ABSTRACT
The chapter presents an analysis of Peter Hamilton-Giles’ occult philosophy. In addition to being a practicing occultist, Hamilton-Giles is well versed in the fields of phenomenology and hermeneutics. This unusual combination enables him to approach the distinction of theory and practice in occultism in an effective way. Not only does Hamilton-Giles’ theoretical background enable him to develop a rational foundation for occult practice, but he also uses this background to enhance the practice itself. The most central theoretical tool for Hamilton-Giles is the distinction between reflection and meta-reflection, that is, the distinction between making representations and the process of representing itself. This distinction, together with phenomenological analysis of the interplay of presence and absence, allows Hamilton-Giles to develop a peculiar understanding of the “reality” of magic.
