Rosaleen Norton
Bio
Rosaleen Norton (1917–1979), who used the name of "Thorn", was an Australian artist and occultist who adhered to a form of pantheistic / Neopagan Witchcraft largely devoted to the Greek god Pan. She lived much of her later life in the bohemian area of Kings Cross, Sydney, leading her to be termed the "Witch of Kings Cross" in some of the tabloids.
Her paintings often depicted images of supernatural entities such as pagan gods and demons, sometimes involved in sexual acts. These caused significant controversy in politically conservative Australia during the 1940s and '50s, with Christianity as the dominant faith. The authorities dealt with her work harshly, with the police removing some of her work from exhibitions, confiscating books that contained her images, and attempting to prosecute her for public obscenity on a number of occasions.
According to her biographer, Nevill Drury, "Norton's esoteric beliefs, cosmology and visionary art are all closely intertwined – and reflect her unique approach to the magical universe. She was inspired by the 'night' side of magic, emphasising darkness and studying forms of sex magic which she had learned from the writings of English occultist Aleister Crowley."