Unholy Alliance: A History of Nazi Involvement with the Occult - Kindle edition by Levenda, Peter
Unholy Alliance: A History of Nazi Involvement with the Occult by Peter Levenda
If you are interested in learning about one of the most fascinating and disturbing aspects of Nazi history, you might want to read Unholy Alliance: A History of Nazi Involvement with the Occult by Peter Levenda. This book is a comprehensive and well-researched exploration of how Nazism was influenced by and practiced various forms of occultism, from ancient pagan myths to modern esoteric doctrines. In this article, I will give you an overview of what the book is about, who the author is, why the book is relevant and important, and what you can expect to learn from it.
unholy alliance peter levenda pdf download
The Origins of Nazi Occultism
The first part of the book traces the origins of Nazi occultism to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Germany was undergoing a political, social, and cultural crisis. Levenda shows how various occult movements and secret societies emerged and gained popularity among German nationalists and anti-Semites, who were looking for alternative sources of identity, power, and meaning. Some of these movements and societies included:
The Thule Society, which was founded in 1918 by Rudolf von Sebottendorff, a German occultist who claimed to have access to ancient secrets of the Aryans, the supposed master race that originated in Atlantis.
The Vril Society, which was allegedly formed in 1919 by a group of female mediums who claimed to communicate with extraterrestrial beings from a hidden world called Aldebaran, who offered them advanced technology and spiritual guidance.
The Order of the New Templars, which was established in 1907 by Jörg Lanz von Liebenfels, a former monk who advocated a racist version of Christianity that glorified the blond-haired, blue-eyed Aryans as God's chosen people and demonized Jews as agents of Satan.
Levenda argues that these and other occultists and mystics played a significant role in shaping Nazi ideology and symbolism, such as the swastika, the SS runes, the blood flag, and the concept of Lebensraum. He also demonstrates how some of these occultists had direct or indirect connections with prominent Nazi figures, such as Adolf Hitler, Heinrich Himmler, Rudolf Hess, and Alfred Rosenberg. Moreover, he reveals how Nazi occultism was influenced by and incorporated elements from various sources, such as Theosophy, Freemasonry, Rosicrucianism, Hermeticism, Gnosticism, and Eastern religions.
One of the main themes that Levenda emphasizes in this part of the book is the connection between Nazi occultism and racial theories. He explains how the Nazis adopted and distorted the idea of the Aryan race from the writings of Helena Blavatsky, the founder of Theosophy, who claimed that humanity evolved through seven root races, each with its own characteristics and destiny. The Nazis identified themselves with the fifth root race, the Aryans, who were supposedly superior to the other races and destined to rule the world. They also believed that they had to preserve and purify their racial purity from the contamination of the Jews and other inferior races, who belonged to the fourth root race, the Atlanteans, who were degenerate and corrupt. Levenda shows how this racial ideology justified and motivated the Nazi policies of persecution, discrimination, and extermination.
The Practice of Nazi Occultism
The second part of the book examines the practice of Nazi occultism during the Third Reich and World War II. Levenda describes the occult activities and rituals of various Nazi leaders and organizations, such as Hitler's obsession with astrology and prophecy, Himmler's creation of a pseudo-religious order within the SS, Hess's flight to Britain under the influence of astrological advice, and Rosenberg's attempt to create a new Nazi religion based on pagan and Germanic traditions. He also analyzes the use of occult methods and artifacts for espionage, warfare, and genocide, such as the use of pendulums and dowsing rods for locating enemy positions and resources, the search for mystical objects and relics such as the Holy Grail and the Spear of Destiny, and the exploitation of occult knowledge and practices from conquered territories such as Tibet and India.
One of the most interesting and disturbing chapters in this part of the book is the one that deals with the involvement of occult groups and networks in Nazi resistance and survival. Levenda reveals how some occultists tried to overthrow or assassinate Hitler, such as Wilhelm Wulff, a former astrologer for Himmler who joined a plot to kill Hitler with a bomb in 1944. He also exposes how some occultists helped some Nazis escape justice and continue their activities after the war, such as Otto Rahn, a former SS officer who was involved in the search for the Holy Grail and who allegedly faked his death and fled to South America. He also traces how some occultists formed or joined neo-Nazi movements and subcultures that carried on the legacy of Nazi occultism, such as Miguel Serrano, a Chilean diplomat who befriended Rahn and developed a doctrine of esoteric Hitlerism that worshipped Hitler as an avatar of God.
