The use of dark occult practices during World War II by the Germans is a topic that has fascinated historians and the general public alike. The Nazis believed in the superiority of their race and ideology, and they used any means necessary to achieve their goals, including the use of occultism. The use of the occult by the Nazis has been well-documented, and it remains a controversial topic to this day. In this article, we will explore the use of dark occult practices by the Germans during World War II.
Background
The use of occultism by the Germans during World War II can be traced back to the early 20th century, when a number of occult societies were formed in Germany. These societies were interested in esoteric knowledge and the occult, and they believed that they could use this knowledge to achieve power and influence. One of the most influential of these societies was the Thule Society, which was founded in Munich in 1918. The Thule Society was interested in the occult and the idea of the Aryan race, and it played a significant role in the rise of the Nazi Party.
The Nazis and the Occult
When the Nazi Party came to power in Germany in 1933, they began to take an interest in the occult. The Nazis believed that they were the master race, and they believed that they could use the occult to gain an advantage over their enemies. The Nazis were particularly interested in the idea of the Aryan race, which they believed was a superior race. They also believed in the power of symbols and ancient knowledge, and they used these beliefs to create their own mythos.
The most infamous of the Nazi occult practices was the creation of the SS, or Schutzstaffel, which was initially formed as a personal bodyguard for Adolf Hitler. The SS was later expanded into a paramilitary organization, and its members were required to be of pure Aryan blood. The SS also created its own division of occult experts, who were responsible for researching and developing occult practices that could be used by the Nazis.
The Nazis were also interested in the idea of the Holy Grail, which they believed was a source of power and knowledge. They sent expeditions to search for the Holy Grail, and they even established a secret society called the Ancestral Heritage Society, which was dedicated to finding the Grail.
The Nazis also used astrology to make strategic decisions. Hitler himself was interested in astrology and consulted with astrologers on a regular basis. The Nazis also had a number of astrologers on their payroll, who were responsible for providing astrological guidance to the Nazi leadership.
Conclusion
The use of dark occult practices by the Germans during World War II remains a controversial topic. While there is no doubt that the Nazis were interested in the occult, the extent to which they used occult practices is still a matter of debate. Some historians believe that the Nazis used occult practices to gain an advantage over their enemies, while others believe that the Nazis were simply interested in the occult as a means of propaganda.
The intrigue with the occult began long before the rise of the Third Reich, with Germany having a rich history of esoteric practices, mystical societies, and secret orders. Organizations such as the Thule Society and the Vril Society played pivotal roles in shaping the ideologies of key figures within the Nazi party, including Heinrich Himmler, Rudolf Hess, and Adolf Hitler himself. It is important to recognize the extent to which these societies influenced the formation of the National Socialist German Workers' Party and the subsequent political and military decisions made by its leaders.
The Nazi regime's obsession with the occult manifested itself in various ways, from the establishment of the Ahnenerbe to the incorporation of occult symbols within the SS and other branches of the party. The Ahnenerbe, an organization dedicated to researching the archaeological and cultural history of the Aryan race, conducted expeditions in search of ancient artifacts and symbols believed to hold mystical power. This endeavor was fueled by a belief in a superior Aryan race, destined to conquer and rule the world, and a need to justify this belief through historical and occult evidence.
The impact of these occult practices on the conduct of the war itself is a subject of much debate. Some argue that the Nazis' belief in their own racial superiority and predestined victory, bolstered by occult practices and symbols, contributed to the aggressive and brutal tactics employed throughout the war. Others argue that while the Nazis may have been influenced by occult ideas, these beliefs did not play a significant role in shaping military strategy.
Regardless of the extent of their impact on military decisions, the Nazis' use of dark occult practices had far-reaching consequences. The regime's beliefs in mystical power and racial superiority led to the systematic persecution and extermination of millions of innocent people, including Jews, Romani people, and others deemed 'racially inferior.' The Holocaust stands as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise when political ideologies are intertwined with esoteric beliefs.
The fascination with the occult also left a lasting impact on post-war Germany and the world at large. As the Allies discovered the extent of the Nazis' involvement in occult practices, a mix of fascination and revulsion arose. This led to the proliferation of conspiracy theories, fictional accounts, and historical works that delved into this dark chapter of history. The allure of the Nazis' occult practices continues to captivate the popular imagination, with numerous films, books, and documentaries exploring the subject.
In the final analysis, it is essential to recognize the complex and multifaceted nature of the German use of dark occult practices during the war. This history serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of combining extreme political ideologies with mysticism and the potential for these beliefs to be exploited for the pursuit of power and control. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of examining history objectively and critically, untangling myth from fact, and understanding the motivations and beliefs that shaped the actions of those involved in one of humanity's darkest chapters.