W B Yeats On Magic And The Occult
William Butler Yeats, commonly known as W B Yeats, was an Irish poet, playwright, and mystic. He was also interested in magic and the occult, which heavily influenced his works. This article will explore Yeats' views on magic and the occult, and how they influenced his writing.
The Importance of Magic and the Occult
Yeats believed that magic and the occult were important aspects of life. He believed that they provided a deeper understanding of the world and allowed individuals to tap into their inner selves. Magic and the occult were also a way to connect with the spiritual realm and the divine.
Yeats was particularly interested in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a secret society that practiced magic and the occult. He joined the society in 1890 and was initiated into the group's inner circle in 1899. The Golden Dawn heavily influenced Yeats' writing and his views on magic.
The Symbolism of Magic
Yeats believed that magic was heavily symbolic. He believed that symbols had the power to evoke emotions and transcendental experiences. Magic and the occult were a way to connect with these symbols and understand their meanings.
Yeats used symbolism heavily in his poetry and plays. His works often featured mystical and mythological themes that were heavily influenced by his interest in magic and the occult. For example, his play "The Land of Heart's Desire" features fairies and other supernatural beings that are symbolic of the human psyche.
The Connection Between Magic and Creativity
Yeats believed that there was a strong connection between magic and creativity. He believed that magic could inspire creativity and that creative works could be magical in themselves.
Yeats' interest in magic heavily influenced his own creative works. His poetry and plays often featured supernatural themes and were heavily influenced by his spiritual beliefs. He also believed that poetry had the power to evoke emotions and transcendental experiences, much like magic.
The Influence of Yeats' Interest in Magic and the Occult
Yeats' interest in magic and the occult heavily influenced his writing. His works were often mystical and symbolic, and featured supernatural themes. He also used his works to explore his own spiritual beliefs and to connect with the divine.
Yeats' influence on the literary world was significant. He was a leading figure in the Irish literary renaissance and was instrumental in shaping modernist literature. His interest in magic and the occult helped to popularize these subjects and brought them into the mainstream.
Conclusion
W B Yeats was an important figure in the literary world and his interest in magic and the occult heavily influenced his writing. He believed that magic and the occult were important aspects of life and that they provided a deeper understanding of the world. His works were often mystical and symbolic, and featured supernatural themes. Yeats' influence on modernist literature and his popularization of magic and the occult have had a lasting impact on the literary world.