Occult Germany: Old Gods, Mystics, and Magicians

An exploration of German esoteric history from prehistory to the present - Examines the survival and revival of the old pre-Christian gods, investigates prehistoric sacred sites, and reveals ancient shamanic traditions - Looks at Rosicrucianism and the distinctive Germanic forms of astrology, alchemy, and the Kabbalah - Discusses German poets, philosophers, and mystics, such as Dr. Johann Faust, Wolfram von Eschenbach, Meister Eckhart, Hildegard of Bingen, and Jakob Boehme Recounting the longstanding magical tradition of Germany, Christopher McIntosh investigates the numerous prehistoric sacred sites that point to a nearly forgotten ancient shamanic civilization. He examines the survival and revival of the old pre- Christian gods in folklore, customs, and practices as well as witchcraft. He looks at Germany's rich and many-faceted spiritual heritage and explores Christian mysticism and theosophy as exemplified by Meister Eckhart, Hildegard of Bingen, and Jakob Boehme. Examining Rosicrucianism, which originated in Germany, the author also looks at other secret societies that flourished in Germany, such as speculative Freemasonry, the Fraternitas Saturni, and the Golden and Rosy Cross. He explores how the Church sought to stamp out the old gods and pagan beliefs as well as how periods of the Church's heaviest oppression produced immortal poets, philosophers, theologians, artists, and mystics. Exploring more recent centuries, the author looks at the Nordic revival in the 19th century and the influence of Theosophy and the movements that grew out of it, such as Steiner's Anthroposophy. Examining the esoteric traditions of the 20th century, he looks at the work of neo-Nordic occultists and esoteric writers like Meyrink and Hesse. He explores certain occult aspects of the Third Reich, which resulted in a backlash against the occult. Revealing both the enlightened and the dark sides of occult Germany, the author shows how this country has long been a cauldron in which esoteric ideas have flourished, spread, and been lauded as well as condemned, leaving an enduring mark.