History Extra Podcast: "Spiritual Showmen: The 1920s Occult" – Detailed Summary
Release Date: May 25, 2025
Host/Author: Immediate Media
Guest: Raphael Cormack, Assistant Professor at Durham University and author of Holy Men of the Electromagnetic Age
Introduction
In the episode titled "Spiritual Showmen: The 1920s Occult," Raphael Cormack delves into the intriguing world of occultism during the interwar period. Co-centered around his new book, Holy Men of the Electromagnetic Age: A Forgotten History of the Occult, Cormack explores how enigmatic figures like Tara Bey and Dr. Dahesh captivated societies grappling with modernity's rapid changes.
The Genesis of Holy Men of the Electromagnetic Age
Lauren Good initiates the discussion by requesting an overview of Cormack's book.
Raphael Cormack explains the book's foundation:
“The impetus for writing this book really came through a quite long sort of 10 year interest in the idea of the occult in the modern age and what people were doing it... I feel it's really important part of 1920s and 1930s history.”
[02:51]
He emphasizes focusing on two central figures—Tara Bey, an Armenian refugee and stage performer with purported supernatural abilities, and Dr. Dahesh, a spiritualist who spearheaded a religious movement. Their stories serve as lenses to understand the broader societal fascination with the occult during tumultuous times.
Societal Context of the 1920s and 1930s
Lauren Good probes into the societal backdrop of the era, seeking to understand the anxieties that these occult acts tapped into.
Raphael Cormack identifies key themes:
“...focused around a very similar concern, which is how to deal with modernity and the modern world and all the changes of the modern world.”
[06:44]
He highlights that in Europe, movements like spiritualism emerged as reactions to the devastation of World War I and the Spanish Flu, where mass loss led individuals to seek connections with the deceased. Bey's performances, however, went beyond spiritualism, suggesting a deeper societal crisis of collapsing civilization and rising materialism.
The Enigmatic Tara Bey
Tara Bey's journey to Paris in 1925 marks the beginning of his rise to fame. Cormack describes his persona:
“He dressed in these kind of Arab robes, slightly pastiche of what people in the Middle east actually wore. But everyone said he looked like a Bible prophet.”
[09:58]
Bey's performances included astonishing feats like controlling his pulse and surviving being buried alive. Despite medical examinations, his abilities remained unexplained:
“They can't explain how he is doing all of these things.”
[10:12]
Bey's acts, blending stage performance with occult philosophy, captivated Western audiences eager for mystical explanations amidst societal uncertainties.
Challenges and the Rise of Rival Performers
The illusion surrounding Bey's acts began to unravel when skeptics like Harry Houdini challenged his claims:
“Houdini, in fact, replicates this stunt by submerging himself in a swimming pool and actually doing it, which somewhat takes the wind out of the sails of certainly Rahman Bey.”
[12:36]
This skepticism led Bey and his imitators to evolve their performances, shifting focus from fakir-like acts to more explicitly magical performances, which gradually diminished public interest.
Dr. Dahesh and the Formation of Daheshism
Transitioning to Dr. Dahesh, Cormack explores his evolution from stage performer to spiritualist and religious leader:
“He manages to accrue a kind of movement around a sort of philosophical spiritual movement around himself.”
[02:51]
Dahesh's approach integrated hypnotism and spiritualism, positioning himself within Mandate Palestine's first spiritualist circles. His method involved:
- Hypnosis: Facilitating communication with the dead.
- Philosophical Spiritualism: Offering solutions to personal anxieties and societal issues.
Dahesh's influence extended beyond stage performances into the realm of organized religion with Daheshism, aiming to unify the major Abrahamic religions.
Intersection of Science, Technology, and the Occult
Cormack draws parallels between contemporary technological advancements and their influence on occult practices:
“This is the beginning of the popularization of radio... which is kind of exactly what spiritualism is.”
[22:35]
He posits that Dahesh's incorporation of "new science" and technology into his spiritual practices made occultism appear more credible and scientifically grounded to the public.
Legacy and Modern Parallels
Reflecting on the enduring impact of these occult figures, Cormack notes:
“They become kind of almost radio transmitters for things that people need.”
[31:09]
He suggests that the allure of modern New Age and wellness movements mirrors the 1920s-30s fascination with the occult, embodying contemporary society's search for meaning beyond the material world.
Conclusion: Lessons for the Modern Age
Cormack concludes by drawing attention to the cyclical nature of societal anxieties and the emergent appeal of fringe movements:
“These appeals to irrationality... lead you into quite dangerous territory, and maybe that's their message for today.”
[33:41]
He cautions against the seductive nature of movements that promise answers outside rational discourse, emphasizing the need for critical engagement with such phenomena.
Final Thoughts
This episode offers a compelling exploration of how occult showmen like Tara Bey and Dr. Dahesh not only entertained but also addressed deeper societal needs during periods of crisis. By examining their lives and the movements they inspired, Raphael Cormack provides valuable insights into the enduring human quest for meaning amidst uncertainty.
Notable Quotes:
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Raphael Cormack:
“They become kind of almost radio transmitters for things that people need.”
[31:09] -
Raphael Cormack:
“These appeals to irrationality... lead you into quite dangerous territory, and maybe that's their message for today.”
[33:41]
Additional Information:
Raphael Cormack previously authored Midnight in Cairo: The Female Stars of Egypt's Roaring Twenties, exploring Cairo's vibrant nightlife and its intersection with societal changes.
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