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Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, known more commonly as Agrippa, was such a famous mystic during the age of the
Renaissance that he is still one of the familiar mystics in history. Though he also worked as a soldier and secret agent,
Agrippa is perhaps best known for his occult writings. These writings, collectively entitled De Occulta Philosophia Libri Tres,
are still considered to be the most complete source of Western occult and magic. The books contain ideas on ancient
wisdom and theology, theories about the world of spirits, and of course, various instruction about alchemical practices.
Agrippa had a number of alchemical laboratories, and even taught alchemy in universities throughout France and Italy.
Helena Blavatsky
Though some might call her a charlatan, Helena Blavatsky ranks among the most famous female mystics in history. Just as
controversial in life as she has proven to be in death, Blavatsky was the sole founder of the Theosophical Society, a
Spiritualist organization with ideas inspired by teachings ranging from Christianity to Hinduism. Many of Blavatsky’s most
famous ideas are included in her extremely influential book, The Secret Doctrine.
Hermann Hesse
Hermann Hesse is best known as a novelist, but a discussion about this famous Swiss wouldn’t be complete without noting
his unique thoughts on mysticism. Though Hesse thought of himself as a Christian, he was passionate about a number of
Eastern philosophies which almost certainly influenced his thought that each human might find his or her own path to God.
Many of Hesse’s thoughts on mysticism are themes in his most famous novels, Siddhartha, Steppenwolf, and Demian.