Esoteric Neo-Nazism

This article is about religious beliefs in post-war Neo-Nazism. For occult beliefs in historical Nazism, see Occultism in Nazism.

"The Black Sun" emblem, representing the celestial homeland of the Hyperboreans and the invisible source of their energy

Esoteric Neo-Nazism, also known as Esoteric Nazism, Esoteric Fascism or Esoteric Hitlerism, represents a fusion of Nazi ideology with mystical, occult, and esoteric traditions. This belief system emerged in the aftermath of World War II, as adherents sought to reinterpret and adapt the ideas of the Third Reich within the context of a new religious movement. Esoteric Nazism is characterized by its emphasis on the mythical and spiritual dimensions of Aryan supremacy, drawing from a range of sources including Theosophy, Ariosophy, and Gnostic dualism. These beliefs have evolved into a complex and often contradictory body of thought that seeks to justify and perpetuate racist and supremacist ideologies under the guise of spiritual enlightenment.

The roots of Esoteric Nazism can be traced back to early 20th-century occult movements and figures who sought to combine racial theories with mysticism. Key figures such as Guido von List and Jörg Lanz von Liebenfels played significant roles in this development, with their ideas laying the groundwork for what would later become the esoteric underpinnings of Nazi ideology. These early esotericists promoted the idea of an ancient Aryan race, endowed with divine qualities, which they believed was destined to rule over other races. This notion of Aryan supremacy was further developed by the Thule Society, an occult group that heavily influenced the early Nazi movement, blending nationalism with mystical beliefs in a mythical Aryan homeland known as Hyperborea.

After the fall of the Third Reich, Esoteric Nazism evolved and adapted to new contexts, with figures such as Savitri Devi and Miguel Serrano emerging as prominent proponents of what is now referred to as Esoteric Hitlerism. These post-war esotericists expanded on the idea of Hitler as a messianic figure, often deifying him as an avatar of divine forces. Savitri Devi, for example, integrated Nazi ideology with Hinduism, portraying Hitler as the ninth avatar of Vishnu and aligning Aryan supremacy with Hindu concepts of cosmic order. ^[1] Similarly, Miguel Serrano introduced extraterrestrial elements into Esoteric Hitlerism, claiming that the Aryan race had divine origins linked to a race of god-like beings from Hyperborea.

Esoteric Nazism has continued to influence various neo-Nazi and far-right groups in the post-war era, often merging with other esoteric and occult traditions. The concept of a "Collective Aryan Unconscious", inspired by Carl Jung's theories, and the symbol of the Black Sun, representing hidden esoteric power, are central to these beliefs. These ideas have been perpetuated through various means, including literature, music, and digital media, contributing to the persistence of Esoteric Nazism in contemporary culture. Despite its fringe status, Esoteric Nazism remains a potent force within certain extremist circles, offering a mystical justification for racial and ideological supremacy.

Historical background

Further information: Occultism in Nazism, Religion in Nazi Germany, Religious aspects of Nazism, and Religious views of Adolf Hitler

The roots of Esoteric Nazism lie in several early 20th-century movements and figures that sought to blend mysticism, racial theories, and nationalism. Guido von List and Jörg Lanz von Liebenfels were pivotal in this development. List, a prominent figure in the völkisch movement, created Ariosophy, combining Germanic paganism with racial theories. Lanz von Liebenfels expanded these ideas through his publication Ostara , promoting Aryan superiority and anti-Semitic views through occultism and mysticism. ^[2]

The Thule Society, established in 1918, played a significant role in the formation of Nazi ideology. This occultist group believed in Thule, a mythical Aryan homeland. The society's anti-Semitic and nationalist ideas influenced many who would become Nazi leaders, blending occultism, mythology, and political ideology to form the foundation of Esoteric Nazism. ^[2]

Heinrich Himmler, head of the SS, deeply integrated mysticism into Nazi ideology, viewing the SS as a spiritual order. He established the SS's ideological center at Wewelsburg Castle, where various esoteric and occult practices were conducted. Himmler's fascination with the Holy Grail and King Arthur myths aimed to inspire the SS with a higher spiritual purpose. ^[3] Ariosophy, developed by List and Liebenfels, significantly shaped Nazi racial ideology. Combining Theosophy, Germanic mythology, and racial theories, Ariosophy promoted Aryan superiority by positing Aryans as descendants of a divine, ancient race. This concept was used by the Nazis to justify their racial purity and anti-Semitic policies. ^[4]

