The occult refers to a wide range of beliefs and practices that involve the supernatural, mystical, and paranormal. It has a long and complex history that spans many cultures and time periods. From ancient civilizations to the modern era, the occult has fascinated and intrigued people seeking to understand the mysteries of the universe and our place within it. While it is often misunderstood and stigmatized, the occult has played a significant role in the development of human culture and spirituality. The origins of the occult can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece. These cultures had a deep connection to the spiritual realm and believed in the existence of gods, spirits, and magic.
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He produces a wonderfully skillful synthesis of the available material one that sees the occult in the light of reason and reason in the light of the mystical and paranormal. Название The Occult A History Автор Colin Wilson Издатель Random House, 1971 ISBN 0394465555, 9780394465555 Количество страниц Всего страниц 601 nbsp nbsp Экспорт цитаты BiBTeX EndNote RefMan.
These cultures had a deep connection to the spiritual realm and believed in the existence of gods, spirits, and magic. They practiced a variety of rituals and ceremonies to communicate with these higher beings and harness their powers for various purposes. In the Middle Ages, the occult became closely associated with witchcraft, heresy, and demonic possession.
History of the Occult in America
I am interested in the history of the occult, religion, demons, mythology, the supernatural, and the ideology of it all. I suppose I am wondering what would be the best history field for me to study if I wanted to become a historian of such subjects? I love to learn, it is everything to me, and to have a job that entitles me to learn as a living would be ideal.
Answer
I think that if your intention is to study occultism and mythology, you should major in economics, focusing especially on monetary policy. (Just kidding!)
In truth, many colleges and universities have established departments of religious studies, as opposed to theology or divinity studies. Generally speaking, in the somewhat vaguely defined academic field of religious studies, historians, philosophers, psychologists, anthropologists, and sociologists take religion, religious beliefs, practices, and believers as their objects of study. This is a different sort of academic undertaking than, say, studying religion in preparation for a ministry.
It is also common for colleges and universities to have individual courses on religion in other departments, such as philosophy, literature, classics, history, anthropology, or folklore.
Most academic study of American religious history has focused on the main streams of belief and practice. Because you bring up the issue of getting a job, I will say that this means that academics who might be capable of demonstrating expertise only in what might be regarded as the byways of religion—the occult and all that implies—have found themselves with fewer opportunities to land teaching positions. Developing a broad academic expertise, therefore, in the history of American religion would be a strategy that would maximize a young Ph.D.’s chances of landing a teaching position, no matter what he or she had specialized in.
However, as you might guess, now that the children of the 1960s and 1970s have become the academic old guard, as it were, scholars of American religious history have turned more attention not only to the history in America of the belief and practice of systems that have been explicitly “on the margins,” that is, occultist, but also to the way in which even mainstream religious groups have been influenced by the “alternative spiritualities” that have germinated and taken root here. This would include the Shakers, the Mormons, and the Masons, for example, as well as communal utopians, Swedenborgians, Spiritualists, Theosophists, Christian Scientists, proponents of the “New Thought” movement, and such 20th-century groups as Scientologists and those loosely linked under the name of the “New Age” movement. An example of a recent academic look at American religious history in this vein is Catherine L. Albanese’s 2007 book, A Republic of Mind and Spirit: A Cultural History of American Metaphysical Religion.
For more information
Mitch Horowitz, Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation. New York: Bantam Books, 2009.
Alice Felt Tyler, Freedom’s Ferment: Phases of American Social History to 1860. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1944.
Bibliography
Catherine L. Albanese, A Republic of Mind and Spirit: A Cultural History of American Metaphysical Religion. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2007.
However, as you might guess, now that the children of the 1960s and 1970s have become the academic old guard, as it were, scholars of American religious history have turned more attention not only to the history in America of the belief and practice of systems that have been explicitly “on the margins,” that is, occultist, but also to the way in which even mainstream religious groups have been influenced by the “alternative spiritualities” that have germinated and taken root here. This would include the Shakers, the Mormons, and the Masons, for example, as well as communal utopians, Swedenborgians, Spiritualists, Theosophists, Christian Scientists, proponents of the “New Thought” movement, and such 20th-century groups as Scientologists and those loosely linked under the name of the “New Age” movement. An example of a recent academic look at American religious history in this vein is Catherine L. Albanese’s 2007 book, A Republic of Mind and Spirit: A Cultural History of American Metaphysical Religion.
The Catholic Church, at the time, viewed the occult as a threat to its authority and actively sought to suppress and eradicate it. Numerous witch trials and inquisitions were carried out, resulting in the persecution and execution of countless individuals accused of practicing the occult. During the Renaissance period, there was a resurgence of interest in the occult, fueled by the rediscovery of ancient texts and the rise of humanism. Scholars and intellectuals began to explore and study occult knowledge, believing that it held the key to understanding the natural and spiritual world. This led to the formation of secret societies such as the Rosicrucians and the Freemasons, who sought to unravel the mysteries of the occult and use its wisdom for personal and societal transformation. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the occult experienced a revival through the spiritualist movement and the establishment of organizations such as the Theosophical Society. These groups sought to bridge the gap between science and spirituality, exploring topics such as mediumship, psychic phenomena, and esoteric teachings. Prominent figures like Helena Blavatsky and Aleister Crowley emerged during this time, making significant contributions to the occult and its practices. Today, the occult continues to captivate and draw people from all walks of life. It is no longer confined to secret societies and esoteric circles but has found its way into mainstream culture and media. From books and movies to online communities, the occult has become a source of inspiration and curiosity for many. The internet, in particular, has provided a platform for the exchange of occult knowledge and the formation of diverse communities dedicated to its exploration. The history of the occult is a testament to humanity's enduring fascination with the unknown and our innate desire to uncover hidden truths. It reflects our ongoing quest for meaning, purpose, and connection to something greater than ourselves. While the occult may remain shrouded in mystery and controversy, it will continue to shape and influence human culture for years to come..
Reviews for "The Occult and the Arts: From Literature to Music, a Cross Disciplinary Exploration"
1. John - 1 star
I was really looking forward to reading "The Occult: A History" as I have always been interested in the topic. Unfortunately, I was severely disappointed with this book. The author's writing style is dry and academic, making it difficult to engage with the material. Additionally, the structure of the book is confusing, jumping from one topic to another without clear connections. I was left feeling confused and unsatisfied with the overall reading experience.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
"The Occult: A History" had the potential to be an intriguing exploration of a fascinating subject, but it fell short for me. The author's approach to the topic often felt biased and dismissive, neglecting to give a fair representation of various belief systems and practices. I found myself constantly questioning the author's interpretations and conclusions, which detracted from my enjoyment of the book. Overall, I felt like this was a missed opportunity to delve into the occult with a more open mind.
3. Alex - 2 stars
I was expecting "The Occult: A History" to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject, but instead, I found myself sifting through a disorganized collection of historical anecdotes. The book lacked a clear structure, making it difficult to follow the progression of ideas. Furthermore, the research felt superficial, with a reliance on secondary sources and a lack of in-depth analysis. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a thorough exploration of the occult.
4. Emily - 1 star
"The Occult: A History" was a huge disappointment for me. The writing style was unnecessarily convoluted, making it hard to understand the author's points. It felt like the book was more concerned with showcasing the author's extensive knowledge of the occult rather than providing a coherent and accessible narrative. I struggled to finish this book and felt frustrated with the lack of clarity and organization. Overall, I found it to be a tedious and frustrating read.