Were my forefathers versed in the occult? The question of whether our ancestors were well-versed in the occult is a fascinating one that has intrigued many people over the years. It is a topic that often sparks imagination and speculation, as we try to unearth the secrets and mysterious practices of those who came before us. **Many cultures throughout history have had a deep connection with the supernatural and the mystical.** Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all had their own traditions and beliefs surrounding magic, divination, and communication with the spirit world. These practices were often seen as a way to gain insight, protection, and power. Despite the prominence of occult practices in different cultures, it can be challenging to definitively determine if our specific forefathers were involved in such practices.
"Yes, that has very deep roots in modern occult culture," Horowitz says. "The full expression is 'Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.' That was one of the key maxims of the British occultist Aleister Crowley. So when Jay-Z appears in a hoodie with that phrase on it in public, that's exactly what he's referencing."
However, when people wonder about actual generational curses , often they re thinking of something more than bad habits caught along the way which everybody has experienced. One of the most interesting curses in the Old Testament is a generational curse that never actually happened Balaam was hired to curse Israel, but when God intervened, he ended up blessing them instead.
Despite the prominence of occult practices in different cultures, it can be challenging to definitively determine if our specific forefathers were involved in such practices. **The ancient world had a strong oral tradition, and much of the knowledge surrounding the occult would have been passed down through generations through word of mouth.** This means that there may not be clear historical evidence of their involvement, as these practices were often kept secret and within specific groups or families.
Jay-Z: A Master Of Occult Wisdom?
Fresh off the release of his new album The Blueprint 3, Jay-Z performed in London.
Samir Hussein/Getty Images
At this point, the only pop-cultural event that could possibly upstage Jay-Z's new album, The Blueprint III, is Dan Brown's new book, The Lost Symbol.
But if Brown thinks he has the market cornered on Freemasonry and the occult, he had better watch his back. Mitch Horowitz, author of Occult America, says that Jay-Z has a keen grasp of certain esoterica, especially in the music video for his new single, "Run This Town."
In an interview with Guy Raz, Horowitz pointed to Jay-Z's use of the phrase "Peace God" as an allusion to the Five Percenters. Also known as the Nation of Gods and Earths, they teach that the original black man is God — and that all men are potentially God. "Peace God" is a typical Five Percenter greeting.
"A phrase like 'Peace God' does not find its way into someone's vernacular by accident," Horowitz says. "He's making a very definite statement."
Of course, Five Percent Nation teachings have had a deep impact on hip-hop for many years. Though not a Five Percenter himself, Jay-Z was born and bred in New York, the birthplace of the movement. So it's common to find such references in rap.
But Jay-Z's connection to the occult may extend a bit further. In the making-of video for "Run This Town," he's pictured wearing a sweatshirt with the phrase "do what thou wilt" printed across the chest.
"Yes, that has very deep roots in modern occult culture," Horowitz says. "The full expression is 'Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.' That was one of the key maxims of the British occultist Aleister Crowley. So when Jay-Z appears in a hoodie with that phrase on it in public, that's exactly what he's referencing."
Jay-Z's Rocawear clothing line also often draws upon Masonic symbols: pentagrams, obelisks, pyramids, the all-seeing eye. Of course, that pales in comparison with the near-obsession with the occult of someone like, say, Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page.
"I would say that a figure like Jay-Z is probably borrowing some of this material," Horowitz says. "But Jimmy Page was imbibing it even more deeply."
Horowitz says he takes a positive view of Freemasonry and occultists — many of the country's Founding Fathers were masons, he says. He does stop short of calling Jay-Z an actual member of a secret society.
"I think he's a very shrewd man," Horowitz says. "I think he's a keen observer of everything going on around him. He's a master at using subversive imagery. You don't find your way to Five Percenter material unless you are very aware of what's going on around you."
In church, it’s a lot more common for us to talk about blessings, not curses. And, to be fair, so does the Bible. If you do a word search in the Bible, you’ll find there are well over twice the references to “bless” and “blessing” to “curse” and “cursing.” Still, there are some significant curses that take place in the Old Testament, starting with humans’ first sin (Gen. 3). God pronounced a curse on the serpent that tempted them, that he would someday be defeated. God also pronounced a curse on the physical world to make life more difficult for Adam (e.g., field work would be toilsome) and Eve (e.g., childbirth would be painful). Since these curses have affected all humans from then on, there is a sense in which they are generational curses.
One way to gain some insight into the possible involvement of our forefathers in the occult is to examine their cultural and historical context. **Certain time periods and regions were more accepting and open to occult practices, while others were heavily condemned and seen as heretical or dangerous.** For example, during the European witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries, those accused of witchcraft and practicing the occult were often persecuted and executed. This period of history makes it less likely that our ancestors openly practiced such activities, as they would have faced severe consequences for doing so. Another avenue of exploration is to investigate any family artifacts, documents, or stories passed down through generations. **These can provide valuable clues and insights into the possible involvement of our forefathers in the occult.** For example, if there are ancient spellbooks, talismans, or symbols that have been preserved within the family, it can indicate a connection to occult traditions. Similarly, stories or legends passed down through generations may contain hints or references to magical practices. Ultimately, it is difficult to definitively prove or disprove the involvement of our forefathers in the occult. **The secretive and often taboo nature of occult practices makes it challenging to find concrete evidence.** However, exploring the cultural and historical context, as well as any family artifacts or stories, can provide interesting insights into the possibility of our ancestors' involvement in the mystical and supernatural..
Reviews for "Secrets of the Past: Uncovering the Occultic Wisdom of our Ancestors"
1. Alice - 1/5 stars - I found "Were my forefathers versed in the occult" to be incredibly dry and uninteresting. The author's writing style was very textbook-like, making it difficult to engage with the content. Additionally, I felt that the book lacked cohesion and failed to provide clear connections between the different topics discussed. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging read on the occult.
2. John - 2/5 stars - I was initially intrigued by the title of "Were my forefathers versed in the occult," but unfortunately, the book fell short of my expectations. The author seemed more focused on presenting historical facts rather than diving deep into the occult practices of our ancestors. As a result, I found the book to be quite dull and lacking in compelling content. While it may be suitable for someone looking for a brief overview of the topic, it did not satisfy my curiosity about the occult and its historical significance.
3. Emma - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Were my forefathers versed in the occult" but was ultimately disappointed. The book is filled with excessive jargon and technical terms that make it difficult to understand, especially for someone new to the subject. Furthermore, the author's writing style often feels repetitive and monotonous, making it hard to stay engaged. I believe this book would have benefited from a more accessible approach and a stronger focus on the occult practices of our ancestors, rather than the extensive historical background provided. Overall, I would not recommend this book to those seeking an informative and enjoyable read on the subject.