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Modern Occultism
- History, Theory, and Practice
- Narrated by: Mitch Horowitz
- Length: 21 hrs and 2 mins
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Summary
From Cleopatra to Chaos Magic: A Vibrant, Epic History of Occultism in Thought and Practice
In his most sweeping historical work, occult scholar and widely known voice of esoteric ideas Mitch Horowitz presents a lively, intellectually serious historical exploration of modern occultism, from astrology and alchemy to the dawn of Theosophy and modern witchcraft—and the spiritual revolutions that followed.
In this lively, full-circle history, Mitch explores:
- Preservation of “hidden wisdom” in late-ancient Hermeticism.
- Rebirth of esoterica during the Renaissance, including Kabbalah, ceremonial magick, alchemy, Gnosticism—and the backlash culminating in the Thirty Years’ War.
- Rise of the modern “secret society,” such as Rosicrucians, Freemasons, and Illuminati.
- Migration of religious radicalism to the New World, including how enslaved people devised the magickal system of hoodoo.
- Wave of occultism ignited by John Dee, the Romantics, Franz Anton Mesmer, Eliphas Lévi, and P.B. Randolph.
- The revolution brought by occult explorer Madame H.P. Blavatsky.
- Growth of New Thought and mind metaphysics.
- How fin de siècle scientists devised clinical protocols to study the supernatural.
- Occult influences in politics: a delicate topic weighed maturely.
- Heterodox movements and figures such as The Process Church, TOPY, Michael Aquino, and Anton LaVey.
- Pioneering voices including Manly P. Hall, Aleister Crowley, Rudolf Steiner, Edgar Cayce, Carl Jung, Gerald Gardner, Jack Parsons, Annie Besant, G.I. Gurdjieff, Alice Bailey, Austin Osman Spare, and Carlos Castaneda.
- Surprising occult influences on wide-ranging modern icons such as Frederick Douglass, Sigmund Freud, and Isaac Newton.
- How models of interdimensionality are loosening the hold of materialism on modern thought.
Critic reviews
“An amazing author…We are all so lucky to have you out there on the frontlines. You are a wonderful bridge connecting these ethereal, misunderstood, eyeroll-y subjects with a great methodology and with a great way of articulating them.”—Duncan Trussell, The Duncan Trussell Family Hour
“Wonderfully comprehensive...even to attempt this kind of history was a very challenging task—which Horowitz ably and amazingly pulls off...fluidly weaves in the origins, personal histories, and real-world impacts...a glorious historical mosaic that won’t soon be forgotten...The clarity of this exquisite picture, woven with an obsidian thread, invites each of us to transcend and transform.”—Jordan Gruber, Quest magazine
“A masterful exploration of the intricate and often misunderstood world of occult history, striking a rare balance as a work of scholarly rigor and engaging storytelling...both enlightening and deeply fascinating…a seminal work that provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding...a key resource.”—Mat Auryn, author of Psychic Witch
What listeners say about Modern Occultism
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- Garry Watts
- 23-08-24
Very well covered subject matter.
It goes into origins and endings of practices and groups as well as individuals in an easy listening and understandable manner. There is not much left to cover historically. Highly recommended for those that want to increase their knowledge of the progress of occult practice throughout time.
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- Joe
- 31-01-24
Well sourced and thorough account of Occultism
Mitch’s best work. A balanced, historically grounded view of the recent of occultism from a “believing historian” that was much needed.
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- Amazon Customer
- 14-07-24
Authorative.
Level headed, wide rangeing og thoroughly sited, exploration of modern western occultisms many facets and currents.
..And a book read by it's author is always a pleasure. Mitch's voice and narration is impeccable.
Will by a hard copy of the book too!
10/10
Jon E.
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