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 connections 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, inner 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 beginning of time itself. 8 1/2" x 11". Color &amp; b&amp;w illus.
language: English
title: The Occult Sourcebook
titlecomplete: The Occult Sourcebook
genres: Reference, Nonfiction
ratings_count: 13
publisher: Routledge Kegan & Paul