Natural occultism refers to the practice and study of esoteric knowledge that is derived from observing and understanding the natural world. It is a method of exploring the mysteries of the universe by tapping into the inherent forces and wisdom that are present in nature. This approach is rooted in the belief that everything in the cosmos is interconnected, and by aligning with the laws and energies of nature, individuals can gain profound insights and experiences. One of the core principles of natural occultism is the recognition that nature is a mirror of the divine and that observing and interacting with nature can provide a direct pathway to understanding and accessing mystical knowledge. This concept is often referred to as the Doctrine of Correspondences or the belief that natural phenomena and symbols reflect deeper spiritual truths. Natural occultists also believe in the existence of a universal life force or energy that permeates all things.
In Nevsky Prospect we might notice a square-faced young man with a pince-nez and a pensive expression, called Pyotr Demianovich Ouspensky, later to become known as a leading exponent of the Gurdjieff teaching. He is strolling along thinking about the fourth dimension. Noticing a passing horse-drawn vehicle, he reflects that the horse is only an atom of some “great horse,” just as each human being is an atom of the “Great Man,” only visible in the fourth dimension.1 Ouspensky had come from Moscow and settled in St. Petersburg, attracted by the vibrant esoteric scene in the imperial capital. In Moscow he had worked as a newspaper journalist, but during office hours, bored by the work, he had devoured books like A. P. Sinnett’s The Occult World and Eliphas Lévi’s classic, Dogme et Rituel de la Haute Magie.2 In these books he found a new kind of truth. As he later wrote:
The author explains how the search for meaning in the post- Soviet era has given rise to a revival of ancient spiritual traditions and a plethora of new movements. Reveals the survival of ancient Slavic deities, pagan practices, and folk medicine tradition in modern Russia, including the indigenous pre-Christian customs of the Mari people and the shamanic traditions of Siberia.
Natural occultists also believe in the existence of a universal life force or energy that permeates all things. This vital energy goes by various names such as chi, prana, or the astral fluid, and it is believed to be the underlying force behind all physical and spiritual manifestations. By learning how to tap into and manipulate this energy, natural occultists seek to enhance their understanding and control over the natural world.
Occult Russia
• Reveals the survival of ancient Slavic deities, pagan practices, and folk medicine tradition in modern Russia, including the indigenous pre-Christian customs of the Mari people and the shamanic traditions of Siberia
• Examines the precursors to modern spiritual movements in the “Silver Age” (1880-1920) and discusses the impact of the Russian Revolution on spiritual and esoteric groups
• Offers a deep look at the controversial Book of Veles, branded by some as a forgery and hailed by others as an epic chronicle of the Slavic people
In this in-depth look at occult and esoteric traditions in Russia, Christopher McIntosh explores the currents of mysticism, myth, magic, and the spiritual to which the Russian soul has always been attuned. The author explains how the search for meaning in the post- Soviet era has given rise to a revival of ancient spiritual traditions and a plethora of new movements. He examines the precursors to these movements in the “Silver Age” (1880-1920) before the Revolution, when alternative forms of spirituality were finding new life as a reaction to the ongoing climate of violence, revolt, and repression. He discusses the impact of the Russian Revolution on spiritual and esoteric groups and shows how their activities were tolerated and even in some instances encouraged--until Stalin assumed power in 1924.
Discussing the spiritual reawakening after the fall of communism in 1989, the author explores the survival of Slavic deities and pagan practices in modern Russia, including the indigenous pre-Christian customs of the Mari people and the shamanic traditions of Siberia. He examines the resurgence of the Orthodox Church and the burgeoning of alternative forms of spirituality. He offers a deep look at the controversial Book of Veles, branded by some as a forgery and hailed by others as an epic chronicle of the Slavic people. He also explores the interface between spirituality and the arts and the unique qualities of the Russian language as a medium for the sacred.
Revealing the implications of the modern Russian spiritual and esoteric renaissance, McIntosh shows that it still remains to be seen whether Edgar Cayce’s prediction of Russia as the hope of the world will come true or if Russia will remain, as Churchill famously stated, “a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.”
Christopher McIntosh is a British-born writer and historian, specializing in the esoteric traditions of the West. He has a doctorate in history from Oxford University, a degree in German from London University, and a diploma in Russian from the United Nations Language School. The author of many books, most recently Beyond the North Wind, he lives in Lower Saxony, North Germany.
Another important aspect of natural occultism is the belief in the power of symbolism and ritual. Symbols are believed to hold inherent meaning and power, and rituals are performed to communicate with and harness the energies represented by these symbols. This can include performing ceremonies or using objects such as talismans, amulets, or divination tools to connect with and draw upon specific natural or celestial forces. The practice of natural occultism is not limited to a specific set of beliefs or practices and can encompass a wide range of traditions and cultures. It draws inspiration from various ancient wisdom traditions, including Hermeticism, alchemy, astrology, and indigenous spiritual practices. The emphasis, however, is always on observation, understanding, and working with the natural world and its energies. In conclusion, natural occultism is a multifaceted approach to esoteric knowledge that centers around the observation and understanding of the natural world. It recognizes the inherent connections between all things and seeks to tap into the mystical wisdom and energies present in nature. By understanding the symbolism and harnessing the power of rituals, natural occultists aim to gain deeper insights into the mysteries of the universe and their place within it..
Reviews for "The Role of Meditation in Natural Occultism"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was expecting "An in depth look at natural occultism" to provide some insightful information and exploration of the topic. Unfortunately, I found the book to be quite superficial and lacking in substance. The author touched on various aspects of natural occultism without going into enough detail or providing any practical guidance. It felt more like a collection of brief overviews rather than a comprehensive study. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a deeper understanding of the subject.
2. John - 2 stars - "An in depth look at natural occultism" failed to live up to its title. While the concept of natural occultism intrigued me, the book didn't deliver on its promise. The author spent too much time on seemingly unrelated topics and didn't provide enough clarity or depth in explaining the core principles of natural occultism. The chapters felt disjointed, and I found myself struggling to connect the various ideas presented. It seemed like the author tried to cover too much ground without providing adequate explanations or examples. Overall, I was left feeling confused and unsatisfied with this book.
3. Sarah - 3 stars - I had high hopes for "An in depth look at natural occultism," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. While the book touched on interesting concepts and ideas related to natural occultism, it lacked the necessary depth and exploration that I was seeking. It felt like a surface-level overview of the subject, without providing any substantial explanations or in-depth analyses. The author's writing style also felt disjointed and unfocused at times, making it difficult to fully engage with the material. Overall, I found this book to be a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the fascinating world of natural occultism.
4. Robert - 2 stars - "An in depth look at natural occultism" was a disappointing read for me. The book lacked coherence and failed to provide a clear structure or flow to the content. The author seemed to jump from one topic to another without establishing proper connections between them. Additionally, the information provided was often vague and lacking in specificity. I was hoping for a comprehensive exploration of natural occultism, but instead, I found myself struggling to make sense of the scattered ideas presented in the book. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this read to those looking for a true in-depth understanding of the subject.