The Esoteric Wokeness of ‘Ancient Aliens’

The History Channel's series has gained popularity for its narrative suggesting the existence of an advanced ancient civilization that predates known human history. This narrative, which posits that this civilization had greater industrial power than contemporary society, reflects a desire for impressive ancestral connections and a skepticism towards established expertise. The series promotes a pseudo-archaeological perspective that disregards the consensus on the independent emergence of civilizations worldwide, instead proposing a singular ancient civilization responsible for numerous pyramids globally, including underwater and in Antarctica. This perspective has led to the creation of a pilgrimage culture centered around ancient alien theories, with locations like Sedona, Arizona, offering metaphysical services that connect to these ideas. The Atlantis Metaphysical Center, now online, continues to provide services that link to the concept of Atlantis, which is central to the narratives of both Ancient Aliens and Ancient Apocalypse. This reflects a broader trend in contemporary culture that repurposes 19th-century ideas, particularly Theosophy, which sought to find spiritual foundations in ancient wisdom. Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, the founder of Theosophy, rejected Darwinism and Eurocentrism, proposing an alternative view of human evolution based on spiritual consciousness rather than physical survival. Her ideas, while optimistic about a new humanity, contrast sharply with the current pessimism that characterizes modern interpretations of these ancient narratives. Today’s popularizers of these ideas often express a sense of loss and impending doom, rather than hope for renewal. The narratives promoted by Ancient Aliens and similar shows challenge the notion of a shared human heritage, suggesting instead a singular, advanced civilization that undermines the diverse expressions of human ingenuity throughout history. This post-truth approach contributes to a growing skepticism towards rational narratives of civilization, reflecting broader societal anxieties about the future.