The enigmatic Boleskin House, which was once home to the occultist Aleister Crowley, has left an indelible mark on the history of rock music and on Page's creativity, revealing the intertwining of music and the occult.
In the 1980s, rock music faced a wave of criticism, with many claiming it was the manifestation of the Devil. However, in the case of Led Zeppelin and its iconic guitarist, Jimmy Page, this notion may have deeper roots than one might imagine.
The band was known for its unique blend of influences, ranging from Chicago blues and acoustic folk to Celtic, North African, and reggae rhythms. The lyrics of their songs often explored themes that spanned from Norse mythology to Tolkien narratives, and even aspects of transgressive magic.
An intriguing mystery can be found in the first pressing of the album “Led Zeppelin III.” An inscription that reads, “Do what thou wilt...” is etched into the vinyl and is a saying associated with Aleister Crowley, the famous British occultist. Jimmy Page, who drew inspiration from Crowley’s philosophy, chose not to openly discuss his beliefs. He stated, “I’m not interested in converting anyone to my ideas. If people want to discover something, they will do so on their own.”
Page purchased Boleskine House, an old hunting lodge in the Scottish Highlands that once belonged to Crowley. The site is steeped in stories of mystical rituals and occult practices, something that captured the guitarist’s imagination.
However, despite acquiring the property, Page did not live there for long. Malcolm Dent, a close friend, was hired to look after the house and recalled that it was in a state of neglect: “It was a wreck … It had been more or less abandoned. There’d been at least one fire there, parts of the building were missing, and it had been badly patched up. The grounds, which at one time had been very nicely laid out were gone to hell”.
Even after Crowley’s time, the location still held an aura of mystery. Dent shared a terrifying experience, where he and a friend spent a night filled with fear, sensing the presence of something evil.
During one such night, Dent had a particularly harrowing experience. He was awakened by strange noises that sounded like a wild animal banging on his door. Terrified, he hid until dawn.
Looking back, Dent reflected, “Whatever was there was pure evil.”
Thus, Led Zeppelin's connection to the occult continues to fascinate and intrigue fans and music scholars alike.
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