Magic as the Science of the Imagination

The imagination is a gateway to deeper reality... Enter a rich exploration of magic, myth and symbolic thought with artist Andrea Aste in this livestream talk.

What if imagination is not the opposite of reality, but one of the ways through which reality reveals itself? Long before science, psychology, philosophy, religion and art were treated as separate disciplines, they were united by a single vision of knowledge; one in which symbols, stories, numbers, dreams, images and myths were instruments of discovery. Imagination was a gateway to the invisible, the mysterious, and the yet-to-be-known. 

What to expect

In this talk, Andrea Aste draws upon tarot, mythology, esoteric traditions, psychology, philosophy and the history of symbolic thought to explore magic as a living method of inquiry. Expect a guided journey that invites participation rather than passive listening, a way of seeing that treats imagination as the hidden workshop where every invention, scientific theory, work of art and philosophical system first takes shape as an image in the mind. This is a talk for thinking with, not just listening to.

This online talk includes:

• Exploration of tarot, mythology and esoteric traditions as tools of inquiry
• How magic, art and science share the same imaginative territory
• Reflection on symbols, dreams, intuitions and hidden connections as ways of knowing
• Opportunity for live engagement and participation

Who is this talk for?

This talk is for anyone curious about the relationship between imagination and reality – whether you come from a background in psychology, art, spirituality, philosophy or simply have a longstanding fascination with symbols and the unseen. No prior knowledge of tarot or esoteric traditions is required; simply bring an openness to explore.

Book now to experience a rare weaving-together of ancient symbolic wisdom and living inquiry. Places for livestream talks are limited to preserve the interactive, participatory nature of the session.

Meet your guide, Andrea Aste

Andrea Aste is a multimedia visionary artist, animator, published author, illustrator and creator of The Discombobulator magazine, copies of which are on sale in The College of Psychic Studies' shop. His works are exhibited worldwide in institutions including the Musée Grévin (Paris, Montreal, and Geneva), the Natural Science Museum in Turin, London's Guildhall Gallery, and the Venice Biennale. He is renowned in the world of tarot and graphic novels for his card decks and hybrid novels, including The Book of Shadows: An Alchemist's Story (2023), The Tarot of Light and Shadow (2020), and The Lost Code of Tarot (2017), as well as Oracolarium (2020) – the first oracle deck to feature cards animated through augmented reality. 

Live online with replay

This talk will be recorded. You will find the recording link in your College Account within two working days from the event - an email will alert you when it is ready. This recording will be available for replay for three months following the event. Please see our terms for more information.

Previous participants say:

"An engaging and thought provoking evening."

"The session was really great - informative, interesting and engaging."

"Absolutely fabulous evening."