In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in interest and participation in occult, esoteric, and metaphysical practices, particularly among younger generations. Activities such as tarot readings, witchcraft, meditation, and astrology have seen a remarkable surge in popularity, leading to what is commonly known as the “occult revival.” This cultural shift has attracted the attention of scholars, scientists, and politicians, who I often refer to as the ‘authority figures’ of the times. They are eager to understand the reasons behind it and its impact on society, as well as exploring potential ways to benefit from and control these movements in order to maintain their power and influence over the masses.
One fascinating aspect of the occult revival is that its implications are far greater than some might suspect. These early stages indicate another significant shift in collective ideas and belief structures of our times. This shift could potentially initiate a new memetic war, a psychic war of sorts, where one group’s beliefs battle against another. Perhaps this new belief war will be one focused on the genuine pursuit of inner reality, rather than the mechanical objective reality that has become dominant in the modern world.
One of the primary contributors to the occult revival is the rise of the internet and social media. These platforms have made occult-related content more accessible and popular than ever before. Individuals who may not have been exposed to these practices in the past now have the opportunity to learn about them and explore their interests. This development can be both advantageous and disadvantageous, as I will discuss later in this article.
Another factor is the desire of some, particularly millennials and Generation Z, to establish a unique political and cultural identity that differentiates them from mainstream religious and ideological movements. The occult presents an alternative way of thinking and living that appeals to those who wish to forge their own path.
Nevertheless, the allure of the occult extends beyond merely being different. Numerous individuals are drawn to these practices because they offer a sense of empowerment, camaraderie, and purpose in a world that can sometimes feel disenchanted and dis-empowering. The occult provides a sense of control and connection to something greater than ourselves, which can be highly appealing in today’s fast-paced and frequently impersonal reality, where the narrative of a completely mechanical and object filled world, has become the norm.
Despite the increasing popularity of the occult, some people criticize this trend, viewing it as a rejection of Enlightenment values and a step backward. However, others argue that practices like tarot, astrology, and witchcraft have connections to scientific and health fields, such as quantum entanglement or the growing popularity of mindfulness.
I believe that the rise of the occult among younger generations is a reflection of their desire for meaning, purpose, and control in a complex and ever-changing world. Whether you view this trend as a positive spiritual awakening or a cause for concern, the occult revival is an intriguing cultural phenomenon that is worth exploring further. This is particularly relevant in a time where people are becoming more disconnected from society and the world, due to the influence and power of artificial intelligence; which seems to be increasingly able to perform all of the physical and everyday tasks, that once gave many individuals a sense of purpose and meaning.
The world is on the verge of a transformative shift, moving us away from a narrow focus on the physical and material, and inviting us to explore the depths of human potential. By turning inward, we can uncover the true wonders of our being, expanding the human experience. This evolution holds great promise, but only if we are open to embracing the upcoming artificial intelligence revolution in a positive way, intelligently using this evolving technology as a means to freedom rather than a new bureaucracy to overcome and fight against. In the best-case scenario, this technological leap can serve as a catalyst for freedom, providing us with unprecedented opportunities. Under these conditions, spirituality may once again regain its prominence, enabling humanity to transcend our limited self-conception as merely mechanical beings and reach new heights of existence.
The Evolving History of Occultism
The term ‘occult’ refers to a wide range of beliefs and practices that have influenced human history for thousands of years. From ancient times to the present day, the occult has served as a means to understand and interact with the world, often through mystical and supernatural means. Additionally, some argue that the occult represents advanced knowledge and mind sciences from the past, which, if rediscovered, could empower us to rise above being mere slaves to technology and its controllers, ensuring that all of us have the opportunity to thrive and evolve beyond our current constraints.
In the earliest days of human civilization, in accordance with the dictates of recorded history, the occult was seen as a way to unlock hidden truths and access supernatural powers. These early practices, closely linked to religious and spiritual beliefs, were often guarded by priestly classes and esoteric societies. Astrology, alchemy, and divination were among the most popular occult practices, allowing practitioners to influence the natural world and communicate with divine forces.
During the Renaissance, the occult underwent a renaissance of its own, as Europe’s leading thinkers sought to reconcile the emerging scientific worldview with traditional mystical beliefs. Scholars like Marsilio Ficino and Pico della Mirandola played a pivotal role in popularizing Hermeticism, Neoplatonism, and other esoteric traditions. The Corpus Hermeticum and the Picatrix, two influential occult texts, were produced during this period, as well.
By the 19th and early 20th centuries, the occult had once again captured the public’s imagination, thanks in part to movements like Spiritualism, Theosophy, and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. These groups aimed to explore the hidden realms of the mind, the cosmos, and the supernatural, drawing on a diverse array of occult and esoteric traditions. Notable figures like Aleister Crowley and Helena Blavatsky emerged during this time, further cementing the occult’s place in popular culture.
