London

[Thomas Moore]

I'm coming to the end of a week in London. I gave a talk at St. James church in Picadilly last Monday evening to a large crowd. It's the church where William Blake was baptized, a good venue for me. People who read Writing in the Sand are enjoying it and appreciating my ideas. I'm considering going further with this project by publishing a translation of the New Testament Gospels in a way that reflects the ideas in the book. Then I've been considering a more extended reflection on the teachings and stories.

I went to the British museum today for the second time this week. I'm going to be talking about magic and Robert Fludd and John Dee on the weekend, proposing that therapists consider the dimension of magic in their work. I asked an official at the museum if they had any alchemy exhibits today, and she said, "All we have is some John Dee stuff." I was able to see the actual obsidian circular stone that Dee used to conjure spirits, a stone that I already referred to in my notes for the weekend talk. Quite magical.

At the museum I also enjoyed seeing images of Dionysus, Hermes, and the triple goddesses from early Britain. I asked a passerby to take my photo next to an ancient image of Asklepios. So it was a good day in London.

[Julianne]

Nice to hear your news. Yes, interesting about William Blake. And the link between what you're working and focusing on, and the things you have seen at the museum. I love the idea of magic in therapy. Can't wait to hear more on this. And on learning more about John Dee and Robert Fludd.

[Thomas Moore]

Julianne,

I first came across "natural magic" while writing my dissertation centuries ago. The books of Frances Yates would be a good introduction, though some young Renaissance scholars today feel they have surpassed her. There is a long line of magi or maguses, an awkward word: Campanella, della Porta, Ramon Lull, Ficino, Agrippa, Trithemius, Dee, Fludd. They offer an alternative to the rationalism with which we approach most things. In my study I have a lovely crystal ball, and I feel most inspired by tea leaves. I have written somewhere that the mind works by reason and the soul by magic. My book The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life was an attempt to outline a life of magic. My thought, ill-conceived I'm afraid, was to inspire a change in culture through a basic exploration of soul (Care of...), love (soulmates), and an enchanted world. The third step didn't go over too well. But I recommend magic to you. An especially good book is Iuan Culiano's Eros and Magic in the Renaissance. He was a wonderful writer murdered at the University of Chicago. Tomorrow I go to Ireland where magic is to be seen all over the countryside in holy wells, dolmens, ogham stones, and fairy forts.

[Julianne]

Thomas,

Thank you for your thoughts. I have read those three wonderful books of yours, although they are unfortunately tucked away in storage at the moment, like so many of my precious things. I will look for Eros and Magic in the Renaissance. I love the writings and magic of Marsilio Ficino. But some of his methods can be complex. I like the idea of intention and focus, also using objects such as candles and keeping in mind the phases of the moon and the planets. For me magic is also dreams, feelings about people and places, and synchronicity. Not sure if that is magic though or something else. I look forward to hearing about your experiences in Ireland.

[Beth Follini]

All those powerful magical symbols have such resonance - can anyone see a Mandala and not feel something deeper stiring within? Like an echo or a whisper of something we know we know? I've been entraced by working with polarities (as a coach) and when you engage clients in this - it 'clunks' - it's like 'oh yes, that makes sense now.' For me, polarity work is magical - it enable you to step into wholeness, to tap into a third way or generative energy. On one hand it can appear completely rational and then, of course, paradoxically, it is not and when you feel that flow of energy - wow!

[Thomas Moore]

Julianne,

Years ago I made the choice not to become a Jungian analyst. I considered it seriously but jokingly said that I had already been a Catholic and didn't have the heart to join another church. I have a profound appreciation for Jung and for the Jung societies where I often speak. The side of Jung I like most is his role of magus, magician. I read a story in Rick Tarnas's book the other day (I'm preparing to work with him.) about Jung having a discussion with a man about publishing a book. Jung was against it. He looked at his watch, which read 5:05. He asked the man what time his watch indicated. 5:35. Jung said that since his watch was defective he wanted to continue talking. Eventually he changed his mind. That kind of reading the signs in everyday life is one thing a magus does regularly. Jung is a magician in many other ways, more serious ways, and it is this daily magical practice that I consider an important route to soul.

[Julianne]

Thomas,

I love this. It affirms my interpretations of events in my own life and encourages me to continue with this way of seeing the world. For me it seems when there is a strong need, or in times of great change, I am given more guidance in this way. This story also teaches me to take a more active role, to actually look for signs and symbols, rather than just passively (although gratefully) receive them. And also to be willing to change my way of thinking when necessary, not to be stuck in a pre-determined point of view. Thank you. Now I also see that Rick Tarnas is someone I must read.