The occult in America refers to the study and practice of hidden or secret knowledge and practices that are outside the realm of traditional religious or scientific beliefs. It is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of phenomena, including witchcraft, divination, astrology, and various forms of spiritualism. The history of the occult in America can be traced back to the early European settlers who brought with them a variety of mystical beliefs and practices. The Salem witch trials in the late 17th century are one of the most famous examples of how these occult beliefs were met with fear and persecution. However, the occult has also flourished in America, particularly during periods of social and cultural change. For example, the 19th century saw a surge in interest in spiritualism, with many Americans seeking to communicate with the dead through mediums and seances.
Mitch Horowitz is the author of One Simple Idea: How Positive Thinking Reshaped Modern Life (Crown). His previous book, Occult America (Bantam), received the 2010 PEN Oakland/Josephine Miles Award for literary excellence. Horowitz is vice president and editor in chief at… More about Mitch Horowitz
In his precise and often detailed history of mysticism in America, Mitch Horowitz, has, in a way, tracked the evolution of our consciousness over 300 years. It is also common for colleges and universities to have individual courses on religion in other departments, such as philosophy, literature, classics, history, anthropology, or folklore.
For example, the 19th century saw a surge in interest in spiritualism, with many Americans seeking to communicate with the dead through mediums and seances. During this time, groups such as the Theosophical Society, founded by Helena Blavatsky, promoted the study of esoteric knowledge and Eastern spiritual traditions. In the 20th century, the occult experienced a resurgence with the rise of new age movements and the counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s.
Satanic, Occult, & Ritualistic Violence in America (From Faces of Violence in America, P 33-53, 1996, Gordon A Crews, et al -- See NCJ-164393)
Occult-related violence in the United States and the law enforcement response are explored, along with various belief systems that often motivate occult involvement.
Abstract
Most if not all occult and paganistic religious practices are protected by the first amendment. In many cases, Satanism is used to cover a variety of illicit teenage activities. Even juveniles who claim to be Satanists often lack a committed belief system that is required to be a true believer. These juveniles call themselves Satanists in order to fabricate a deviant perspective, justify their decision to rebel against society, and receive recognition. It is apparent that the more Satanism is defined as a significant youth problem, the more curious troubled teenagers will investigate. Satanic activities frequently give teenagers who feel powerless a temporary sense of efficacy, and a major theme behind Satanism is the quest for power. Feelings of empowerment, derived from Satanic involvement, can compensate for much of the power lacking in young people's lives. Some juveniles become involved in Satanic activities for excitement and entertainment, while others become involved through criminal activities. Future efforts should concentrate on strategies to fight juvenile delinquency and not pseudo-Satanic involvement. The focus should be on root causes of juvenile delinquency, poor social conditions, and dysfunctional families. Several perspectives on occult, ritualistic, and Satanic violence are offered, including Christian, community, media, parental, and adolescent views. Techniques used by cults and types of Satanic literature are described, the criminal investigation of cult violence and the criminal psychopath are examined, and examples of cult and ritualistic violence are cited. 30 references
Mitch Horowitz is the author of One Simple Idea: How Positive Thinking Reshaped Modern Life (Crown). His previous book, Occult America (Bantam), received the 2010 PEN Oakland/Josephine Miles Award for literary excellence. Horowitz is vice president and editor in chief at… More about Mitch Horowitz
Practices such as astrology, tarot reading, and crystal healing became popular among a wider audience, seeking alternative forms of spirituality and self-discovery. Today, the occult continues to thrive in America, both in mainstream culture and in niche communities. It is not uncommon to find bookstores and websites dedicated to occult topics, offering a wide range of books, courses, and supplies for those interested in exploring the esoteric. Additionally, there are numerous occult groups and covens that practice various forms of witchcraft and paganism. While the occult in America often faces criticism and skepticism, it remains a deeply personal and meaningful practice for many individuals. It offers a sense of mystery, empowerment, and spiritual connection that may not be found in more traditional belief systems. In conclusion, the occult in America is a diverse and fascinating subject that has played a role in shaping the country's spiritual landscape. From the early witch trials to the modern new age movement, it continues to inspire and intrigue those who seek to explore the hidden realms of knowledge and spirituality..
Reviews for "The Secret Societies: Uncovering the Occult in America"
1. Samantha - 2/5 stars
I was really excited to read "Occult in America" as I find the subject fascinating, but unfortunately, I was quite disappointed with this book. The author's writing style was confusing and hard to follow, making it difficult to fully grasp the content. Additionally, I felt like the book was lacking in depth and detail. The author skimmed over important topics and didn't provide enough information to truly understand the occult in America. Overall, I found "Occult in America" to be a shallow and confusing read.
2. John - 1/5 stars
I can honestly say that "Occult in America" is one of the worst books I have ever read. The author seemed more focused on sharing their personal beliefs and opinions rather than providing factual information. It felt more like a biased opinion piece rather than a well-researched book. Not only that, but the book was filled with spelling and grammatical errors, which made it even more frustrating to read. I would not recommend "Occult in America" to anyone looking for an unbiased and well-written exploration of the subject.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars
"Occult in America" had the potential to be a great book, but unfortunately, it fell short. While the author touched on interesting topics related to the occult, they failed to provide any solid evidence or credible sources to support their claims. It often felt like I was reading someone's personal beliefs rather than factual information. The lack of research and evidence left me questioning the validity of the author's claims and ultimately made the book less enjoyable to read. I was left feeling unsatisfied and wanting more substance from "Occult in America".