The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) recently disclosed a collection of files that document their research and interest in occult practices. These files provide a fascinating glimpse into the agency's exploration of unconventional techniques to gain intelligence and understand unusual phenomena. **The main idea behind the CIA's interest in the occult is to explore any potential intelligence benefits and to understand the cultural and psychological factors that influence individuals involved in such practices.** The released files include information on a wide range of topics, including psychic abilities, remote viewing, mind control, and even attempts at harnessing paranormal powers for military purposes. The agency's interest in these topics dates back to the 1950s and 1960s, during the height of the Cold War when both the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in a race to uncover any secrets that could give them an advantage over the other. One of the most well-known experiments detailed in the disclosed files is the Stargate Project, which focused on the use of remote viewing as a means of intelligence gathering.
Hundreds of thousands of pages of FBI, CIA, and U.S. Army intelligence records related to Nazi and World War II war crimes and perpetrators have been declassified and opened to the public under the Nazi War Crimes Disclosure Act of 1998. On May 13, the Nazi War Crimes and Japanese Imperial Government Records Interagency Working Group (IWG) announced the release, which included approximately 240,000 pages from the FBI, 419 additional CIA name and subject files, and more than 3,000 pages documenting U.S. Army involvement with German spymaster Reinhard Gehlen.
the specific subject matter of an investigation by the congressional intelligence committees, or other specifically enumerated investigative offices, for any impropriety, or violation of law, Executive order, or Presidential directive, in the conduct of an intelligence activity. That s how a 1952 Central Intelligence Agency CIA assessment described Nazi ideologue Emil Augsburg, an officer at the infamous Wannsee Institute, the SS think tank involved in planning the Final Solution.
One of the most well-known experiments detailed in the disclosed files is the Stargate Project, which focused on the use of remote viewing as a means of intelligence gathering. The project aimed to train individuals to use their psychic abilities to "see" or gather information about remote locations or events. While the results of these experiments vary, some individuals claimed to have successfully remote viewed distant locations, providing details that were later verified as accurate.
Assassination Archives & Rsch. Ctr. v. CIA, No. 21-1237, 2023 WL 2184550 (D.D.C. Feb. 22, 2023) (Cooper, J.)
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Litigation Considerations, Adequacy of Search & Procedural Requirements, Searching for Responsive Records: The court holds that “the CIA has detailed the tailored search it conducted to locate responsive records.” The court relates that defendant “explains that experienced professionals knowledgeable about the agency’s record holdings tailored searches in the two records systems where they believed responsive records likely resided . . . .” “For each system, searches were conducted using key terms . . . .” “Hard-copy files suspected of containing responsive information were searched ‘line-by-line, page-by-page.’”
The court relates that “[t]he CIA did not search its operational files because, in its view, ‘the requested information does not fall within the scope of any exception that would warrant a search of the CIA’s exempted operational files.’” “The CIA Information Act generally exempts CIA operational files from the search, review, publication, and disclosure requirements of FOIA.” “However, ‘exempted operational files shall continue to be subject to search and review for information concerning . . . the specific subject matter of an investigation by the congressional intelligence committees,’ or other specifically enumerated investigative offices, ‘for any impropriety, or violation of law, Executive order, or Presidential directive, in the conduct of an intelligence activity.’” “[Plaintiff] [argues] that the agency should have searched its operational records for information about [two individuals] because the JFK assassination has been thoroughly investigated by the Senate Select Committee on Government Operation with Respect to Intelligence Activities . . . and has also been the subject of investigations by the Department of Justice, the Warren Commission, and the House Select Committee on Assassinations.” “But [plaintiff] has not offered any evidence that those investigations concerned the specific subjects of its FOIA request.” The court finds that “[t]he fact that President Kennedy’s assassination has been investigated by numerous official bodies does not mean that [the two individuals specified by plaintiff] were the ‘specific subject’ of any investigation.” “Nor does [plaintiff] provide evidence to support such a conclusion.” The court finds that plaintiff’s argument “begs the question by requiring the Court to believe the speculative theory that [plaintiff] hopes to investigate.” “Speculation is not enough to demand the CIA search its operational files.”