Mythological and mystical beliefs were integral to Nazi ideology. The concept of Hyperborea, a mythical northern Aryan homeland, suggested that Hyperboreans were divine beings who once ruled the earth. ^[5] The Nazis adopted several symbols with esoteric meanings. The swastika, an ancient symbol found in various cultures, became the Nazi party emblem, symbolizing Aryan identity and cosmic order. Other symbols, such as the Black Sun, signified occult power and the esoteric knowledge of the Aryan race. ^[6]

Post-war history and notable exponents

Savitri Devi

Main article: Savitri Devi

Greek writer Savitri Devi was the first major post-war exponent of what has since become known as Esoteric Hitlerism. ^[7] According to that ideology, subsequent to the fall of the Third Reich and Hitler's suicide at the end of the war, Hitler himself could be deified. Devi connected Hitler's Aryanist ideology to that of the pan-Hindu part of the Indian independence movement, ^[8] and activists such as Subhas Chandra Bose. For her, the swastika was an especially important symbol, as she felt it symbolized Aryan unity of Hindus and Germans.

Savitri Devi, above all, was interested in the Indian caste system, which she regarded as the archetype of racial laws intended to govern the segregation of different races and to maintain the pure blood of the fair-complexioned Aryans. She regarded the survival of the minority of Brahmins among an enormous population of many different Indian races after sixty centuries as a living tribute to the value of the Aryan caste system. ^[9]

Savitri Devi integrated Nazism into a broader cyclical framework of Hindu history. She considered Hitler to be the ninth Avatar of Vishnu, and called him "the god-like Individual of our times; the Man against Time; the greatest European of all times", ^[10] having an ideal vision of returning his Aryan people to an earlier, more perfect time, and also having the practical wherewithal to fight the destructive forces "in Time". She saw his defeat—and the forestalling of his vision from coming to fruition—as a result of him being "too magnanimous, too trusting, too good", of not being merciless enough, of having in his "psychological make-up, too much 'sun' [beneficence] and not enough 'lightning.' [practical ruthlessness]", ^[11] unlike his coming incarnation:

"Kalki" will act with unprecedented ruthlessness. Contrarily to Adolf Hitler, He will spare not a single one of the enemies of the divine Cause: not a single one of its outspoken opponents but also not a single one of the lukewarm, of the opportunists, of the ideologically heretical, of the racially bastardised, of the unhealthy, of the hesitating, of the all-too-human; not a single one of those who, in body or in character or mind, bear the stamp of the fallen Ages. ^[12]

Robert Charroux

Main article: Robert Charroux

Unlike most ancient astronaut writers, Robert Charroux took a large interest in racialism. According to Charroux, Hyperborea was situated between Iceland and Greenland and was the home of a Nordic white race with blonde hair and blue eyes. Charroux wrote that this race was extraterrestrial in origin and had originally come from a cold planet situated far from the sun. ^[13] Charroux also wrote that the white race of the Hyperboreans and their descendants, the Celts, had dominated the whole world in the ancient past. Some of these claims of Charroux have influenced the beliefs of Esoteric Nazism such as the work of Miguel Serrano. ^[14]

Miguel Serrano

Main article: Miguel Serrano

Miguel Serrano, a former Chilean diplomat, is a major figure in Esoteric Nazism. Author of numerous books including The Golden Ribbon: Esoteric Hitlerism (1978) and Adolf Hitler, the Last Avatar (1984), Serrano is one of a number of Nazi esotericists who regard the "Aryan blood" as originally extraterrestrial:

Serrano finds mythological evidence for the extraterrestrial origins of man in the Nephilim [fallen angels] of the Book of Genesis... Serrano suggests that the sudden appearance of Cro-Magnon Man with his high artistic and cultural achievements in prehistoric Europe records the passage of one such divya-descended race alongside the abysmal inferiority of Neanderthal Man, an abomination and manifest creation of the demiurge... Of all the races on earth, the Aryans alone preserve the memory of their divine ancestors in their noble blood, which is still mingled with the light of the Black Sun. All other races are the progeny of the demiurge's beast-men, native to the planet. ^[15]

