42 posts tagged “alternative history”

In podcast episode 72, Christopher Knowles returns to the show for the second part of our fascinating interview (if you haven’t already, please listen to part 1 – Christopher Knowles and The Secret Sun, pt. 1).

Our Gods Wear Spandex

Chris is the author of the Eagle Award-winning “Our Gods Wear Spandex: The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes,” published by Red Wheel/Weiser and co-author of “The Complete X-Files: Behind the Series, the Myths, and the Movies,” published by Insight Editions. This time, Chris joins us for a very in-depth discussion about the themes explored in his blog, “The Secret Sun”.

Uvsun_trace_big

We begin with some thoughts about space travel and then delve into the concept of secrecy and its role throughout history. Chris expresses the view that modern technology and society are evolving with greater openness and availability of information. He also discusses the possibilities of learning about ourselves from the history of humanity through the ages.

Musei_Vaticani_Mithra_Sol_invictus

Next, we explore the concept of ancient astronaut theory as well as its synchronistic manifestations in popular culture and media. Of course, these ideas are all attempts to provide a narrative for the origins of humanity. We discuss the interpretive methods used when analyzing ancient texts, from literal to esoteric exegesis.

SunFromClouds

In podcast episode 71, our good friend Mitch Horowitz returns for the second part of our conversation about his excellent new book, “Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation” published by Bantam (if you haven’t already, please listen to the first part of the interview – Mitch Horowitz and “Occult America” pt.1). Mitch is the editor-in-chief of Tarcher / Peguin in New York and has also been our guest previously in podcast 21, Podcast 42 – The Life and Work of Paul Foster Case, and Podcast 48 – The Life and Work of Col. Henry Steel Olcott.

Occult America

Mitch begins this interview by recounting the story of Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism. Smith was raised in the Burned-over district in upstate New York and he and his family were steeped in supernatural ideas and practices, including astrology and magic. Knowledge of the occult and folklore traditions of the Burned-over District are integral to understanding Smith and his family. For example, as a young man, Smith earned money using “seer stones” to find buried treasure.

Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial

Mitch explains how the background knowledge about Joseph Smith may allow us to understand his later experiences that led to the founding of his church in a different way. Smith was also a Freemason and Masonic philosophy, rites, and symbols influenced his religious practices.

Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial inscription

Next, Mitch reviews the origins and continued popularity of the Ouija Board. Although it is marketed as a toy or game, there are many examples of paranormal activity associated with its use.

English_ouija_board

Last, Mitch delves into the story of Edgar Cayce. An extremely popular medium, Cayce is notable for the tremendous number of accurate predictions and readings that he gave while in a trance state. Mitch also highlights the high moral character of Cayce and its importance in the growth of New Age ideas and philosophies.

Edgar Cayce On Prophecy

Again, I highly recommend “Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation” by Mitch Horowitz. It is a well-researched, well-written and a crucial record of the hidden history of the United States.

relevant links:

Mitch Horowitz

“Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation” by Mitch Horowitz

Mitch Horowitz and “Occult America” pt.1

Podcast 42 – The Life and Work of Paul Foster Case

Podcast 48 – The Life and Work of Col. Henry Steel Olcott

“Burned-over District” Wikipedia entry

“Joseph Smith, Jr.” Wikipedia entry

“The Magus” by Francis Barrett

“Three Books of Occult Philosophy” by Henry Cornelius Agrippa of Nettesheim

“Book of Mormon” Wikipedia entry

“Mormonism” Wikipedia entry

“Latter Day Saint movement” Wikipedia entry

“William Morgan (anti-Mason)” Wikipedia entry

“Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial” Wikipedia entry

“Ouija” Wikipedia entry

“The Changing Light at Sandover” Wikipedia entry

“Edgar Cayce” Wikipedia entry

Association for Research and Enlightenment

intro music by HipGnosis

background music by Darkfold – “Nomads”

outro music by William Zeitler – “The Fixed Stars, the Frontier to the Beyond”

download .mp3 podcast file -- http://media.blubrry.com/occultofpersonality/www.occultofpersonality.net/wp-content/uploads/OoP_Podcast71_OccultAmerica_2.mp3

In podcast episode 70, our good friend Mitch Horowitz joins us again to discuss his excellent new book, “Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation” published by Bantam Books. Mitch is the editor-in-chief of Tarcher / Peguin in New York and has been our guest previously in podcast 21, Podcast 42 – The Life and Work of Paul Foster Case, and Podcast 48 – The Life and Work of Col. Henry Steel Olcott.

Occult_America

Mitch begins our conversation by describing his observations of the esoteric history of the United States of America. American occultists evangelized esoteric ideas and planted the seeds for alternative New Age spirituality and self-help concepts, like positive thinking, that have spread around the world today. The intertwining of this occult history and the social development of the country is very often overlooked, glossed-over, or written out of mainstream history. Then Mitch tells us the intriguing story of the Publick Universal Friend, a spirit channeler that was the first public female religious figure in the country.

