The resurgence of esoteric thinking and occultism in Vienna at the turn of the century was a reaction to the impending collapse of the monarchy and the insights of scientific rationalism. The existential disorientation triggered by this created ideal conditions for the infiltration of esoteric and occult ideas into the common sense of a troubled society. This was also an attempt to surpass and leave behind scientific modernity with new holistic models of solutions. It was therefore probably no coincidence that Sigmund Freud ventured into occult realms with his theories, and Karl Kraus evoked ancient mythological traditions in his poetry. It was also likely not by chance that Gustav Mahler set to music the texts of the Freemasons Goethe, Klopstock, and Friedrich Rückert. However, modern esotericism proved itself.