The deceased Pontiff’s favorite artist, poem, and film tell us something of his ideas about the social and prophetic role of the arts.
Pope Francis’ Artistic Taste: Alejandro Marmo, “Martin Fierro,” and Babette
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Titian’s Easter Bunny: A Very Serious Business
The hare represented Jesus and his virgin birth, as the hares were (falsely) believed to reproduce without loss of virginity.
Dane Rudhyar: Theosophist, Composer, Astrologer, Artist
The world-famous astrologer and member of the Theosophical Society was also a gifted painter and participated in significant 20th-century artistic movements.
Aleksandra Ionowa: The Esoteric Art of Finland’s Forgotten Mediumistic Artist
An exhibition in Espoo, Finland, emphasizes the painter’s Theosophical connections and reveals a secret about her relationship with Blavatsky.
Gauguin, Theosophy, and Comparative Religion
Some scholars have claimed that “Theosophy was Gauguin’s world view.” Not all agree, as Swedenborg and the Spiritualist comparativist Gerald Massey were equally important influences.
Japan: The Political Background of the Unification Church’s Dissolution Case
The little-known role of Japan’s Communist Party in preparing the controversial decision of the Tokyo District Court.
What is the Shrine? 3. The Black Shrine
African Americans had to struggle to have their own independent Shrine. Some took the Arabic references so seriously that they converted to Islam.
What is the Shrine? 2. The White Shrine
During its long history, the Shrine met with problems and scandals but became also extremely popular for his philanthropic activities.
What is the Shrine? 1. The Origins of a Para-Masonic Order
Supplementing “Bitter Winter” series on Freemasonry, a look at an organization about which little is known outside the United States,
Emil Bisttram: Between Rosicrucianism, Theosophy, and Prophecy
The Hungarian-born American painter was an important figure in several esoteric societies, and produced works that he believed were “portals” to enter the New Age.