
Modern Occultism
History, Theory, and Practice
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Narrated by:
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Mitch Horowitz
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By:
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Mitch Horowitz
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.
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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
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Very interesting
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Not only is it obviously a document of excellent and erudite research, but it is also read with a passion and a pace that imbues facts with meaning and heart.
If I were to offer a criticism, the footnotes being included did tamper with the flow a little, but not enough to destroy the enjoyment of the reading and story itself. Thanks Mitch.
A new reference tome for the modern occultist
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outstanding listen!
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Very well researched and written.
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Comprehensive
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A thrilling historical perspective
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Scratchy audio
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The approach to the subject matter was even-handed, open-minded, yet maintained a healthy skepticism. It stripped away much of the salacious elements usually associated with such matters and got straight to the heart of the matter.
Additionally, I appreciated the citations and case studies as well as the genealogy of the traditions. It’s right up there with Catherine Albanese’s, “A Republic of Mind and Spirit: A Cultural History of American” and Mark Booth’s, “The Secret History of the World” as far as thorough, yet approachable guide.
Peek the esoteric elephant
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Fantastic and lucid peak behind the curtain
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This book filled in many blanks for within a timeline that seems tricky to navigate. Mitch did this seemingly effortlessly.
Clear & Concise
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