Politics and the Occult

The Left, the Right, and the Radically Unseen

De: Gary Lachman

Narrado por: Russell Newton

The gritty business of politics is not something we usually associate with the occult. But esoteric beliefs have influenced the destiny of nations since the time of ancient Egypt and China, when decisions of state were based on portents and astrology, to today, when presidents and prime ministers privately consult self-proclaimed seers. Politics and the Occult offers a lively history of this enduring phenomenon. Author and cultural pundit Gary Lachman provocatively questions whether the separation of church and state so dear to modern political philosophy should be maintained. A few of his fascinating topics include the fate of the Knights Templar and the medieval Gnostic Cathars, the occult roots of America and the French Revolution in Freemasonry, Gurdjieff and the swastika, Soviet interest in UFOs, the CIA and LSD, the Age of Aquarius, the millenarian politics that inform the struggle with Islamic terrorism, fundamentalism, and more.

©2008 Quest Books / Theosophical Publishing House (P)2018 SpokenTome.media

The greatest mystery: There is no secret at all.

The occult politics is truly revealing
As above, so below
People interested in politics will find in this book a mystical drive
People interested in the occult will find a political outlet for the mysteries

Listen to U2's "Mysterious ways" right now 😉 as the Pope meets with the Ayatollah..

Excellent material, but the narration is lacking

Lachman is easily one of the best authors writing on the modern occult stage, but his work is hampered by many, many mispronunciations by the narrator. I can understand being unfamiliar with obscure spiritual terminology, but this man repeatedly blows words you would hear in a seventh grade history class and doesn't appear to know how to make a name that ends with the letter S possessive! The material is good enough that it outweighs the flaws of the mush-mouthed narration, but do keep in mind that it IS a hurdle that you may or may not overcome. Pay close attention to the audio sample before you buy.

Good overview of the modern western occult history

This fleshed out several interesting areas and opinions related to occultism that I was unaware of. I feel that this is an intermediary work in this subject, not because it is difficult to read, but because I think it serves best to connect preexisting bodies of knowledge together and to provide a rarer view of the context surrounding important figures and events.

I appreciate that the author admits his own center-slightly-right political location in the book. One cost of this forthrightness is my suspicion of his bias, decision-making and selection of history. But one benefit is my ease and trust that he is at least making his best case for his purpose.

But in the end I still feel that this was more an overview of the connection between dubious and dangerous Utopianisms and Occultism, whereas when I originally chose the book I wished for a more comprehensive model of how politics in general might be related to occultism in general. Nevertheless, this book does well what it actually sets out to do and was enjoyable!

Opens up current world events

If you are struggling to understand today’s geopolitics, this book offers unique and relevant perspectives that you won’t get in even the most in-depth political discussions in whatever news medium. And you don’t have to “believe” in occult matters or the “unseen” to benefit from this book. The narrative definitely involves these aspects, but it is the motivation and machinations behind today’s politics and international events that makes occult matters important to Lachman’s account. One’s personal beliefs and disbeliefs are quite beside the point.

After finishing “Dark Star Rising,” I listened to Lachman’s “Return of Holy Russia,” which extends and focuses central issues of this book, especially in light of current (2025) geopolitical events. In particular, it helps me understand the “chaotic” politics of our current President and his most ardent supporters.

I highly recommend both this book and “The Return of Holy Russia.”

Exposing the radically unseen happening now in America

Deep behind the news and plunged into the essence of our shared truth, you will be able to see the causes of the atrocities that human beings are about to commit upon each other. Don’t be caught off guard! Don’t fall into confusion! With this brilliant map of our society, you will be able to exercise your God-given freedom in any way you wish to. Let all our decisions be informed decisions, as President Eisenhower admonished us to do in his profound farewell speech!