Kate Bush, Gurdjieff, and the Occult

Kate Bush and the Occult

Kate Bush is a British singer-songwriter who has been praised for her unique and eclectic music. Her work often explores themes of the occult, magic, and the supernatural. Bush has spoken openly about her interest in the occult, and she has cited a number of sources of inspiration, including the work of G.I. Gurdjieff.

Gurdjieff was a 20th-century mystic and philosopher who founded a spiritual movement known as the Fourth Way. The Fourth Way is a path of self-development that emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the development of higher consciousness. Bush has said that she was drawn to Gurdjieff’s teachings because they offered a way to understand the world beyond the physical realm.

Bush’s interest in the occult is evident in her music. Her songs often deal with themes of magic, witchcraft, and the supernatural. For example, her song “Wuthering Heights” is about a young woman who becomes obsessed with a character from a book. The song is full of references to witchcraft and magic, and it suggests that the young woman is using her powers to try to bring the character to life.

Bush has also used occult symbols and imagery in her music videos and live performances. For example, her music video for the song “The Dreaming” features a number of occult symbols, including a pentagram and a black cat. Her live performances have also featured occult imagery, such as the use of tarot cards and crystals.

Bush’s interest in the occult has been a source of fascination for her fans. Some fans have even accused her of being a witch. However, Bush has always denied being a witch. She has said that she is simply interested in the occult as a source of inspiration for her music.

Whether or not Bush is a witch, there is no doubt that her interest in the occult has had a profound impact on her music. Her songs are full of mystery and wonder, and they offer a glimpse into a world that is beyond our everyday experience.

Gurdjieff and Kate Bush

Gurdjieff’s teachings have had a significant impact on Kate Bush’s music. His ideas about self-awareness and the development of higher consciousness have influenced her songwriting, and his emphasis on the importance of myth and ritual has shaped her approach to live performance.

In an interview with The Guardian, Bush said that Gurdjieff’s teachings “opened up a whole new world to me.” She went on to say that “his ideas about the importance of self-awareness and the development of higher consciousness have been a huge influence on my work.”

Bush’s interest in Gurdjieff is evident in her music. Her songs often deal with themes of myth, ritual, and the search for meaning. For example, her song “The Hounds of Love” is about a woman who is searching for her true self. The song is full of references to myth and ritual, and it suggests that the woman is on a journey of self-discovery.

Bush’s live performances are also influenced by Gurdjieff’s teachings. Her shows are often elaborate and theatrical, and they feature a variety of symbols and imagery that are drawn from myth and ritual. For example, her 1979 tour for The Tour of Life featured a giant spider that represented the “Great Mother” archetype.

Gurdjieff’s teachings have had a profound impact on Kate Bush’s music and live performances. His ideas about self-awareness, the development of higher consciousness, and the importance of myth and ritual have shaped her work and helped her to create a unique and original sound.