Lucifer Ascending

The Occult in Folklore and Popular Culture

By: Bill Ellis

Narrated by: Marcus D Durham

Despite their centuries-old history and traditions, witchcraft and magic are still very much a part of modern Anglo-American culture. In Lucifer Ascending, Bill Ellis looks at modern practices that are universally defined as "occult," from commonplace habits such as carrying a rabbit's foot for good luck or using a Ouija board, to more esoteric traditions, such as the use of spell books. In particular, Ellis shows how the occult has been a common element in youth culture for hundreds of years.

Using materials from little-known publications and archives, Lucifer Ascending details the true social function of individuals dabbling with the occult. In his survey of what Ellis terms "vernacular occultism," the author is poised on a middle ground between a skeptical point of view that defines belief in witchcraft and Satan as irrational and an interpretation of witchcraft as an underground religion opposing Christianity. Lucifer Ascending examines the occult not as an alternative to religion, but rather as a means for ordinary people to participate directly in the mythic realm.

©2004 The University Press of Kentucky (P)2016 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"This solidly written and serious study, which uses little known primary resources, is recommended for academic and public libraries alike." ( Library Journal)

"Believers and non-believers, scholars and general readers, will be entertained and educated by Ellis's compelling narrative on all matters Satanic." (Dr. Michael Shermer, publisher of Skeptic magazine)

Narrator mouth noises

It was very hard to digest all the information contained in this book due to the narrators mouth noises. His voice is calm and clear but the spit noises almost seem amplified. I played it for others just to make sure I wasn’t crazy and they wholeheartedly agreed with my assessment. Really disappointed.

Great material but not narrator

I really enjoyed the book...the narrator sounded congested or like he had a head cold.