[Paganism] WB Yeats influences on paganism.
Biography of the poet Yeats and associations to paganism.
W.B. Yeats (1865-1939) and Paganism
Early Influences
W.B. Yeats and Paganism
Early Influences
William Butler Yeats was deeply influenced by Irish folklore and mythology, which often included pagan elements. Born in Sandymount, a suburb of Dublin, Ireland, in 1865, he was raised in a Catholic household.
His childhood experiences in Sligo, rich with stories of the Aos Sidhe (fairy folk) and ancient Irish deities, shaped his literary voice. Yeats sought to connect with his Irish heritage, often exploring themes of mysticism and the occult in his work.
The Celtic Twilight Movement
Yeats was a key figure in the Celtic Twilight movement, which aimed to revive interest in Celtic culture and spirituality.
This movement embraced elements of paganism, emphasizing a return to nature and ancient beliefs. Yeats's writings often reflect a longing for a mystical connection to the land and its history, blending personal ideology with traditional folklore.
Chronological Overview of Yeats's Associations and Influence
1 Early Writing and Romantic Influences (1886-1890):
° 1886: Yeats published his first collection of poems, "The Wanderings of Oisin and Other Poems."
° Influences: During this period, he was influenced by the Romantic movement, particularly poets like William Blake and John Keats.
2 Celtic Revival and Folklore (1890-1900):
° 1890s: Yeats became a key figure in the Celtic Twilight movement, which aimed to revive interest in Celtic culture and spirituality. This movement embraced elements of paganism, emphasizing a return to nature and ancient beliefs.
° 1893: Co-founded the Irish Literary Society, promoting Irish literature and culture, and furthering the goals of the Celtic Twilight movement.
3 Involvement with the Occult (1890s-1900s):
° 1890s: Yeats joined the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, which deepened his interest in the occult and mystical traditions.
° 1899: Yeats met Aleister Crowley, who was also a member of the Golden Dawn. Their relationship was complex, marked by both collaboration and rivalry. Crowley’s influence on Yeats included themes of magic and spirituality.
4 Influence of Theosophy and Spiritualism (1890s-1900s):
° Yeats was influenced by Theosophy, which emphasized the unity of all religions and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge.
° He practiced automatic writing, believing it allowed him to communicate with spiritual entities, reflecting a broader interest in spiritualism.
5 Celtic and Occult Themes in Poetry (1900-1939):
° 1900s: Yeats continued to explore themes of spirituality and the occult in his poetry, influenced by his experiences in the Golden Dawn and his interactions with Crowley.
° Influence on Gerald Gardner: While there is no direct association between Yeats and Gerald Gardner, it can be argued that Yeats's exploration of ancient rituals, Celtic mythology, and the occult laid the groundwork for Gardner's later work in the 1950s, when he founded Wicca.
° Gardner drew on themes that Yeats had previously explored, particularly regarding ancient spiritual practices and the revival of paganism.
6 Political and Cultural Context (1900-1939):
° 1916: The Easter Rising in Ireland had a profound impact on Yeats, influencing his later poetry.
Occult Practices
Yeats was involved in various occult practices, including automatic writing, which he believed allowed him to channel messages from spiritual entities.
He viewed these experiences as a means to access deeper truths and insights, often incorporating them into his poetry. His belief in the mystical world was central to his creative process, as he stated, “The mystical world is the centre of all I do and all I think and all I write.”
Legacy:
Yeats's exploration of pagan themes has left a lasting impact on Irish literature and culture. His works continue to inspire discussions about the intersection of folklore, spirituality, and national identity. Through his poetry, Yeats celebrated Irish heritage while questioning the authenticity of the traditions he engaged with, making his contributions both significant and complex.
1939: Yeats passed away on January 28, leaving a legacy of Celtic influences, and mystical explorations.
W.B. Yeats (1865-1939) and Paganism
Early Influences
W.B. Yeats and Paganism
Early Influences
William Butler Yeats was deeply influenced by Irish folklore and mythology, which often included pagan elements. Born in Sandymount, a suburb of Dublin, Ireland, in 1865, he was raised in a Catholic household.
His childhood experiences in Sligo, rich with stories of the Aos Sidhe (fairy folk) and ancient Irish deities, shaped his literary voice. Yeats sought to connect with his Irish heritage, often exploring themes of mysticism and the occult in his work.
The Celtic Twilight Movement
Yeats was a key figure in the Celtic Twilight movement, which aimed to revive interest in Celtic culture and spirituality.
This movement embraced elements of paganism, emphasizing a return to nature and ancient beliefs. Yeats's writings often reflect a longing for a mystical connection to the land and its history, blending personal ideology with traditional folklore.
Chronological Overview of Yeats's Associations and Influence
1 Early Writing and Romantic Influences (1886-1890):
° 1886: Yeats published his first collection of poems, "The Wanderings of Oisin and Other Poems."
° Influences: During this period, he was influenced by the Romantic movement, particularly poets like William Blake and John Keats.
2 Celtic Revival and Folklore (1890-1900):
° 1890s: Yeats became a key figure in the Celtic Twilight movement, which aimed to revive interest in Celtic culture and spirituality. This movement embraced elements of paganism, emphasizing a return to nature and ancient beliefs.
° 1893: Co-founded the Irish Literary Society, promoting Irish literature and culture, and furthering the goals of the Celtic Twilight movement.
3 Involvement with the Occult (1890s-1900s):
° 1890s: Yeats joined the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, which deepened his interest in the occult and mystical traditions.
° 1899: Yeats met Aleister Crowley, who was also a member of the Golden Dawn. Their relationship was complex, marked by both collaboration and rivalry. Crowley’s influence on Yeats included themes of magic and spirituality.
4 Influence of Theosophy and Spiritualism (1890s-1900s):
° Yeats was influenced by Theosophy, which emphasized the unity of all religions and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge.
° He practiced automatic writing, believing it allowed him to communicate with spiritual entities, reflecting a broader interest in spiritualism.
5 Celtic and Occult Themes in Poetry (1900-1939):
° 1900s: Yeats continued to explore themes of spirituality and the occult in his poetry, influenced by his experiences in the Golden Dawn and his interactions with Crowley.
° Influence on Gerald Gardner: While there is no direct association between Yeats and Gerald Gardner, it can be argued that Yeats's exploration of ancient rituals, Celtic mythology, and the occult laid the groundwork for Gardner's later work in the 1950s, when he founded Wicca.
° Gardner drew on themes that Yeats had previously explored, particularly regarding ancient spiritual practices and the revival of paganism.
6 Political and Cultural Context (1900-1939):
° 1916: The Easter Rising in Ireland had a profound impact on Yeats, influencing his later poetry.
Occult Practices
Yeats was involved in various occult practices, including automatic writing, which he believed allowed him to channel messages from spiritual entities.
He viewed these experiences as a means to access deeper truths and insights, often incorporating them into his poetry. His belief in the mystical world was central to his creative process, as he stated, “The mystical world is the centre of all I do and all I think and all I write.”
Legacy:
Yeats's exploration of pagan themes has left a lasting impact on Irish literature and culture. His works continue to inspire discussions about the intersection of folklore, spirituality, and national identity. Through his poetry, Yeats celebrated Irish heritage while questioning the authenticity of the traditions he engaged with, making his contributions both significant and complex.
1939: Yeats passed away on January 28, leaving a legacy of Celtic influences, and mystical explorations.
61-69, M
