Lore Lore 266: What's in the Box
Nov 4, 2024
Dive into the fears surrounding doomsday beliefs as a 1950s cult anxiously awaited the end of the world. Explore the mysterious life of Joanna Southcott, a prophet whose unread predictions add layers to her story. Discover the enigmatic allure of a hidden box symbolizing life's unknowns, examining how comfort can be found in uncertainty. Travel back to the eerie New England Dark Day of 1780, where panic transformed into spiritual movements, showcasing the powerful impact of fear on human behavior.
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The Seekers and Cognitive Dissonance
- The Seekers, led by Dorothy Martin, believed the world would end on December 21, 1954.
- When the apocalypse didn't happen, they rationalized their beliefs to avoid dissonance.
Joanna Southcott's Early Life
- Joanna Southcott, born in 1750, had a normal childhood on a farm in Devonshire, England.
- She dreamt of a high-born lover and believed she was destined for greatness.
Joanna's Visions and Prophecies
- After her mother's death, Joanna began experiencing voices and visions.
- Initially skeptical, she began recording the prophecies after a vision of her mother.