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American Metaphysical Religion: Esoteric and Mystical Traditions of the New World — Mysticism

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American Metaphysical Religion: Esoteric and Mystical Traditions of the New World

Name: American Metaphysical Religion: Esoteric and Mystical Traditions of the New World
Price: 33.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Pontiac, Ronnie
ISBN: 9781644115589

✍️ Pontiac, Ronnie

Reader Score

4.6

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Ronnie Pontiac masterfully dismantles the conventional narrative of American spirituality, revealing a vibrant, centuries-old tapestry woven from diverse esoteric and mystical traditions. This meticulously researched volume delves into the often-overlooked influences, from colonial-era alchemists and early spiritual collectives to the profound impact of indigenous practices and enslaved peoples' wisdom. It paints a vivid picture of how figures like Manly P. Hall and lesser-known luminaries such as the Pagan Pilgrim, Tom Morton, shaped a spiritual landscape far more complex and global than commonly understood, challenging our perceptions of the nation's mystical foundations.

Pontiac, Ronnie

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Mysticism

Praise for this book

“Ronnie Pontiac has produced one of the finest, most comprehensive works of independent scholarship that we possess on the mystical currents of American religion. Like a journey down a wild, winding, and uncharted river, this book takes us through byways and inlets that few historians know. Surprises emerge on nearly every page.”

— Mitch Horowitz, PEN Award-winning author of Uncertain Places

🏛 Inner Traditions International 📅 2023 📖 608 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9781644115589

Fun Fact

Ronnie Pontiac's "American Metaphysical Religion" is a tour de force, deftly weaving together disparate threads of America's occult history into a cohesive, compelling narrative. It excels in its meticulous research and its commitment to showcasing the often-ignored contributions of non-European and marginalized groups. While some readers seeking a deep dive into a single esoteric tradition might find its breadth ambitious, this book is an essential addition to any serious occult library, significantly expanding our understanding of the American spiritual landscape and correcting historical oversights with scholarly rigor and engaging prose.

📝 Description: American Metaphysical Religion: Esoteric and Mystical Traditions of the New World

An in-depth exploration of four centuries of American occult and spiritual history, from colonial-era alchemists to 20th-century teachers - Details how, from the very beginning, America was a vibrant blend of beliefs from all four corners of the world - Looks at well-known figures such as Manly P. Hall and offers riveting portraits of many lesser known esoteric luminaries such as the Pagan Pilgrim, Tom Morton - Reveals the Rosicrucians among the first settlers from England, the spiritual influence of enslaved people, the work of mystical abolitionists, and how Native Americans and Latinx people helped shape contemporary spirituality Most Americans believe the United States was founded by pious Christians. However, as Ronnie Pontiac reveals, from the very beginning America was a vibrant blend of beliefs from all four corners of the world. Based on the latest research, with the assistance of leading scholars, this in-depth exploration of four centuries of American occult and spiritual history looks at everything from colonial-era alchemists, astrologers, and early spiritual collectives to Edgar Cayce, the Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor, and St. Germain on Mount Shasta. Pontiac shows that Rosicrucians were among the first settlers from England and explores how young women of the Shaker community fell into trances and gave messages from the dead. He details the spiritual influence of the African diaspora, the work of mystical abolitionists, and how Indigenous groups and Latinx people played a large role in the shaping of contemporary spirituality and healing practices. The author looks at well-known figures such as Manly P. Hall and lesser known esoteric luminaries such as the Pagan Pilgrim, Tom Morton. He examines the Aquarian Gospel, the Sekhmet Revival, A Course in Miracles, the School of Ageless Wisdom, and mediumship in the early 20th century. He explores the profound influence of the Bodhi Tree Bookstore in Los Angeles and looks at the evolution of female roles in spirituality across the centuries. He also examines the right wing of American metaphysics from the Silver Legion to QAnon. Revealing the diverse streams that run through America's metaphysical landscape, Pontiac offers an encyclopedic examination of occult teachers, esotericists, and spiritual collectives almost no one has heard of but who were profoundly influential.

