The Esoteric Scene, Cultic Milieu, and Occult Tarot

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.

Preface Acknowledgements 1. Observing and Participating in the Cultic Milieu 2. The Esoteric Scene in America 3. The Esoteric Community in the Valley 4. Confederated Networks of Occultists 5. Becoming a Tarot Diviner 6. The Occult Tarot 7. Occult Theosophies of the Tarot 8. Interpreting the Occult Tarot 9. Esoteric Culture and a Postmodern World Appendix A: Esoteric Community Survey Form Appendix B: Tarot Card Reader Interview Schedule References Index About the Author

Danny L. Jorgensen