Plant Magick. The Library of Esoterica (English language) Taschen.

Volume IV of The Library of Esoterica celebrates the magic of the natural realm and delves into symbolism, ceremony, and our ritual relationships with the botanical world. A visual journey through our interdependent evolution with nature, Plant Magick celebrates plant products as creative muse - from ancient Greek sculptures to renaissance paintings to visionary art inspired by psychoactive plants, cacti and mushrooms. Our myths, beliefs and shared stories are constantly reflected in nature; purity represented by the white lily or spiritual awakening by the bloom of the lotus. Our joys and laments are reflected in the cycle of the seasons, in the germinating seeds, or in the dead leaf gently falling from the winter branches. Plants, trees and flowers as signifiers of transition are also deeply embedded in rites of passage in global cultures. Rose petals strewn along the wedding path mark the evolution towards femininity and marriage. A wreath of lilies stands sentinel over an open grave. A love bouquet is waiting in front of the door. The wooden May Day pole is circled by girls wearing crowns of woven daisies, celebrating the arrival of spring. Births, unions and burials - cycles of joyous celebrations and deep mourning, all symbolically marked with herbs, flowers or branches of a tree - the integration of nature into ceremony, our method of denoting catharsis. From time immemorial, plants have also served as powerful symbols within the world's religions; Buddha attains enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, Eve plucks the Apple of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden. From root to vibrant blossom, Plant Magick explores the fertile, interconnected history between plants and humans, the multitude of ways we embrace plants in spiritual ceremonies, as healing medicine, as creative muse, and as gateways to deeper explorations of consciousness. About the Series The Library of Esoterica explores how centuries of artists have shaped mysticism, translating the mysterious and the obscure into enduring, visionary works of art. Each subject is showcased through both modern and archival imagery sourced from private collectors, libraries and museums around the world. The result is an inclusive visual history, a study of our primal power to dream and nightmare, and the creative ways we strive to connect with the divine.

Language: English
Binding: Hard cover
Edition: 1
Publication date: September 30, 2022
Size: 170x240mm
Number of pages: 520 pages
Author: Jessica Hundley
EAN: 9783836585644