The Occult Diaries of R. Ogilvie Crombie

by Gordon Lindsay, David Spangler (Editor)

Robert Ogilvie Crombie is probably best known as one of the seminal figures in the history of the Findhorn Foundation community in northern Scotland. He was the elderly Scottish gentleman who spoke with nature spirits. But there was much more to this man's life and work than just his association with Findhorn. As a scientist, hermetic magician, and a researcher of the psychic realms, he was in many ways a key figure in the history of esotericism in the twentieth century. His story is less-well known than it could be simply because he worked in solitude and privacy. He did not write books and did not take students or attempt to found a group or an esoteric school. When he shared some of his inner work with the world at large, he did so through the lens of the Findhorn community. In so doing, he exerted a powerful influence on the imagination and spiritual work of thousands of people around the globe, particularly in how they view humanity's relationship and responsibility to the natural world. For anyone interested in the history of Findhorn, the Western occult and magical traditions, or the life of a working adept, this book is a must-read.

270 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2011

About the author

James Gordon Lindsay was a pivotal figure in mid-20th century American Pentecostalism, best known as a revivalist preacher, prolific author, and founder of Christ for the Nations Institute. Raised in Zion, Illinois, by parents who were disciples of healing evangelist John Alexander Dowie, Lindsay was immersed in a spiritual environment from an early age. After moving to Oregon, he was influenced by key Pentecostal leaders such as Charles Fox Parham and John G. Lake, both of whom deeply shaped his theology and ministry style. By the age of eighteen, Lindsay had launched his ministry, preaching across Pentecostal and British Israelite congregations.
In the 1940s, he emerged as a prominent organizer of revival meetings, including the controversial Anglo-Saxon World Federation convention in 1940. His national impact began in earnest in 1947 when he became the campaign manager and publicist for healing evangelist William Branham. To promote Branham’s ministry and the broader healing revival movement, Lindsay founded the Voice of Healing magazine in 1948. The publication quickly expanded to feature other leading evangelists like Oral Roberts and A. A. Allen, positioning Lindsay as a central figure in the Healing Revival era. He also authored a widely read biography of Branham, A Man Sent from God.
As many associated ministers eventually established their own ministries, Lindsay evolved his organization. In 1971, he rebranded it as Christ for the Nations to reflect a stronger missionary focus. He led the institute until his death in 1973, leaving behind a legacy of revivalism, theological publishing, and international ministry training that continues to influence Pentecostal and Charismatic movements globally.

Reviews

[P D MC PHAIL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute essential reading for the esoteric!

This is a most wonderful book about a most remarkable man. It is hard to imagine Spiritual things at the best of times but ROC manages to explain the inexplicable in an informative and illuminating manner without the usual accompanying flights of fancy. The spiritual world has gained a true ascended master, and we have lost an exceptionally gifted teacher. Thank you ROC. Blessings upon you.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Having read The gentleman and the faun, I was looking forward to reading more about R. Ogilvie Crombie's experiences with nature spirits but unfortunately I was disappointed. Many of the experiences he described were repetitive and somewhat coloured by his religious beliefs. There was also a tinge of fantasy about some of the experiences he described, as though he was being told what he wanted to be by these spirits. Truth or fantasy? I was left unsure.