The Writings of Austin Osman Spare: The Book of Pleasure, and The Focus of Life, and Anathema of Zos - Paperback

by Austin Osman Spare (Author)

The Book of Pleasure (Self-Love): The Psychology of Ecstasy - This book explores the concept of the "Kia," which is Spare's idea of the self that is free from all constraints, including the influence of the conscious mind. He introduces the practice of "Sigilization" as a method to bypass the conscious mind and communicate directly with the subconscious. The book is a mixture of mystical ideas and psychological insights, aiming to guide the reader toward self-realization through a unique form of magic.

The Focus of Life: The Mutterings of Aāos - This is a more abstract and poetic work, filled with aphorisms and surreal illustrations. It delves into themes of life, death, and the nature of reality. The text is cryptic, encouraging the reader to engage with it on a deeper, intuitive level. This book can be seen as an expression of Spare's own experiences and insights into the process of self-discovery and the transcendence of ordinary reality.

Anathema of Zos: The "Anathema of Zos" is a cryptic and poetic text that explores Spare's personal philosophy, often referred to as "Zos-Kia Cultus." This philosophy is a blend of mystical ideas, psychological concepts, and a deep emphasis on individualism and personal will.