7 thinkers, books, and ideas connected to this field.
British occultist who founded the religious philosophy of Thelema — 'Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law' — developed the Thoth Tarot with Frieda Harris, performed elaborate magical rituals, and became the defining figure of 20th century Western occultism, calling himself 'The Great Beast 666'.
French occultist born Alphonse Louis Constant, who modernized Western ceremonial magic and linked the Tarot to Kabbalah. His writings became the foundational grammar for 19th-century occult revival and influenced every subsequent Western esoteric movement.
French physician and occultist born Gerard Anaclet Vincent Encausse. Led a major occult revival in Belle Epoque Paris, founded Martinist Orders, and popularized the Tarot through systematic analysis. His salon became a crossroads for esoteric France.
French writer and occultist who founded the Rosicrucian Salon (Salon de la Rose+Croix), merging fin-de-siecle aestheticism with esoteric Christianity. He championed Wagnerism, Catholic mysticism, and an androgynous ideal of spiritual art.
Russian-American occultist Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, co-founder of the Theosophical Society (1875). Her major works claimed contact with Mahatmas and synthesized Eastern religion with Western occultism, launching the modern spiritual movement known as Theosophy.
British-American occultist who created the Rider-Waite Tarot deck (1909) with artist Pamela Colman Smith. A prolific author on Kabbalah, Rosicrucianism, and Freemasonry, he sought to reconcile occultism with orthodox Christian mysticism.
British occultist and Theosophist, prominent leader in the Theosophical Society alongside Annie Besant. Known for clairvoyant investigations of the aura, chakras, and astral planes. Controversial figure who popularized Theosophical cosmology in accessible form.