Serrano supports this idea from various myths which assign divine ancestry to 'Aryan' peoples, and even the Aztec myth of Quetzalcoatl descending from Venus. He also cites the hypothesis of Bal Gangadhar Tilak on the Arctic homeland of the Indo-Aryans, as his authority for identifying the earthly centre of the Aryan migrations with the 'lost' Arctic continent of Hyperborea. Thus, Serrano's extraterrestrial gods are also identified as Hyperboreans. ^[a]

In attempting to raise the spiritual development of the earthbound races, the Hyperborean divyas (a Sanskrit term for god-men) suffered a tragic setback. Expanding on a story from the Book of Enoch , Serrano laments that a renegade group among the gods committed miscegenation with the terrestrial races, thus diluting the light-bearing blood of their benefactors and diminishing the level of divine awareness on the planet. ^[16]

The concept of Hyperborea has a simultaneously racial and mystical meaning for Serrano. ^[17] He believes that Hitler was in Shambhala, an underground centre in Antarctica (formerly at the North Pole and Tibet), where he was in contact with the Hyperborean gods and whence he would someday emerge with a fleet of UFOs to lead the forces of light (the Hyperboreans, sometimes associated with Vril) over the forces of darkness (inevitably including, for Serrano, those of the Abrahamic religions who worship the Abrahamic god) in a last battle and thus inaugurating a Fourth Reich.

Serrano follows the Gnostic tradition of the Cathars (fl. 1025–1244) by identifying the evil demiurge as Jehovah, the God of the Old Testament. As medieval dualists, these eleventh-century heretics had repudiated Jehovah as a false god and mere artificer opposed to the real God far beyond our earthly realm. This Gnostic doctrine clearly carried dangerous implications for the Jews. As Jehovah was the tribal deity of the Jews, it followed that they were devil worshipers. By casting the Jews in the role of the children of Satan, the Cathar heresy can elevate anti-Semitism to the status of a theological doctrine backed by a vast cosmology. If the Hyperborean Aryans are the archetype and blood descendents of Serrano's divyas from the Black Sun, then the archetype of the Lord of Darkness needed a counter-race. The demiurge sought and found the most fitting agent for its archetype in the Jews.

As religious scholars Frederick C. Grant and Hyam Maccoby emphasize, in the view of the dualist Gnostics, "Jews were regarded as the special people of the Demiurge and as having the special historical role of obstructing the redemptive work of the High God's emissaries". ^[18] Serrano thus considered Hitler as one of the greatest emissaries of this High God, rejected and crucified by the tyranny of the Judaicized rabble like previous revolutionary light-bringers. Serrano had a special place in his ideology for the SS, who, in their quest to recreate the ancient race of Aryan god-men, he thought were above morality and therefore justified.^{[ citation needed ]}

David Myatt

Main article: David Myatt

In the 1980s and 1990s, David Myatt developed an interpretation—or revisionist version ^[19] —of Nazism which, although based on Savitri Devi's three principles of "above", "against", and "in time" individuals, ^[20] did not involve either ancient mythology or extraterrestrial beings.

Instead, Myatt, described as "most commonly associated with the occult wing of the National Socialist movement, ^[21] focused—in pamphlets such as The Meaning of National Socialism, ^[22] The Enlightenment of National Socialism ^[23] and his The Religion of National Socialism ^{[24] [25]} —on what he described as "the numinous" aspects of Nazism, with Jeffrey Kaplan writing that Myatt described Nazism as "unambiguously a religion while Adolf Hitler is treated unashamedly as the saviour of mankind." ^[21]

Concepts and themes

Collective Aryan unconscious

The concept of a "Collective Aryan Unconscious" is central to Esoteric Nazism, drawing on Carl Jung's theory of the collective unconscious. However, in Esoteric Nazi thought, this unconscious is specifically linked to the Aryan race, believed to carry a shared racial memory or spiritual heritage. This idea posits that Aryans possess innate, inherited wisdom and knowledge that connect them to their divine origins and the ancient Hyperborean homeland. This collective memory is thought to guide Aryans in their spiritual and racial mission, differentiating them from other races considered spiritually inferior. ^[26]

