From Alchemy to Astrology: The Influence of the Occult on Renaissance Europe

The occult has a long and fascinating history that is steeped in mystery and secret teachings. It spans across different civilizations and cultures, with its roots dating back to ancient times. In ancient Egypt, for example, the occult was intertwined with religion and everyday life. The ancient Egyptians believed in magic and the power of amulets and spells to protect them from harm. They also had a complex belief system that included gods and goddesses, many of whom were associated with occult practices. Moving forward in time, the occult played a significant role in ancient Greece and Rome.

“I am very impressed by this book, not only by its erudition but…above all for the good-natured, unaffected charm of the author whose reasoning is never too far-fetched, who is never carried away by preposterous theories.”—Sunday Times

He produces a wonderfully skillful synthesis of the available material one that sees the occult in the light of reason and reason in the light of the mystical and paranormal. Chapters include The World of the Kabbalists; Two Russian Mages; Witchcraft and Lycanthropy; Magic; Poet as Occultist; The Magic of Primitive Man; Magic and Romanticism; etc.

Moving forward in time, the occult played a significant role in ancient Greece and Rome. The Greeks, in particular, had a strong tradition of mysticism and divination. They believed in the power of oracles to predict the future and turned to various forms of magic and ritual to communicate with the gods.

The Occult

Colin Wilson’s classic work is an essential guide to the mind-expanding experiences and discoveries of the occult in the 20th century. He produces a wonderfully skillful synthesis of the available material—one that sees the occult in the light of reason and reason in the light of the mystical and paranormal. The result is a wide-ranging survey of the subject that provides a comprehensive history of magic, an insightful exploration of our latent powers, and a journey of enlightenment.

“I am very impressed by this book, not only by its erudition but…above all for the good-natured, unaffected charm of the author whose reasoning is never too far-fetched, who is never carried away by preposterous theories.”—Sunday Times

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Об авторе (1999)

Colin Wilson was born on June 26, 1931 in Leicester, England. He attended a local technical school, where he did well in physics and chemistry, and left at 16 to work in a wool factory. Before becoming a writer, he worked as a laboratory assistant, tax clerk, laborer and hospital porter. His first book, The Outsider, was published in 1956 when he was 24 years old. During his lifetime, he wrote more than 100 works on a wide variety of subjects including philosophy, religion, occult and supernatural phenomenea, music, sex, crime and critical theory. His other works include Religion and the Rebel, The Age of Defeat, Ritual in the Dark, The Strength to Dream, Origins of the Sexual Impulse, The Occult, Alien Dawn, Dreaming to Some Purpose, The Angry Years: The Rise and Fall of the Angry Young Men, and Super Consciousness. His biographies include works on Bernard Shaw, David Lindsay, Herman Hesse, Wilhelm Reich, Jorge Luis Borges, Ken Russell, Rudolph Steiner, Aleister Crowley, and P. D. Ouspensky. Wilson died on December 5, 2013 at the age of 82.

Библиографические данные

During the Middle Ages, the occult took on a darker and more secretive tone. With the rise of Christianity in Europe, many forms of occult practices were seen as heresy and were suppressed by the Church. However, this did not deter individuals from pursuing knowledge of the occult. Secret societies, such as the Knights Templar and the Rosicrucians, emerged during this time, seeking to preserve and explore occult teachings. The Renaissance marked a period of renewed interest and exploration in the occult. Scholars and intellectuals began to study ancient texts and delve into the mysteries of alchemy, astrology, and the Kabbalah. Figures like Paracelsus, Isaac Newton, and John Dee made significant contributions to the occult knowledge of their time. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the occult experienced a resurgence, with new movements and schools of thought emerging. The Theosophical Society, founded by Helena Blavatsky, aimed to synthesize ancient teachings with modern knowledge. Aleister Crowley, an influential occultist of the early 20th century, developed his own system of magic called Thelema. Today, the occult continues to be a subject of fascination and study for many people. It encompasses a wide range of practices, from divination and tarot reading to ritual magic and witchcraft. While some may dismiss the occult as mere superstition or fantasy, others see it as a source of personal and spiritual growth. The history of the occult is marked by a constant tension between secrecy and revelation, tradition and innovation, skepticism and belief. It is a rich and complex tapestry that offers a glimpse into the hidden depths of human knowledge and experience..

Reviews for "The Occult and the American Revolution: Hidden Influences on the Founding Fathers"

1. John - 2 stars - I found "The Occult: A History" to be quite disappointing. While the topic itself is intriguing, the book failed to provide any substantial information or insights. The author seemed more interested in presenting his own biases and beliefs rather than conducting thorough research. The writing style was also confusing, with long and convoluted sentences that made it hard to follow the main points. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive and objective history of the occult.

2. Maria - 1 star - "The Occult: A History" was a complete waste of time for me. The author came across as condescending and dismissive towards anything beyond the realm of science. Instead of providing a balanced exploration of the occult, the book felt like a one-sided attempt at debunking and ridiculing beliefs that the author didn't personally agree with. I was hoping for a more open-minded examination of the subject, but this book fell short in every aspect. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone interested in a serious exploration of the occult.

3. David - 2 stars - As someone with a genuine curiosity about the occult, this book left me unsatisfied. It lacked depth in its exploration of various occult practices and failed to present a coherent narrative. Instead, it felt like a disjointed collection of historical anecdotes without a clear overarching theme. The author seemed more interested in sensationalizing the darker side of the occult rather than providing a balanced perspective. Overall, "The Occult: A History" left me wanting more substance and less bias.

4. Sarah - 3 stars - "The Occult: A History" had its moments, but ultimately, I found it underwhelming. The book started off strong with an overview of various occult practices throughout history, but as it progressed, it became repetitive and lacked new insights. The author's focus on debunking myths and misconceptions overshadowed the potential for a more nuanced exploration. The writing style was engaging at times, but the lack of depth and fresh perspectives left me feeling unsatisfied. While it may serve as a light introduction to the subject, I wouldn't recommend it to readers seeking a comprehensive history of the occult.

Occult Science and the Enlightenment: The Search for Hidden Knowledge