The occult technology of power refers to the hidden or secret practices, rituals, and techniques that are believed to grant individuals or groups the ability to exert influence and control over others. The word occult is derived from the Latin word "occultus," which means hidden or secret. These occult practices, in relation to power, are often associated with magical or supernatural abilities. Throughout history, there have been numerous examples of societies or individuals harnessing the occult technology of power for various purposes. These practices can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where rituals and ceremonies were performed to gain favor from deities or spirits, in the hopes of obtaining power and influence. In some occult traditions, certain symbols, words, or actions are believed to carry specific powers or energies, and by utilizing them, practitioners can manipulate the forces of the universe to achieve desired outcomes.
In some occult traditions, certain symbols, words, or actions are believed to carry specific powers or energies, and by utilizing them, practitioners can manipulate the forces of the universe to achieve desired outcomes. Examples of such practices include spell casting, divination, astral projection, and invocation of spirits or entities. While the occult technology of power has often been associated with ceremonial magic or witchcraft, it also extends to other systems or disciplines.
Feeling 'Worthy' again
India Arie Simpson has been writing and singing songs of love, spirituality and empowerment for two decades now, but she hasn’t always felt so positive on the inside.
With her 2001 debut album, Acoustic Soul, the artist known as India.Arie went platinum, drew seven Grammy nominations and kicked off a string of five consecutive Top 10 releases. The pressure grew with each project, however, and the creative and commercial momentum began to stall with 2013’s Songversation. Arie became disillusioned with the music industry and lost touch with the innocent solace she had once found in her guitar and her songwriting.
“I learned a lot about people, a lot about how business is run, how race and gender interplay in corporate America, and I went literally from sitting under a tree to all of that,” she said in a recent phone interview. “At many points I would think, ’If this is how it’s going to be, I’m going to quit doing this.’”
She never quit writing, though, and her thoughts kept coming back to one word: “worthy.”
“My favorite definition of that word is ‘deserving of regard and respect,’” she said. “That became my favorite word, and I wanted to build a body of work around it.”
The concept crystallized during that low point in her life, thanks to a conversation with a woman named Oprah.
During an interview for the Oprah Winfrey Network’s SuperSoul Sunday inspirational talk show, the venerated host posed a question that caught Arie by surprise.
“She said, ‘Let me ask you this question: How long has unworthiness been your calling card?’” Arie recalled. “And (worthy) had been my favorite word for a couple years before she asked the question, so of course it struck me. And it’s Oprah, so of course it really, really struck me.
“I could see what she meant, that people were looking at me like I thought I was a victim and that I wasn’t deserving of success or whatever. It took me further into wanting to develop it as an album and a concept.”
Now, Worthy is a reality, an album released in February and a tour launching with a six-week, 21-city jaunt through the eastern U.S. from April to June (including May 29 at the Palladium). Arie said the album, her first full-length original studio project in five years, reflects the many changes she has been through during that time – health issues, relationship issues, a move from Seattle to New York, the sale of her longtime home in Atlanta. Her musical endeavors in the meantime included accompanying Stevie Wonder on his historic Songs in the Key of Life Tour in 2015.
Perhaps most importantly, Worthy is her first release since ending her longtime association with Motown Records, which means less external support but also less pressure, for example, to sell 100,000 copies in the first week. She feels wiser, more mature and more in control of her destiny.
“It’s a thing to celebrate for me,” she said. “Now I’m in a situation that’s more like what I always wanted, where I have more power and freedom. … I’m just starting to really get a grip on how to do this in a sustainable way.”
Longtime fans will still recognize the trademarks that have long distinguished Arie from other artists lumped into the R&B or neo-soul categories: positive, life-affirming lyrics and arrangements that retain their acoustic-guitar roots amid the electronic beats and danceable grooves.
“I remember when I first came out, I was like, ‘Well, if they want to call it R&B, that’s OK,’ but when you look at my body of work, you hear very much the folk and country influence in my songs,” she said.
The singles so far have included “That Magic,” a love song that hit No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B chart, and “What If,” a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other champions of social justice. The inspiring title track, with Arie’s vocals accompanied only by fingerstyle guitar, carries the refrain “every one of us is worthy.”
“This is my favorite album,” she said, “because I think I hit my mark in all ways.”
Arie currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where she has recorded most of her albums with help from locals like producer/composer Shannon Sanders and respected country-rock session guitarist William “Blue” Miller. Miller, more than 20 years her senior, was her longtime touring guitarist and one of her favorite production and songwriting partners before dying unexpectedly in August from a brain aneurysm.
“I sure miss that guy,” she said.
Speaking on the eve of rehearsals for the current tour, Arie was still pondering the best approach to conveying the new music on stage, perhaps with a novel band lineup or the use of new technology.
“It’s going to be a surprise to me too,” she said with a laugh. “I’m ready to get back on the road, which is rare for me to say. I’m just ready.”
India.Arie: The Worthy Tour
Wednesday, May 29, 7:30 p.m.
The Palladium
Info and tickets: TheCenterPresents.org or (317) 843-3800
That Magic is composed by Branden Burch.
For example, mysticism, alchemy, and esotericism can all be considered as aspects of the occult technology of power, as they involve the pursuit of hidden knowledge and spiritual development, which ultimately leads to increased personal power and understanding of the universe. It is important to note that the occult technology of power is often viewed with skepticism and considered by some as mere superstition or pseudoscience. However, many individuals and groups continue to practice these traditions and believe in their efficacy. The intent behind the use of occult practices for power can vary, ranging from personal growth and spiritual fulfillment to gaining control over others or manipulating events to serve one's own agendas. In conclusion, the occult technology of power encompasses a wide range of practices and beliefs aimed at accessing hidden or supernatural forces to increase personal power and influence. Despite its controversial nature and skepticism from many, occult practices continue to be both studied and practiced by individuals and groups seeking to explore the depths of the human potential and the mysteries of the universe..
Reviews for "The Hidden Forces at Work: Unraveling the Secrets of Occult Power"
1) Jennifer - 1 star
I really did not enjoy "The Occult Technology of Power". From the very beginning, I found it hard to follow the author's train of thought. The book lacked a clear structure and was filled with unnecessary jargon, making it difficult for me to grasp the main points. Additionally, I felt that the author was pushing his own personal beliefs onto the reader, which made it feel more like a biased opinion piece rather than a well-researched book. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a serious exploration of occult technology.
2) Mark - 2 stars
As someone interested in the occult and the study of power, I was really disappointed with "The Occult Technology of Power". The book promised to offer unique insights and practical techniques, but it fell short on both counts. The author's writing style was convoluted and often veered off into tangents, making it hard to follow his arguments. Moreover, the promised practical exercises were vague and not clearly explained, leaving me feeling frustrated and unsatisfied. I would suggest looking elsewhere for a more coherent and actionable guide on these subjects.
3) Emma - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "The Occult Technology of Power", but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The book seemed to lack a clear focus, with the author jumping from one topic to another without providing a cohesive narrative. The language used was unnecessarily complex, making it difficult for me to fully comprehend the concepts being discussed. Additionally, I found the author's bias towards certain belief systems off-putting, as it overshadowed the objective analysis I was hoping for. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-structured and unbiased exploration of occult technology.