Occult Technologies

Undergraduate

From spindles, astrolabes, and herbal mixtures to spirit boxes and WitchTok, people have long used objects as conduits between the physical world and spiritual realms. In the hands of figures like scientists, religious officials, housewives, and the enslaved, everyday objects became occult technologies employed to control nature, influence other humans, and bridge the void between life and death. Challenging the boundaries between science and technology and magic and mysticism, we go ‘beyond the veil’ of disenchantment to understand how technological innovation and humans’ never-ending quest to understand the unknown have influenced each other from ancient history to the present day. We study the historical and cultural contexts of occult technologies such as sewing needles, astrological charts, trickster spirits, and modern spiritualist devices like electronic voice phenomena and spirit telephones. This class includes hands-on activities and exercises with tarot cards, spirit photography, and geomancy diaries using material from Yale archives and collections. No prior experience in the history of technology or occult studies is required. WR , HU T 1:30pm-3:25pm