Mitch Horowitz on Occult America: How Mysticism Shaped the Nation’s History

Mitch Horowitz, editor in chief of Tarcher/Penguin Books and author of “Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation,” continues to draw attention to the enduring influence of esoteric movements on American culture and society. First published in 2009, Horowitz’s book traces how marginalized spiritual and mystical traditions—from the Spiritualist movement and the Ouija board to figures like Manly P. Hall, Henry A. Wallace, and Edgar Cayce—have played a substantial role in shaping both the spiritual and secular foundations of the United States.

According to the book’s synopsis and critical reception, Horowitz argues that occult and esoteric religious movements were not peripheral curiosities but foundational elements in the development of American identity. The work covers individuals and movements from the eighteenth through the twentieth centuries, with particular focus on the Burned-Over District in Upstate New York, a region known for its intense religious activity during the Second Great Awakening, where groups such as the Shakers and the Latter Day Saint movement emerged.

Horowitz highlights how movements often dismissed by mainstream culture contributed to broader social and intellectual currents. The book examines the mail-order prophet phenomenon, the rise of magic in Afro-American communities, the political intersections of mysticism during the New Deal era, and the popularization of spiritual tools like the Ouija board, which originated from the Spiritualist movement and became a widespread cultural fixture.

The book received the 2010 PEN Oakland Josephine Miles Award, recognizing its literary merit and depth of research. While some critics noted the exceptionally broad scope limited deep dives into individual subjects, many praised Horowitz’s accessible writing style and his effort to bring overlooked histories into public discourse. The work established Horowitz as a leading voice in the study of alternative spirituality and esoterica in America.

In “Occult America,” Horowitz concludes with an epilogue titled “Aquarius rising: the new age dawns,” connecting historical mysticism to the emergence of the New Age movement. This framing positions occult traditions not as relics of the past but as living influences that continue to shape contemporary American spirituality, self-help culture, and the quest for personal empowerment and agency.

As of April 22, 2026, Horowitz remains active in public discussions about the role of mysticism in American life, with recent appearances including a segment on Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) discussing the themes of his book. His work continues to be cited in conversations about the intersection of religion, history, and popular culture in the United States.