Tour American occultism with a look at colonial witch trials, supernatural locales, caches of hidden knowledge, multicultural magical practices, unique religious sects, and more.
Visit two notorious locales with a reputation for strange occurrences and unique purposes: Stonehenge and the "haunted" house built by American heiress Sarah Winchester.
Take a closer look at the 18th century and see how the decline of religious conviction contributed to the rise of occult scholarship and organizations.
As you examine numerous cultures and practices from around the ancient world, consider practices like human sacrifice, effigies, magic spells, divination, and thaumaturgy.
Explore the surprising connection between the occult and another unexplainable mystery of the universe that began to take hold of the imagination in the mid-20th century: UFOs.
In this episode, meet the "Mad Monk" Rasputin and consider the power of the occult to influence the political transformation of Europe in the 20th century and beyond.
Consider the three pillars of occultism: alchemy, astrology, and ritual magic. Through an exploration of these forces, get a better understanding of key terms and concepts of the occult.
Dive into the seedier side of the occult with a look at the superstitions, symbolism, and nefarious deeds that have helped stigmatize occult practices over the centuries.
Creatures like vampires, werewolves, and zombies have become modern pop culture mainstays, but their origins are much older and more interesting than their current iterations would suggest.
Trace the origins of Satan as far back as the Sumerians of ancient Mesopotamia and consider the modern manifestations of the devil in figures like Anton LeVay.
Delve into the world of spirit communication and necromancy from Stone Age shamans to Harry Houdini's anti-spiritualist crusade of the early 20th century.
Consider what witchcraft really is and how it has been popularly conceived with a look at the controversial work of two 20th-century witchcraft scholars.
Occultism posits a hidden world inhabited by intelligent beings that we don't typically encounter in our lives. Consider these various "others" and their role in cultures around the world.
Look at the larger context of occult influence in the Red Russia of Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin and better understand how the Bolsheviks set out to create a new system of faith and mysticism.
Explore the very close relationship between mainstream religion and the occult, from snake handling and speaking in tongues to relics and miracle working.