Occultic entertainers in the Entertainment Capital of the World In the midst of the glitz and glamour of the Entertainment Capital of the World, there exists a hidden world of occultic entertainers. While Las Vegas is known for its bright lights and larger-than-life performances, there is an undercurrent of mysticism that can be found within its entertainment industry. These occultic entertainers, often operating in the shadows, bring a sense of mystery and enchantment to the city's entertainment scene. Las Vegas has long been associated with magic and illusion, with famous magicians such as Siegfried & Roy and Criss Angel captivating audiences with their mind-bending tricks. However, beyond the mainstream magic acts, there are performers who delve into the realms of the occult. These entertainers draw upon ancient esoteric knowledge and practices to create performances that are both mesmerizing and eerie.
That, however, did not sour Presley on Vegas.
The resort, located just south of what is now Sahara Avenue on the west side of Las Vegas Boulevard, was the first hotel to use big names to attract crowds after it opened April 3, 1941. The war on terror is a prime example of such thought manipulation, invoking fear, justifying the Patriot Act and Guantanamo Bay, whilst creating a blind, one that directed us away from the real war that the power elite has quietly declared on us.
These entertainers draw upon ancient esoteric knowledge and practices to create performances that are both mesmerizing and eerie. One prominent example of an occultic entertainer in Las Vegas is Zak Bagans, the host of the popular paranormal television show "Ghost Adventures." Bagans has made a name for himself by exploring haunted locations and documenting his encounters with the supernatural.
When Occultism And Conspiracy Theories Are Connected
Occultism, in the form of magical practice, is a common enough theme in horror, from ‘The Omen’ and ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ through to ‘The Matrix.’ In pop culture, the occult has fused with the paranormal to form a glamorous “other” realm of existence. This “other” has become accepted and acceptable. Writing, filming, reading, watching — it is all just good entertainment. Youngsters get into it, dabble a bit; parents watch on assuming it is just a phase they will grow out of, and that those who do not are suffering from a form of arrested development. Parents are, after all, rational, even when their rationality is coloured by faith. I believe this popular cultural dalliance with the paranormal and the occult to be problematic. It trivialises esotericism to the point of hollowing it out of all meaning. It is a distraction; one the real occultist will take full advantage of.
From the point of view of the mainstream, conspiracy theories are another “out there” fascination that occupies the minds of nerds, geeks and stoners to the point of obsession. From the point of view of those intellectuals critical of the neo-conservative status quo, conspiracy theorists are paranoid idiots. Not so.
Unlike the occult and paranormal fans, those who believe in conspiracy theories are widely vilified and shunned. They are considered to be some sort of threat to rational thought. They point at the corrupt and underhanded machinations of power and are condemned for it. In this article I show one way that the occult and conspiracy theories are connected, and why it might be that society’s rejection of this second “other” is not only misplaced, but it denies the development of the sort of thinking that will progress humanity beyond the tendency to create dichotomies, which in turn perpetuate hate.
The paranormal and the occult point us in direction of the strange and the unknown. The human mind is suggestible through its quest for explanations of happenstances that appear inexplicable. How many of us have awoken from a dream infused with a potent charge, breathless, our thoughts in suspension as we grapple for meaning? Or observed key life events falling in succession on a significant anniversary: the realisation bringing with it a sense of mystery and puzzlement? Is it that these sorts of things happen accidentally in the random chaos of life, as the rationalists would have it, and only because these events somehow concern us in particular, do we take notice? Or perhaps Carl Gustav Jung was right; such occurrences are not merely coincidental but synchronous and therefore significant.
And what of the particularity of that attention we give to this over that, something dramatic over something every day. Why do some things stand out and not others? I am not a psychologist and can only suggest that the answer lies partly in our sense of who we are and what we want. The allure of the paranormal and the occult is usually that self-centred. Also, the answer lies in the consequences. We tend not to notice things of no consequence.
The rationalists among us mock those who notice paranormal happenings along with those who find significance in the symbols and glyphs of the occult; those who believe in the predictive truth of divinatory practices such as the I Ching or the casting of the Runes. Yet it seems to me harsh and unfair to dismiss outright individuals who approach the unfathomable mysteriousness of our existence with a measure of awe and wonderment.
When something inexplicable happens — we see a ghost or have a premonition or hear a knock when there is no one there — many of us wonder if there is more to our world than meets our eyes. Drawing on the ideas of the well-known specialist in ancient Gnosticism, Gilles Quispel, Professor of History and Hermetic Studies, Wouter Jacobus Hanegraaff, describes this tendency as a gnostic disposition, a way of knowing distinct from faith (religion) and reason (science). Those with it are drawn to metaphysical explanations of reality. They tend to probe behind the scenes for alternative meanings in addition to those readily accessible on the surface.
