Aesthetics of Set and Setting

MARRONE, Tancredi Andrew. Aesthetics of Set and Setting. In 8th European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism: Western Esotericism and Creativity: Art, Performance and Innovation 5-7 July 2022, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. 2022.

Basic information

• Original name: Aesthetics of Set and Setting
• Authors: MARRONE, Tancredi Andrew.
• Edition: 8th European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism: Western Esotericism and Creativity: Art, Performance and Innovation 5-7 July 2022, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland, 2022.

Other information

• Original language: English
• Type of outcome: Presentations at conferences
• Field of Study: 60304 Religious studies
• Country of publisher: Ireland
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• WWW: URL
• Organization unit: Faculty of Arts
• Keywords in English: Set; Setting; Psychedelics; Occultism; Esotericism; Aestherics; Sensory stimulation; Psychonauts
• Tags: Aesthetics, art, Esotericism, occultism, Psychedelics, Sensory stimulation, set, Setting
• Tags: International impact, Reviewed

Abstract

Psychonauts, navigators of the mind, have in the course of decades worked on the manipulation and careful selection of appropriate environments which would optimize the transcendental experience of psychedelics. The setting, a term that designates this carefully prepared trip space has been observed to be a fundamental component of the more spiritually oriented experiences. A place that is structured to provide a particular mood or emotion, employing various means such as auditory and visual support which can include shamanic drumming sounds, electronic beats, and icons derived from various systems of belief. Psychonauts but also shamanic traditions which employ psychedelics as entheogens have often taught of the importance of the setting in contrast to the aseptic and laboratory-oriented psychedelic experimentation. Whether inspired by traditional shamanic performances or their reinterpreted variations often fused with syncretic contemporary western esoteric practices, the capacity to manipulate the senses by designing an environment relies on an aesthetic sense. In this presentation, I will analyze the principles that underlie the organization of a set with the intention of optimizing psychedelic experiences. I will also analyze what is the prefered symbolism and design which is employed in the preparation of the setting

Links

• MUNI/A/1435/2021, interní kód MU: Name: Velké otázky ve studiu náboženství: Snaha o propojování humanitní a přírodovědné expertízy (Acronym: VESNA)

Investor: Masaryk University