebellion are all woven from the same fundamental, magical cloth of interconnectedness.”

📜 Historical context

This work stands firmly within the tradition of cultural anthropology and esoteric studies, drawing parallels with scholars who explore the primal roots of human consciousness and belief systems. It expands upon the idea that magic isn't merely superstition but a fundamental aspect of the human psyche, influencing disciplines from Jungian psychology to avant-garde art, positioning itself as a key text for understanding magic's historical and ongoing impact.

📚 Glossary

Shamanism
Occult Societies
Jungian Individuation

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. Reflect on a personal experience where you felt a profound, inexplicable connection to something beyond the ordinary. How might this align with the book's concept of "source magic"?
  2. Considering the book's arguments, where do you see the "magical impulse" at play in contemporary art, science, or even daily human interactions?
  3. How might the "corruption" of magic by religious or occult organizations manifest in current societal structures or personal beliefs?

🏛 Books from this publisher Park Street Press

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