In the book Black Sun , Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke reports how Carl Gustav Jung described "Hitler as possessed by the archetype of the collective Aryan unconscious and could not help obeying the commands of an inner voice". In a series of interviews between 1936 and 1939, Jung characterized Hitler as an archetype, often manifesting itself to the complete exclusion of his own personality. "'Hitler is a spiritual vessel, a demi-divinity; even better, a myth. Benito Mussolini is a man' ... the messiah of Germany who teaches the virtue of the sword. 'The voice he hears is that of the collective unconscious of his race'". ^[27]

Jung's suggestion that Hitler personified the collective Aryan unconscious deeply interested and influenced Miguel Serrano, who later concluded that Jung was merely psychologizing the ancient, sacred mystery of archetypal possession by the gods, independent metaphysical powers that rule over their respective races and occasionally possess their members. ^[28]

Hyperborea and Aryan origins

Hyperborea, a mythical land often associated with the Arctic region, is revered in Esoteric Nazi ideology as the ancestral homeland of the Aryan race. According to this belief, Hyperborea was a paradise inhabited by the original Aryan gods or god-men, who were later exiled or descended to earth. The concept of Hyperborea is tied to the idea of a lost Golden Age, where Aryans lived in harmony with cosmic laws before their decline and corruption by external influences. This mythological narrative supports the Esoteric Nazi view of Aryans as a superior race with a divine destiny, linked to their ancient, mythical origins. ^[29]

Since 1945, neo-Nazi writers have also proposed Shambhala and the star Aldebaran as the original homeland of the Aryans. The book Arktos: The Polar Myth in Science, Symbolism, and Nazi Survival, by Hypnerotomachia Poliphili scholar Joscelyn Godwin, discusses pseudoscientific theories about surviving Nazi elements in Antarctica. Arktos is noted for its scholarly approach and examination of many sources currently unavailable elsewhere in English-language translations. ^[30]

Gnostic dualism and the demiurge

Esoteric Nazism incorporates elements of Gnostic dualism, particularly the belief in a cosmic struggle between forces of light and darkness. In this worldview, the material world is seen as the creation of a malevolent demiurge, often identified with the Judeo-Christian God, who seeks to enslave humanity. Aryans, in contrast, are viewed as the children of the divine light, destined to oppose the demiurge and his earthly agents, typically identified with Jews and other non-Aryans. This dualistic belief system reinforces the racial and spiritual hierarchy central to Esoteric Nazism, with Aryans positioned as the rightful rulers of the world, destined to lead the final battle against the forces of darkness. ^[31]

Black Sun and extraterrestrial theories

The Black Sun is a significant symbol in Esoteric Nazism, representing the hidden, esoteric power believed to guide the Aryan race. Often depicted as a mystical, inner sun, the Black Sun symbolizes the source of Aryan spiritual strength and the cosmic forces that support their racial mission. This concept is closely linked to various extraterrestrial theories within Esoteric Nazism, which suggest that the Aryan race has divine or extraterrestrial origins. Figures like Miguel Serrano have popularized the idea that Aryans are descendants of an ancient extraterrestrial race, who once ruled Hyperborea and will return to lead humanity into a new Golden Age. These beliefs combine occult symbolism with pseudo-historical and mythological narratives to create a mystical foundation for Aryan supremacy. ^[32]

Godwin and other writers such as Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke have discussed the connections between Esoteric Nazism and Vril energy, the hidden Shambhala and Agartha civilizations, and underground UFO bases, as well as Hitler's and the SS's supposed survival in underground Antarctic bases in New Swabia, or in alliance with Hyperboreans from the subterranean world. ^[33]

Common beliefs

Esoteric Nazism is built on a foundation of core beliefs that combine mystical, racial, and occult ideologies. These beliefs form the central tenets of the tradition, distinguishing it from other esoteric movements and intertwining it with Nazi ideology.

