​Exploring the Spiritual and Esoteric Pursuits of The Creator of Sherlock Holmes.

      

By Stephen William

Exploring the Spiritual and Esoteric Pursuits of The Creator of Sherlock Holmes.   By Stephen William. He is a UK based Medium and Healer and Author of “Nostradamus His Prophecy Finally Explained.” Available on Kindle now. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B098LS5PM7/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MBDF06G549ZKJ6XFKMCJ   Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is celebrated worldwide for creating one of literature’s most enduring characters, Sherlock Holmes. However, beyond his detective fiction and historical novels, Doyle had a profound and lifelong fascination with mysticism, spiritualism, and the supernatural. This article delves into Doyle’s mystical beliefs, examining how they influenced his life, works, and legacy. ABOVE A PHOTOGRAPH (LEFT) OF SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE AS A YOUNG MAN. A STATUE OF HIS  MOST FAMOUS CREATION, SHERLOCK HOLMES (RIGHT) IN EDINBURGH SCOTLAND. DOYLE’S EARLY LIFE AND CONVENTIONAL SPIRITUAL BEGINNINGS. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1859, Arthur Conan Doyle was raised in an Irish descent Roman Catholic family and trained as a medical doctor at the University of Edinburgh. His scientific education and medical practice initially grounded him in rationalism and empirical thought, both of which are evident in the logical prowess of the fictional Sherlock Holmes. Doyle’s early writings, particularly the Holmes stories, often depict reason triumphing over superstition. He also wrote many other stories ,which did not feature Sherlock Holmes, such as “The Lost World” which has also been adapted into many movies and TV and Radio serials. THE LOST WORLD. THE FIRST EDITION (PICTURED) WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN 1912 ,WHEN CONAN DOYLE WAS ALREADY A WORLD- FAMOUS AUTHOR. IT HAS SINCE BEEN MADE INTO OVER A DOZEN MOVIES.   THE SHIFT TOWARDS SPIRITUALISM. Despite his logical and conventional upbringing, Doyle’s interest in the supernatural was piqued in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period when spiritualism, belief in communication with the spirits of the deceased, was gaining popularity in Britain. Personal tragedies, including the deaths of his wife Louisa, his son Kingsley, and several other family members during and after the First World War, deepened his quest for meaning beyond the material world. Grief made Doyle receptive to the possibility of an afterlife and spiritual communication. Doyle’s commitment to spiritualism transformed from a private curiosity to a public crusade. He wrote extensively on the subject, including The New Revelation (1918), The Vital Message (1919), and The History of Spiritualism (1926). In these works, Doyle argued for the validity of mediumship, psychic phenomena, and the existence of an afterlife, often citing scientific methods and eyewitness testimony to bolster his claims. He became a leading figure in the spiritualist movement, touring Britain, North America, and Australia to lecture on spiritualism and the evidence he believed supported it. Doyle’s advocacy sometimes placed him at odds with prominent figures of his time, including magician and escapologist Harry Houdini, who was deeply sceptical of spiritualist claims. DESPITE  HARRY HOUDINI BEING A SCEPTIC OF SPIRITUALISM (HERE ARE BOTH HE AND CONAN DOYLE TOGETHER ) HE BECAME A FRIEND OF CONAN DOYLE.   Harry Houdini is perhaps one the most famous of Doyle’s mystic friends and rivals. Though Houdini initially shared an interest in Spiritualism, he became a fierce critic of fraudulent mediums. Doyle, convinced of Houdini’s own latent psychic powers, remained steadfast in his beliefs, while Houdini sought to expose trickery. Their relationship, marked by mutual admiration and eventual estrangement, highlights the tensions at the heart of early 20th-century Spiritualism. THE SUCCESSFUL VISIT TO THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAGICIANS IN 1922. The visit of Houdini and  Doyle to the American Society of Magicians was a much-anticipated event. Both men were already friends, united by a mutual respect for each other’s intellect and talents, despite their differences in belief. During these gatherings, Houdini often performed his signature illusions and escape acts. However, Doyle who had been asked to give a talk believed he may be “ambushed” by lots of skeptical questions by the quick- witted stage performers. So he went well prepared! After the stage  magicians had gone through amazing each other with their newest tricks, it was Doyle’s time to speak. He asked for the lights to be turned down and a movie projector was brought in. The magicians’ were then shocked and surprised when they saw what appeared to be live dinosaurs cavorting about the screen! Doyle refused to answer questions about the film, other to than to imply that what at first may appear to be impossible , may indeed be possible! His message to the professional tricksters was that they should not dismiss phenomena they did not understand too