Masonic symbolism

Next, Mitch talks about the speculation about America’s role as a laboratory for religious exploration. He describes the integral role that Freemasonry and its philosophy played in the formation of the United States of America and its influence towards greater religious tolerance and liberalism cannot be overstated. He discusses the origins of the Craft and the real requirement for secrecy in the past and employment of ancient symbolism.

Frederick_Douglass

Mitch tells us about the Hoodoo experience of abolitionist, editor, orator, author, statesman and reformer, Frederick Douglass, at a crucial moment in his life. He talks about writer and spiritual teacher Ernest Holmes and his philosophies of mind power and positive thinking.

Henry_A._Wallace

Then Mitch discusses Henry A. Wallace, a progressive public servant who served as President Franklin Roosevelt’s secretary of agriculture and the 33rd vice-president. Wallace was an avid esoteric student and is responsible for suggesting the placement of the reverse of The Great Seal of the United States on the one dollar note. The controversy surrounding the public disclosure of Wallace’s letters to mystic Nicholas Roerich was the undoing of his public career.

US_Great_Seal_Reverse

Finally, we talk about the modern acceptance of the ideas of people, schools, and movements that are considered New Age. Mitch lists these as:

“1. Belief in the therapeutic value of spiritual or religious ideas.
2. Belief in a mind-body connection in health.
3. Belief that human consciousness is evolving to higher stages.
4. Belief that thoughts, in some greater or lesser measure, determine reality.
5. Belief that spiritual understanding is available without allegiance to a specific religion or doctrine.”

I highly recommend “Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation” by Mitch Horowitz. It is a comprehensive, well-researched, and masterful history that is an instant classic!

Stay tuned for the second part our interview…

relevant links:

Mitch Horowitz

“Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation” by Mitch Horowitz

Podcast 42 – The Life and Work of Paul Foster Case

Podcast 48 – The Life and Work of Col. Henry Steel Olcott

“Jemima Wilkinson” Wikipedia entry (Publick Universal Friend)

“Burned-over District” Wikipedia entry

“Mediumship” Wikipedia entry

“Frederick Douglass” Wikipedia entry

“Hoodoo (folk magic)” Wikipedia entry

“Ernest Holmes” Wikipedia entry

“The Science of Mind” by Ernest Holmes

“365 Science of Mind: A Year of Daily Wisdom” by Ernest Holmes

“Love and Law” by Ernest Holmes

“Prayer: How to Pray Effectively from the Science of Mind” by Ernest Holmes

“Henry A. Wallace” Wikipedia entry

“Great Seal of the United States: 1935 dollar bill” Wikipedia entry

intro music by HipGnosis

background music by Darkfold – “Nomads”

outro music by William Zeitler – “The Fixed Stars, the Frontier to the Beyond“

original link -- http://www.occultofpersonality.net/mitch-horowitz-and-occult-america-pt-1/

direct link to download .mp3 podcast file -- http://media.blubrry.com/occultofpersonality/www.occultofpersonality.net/wp-content/uploads/OoP_Podcast70_OccultAmerica_1.mp3

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In podcast episode 68, we’re joined again by Christopher Knowles. Chris is the author of the Eagle Award-winning “Our Gods Wear Spandex: The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes,” published by Red Wheel/Weiser and co-author of “The Complete X-Files: Behind the Series, the Myths, and the Movies,” published by Insight Editions. This time, Chris joins us for a very in-depth discussion about the themes explored in his blog, “The Secret Sun”.

Sun

Re-Horakhty

Chris expresses his view that the evolution of humanity will include the development of many concepts that are now considered marginal, but celebrated in popular culture and media, such as psychism, psychedelics, shamanism, and other ways of changing consciousness. Of course, these ideas hearken back to ancient cultures.

Solvogn

Chris talks about his views of ancient Mystery schools, esoteric orders, Freemasonry and the similar symbols that they employ. He shares his thoughts about the Sirius mystery and we talk about the multiple levels of meaning in esoteric symbols and texts. From there, we delve into ancient astronaut theory, space travel, and the living Universe of which everything is an expression.

Apollo

Chris stresses the importance of asking questions instead of finding answers. He also talks about the utilization of science fiction, and fiction in general, to express ideas that often are not considered seriously outside of that realm.

Don’t miss the second part of this fascinating conversation…

relevant links:

The Secret Sun

The Solar Satellite

The Solar Seminar

“Our Gods Wear Spandex: The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes” by Christopher Knowles

“The Complete X-Files: Behind the Series, the Myths, and the Movies” by Chris Knowles and Matt Hurwitz

intro music by HipGnosis and Darkfold

outro music by John McNair – “Pagan Queen”

download .mp3 podcast -- http://media.blubrry.com/occultofpersonality/www.occultofpersonality.net/wp-content/uploads/OoP_Podcast68_ChrisKnowles_it.mp3