America’s occult origin is a story few know. But it is woven into the nation’s very fabric. From the mystical beliefs of early settlers to the esoteric influences in the Founding Fathers’ ideals, magic and mystery have shaped the country in unexpected ways.
The nine-week voyage of the Arbella in 1630 was more than a pilgrimage. It was the start of an American myth. Governor John Winthrop’s sermon, calling for a “city on a hill,” set the tone for the colony’s divine purpose. But his son, John Winthrop the Younger, carried something just as significant: books of alchemy, astrology, and ancient mysticism. He was not just a Puritan. Instead, he was a student of magic.
History Geek / Winthrop the Younger’s fascination with the occult was not unusual. The Puritans may have been strict Christians. But they also believed in supernatural forces.
They saw omens in the stars, read signs in nature, and feared the presence of unseen spirits. This blend of religion and mysticism shaped the way they governed and saw the New World as a battleground between light and darkness.
The Secret Magic of the Founding Fathers
The Founding Fathers were not just political visionaries. Many had deep ties to the occult. Benjamin Franklin conducted electrical experiments that bordered on mystical, while Thomas Jefferson owned books on alchemy. George Washington, often depicted as a rational leader, was deeply superstitious.
Freemasonry, an organization steeped in esoteric symbols and rituals, had a profound influence on the Revolution’s leaders.
The very design of Washington, D.C., hints at hidden meanings. The city’s layout, crafted by Masonic architects, incorporates sacred geometry. The Washington Monument, an ancient obelisk, mirrors Egyptian sun worship. Even the Great Seal of the United States, with its all-seeing eye and pyramid, carries occult symbolism.
Keep in mind that these were not accidental. The Founders understood the power of symbols and their role in shaping a nation’s identity.
Occult Influence on American Culture
Mysticism didn’t fade after the Revolution. It grew exponentially. The 19th century saw a surge of interest in spiritualism, with séances and ghostly visitations becoming mainstream. Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of Abraham Lincoln, hosted séances in the White House.
Even Edison, the father of modern electricity, attempted to build a device to communicate with the dead.
This fascination continued into the 20th century. Secret societies like the Ordo Templi Orientis, led by occultist Aleister Crowley, found American followers. Science fiction and horror, from H.P. Lovecraft’s eldritch horrors to modern-day conspiracy theories, often play with these occult ideas.
The View / Whether in the corridors of power or the backrooms of history, the occult origin of America continues to cast its long, mysterious shadow.
Even pop culture, from rock bands to Hollywood films, taps into the mystique of America’s hidden past.
Why Does America’s Occult Origin Matter Today?
America’s occult origin is not just a footnote in history. It is a key to understanding its national psyche. The country was built on grand ideals, but also on a belief in hidden forces shaping destiny. The obsession with the supernatural, from UFOs to secret societies, is rooted in these early influences.
It is why conspiracy theories thrive, why magic still captivates, and why symbols of power matter. The nation’s story is not just one of democracy and progress. It is also a tale of alchemists, mystics, and secret knowledge passed down through the centuries.
