Adolf Hitler, the infamous dictator of Nazi Germany, has long been associated with the occult. Throughout his rise to power and rule over Germany, Hitler was rumored to have had an interest in mysticism, esoteric knowledge, and the supernatural. The connection between Hitler and the occult has captivated historians, scholars, and conspiracy theorists alike. One of the main influences on Hitler's interest in the occult was the Thule Society, a German occultist group that believed in the superiority of the Aryan race and the revival of Germanic paganism. It is believed that Hitler joined the Thule Society in the early 1920s and was greatly influenced by its ideologies. The society's focus on symbols, rituals, and mystical beliefs may have contributed to Hitler's own fascination with the occult.
These trends only accelerated after Germany’s devastating defeat in the First World War. During the Weimar Republic a steamship company dismissed its managing director because ‘his handwriting had displeased a graphologist.’ Motorists avoided a road between Hamburg and Bremen due to rumours about mysterious ‘terrestrial rays,’ which caused accidents. ‘A miracle worker, who had the faculty of making the dead Bismarck appear during his mass meetings and who healed sickness by application of white cheese,’ recalled the German journalist Konrad Heiden, ‘had enough followers to establish a city: another crackpot was almost elected to the Reichstag; and still a third, who also barely missed election, promised to perform the greatest miracle of all by undoing the German inflation.’ ‘And of course,’ Heiden notes, ‘many were firmly convinced that the course of world history was the sinister result of the ministrations of ancient secret societies, such as those of the Masons, the Jews, and the Jesuits.’
Among the millions of Germans and Austrians who held such views were Rudolf von Sebottendorff and Walter Nauhaus, who co-founded the occult-inspired Thule Society during the last months of the First World War. More importantly, the NSDAP went far beyond the obscure theories of völkisch wandering scholars to craft a broader, more populist message that drew on elements of prewar occultism but was also more ideologically eclectic and politically accessible; what I call the supernatural imaginary.
The society's focus on symbols, rituals, and mystical beliefs may have contributed to Hitler's own fascination with the occult. Another notable influence on Hitler's interest in the occult was his association with Karl Haushofer, a prominent geographer and occultist. Haushofer introduced Hitler to concepts such as geopolitics and the idea of a mystical connection between geography and power.
Hitler’s Monsters: The Occult Roots of Nazism and the Emergence of the Nazi ‘Supernatural Imaginary’
Eric Kurlander, Hitler’s Monsters: The Occult Roots of Nazism and the Emergence of the Nazi ‘Supernatural Imaginary’, German History, Volume 30, Issue 4, December 2012, Pages 528–549, https://doi.org/10.1093/gerhis/ghs073
Navbar Search Filter Mobile Enter search term Search Navbar Search Filter Enter search term SearchHaushofer's teachings may have further fueled Hitler's belief in the occult and his conviction that he possessed a special destiny. Furthermore, Hitler's personal library was filled with books on the occult, esoteric philosophies, and mythology. He was known to have read extensively on topics such as astrology, divination, and the supernatural. Some claim that Hitler even consulted astrologers and clairvoyants to guide his decision-making. These interests suggest that Hitler believed in the power of the occult and its ability to provide him with strategic advantages. The most controversial aspect of Hitler's involvement with the occult is the belief that he sought supernatural assistance in his quest for power. Some sources claim that Hitler and his inner circle conducted secret rituals and ceremonies to gain mystical support. The most infamous of these rituals is the alleged invocation of dark forces at Wewelsburg Castle, which some believe was intended to give Hitler supernatural aid in his military campaigns. However, it is important to note that much of the evidence connecting Hitler to the occult is based on rumors, hearsay, and speculation. Historians have often debated the extent of Hitler's involvement with the occult, with some arguing that these claims are overblown and exaggerated. The true nature of Hitler's beliefs and practices regarding the occult may never be fully known. In conclusion, there is evidence to suggest that Hitler had an interest in the occult and believed in its power. The influence of the Thule Society, his association with Karl Haushofer, and his extensive reading on occult subjects all indicate his fascination with the supernatural. However, the exact extent of Hitler's involvement and the impact it had on his actions remains a topic of debate and speculation..
Reviews for "Hitler and the Occult: Tracing the Roots of Evil"
1. John - 1 star - "I found 'Hitler and the Occult' to be a highly offensive and distasteful book. It seemed like the author was trying to glorify Hitler and his evil actions by suggesting that there was some sort of supernatural power behind his rise to power. This is a dangerous and misleading perspective that diminishes the atrocities committed during World War II and the Holocaust. I would not recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a historically accurate and objective account of Hitler's reign."
2. Emma - 2 stars - "I was quite disappointed with 'Hitler and the Occult.' While the topic is intriguing, the book failed to provide any substantial evidence or credible sources to support its claims. It seemed more like a conspiracy theory rather than an informative piece of non-fiction. The author's lack of critical analysis and reliance on sensationalism made it difficult for me to take the content seriously. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a serious exploration of Hitler's history or the occult."
3. Sarah - 1 star - "I was appalled by 'Hitler and the Occult' and found it to be filled with misinformation and pseudoscience. The author seemed to cherry-pick historical events and misinterpret them to fit their own narrative. This led to a distorted view of Hitler's motivations and actions, which is dangerous considering the impact he had on millions of lives. The book lacked credibility and relied heavily on sensationalism rather than facts. I would caution anyone against wasting their time reading this biased and misleading account."
4. Mark - 2 stars - "As someone interested in history and the occult, I was initially excited to read 'Hitler and the Occult.' However, I was left disappointed by the author's overly speculative and sensationalist approach. The book lacked proper research, and many of the claims made were unsubstantiated. It felt more like a work of fiction rather than a scholarly investigation. While the subject matter has potential, this particular book failed to deliver a credible and thorough exploration of the topic."
5. Laura - 1 star - "I found 'Hitler and the Occult' to be offensive and filled with baseless claims. The author used a combination of conspiracy theories and pseudoscience to suggest that supernatural forces played a role in Hitler's rise to power. This is a dangerous and misleading perspective that undermines the historical context and the responsibility Hitler himself held for his actions. I would strongly caution against reading this book if you are looking for a well-researched and accurate account of Hitler's reign."