The occult, also known as esotericism or mysticism, is a broad term that encompasses various beliefs, practices, and worldviews. It refers to the study and pursuit of hidden or secret knowledge that is believed to exist beyond ordinary understanding or perception. The word "occult" originates from the Latin word "occultus," which means "hidden" or "secret." The history of the occult can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and China. These cultures had their own systems of spiritual beliefs and practices that involved the invocation of spirits, divination, astrology, and alchemy. They believed in the existence of supernatural forces and sought to understand and manipulate them for their own purposes.
Unseen forces of ancient man Scientific rationalism has made man
Название The Occult A History Автор Colin Wilson Издатель Random House, 1971 Владелец оригинала Калифорнийский университет Оцифровано 22 дек 2006 ISBN 0394465555, 9780394465555 Количество страниц Всего страниц 601 nbsp nbsp Экспорт цитаты BiBTeX EndNote RefMan. He has written and edited several books on art and visual culture, including Freemasonry , Mythology , What Makes a Masterpiece , and Monsters A Bestiary of the Bizarre.
They believed in the existence of supernatural forces and sought to understand and manipulate them for their own purposes. Throughout the Middle Ages, the occult was denounced by the Christian Church as heretical and associated with witchcraft and devil worship. Many innocent individuals were persecuted and executed during the infamous witch hunts, which reached their peak in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The Occult, Witchcraft and Magic An Illustrated History
From the days of the earliest Paleolithic cave rituals, magic has gripped the imagination. Magic and magicians appear in early Babylonian texts, the Bible, Judaism, and Islam. Secret words, spells, and incantations lie at the heart of nearly every mythological tradition. But for every genuine magus there is an impostor.
During the Middle Ages, religion, science, and magic were difficult to set apart. The Middle Ages also saw the pursuit of alchemy—the magical transformation of base materials—which led to a fascination with the occult, Freemasonry, and Rosicrucianism.
The turn of the twentieth century witnessed a return to earlier magical traditions, and today, magic means many things: contemporary Wicca is practiced widely as a modern pagan religion in Europe and the US; “magic” also stretches to include the nonspiritual, rapid-fire sleight of hand performed by slick stage magicians who fill vast arenas.
The Occult, Witchcraft and Magic is packed with authoritative text and a huge and inspired selection of images, some chosen from unusual sources, including some of the best-known representations of magic and the occult from around the world spanning ancient to modern times.
However, despite the Church's efforts to suppress it, the occult persisted in various forms. The Renaissance period witnessed a resurgence of interest in the occult across Europe. It was a time of intellectual curiosity and exploration, and many scholars and philosophers sought to delve into the mystical arts. Figures such as Cornelius Agrippa, Paracelsus, and John Dee became known for their studies and practices in alchemy, astrology, and divination. During the 19th century, the occult experienced a revival known as the occult revival or spiritualism. This was a time when people sought to communicate with spirits and the afterlife through mediums, seances, and other paranormal phenomena. Notable figures in this period include Helena Blavatsky, the founder of Theosophy, and Aleister Crowley, a controversial occultist who founded his own occult system known as Thelema. In the 20th century, the occult became more popularized and accessible to the general public. Books and teachings on the subject gained widespread circulation, and various occult organizations were established. The New Age movement, which emerged in the 1960s, incorporated elements of the occult and popularized practices such as astrology, tarot reading, crystal healing, and meditation. Today, the occult continues to thrive in various forms, both in underground circles and in mainstream culture. It has found its way into popular media, such as books, movies, and television shows, and has gained a following of individuals seeking spiritual and mystical experiences beyond traditional religious frameworks. While the occult remains a topic of speculation and controversy, it continues to attract individuals who are curious about the unknown and seek answers to life's mysteries. Whatever one's beliefs may be, the history of the occult reflects humanity's enduring fascination with the supernatural and the quest for hidden knowledge..
Reviews for "Occult Practices in Ancient Civilizations: Egypt, Greece, and Rome"
1. John - 2/5 stars
I was really disappointed with "The Occult: A History". The book promised to provide a comprehensive overview of the history of the occult, but instead, it was filled with disjointed chapters that lacked depth and coherence. The author seemed more interested in name-dropping and showing off their knowledge, rather than providing a meaningful analysis of the subject matter. Additionally, the writing style was dry and overly academic, making it difficult to engage with the content. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a thorough exploration of the occult.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars
"The Occult: A History" was a complete waste of time. The author seemed to have a biased perspective from the beginning, which colored their interpretation of the historical events and figures. This book was nothing more than a collection of baseless conspiracy theories and unfounded claims. The lack of credible sources and evidence made it impossible to take anything in this book seriously. I was hoping for an objective and detailed account of the occult, but instead, I was met with a work of speculative fiction disguised as a history book. Save your money and look elsewhere for a reliable source on the subject.
3. Michael - 2/5 stars
I found "The Occult: A History" to be excessively convoluted. The author attempted to cover a vast array of topics within a limited number of pages, resulting in a shallow treatment of each subject. Furthermore, the book lacked a clear structure or narrative, making it difficult to follow the author's train of thought. The excessive use of jargon and technical terms also made it inaccessible to readers who are new to the subject. While I appreciate the author's ambitious undertaking, the execution left much to be desired, and I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a thorough understanding of the occult.
4. Emily - 2/5 stars
I was hoping "The Occult: A History" would provide an insightful exploration of the occult and its impact on society. However, I found the book to be overly sensationalized and lacking in critical analysis. The author seemed more interested in presenting bizarre anecdotes and stories than in offering a coherent historical analysis. Furthermore, the book lacked a clear argument or central thesis, making it difficult to discern the author's intentions. While there were a few interesting sections, overall, I was disappointed and would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a serious study of the occult.