Dark Star Rising

The phrase "Dark Star Rising" is a modern coinage, not originating from ancient Hermetic texts. Its contemporary usage emerged in the early 21st century, notably in Gary Lachman's 2018 book, to describe a confluence of occult esotericism and political upheaval. It evokes a celestial metaphor for a potent, unseen force emerging into prominence.

Dark Star Rising: Magick and Power in the Age of Trump is a 2018 book by the American writer Gary Lachman. It explores the influence of occult figures on the alt-right movement in the United States, and their use of internet memes and chaos magick in the rise of Donald Trump to the presidency. Lachman draws a direct line between occult and far right figures like philosopher Julius Evola, Steve Bannon, and Aleksandr Dugin, while showing how the New Thought religious movement and people like Norman...

The notion of a "Dark Star Rising," as articulated in contemporary Hermetic thought, offers a potent lens through which to view the often bewildering currents of our age. It moves beyond simple political analysis to engage with the deeper, archetypal forces that Mircea Eliade observed as shaping human history, forces that manifest in cyclical patterns of ascent and descent. This concept suggests that periods of profound societal upheaval are not merely random occurrences but are often accompanied by a surge in the influence of hidden, or "dark," esoteric energies.

Gary Lachman, in his exploration of this phenomenon, highlights the critical role of symbolism and meme culture in this modern manifestation. This resonates with Carl Jung's understanding of the collective unconscious, where archetypes can be activated and projected onto charismatic figures or political movements, giving them an almost mythic resonance. The "Dark Star" itself can be understood as a potent symbol, perhaps representing the shadow aspect of the collective psyche, amplified and given form through the digital ether. It’s a reminder that the world of appearances is often animated by unseen currents, a principle central to Hermetic philosophy and its emphasis on the correspondence between the celestial and the terrestrial.

The concept invites us to consider how ancient magical practices and esoteric philosophies, once confined to cloistered studies, can find new and potent expression in the hyper-connected landscape of the 21st century. It speaks to a moment where the veil between the seen and the unseen appears thinner, where the power of belief, amplified by technology, can indeed shape reality. This is not about succumbing to fatalism, but about developing a more nuanced understanding of the forces at play, recognizing that even in apparent chaos, there may be an underlying, albeit obscure, cosmic order at work. It challenges us to discern the subtle influences that guide the currents of our shared existence, urging a deeper awareness of the mythic dimensions of our present moment.