Introduction: Studying the Complex Histories of the Occult and Politics in Central and Eastern Europe

The occult played a significant role in shaping the culture and politics of Central and Eastern Europe. Studying local occult groups helps deepen understanding of national movements, race and ethnicity, and socialist regimes in the region, revealing complex histories. This introduction to a special issue of PJAC.NS summarizes recent scholarship, presents the activities of the Central and Eastern European Network for the Academic Study of Western Esotericism (CEENASWE), and explains the ideas behind the special issue.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The occult was a significant factor in developing the culture and politics in Central and Eastern Europe. Researching local occult groups contributes to a deeper understanding of East-Central European national movements, our understanding race and ethnicity, and socialist regimes existing in the region, thus shedding light on the complex and complicated histories within the region. This is an introduction to the special issue of PJAC.NS, which concisely summarizes recent scholarship, presents the activities of the Central and Eastern European Network for the Academic Study of Western Esotericism (CEENASWE), the regional network of the European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism, and introduces the ideas behind the special issue.