During the Renaissance period, there was a growing interest in the occult, and this fascination often intersected with infatuation and love. The Renaissance, which spanned from the 14th to the 17th century, witnessed a renewed interest in classical knowledge and the exploration of new ideas. This era was marked by a shift towards humanism and individualism, leading to a heightened focus on personal experiences and emotions. Infatuation, defined as an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone, played an influential role during this time. It was not uncommon for individuals to become infatuated with someone – whether real or imaginary – and attribute supernatural qualities to their object of desire. This infatuation often became entangled with occult practices and beliefs.
In this letter to Price (25 February, 1926), Robinson outlines the technologies required to test his claims in the test sitting, including a Dictaphone, Kelvin Galvanometer, and stereoscopic camera.
Robinson had been in touch with Harry Price earlier that year to explain his recent telepathic communication with Martians in particular, a Martian woman called Oomaruru. The laying of the earliest working overland and submarine telegraphic cables in the late 1840s and early 1850s coincided with the birth of spiritualism a widespread belief that the living could communicate with the spirits of the dead.
This infatuation often became entangled with occult practices and beliefs. Occultism, which refers to a belief in supernatural powers and practices beyond the realm of conventional knowledge, gained popularity during the Renaissance. Many individuals turned to astrology, alchemy, and magic to uncover hidden truths and harness mystical forces.
Telecommunications and the occult
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the invention of new communications technologies sparked widespread interest in the possibility of supernatural contact.
This story looks at how these technologies—including the electric telegraph, the telephone and wireless radio—were used to explain and explore communication with supernatural beings, the spirits of the dead and even aliens.
They believed that through these practices, they could gain control over their lives and relationships, including matters of love and infatuation. In the context of infatuation and occultism during the Renaissance, one prominent example is the concept of "love potions." Love potions were believed to be potions or concoctions that could make someone fall madly in love with the person who administered it. These potions often included ingredients with supposed aphrodisiac properties like herbs, flowers, or animal parts. People infatuated with someone would resort to love potions in the hopes of capturing their desired person's affections. Another example that connects infatuation and occultism in the Renaissance is the use of astrology to understand and control relationships. Astrology, which is the belief that celestial bodies influence human behavior and destiny, was widely practiced during this period. People would consult astrological charts and horoscopes to determine compatibility with their object of infatuation. They believed that by understanding the alignment of the stars and planets, they could predict and manipulate the course of their love lives. Furthermore, during the Renaissance, literature and art often depicted infatuation with occult undertones. The idea of forbidden love or secret desires added an element of mystery and enchantment to romantic narratives. Writers like William Shakespeare explored themes of infatuation and obsession in plays such as "Romeo and Juliet" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream," where magical elements played pivotal roles in the characters' relationships. In conclusion, the Renaissance period witnessed a fascination with the occult that intersected with infatuation and love. Individuals sought to understand and control their relationships through astrology, magic, and the use of love potions. This intertwining of infatuation and occultism can be seen in literature, art, and the beliefs and practices of the time. The Renaissance era's emphasis on personal experiences and emotions gave rise to a complex and captivating intersection of these two themes..
Reviews for "The Power of Desire: Exploring Infatuation and Occultism in Renaissance Philosophy"
1. John - 1 star
I found "Infatuation and occultism in the renaissance" to be an incredibly frustrating read. The content was incredibly dense and convoluted, making it difficult to decipher the author's meaning. Additionally, I felt like the book lacked a clear thesis or argument, leaving me confused and unengaged throughout. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
While I appreciate the author's attempt to explore the relationship between infatuation and occultism during the Renaissance period, I found their analysis to be lacking in depth and insight. The book seemed to only scratch the surface of the topic, providing a cursory overview without delving into any meaningful discussion or analysis. I was left wanting more from this book and ultimately felt unsatisfied with the content it offered.
3. Michael - 2 stars
"Infatuation and occultism in the renaissance" promised to be an intriguing exploration of the intersection between these two elements during a fascinating historical period. Unfortunately, the book failed to deliver on its promises. The writing was dry and uninspiring, making it difficult to maintain my interest. Additionally, I felt like the author relied too heavily on generalizations and lacked concrete examples or evidence to support their arguments. Overall, I was left unimpressed and would not recommend this book to others.
4. Emily - 1 star
I found "Infatuation and occultism in the renaissance" to be a highly confusing and disjointed read. The author's writing style was difficult to follow, and their arguments and ideas often seemed contradictory. I struggled to find any coherent structure or flow to the book, which made it an overall unsatisfying reading experience. I would caution others to approach this book with caution, as it may not meet their expectations.