Racial purity and mystical heritage

At the core of Esoteric Nazism is the belief in the racial purity and superiority of the Aryan race. Adherents of this ideology view Aryans as descendants of a divine or mystical lineage, endowed with unique spiritual and racial qualities that distinguish them from other races. This belief in racial purity is not only seen as a physical attribute but also as a spiritual one, where the purity of the bloodline is linked to the ability to access higher esoteric knowledge and maintain a connection with divine forces. The concept of a "spiritual aristocracy" is often emphasized, with the Aryan race considered the chosen people destined to lead humanity. ^[26]

The notion of racial purity in Esoteric Nazism is often linked to an idealized past, where Aryans supposedly lived in harmony with cosmic laws before being corrupted by external influences. Maintaining this racial purity is seen as essential for the Aryan race to fulfill its divine mission on earth. ^[34]

Spiritual hierarchies

Esoteric Nazism incorporates the concept of spiritual hierarchies, wherein different races and beings occupy different levels of spiritual advancement. Aryans are placed at the top of this hierarchy, believed to be closer to divine or cosmic forces that govern the universe. This spiritual hierarchy justifies the supremacist ideology inherent in Esoteric Nazism, asserting that Aryans have a divine right to rule over other races, which are considered spiritually inferior or degenerate. ^[32]

Within this framework, the leaders and initiates of Esoteric Nazism see themselves as the custodians of hidden knowledge and spiritual power. This belief in a cosmic order reinforces the hierarchical and authoritarian nature of Esoteric Nazi ideology, where only a select few are deemed worthy of accessing and wielding this knowledge. ^[35]

Esoteric knowledge

A central belief in Esoteric Nazism is the pursuit and preservation of esoteric knowledge, considered key to unlocking the spiritual and racial potential of the Aryan race. This knowledge is believed to be hidden or occult, accessible only to those who are racially pure and spiritually advanced. Esoteric Nazis often claim that this knowledge has been passed down through secret societies or mystical traditions that have preserved it since ancient times. ^[36]

The content of this esoteric knowledge varies but often includes teachings on the origins of the Aryan race, the nature of the cosmos, and the laws governing spiritual and racial purity. This knowledge is seen as empowering the Aryan race to reclaim its rightful place as the spiritual and temporal leaders of the world, capable of ushering in a new Golden Age. ^[35]

Detachment from conventional morality

Esoteric Nazism advocates for a detachment from conventional morality, which is viewed as a construct of inferior races or the oppressive forces of the demiurge. Instead, it promotes a code of conduct that aligns with the perceived divine mission of the Aryan race. This includes the justification of violence, domination, and other actions deemed necessary to protect and advance the Aryan race and its spiritual goals. ^[32]

This belief system promotes a form of "might makes right" ideology, where actions are judged not by conventional ethical standards but by their effectiveness in achieving the goals of Esoteric Nazism. This detachment from traditional morality is used to justify the extremist and often violent actions associated with the movement. ^[34]

Relationship to neopaganism

Further information: Heathenry (new religious movement), Heathenry in the United States, and Modern paganism in German-speaking Europe

Differences from neopaganism

Esoteric Nazism is fundamentally based on the belief in Aryan racial superiority and purity, incorporating racist doctrines that promote the dominance of the Aryan race. This ideology distorts ancient myths and symbols to support its racist agenda. In stark contrast, mainstream neopaganism generally rejects racial exclusivity, instead, it focuses on spirituality, cultural heritage, and inclusivity. Many neopagan groups explicitly denounce racism and as a result, they strive to create inclusive communities that celebrate diversity. ^[26]

Esoteric Nazism intertwines its mystical and esoteric beliefs with a fascist and far-right political agenda. It seeks to revive Nazi ideology through an occult framework, advocating the implementation of authoritarian and supremacist policies. Conversely, many neopagan groups are either apolitical or politically diverse, emphasizing spiritual practices and community building rather than political activism. This fundamental difference in political orientation further separates Esoteric Nazism from mainstream neopaganism. ^[31]

Esoteric Nazism and neopaganism both draw upon ancient symbols and mythologies, but their interpretations and applications of those symbols and mythologies diverge significantly. Esoteric Nazis use symbols like the swastika, runes, and the Black Sun to propagate their racial and mystical beliefs. Neopagans, on the other hand, use these symbols in a cultural or spiritual context, devoid of the racist connotations imposed by Esoteric Nazism. Mainstream neopaganism often reclaims these symbols to highlight their original, non-racist meanings. ^[26]

Contemporary groups influenced by Esoteric Nazism

Certain fringe elements within the neopagan community have adopted Esoteric Nazi ideologies, blending them with their spiritual practices. These groups emphasize racial purity and draw on the same distorted mythologies as Esoteric Nazism. Examples include specific factions within Odinism and Ásatrú that espouse white supremacist beliefs. These sects often face criticism and rejection from the broader neopagan community. ^[37]

