Thought you might find this interesting. A recent answer in regards to Jimmy Page, the Devil and the truth. Agree or disagree, I know that you will take your time, and read this. I worked very hard on this one, so check it out.
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"First, you have to understand the misconceptions and blatant over-exaggerations perpetrated by the press, fans and non-fans alike regarding Jimmy Page and the occult. It spun so wildly out of control that it's become the stuff of legend. And Page is not innocent in this as he didn't defend himself enough for two reasons. 1) he didn't think it was worth it to try and go into his personal explanation of his interests in the occult. I mean.. why bother if no one will believe you anyway? 2) Page knew all too well that this aura and mystic that was created by the media and closed minded people in general, was actually helping the mystic of Led Zeppelin's already mythical status. It was perfect.
Right, so let's get down to it then.. And these are the FACTS! Finally.
First let's look at what the occult IS and what it ISN'T!
The Occult IS:
Astrology,
Magic
Mysticism
Numerology
Palm Reading
Satanism
Witchcraft
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The Occult is NOT:
An activity, which is controlled by a demonic entity.
Personal demonic possession.
Gothic Satanism (evangelical fiction)
Opposed to Christianity.
Organized political entity.
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Jimmy Page's TRUE "Occult" Leanings:
MAGICK!
(Spelled with a "K" by occultists so as not to be confused with simple "Houdini" tricks & illusions.)
-- According to Jimmy's favorite luminary, Aleister Crowley, Magick is "...the Science and Art of Change to occur in conformity with Will." Here is the real life example of "magick" -- as explained to noted Zeppelin followers/authors Shannon MacBay and Karol Rhys-Gruffydd -- : It is Jimmy's Will to inform the world of certain facts within his knowledge. he therefore takes "magickal weapons" (electric & acoustic guitar, amplifiers, theramin) in hand, constructs "magickal" incantations (music) in the "magickal language", or that which is understood by the people (audience) Jimmy wishes to instruct. he calls forth band members, record producers and concert managers and compels them to impart his message of "Electric Magick" to those people (audience).
-- "DO WHAT THOU WILT..." - This phrase is often negatively associated with Led Zeppelin and Jimmy page, in particular. It was inscribed on certain Led Zeppelin records for a limited time and is regarded as being somehow sinister in nature. In the context of Jimmy Page's real occult practices, it should not be interpreted to be anything more than the fact that a person needs to discover what they are meant to do, and do it! Jimmy's discovery in exploring the occult was that his true will was to make music. This philosophy is far from sinister; in fact, part of this tenet instructs not to interfere with the will of others. It is also closely associated with the Wiccan Rede (rule) "AN IT HARM NONE, DO AS YE WILL". (In other words, do what you're meant to do, so long as it isn't harmful to anyone else.)
-- The cornerstone of the study of magick is knowledge. To study magick is to seek knowledge of oneself and the world at large. To know is to understand, to understand is to attain control and power. One who does not know himself, having never tested himself or his limitations, does not know what he can do. As we all know, Jimmy Page was constantly testing himself and his limitations, both as a musician and as a producer. His constant willingness to push himself and the band to explore their potential contributed significantly towards the power and "magick" that was and IS Led Zeppelin.
ASTROLOGY
-- Jimmy was interested in astrology, one of the many means to self-knowledge. Via the birthchart astrology provides for an outline of planetary arrangements at a particular time and place, which contains the core of potential personality traits and events. It is used as a tool to assist in relationships and professional goals. It is believed to be able to help one maintain a sense of stability and rationality in times of strife.
-- Jimmy, born January 9, is a typical Capricorn. Persevering, driven and ambitious, Capricorns seldom do anything half-heartedly and are inclined to see the world in terms of black and white. They tend to want to be the best at what they do and will not stop until they have reached their desired goals. Capricorns are adept at recognizing and seizing golden opportunities, and because of their rather diligent work ethic, are able to achieve and to maintain great success in their careers. Incidentally, free will can be very important to the Capricorn personality.
