“If art is not a medicine for the society, then it is a poison.”
Alejandro Jodorowsky is better known for his art-house films like El Topo and Holy Mountain, but the Chilean director is also an author of many books, an artist, and a poet. Jodorowsky is one of the most fascinating people to watch, he seems to have an infinate wisdom about life.
His is the language of symbols; he utilizes the tarot as way of interpreting the many facets of our reality and brings insight and healing to the soul. His is not a complicated spirituality, and I think that is why so many people admire and respect him. His philosophy seems to be one of acceptance and love. In some ways we have to accept what has been dealt to us in life, because all of us were meant to be here as we come from a place of desire, a desire that comes from the universe yearning for our conscious being (sounds very like Coelho, no?). And as for love, it is what will save us in this world. It is a force that can elevate us to a higher consciuosness.
Most of his books are only available in Spanish, French or Italian, but his best seller, Psychomagic is available in English. Also recommended is the Spiritual Journey of Alejandro Jodorowsky: The Creator of El Topo. My favorite is The Way of the Tarot, it’s a mystical and psychological analysis of the Marseille Tarot. I found this really cool video where Jodorowsky explains the Major Arcana on Mary Greer’s Tarot blog.
Many people might be turned off by the fact that he is a little bit “out there” if you will, but there is no denying that his imagination, for films, novels and art are directly intertwined to his spiritual beliefs and practice. In that sense he is like a shaman. He doesn’t just create to entertain or titilate, but like he says to heal. His books and his films are woth checking out for anyone interested in the arts and healing. Aside from being a wise magician, Jodorowsky also has a sense of humor.
“Most directors make films with their eyes; I make films with my testicles.”
Or maybe he’s just truthful. Anyways, I highly recommend Jodorowsky for spiritual (and trippy) reading.
Tags: Alejandro Jodorowsky, El Topo, Marseille Tarot, Psychomagic, Symbolism
