LECTURES
Case Closed: ESP Is Real
As we enter the third decade of the 21st century, one longstanding scientific and philosophic controversy can be laid to rest: extrasensory perception, or ESP, is real. We have amassed overwhelming and replicable evidence that renders ESP denialism a position of sentiment rather than science. In his presentation at Hereticon in Miami Beach on January 12, 2022, PEN Award-winning historian Mitch Horowitz describes the facts around ESP research—and explores why our intellectual culture has been temporarily deterred from accepting them. Sound-bite skepticism and polemically skewed coverage—especially on Wikipedia—cannot, finally, dispel the excellence and repeatability of decades of academic ESP research. Our generation, Mitch explains, is poised for a breakthrough in understanding.
GOD OF THE OUTSIDERS:
Satan in Ancient Myth & Modern Culture
There exists a little-understood counter tradition in Western life that often goes under the easily misconstrued term Satanism. In this intellectually stimulating and probing evening, PEN Award-winning historian Mitch Horowitz explores the interplay between our primeval understandings of the Dark Side and how Satan is reflected back to us in myth, parable, legend, literature, horror, music, and fashion.
What Does It Mean to be a Rebel in a Coarse Era?
Speaking at Digital Void Media's Meme in the Moment Festival at Caveat in New York City on October 26, 2002.
Anomalous Experiences and the Crisis of Skepticism
Mitch Horowitz speaking on Saturday, October 8th 2022 at the Helen Mills Theater in New York City for the first day of "An Inquiry Into Anomalous Experiences & The Phenomenon", a conference presented by James Iandoli of Engaging The Phenomenon and Jay Christopher King of The Experiencer Group.
"How It Feels to Be Blacklisted"
A reading at Uncensored New York, a music and arts event at Baby's All Right, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on March 13, 2022.
introducing COMMUNION at "Watch the Skies" Film Festival
Mitch introduces a screening of COMMUNION (1989) at the Screen Slate's "Watch the Skies" film festival at the Film Anthology Archives in New York City on November 13, 2022. Based on Whitley Strieber's classic memoir COMMUNION, the film stars Christopher Walken with a screenplay by Whitley. Read Mitch's adjoining interview with Whitley: https://www.screenslate.com/articles/.... Introducing Mitch is Screen Slate's founder Jon Dieringer.
ESP and the End of Materialism
With longstanding and replicable evidence for the perceptual basis of reality, our culture has hit the stopping point of philosophical materialism as a dominant interpreter of life. What will replace it? Mitch considers the issues in his talk to the Beyond the Brain conference on November 6, 2022.
"Uncertain Places" at East West Bookshop
The full evening of Mitch's digital talk with East West Bookshop on November 10, 2022. Please support indie booksellers. Visit East West Bookshop in person at 324 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA 94041, or at: https://www.eastwestbooks.org/
Empire of Mind: The Power and Purpose of Mind Metaphysics
Do thoughts shape reality? PEN Award-winning historian and popular voice of esoteric ideas Mitch Horowitz explores the proposition that thoughts are causative—and reveals wholly new dimensions of the history and meaning of an idea that can reshape our conceptions of ourselves. Mitch considers the question of mind metaphysics from its ancient expressions in Hermeticism up through popular spiritual methods and the challenges of today’s scientific frontiers. He delivers a radical and persuasive new understanding of the extra-physical dimensions of thought. Originally presented on November 12, 2021. With special thanks to East West Bookshop of Mountain View, CA | EastWestBooks.org
Mind Power: Its Existence and Use
Remotely addressing the Affiliated New Thought Network conference in Kansas City, MO, on Oct 26, 2021, historian and popular voice of spiritual ideas Mitch Horowitz explores the evidence from more than a century of science—and centuries of seeking—that the mind is an extra-physical force. Uniting quantum mechanics, relativity, string theory, and academic psychical research with current strides in placebo studies, neuroplasticity, mind-body medicine, as well as the testimony of searchers, Mitch brings us to the conclusion that perspective and thought are creative agencies. The question facing 21st century seekers is: how do we use mind power to create better lives for ourselves and those we impact?
Secret Societies: Myths and Truths
Occult scholar Mitch Horowitz addressed the 85th annual convention of the Texas Federation of the Theosophical Society of America, May 7-9, 2021. In the last of his four talks, Mitch considered the controversies and historical realities surrounding secret societies.
Depression & Metaphysics
Many people embark on the spiritual path to deal with issues of hurt, anxiety, or depression. Does the search truly serve them? In this powerful and probing evening, historian and spiritual thinker Mitch Horowitz explores the ways that modern metaphysics can both help—and hinder—the search for wellness and recovery. In Depression and Metaphysics, Mitch provides an intimate, tough-minded critique of the limits and pitfalls of today’s alternative spiritual culture in addressing the psychological needs of the individual. Mitch also supplies practical, urgently needed methods from metaphysical tradition that hold promise for reestablishing a sense of self.
Awakened Mind: How Thoughts Become Reality
In this free digital presentation, PEN Award-winning historian and widely respected voice of alternative spirituality Mitch Horowitz explores the metaphysical dimensions of thought and considers whether positive-mind mechanics has any role in your life during this period of economic and social crisis.
The Secret Doctrine and America
In a presentation of the 133rd Summer National Convention of the Theosophical Society in America, historian and writer Mitch Horowitz considers what HPB's magnum opus said about the future and destiny of the United States, including her early insights into America as an engine of cultural and spiritual progress.
