The Occult: A Sourcebook of Esoteric Wisdom

Description

Once exclusively associated with the black arts, today the term “occult” encompasses many esoteric disciplines, including ESP, reincarnation, astrology, and meditation. Some as old as humanity itself, occult movements ebb and flow through history, thriving on the cross-pollination of ideas and practices. Even so-called New Age beliefs are hardly “new,” being rooted in ancient wisdom and Eastern mysticism.

This elegantly written, lavishly illustrated sourcebook is the perfect introduction for anyone wishing to explore the powerful co ections among mind, body, and spirit. Six chapters sort out the most confusing concepts, discussing them within the themes of magic, witchcraft, schools of mystical belief, divination systems, i er experience, and esoteric culture. A fascinating “Who’s Who in the Occult” portrays such figures as Andrew Jackson Davis, “the 19th century “Seer of Poughkeepsie;” psychic Jeane Dixon; silverware savant Uri Geller, skeptical magician Harry Houdini; Lafayette Ronald Hubbard of Scientology fame; Satanist Charles Manson; and dozens of others.

Clear text, a comprehensive index, and a bibliography keyed to subject matter help unravel mysteries that have engaged our curiosity from the begi ing of time itself. 8 1/2″ x 11″. Color & b&w illus.

Author Nevill Drury and Gregory Tillett Author Info Nevill Drury was an Australian scholar, author, and editor who specialized in Western esotericism, shamanism, and contemporary magical traditions, writing over 40 books that helped bridge academic and experiential perspectives on the occult. Gregory Tillett is an Australian academic, author, and religious historian known for his critical scholarship on esoteric movements and new religious movements, particularly his biographical study of Carlos Castaneda and works on Theosophy and Freemasonry. ISBN-13 978-1840130690 Publisher Amalgamated Book Services Publication Date March 19, 1998 Edition New Edition Binding Hardcover Condition New Page Count 248 Pages