Introduction to Volume III

Introduction to Volume III

Volume I of this series has equipped us with the methodological tools for examining the occult and paranormal. Volume II has shown us that these themes have been present since the earliest times. This third volume of Religion, the Occult, and the Paranormal provides examples of some of the rich diversity of ideas, practices, and groups engaged in various ways with these supernatural considerations. Occult practices and ideas around the paranormal are found within each of the major world religions, often in connection with the more mythical aspects of those traditions. One of the chapters presented herein will explore just some of those crevices in Buddhism. Just as every world religion hides within its folds some experience of the occult and paranormal, so does every corner of the globe. We feel comfortable and are very aware of the occult and paranormal in our own societies. Many of us will read our horoscope without too much thought. What does the day ahead hold for a Cancerian? Few of us might realise that the popularity of the paranormal and occult is growing in many other regions and in many other ways. Then let us turn our attention to two chapters representing quite different geographical regions, South Africa and Papua New Guinea. The bulk of this volume is mostly concerned with the prevalent ideas associated with the paranormal and occult, from sexual deviancy, aliens, and guardian angels to Discordian magic and astrology. Various groups are examined, but only as a very small sample of the groups and their ideas that exist.

Editorial material and selection © 2016 Carole M. Cusack and Helen Farley; individual owners retain copyright in their own material.