Foundations of Occultism

Definition

Occultism refers to a collection of esoteric or supernatural beliefs and practices which typically are outside the scope of organized religion and science. It encompasses a wide range of practices, including but not limited to Magick, mysticism, and the study of secret or hidden knowledge.

History of the word “Occult”

Occult (adj.)

Originally from the Latin occultus, meaning “hidden” or “secret,” derived from occulere (“to conceal”): a combination of ob- (“over”) and celare (“to hide”). The term entered English in the 1530s with the meaning “not revealed” or “kept secret.” By the 1540s, it also came to describe things “beyond human understanding” or “not perceptible to the mind.” The modern association with supernatural or esoteric subjects, such as magick, alchemy, and astrology, began in the 1630s. An earlier verb form, to occult (“to conceal”), has since fallen out of use.

The Difference between occultism, mysticism, and religion

Occultism refers to a broad range of practices and beliefs concerning the hidden or esoteric aspects of reality. It often involves the study of the supernatural, metaphysical, and mystical knowledge that is not accessible to the average person. However, with the creation of computers and the internet, this data has become much more accessible.

Key aspects:

• Includes practices like alchemy, astrology, and Kabbalah.
• Often involves the use of symbols, rituals, and secret teachings
• Aims to uncover hidden truths about the universe and the self

Mysticism is a spiritual practice aimed at achieving direct communion or union with the divine or ultimate reality. It emphasizes personal, experiential knowledge of the divine rather than intellectual understanding.

Key aspects:

• Focuses on personal experiences of the divine, often through meditation, contemplation, or prayer.
• Common in various religious traditions, including Christianity, Buddhism, and Sufism.
• Seeks to transcend ordinary perception and achieve a state of spiritual enlightenment.

Religion is the belief in a supernatural or divine power and the adherence to religious practices, often involving a set of prescribed beliefs and practices. It relies on established texts, leaders, and traditions.

Key aspects:

• Focuses on belief systems, moral codes, ritual practices, and a sense of community.
• Commonly regarded as consisting of the way people deal with ultimate concerns about their lives and their fate after death.
• Aims to connect humanity with the divine, provide meaning and purpose in life, and offer a framework for social order and morality.

Historical periods

Various ancient cultures engaged in practices that can be considered related to the occult, and they even intertwined with religious and philosophical beliefs.

Some notable examples include:

Ancient Mesopotamia