TAROT
-- Jimmy was fascinated with the Tarot. The Tarot is a deck of 78 cards that are used to foretell the future. A Tarot deck contains 56 suit cards called the Minor Arcana, as well as 22 trump cards known as the Major Arcana.
-- Though the entire Tarot deck can be utilized to predict events and to answer important life questions, often only the Major Arcana are used, as these are the core of the deck and symbolize specific experiences and characteristics of human life. Jimmy was particularly fond of the Hermit card and its associations with wisdom and spirituality. The Hermit card is the 9th card of the Major Arcana and is therefore the patron card for individuals like Jimmy, who were born on the 9th day of a given month!
-- The Hermit, as well as those born on the 9th day of the month, often displays characteristics of a mentor who inspires others, guiding them toward their true purpose in life. On the down side, these personalities can be very distrustful of others and are easily discouraged. These statements are considered to particularly true of people born on January 9th. Jimmy's "Hermit" traits become quite obvious when researching his role as the pathfinder for Led Zeppelin (not to mention his near immediate leadership when hopping on board with The Yardbirds and previous session work). While certainly each member of the band actively contributed to its success, the music would not have endured as it has without the forethought and insight that Jimmy put into its production and presentation. As far as the Hermit's negative tendencies, it is true that Jimmy was sometimes very suspicious of outsiders and could become quite devastated by criticism of Led Zeppelin's music.
SO HOW DID THINGS GET SO OUT OF HAND?
ROCK AND ROLL HAS GONE TO HELL
-- Jimmy Page, having been inspired at one time or another by his many wide-ranging interests, is probably the best known Crowley-ite in the rock world. Other rock icons that have been known to display an interest in Aleister Crowley include David Bowie, Ozzy Osbourne and The Beatles. And no wonder since Crowley was reputedly into sex and drugs long before rock & roll came along!
-- In contrast with his rock colleagues, Jimmy's attraction to the occult and Aleister Crowley was a far more serious matter. Jimmy was interested in exploring different belief systems and was quite earnest in his pursuit of this knowledge. As a result of his involvement with the occult and of being in the public eye, Jimmy gradually acquired a very high profile and, regrettably, negative association with the occult and Crowley - neither of which are even half as dangerous as public media and folklore presume. Sorry folks...but here comes the facts.
A DEVIL OF A GOOD STORY
-- Undoubtedly journalists of the 1970s had access to facts that would have easily explained the true nature of Jimmy's occult leanings, just as we do now. However it certainly didn't make great copy to say that Jimmy Page was doing what every other free thinker of that period was doing--trying to discover himself through the study of alternative philosophies. It sold more magazines and newspapers to say he was a 'Satanist!', or was somehow in league with the devil.
-- Jimmy didn't have an interest in setting the record straight for several reasons. First of all, his beliefs were no one's business but his. Secondly, even if Jimmy had tried to "set the record straight" as it were, some occult concepts can be complicated and probably would have been misinterpreted (as they almost always are) by either the journalist or their readers. At any rate, most journalists at the time were more interested in drumming up negative information on Led Zeppelin, thus creating and ultimately perpetuating the 'Satanism' rumors. Lastly, the twisting of Jimmy's true occult "leanings" added to the mystique of Led Zeppelin and that could only increase the group's popularity, not to mention their record sales!
Can you say "RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE"?
THE REAL ALEISTER CROWLEY & HIS BOLESKINE HOUSE
-- Boleskine House was sold to Aleister Crowley around 1900. Crowley was an infamous English eccentric whom the press at the time dubbed "the Wickedest Man in the World". Crowley mischievously encouraged negative media during this period by styling himself as "the beast". Of course it didn't help that he was a crazy-eyed, loony looking guy anyway.
-- Aleister Crowley's appalling reputation was achieved as a result of his occult beliefs and practices, which were exaggerated and misrepresented to an absurd level by tabloids of the day. At that time, words often associated with him were "Satanist", "devil-worshipper" and "Black Mass". Nothing could have been further from the truth. Crowley was NONE of those things. He was an unstable but brilliant, wealthy but lonely old man, and the only thing 'wicked' about him was his sense of humor & utter disregard for what anyone thought about him.
