Occult practices have a long history in America, with various belief systems and practices infiltrating the country over the centuries. The term "occult" refers to hidden or secret knowledge, often associated with the supernatural or mystical. In America, the occult has influenced various aspects of society, from religious movements to popular culture. One of the earliest occult influences in America came with the arrival of European settlers. Many of these settlers brought with them their own mystical practices and beliefs. For example, some Native American tribes practiced rituals and ceremonies that were considered occult by European standards.
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.
Accordingly, everything that happens on earth is only a reproduction, as it were, of an event in a world beyond our sense perception; as regards its occurrence in time, it is later than the suprasensible event. My brush with the occult began on a quiet Sunday morning in the mid-1970s at a diner in the Queens neighborhood where I grew up, a place of bungalow-size houses and cracked sidewalks that straddles the invisible boundary between the farthest reaches of New York City and the suburbs of Long Island.
For example, some Native American tribes practiced rituals and ceremonies that were considered occult by European standards. These practices included divination, healing rituals, and communication with spirits. In the 19th century, the occult experienced a resurgence in America.
Satanic, Occult, & Ritualistic Violence in America (From Faces of Violence in America, P 33-53, 1996, Gordon A Crews, et al -- See NCJ-164393)
Occult-related violence in the United States and the law enforcement response are explored, along with various belief systems that often motivate occult involvement.
Abstract
Most if not all occult and paganistic religious practices are protected by the first amendment. In many cases, Satanism is used to cover a variety of illicit teenage activities. Even juveniles who claim to be Satanists often lack a committed belief system that is required to be a true believer. These juveniles call themselves Satanists in order to fabricate a deviant perspective, justify their decision to rebel against society, and receive recognition. It is apparent that the more Satanism is defined as a significant youth problem, the more curious troubled teenagers will investigate. Satanic activities frequently give teenagers who feel powerless a temporary sense of efficacy, and a major theme behind Satanism is the quest for power. Feelings of empowerment, derived from Satanic involvement, can compensate for much of the power lacking in young people's lives. Some juveniles become involved in Satanic activities for excitement and entertainment, while others become involved through criminal activities. Future efforts should concentrate on strategies to fight juvenile delinquency and not pseudo-Satanic involvement. The focus should be on root causes of juvenile delinquency, poor social conditions, and dysfunctional families. Several perspectives on occult, ritualistic, and Satanic violence are offered, including Christian, community, media, parental, and adolescent views. Techniques used by cults and types of Satanic literature are described, the criminal investigation of cult violence and the criminal psychopath are examined, and examples of cult and ritualistic violence are cited. 30 references
Back, for a moment, to the Silver Moon diner. What of the coin machine where I bought my horoscope that morning? It had its own story, one perhaps less august than that of ancient scholars or Renaissance courts but, to a young boy, no less fascinating. It was invented in 1934 by a clothing and securities salesman named Bruce King — or, as he was better known by his nom de mystique, Zolar. ("It comes from 'zodiac' and 'solar system,'" he explained. "Registered U.S. trademark.") His initiation was not in the temples of Egypt but on the boardwalks of Atlantic City, New Jersey. There he witnessed a goateed Professor A. F. Seward thrusting a pointer at a huge zodiac chart while lecturing beachgoers on the destiny of the stars. Professor Seward sold one-dollar horoscopes to countless vacationers — so many, rumor went, that he retired to Florida a millionaire. (The rumor, as will be seen, was true.)
The religious movement known as Spiritualism gained popularity during this time, with mediums claiming to communicate with the dead. Spiritualist groups and séances became a common occurrence, attracting believers from various walks of life. The early 20th century saw the emergence of the occult organization known as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. This influential group drew upon various esoteric traditions and mystical teachings, including elements of Freemasonry, astrology, and alchemy. The Golden Dawn’s teachings and rituals had a significant impact on several prominent figures, including poet W.B. Yeats and occultist Aleister Crowley. The latter half of the 20th century witnessed a renewed interest in the occult, fueled in part by the counterculture and New Age movements. Practices such as astrology, tarot reading, and meditation gained popularity, as individuals sought alternative forms of spirituality and personal development. This period also saw the rise of popular occult figures, such as Anton LaVey, who founded the Church of Satan in 1966. In recent years, the occult has continued to influence various aspects of American culture. Books like "The Secret" and "The Power of Now" have gained widespread popularity, integrating occult principles into concepts of self-help and personal growth. Additionally, television shows and movies featuring elements of the occult, such as "American Horror Story" and "The Craft," have captivated audiences and contributed to the mainstream acceptance of occult themes. In conclusion, the occult has had a significant impact on American society throughout history. From the practices of Native American tribes to the teachings of influential groups like the Golden Dawn, occult beliefs and practices have shaped religious movements, spiritual practices, and popular culture. Despite criticism and skepticism, occultism continues to attract followers and intrigue those seeking hidden knowledge and mystical experiences..
Reviews for "The Mystical West: Occultism and the American Frontier"
1. John - 1 star - "Occylt in ameeica" was a complete waste of my time and money. The plot was all over the place and lacked any coherence. The characters were poorly developed and I found it difficult to connect with any of them. The writing style was also quite clunky, with awkward phrasing and numerous grammatical errors. Overall, I was extremely disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone.
2. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Occylt in ameeica" but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The story started off promising, but as it progressed, it became convoluted and confusing. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to stay engaged. Additionally, the pacing was off, with long stretches of slow development followed by rushed, unsatisfying conclusions. While the concept was interesting, the execution left much to be desired.
3. Matthew - 2 stars - "Occylt in ameeica" had the potential to be an intriguing occult thriller, but it ultimately failed to deliver. The plot had promising elements but was overshadowed by an abundance of unnecessary subplots and irrelevant details. The writing lacked finesse and failed to create a compelling atmosphere, essential for this genre. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked depth. Overall, the book had its moments, but it failed to live up to its potential and left me disappointed.
4. Sarah - 1 star - "Occylt in ameeica" was a complete mess. The storyline was incoherent, bouncing from one random event to another without any clear direction. The author seemed to have no idea about pacing or character development, leaving me feeling disconnected and uninterested. Furthermore, the writing style was tedious, with overly descriptive passages that added nothing to the overall story. I found myself skim-reading just to get through it. I would not recommend this book to anyone who values a well-written and cohesive narrative.