Before recorded history, in a time long past, there were ancient traditions and mysterious technologies that far surpassed our current imagination. These technologies predate written history and combined the logical with the spiritual. They delved into the inner reality of humanity and melded incredible journeys and discoveries with an alternative logic that bridged internal and external dimensions. This synthesis created a cohesive whole that enabled ancient, now-forgotten civilizations to perform what we now consider miracles, hinted at only in modern fiction’s fantastical speculation.
Throughout its rich and diverse history, the occult has been profoundly shaped by the social, cultural, and intellectual contexts of its time. While the specific practices and beliefs have changed throughout the ages, and have taken a decidedly more material turn, the underlying human desire to explore the hidden and the supernatural has remained a constant. As the occult continues to adapt and change, it will undoubtedly continue to reflect and influence the zeitgeist of the times. In the current era, marked by a technological revolution, we have the potential to create new allies in the form of artificial intelligence and robotics. This technological advancement may finally free us to explore our inner reality and reach our true potential, not in a haphazard way, but through a logical and rigorous new scientific field – the field of what I like to call Mind Science.
The Implications of the Occult Resurgence
The recent surge of interest in occult, esoteric, and metaphysical practices has significant implications that the average person should be aware of. This trend is a reflection of a growing dissatisfaction with traditional religious and ideological institutions among certain demographics, particularly younger generations, who are drawn to the occult as a means of finding meaning, purpose, and a sense of empowerment outside of mainstream belief systems. This “re-enchantment” of the secular world through occult practices can be seen as a reaction against the perceived disenchantment and dis-empowerment of modern life.
The occult revival has certainly sparked a lot of interest in recent times. However, it’s not without its risks and potential downsides. Some experts are concerned that the appeal of occult practices like mediumship and astrology could be particularly harmful for vulnerable populations. There are also worries that the embrace of occultism represents a rejection of Enlightenment values and a retreat into “Dark-Age” thinking.
We must remember that there is some value in the insights made by those who consider themselves to be the modern “authority figures” of the times. To that end, we must be careful not to fall into the opposite extreme of the modern mechanical world view, by embracing a superstitious and dark age attitude. We must stay vigilant and not allow the majority, the mob mind of the times, to dictate how this new occult revival will evolve.
Instead of following the Mob Mind or even the supposed ‘experts’, we must learn from history and reject those who show a lack of intelligence. We must pursue a new line of possibilities using methods that do not involve manipulation or the desire to believe in a thing without any ‘personal’ exploration and experimentation. We must reject the dogmatic, blind surge of the mob mind and instead find our own truth and share that truth in new ways, using experimentation and controlled replication, the scientific method. And by scientific method, I don’t mean the bureaucracy of the modern elite, but instead a movement towards true experimentation and logic.
As our external technology allows us to let go of an existence where we must toil physically in potentially meaningless jobs, we must use this new freedom to navigate a new course, not into a dark age of superstition, but into a new world of possibilities that would make those who existed before recorded history proud.
For the average person, it is important to be aware of the growing prevalence of occult-related content and practices, and to approach them with a critical eye. While many occult traditions can offer valuable insights and tools for personal growth and spiritual exploration, it is crucial to be discerning and to rely on reputable sources and qualified practitioners.
Additionally, the average person should be mindful of the potential for occult-related content and practices to be used for manipulation, exploitation, or the promotion of harmful ideologies. It is important to be wary of any occult-related claims or activities that seem to be promoting extremist, conspiratorial, or unethical agendas. Basically, anything driven by the mob mind and what seems to be just endless memetic war, as I explained in my book, ‘Overcoming the Archon through Alchemy‘, must be rejected. All inner exploration begins with the personal self within the individual, to give those rights to others is the beginning of all manipulation.
The resurgence of occultism is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that reflects deeper societal and cultural shifts. While the occult can offer meaningful spiritual and personal experiences for some, it is essential for the average person to approach it with a critical and discerning mindset, and to prioritize their own well-being and the well-being of their community.
Moreover, the fascination with the occult can lead to a better understanding of the human psyche and our innate desire for spiritual connection. As a result, the average person may find themselves exploring various belief systems, philosophies, and practices in search of their own path to personal growth and fulfillment. This journey of self-discovery can ultimately lead to a greater appreciation for the diversity of human experience and a deeper understanding of our shared human condition.
The growing interest in occult practices and their potential impact on society is a fascinating and complex topic. It’s important to be aware of the risks and benefits associated with these practices, as well as the potential harm they may cause to vulnerable populations. But beyond that, the exploration of occultism can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth.
If you are interested in truly understanding the mysteries within yourself and how to begin to unlock those incredible lost powers, then I highly recommend the book, The Occult Experience. It’s a great starting point for anyone looking to delve into the world of occultism with an open mind and a desire for personal transformation.