-- Unfortunately, Crowley's sense of humor and penchant for being in the public eye only increased the misinterpretation of what was actually an organized study of esoteric philosophies. He not only allowed but almost encouraged misunderstandings in the press. despite Crowley's strange relationship with the British public, it is thanks to his notoriety that his theories were adopted by some of the rock and roll community This, in turn, caused the occult studies to experience a renaissance, producing renewed and ongoing interest in the 20th century for these often-ancient principles.
HOUSE OF THE UNHOLY
-- Crowley's residence in this house was very short-lived actually. But due to his ownership and subsequently Jimmy's ownership, the house (much to the chagrin of the current owners) has become a powerful lure for not only serious students of various occult philosophies, but also the somewhat off-the-wall, psuedo-occult dabblers. And it goes without saying that it is also a draw for Zeppelin fans everywhere!
A LITTLE HELP FROM SO-CALLED FRIENDS (the bottom line....)
-- Perhaps the biggest culprit in the rumor mill regarding Page and evil was Malcolm Dent. To make a long story short, Jimmy Page had allowed the Dent family free room and board for the full 20 years that Jimmy owned the property. Malcolm, supposedly a long time friend of Jimmy's, functioned as caretaker and received a huge salary in addition to being permitted to live there. Talk about a sweet deal!
-- Malcolm repaid Jimmy's years of generosity by fueling the gruesome rumors that circulated around the village regarding the house. Boleskine became known as the most frightening house in Scotland and no wonder, with people like Malcolm telling tales of detached body parts and ghostly encounters! He could (and often would) relate in detail a story in which he encountered at Boleskine a horrible apparition in the form of a pig or boar-like beast, with snorting sounds, gnashing teeth and all. This ridiculousness obviously increased bad feeling about the residence, which is in fact a majestic and beautiful period home.
-- Another gracious deed performed by the ever-enterprising Malcolm Dent occurred in 1991 when Malcolm decided to make Jimmy's home available to a local newspaper, the Scottish Sun, so they could observe the spooky happenings for themselves and thus expose its 'horribleness' in print! Yes, for a modest "reserve fee" of $5,000 the newspaper representatives could stay at Boleskine House for an unlimited number of nights. Malcolm promised a fright-filled stay to anyone who could fork over the cash. (No refunds!) When the newspaper specifically asked how Mr. Page felt about the arrangement, they were harshly informed that Mr. Dent's was the only permission required.
JIMMY GETS REVENGE
-- In 1991 Jimmy put the property up for sale. Prior to this (and seemingly before the Scottish Sun incident) Jimmy and Malcolm had discussed, in an informal manner, the possibility that Jimmy might grant Malcolm six acres of the Boleskine property in return for a job well done over the years. Brian Goode, Jimmy's manager at the time, had recently been made aware of Malcolm's business scheming and duly notified his client. Imagine Malcolm's surprise when, upon the sale of BOLESKINE House, he was informed the Jimmy had changed his mind and would not be offering any land to him! In addition to the obvious reasons for not giving Malcolm Dent a bloody thing, the buyers were very specific in their offer to Jimmy - all of the land or no deal.
-- Not surprisingly Malcolm, with his customary good taste, complained loudly and publicly via the newspapers. But of course this was 1991, not 1971.. and Dent's arguments fell on deaf ears as people had grown up by then and Jimmy Page, no longer the sorcerer, was and is known as a very proper & charitable man. And that's exactly what he always has been.
-- BOLESKINE House is now a profitable Bed and Breakfast. The current owners politely request no 'non-business' related visits. You really can't blame them. But hey! It's a piece of British history, albeit infamous, and they could make a "killing" if they play their "tarot cards" right!
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Thanks again to "Follow The Legend" authors Shannon MacBay & Karol Rhys-Gruffydd for whom I did not ask permission for certain excerpts, but hope to God they will understand I'm simply trying to get a very important message across to those who are still so closed-minded enough to believe the rumor mill instead of the natural talent of one Jimmy Page and his four-piece band.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
THE MISTIQUE OF Led Zeppelin
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