Inspiration Quote by Austin Osman Spare
““agical obsession is that state of mind when the mind is illuminated by sub-conscious activity evoked voluntarily by means of deliberate magical formula at a time of our own choosing, for the purpose of inspiration. It is the condition of genius. Any other form of obsession is a matter of ‘the blind leading the blind’, known as mediumism, a passive opening out of the ego to any external influence, elementals or disembodied energy. Such a transmuted consciousness actually constitutes a resistance to ‘true’ unconscious activity. It is a form of voluntary insanity, a sleep-walking of the Ego with no kind of form or control to guide it, hence its emanations tend to be either stupid in suggestion, or memories of childhood.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Book of Pleasure (An Interpretation of the Tarot) by Austin Osman Spare, 1913
A deliberate, magical obsession can unlock subconscious inspiration and genius, unlike passive, uncontrolled obsession which leads to aimless influence.
In simple terms: Focused magical practice can spark genius; uncontrolled obsession is harmful.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate purposeful, magical focus.
Themes
creativity
magical practice
subconscious
genius
Mood
mysterious
introspective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- artistic creation
- ritual practice
- personal transformation
- psychological exploration
Key Concepts
voluntary obsession
magical formula
inspiration
ego control
Questions to Reflect On
- What disciplined rituals could you adopt for creativity?
- How do you differentiate healthy focus from obsession?
A Different Perspective
Such practices may be misunderstood or dismissed as eccentric.
