David Bowie’s Occult Odyssey and the Birth of the Thin White Duke
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During the mid-1970’s David Bowie was recording his album “Station to Station.” At the time, Bowie was heavily influenced by esoteric and mystical practices, which led him to explore various spiritual and occult concepts.
During the creation of the album, Bowie became deeply engrossed in the occult philosophy of Aleister Crowley, often referred to as “The Great Beast.” Crowley’s ideas fascinated Bowie, and he sought to incorporate them into his music and persona.
In pursuit of his newfound interest, Bowie decided to conduct a magical ritual known as the “Abramelin operation” in an attempt to contact supernatural entities. The ritual involved intense spiritual practices and isolation, lasting several months.
Bowie, along with his assistant Coco Schwab, retreated to a mansion called the Château d’Hérouville near Paris, France, to carry out the ritual. The mansion, known for its eerie and mystical atmosphere, added an air of intrigue to the already extraordinary endeavor.
During this time, Bowie’s behavior became increasingly erratic and mysterious. He embraced an alter ego named “The Thin White Duke,” a character embodying coldness, detachment, and strange charisma. The Thin White Duke persona would become prominent in his public appearances and performances during that period.
Rumors circulated that Bowie’s experimentation with the occult had led to strange occurrences at the Château d’Hérouville. Reports suggested that he experienced otherworldly encounters and paranormal phenomena, heightening the mystique surrounding the recording process.
The resulting album, “Station to Station,” showcased Bowie’s unique blend of rock, funk, and electronic music. It became a critical and commercial success, solidifying his status as a groundbreaking artist. However, the enigmatic aura surrounding the album’s creation added to its allure and created a lasting legacy for this particular phase of Bowie’s career.
The story of Bowie’s involvement with the occult, the creation of “Station to Station,” and the emergence of the Thin White Duke persona remains one of the most compelling and wild episodes in his extraordinary life, showcasing his artistic experimentation and boundary-pushing creativity.