5/27/2012

The Bookplate of Dennis Bardens


found in Muffs and Morals by Pearl Binder (1953).

Dennis Bardens (1911-2004)  was an English journalist, wirter, and psychic researcher. A self-taught man, he became a freelance writer in late 1920's London and made many friends among occultists, mystics and psychics of the day. After WWII his main field was in a TV script writing and producing of programs. The bookplate was made by Bardens's occult friend A.O. Spare.

5/24/2012

The Bookplate of Fergus Hamel


Found in An Introduction to the Kabalah by Willliam Wynn Westcott (1910).

Fergus Hamel (1866-1942) was initiated into SRIA in 1903: V degree in 1909 and VIII in 1917. Apart from the membership, his connection with Wynn Westcott was deep as he was the husband of Westcott's second daughter Elsie Bridget. Sadly enough Elsie commited suicide in 1918, but despite the tragedy Hamel continued to stay in SRIA. Later Westcott nominated Hamel as a receiver of all his GD materials. It's an interesting fact that Fergus Hamel seems to be of German descent.

5/15/2012

a rare work by AE


A supplement to The Green Sheaf (1903). Titled "A Million Years Later".

5/14/2012

Via Lucis

Via Lucis

Where comest thou, O child of earth!
   With eager and wistful eyes?


Hither I come from the Land of Mirth,
   Where Pleasures is all they prize.

Whither art wending, maiden sweet!
   Arrayed in thy robes of white?


"Into the Darkness with trembling feet
   And vainly I seek the Light".

"Seeker of light! I've heard men tell
   That the Sorrow is Pleasure's Bride;
That Pain and Death, where Mirth doth dwell,
   Like tyrants rule side by side".


Truly they told thee -- but I would seek
   That Wisdom which Freedom brings,
And fain would soar to its light, but weak
   And untrained are earthy wings.
Canst guide me to where such freedom is,
   And Faith shall dissolve in sight?

Follow into the Darkness, child! I wis
   Therein thou shalt find the Light.



"The Light shinethe in the Darkness and the Darkness
                         comprehendeth it not."

                                    John i. 5.

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A poem by Charles Rosher from his Poems (1897).
The illustration is by M. Bergson MacGregor (i.e. Moina Macgregor Mathers).
Anyone can decipher the inscripition on the wall?