If an a gnostic disposition is a prerequisite for engaging with occultism, then correspondence is its fundament. From the perhaps trite metaphysical tenet “As above, so below” through to myriad arbitrary associations, such as matching the signs of the Zodiac with gemstones, occultists (and esotericists) derive meaning from this method of interpreting the world around them. Over millennia, out of the correspondence technique of meaning making, occultists have accumulated a vast body of esoteric “knowledge.” And for the average occultist, this knowledge is all too easily regarded as absolute and concrete truth.
The most obvious and one of the oldest systems of correspondence, which sets out to interpret our experiences and predict our future based on occult knowledge, is Astrology. Perhaps harmless enough, when in the hands of an eccentric parlour scryer, although knowing how suggestible many of us are, even a prediction concerning the meeting of a future husband can have catastrophic consequences. It is for this reason that I refuse to practice the art.
Astrologers, like most interested in the occult, use the knowledge built up out of the technique of correspondence by applying it to people’s lives. It is personal and private. Transiting Pluto opposing your natal Moon means you are going through some sort of emotional rebirth — not many are going to state this aloud on a train. Yet it is not occult knowledge that concerns the adept esoteric practitioner. For esotericism is praxis; out of a few simple guiding principles, the occultist generates meaning and significance afresh each time.
The adept esotericist is concerned with the manipulation of thought and energy and the harnessing of power for the purposes of transmutation. The adept understands the capacity of symbols to evoke fresh meaning, stimulating the imagination and the intuition and, in ways incomprehensible to faith and reason, transforming consciousness. This, in essence, is Alchemy.
The adept knows this as superior knowledge, which has little to do with the literal correspondences ascribed to symbols by popular culture. Occultism is nothing more and nothing less than the manipulation of whatever forms and forces are at the practitioner’s disposal in order to achieve that which the practitioner desires. That, when all is stripped away, is magic.
There are two kinds of adepts: those who walk the left-hand path of darkness and those who direct their minds to the right-hand path of light. Pioneer of transpersonal psychology, Roberto Assagioli, for example, was a “secretary” of Theosophist Alice Ann Bailey’s Arcane School, an esoteric training school on the right-hand path (despite what some may argue, Alice Ann Bailey’s teachings have nothing whatsoever to do with the left-hand path, other than to guard against it). Roberto Assagioli used the insights he gained in his esoteric training and used them to develop psychosynthesis, a process largely beneficial in enabling personal development.
On the dark side, the adept in the occult arts knows the susceptibility and suggestibility of the human mind, understands fully the lure of correspondence, and above all, understands how to create thought forms in order to influence how we think about the world around us. Propaganda works in this way, as does ideology. The war on terror is a prime example of such thought manipulation, invoking fear, justifying the Patriot Act and Guantanamo Bay, whilst creating a blind, one that directed us away from the real war that the power elite has quietly declared on us.
The Freemasons are probably the most well-known occult order. Outwardly they are a brotherhood, an “old boy’s” network, favouring each other and ensuring they, and not outsiders, gain and keep power. Inwardly the Freemasons practice secret rites of an esoteric bent and practice the processes of initiation through a series of hierarchical degrees. Sinister or not? It depends on who you read.
There has always been a sinister side to the occult. In his book, ‘The Occult Roots of Nazism,’ Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke showed how the occult sects of the Habsburg Empire influenced Nazism ideology, their symbols and ideas proving highly influential. Scholars like Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke continue to contribute to a growing body of scholarly knowledge on the nature of Western Esotericism and its various streams. For those interested in understanding occultism and the elite, I advise looking to those works, over the dubious scholarship found in the works of Jim Marrs.
Occult orders are hard to understand, to study. The metaphysics is abstruse, the practices obscure. The larger orders are more well known. But there also exists smaller, highly secret orders. Professor of political science at Princeton University, Sheldon S. Wolin knew of the gravity of the matter when he wrote ‘Democracy Inc.’ He wrote a chapter on cultism in the power elite, including the Ayn Rand phenomenon of which former head of the Federal Reserve Alan Greenspan was an acolyte, and the intellectualised elite generated by political philosopher Leo Strauss, one with an astonishing lack of empathy when it comes to the rest of us. And then there is the anecdote, the mockery, the taunt: Bohemia Grove.
