The occult has long held a fascination for many people, with its mysterious symbols and hidden meanings. Over the years, this fascination has found its way into popular media, including films, TV shows, and music. From horror films to science fiction, the occult has influenced many aspects of pop culture.
The roots of occultism in pop culture can be traced back to the early 20th century, when writers like H.P. Lovecraft and Arthur Machen incorporated occult themes into their horror stories. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos, for example, drew on the idea of ancient, malevolent entities that lay just beyond the edge of human understanding.
In the 1960s and 70s, the occult gained even more mainstream attention, with the rise of interest in counterculture and the New Age movement. TV shows like Bewitched and The Addams Family featured witches and supernatural beings as their central characters, while films like Rosemary’s Baby and The Exorcist brought occult themes to the forefront of popular horror.
The 1980s and 90s saw a resurgence of interest in the occult, with a focus on the supernatural and the paranormal. Films like Poltergeist and The Sixth Sense played on the idea of ghosts and haunted houses, while TV shows like The X-Files delved into the realm of government conspiracies and alien abductions.
Today, the occult continues to have a strong influence on popular media, with shows like American Horror Story and films like The Witch exploring the darker side of the supernatural. The internet has also played a major role in the spread of occultism in pop culture, with social media platforms and online forums allowing people to connect and share their interests in the occult with others.
Overall, the relationship between the occult and pop culture is a complex and multifaceted one. From its early roots in horror fiction to its current status as a mainstream cultural phenomenon, the occult has influenced many aspects of popular media. In the following sections, we will explore the ways in which the occult has been portrayed in popular films and TV shows, and the impact it has had on different genres of pop culture.
The occult has been a popular theme in films and TV shows for decades, and has been portrayed in a variety of ways. Some films and shows take a more traditional approach to the occult, focusing on witches, demons, and other supernatural entities, while others use occult themes to explore more psychological or philosophical concepts. Here, we will examine some of the common themes and motifs that have emerged in popular depictions of the occult.
One of the most common motifs in occult-themed media is the idea of the “deal with the devil.” This often takes the form of a character making a bargain with a demonic figure, in exchange for wealth, power, or some other desire. This motif has been used in films like The Devil’s Advocate and Bedazzled, and in TV shows like Supernatural and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Another common theme in occult media is the use of ritual and magic. In these depictions, characters often use spells, incantations, and other magical practices to achieve their goals. This motif has been used in shows like Charmed and The Magicians, as well as in films like The Craft and Practical Magic.
The idea of possession is also a common theme in occult media. This typically involves a character being taken over by a demonic entity or spirit, and struggling to regain control of their body and mind. This motif has been used in films like The Exorcist and The Conjuring, and in TV shows like Penny Dreadful and The Haunting of Hill House.
Other common themes in occult media include the exploration of psychic abilities, such as clairvoyance and telekinesis, as well as the use of divination and other forms of fortune-telling. These themes have been used in films like The Sixth Sense and Donnie Darko, and in TV shows like Medium and The Dead Zone.
Finally, many occult-themed films and TV shows use the idea of the occult as a metaphor for deeper philosophical or psychological concepts. For example, the TV show True Detective uses occult symbolism to explore themes of existentialism and the search for meaning, while the film Hereditary uses occult themes to explore the idea of inherited trauma and the effects of mental illness.
the portrayal of the occult in popular media is a complex and multifaceted one, with a variety of themes and motifs emerging over time. From the classic motifs of the “deal with the devil” and ritual magic, to the more nuanced explorations of psychology and philosophy, the occult has been a popular and enduring theme in films and TV shows for decades. The impact of the occult on different genres of pop culture will be explored in the following section.
impact of the occult on the horror genre
The horror genre has long been a popular arena for exploring the darker aspects of the occult. From classic horror films like The Exorcist to more recent entries like Hereditary, the occult has played a major role in creating tension and suspense in horror movies. Here, we will examine the impact of the occult on the horror genre, and how it has been used to create some of the most iconic horror films of all time.
One of the ways in which the occult has influenced the horror genre is through the use of demonic possession. This motif, which involves a character being taken over by a demonic entity, has been used in films like The Exorcist and The Possession, and is often used to create a sense of terror and suspense. By portraying a character being overtaken by an external force, these films tap into our deepest fears of losing control and being powerless to stop a malevolent force.
Another way in which the occult has influenced the horror genre is through the use of supernatural powers and abilities. This can take the form of characters with psychic abilities, like in the film Carrie, or characters with the power to control and manipulate others through spells and magic, like in the film The Craft. By portraying characters with these abilities, these films tap into our fears of the unknown and the idea that there are forces in the world that we cannot comprehend or control.
