A shamanic journey & the imagination.
This painting captures a profound mystical journey, a volcanic awakening, and a dance of divine energy. Created during a meditative state, this artwork serves as a vivid testament of my spiritual awakening and transcendence into the realm of the mystical.
The large, watchful face of the wolf dominates the left side of the painting, this wolf is a paranoid watcher of my transcendence. The intense gaze of the wolf, painted in earthy tones of browns and golds, symbolises a draining influence. However, instead of grounding me, this presence became a challenge to overcome, as the artist decided to float away from the materialistic constraints of the earth, which felt imprisoning for their mind and imagination. The wolf stands as a reminder of the earthly primative tethers that sought to pull the artist down, but from which they eventually escaped to embrace the mystical experience fully.
Central to the composition is a majestic tree, its branches reaching out like arms embracing the surrounding landscape. This tree, depicted with rich greens and vibrant foliage, serves as a bridge between the earthly realm and the mystical. Beneath its canopy flows a river or waterfall, its cascading waters painted in dynamic blue and white strokes, representing the flow of life force and spiritual energy. This element conveys movement and transformation, suggesting the cleansing and renewal that accompany spiritual awakening, allowing the artist to transcend the physical world.
The background is alive with dramatic elements that symbolise my spiritual rebirth. Snow-capped mountains, tinged with ethereal pinks and blues, form a serene backdrop, hinting at the purity and tranquility of higher consciousness. On the right, a volcanic eruption sends fiery tendrils of lava and smoke into the sky, painted in intense reds, oranges, and yellows. This volcano is a metaphor for my awakening, the fiery energy igniting my soul and heart, transforming my inner landscape into one of passion and enlightenment. It is this golden light of the sun, emanating from the volcano, that provides balance against the cold, devoid moonlight. The moonlight feels distant and impersonal, while the volcanic sunlight fills me with warmth and spiritual vitality.
The sky is a tumultuous sea of swirling colors—purples, pinks, yellows—reflecting the chaotic beauty of my journey through the veil into the mystical light. A bright celestial body, perhaps the sun or moon, shines with a powerful halo, signifying the light of Lucifer. This light, depicted in golden oranges, yellows, and reds, is not malevolent but rather a divine, energizing force that guides the artist toward spiritual illumination and a mystical dance of the soul.
The figure with outstretched arms in the right portion of the painting represented me, caught in a moment of ecstatic surrender to the divine energy. Bathed in the warm glow of the erupting volcano and the celestial light, this figure is a conduit of spiritual energy, embodying the mystical dance that transcends the physical realm. The figure's form, rendered with fluid, almost ethereal strokes, suggests a merging with the divine imagination, where the boundaries between self and spirit dissolve.
In this oil painting, I broke through the veil of ordinary perception, stepping into a world where the mystical and the divine intertwine. Through the vivid portrayal of natural and supernatural elements, the painting invites viewers to embark on their own journey of spiritual discovery, guided by the light of divine imagination and the primal wisdom of the wolf spirit, eruptions from the flames and lava of the volcano and to embrace the mystical colours cast into the cosmic night skies. This artwork is not just a visual experience but a portal to the profound mysteries of the soul, a testament to my awakening and a beacon for others seeking the light of spiritual truth.
The war on imagination
In our postmodern world, the power of imagination is under relentless attack, particularly among those who lack access to higher philosophical and occult knowledge. The marginalized and less privileged are especially targeted, as the forces of society strive to stifle the creative and mystical potentials within them. Modern science, in its quest to demystify human consciousness, often reduces the divine mind to mere psychological phenomena, engaging in a war that aims to obliterate any notion of existence beyond the physical realm. This systematic erosion of imaginative power seeks to sever our connection to the divine source, plunging humanity into a state of atheistic darkness and oblivion. Such a disconnection not only stifles personal spiritual growth but also undermines the revolutionary spirit necessary to challenge and transform the elitist structures that discourage imaginative thinking.
My painting, born out of a shamanic journey and deep meditation, is a direct rebellion against this societal trend. It serves as a visual manifesto that underscores the crucial role of imagination in accessing mystical divinity. The vibrant, otherworldly landscape I created is not merely a manifestation of an empty, brain-induced dream but a profound exploration of the divine realms accessible through the awakened mind. The wolf, volcano, and celestial elements within the painting symbolize the struggle and triumph of the human spirit over the materialistic and imprisoning aspects of the modern world.
The wolf's watchful gaze, representing those who sought to anchor me to a mundane existence, is a testament to the societal forces that fear the liberated imagination. Yet, the volcanic eruption and the figure's ecstatic dance illustrate the ultimate victory of spiritual enlightenment and the warmth of divine energy. By transcending the earthly confines and embracing the mystical light, my painting invites viewers to reclaim their imaginative power and reconnect with the divine spark within.
Through this artwork, I aim to inspire others to break free from the oppressive narratives that seek to diminish the power of their minds. It is a call to resist the encroaching darkness and to kindle the light of imagination, thereby fostering a collective awakening that can challenge and reshape the existing elitist structures. In celebrating the boundless potential of the human imagination, we pave the way for a more enlightened and spiritually connected world.
Philosophers and Artists that would agree
Philosophers like James Hillman and Henry Corbin deeply resonate with this perspective. Hillman, in his archetypal psychology, emphasizes the soul’s need for imaginative engagement with the world, seeing the psyche as inherently poetic and mythical. He believes that by nurturing our imaginations, we can reconnect with deeper truths about ourselves and the cosmos. Similarly, Henry Corbin’s work in Islamic mysticism and visionary imagination highlights the importance of imaginal worlds in understanding spiritual realities. Corbin posits that these imaginal realms are as real and significant as the physical world, offering profound insights into the nature of existence.
William Blake, the visionary poet and painter, profoundly understood the sacred power of imagination. His works explore the interplay between the material and the divine, often depicting mystical visions that challenge conventional perceptions of reality. Blake’s belief that “all religions are one” and his concept of the “divine imagination” align closely with the idea that imagination is a gateway to spiritual truth and liberation.
Rudolf Steiner, the founder of anthroposophy, also saw imagination as a vital tool for spiritual development. Steiner believed that through imaginative exercises, individuals could access higher spiritual knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of the cosmos and their place within it. His artistic and philosophical teachings advocate for an education system that nurtures creative and spiritual growth, countering the materialistic tendencies of contemporary society.
Carl Jung, with his exploration of the collective unconscious and archetypes, also underscores the importance of imagination. Jung viewed the imaginal realm as a space where personal and universal symbols intersect, facilitating psychological and spiritual healing. His work encourages a reconnection with the mythic dimensions of life, promoting a holistic understanding of the human experience.
In conclusion, the perspectives of these philosophers and artists illuminate the essential role of imagination in bridging the gap between the mundane and the mystical. My painting, inspired by a shamanic journey, is a testament to this imaginative exploration, urging viewers to transcend the physical and reconnect with the divine light. By embracing the power of imagination, we can challenge the oppressive structures of our time, igniting a spiritual and creative renaissance that honors the depth and potential of the human soul.