The enigmatic allure of the occult has long been intertwined with the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin, and at the heart of this fascination lies the enigmatic figure of Jimmy Page. In 1973, Page, already a rising star in the music industry, made a bold move that would forever intertwine his name with the mystical and the mysterious. He opened an occult bookshop in Kensington, London, aptly named The Equinox Booksellers and Publishers, a venture that would become a testament to his deep-rooted interest in the arcane.
Page's fascination with the occult began in his youth, when he encountered the writings of Aleister Crowley, a controversial figure in the world of magic and the occult. Crowley's 'Magick in Theory and Practice' ignited a spark within Page, who saw in Crowley's ideas a path to personal liberation and a critique of societal restrictions. This connection to Crowley's work would later manifest in the symbolic imagery and themes that permeated Led Zeppelin's music, from the enigmatic 'ZoSo' sigils on their fourth album to the mystical 'Hermit' Tarot archetype.
The Equinox Booksellers was more than just a bookstore; it was a sanctuary for those seeking the esoteric. Page filled the store with Egyptian motifs, reflecting the Thelemic connections to ancient religious practices. He even adorned the walls with Crowley's birth chart, a bold statement of his commitment to the occult. The shop published a facsimile of Crowley's 'The Goetia' and Isabel Hickey's 'Astrology, A Cosmic Science,' further solidifying its place in the heart of the New Age spiritual community.
However, Page's occult interests didn't stop at The Equinox. He became a featured player in Kenneth Anger's 'Lucifer Rising,' a short film that delved into the darker aspects of the occult. Page's role as 'the man holding the stele of revealing' showcased his willingness to explore the boundaries of the mystical, even if it meant stepping into the spotlight of controversy. His involvement in the film's soundtrack, composed by Manson Family murderer Bobby Beausoleil, further blurred the lines between art and the occult.
Despite the initial buzz, Page's occult ventures eventually faded into the background. The Equinox closed in 1979, and Page sold Crowley's Boleskine House in 1992, seemingly moving on from his public occult endeavors. Yet, the influence of these experiences lingered in his work, shaping the mystical and mythological elements that fans have come to adore. Page's fascination with the occult, as both a personal interest and an artistic inspiration, continues to captivate and intrigue, leaving an indelible mark on his legacy and the world of rock music.
