Northwest Passages: Leah Sottile

Known for deep dives into true crime, extremist ideologies and fringe subcultures, journalist Leah Sottile turns her investigative eye toward American New Age culture. Today, tarot cards, astrology and crystals are everywhere — from Instagram and TikTok, to upscale boutiques and pricey wellness retreats. Sottile investigates how the recent surge of interest in New Age ideas speaks to a culture that is woven into the very fabric of America, and how self-professed gurus like Love Has Won’s Mother God and the mysterious channeler Ramtha have built devout followings because of it. For more than a century, this pastel-colored world of love, light and enlightenment has been built upon a foundation of conspiracies, antisemitism, nationalism and a rejection of science.

Section:Gallery

Wed., April 2, 2025

In a conversation with Emma Epperly, on right, author Leah Sottile's talks about her new book “Blazing Eye Sees All,” during a Northwest Passages event held Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at The Steam Plant Roof Top. Known for deep dives into true crime, extremist ideologies and fringe subcultures, journalist Leah Sottile turns her investigative eye toward American New Age culture. Today, tarot cards, astrology and crystals are everywhere — from Instagram and TikTok, to upscale boutiques and pricey wellness retreats. Sottile investigates how the recent surge of interest in New Age ideas speaks to a culture that is woven into the very fabric of America, and how self-professed gurus like Love Has Won’s Mother God and the mysterious channeler Ramtha have built devout followings because of it. For more than a century, this pastel-colored world of love, light and enlightenment has been built upon a foundation of conspiracies, antisemitism, nationalism and a rejection of science.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
In a conversation with Emma Epperly, author Leah Sottile's talks about her new book “Blazing Eye Sees All,” during a Northwest Passages event held Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at The Steam Plant Roof Top. Known for deep dives into true crime, extremist ideologies and fringe subcultures, journalist Leah Sottile turns her investigative eye toward American New Age culture. Today, tarot cards, astrology and crystals are everywhere — from Instagram and TikTok, to upscale boutiques and pricey wellness retreats. Sottile investigates how the recent surge of interest in New Age ideas speaks to a culture that is woven into the very fabric of America, and how self-professed gurus like Love Has Won’s Mother God and the mysterious channeler Ramtha have built devout followings because of it. For more than a century, this pastel-colored world of love, light and enlightenment has been built upon a foundation of conspiracies, antisemitism, nationalism and a rejection of science.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
In a conversation with Emma Epperly, author Leah Sottile's talks about her new book “Blazing Eye Sees All,” during a Northwest Passages event held Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at The Steam Plant Roof Top. Known for deep dives into true crime, extremist ideologies and fringe subcultures, journalist Leah Sottile turns her investigative eye toward American New Age culture. Today, tarot cards, astrology and crystals are everywhere — from Instagram and TikTok, to upscale boutiques and pricey wellness retreats. Sottile investigates how the recent surge of interest in New Age ideas speaks to a culture that is woven into the very fabric of America, and how self-professed gurus like Love Has Won’s Mother God and the mysterious channeler Ramtha have built devout followings because of it. For more than a century, this pastel-colored world of love, light and enlightenment has been built upon a foundation of conspiracies, antisemitism, nationalism and a rejection of science.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
In a conversation with Emma Epperly, author Leah Sottile's talks about her new book “Blazing Eye Sees All,” during a Northwest Passages event held Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at The Steam Plant Roof Top. Known for deep dives into true crime, extremist ideologies and fringe subcultures, journalist Leah Sottile turns her investigative eye toward American New Age culture. Today, tarot cards, astrology and crystals are everywhere — from Instagram and TikTok, to upscale boutiques and pricey wellness retreats. Sottile investigates how the recent surge of interest in New Age ideas speaks to a culture that is woven into the very fabric of America, and how self-professed gurus like Love Has Won’s Mother God and the mysterious channeler Ramtha have built devout followings because of it. For more than a century, this pastel-colored world of love, light and enlightenment has been built upon a foundation of conspiracies, antisemitism, nationalism and a rejection of science.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
