Where does creativity come from? Artists and philosophers have long believed that their ideas had an otherworldly source – dubbed Spiritus Mundi or “World Spirit” by occultist poet WB Yeats. This anthology dives into that creative wellspring, collecting new works by acclaimed authors and poets on topics ranging from the spiritual to the deeply personal. At times transcendent, macabre, jubilant, and heartfelt, these poems and stories were prompted by occult techniques such as scrying and cartomancy.
Interspresing these creative works are eight essays by Elizabeth Kim (this volume’s curator, and editor of Cunning Folk Magazine). Elizabeth introduces magical systems explored by the writers, while investigating the very concept of Spiritus Mundi – and the incredible history of creators making contact with the beyond.