Esoteric Nazi beliefs have influenced various far-right and neo-Nazi groups that incorporate elements of neopaganism into their ideologies. These groups use neopagan symbols and rituals to support their racial and political agendas, creating a hybrid ideology that merges occultism with white supremacist goals. This confluence of beliefs helps these groups to attract members who are drawn to both the mystical and the political aspects of their ideology. ^[32]

Counteractions by neopagan communities

Mainstream neopagan organizations actively denounce racism and white supremacy, striving to distance themselves from the ideologies of Esoteric Nazism. For example, groups such as the Asatru Folk Assembly have issued public statements rejecting racial exclusivity and promoting inclusivity within their communities. These actions are crucial in maintaining a clear boundary between neopagan spirituality and racist ideologies. ^[35]

Many neopagan groups engage in educational initiatives to promote a positive and inclusive image of their traditions. This includes workshops, public statements, and community events that emphasize the spiritual and cultural aspects of neopaganism without the racist overtones of Esoteric Nazism. These efforts aim to educate both their members and the public about the true nature of neopaganism and its rejection of extremist ideologies. ^[37]

Mainstream neopagan communities often celebrate cultural and ethnic diversity, integrating various traditions and practices into their spiritual framework. This inclusive approach directly counters the exclusivist and supremacist ideologies of Esoteric Nazism, fostering a more open and accepting spiritual environment. By embracing diversity, these communities work to dismantle the harmful narratives propagated by Esoteric Nazi groups. ^[32]

Scholarly perspectives

The study of Esoteric Nazism has attracted significant attention from scholars, particularly those interested in the intersections of occultism, political extremism, and modern mythology. These scholars have explored the origins, development, and influence of Esoteric Nazism, offering critical analyses of its ideological foundations and the ways in which it has persisted and evolved in post-war contexts.

Origins and historical context

Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke, one of the most prominent scholars in this field, has extensively studied the roots of Esoteric Nazism. His seminal work, The Occult Roots of Nazism (1985), traces the origins of Nazi occultism to early 20th-century Ariosophy and other Germanic mystical traditions that influenced figures like Guido von List and Lanz von Liebenfels. Goodrick-Clarke argues that these esoteric ideas played a crucial role in shaping the ideological underpinnings of the Nazi Party, particularly through the influence of the Thule Society. He emphasizes that while these ideas were not the sole cause of Nazi ideology, they provided a mystical and racial framework that supported and justified the more extreme aspects of Nazism.

In his later work, Black Sun: Aryan Cults, Esoteric Nazism and the Politics of Identity (2002), Goodrick-Clarke explores the post-war survival of Esoteric Nazi beliefs and their influence on various neo-Nazi and far-right groups. He discusses how these groups have adapted the mystical and occult elements of Nazism to contemporary contexts, often blending them with other esoteric traditions, conspiracy theories, and pseudo-historical narratives.

Mythology and symbolism

Joscelyn Godwin, a scholar of Western esotericism, has also contributed significantly to the study of Esoteric Nazism, particularly through his book Arktos: The Polar Myth in Science, Symbolism, and Nazi Survival (1996). Godwin examines the mythological and symbolic elements of Esoteric Nazism, focusing on the ideas of Hyperborea, Thule, and the supposed survival of Nazi elements in Antarctica. He explores how these myths have been used to create a mystical narrative that links the Aryan race to ancient, hidden civilizations and supernatural powers.

Godwin, along with Goodrick-Clarke, has also discussed the connections between Esoteric Nazism and other esoteric traditions, such as the belief in Vril energy, the hidden Shambhala and Agartha civilizations, and underground UFO bases. These scholars highlight how these ideas have been integrated into a broader esoteric framework, often merging with conspiracy theories about Nazi survival in underground Antarctic bases and alliances with Hyperboreans from a subterranean world.

Critical analysis and debunking

Scholars have also critically analyzed and debunked many of the myths associated with Esoteric Nazism. Goodrick-Clarke, in particular, has been careful to distinguish between the historical reality of Nazi occultism and the exaggerated or fabricated claims made by later writers and neo-Nazi groups. In Black Sun, he critically examines the so-called "Nazi UFO" myth and the various pseudoscientific theories that have emerged around it, arguing that these ideas are largely modern inventions with little basis in historical fact.

