Table of Contents

1. The Several Meanings of “Cult.”

2. The History of an Alternative Reality in the West.

3. New Vessels for the Ancient Wisdom: Groups in the Theosophical and Rosicrucian Traditions.

4. The Descent of the Mighty Ones: Spiritualism and UFO Groups.

5. The Crystal Within: Initiatory Groups.

6. The Edenic Bower: Neo-Paganism.

7. The Ganges Flows West: Indian Movements in America.

8. The East in the Golden West: Other Oriental Movements.

9. New Religious Movements: Sociological and Psychological Approaches.

Appendix: The People's Temple.

Bibliography.

Addresses of Groups.

Index.