Red Thread by Anne Kampf

Tracing humanity’s trajectory from systems of faith to our modern era of science, Red Thread: Occult to Science and Beyond by Anne Kampf looks to find overlap and common ground between these two seemingly opposing forces.

Beginning with a fascinating review of scientific and non-scientific paradigms throughout history, readers are invited to start connecting their own dots between the past, present, proof, and popular belief. From alchemy, esotericism, and astral myths to numerology, biblical clues, and the multiple layers of significance behind the zodiac, even those familiar with these topics will find new nuggets of wisdom and context within these pages, especially as pertains to astrology.

Kampf expertly analyzes our anthropological drive towards progress, coupled with the paradoxical crisis of humanity – how can we understand the mystery of the universe when we ourselves are an enigmatic part of it? While some readers may raise an eyebrow at looking “beyond the boundaries of science,” the author patiently draws her titular thread from ancient civilizations and mystical traditions to the modern frameworks of gravity, nuclear fusion, particle accelerators, and the physical constants of our universe, without discounting the value of scientific research, or stating belief as fact.

On a technical level, the prose is written with impressive authority, coming across as simultaneously conversational and confident, despite the subjective nature of certain topics. The book is also meticulously edited, and ends with a powerful conclusion that could convince even the staunchest skeptic to embrace a bit of irrationality. All told, Kampf has crafted a unique, accessible, and fascinating text, regardless of one’s current beliefs, which transcends other books on this topic for its comprehensive overview, which connects so many disparate topics together.