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  • Modern Occultism

  • History, Theory, and Practice
  • By: Mitch Horowitz
  • Narrated by: Mitch Horowitz
  • Length: 21 hrs and 2 mins
  • 3.0 out of 5 stars (1 rating)

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Modern Occultism

By: Mitch Horowitz
Narrated by: Mitch Horowitz
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Publisher's Summary

From Cleopatra to Chaos Magic: A Vibrant, Epic History of Occultism in Thought and Practice

In his most sweeping historical work, occult scholar and widely known voice of esoteric ideas Mitch Horowitz presents a lively, intellectually serious historical exploration of modern occultism, from astrology and alchemy to the dawn of Theosophy and modern witchcraft—and the spiritual revolutions that followed.

In this lively, full-circle history, Mitch explores:

  • Preservation of “hidden wisdom” in late-ancient Hermeticism.
  • Rebirth of esoterica during the Renaissance, including Kabbalah, ceremonial magick, alchemy, Gnosticism—and the backlash culminating in the Thirty Years’ War.
  • Rise of the modern “secret society,” such as Rosicrucians, Freemasons, and Illuminati.
  • Migration of religious radicalism to the New World, including how enslaved people devised the magickal system of hoodoo.
  • Wave of occultism ignited by John Dee, the Romantics, Franz Anton Mesmer, Eliphas Lévi, and P.B. Randolph.
  • The revolution brought by occult explorer Madame H.P. Blavatsky.
  • Growth of New Thought and mind metaphysics.
  • How fin de siècle scientists devised clinical protocols to study the supernatural.
  • Occult influences in politics: a delicate topic weighed maturely.
  • Heterodox movements and figures such as The Process Church, TOPY, Michael Aquino, and Anton LaVey.
  • Pioneering voices including Manly P. Hall, Aleister Crowley, Rudolf Steiner, Edgar Cayce, Carl Jung, Gerald Gardner, Jack Parsons, Annie Besant, G.I. Gurdjieff, Alice Bailey, Austin Osman Spare, and Carlos Castaneda.
  • Surprising occult influences on wide-ranging modern icons such as Frederick Douglass, Sigmund Freud, and Isaac Newton.
  • How models of interdimensionality are loosening the hold of materialism on modern thought.
©2023 Mitch Horowitz (P)2023 G&D Media

Critic Reviews

“An amazing author…We are all so lucky to have you out there on the frontlines. You are a wonderful bridge connecting these ethereal, misunderstood, eyeroll-y subjects with a great methodology and with a great way of articulating them.”—Duncan Trussell, The Duncan Trussell Family Hour

“Wonderfully comprehensive...even to attempt this kind of history was a very challenging task—which Horowitz ably and amazingly pulls off...fluidly weaves in the origins, personal histories, and real-world impacts...a glorious historical mosaic that won’t soon be forgotten...The clarity of this exquisite picture, woven with an obsidian thread, invites each of us to transcend and transform.”—Jordan Gruber, Quest magazine

“A masterful exploration of the intricate and often misunderstood world of occult history, striking a rare balance as a work of scholarly rigor and engaging storytelling...both enlightening and deeply fascinating…a seminal work that provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding...a key resource.”—Mat Auryn, author of Psychic Witch

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Captivating first two thirds then discouraging.

Have listened and viewed Mitch in recent years so didn't hesitate when this audio book came up. I found the first few hours highly listenable and interesting but the last couple of hours came across as an apologia for black magicians and satanism. Although I stayed till the end of the book it left me with an unpleasant, uncomfortable and uneasy feeling as well as disappointment which lasted for a couple of days.
I was put off Mitch initially by his fondness for always dressing in black t shirts, skinny black jeans and boots with tattoos all over visible body parts (obviously left uncovered to show off the tatts) and chains hanging from his clothing and adornments. However I got through that initial view and was impressed by his obvious intelligence and broad knowledge of his subject. so continued to be interested as he shared his knowledge and opinions.
I may revisit the first few hours of this book but will leave the rest alone.

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