In a conversation with Emma Epperly, author Leah Sottile's talks about her new book “Blazing Eye Sees All,” during a Northwest Passages event held Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at The Steam Plant Roof Top. Known for deep dives into true crime, extremist ideologies and fringe subcultures, journalist Leah Sottile turns her investigative eye toward American New Age culture. Today, tarot cards, astrology and crystals are everywhere — from Instagram and TikTok, to upscale boutiques and pricey wellness retreats. Sottile investigates how the recent surge of interest in New Age ideas speaks to a culture that is woven into the very fabric of America, and how self-professed gurus like Love Has Won’s Mother God and the mysterious channeler Ramtha have built devout followings because of it. For more than a century, this pastel-colored world of love, light and enlightenment has been built upon a foundation of conspiracies, antisemitism, nationalism and a rejection of science.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
In a conversation with Emma Epperly, author Leah Sottile's talks about her new book “Blazing Eye Sees All,” during a Northwest Passages event held Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at The Steam Plant Roof Top. Known for deep dives into true crime, extremist ideologies and fringe subcultures, journalist Leah Sottile turns her investigative eye toward American New Age culture. Today, tarot cards, astrology and crystals are everywhere — from Instagram and TikTok, to upscale boutiques and pricey wellness retreats. Sottile investigates how the recent surge of interest in New Age ideas speaks to a culture that is woven into the very fabric of America, and how self-professed gurus like Love Has Won’s Mother God and the mysterious channeler Ramtha have built devout followings because of it. For more than a century, this pastel-colored world of love, light and enlightenment has been built upon a foundation of conspiracies, antisemitism, nationalism and a rejection of science.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
In a conversation with Emma Epperly, author Leah Sottile's talks about her new book “Blazing Eye Sees All,” during a Northwest Passages event held Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at The Steam Plant Roof Top. Known for deep dives into true crime, extremist ideologies and fringe subcultures, journalist Leah Sottile turns her investigative eye toward American New Age culture. Today, tarot cards, astrology and crystals are everywhere — from Instagram and TikTok, to upscale boutiques and pricey wellness retreats. Sottile investigates how the recent surge of interest in New Age ideas speaks to a culture that is woven into the very fabric of America, and how self-professed gurus like Love Has Won’s Mother God and the mysterious channeler Ramtha have built devout followings because of it. For more than a century, this pastel-colored world of love, light and enlightenment has been built upon a foundation of conspiracies, antisemitism, nationalism and a rejection of science.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
In a conversation with Emma Epperly, author Leah Sottile's talks about her new book “Blazing Eye Sees All,” during a Northwest Passages event held Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at The Steam Plant Roof Top. Known for deep dives into true crime, extremist ideologies and fringe subcultures, journalist Leah Sottile turns her investigative eye toward American New Age culture. Today, tarot cards, astrology and crystals are everywhere — from Instagram and TikTok, to upscale boutiques and pricey wellness retreats. Sottile investigates how the recent surge of interest in New Age ideas speaks to a culture that is woven into the very fabric of America, and how self-professed gurus like Love Has Won’s Mother God and the mysterious channeler Ramtha have built devout followings because of it. For more than a century, this pastel-colored world of love, light and enlightenment has been built upon a foundation of conspiracies, antisemitism, nationalism and a rejection of science.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Author Leah Sottile, left, talks with Emma Epperly about her new book, “Blazing Eye Sees All,” during a Northwest Passages event Wednesday at The Steam Plant roof top.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Author Leah Sottile signs her new book “Blazing Eye Sees All,” during a Northwest Passages event held Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at The Steam Plant Roof Top.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Author Leah Sottile signs her new book “Blazing Eye Sees All,” during a Northwest Passages event held Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at The Steam Plant Roof Top.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review