📑 What's inside

Acknowledgments
INTRODUCTION
A Heritage We Didn't Know We Had
1 Ingredients for the Melting Pot
2 A Map of the Tour
3 When East Meets West
4 American Metaphysical Christianity
5 Turtle Island
6 Thomas Harriot: America's First "Evil" Genius
7 The Pagan Pilgrim
8 The Intelligencers and the Fifth Moon of Jupiter
9 The Red Harlot
10 The Uncivil War
11 The Platonist on the Sunset Strip
12 Secrets of the Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor
13 Willy Reichel's Psychic Adventure Tour
14 Pagan Christianity of the Early Twentieth Century
15 Scandalous Psychic Adventures of the Roaring Twenties
16 American Metaphysical Religion in the Twentieth Century
17 Prayer Wheel for the Bodhi Tree Bookstore
18 American Metaphysical Religion in the Early Twenty-First Century
APPENDIX
Esoteric Architecture of Washington, D.C
Bibliography Index

💎 Expert review

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Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

This text provides a compelling, well-researched look at America's hidden spiritual history, effectively challenging narrow views of its mystical foundations. It succeeds in illuminating the complex global influences on American esotericism, from colonial alchemists to indigenous wisdom. However, readers seeking straightforward, dogmatic religious instruction or quick, superficial summaries will find little here. The book demands a willingness to engage with nuanced historical analysis and less familiar figures like the Pagan Pilgrim. It is not suited for those who prefer established, mainstream religious narratives over alternative esoteric histories. Ultimately, it is a valuable resource for serious students of mysticism but may feel dense or obscure to casual readers looking for easy answers.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers with a deep curiosity about the hidden spiritual currents of America will find this book indispensable. It offers a groundbreaking historical journey that dismantles the conventional narrative of American spirituality, revealing a vibrant centuries-old tapestry woven from diverse esoteric traditions. Those interested in how figures like Manly P. Hall and lesser-known luminaries shaped a complex global spiritual landscape will gain profound insights into the nation's mystical foundations. This meticulously researched volume is essential for anyone seeking to understand the true depth and diversity of the New World's esoteric heritage, moving beyond surface-level perceptions to uncover the wisdom of alchemists, mystics, and indigenous practitioners.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you've ever suspected there's more to American history than conventional textbooks reveal, or if you're drawn to the hidden currents of spirituality, this book is for you. It's a vital read for anyone interested in secret societies, mystical traditions, and the true, diverse roots of American…

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

This text provides a compelling, well-researched look at America's hidden spiritual history, effectively challenging narrow views of its mystical foundations. It succeeds in illuminating the complex global influences on American esotericism, from colonial alchemists to indigenous wisdom. However, readers seeking straightforward, dogmatic religious instruction or quick, superficial summaries will find little here. The book demands a willingness to engage with nuanced historical analysis and less familiar figures like the Pagan Pilgrim. It is not suited for those who prefer established, mainstream religious narratives over alternative esoteric histories. Ultimately, it is a valuable resource for serious students of mysticism but may feel dense or obscure to casual readers looking for easy answers.

❓ Frequently asked questions

No, it offers a sweeping exploration spanning four centuries, from the earliest colonial alchemists and Rosicrucians to influential 20th-century figures like Edgar Cayce and the Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor, providing a comprehensive historical overview.

Absolutely. Pontiac directly confronts the popular notion of America being founded solely by pious Christians, unveiling a much richer and more diverse spiritual foundation rooted in a global blend of esoteric and mystical beliefs from its very inception.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Hidden American Esotericism

This book illuminates four centuries of America's occult past, exploring movements and figures from Rosicrucians among early settlers to 20th-century teachers like Edgar Cayce. It reveals a continuous thread of esoteric inquiry beneath the surface of mainstream religious history, showcasing how mystical thought has always been integral to the American experience.

Diverse Spiritual Influences

Pontiac champions the idea that America's spiritual identity was forged from a confluence of global traditions, not just European Christianity. The text highlights the contributions of Native American spirituality, the profound impact of enslaved Africans, and Latinx mystical practices, demonstrating how these diverse perspectives enriched and shaped the nation's evolving spiritual landscape.

Unsung Mystical Luminaries

Beyond familiar names, the book unearths captivating portraits of often-forgotten esoteric figures who played crucial roles in American spiritual development. From colonial alchemists to mystical abolitionists and figures like the Pagan Pilgrim, Tom Morton, it gives voice to those who practiced and propagated alternative spiritual paths, offering fresh perspectives on their contributions.

📜 Historical context

This work stands as a significant contribution to the burgeoning field of American esoteric studies, building upon the foundational efforts of scholars like Catherine Albanese and Joscelyn Godwin. It expands the scope by integrating a broader spectrum of cultural influences and lesser-known historical figures, moving beyond a purely Eurocentric view to present a truly multicultural genesis of American metaphysical thought, situating it firmly within contemporary revisionist histories of religion.

📚 Glossary

Alchemist
Rosicrucians
Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor

📔 Questions to reflect on

How might understanding the diverse, esoteric roots of American spirituality change your perception of its national identity today?
Reflect on a 'hidden' spiritual tradition or figure in your own local history. What impact might their story have if brought to light?
Considering the influence of various global traditions on American spirituality, how does this challenge or confirm your understanding of cultural exchange?