The Legacy of Nazi Occultism
The Legacy of Nazi Occultism
The third part of the book explores the impact of Nazi occultism on post-war politics, culture, and society. Levenda discusses how Nazi occultism influenced or inspired various political movements and ideologies, such as neo-Nazism, white supremacy, anti-Semitism, conspiracy theories, ufology, and New Age spirituality. He also examines how Nazi occultism was represented or fictionalized in popular media and fiction, such as movies (e.g., Raiders of the Lost Ark), novels (e.g., The Morning of the Magicians), comics (e.g., Hellboy), and video games (e.g., Wolfenstein).
One of the main arguments that Levenda makes in this part of the book is that Nazi occultism is not a historical anomaly or a marginal phenomenon, but a persistent and pervasive force that continues to shape and challenge our world today. He warns that we should not dismiss or ignore Nazi occultism as a mere curiosity or fantasy, but rather confront and understand it as a serious and dangerous threat to our values and humanity. He also suggests that we should learn from the lessons and mistakes of history, and resist the temptation and seduction of occultism as a source of power and salvation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Unholy Alliance: A History of Nazi Involvement with the Occult by Peter Levenda is a fascinating and informative book that offers a comprehensive and well-researched account of one of the most obscure and sinister aspects of Nazi history. The book covers a wide range of topics and themes related to Nazi occultism, such as its origins, practice, legacy, and impact. The book is written in an engaging and accessible style that appeals to both academic and general readers. The book is also supported by extensive notes, references, and illustrations that enhance its credibility and readability.
The book's main strengths are its scope, depth, and originality. The book covers a lot of ground and provides a lot of details and insights that are not commonly found in other books on the same topic. The book also offers a fresh and unique perspective on Nazi occultism that challenges some of the conventional views and myths about it. The book's main weaknesses are its complexity, length, and bias. The book can be overwhelming and confusing for some readers who are not familiar with the history and terminology of occultism. The book can also be tedious and repetitive for some readers who might prefer a more concise and focused approach. The book can also be criticized for being too sympathetic or sensationalist towards some aspects of Nazi occultism, such as its mystical appeal or its post-war survival.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about Nazi occultism or occultism in general. I think this book is a valuable and important contribution to the field of history and occult studies. I think this book will stimulate your curiosity and challenge your assumptions about one of the most controversial and intriguing topics in modern history.
FAQs
Where can I download the PDF version of the book?
You can download the PDF version of the book from various online sources, such as Internet Archive or Academia.edu. However, you should be careful about the quality and legality of these sources. You might also want to consider buying the print or ebook version of the book from reputable publishers or sellers.
Is the book based on reliable sources and evidence?
The book is based on a wide range of sources and evidence, such as historical documents, archives, memoirs, interviews, testimonies, photographs, artifacts, etc. The author also cites and acknowledges his sources throughout the book. However, some of the sources and evidence might be questionable or disputed by other scholars or experts. You should always exercise your own judgment and critical thinking when reading any book or source.
How accurate is the book's portrayal of Nazi occultism?
The book's portrayal of Nazi occultism is generally accurate and factual, based on the available sources and evidence. However, some aspects of Nazi occultism might be exaggerated or distorted by the author's interpretation or perspective. You should also be aware that Nazi occultism is a complex and contested topic that has different definitions and dimensions. You should not take the book's portrayal of Nazi occultism as the final or definitive word on the subject.
What are some other books or authors that cover similar topics?
Some other books or authors that cover similar topics are:
The Occult Roots of Nazism: Secret Aryan Cults and Their Influence on Nazi Ideology by Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke, which is a classic and authoritative study of the origins and development of Nazi occultism.
The Spear of Destiny: The Occult Power Behind the Spear Which Pierced the Side of Christ by Trevor Ravenscroft, which is a popular and sensational account of the search and significance of the Spear of Destiny, a mythical relic that was coveted by Hitler and other Nazi leaders.
Black Sun: Aryan Cults, Esoteric Nazism, and the Politics of Identity by Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke, which is a comprehensive and contemporary analysis of the legacy and impact of Nazi occultism on neo-Nazi movements and subcultures.
How can I learn more about Peter Levenda and his work?
You can learn more about Peter Levenda and his work by visiting his official website, where you can find his biography, bibliography, blog, podcasts, videos, and contact information. You can also follow him on Twitter or Facebook, where he posts updates and news about his work and interests. You can also check out his other books and projects, such as Sinister Forces: A Grimoire of American Political Witchcraft, The Dark Lord: H.P. Lovecraft, Kenneth Grant, and the Typhonian Tradition in Magic, or The Hitler Legacy: The Nazi Cult in Diaspora.
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