Occult Germany

Occult Germany offers a comprehensive exploration of Germany's esoteric history from prehistory to the present day. Christopher McIntosh delves into the survival and revival of the old pre-Christian gods, investigates prehistoric sacred sites, and reveals ancient shamanic traditions.

The book examines the distinctive Germanic forms of astrology, alchemy, and the Kabbalah, as well as Rosicrucianism. McIntosh discusses influential German poets, philosophers, and mystics, such as Dr. Johann Faust, Wolfram von Eschenbach, Meister Eckhart, Hildegard of Bingen, and Jakob Boehme.

He recounts the longstanding magical tradition of Germany, investigating numerous prehistoric sacred sites that point to a nearly forgotten ancient shamanic civilisation. The book also explores Christian mysticism and theosophy through figures like Meister Eckhart, Hildegard of Bingen, and Jakob Boehme.

McIntosh examines how Rosicrucianism and other secret societies, such as speculative Freemasonry, the Fraternitas Saturni, and the Golden and Rosy Cross, flourished in Germany. He explores how the Church sought to eliminate old gods and pagan beliefs, while periods of intense oppression by the Church birthed immortal poets, philosophers, theologians, artists, and mystics.

In more recent centuries, the author discusses the 19th-century Nordic revival and the influence of Theosophy, including movements like Steiner’s Anthroposophy. He examines 20th-century esoteric traditions and the works of neo-Nordic occultists and writers such as Meyrink and Hesse. McIntosh also delves into certain occult aspects of the Third Reich and the subsequent backlash against the occult.

Revealing both the enlightened and the darker sides of Germany's occult history, Occult Germany shows how the country has long been a cauldron of esoteric ideas, where they have flourished, spread, been lauded, and condemned, leaving a lasting impact.