Modern Occultism: History, Theory, and Practice

Mitch Horowitz presents a historical exploration of modern occultism, tracing its development from ancient Hermeticism through contemporary practice. The work covers astrology, alchemy, Theosophy, and modern witchcraft, examining the spiritual movements that emerged alongside them. The book traces the preservation of hidden wisdom in late-ancient texts, the Renaissance revival of Kabbalah, ceremonial magick, alchemy, and Gnosticism, and the rise of modern secret societies including Rosicrucians, Freemasons, and Illuminati. It documents how religious radicalism migrated to the New World, including the development of hoodoo among enslaved people, and explores waves of occultism sparked by figures such as John Dee, Franz Anton Mesmer, Eliphas Lévi, and P.B. Randolph. The narrative covers Madame H.P. Blavatsky's contributions, the growth of New Thought and mind metaphysics, and fin de siècle scientific efforts to study the supernatural. It addresses occult influences in politics, heterodox movements including The Process Church and TOPY, and pioneering figures from Aleister Crowley to Carlos Castaneda. The work also examines occult influences on historical figures such as Frederick Douglass, Sigmund Freud, and Isaac Newton, and discusses how contemporary models of interdimensionality challenge materialist thought.