ABSTRACT

Originally published in 1992, The Esoteric Scene, Cultic Milieu, and Occult Tarot examines beliefs, practices, and activities described as mystical, psychical, magical, spiritual, metaphysical, theophysical, esoteric, occult, and/or pagan, among other possible labels, by their American disciplines. The book is comprised using a mixture of field work and interviews and provides a broad overview of the esoteric community and the social meanings of occultism. The book describes and analyses social meanings of ‘esoteric culture’ as it is experienced, defined, structured and enacted by societal members and examines the sociological significance of esoteric culture as a formulation of alternative sociocultural realities. It provides a sociological understanding of esoteric culture and the cultural milieu.

chapter Chapter 1|26 pages

Observing and Participating in the Cultic Milieu

chapter Chapter 2|23 pages

The Esoteric Scene in America

chapter Chapter 3|24 pages

The Esoteric Community in the Valley

chapter Chapter 4|26 pages

Confederated Networks of Occultists

chapter Chapter 5|26 pages

Becoming a Tarot Diviner

chapter Chapter 6|34 pages

The Occult Tarot

chapter Chapter 7|32 pages

Occult Theosophies of the Tarot

chapter Chapter 8|32 pages

Interpreting the Occult Tarot

chapter Chapter 9|15 pages

Esoteric Culture and a Postmodern World