For Children: The Gates of Paradise

The Gates of Paradise is a wonderful roadmap to psychic development by William Blake. He attempts to lead the readers through the process of psychological growth, touching upon the themes of Christianity. The text is supplemented with miniature illustrations of babies lying dormant, wrapped, and buried while an older man enters the dark behind death's door. The man may discover that the door will lead him back into earth, from where he will be born as a child again. This unique work was written during the period of spiritual visions that made up a considerable part of Blake's life and work. He asks the readers use their intuition to retrieve from their unconscious, the meaning to associate with the illustrations provided. This creatively crafted work on the different stages of life proves insightful for young readers.