Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation

Mitch Horowitz chronicles the hidden influence of mystical and esoteric movements throughout American history, from colonial times through the twentieth century. His narrative traces how alternative spiritual traditions shaped politics, culture, and social reform in ways that mainstream accounts often overlook. The book examines key figures in American occult history, including fortune-teller Andrew Jackson Davis, suffragist Victoria Woodhull, and Edgar Cayce. Through their stories, Horowitz documents how metaphysical beliefs and practices became intertwined with major social movements, from abolition to women's rights. The text covers the rise of New Thought philosophy, Theosophy, mind-cure medicine, and other movements that gained followings in America. Primary sources and historical records reveal connections between esoteric spirituality and mainstream American institutions. This work challenges conventional views of American religious history by highlighting an alternative narrative of mystical influence on national development. The intersection of occult beliefs with progressive politics emerges as a recurring pattern that continues to shape American culture.

Readers appreciate the book's research into lesser-known historical figures and movements that influenced American spirituality. Many note the engaging coverage of Mesmerism, Theosophy, and New Thought movements. What readers liked: - Clear connections between occult movements and mainstream American culture - Focus on women's roles in alternative spirituality - Accessible writing style for complex topics - Coverage of both major cities and rural religious communities What readers disliked: - Lack of depth on certain topics - Some chapters feel rushed or incomplete - Limited coverage of Native American spirituality - Occasional repetition of information Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (300+ ratings) Common reader comment: "More of a survey than an in-depth analysis, but serves as a good introduction to America's occult history." Several reviewers mention wanting more details about specific movements but appreciate the book as an overview of American alternative spirituality.

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🔮 Edgar Cayce, known as the "sleeping prophet" and featured in the book, gave over 14,000 documented psychic readings while in a trance state - many of which were recorded verbatim by his secretary. 🌟 Author Mitch Horowitz won the PEN Oakland/Josephine Miles Award for his work exploring metaphysical and occult traditions in American history. 🗽 The Burned-over District of New York State, a key focus in the book, earned its name from the intense religious and spiritual movements that swept through the region in the early 1800s - giving birth to Mormonism, Spiritualism, and several utopian communities. 📚 Many of America's Founding Fathers, including Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, were members of esoteric societies and studied occult philosophy, which influenced some of their ideas about religious freedom. 🔯 The modern New Age movement, which the book traces to earlier American spiritual traditions, generates approximately $10 billion per year in revenue through books, products, and services.