It’s no surprise that musicians and magic have been linked: Stevie Nicks’ witchery, Jim Morrison’s mysticism, and even the misguided belief of a Satanic Alice Cooper. Musicians can seem aloof and unapproachable and easy to apply whatever beliefs we’d like to them. However, nothing could prepare me for the idea of an occult Elvis. Elvis?!?!
Now look, I am no stranger to Elvis Presley. I’m a second-generation Elvis fan, okay? My mother took great pride in showing me the scrapbook she devoted to Elvis as a young girl and I will tell you about Presley’s ‘68 Comeback Special at the drop of a hat (it’s amazing), but never, never, ever, did I consider that he had a spiritual side aside from his Church roots.
Unbeknownst to me, Miguel Conner has been considering Elvis Presley for more than his musical prowess and put his efforts into the book “The Occult Elvis: The Mystical and Magical Life of the King.”
Honestly, I don’t know where to begin when unpacking Conner’s book. “The Occult Elvis” is a thoughtful look at the life of Elvis. Conner chronicles Elvis’ many quests and misadventures in being a spiritual seeker. Referencing texts and interviews from those who spent time in Presley’s orbit you find not only man of church going roots, but an explorer of Eastern philosophies, the martial arts, spiritual healer, and extraterrestrial enthusiast. “The Occult Elvis” treats Elvis as human being, but also a magical being unto himself, or even possibly of intergalactic origin. It makes for a compelling, fun, and thought provoking read. I was particularly enchanted by a section dedicated to how Elvis Presley and Philip K. Dick had similar mundane and spiritual lives.
In “The Occult Elvis” Miguel Conner shows us a multifaceted Elvis; one filled with amazing gifts and tragic flaws. In exploring all that was supernatural in the life of Elvis Presley, Conner succeeds in making Presley truly human.
You can learn more here.
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