quickly. The film was actually an excerpt from an upcoming movie based on Conan Doyle’s novel, “The Lost World” and it was the first example  ever of stop-go animation photography of miniature models. Doyle had the last word on this one  as none of the magician /illusionists could explain how “ live dinosaurs” had been captured on film  in 1922, millions of years after becoming extinct! The whole movie was finally completed in 1925 and went on to become a world-wide sensation. Modern mystics and mediums sometimes have the same problem with skeptics when however much evidence they provide , the skeptics will still try to claim it is some kind of trick, purely because they cannot believe it. Their lack of  mystical experience blinds them to the possibility that it exists and just because they have not experienced direct spiritual contact themselves,  they insist that it does not exist. AN IMAGE FROM THE MOVIE BASED ON CONAN DOYLE’S NOVEL”THE LOST WORLD. FAMOUS SPIRITUALIST ENCOUNTERS AND CONTROVERSIES. Doyle’s public support for spiritualism attracted both followers and critics. While admired for his dedication and sincerity, others accused him of gullibility. The schism between his scientific background and his mystical beliefs continues to fascinate scholars and readers alike to this day. One of the controversial actions he performed was joining  the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Founded in the late 1800s, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn stands as one of the most influential esoteric societies in Western history. Its teachings on spirituality, mysticism, and the occult have shaped modern spiritual thought, and its members have left an indelible mark on literature, art, and alternative spirituality.   Some of the most famous individuals of that era in  art, literature and even politics were associated with the Golden Dawn, highlighting their contributions both within the Order and in their wider public lives.   THE SYMBOL OF THE GOLDEN DAWN.   FAMOUS MYSTIC FRIENDS OF CONAN DOYLE. Sir Oliver Lodge One of Doyle’s closest confidants in the spiritualist movement was Sir Oliver Lodge, a world -renowned scientist and pioneer in the study of radio waves. Lodge was an ardent believer in communication with the deceased and wrote several books on the subject, including “Raymond,” a tribute to his deceased son. Lodge’s scientific stature lent credibility to Spiritualism and his friendship with Doyle was instrumental in shaping the latter’s public advocacy for the movement. William Thomas Stead W.T. Stead, a prominent journalist and social reformer, was another significant figure in Doyle’s mystical circle. Stead claimed to have psychic abilities and was heavily involved in automatic writing and séances. He founded the spiritualist periodical Borderland, where Doyle contributed articles. Stead’s tragic death on the Titanic in 1912 further fuelled Doyle’s conviction in life after death.  Stead had reportedly predicted his own demise by drowning and also wrote a short story in 1886 about a luxury passenger ship sinking in the mid- Atlantic which did not have enough lifeboats for all the passengers! He wrote at the end of the story, a warning that luxury ships without enough lifeboats will cause the death of their passengers. Eileen J. Garrett Eileen J. Garrett was an Irish medium who gained prominence in the 1920s and 1930s for her  communications with spirits. Doyle attended her séances and wrote approvingly of her abilities, seeing her as a genuine channel for the spirit world. Garrett’s work would later lead to the founding of the Parapsychology Foundation, ensuring her legacy in the field of psychic research. Arthur Edward Waite (1857–1942) Arthur Edward Waite, a prolific author and mystic, joined the Golden Dawn in 1891. He is best known today as the co-creator of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, one of the most widely used tarot decks in the world. Waite’s scholarly approach to mysticism and his later establishment of the "Fellowship of the Rosy Cross" marked him as a significant figure in the evolution of Western esotericism. His writings on symbolism and ritual continue to influence occultists and tarot enthusiasts alike. ONE OF A. L. WAITE’S TAROT CARD DESIGNS. THEY ARE CONSIDERED BY MANY MYSTICS AS THE MOST  DESCRIPTIVE SET OF TAROT CARDS. (Tarot card courtesy of US Games, Inc)    Sir William Butler Yeats (1865–1939) The celebrated Irish poet and Nobel laureate W. B. Yeats was a resolute member of the Golden Dawn. Yeats’ interest in mysticism and symbolism is apparent throughout his poetry, and his involvement in the Order informed much of his creative output. He played a leading role in the internal politics of the Golden Dawn, especially during the schisms that eventually divided the group. Yeats’ legacy as both a literary giant and a mystic exemplifies the Order’s impact on the arts. CONAN DOYLE’S FRIENDSHIP WITH A FAMOUS PRIME MINISTER. Winston Churchill (1874-1965) who was the inspirational British Prime Minister during World War Two and also a leading British  government minister during World War One, was also a friend with