The Secret Doctrine and the Forbidden
In a presentation of the 133rd Summer National Convention of the Theosophical Society in America, historian and writer Mitch Horowitz explores how HPB examined and redefined unorthodox topics in The Secret Doctrine, from the divine feminine to Akashic "photographs" to the myth of Lucifer, and reintroduced arcane or forbidden subjects into modern life.
Mysterious Beasts and Natural Wonders
Fairies, wood sprites, dragons, mermaids, man-bats, and “conventional gnomes”—fantastical creatures and mythical monsters appear in Manly P. Hall’s The Secret Teachings of All Ages, and throughout humanity’s record of encounters with the occult, symbolic, and anomalous. In this lively and intellectually serious evening, PEN Award-winning historian Mitch Horowitz considers ancient (and not-so-ancient) humanity’s fascination with fantastical and mysterious beasts. And Mitch asks whether, just maybe, they knew something we don’t (or don’t yet). Special attention is paid to the psychological, spiritual, and allegorical meanings of hallowed creatures, such as serpents, cats (Sekhmet), the sphinx, griffins, and the Set animal. The mysteries of the natural world exist both within and without us, and tonight we explore both.
Hermes Resurrected - Hermetic Wisdom as a Path for Modern Seekers
In the final stages of Ancient Egypt a profoundly powerful and mysterious philosophy called Hermeticism emerged from the encounter between Greek and Egyptian cultures. Attributed to the mythical man-god Hermes Trismegistus, this occult wisdom described the limitless powers of the mind, the meaning of existence, and became a source of endless mystery and inspiration to Renaissance scholars. Now, in this compelling and intellectually vibrant evening of lost history and practical spirituality, historian and occult scholar Mitch Horowitz investigates Hermetic wisdom, explores its sources and controversies, and reveals Hermeticism’s authentic meaning and personal uses for us today. Mitch argues that the ancient philosophy of Hermes may hold exactly the keys modern people are seeking to a universalistic faith of inner development, karmic values, and personal power. Join us—and witness Hermes resurrected.
Reclaiming the Damned
PEN-Award winning historian and occult scholar Mitch Horowitz presents a lively and intellectually thrilling reconsideration of anomalies in our world—and addresses the question of whether persistent testimonies are real (probably) and why. Mitch considers some of humanity's most compelling counter-narratives, from mysterious beasts to things-that-go-bump to today's incontrovertible evidence of UFOs, and demonstrates why insights from quantum mechanics to string theory to ancient wisdom literature explain their persistence and reality. We are poised for a new understanding of what it means to be human and of our multi-dimensional existence, as Mitch explores in this enthralling presentation.
Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation (Lecture #1)
Esoteric philosophies and movements—such as Freemasonry, Spiritualism, Theosophy, and Occult ideologies have wielded a tremendous influence over America’s past and present. From its earliest days, the nation served as a laboratory for alternative spirituality that eventually swept the globe. Despite their influences, this aspect of our history is often questions or ignored. In this special pre-Halloween evening, PEN Award-winning historian and popular voice of esoteric ideas Mitch Horowitz discussed the occult influences behind our nation’s culture, politics, and spirituality. Horowitz asks whether or not principles of the Occult can guide us towards healing the current national divide. The views expressed are personal opinions of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views and/or opinions of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the State of New York or the Chancellor Robert R Livingston Library.
Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation (Lecture #2)
Esoteric philosophies and movements—such as Freemasonry, Spiritualism, Theosophy, and Occult ideologies have wielded tremendous influence over America’s past and present. From its earliest days, the nation served as a laboratory for alternative spirituality that eventually swept the globe. Despite their influences, this aspect of our history is often questions or ignored. In his lecture, PEN Award-winning historian and popular voice of esoteric ideas Mitch Horowitz discussed the occult influences behind our nation’s culture, politics, and spirituality. Horowitz asks whether or not principles of the Occult can guide us towards healing the current national divide. The views expressed are personal opinions of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views and/or opinions of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the State of New York or the Chancellor Robert R Livingston Library.
Manly P. Hall and The Secret Teachings of All Ages
One of the most extraordinary works ever written on the esoteric
mysteries of the ancient world came from a young man who was
himself a riddle: Manly P. Hall (1901-1990). The self-taught occult
scholar had few visible signs of education following a lonely childhood
in Canada and the American West during the early twentieth century.
Yet in 1928, at the age of 27, Hall produced a monumental record of the hidden symbols and most carefully shrouded belief systems across human history. He called it The Secret Teachings of All Ages. In this special digital evening, occult scholar Mitch Horowitz (“Solid Gold”—David Lynch) probes the most significant teachings of Hall’s mysterious masterpiece—and considers the life of the unusual man who produced it. Topics include: • The mystery of how Manly P. Hall created such an epic work with no apparent schooling at a remarkably young age. • Hall’s surprising influence on figures ranging from actor Bela Lugosi to President Ronald Reagan (who actually quoted from Hall in speeches). • The controversial circumstances surrounding Hall’s 1990 death and the lessons that can be found – both cautionary and inspiring – in the life of an esoteric master. • The enduring value The Secret Teachings of All Ages – a book so unsurpassed in probing the inner workings of the world that it leaves no reader unchanged who approaches it Mitch also previews his forthcoming book, The Seeker’s Guide to the Secret Teachings of All Ages (Oct 2020) and takes your live questions. Do not miss this vibrant and revealing evening.