Description
• 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
No country is richer in occult and esoteric traditions than Germany. In this magical journey through the inner history of Deutschland, Christopher McIntosh explores many of these traditions from prehistory to the 21st century.
Recounting the longstanding magical tradition of Germany, McIntosh investigates the a large number of 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 in addition to witchcraft. He looks at Germany’s wealthy and plenty of-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 writer 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, in addition to how periods of the Church’s heaviest oppression produced immortal poets, philosophers, theologians, artists, and mystics. He examines the distinctive forms adopted by astrology, alchemy, and the Kabbalah in Germany in addition to the esoteric influences on Romanticism.
Exploring more contemporary centuries, the writer looks on 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 on 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. He also looks at brand new occult practices and the upward thrust of neopaganism.
Revealing both the enlightened and the dark sides of occult Germany, the writer shows how this country has long been a cauldron in which esoteric ideas have flourished, spread, been condemned, and lauded, leaving a long lasting mark.