The use of occult symbolism and imagery is also a common motif in horror films. This can take the form of pentagrams, inverted crosses, or other occult symbols, which are used to create an atmosphere of mystery and foreboding. These symbols often represent the idea of a hidden knowledge or power, and their presence in horror films can create a sense of unease and dread in the viewer.
Finally, the occult has also been used to explore deeper philosophical and psychological concepts in horror films. For example, the film Rosemary’s Baby uses occult themes to explore the idea of motherhood and the fear of losing control over one’s own body and mind. Similarly, the film Hereditary uses occult symbolism to explore the idea of inherited trauma and the effects of mental illness.
the impact of the occult on the horror genre has been profound and enduring. From classic horror films like The Exorcist to more recent entries like Hereditary, the occult has been used to create tension, suspense, and terror in some of the most iconic horror movies of all time. By tapping into our deepest fears and anxieties, the occult has become an essential part of the horror genre, and continues to influence the way we think about horror and the supernatural.
the role of the occult in fantasy and science fiction
One of the ways in which the occult has influenced fantasy and science fiction is through the creation of magical and mystical settings. These settings often include elements of the occult, such as spells, potions, and magical creatures, and are used to transport readers and viewers to new and exciting worlds. Examples of these settings include the wizarding world of Harry Potter, the mystical land of Narnia, and the futuristic world of Blade Runner.
Another way in which the occult has influenced these genres is through the creation of supernatural powers and abilities. This can take the form of characters with psychic abilities, like in the TV show Stranger Things, or characters with the power to control and manipulate reality, like in the film Inception. By portraying characters with these abilities, these works tap into our deepest desires for control and mastery over the world around us.
The use of occult symbolism and imagery is also a common motif in fantasy and science fiction. This can take the form of ancient symbols and artifacts, like in the film Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, or futuristic technologies that draw on the power of the occult, like in the TV show Fringe. By incorporating these elements, these works create an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue, and invite viewers and readers to explore the unknown and the impossible.
Finally, the occult has also been used to explore deeper philosophical and psychological concepts in these genres. For example, the TV show The OA uses occult themes to explore the idea of alternate dimensions and the nature of reality, while the film The Matrix uses occult symbolism to explore the idea of free will and the nature of consciousness.
the role of the occult in fantasy and science fiction has been profound and far-reaching. By using occult themes and motifs, these genres have created some of the most imaginative and exciting worlds in popular culture, and have invited viewers and readers to explore the mysteries of the universe. Whether through the creation of magical settings, supernatural abilities, or deep philosophical concepts, the occult has become an essential part of the fantasy and science fiction genres, and continues to influence the way we think about the impossible and the unknown.
the influence of the occult on contemporary pop culture
The occult has had a significant impact on contemporary pop culture, with occult ideas and themes appearing in a wide range of media, from films and TV shows to music and fashion. Here, we will examine the influence of the occult on contemporary pop culture, and how the rise of the internet has allowed occult ideas to spread and influence popular media.
One of the ways in which the occult has influenced contemporary pop culture is through the rise of witchcraft and Wicca. These practices, which draw on the power of nature and the mystical forces of the universe, have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly among young people. This has led to the appearance of witchcraft and Wicca in a wide range of media, including films like The Craft and TV shows like Charmed.
Another way in which the occult has influenced contemporary pop culture is through the rise of alternative spirituality and new age practices. These practices draw on a range of occult ideas and themes, including astrology, meditation, and energy healing, and have become increasingly popular in recent years. This has led to the appearance of alternative spirituality in a wide range of media, including music and fashion.
The rise of the internet has also played a significant role in the spread of occult ideas and themes in contemporary pop culture. With the internet, it has become easier than ever for people to share information and connect with others who share their interests. This has led to the creation of online communities dedicated to the occult, as well as the appearance of occult ideas and themes in social media and other online platforms.
One example of the internet’s influence on the occult in pop culture is the rise of “meme magic.” This concept, which draws on the power of internet memes to create real-world effects, has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly among online communities dedicated to the occult. This has led to the appearance of occult themes in a wide range of internet memes, as well as the use of memes in occult rituals and practices.
Finally, the occult has also influenced contemporary pop culture through its appearance in popular media, such as films and TV shows. This has led to the appearance of occult themes in a wide range of popular works, including the TV show American Horror Story and the film The Witch. By incorporating occult ideas and themes into popular media, these works have helped to bring the occult into the mainstream, and have introduced a new generation of viewers and readers to the power and mystery of the occult.
the influence of the occult on contemporary pop culture has been significant and far-reaching. From the rise of witchcraft and alternative spirituality to the impact of the internet and popular media, the occult has become an essential part of modern popular culture, and continues to influence the way we think about the world around us. Whether through the use of internet memes or the appearance of occult themes in popular works, the occult has become a powerful force in contemporary pop culture, and shows no signs of slowing down.