mystic interests of Conan Doyle. They had a friendship which lasted from 1900 to Doyle’s death in 1930. They were both regular contributors to The Strand magazine which had first serialized the Sherlock Holmes stories and had various  mutual friends and acquaintances who were mystical in their approach to life. Churchill probably became interested in mysticism when in 1891 and still a pupil at the famous Harrow school, he apparently had premonitions that Britain  in the forthcoming twentieth century would be involved in wars which “the like of which have never been experienced before” and he would be involved in both at a high level to help save the country. Which of course came true! These predictions were relayed to the wider world by one of his fellow pupils who in adult life became a senior Anglican Church minister and had no reason to fabricate the story. This is probably the reason why Churchill seemed to have uncanny confidence in his abilities and had several near- death experiences before achieving his appointment as Prime Minister in World War Two. He appeared to know he was destined for a great task.  So why do people in high positions even today, hide their mystic experiences and knowledge from the wider general public?  My belief is even though they had personal proof of a spiritual dimension to existence, it is hard to explain that proof to others who not only have not had the same type of experience , but also actively do not want to experience any real proof of an Afterlife etc. Conventional religion is tolerated even by non-believers as well as believers, because as there is no proof  of a spiritual dimension. Therefore you can have the opinion it is non-existent. However once they  have had proof of the supernatural, they feel their “freedom of thought” has been inhibited. Therefore  ridicule and denial are used to disparage anyone who presents such evidence. Even some members of conventional religions prefer “the Other Side” of existence to remain hypothetical as they do not have to review their lifestyle once they know the spiritual dimension is a reality.  That is the reason   I feel those in a public position are discreet about their direct spiritual encounters and  knowledge , as they do not want to lose their highly desired positions in society through ridicule! Churchill   was not a member of the Golden Dawn , but he appeared to be fascinated by mysticism and was a member of other esoteric societies such as the Freemasons  and  the Ancient Order of Druids, as the picture below demonstrates. He also apparently had a visit from his long dead father  in 1947 when he was no longer Prime Minister after World War Two. He discussed the visit with his family and  they encouraged him to write a book about it . He did this and called it “The Dream.” However it was not published until 1966 after Churchill died. He also subtitled it “A Fictional Encounter”,  Here again a prominent public figure was shy of admitting to a personal spiritual encounter  for the fear of ridicule.   A YOUNG WINSTON CHURCHILL ( STANDING CENTRE WEARING A BOWTIE) BEING INDUCTED INTO THE ANCIENT ORDER OF DRUIDS. MYSTICISM IN DOYLE’S LITERARY WORKS. Although Sherlock Holmes epitomises rational deduction, Doyle’s other works often reveal his fascination with the mystical. Novels like “The Land of Mist” and short stories such as “The Brown Hand” and “The Leather Funnel” incorporate supernatural themes and explore the possibility of life after death. Even within the Holmes canon, stories like “The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire” touch upon the tension between the supernatural and the supposed  rational.  LEGACY AND INFLUENCE. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s mysticism was both a personal journey and a public mission. He remained steadfast in his beliefs and spiritual knowledge until his death in 1930. Today, his contributions to spiritualist literature are still read by those interested in the history of psychical research. Doyle’s life demonstrates the complexity of the human search for meaning, and his willingness to embrace the unknown stands in stark contrast to the unwavering logic of his most famous creation, Sherlock Holmes . His personal legacy was his two surviving sons who went on to become  well- known spiritualists  who toured the spiritual churches of Britain and elsewhere lecturing on their father’s legacy.   CONCLUSION. The mysticism of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle reflects a man who was not afraid to explore the boundaries of science and spirituality. His journey from conventional belief to spiritualist, highlights the profound impact of personal experience and the enduring human desire to uncover the mysteries that lie beyond the visible world. Whether regarded as a visionary or as a credulous enthusiast, Doyle’s mystical pursuits remain an integral part of his fascinating legacy.  ©Stephen William International Copyright. If you wish to read my book, it is available on this link at Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B098LS5PM7/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MBDF06G549ZKJ6XFKMCJ