Hitler’s Hidden Hobby: How Nazi Occultism Shaped the Course of History

Zacharias Hendrik
5 min readJan 25, 2024

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The “Black Sun” was a symbol used by the SS. It held esoteric and occult connotations, representing a mystical source of energy or power

Have you ever wondered what Hitler was up to when he wasn’t busy invading countries, persecuting Jews, or ranting about his master race? Well, it turns out that he had a secret hobby: dabbling in the occult. Yes, you heard that right. The Führer was a fan of all things mystical, magical, and supernatural. He believed that he was the chosen one to save Germany from the evils of the modern world and that he could tap into the hidden forces of the universe to achieve his goals. Sounds crazy, right? But don’t take my word for it. Let’sLet’s dive into the bizarre and fascinating world of Nazi occultism and see how Hitler and his cronies tried to use it to their advantage.

First of all, what is occultism? Occultism is a term that covers a wide range of beliefs and practices that involve the manipulation of secret or hidden knowledge, usually for some kind of spiritual or material gain. Occultism can include things like astrology, alchemy, numerology, tarot, Kabbalah, and magic. Some occultists also claim to have contact with supernatural entities, such as angels, demons, ghosts, or aliens. Occultism is often associated with esotericism, a more general term for knowledge inaccessible to the mainstream or the masses. Esotericism can also include mysticism, gnosticism, hermeticism, and Rosicrucianism.

Now, why was Hitler interested in occultism? Well, there are several possible reasons. One is that he was influenced by some occult movements that emerged in Germany and Austria in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as Ariosophy, Theosophy, and Anthroposophy. These movements combined elements of Germanic folklore, Nordic mythology, Eastern religions, and racial theories. They claimed to reveal the true origins and destiny of the German people. They also spoke of the coming of a new Messiah, or a World Teacher, who would lead Germany to glory and restore the ancient wisdom of the Aryan race. Hitler may have seen himself as this Messiah, or at least as his instrument.

Another reason is that Hitler was fascinated by the idea of the Spear of Destiny, also known as the Holy Lance (this claim’s accuracy is debated among historians). This is the name given to the spear that allegedly pierced the side of Jesus Christ during his crucifixion. According to legend, whoever possesses the spear will have the power to conquer the world but will also face a terrible fate if they lose it. Hitler believed the spear was kept in the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, and he visited it when he annexed Austria in 1938. He reportedly said: “I had once claimed it as my talisman of power and held the world’s destiny in my hands.”

A third reason (like Holy Lance, this claim is often surrounded by myths and legends) is that Hitler was obsessed with finding the Holy Grail, the cup that Jesus used at the Last Supper and that was said to have miraculous powers. Hitler thought that the Grail was a symbol of the pure blood of the Aryan race and that it could grant him immortality and divine favor. He sent several expeditions to search for the Grail in various locations, such as Montserrat in Spain, Montségur in France, and Glastonbury in England. He also commissioned a particular unit of the SS, called the Ahnenerbe, to conduct research on the occult, the paranormal, and the ancient history of the Germans. The Ahnenerbe was involved in many dubious and unethical projects, such as looking for the lost city of Atlantis, studying the effects of the moon on human behavior, and experimenting on human subjects in concentration camps.

So, how did Hitler use occultism to his advantage? Well one way was that he used it to create a powerful propaganda machine that appealed to the German people’s emotions and imagination. He used occult symbols, such as the swastika, the Black Sun, and the runic alphabet, to create a sense of mystery and awe. He also used magical rituals, such as mass rallies, torchlight parades, and Nazi salutes, to develop an understanding of unity and loyalty. He also used occult rhetoric, such as invoking the will of Providence, the spirit of destiny, and the cosmic struggle between good and evil, to create a sense of mission and purpose. He also used occult techniques, such as hypnosis, suggestion, and charisma, to develop a cult of personality and fanatical devotion.

Another way was that he used occultism to justify his atrocities and his crimes against humanity. He used occult doctrines, such as the law of the survival of the fittest, the theory of the master race, and the idea of the final solution, to create a sense of superiority and entitlement. He also used occult practices, such as human sacrifice, blood rituals, and black magic, to make a sense of power and invincibility. He also used magical enemies, such as the Jews, the Freemasons, the Communists, and the Allies, to create a sense of paranoia and hatred. He also used occult allies, such as the Thule Society, the Vril Society, and the Order of the Black Sun, to create a secret network of supporters and collaborators.

So, what happened to Hitler and his occultism? As you probably know, it didn’t end well for him. His occultism failed to protect him from his enemies, mistakes, and fate. He lost the war, he lost the spear, he lost the Grail, and he lost his life. He committed suicide on April 30, 1945, which coincidentally (or not) was the night of Walpurgis Night. This pagan festival celebrates the arrival of spring and the power of witchcraft. Some say that his suicide was a final act of occultism, a way of escaping the wrath of his enemies and preserving his soul. Others say that his suicide was a sign of his occultism’s failure, a way of admitting his defeat and facing his doom. Either way, his occultism was a dark and twisted chapter in human history, one that we should never forget and never repeat.

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