Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation by Mitch Horowitz explores the fascinating and often overlooked influence of occult practices and beliefs on American history. Horowitz traces the roots of esoteric traditions in the United States, from the arrival of mystical movements like Mesmerism and Theosophy in the 19th century to the rise of spiritualism, New Thought, and other occult philosophies that permeated American culture. The book reveals how these hidden beliefs shaped some of the country’s most significant cultural and political shifts, impacting everything from self-help movements to religious freedom. Horowitz provides a well-researched, accessible narrative that highlights figures like Edgar Cayce, Madame Blavatsky, and other key players in the occult scene, as well as the societal forces that allowed these movements to flourish. Occult America is an insightful journey through an unconventional lens of U.S. history, showing how mystical ideas have deeply influenced the nation’s development.

ISBN: 9780553385151