“[Plaintiff] also contends that ‘the inadequacy of the CIA’s search is evidenced by the absence of records pertaining to known operations, events and activities.’” The court finds that “[i]t is well-settled, moreover, that the adequacy of a search ‘is generally determined not by the fruits of the search, but by the appropriateness of the methods used to carry out the search.’” “[Plaintiff] cannot rely on mere speculation that records likely exist to contest the search’s adequacy.”
After World War II, the emerging struggle with the Soviet Union dominated the resources and attention of the United States, even at the expense of the task of locating and punishing the perpetrators of the Holocaust. The May 1960 Israeli capture of notorious Nazi Adolf Eichmann, however, refocused public attention on those men who had managed to elude justice in the chaos of the immediate postwar period. For the CIA, this unexpected event would force a re-examination of some of the former Nazis it had recruited in the rush to produce intelligence results during the Cold War in the 1950s. Newly released records show that at least five of Eichmann’s associates, each a significant participant in Hitler’s war upon the Jews, had worked for the CIA. Additionally, the records reveal that at least 23 war criminals or Nazis were approached by the CIA for recruitment. The documents help answer the question of how and why these war criminals were given employment, assistance, and, in two cases, U.S. citizenship by a nation that had lost more than 300,000 lives in World War II.
The CIA's exploration of the occult was not limited to psychic abilities. The files also detail experiments on mind control using various techniques such as hypnosis, drugs, and psychological manipulation. These experiments aimed to understand if individuals could be controlled or influenced to carry out certain actions against their will. It is important to note that while the CIA invested time and resources into these explorations, the overall effectiveness of these techniques remains highly debated. Many within the intelligence community remain skeptical, asserting that these practices are pseudoscience and lack reliable evidence. Nonetheless, the release of these files allows the public to gain insight into the agency's curiosity and willingness to explore unconventional methods during the Cold War era. The documents shed light on the CIA's exploratory mindset and their desire to exploit any potential intelligence-gathering opportunities, regardless of how unconventional they may seem. Overall, the disclosure of these files on occult practices by the CIA reveals their interest in exploring alternative methods for gathering intelligence during the Cold War era. It provides an intriguing perspective on the agency's willingness to think outside the box and push the boundaries of conventional intelligence gathering techniques..
Reviews for "Occult Secrets Unveiled: CIA's Declassified Files Revealed"
1. John - 2 stars
I was really looking forward to reading "CIA Disclosed Files on Occult Practices" as I have always been interested in the supernatural. However, I found the book to be incredibly disappointing. The author seemed more focused on presenting conspiracy theories rather than providing factual information. The lack of credible sources and evidence made it hard for me to take any of the claims seriously. Overall, I felt like I wasted my time and would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-researched and informative read on the subject.
2. Emma - 1 star
"CIA Disclosed Files on Occult Practices" is a complete mess. I expected a book that would shed some light on the intriguing relationship between the CIA and occult practices, but instead, I was left with rambling, incoherent chapters that did not make any logical sense. The author's writing style was confusing and repetitive, making it difficult to follow the main points, if there were any. The lack of organization and structure made it impossible for me to find any valuable information in this book. Save your money and look for better sources if you're genuinely interested in this topic.
3. Mark - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "CIA Disclosed Files on Occult Practices," but unfortunately, it did not deliver. The book seemed more like a collection of unrelated anecdotes and hearsay than a well-researched exploration of the topic. The author failed to provide any substantial evidence to support their claims, which left me feeling skeptical and unimpressed. The lack of critical analysis of the information presented was also disappointing. Overall, this book fell short of my expectations and I would not recommend it to others seeking a comprehensive understanding of the subject.