William Blake

[close] We read and discuss poetry from Homer to Frost. We are mostly interested in English and American poetry from Shakespeare to T.S. Eliot and Robert Frost. Although, we will break out of the box, if you can entice us to read something else.

[close] Black Maven is discussion group dedicated to the discovery and exposition of occultist literature that would appeal to the late Aleister Crowley. Everyone is welcome, especially transhumanists, alchemists, astrologists, dowsers, egyptologists, freemasons, kabbalists, gnostics, magicians, metaphysicists, ninjas, numerologists and the like. So, you may first ask, what is a maven? A maven (also mavin) is a trusted expert, often self-proclaimed, in a particular field, who seeks to pass knowledge on to others. The word maven comes from the Hebrew, via Yiddish, and means one who understands, based on an accumulation of knowledge.1 Moreover, maven knowledge is typically gained outside a culture's traditional educational apparatus. For example, college or university degrees in Alchemy just aren't to be pursued anywhere in the Occident. A Black Maven is a particular kind of expert of "occult" knowledge. More often than not, a cultural taboo is associated with occult knowledge, and sometimes quite perniciously. Well, you don't have to look far for examples of that kind of cultural phenomenon--simply reference the Spanish Inquisition as a prime example. Ironically, if we take stock of the hugely popular Harry Potter phenomenon, we surely must reach the prima facie conclusion that occultism has captivated the minds of young and old alike (the old are at least paying for all the Harry Potter media and spinoff merchandise their children are clamoring to purchase). Perhaps the polemic that naturally evolves from that realisation is something that can be pursued through this group. In summary, the purpose of this group is to entertain. If it does something other than that, such as enlighten, so be it. 1 Dictionary.com

[close] This is a group for discerning readers looking to discover, explore, and critically discuss some of the World’s literature, with a primary emphasis on the great books, short stories and poetry of the early-18th century to the early-20th century. You can expect to find intelligent discussions associated with literary periods and movements; major and minor authors and their works; and potential connections and relationships with other artistic movements and periods (e.g., music, visual arts, architecture, etc.).We encourage participants to bring their intellectual curiosity and a willingness to share their knowledge and engage in critical thinking and discussion. This group is intended to be a safe, comfortable, yet stimulating haven for those looking to learn more and share their love for some of the World’s great literature.