The Typhonian Tradition is the purest recension of the ancient magical traditions. There is no physical apostolic succession of adepts down the ages. Rather, the Tradition percolates through the minds of those capable of carrying it: poets, artists and creative occultists. From their works elements of it are projected in novel impressions down the ages. Shades in Mauve takes the form of an historical survey of certain streams that have fed the Typhonian Current from the distant past until comparatively recent times. Beginning with the most ancient headwaters in prehistoric Africa, it notes the appearance of springs and tributaries rising here and there throughout European history. Emphasis is placed upon the artistic and creative nature of the Current; an emphasis not amenable to a purely academic approach. Kenneth Grant’s work forms a constant undercurrent to the discussion. The text leads out from themes that initially appeared in The Magical Revival and elaborates upon some of the topics in that first volume of the trilogies.