Occultism practices in the United States are a diverse and complex phenomenon that encompasses a wide range of beliefs, traditions, and practices. Although occultism is often associated with secretive and hidden knowledge, it has gained popularity and visibility in recent years, thanks in part to greater acceptance and interest in alternative spiritual and religious practices. One of the main characteristics of occultism is its emphasis on esoteric knowledge and the exploration of hidden dimensions of reality. This can include practices such as divination, astrology, tarot reading, and the study of ancient mystical texts. Many occultists also engage in rituals and ceremonies, often drawing inspiration from various religious and spiritual traditions, including but not limited to, Christianity, Judaism, and Eastern religions like Buddhism and Hinduism. In the US, there are numerous organizations, groups, and individuals that identify as occultists or practitioners of occultism.
While technology is helping the masses access esoteric traditions, it is also the very vehicle responsible for generating the initial interest in the occult. Potter has a theory about this, and says, “Technology has allowed us access to so much, but it also pushes us further apart. Humans need each other for connection. Spirituality reminds us that we are all connected.”
In the early 1950s, the Defense Department tasked Henry Andrija Puharich with locating mushrooms that they believed might unlock psychic powers a project the CIA was also working on, under the codename Project MKULTRA. Which is to say The odds of the government harnessing psychic phenomena may be slim, but it may be in the government s interest to continue to promote this belief, as the idea itself may have powerful psychological impacts on America s enemies or even its own populace.
In the US, there are numerous organizations, groups, and individuals that identify as occultists or practitioners of occultism. Some of the most well-known and influential occult organizations include the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the Theosophical Society, and the Ordo Templi Orientis. These organizations often provide a platform for individuals interested in exploring occult practices and offer resources such as books, courses, and rituals.
Encyclopedia of Religion in America
Encyclopedia of Religion in America examines how religious history and practices are woven into the political, social, cultural, and historical landscape of North America. This authoritative reference work explains the origins, development, adaptation, influence, and interrelations of the many faiths practiced, including major world religions, new religious sects, cults, and religious movements that originated or had an influence in the United States.
Edited by well-known experts in the field, the Encyclopedia covers all the significant religious denominations and movements that have originated or flourished in North America, from the beginning of European settlement to the present day. The broad multidisciplinary coverage includes the religious life of indigenous peoples, specific aspects of religious life, and the relationship of political, social, economic, and cultural spheres.
Encyclopedia of Religion in America is an essential resource for students and scholars researching issues in a wide variety of social science disciplines, from American history to cultural studies, political science, gender studies, psychology of religion, and more. It reflects new scholarly research and interpretation that have emerged over the last two decades, as well as significant new areas of study, such as post-9/11 America, the role of gays and lesbians in church, gender, and the role of the evangelicals in American political life.
Front Matter
- Copyright
- Thematic Table of Contents
- Preface
- About the Editors
- About the Associate Editors
- Contributors
- List of Entries
Interest in the occult has always corresponded with times of political unrest.
The popularity of occultism in the US is fueled by a variety of factors. First, the country's long history of religious freedom and pluralism allows for the flourishing of various belief systems, including occultism. Second, the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s, with their rejection of mainstream societal norms, provided fertile ground for the growth of alternative spirituality, including occultism. Third, the advent of the internet has made occult knowledge and resources more accessible than ever before, allowing individuals to connect and share ideas with like-minded practitioners from around the world. Despite its growing popularity, occultism remains a marginalized and often stigmatized belief system in mainstream society. Many people still associate it with the occult practices such as black magic and Satanism, despite the fact that the majority of occultists do not engage in such activities. However, in recent years, there has been a greater recognition and acceptance of occultism as a legitimate spiritual path, and it is increasingly being studied and explored by scholars and researchers in various fields, including anthropology, sociology, and religious studies. In conclusion, occultism practices in the United States are a diverse and complex phenomenon, encompassing a wide range of beliefs, traditions, and practices. Despite being often misunderstood and stigmatized, occultism has gained popularity and visibility in recent years, thanks to greater acceptance and interest in alternative spirituality. With its emphasis on esoteric knowledge and the exploration of hidden dimensions of reality, occultism continues to be a source of fascination and intrigue for many individuals seeking a deeper understanding of the mysteries of existence..
Reviews for "The Magical Marketplace: The Business of Selling Occult Products in America"
- Lisa - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "Occultism practices in the US". I was expecting a comprehensive and insightful look into occult practices and beliefs in the United States, but instead, I found the book to be poorly researched and full of misinformation. The author seemed to have a biased agenda and only presented the negative aspects of occultism, without delving into its history or significance. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a balanced and accurate understanding of occultism in the US.
- John - 2 stars - I was intrigued by the topic of "Occultism practices in the US" and was hoping to gain some knowledge about the subject. Unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations. The information provided was vague and lacked depth. The author seemed more focused on sensationalizing occult practices rather than providing a nuanced exploration of the topic. I felt like I was reading a tabloid article rather than an educational book. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of occultism in the US.
- Sarah - 2 stars - I found "Occultism practices in the US" to be quite disappointing. The author presented a one-sided and sensationalized view of occult practices, providing little to no evidence or research to support their claims. I was hoping for a balanced exploration of occultism, but instead, the book was filled with anecdotal stories and personal opinions. It lacked depth and critical analysis, making it difficult to take the information seriously. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a serious and unbiased examination of occult practices in the US.