This is the rst encyclopaedic work on Western esotericism in Scandinavia. Structured along the lines of the Dictionary of Gnosis and Western Esotericsm (2005), it contains over 80 articles written by 47 specialists. It consists of critical overviews of all the major esoteric currents in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, ranging from Alchemy, Anthroposophy, and Astrology, to Theosophy, Traditionalism, and UFO Movements. This groundbreaking work is of relevance not only for scholars and students of Western esotericism, but for all with an interest in alternative religious traditions and Scandinavian intellectual history. Readership Academic libraries and all interested in Western esotericism, history of religions and alternative religious traditions, and anyone interested in religion in Scandinavia. For more information see brill.com

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

The authors examine the interaction between the practice of Satanism and widespread public concern over Satanism in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. The authors analyse the unique features of Satanism and Satanism scares in the social and cultural context of Nordic “folk church” Lutheranism and the Nordic welfare state. They also discuss how and why in certain periods the fear of Satanism became one of the most visible public issues in the region, and what factors contributed to the decline of public interest in Satanism.