Therapeutic mother versus occultism In today's modern society, many people are turning to alternative forms of healing and guidance, such as occultism, to find solace and answers to their struggles. However, it is important to consider the potential dangers and pitfalls of delving into the occult, as it may lead to further harm and confusion. Instead, a more beneficial approach would be to embrace the concept of a therapeutic mother figure, who can provide unconditional love, support, and guidance. The idea of a therapeutic mother figure encompasses the qualities and characteristics of a caring and nurturing parent, who is there for emotional support and guidance in times of need. This mother figure can be physical, such as a biological parent, or symbolic, such as a mentor or role model. The key aspect here is the inherent care and concern that is provided, creating a safe space for individuals to explore and heal.
The key aspect here is the inherent care and concern that is provided, creating a safe space for individuals to explore and heal. On the other hand, occultism often involves the exploration of mysterious and hidden forces or practices in order to gain insight or control over one's life. While it may seem enticing and promising at first, it can lead individuals down a path of confusion, manipulation, and even dangerous situations.
WitchTok: the rise of the occult on social media has eerie parallels with the 16th century
Rebekah King does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
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It’s 1.30am in the morning, and I’m about to watch a duel between magicians. One is a “demonolater”, a word I have never heard before, someone who claims they worship demons and can petition them in return for knowledge or power. The other describes themselves as a “Solomonic magician”, and claims to be able to command demons to do his bidding, as some Jewish and Islamic traditions have believed of King Solomon, who ruled Israel in the 10th century BC.
I first discovered this debate because, in the course of studying 16th century books of magic attributed to Solomon, I had found, to my astonishment, that “Solomonic magic” is still alive and well today, and growing in popularity. Twitter had suggested to me that I might be interested in an account called “Solomonic magic”, and a few clicks later I had found myself immersed in a vast online community of young occultists, tweeting and retweeting the latest theories and controversies, and using TikTok to share their craft.
To my further bemusement, it seemed that the tradition of Solomonic magic had recently faced accusations that its strict and authoritative approach to the command of demons amounted to a form of abuse, akin to domestic violence. As I had made a note in my diary of a public debate that I wanted to attend out of sheer curiosity, it seemed astonishing to be asking myself whether Solomonic magic, the same found in books of necromancy dating back hundreds of years, was on the brink of cancellation in 2021.
At 28, I’m slightly too old to be familiar with the platform Twitch, mostly used for live video streaming, but tonight I’ve managed to get it working for this particular debate. As an atheist, I’m very likely in the minority, though I’m not the only Brit to have turned up in spite of it being such an ungodly hour this side of the pond. The chat box is buzzing as occultists of various stripes arrive to hear the arguments.
My mum would hate this, I can’t help thinking to myself. She didn’t even let me read Harry Potter.
When people ask me what I do, it’s always fun to tell them, “I study magic at Cambridge University.” It’s technically true. I’m researching the representation of magic on the early modern stage, and am interested in the ways in which dangerous, forbidden or “occult” knowledge was theorised by Shakespeare and his contemporaries. My research combines my fascination with the mechanisms of belief with my love of storytelling and the stage. When I’m not researching plays, I’m writing them: I’m an award-winning playwright, whose work has been performed across the UK and abroad.
British painter George Romney was only one of many artists whose imagination was inspired by the three witches in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY
Suspending disbelief is my forte, but actually believing is something I’ve never been very good at. The history of magic fascinates me because it is a history of people – of human faults and foibles, vanities, hopes and needs – rather than because of any genuine investment in the esoteric. This is why I’m here to listen to articulate and likeable young people across the globe discussing theories of knowledge and the supernatural – beliefs to which I myself cannot subscribe.
Even more astonishingly, these Generation Z occultists, with their substantial followings on Twitter and TikTok, are about to debate a form of magic that lies at the heart of my research into Shakespeare’s England.
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The occult often involves rituals, spells, or communication with supernatural entities, which can have unpredictable and negative consequences for those involved. By focusing on the idea of a therapeutic mother figure, individuals have the opportunity to tap into a more stable and reliable source of support and guidance. Instead of seeking solace in unknown or potentially harmful practices, individuals can turn to a mother figure who provides love, acceptance, and a listening ear. This allows for a safe and nurturing environment to process emotions, gain clarity, and find solutions to life's challenges. While the therapeutic mother figure may not offer quick fixes or supernatural powers, the relationship and support provided can have long-lasting effects on an individual's well-being. The consistent presence of a caring and understanding figure allows individuals to build trust, work through trauma, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. The sense of security and stability that comes from having a therapeutic mother figure can also strengthen one's sense of self and ability to navigate the complexities of life. In conclusion, it is important to consider the potential dangers and pitfalls of delving into occultism for healing and guidance. Instead, embracing the concept of a therapeutic mother figure provides a more beneficial approach. This figure offers unconditional love, support, and guidance, allowing individuals to heal, grow, and find solace in a safe and nurturing environment. In this way, individuals can tap into a stable and reliable source of support, rather than seeking solace in unknown and potentially harmful practices..
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