Secret occult orders are fuel for conspiracy theorists: those gnostic thinkers who may or may not stumble on the truth of the matter. Conspiracy thinkers realise that on a mass scale, pop culture dabblers are collectively duped, the paranormal and the occult serving as opiates, other worldly distractions from the harsh realities of existence under the current regime. Yet on an individual level, those same dabblers in the occult, busy collecting crystals, and engaging in a little candle magic, are protected from the manipulations of the adept by their very self-centredness: welcome to the New Age. Whereas conspiracy theorists are made vulnerable by their tendency to turn occultism outwards, away from themselves, and towards the world at large.
How do conspiracy thinkers protect themselves against such lies? I argue that the very idea of “conspiracy theory” is a problem for conspiracy thinkers. Theory presupposes some sort of grand plan or plot, one that forms the essence of the theory. The mistake I think conspiracy theorists tend to make is the same as the mistake literal-minded gnostics make — they look to knowledge, to absolutes; they adhere to linear thinking and seek concrete explanations and final causes — everything from alien lizards to “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion” — just as the literal-minded esotericist may believe in a spiritual hierarchy of ascended masters enacting a plan for humanity.
Occultism is not knowledge; it is praxis, a process, a way of knowing. Conspiracy is a process too, generally organic and evolving, opportunistic and unscrupulous, at times reckless. There is not, necessarily, a plot or master plan. Even if there is, I think it is best not to adhere to the idea of it. Umberto Eco’s ‘The Prague Cemetery’ comes closest to the reality.
There is another approach to occultism, one that regards the processes of meaning making through the symbols, glyphs and elements of occult systems lightly, provisionally, without adherence. It is one I ascribe to and aspire to. It is perhaps a more balanced approach, allowing awareness to be transformed without the mind adhering to prescribed meanings as literal truths. It is mastering occultism as art, not craft. It is recognising that the veils and blinds created by the supposed adepts are paradoxically their own other, their opposite in a sense, for veils and blinds are the very lenses through which the rest of us think we can see. A conspiracy thinker must also train their mind, learn to see through the veils, become an adept. Learn not to get trapped in the maze. Remain poised between dichotomies; walk the razor edge path of truth.
In 1974, Liberace signed a $2.5 million contract for a 25-week Las Vegas engagement.
His unique blend of entertainment and the occult has garnered him a dedicated following and has helped to bring the world of spirits and the supernatural to the forefront of mainstream entertainment. In addition to Zak Bagans, there are numerous other occultic entertainers who call Las Vegas home. Tarot card readers, psychics, and fortune tellers can be found throughout the city, offering their services to curious tourists and locals alike. These mystics tap into the unseen realms, providing insight and guidance to those seeking answers or a glimpse into the future. While the occultic entertainment scene in Las Vegas may be intriguing to some, it also raises questions about the boundaries between reality and illusion. As audiences are dazzled by the performances of these occultic entertainers, they are left wondering just how much of what they see is real and how much is simply an elaborate stage show. The existence of occultic entertainers in the Entertainment Capital of the World adds an extra layer of intrigue and mystery to the city's vibrant entertainment scene. These performers bring a sense of the unknown and the supernatural to audiences, offering a unique and sometimes unsettling experience. Whether one is a skeptic or a believer, the presence of occultic entertainers in Las Vegas serves as a reminder that even in the city where anything is possible, there are still secrets waiting to be uncovered..
Reviews for "The Witches of Vegas: Examining the Occultic Trends in Entertainment"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I really did not enjoy "Occultic entertainers in the entertainment capital of the world." The storyline felt convoluted and confusing, making it hard to follow. The characters were poorly developed, and I couldn't connect with any of them. Additionally, the pacing was off, with too many unnecessary subplots that distracted from the main story. Overall, I found this show to be a disappointment and would not recommend it to others.
2. Mike - 1 star
I cannot understand the hype around "Occultic entertainers in the entertainment capital of the world." The dialogue was cringe-worthy, and the acting was subpar at best. It felt like the show was trying too hard to be mysterious and edgy without delivering any substance. The plot twists were predictable, and the ending was unsatisfying. I regret wasting my time watching this series and would advise others to steer clear of it.
3. Emily - 2 stars
"Occultic entertainers in the entertainment capital of the world" had so much potential but ultimately fell flat for me. The premise was intriguing, but the execution was poorly done. The pacing was rushed, and the character development was lacking. The excessive use of fan service and unnecessary sexualization of female characters was off-putting and contributed nothing to the overall storyline. I was disappointed by the lack of depth and substance in this series and would not recommend it.