Mitch Horowitz, a renowned historian of alternative spirituality and author, dives deep into the intricate world of occultism. He explores its multifaceted definition, noting how interpretations vary wildly among practitioners. The conversation highlights the roots of occultism in Renaissance thought and its evolution through key figures like Isaac Newton and Aleister Crowley. Mitch discusses the revival of occult practices in the 21st century, intertwining them with astrology and UFO phenomena, while advocating for an accessible, open-minded approach to its modern resurgence.
Occultism, rooted in Renaissance scholarship, embodies a revivalist movement reclaiming spirituality lost through centuries of monotheism.
The term 'occultism' is fluid, with interpretations shaped by personal backgrounds, distinguishing it from magic as a specific subset.
The future of occultism may evolve through intersections with modern science and phenomena like UFOs, promoting innovative dialogues.
Deep dives
The Humor at the Start
The episode begins with light-hearted jokes shared between the host and the guest, setting a playful tone before delving into serious subject matter. The guests exchange a few puns, one relating to Inuit skeptics and another about changing light bulbs. This humorous opening not only serves to engage listeners but also showcases the hosts' approach to discussing heavy topics. By starting with comedy, the episode eases the transition into the complexities of occultism and its definitions.
Defining Occultism
A key focus of the episode is defining occultism, which the guest emphasizes as a term rooted in the idea of the hidden or secret, originating from Renaissance scholars who rediscovered ancient spiritual philosophies. The discussion highlights how occultism represents a revivalist movement that seeks to reclaim fragments of spirituality lost through centuries of monotheism. It is portrayed as a collective attempt to reassemble and adapt ancient beliefs to modern contexts. The guest explains how this act of revival influences various contemporary understandings of the occult.
The Fluid Nature of Occultism
The conversation explores the fluidity of the term 'occultism' and how it can be interpreted differently by individuals. The distinction between magic and occultism is made clear, illustrating that magic is seen as a subset of occult practices. This nuance reveals how interpretations of occultism can vary, indicating that personal backgrounds and experiences shape how one understands these concepts. The exploration of various definitions offered by listeners is also cited, underscoring the subjective nature of the term.
Historical Context and Influence
The podcast touches on the historical evolution of the occult from the Renaissance to the present day, highlighting significant figures like Eliphas Levi. The guest provides insights into how the Hermetic revival in the 15th century played a crucial role in shaping modern occult practices. Key events, such as the rediscovery of ancient texts, are noted as pivotal moments that fueled interest in esotericism. This historical context serves to underline how contemporary practices are often rooted in these earlier movements.
Power and Ethics in Occultism
A notable theme in the discussion surrounds the relationship between the pursuit of power and ethical considerations within occult practices. The guest argues that many individuals drawn to occultism seek a sense of personal agency and empowerment, which can often lead to a quest for power. This awareness opens up a broader dialogue about the ethical implications that come with such pursuits, suggesting that acknowledging one's desire for power is essential for meaningful engagement with occultism. The assertion is made that power should be viewed responsibly, intertwining ethics with personal ambitions.
Future Directions of Occultism
Finally, the episode speculates on the future trajectory of occultism, considering potential convergences with modern science and emerging fields like UFO research. The guest suggests that as discussions around phenomena like UFOs continue, they may create new intersections with occult studies. There is an optimistic view expressed regarding the potential for greater understanding and integration between various modes of thought, including occultism, science, and spirituality. This reflects a belief in continual evolution within the field and its relevance in contemporary discourse.
The concept of what can be called Occult is fairly easy to pin down, but what can we say about "Occultism?" Ask seven Occultists and you will get seven wildly different answers. And yet it truly is a huge part of what has always seemingly bubbled below the surface of Western History for the last 500 years, despite the word Occultism being a 19th century invention. Taking us through what Occultism appears to be, as well as how we presently conceptualize it is Occult Historian, Author and Lecturer- Mitch Horowitz!
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