Alex Stone, also known as Alexander Stone, is a prominent figure in the field of occultism. He has made significant contributions to the study and practice of occult sciences, mysticism, and esoteric knowledge. With a deep understanding of ancient spiritual traditions and a unique approach to modern mysticism, Stone has become a respected authority in the occult community. Stone's interest in the occult began at a young age when he had his first encounter with Taoist philosophy. This encounter sparked a lifelong fascination with the hidden realms of consciousness and the unseen forces that shape our reality. Over the years, he delved into various branches of occult knowledge, including astrology, tarot, alchemy, and witchcraft.
Over the years, he delved into various branches of occult knowledge, including astrology, tarot, alchemy, and witchcraft. One of Stone's notable contributions to occultism is his emphasis on personal growth and self-transformation. He believes that true power and enlightenment lie within each individual and can be unlocked through dedicated spiritual practice.
BELL, BOOK, AND CANDLE
Sadly, these days it ain’t secret enough. Art fairs are cropping up everywhere, holding out the promise of instant cultural cachet to any dummy with deep pockets and a few connections. Plebes like me can buy a ticket to lookie-loo at any one of these high-end craft conventions, our new sacred, with the desperate hope of stumbling across something good (which happens… sometimes) or, indeed, even something great (much less than sometimes). Once upon a time, we tried to see God with art. That time might be distant history, but the need for magic, and for the terror and mystery that so often accompany it, hasn’t entirely left us. It’s still out there—in art and, of course, in life—and blessed be to the numinous handful who seek it out to show to the rest of us.
RelatedJesse Bransford and Pam Grossman, two such people, united their charmed energies last weekend to bring us “The Occult Humanities Conference: Contemporary Art and Scholarship on the Esoteric Traditions,” at NYU Steinhardt’s Barney Building in the East Village. Bransford and Grossman gathered an impressive array of artists, publishers, and scholars who work almost exclusively with the history and imagery of occultism. In the building’s Rosenberg and Commons exhibition spaces, there were also temporary exhibitions, organized by Bransford, of magic-influenced art. Sponsored by the Phantasmaphile blog (“art – culture – mirabilia”), Observatory, and NYU Steinhardt’s Department of Art and Art Professions, the conference itself was intimate—a sold-out event of approximately one hundred attendees—and brought together a mixed audience of art students, curious novices, and the esoteric-sympathetic, along with fully immersed, hard-core experts and magickal practitioners.
I’m sad to report that I missed the first lecture, Saturday morning, by Susan Aberth, an associate professor of art history at Bard and author of a book on Surrealist artist Leonora Carrington, the subject of her talk. Many spent the weekend swooning over Aberth’s insights into the life and art of Carrington, who, since her death in 2011, has experienced something of a renaissance. And why shouldn’t she? Carrington, after all, was an unsung feminist maker of phantasmagoric images and texts who, when barely out of her teens, abandoned a privileged life of debutante balls and royal connections to become an artist and make Max Ernst—over twenty years her senior—her lover. Fabulous.
I did, however, catch the afternoon session, which included an amazing talk by William J. Kiesel, the director of Ouroboros Press—publisher of some seriously exquisite and lavishly produced books on esotericism. His “Alchemical Vessels: Vehicles of the Hermetic Tradition” was a lecture on the history of the various ovens, alembics, and crucibles used in alchemy, and an attempt to make a distinction between their literal and metaphoric functions as described in ancient alchemical texts. “Read, pray, do your work,” said Keisel. “This was the alchemist’s motto in hopes of cultivating the divine.” Lovelier words never spoken.
Left: Acep Hale and William Kiesel. Right: Pam Grossman delivering her lecture at the OHC.
A little later that evening, Pam Grossman, founder of Phantasmaphile and one of the women behind Observatory, discussed contemporary art and the occult, and explained how she uses magical thinking to détourn the vicissitudes of daily life in New York City. “If only,” mumbled an evil witch in the audience, who was enshrouded in some kind of fucked-up Laura Ashley/harlequin drag. Grossman also framed Walter De Maria’s New York Earth Room, 1977, and Broken Kilometer, 1979, as sites of otherworldly power, comprising earth, brass, lucky numbers, and sacred geometries—temples of magic tucked away on West Broadway and Wooster that seem to have much in common with archaic traditions and earth mysteries that go back to that premodern time before Minimalism and Land art.
This debut from South African-born, now Waiheke Island-based Alex Stone claims to be the first novel ever written ‘in first-person elephant.’ I can't see there being a. a herd of competitors.
Stone teaches that through meditation, ritual work, and the exploration of one's inner self, individuals can tap into their latent abilities and cultivate a deeper connection with the divine. In addition to his theoretical teachings, Stone is also known for his practical applications of occult practices. He has developed numerous rituals, spells, and divination techniques that are utilized by practitioners around the world. Stone's work often focuses on empowering individuals to take control of their own lives and manifest their desires through the use of sacred symbols, incantations, and energetic manipulation. Although occultism is often associated with secrecy and mystique, Stone has strived to make this esoteric knowledge accessible to a wider audience. He has written several books and articles on the subject, aiming to demystify occult practices and provide practical guidance for those interested in exploring this realm. Through his teachings, Stone aims to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern life, showing how occult principles can be applied to enhance everyday existence. In conclusion, Alex Stone's contributions to occultism have had a significant impact on the field. His deep understanding of and passion for the subject have made him a respected figure in the occult community. Through his teachings and practical applications, Stone has empowered individuals to explore their spiritual potential and create positive change in their lives..
Reviews for "From Skeptic to Believer: Alex Stone's Transformation into an Occultist"
1. Emily - 1 star - I really did not enjoy reading "Alex Stone Occultism". The story felt disjointed and confusing, with characters and plotlines that were poorly developed. The writing style was also subpar, with grammatical errors and awkward sentence structures throughout. Overall, I found the book to be a chore to read and would not recommend it to others.
2. James - 2 stars - "Alex Stone Occultism" had potential, but it ultimately fell short for me. The plot started off promising, but quickly became convoluted and hard to follow. The characters lacked depth and their motivations seemed vague at best. Additionally, the pacing was inconsistent, with slow sections that dragged on and abrupt jumps in the narrative. While I appreciate the concept of the book, the execution left much to be desired.
3. Samantha - 2.5 stars - I had high hopes for "Alex Stone Occultism", but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The story had an interesting premise, but the execution was disappointing. The pacing was slow and the plot lacked excitement and intrigue. The characters felt one-dimensional and their dialogue often felt forced and unnatural. Overall, I found the book underwhelming and wouldn't recommend it to fellow readers looking for a captivating occult-themed story.
4. Benjamin - 1.5 stars - I found "Alex Stone Occultism" to be a disappointing read. The writing was bland and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to become invested in the story or the characters. The plot felt contrived and predictable, lacking any real surprises or twists. The author's attempt at creating an eerie atmosphere fell flat, and I found myself waiting for something more substantial to happen. Ultimately, I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking an engaging occult-themed novel.