The occult has been a topic of fascination and controversy in America for centuries. This broad term refers to the study and practice of secret or hidden wisdom, often associated with supernatural powers and esoteric knowledge. The occult in America has gained particular attention in various historical periods, from the Salem witch trials in the 17th century to the New Age movement in the 20th century. One of the earliest instances of the occult in America is the Salem witch trials of 1692. This dark chapter in American history saw a wave of accusations and trials of individuals believed to be practicing witchcraft. The trials sparked mass hysteria and ended in the execution of several people.
In addition to being delicious, the ingredients in my pumpkin spice coffee recipe are incredibly magical and are typically already in a person’s kitchen pantry! Here are the ingredients and their magical properties.
In addition to being delicious, the ingredients in my pumpkin spice coffee recipe are incredibly magical and are typically already in a person s kitchen pantry. My favorite pumpkins I ve seen this year are a deep blood orange shade with large pimple-like bumps all over their skin or what I like to call witch s boils.
The trials sparked mass hysteria and ended in the execution of several people. While the Salem witch trials are now regarded as a tragic manifestation of persecution and mass hysteria, they demonstrate the fear and fascination with the occult during the colonial period. The 19th century saw the rise of spiritualism, a movement that gained popularity in America and Europe.
Ultanya
October is my favorite time of year for gaming. I love seeing ghoulish pumpkin faces illuminated on porches in the neighborhood. The tradition of the Jack-o-lantern finds its origins in Ireland with the legend of Stingy Jack. People would carve scary faces on potatoes or turnips and display them outside their windows or doors to ward away wandering evil spirits and fey.
This sounds like a tradition that commoners would adhere to in just about any fantasy realm. In a game such as Dungeons & Dragons malicious fey and horrific undead are not an imagined problem. What if pumpkin patches were growing on top of some ancient grave site? Or maybe deep in the rich soil were the corpses of murder victims long forgotten.
The pumpkin harvest is well underway and night has fallen with a full moon. A group of dark fey happens upon the scene and senses the tormented spirits under the pumpkin patch. They excitedly hop from foot to foot and perform an evil ritual calling forth the tormented dead souls. Slowly the pumpkin matter is corrupted and calcified to form a likeness of rotted corpses. Then the unspeakable happens, as they animate and shamble forth toward the cottages of the nearby village.
Below I have outlined a fun alternate version of a zombie for DM’s to toss at their players this October. The pictures I used in this post are the incredible work of Ray Villafane. Please check out his website for further inspiration as you carve up your own pumpkins this Halloween!
Pumpkin Zombie
Medium undead, neutral evil
Armor Class 8
Hit Points 31 (4d8 + 9)
Speed 20 ft.
STR 14 (+2)
DEX 6 (−2)
CON 16 (+3)
INT 3 (−4)
WIS 6 (−2)
CHA 5 (−3)
Saving Throws s ee below
Damage Immunities necrotic, poison
Condition Immunities poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 8
Languages understands the languages it knew in life but can’t speak
Challenge 2 ( 2 00 XP)
Rejuvenation. If the pumpkin zombie is destroyed anywhere near soil, it regains all its hit points in 1 hour unless holy water is sprinkled on its remains or a dispel magic or remove curse spell is cast on them.
Detect Life. The Pumpkin zombie can magically sense the presence of living creatures up to 5 miles away. They know the general direction but not their exact locations.
Magic Resistance. The pumpkin zombie is created with fey magic and has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Decaying claw. Melee Weapon Attack: + 4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 2) necrotic damage.
Pumpkin zombies move with a jerky, uneven gait. They appear to be a yellow-orange shambling likeness of a corpse. The smell of a ripe pumpkin field permeates any area they enter.
“Then on the night when Death comes for his victim, the witch takes a pumpkin and makes in it eyes and nose, and two holes, and puts in them two pods of beans, with the beans in them, to seem like horns.” ~ Etruscan Roman Remains in Popular Tradition by Charles Godfrey Leland
Spiritualism involved the belief in communicating with the spirits of the dead through mediums. This movement attracted a wide range of followers, including prominent figures such as Arthur Conan Doyle and William James. Séances and other spiritualist practices were common during this time, as people sought to connect with the supernatural realm. The early 20th century witnessed the birth of various occult organizations, such as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and the Ordo Templi Orientis. These secretive societies delved into ceremonial magic, astrology, and other occult practices. Their influence spread through their literature and teachings, inspiring many individuals to explore the occult arts. In the 1960s and 1970s, the New Age movement flourished in America. This spiritual movement incorporated various occult and esoteric beliefs, including astrology, tarot reading, and crystal healing. The New Age movement aimed to promote personal growth, spirituality, and alternative healing methods. It gained popularity among those seeking a more holistic approach to life and a deeper connection with the spiritual realm. Today, the occult in America continues to capture public interest, albeit in different forms. Against the backdrop of mainstream religion and scientific inquiry, the occult persists as a subculture that attracts individuals searching for alternative philosophies, mystical experiences, and unexplained phenomena. The Internet and social media have provided platforms for the discussion and dissemination of occult knowledge, enabling this subculture to thrive and evolve in the digital age. While the occult in America has faced criticism and skepticism, it remains an enduring aspect of the country's cultural landscape. Whether viewed as a means of spiritual exploration, a source of empowerment, or a curious phenomenon, the occult continues to intrigue and captivate individuals in their search for meaning and transcendence..
Reviews for "The Influence of Native American Beliefs on American Occultism"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "Occult in America". The book seemed promising, but it quickly became evident that the author lacked depth in their research. The explanations given were shallow and lacked any substantial evidence to support their claims. Additionally, the writing style felt amateurish and poorly organized. Overall, I found the book to be a waste of time and would not recommend it to anyone interested in learning about the occult in America.
2. John - 2 stars
While "Occult in America" did touch on some interesting topics, I found the overall presentation to be lackluster. The writing was dull and unengaging, making it difficult to stay focused. The author also seemed to rely heavily on speculation rather than providing concrete facts and evidence. I was hoping for a more thorough exploration of the occult in American society, but unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations.
3. Emily - 2 stars
"Occult in America" had a promising premise but failed to deliver. The author's writing style was convoluted and confusing, making it hard to follow the narrative. The book also lacked structure, jumping from one topic to another with no clear direction. I was left feeling unsatisfied and disappointed with the overall content. I would advise potential readers to seek out more well-researched and coherent books on the subject.