In the 19th century, Turin was conquered—for a time, more than other Italian cities—by the fashion for spiritualism.
From the World
Is Turin Really “the City of Magic”? 1. A City of Wonders
The idea of Turin as the capital of alternative spirituality was born in the 19th century, with the flourishing in the city of “magnetizers” and “somnambulists.”
Pakistan; Mentally Ill Man on Death Row for Blasphemy for 23 Years
Anwar Kenneth wrote in 2001 letters that clearly included the ramblings of a psychiatric patient. Nonetheless, he was sentenced to death in 2002 and kept in jail.
The Early Pollock and the Esoteric Pollock
Visitors to the important Paris exhibition would not learn about his esoteric connections. But they can find them in his paintings.
No Country for Astrologers: Russian Duma Set to Ban Astrology from Media
A law proposal would prohibit broadcasting horoscopes and “magic-based predictions” in all media.
Pakistan, Minor Christian Accused of Blasphemy Granted Bail, Remains in Jail for Other Charges
17-year-old Akash Karamat has spent one year in jail for an accusation that, the Lahore High Court said, is not supported by evidence.
Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Czech Republic: The Strange Theories of Zdeněk Vojtíšek
The Czech anti-cult professor offered an incorrect representation of what consequences the dissolution of the Jehovah’s Witnesses would have in his country.
A Blasphemy Racket in Pakistan: Hundreds Jailed and Blackmailed by Criminal Extremists
Some 450 people are in jail after a gang connected with the radical Tehreek-e-Labbaik movement first falsely accused them, then asked for money to retract the allegations.
The Fall of Communism in Eastern Europe: Some Comments from a Sociologist of Religions
Religion (including the presence of a Polish Pope) was not the only factor leading to the fall of Eastern European Communism, but certainly played a role. There were also religious consequences, from Russia to China.
Metamorphosis and Theosophy Around Raoul Dal Molin Ferenzona
The theme of the androgyne has a long history in Western culture and came to Ferenzona through the Rosicrucians and the Theosophical Society.