W.B. Yeats: The Poet Who Danced with the Moon
William Butler Yeats, Ireland's most celebrated poet, harboured a lesser-known passion that profoundly influenced his creative work: a deep fascination with astrology, particularly the mystical significance of the Moon. This intersection of poetry and celestial study produced some of the most haunting and powerful verses in modern literature.
The Moonlit Path to Mystery
Yeats' journey into astrology wasn't merely a casual interest but a serious scholarly pursuit that spanned decades. Through our research at Wilfred Hazelwood, we've uncovered how his astrological studies began in earnest during his involvement with the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, where he delved deep into esoteric traditions and lunar mysticism.
A Vision of Cycles
In 1917, shortly after his marriage to George Hyde-Lees, Yeats began work on what would become "A Vision" - a complex philosophical system based on lunar phases. This wasn't simply metaphorical; Yeats meticulously studied the Moon's phases and their correlation with human personality types and historical cycles. He created an intricate system of 28 phases, corresponding to the lunar month, each representing different personality types and modes of being.
The Lunar Muse in Poetry
Throughout his poetic works, lunar imagery appears with striking frequency and significance:
- "The Cat and the Moon" playfully explores the relationship between earthly and celestial spheres
- "The Phases of the Moon" directly references his philosophical system
- "Blood and the Moon" weaves political commentary with cosmic symbolism
- "The Tower" uses moonlight as a medium for supernatural revelation
These weren't merely poetic devices but reflected Yeats' genuine belief in the Moon's influence on human consciousness and destiny.
Beyond Simple Symbolism
What sets Yeats apart from other poets who used lunar imagery was his systematic approach to lunar symbolism. He didn't simply use the Moon as a romantic backdrop; instead, he developed a complex system of correspondence between lunar phases and human experience. This system influenced not only his poetry but also his understanding of history and psychology.
The Astrological Framework
Yeats' astrological interests went far beyond the Moon. He cast horoscopes for himself, his family, and historical figures. His personal library, which contained numerous astrological texts, revealed his serious study of traditional astrology. However, he transformed these traditional concepts into something uniquely his own, incorporating them into his poetic vision of reality.
Historical Cycles and the Great Wheel
One of Yeats' most intriguing contributions was his theory of historical cycles, which he linked to both lunar phases and astrological ages. He believed that civilisation moved in 2,000-year cycles, corresponding to the precession of the equinoxes. This belief influenced major works like "The Second Coming," where astronomical and astrological imagery serves as a framework for historical prophecy.
The Modern Relevance
Today, Yeats' integration of astrology and poetry offers fascinating insights into how ancient wisdom can be transformed through artistic vision. His work demonstrates how astrological symbolism can enrich creative expression without becoming prescriptive or dogmatic. Contemporary poets and astrologers continue to find inspiration in his unique synthesis of lunar lore and literary craft.
Legacy of Light and Shadow
Yeats' deep engagement with astrology and lunar symbolism created a body of work that transcends both traditional poetry and conventional astrological writing. His ability to weave together scholarly research, mystical insight, and poetic imagination produced something entirely unique in literary history. Through his work, the Moon becomes not just a celestial body or poetic symbol, but a lens through which to view the entire human experience.
The continued relevance of Yeats' lunar poetics reminds us that true artistic vision can transform even the most ancient of practices into something vitally new. His work stands as a testament to the power of bringing together different modes of understanding - the rational and the mystical, the traditional and the innovative - in service of a deeper truth about human existence and our relationship with the cosmos.
