Occult Classics: Dion Fortune's What is Occultism? - Book Review

The word practical isn't often associated with occultism. But if any writer could be said to have aptly applied reason to esoteric matters, it would be Dion Fortune. She was born Violet Mary Firth in Wales in 1891 and raised in a Christian Science household. She would become one of the most influential early writers on the western mystery tradition, albeit not as famous as some more flamboyant personalities of the time.

She published numerous books that have become classics among occult literature including this one in the 1920s which was originally titled Sane Occultism. This actually was a series of articles she wrote for the periodical The Occult Review.

Unfortunately, the name of the book was changed to What is Occultism? by Samuel Weiser, Inc. The original title fits the subject matter so much better. In fact, this book is really full of Fortune's opinions of different occult matters. It's not an explanation of occultism or how-to book. I mention this because the new title might confuse people who are expecting that.

With that being said, Fortune does state in the first chapter what she thinks occultism should be. She goes over the common definition of "occult" meaning hidden, but she believed that shouldn't mean it has to be beyond reason.

In parts of the book, Fortune covers ways that claims of psychic ability and past lives can be verified. She raised the ire of some in esoteric circles she was involved with when she humorously questioned why it is that everyone seems to have been a great ruler in past lives instead of someone lower down the totem pole.

This book only touches on these topics. Readers may want to look to her other work for a more in-depth exploration into the techniques she discusses (see end of article for selections). If nothing else, readers will appreciate that she says some of the things they've been thinking (and she said it decades before they were born).

Dion Fortune was the contemporary of some of the most famous magicians and occultists of the early 20th century including Aleister Crowley, S.L. MacGregor Mathers (one founder of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn) and his wife Moina MacGregor Mathers.

In this book, she is honest in her assessment in the dynamics of occult groups. She believed that many of the groups were made up of dabblers who wanted something different to fill their time and power-hungry individuals looking for ego stroking.

In my experience, occult group dynamics haven't changed much and Fortune's advice on what to look out for is still valid.

"I hold strongly the belief that we can only base our civilization on an ethical basis, but I hold equally strongly the belief that that ethic has to be sane and practical and that the right way is usually half way between two extremes." ~ Dion Fortune

In Fortune's day, some people involved in the occult were making claims as to what a "good occultist" should be doing to be more spiritual. Some of these ideas being espoused were vegetarianism, drug use and sexual magic.

Her essays Occultism and Vegetarianism, The Left-Hand Path, Authority and Obedience in Occultism among others in the book cover how dangerous extremes can be. For instance, some magicians may use drugs as a shortcut to spiritual growth, but how soon someone arrives at their destination isn't as important as how prepared they are to handle the knowledge they receive when they get there.

Fortune didn't disrespect vegetarians. She only disagreed with the concept that being one will make you more spiritual. The quote above really sums up the entire philosophy of this book. She didn't believe that extremes get you anywhere, but hard work, perseverance and common sense are what really would pay off in the long run.

Unfortunately, one area she faltered belies the irrational thinking of her times which is that homosexuality is wrong and only engaged in by sick people. Her tradition is based on balance, and in her view same-sex partnerships do not have the correct gender balance.

I believe if she were alive today she would be in step with the times, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention her attitude about homosexuality in this review. To be fair, I don't know the history of the relationships she speaks of in the book. She seems to be discussing what she believes to be cases of younger men being taken advantage of by older men seeking power, not truly consenting relationships.

She also held what would now be considered outdated views on what spiritual paths each of the races should be following. While there is truth in the idea that it's easier for many of us to relate to the religious and spiritual traditions of our ancestors, that doesn't mean we are incapable of or should be held back from practicing other traditions.

She doesn't state that the races should be separated spiritually but modern sensibilities might cause her words to be taken that way. She does make good points, however, in appreciating one's own spiritual background rather than romanticizing that of someone else. One example of this is the idolizing and belittling notion of the noble savage of aboriginal cultures held by some of European ancestry in America and elsewhere.

I could be off the mark on both of these points, and she could simply have been a bigot. I don't want to go too far down the path of believing she had a normal attitude for her times. But I don't know enough about her at this time to make that call either way.

Dion Fortune's occultism was heavily influenced by the western mystery tradition which was itself influenced by Christian ideas. Modern readers who are familiar with the concept of Jesus being the Christos or the way shower will be comfortable with this. Others who are expecting occult literature to be free of this might not like the Christian terms.

Fortune founded The Society of Inner Light, a mystery school which is still thriving today in England. Their religious orientation is Christian esotericism and their aim is to help seekers reach their highest potential.

The Society's goal is in service to God and not as a means for the individual to gain power over others. To learn more about membership in the society, visit the website here.

Even with its faults, occultists interested in the history of their traditions will want to read this book and have a collection of Fortune's books on their shelves. Again, it isn't a how-to guide to occultism. It is, however, a glimpse into the personality of a dynamic teacher and leader of 20th century occultism whose influence lives on today.

Dion Fortune's no-nonsense approach to esoteric matters is refreshing in an age that is filled with hucksters and egomaniacs claiming titles they didn't earn. What is Occultism? may be full of essays that are nearly a century old, but the advice in these pages is golden.

PJDeneen ©2009 http://hubpages.com/hub/Dion-Fortunes-What-is-Occultism-Book-Review