Inner Life, Talks and Thoughts Tantric Blake. The magic and the mysticism of William Blake
Nov 20, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Mark Vernon, a writer and psychotherapist with deep ties to William Blake, explores the visionary aspects of Blake's work and its profound implications for imagination. He critiques the medicalized interpretations of Blake, advocating for a direct engagement with his mystical visions. Vernon delves into Blake's imaginative realm as a bridge between the finite and infinite, and highlights Blake's relevance in countering modern fragmentation. He also offers practical advice for new readers on embracing Blake’s imagery and poetry.
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Blake As A Local Mystic
- Mark Vernon describes Blake as his "local mystic" who walked the streets of South London where Vernon lives.
- Vernon recounts Blake seeing angels in a tree on Peckham Rye and how that local connection made Blake personally compelling.
Imagination Extends Beyond Private Psyche
- Vernon links Blake's inner-life focus to psychotherapy and argues modern psychology often treats inner life as private and isolated.
- Blake instead imagines an interiority that exceeds the individual, a living cosmic presence accessible through imagination.
Don't Reduce Blake To Pathology
- Vernon warns against medicalizing Blake, noting critics often explain his visions as epilepsy or migraines.
- He proposes instead that Blake describes participation in a broader "divine imagination" that catalyzes perception and action.
