Spirit Worlds. The Library of Esoterica | Jessica Hundley

A voyage through mysterious and haunted lands, the sixth volume of The Library Esoterica delves into the art, rituals, and global mythologies of the spirit realms. Unearthing our complex beliefs around death, rebirth and resurrection, Spirit Worlds explores the art, traditions and ancient stories of the afterlife. Through interviews with scholars and practitioners, insightful essays and over 400 works of visionary art, this new title delves into the shadows of the supernatural, from dark domains of ghosts and demons to the light-filled lands of angels and celestial beings.

Across more than 500 pages, Spirit Worlds celebrates the ways in which we connect with both our ancestors and with ourselves, and worship, mythologize and honour our dead. It looks at the rites of death around the globe, highlighting the ancient monuments and sacred temples we build out of our sorrow.

The contents showcase the altars we create and the communities we nurture as we share our grief with our gods and there is a dive into the rituals that connect us to those we’ve lost. And there is a decoding of the messages communicated to us from the other worlds by mediums and prophets, through the elaborate séances of the Spiritualists, and in the storied words of oracles and fortunetellers bent at their crystal balls. And finally, you'll find a showcase artworks that that channel not only the muse, but the unknown, eloquent voices and visions from the other side.