Jeffrey Kaplan, in his book The Emergence of a Euro-American Radical Right (1998), also explores the role of Esoteric Nazism in the broader context of the radical right. He analyzes how Esoteric Nazi ideas have been co-opted by various white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups, often serving as a mystical justification for their racist and extremist ideologies. Kaplan's work provides a broader sociopolitical context for understanding the appeal of Esoteric Nazism, particularly in its ability to offer a sense of spiritual and racial superiority to its adherents.

Influence on modern movements

The influence of Esoteric Nazism on modern occult and far-right movements has been another area of scholarly focus. Scholars like Matthias Gardell have explored how these ideas have permeated various neopagan and white separatist groups, particularly in Europe and North America. Gardell's Gods of the Blood: The Pagan Revival and White Separatism (2003) examines how Esoteric Nazi beliefs have been integrated into modern pagan practices, often serving as a spiritual justification for racial exclusivity and white supremacy. He highlights the ways in which these beliefs are transmitted through both traditional and digital means, contributing to the persistence of Esoteric Nazism in contemporary culture.

In popular culture

Music

There is a contemporary loose network of small musical groups that combine neo-fascism and satanism. These groups can be found in Britain, France, and New Zealand, under names such as "Black Order" or "Infernal Alliance", and draw their inspiration from the Esoteric Hitlerism of Miguel Serrano. ^[38] These groups advocate the anti-modern neo-tribalism and Traditionalism found in the pagan mysticist ideals of Alain de Benoist's Nouvelle Droite inspired by Julius Evola.^{[ citation needed ]}

Esoteric themes, including references to artifacts such as the Holy Lance, are also often alluded to in neo-Nazi music (e.g. Rock Against Communism) and above all in National Socialist black metal. ^[39]

See also

• Far-right subcultures
• Fascism and ideology
• Fascist mysticism
• Neo-völkisch movements

Notes

1. Serrano finds supporting evidence in, for example, the Irish legends (recorded in the Book of Invasions) which tell of divine ancestors, Tuatha Dé Danann, arriving from the northern islands; and the Greek tradition according to which Apollo returned every 19 years to Hyperborea in the far north in order to rejuvenate his body and wisdom (Goodrick-Clarke 2002).

References

Citations

1. Goodrick-Clarke 1998.
2. Bramwell 1985; Goodrick-Clarke 1992.
3. Bramwell 1985; Housden 2000; Goodrick-Clarke 2002.
4. Housden 2000; Goodrick-Clarke 2002.
5. Goodrick-Clarke 2002; Glinka 2014.
6. Goodrick-Clarke 2002; Dohe 2016.
7. See Devi 1976 , Chapter X - Hitlerian Esotericism and the Tradition.
8. See Devi 1980.
9. Goodrick-Clarke 2002, p. 92.
10. Devi 1958, Dedication.
11. Devi 1958, p. 53.
12. Devi 1958, p. 430.
13. Charroux 1974, pp. 29–30.
14. Goodrick-Clarke 2002, pp. 117–118; Godwin 2010, pp. 55–57.
15. Goodrick-Clarke 2002, p. 181.
16. Goodrick-Clarke 2002, p. ^{[ page needed ]}.
17. Jeffrey 2000.
18. Collier's Encyclopedia Vol. 11, 1997: 166.
19. Lowles 2000.
20. Devi 1958, p. ^{[ page needed ]}.
21. Kaplan 2000, p. 216.
22. Myatt 1997.
23. Myatt 1998.
24. Myatt 2010.
25. Goodrick-Clarke 2002, p. 343.
26. Goodrick-Clarke 2002; Gardell 2003.
27. Goodrick-Clarke 2002, p. 178.
28. Goodrick-Clarke 2002, p. 179.
29. Goodrick-Clarke 1992.
30. Godwin 1996, ch. 5–6, 10.
31. Kaplan & Weinberg 1998; Goodrick-Clarke 2002.
32. Goodrick-Clarke 2002.
33. Godwin 1996, ch. 5–6, 10; Goodrick-Clarke 2002, especially ch. 6–9.
34. Kaplan & Weinberg 1998.
35. Gardell 2003.
36. Goodrick-Clarke 1992; Kaplan & Weinberg 1998.
37. Kaplan & Weinberg 1998; Gardell 2003.
38. Goodrick-Clarke 2002, pp. 106, 213–231.
39. "Neo-Nazi Hate Music: A Guide". Anti-Defamation League. November 4, 2004. Archived from the original on 2007-06-07.

