Mitch Horowitz, a leading voice in occultism and mysticism, explores intriguing topics from cultural conditioning of extraterrestrial terms to Carl Jung's interpretation of UFOs as modern encounters with the numinous. He delves into the concept of egregores, connecting ancient thought forms to today's phenomena like Slenderman. Their discussion critiques misconceptions of the Illuminati, contrasts modern conspiracy theories with historical truths, and examines the spiritual implications of synthetic versus natural materials in contemporary life.
Mitch Horowitz emphasizes the historical continuity of mystical practices, illustrating how ancient beliefs profoundly influence contemporary culture and spirituality.
The podcast explores the psychological comfort provided by conspiracy theories, highlighting how they offer explanations for life's complexities and uncertainties.
Deep dives
The Cultural Influence of Occultism and Mysticism
The discussion highlights the significant role that occultism and mysticism play in shaping cultural narratives and individual identities. Mitch Horowitz shares his experience growing up in the 1970s, where the fascination with esoteric subjects, such as astrology and folklore, was prevalent. He emphasizes that this enduring interest is not just a contemporary trend but is deeply rooted in humanity's history and connects to ancient beliefs, particularly those surrounding astrological practices that have persisted from ancient Mesopotamia to modern-day life. This rich historical tapestry reveals how these mystical traditions influence individual thought processes and societal values today.
The Complexity of Religious Retentions
Mitch discusses how religious practices and beliefs often transcend neat historical categorizations, revealing a complex interplay between different cultures and traditions. He points out the ongoing debates about the origins of practices like hoodoo, suggesting that African religious traditions have significantly influenced American folk practices. He highlights that meaning-making within these spiritual traditions is rarely linear and can involve syncretism—a blending of various cultural practices over time. This understanding of religious history challenges the oversimplified narratives about the disappearance of certain beliefs and underscores the continuous evolution of spiritual practice.
The Role of New Thought in Modern Spirituality
The conversation explores the principles of New Thought, which advocate for positive thinking and the power of the mind in shaping reality. Mitch acknowledges that while New Thought has its merits, including promoting mental well-being and self-empowerment, it often lacks a robust framework for addressing suffering and social inequality. He argues that despite its limitations, aspects of New Thought have permeated various spiritual movements in America, demonstrating its wide-reaching influence. This reflects a societal tendency to overlook the complexities of individual experiences while seeking comfort in simplified spiritual frameworks.
Conspiracy Theories and Their Roots in Human Emotion
The discussion delves into the fascination with conspiracy theories and how they provide a sense of control amidst chaos. Mitch explains that many people find solace in believing that there is a hidden hand orchestrating events, rather than facing the complex and often uncomfortable realities of life. This perspective can create emotional responses when confronting alternate historical narratives, as individuals may feel their understanding of the world being challenged. Ultimately, this dynamic highlights the need for individuals to navigate personal power and societal influence without falling prey to oversimplified explanations of complex phenomena.
Join us for an engaging episode of THE CIRCLE IS podCAST as Rachel True and Mat Auryn welcome Mitch Horowitz, a leading voice in occultism and mysticism. Mitch shares insights from his show Alien Encounters: Fact or Fiction, discussing how terms like "alien" and "ET" are culturally conditioned, drawing comparisons to older concepts like "ghosts" and "goblins." The conversation explores Carl Jung’s view of UFOs as humanity’s modern encounter with the numinous and the concept of egregores, linking ancient thought forms to phenomena like Slenderman. Mitch discusses how pagan symbols permeate American culture and unpacks the difference between the Illuminati in modern conspiracy theories versus historical reality. The episode also touches on the syncretic nature of religious traditions, the spiritual impact of synthetic versus natural textiles, and how media shapes beliefs around the occult and conspiracy theories. This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the intersections of spirituality, culture, and the unknown.