The mystical life is at the centre of all that I do and all that I think and all that I write

The mystical life is at the centre of all that I do and all that I think and all that I write

William Butler Yeats, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, was a man deeply connected to the mystical realm. His belief in the power of the mystical life to inspire and guide his work is evident in his poetry, plays, and essays. Yeats once famously said, “The mystical life is at the centre of all that I do and all that I think and all that I write,” and this statement encapsulates the essence of his creative process.

Yeats was a firm believer in the existence of a spiritual world beyond our physical reality. He was fascinated by the occult, astrology, and the supernatural, and he often drew inspiration from these mystical realms in his writing. His poetry is filled with references to ancient myths, folklore, and mystical symbols, all of which serve to deepen the spiritual and metaphysical dimensions of his work.

One of Yeats’ most famous poems, “The Second Coming,” is a prime example of his fascination with the mystical. In this poem, Yeats explores the idea of a world in chaos, where the forces of darkness and destruction are unleashed. The poem is filled with apocalyptic imagery and prophetic language, reflecting Yeats’ belief in the cyclical nature of history and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

In his plays, Yeats often delved into the realm of the supernatural, exploring themes of magic, fate, and the power of the unseen forces that shape our lives. His play “The Countess Cathleen” is a prime example of this, as it tells the story of a noblewoman who makes a pact with the devil to save her people from starvation. The play is a powerful meditation on the nature of sacrifice, redemption, and the eternal battle between light and darkness.