Works cited

Primary sources

• Charroux, Robert (1974). The Mysterious Past . New York: Berkley Publishing Corporation. ISBN   978-0-425-02741-7.
• Devi, Savitri (1958). The Lightning and the Sun . India: Temple Press.
• Devi, Savitri (1976). Memories and Reflections of an Aryan Woman . Tradition.
• Devi, Savitri (Fall 1980). "Hitlerism and the Hindu World". The National Socialist. No. 2. pp. 18–20.
• Myatt, David (November 1997). "The Enlightenment of National Socialism" . Liberty Bell. Vol. 25, no. 3. pp. 30–45.
• Myatt, David (September 1998). "The Meaning of National Socialism" . Liberty Bell. Vol. 26, no. 1. pp. 1–26.
• Myatt, David (2010). "The Religion of National Socialism". Selected National Socialist Writings Of David Myatt– via Archive.org.

Secondary sources

• Bramwell, Anna (1985). Blood and Soil: Richard Walther Darré and Hitler's Green Party. Bourne End, UK: Kensal Press. ISBN   978-0-946041-33-6.
• Dohe, Carrie B. (2016). Jung's Wandering Archetype: Race and Religion in Analytical Psychology. London: Routledge. ISBN   978-1-138-88840-1.
• Gardell, M. (2003). Gods of the Blood: The Pagan Revival and White Separatism. Duke University Press. ISBN   978-0-8223-8450-2.
• Glinka, Lukasz Andrzej (2014). Aryan Unconscious: Archetype of Discrimination, History & Politics. Great Abington: Cambridge International Science Publishing. ISBN   978-1-907343-59-9.
• Godwin, Joscelyn (1996). Arktos: The Polar Myth in Science, Symbolism, and Nazi Survival. Kempton, Illinois: Adventures Unlimited Press. ISBN   0-932813-35-6.
• Godwin, Joscelyn (2010). Atlantis and the Cycles of Time: Prophecies, Traditions, and Occult Revelations. Inner Traditions/Bear. ISBN   978-1-59477-857-5.
• Goodrick-Clarke, Nicholas (1992). The Occult Roots of Nazism: Secret Aryan Cults and Their Influence on Nazi Ideology. New York University Press. ISBN   978-1-85043-495-5.
• Goodrick-Clarke, Nicholas (1998). Hitler's Priestess: Savitri Devi, the Hindu-Aryan Myth and Neo-Nazism . New York: New York University Press. ISBN   0-8147-3110-4.
• Goodrick-Clarke, Nicholas (2002). Black Sun: Aryan Cults, Esoteric Nazism, and the Politics of Identity . New York: New York University Press. ISBN   0-8147-3124-4.
• Housden, Martyn (2000). Hitler: Study of a Revolutionary?. Routledge. ISBN   978-0-415-16359-0.
• Jeffrey, Jason (January–February 2000). "Hyperborea and the Quest for Mystical Enlightenment". New Dawn. No. 58 – via Archive.org.
• Kaplan, J.; Weinberg, L. (1998). The Emergence of a Euro-American Radical Right. Rutgers University Press. ISBN   978-0-8135-2564-8.
• Kaplan, Jeffrey, ed. (2000). Encyclopedia of White Power: A Sourcebook on the Radical Racist Right. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN   978-0-7425-0340-3.
• Lowles, Nick (July 2000). "David Myatt: Theoretician of Terror". Searchlight . No. 301.

Further reading

• Chamberlain, Houston Stewart (1911). The Foundations of the Nineteenth Century . London, New York: John Lane.
• Guerra, Nicola (2014). "I volontari italiani nelle Waffen-SS. Pensiero politico, formazione culturale e motivazioni al volontariato". Solfanelli (in Italian). Chieti: 140–148. ISBN   9-788874-978588.
• Strube, Julian (2012). "Die Erfindung des esoterischen Nationalsozialismus im Zeichen der Schwarzen Sonne" (PDF). Zeitschrift für Religionswissenschaft (in German). 20 (2): 223–268. doi:10.1515/zfr-2012-0009. ISSN   0943-8610.