The establishment of early Mormonism and the occult belief system The establishment of early Mormonism in the 19th century was marked by a unique combination of religious fervor and elements of occult belief. **The founder of Mormonism, Joseph Smith, claimed to have received divine revelations that led to the restoration of the true Christian faith**. These revelations, recorded in the Book of Mormon, formed the basis of Mormon theology and doctrine. However, the origins of some of Smith's beliefs and practices point to a strong influence of occult and esoteric ideas. **Smith was known to be involved in treasure hunting and divination activities before he claimed to have been visited by an angel**. These practices, rooted in folk magic, likely shaped his worldview and had an impact on the formation of early Mormon theology.
At this point, you have two options: Physically moving the “energy”, or achieving “gnosis”. (This is the beat drop.)
A SFW example would be - this should feel like, when you re staring at a magic eye painting, after a long while of staring it clicks to form an image. Do that, but this time, using a combo of physical actions and if you wish visualization, instead of shaking it off into the air, shake it off into the object.
These practices, rooted in folk magic, likely shaped his worldview and had an impact on the formation of early Mormon theology. The use of seer stones and the belief in "peep stones" were central to Smith's early religious experiences. **Smith claimed to use seer stones to translate the ancient gold plates that contained the Book of Mormon**.
Witchcraft & Magical Theory
Ash W. E. // Practicing Green Witch of 7 years // eclectic solo practitioner // pagan // published author // magic(k)al theory & spellcraft nerd // what's in the woods? // Aquarius sun, Cancer moon, Aries rising. I love you, fight me! // Asks are Open!
These practices, reminiscent of scrying and divination, were deeply ingrained in the occult belief systems of the time. Furthermore, the concept of "theosis" or the belief in the potential for humans to become like God, is another element of early Mormonism that has connections to occult thought. **This idea of divine ascent and transformation is found in various esoteric traditions**, where practitioners seek to attain higher states of consciousness and spiritual enlightenment. Critics of early Mormonism often point to these occult influences as evidence of Smith's fraudulence or deception. However, others argue that **the blending of religious and occult ideas was a natural progression in the religious landscape of the time**. The 19th century saw a flourishing of new religious movements and spiritual experimentation, and Mormonism was not the only faith to incorporate elements of the occult. In conclusion, the establishment of early Mormonism was characterized by the convergence of religious conviction and occult beliefs. **While Joseph Smith's involvement in occult practices before his religious experience cannot be denied, it is important to understand the context in which these beliefs arose**. Mormonism, like many other religious movements of the time, sought to offer a unique interpretation of spirituality and the divine..
Reviews for "Occultic Rituals and Practices in Early Mormonism: A Hidden History"
1. John Doe - 1 star
I found "The Establishment of Early Mormonism and the Occult Belief System" to be highly misleading and biased. The author seemingly undermines the credibility of the Mormon religion by associating it with the occult, without providing sufficient evidence or proper context. It felt like a blatant attempt to discredit and demonize a religious group, rather than providing an objective analysis of their beliefs and practices. I was disappointed with the lack of research and balanced perspective in this book.
2. Jane Smith - 2 stars
As someone who is not familiar with the Mormon religion, I picked up this book hoping to gain some insight into its early establishment. However, I was taken aback by the constant focus on the alleged occult connections of Mormonism. While I understand the author's desire to explore different angles, it felt like an obsession with painting the religion in a negative light, rather than providing a comprehensive and fair analysis. The book ignored other important aspects of Mormonism's beginnings and failed to present a well-rounded view.
3. Sarah Johnson - 1 star
I found "The Establishment of Early Mormonism and the Occult Belief System" to be a deeply biased and sensationalized account of the religion's origins. The author seemed to have an agenda to demonize Mormonism, rather than presenting a balanced and scholarly analysis. I was disappointed with the lack of objectivity and the repetitive focus on the alleged occult connections. If you are seeking a fair and well-researched exploration of early Mormonism, I highly suggest looking elsewhere.
4. Michael Thompson - 1 star
"The Establishment of Early Mormonism and the Occult Belief System" was a complete letdown. The author's clear bias against Mormonism overshadowed any potential value in the book. Instead of providing a nuanced understanding of the religion's genesis, it seemed like a platform for the author to express their personal disdain for Mormonism. I was hoping for an objective and informative read, but unfortunately, this book failed to deliver on that front.
5. Emily Wilson - 2 stars
I found "The Establishment of Early Mormonism and the Occult Belief System" to be a disappointingly one-sided portrayal of the Mormon religion. The author's persistent focus on the alleged occult connections overshadowed other aspects of early Mormonism that could have been explored. It felt like a missed opportunity to provide a comprehensive understanding of the religion's roots. I would caution readers to approach this book with skepticism and seek out alternative sources for a more balanced perspective.