Occult

The term "occult" refers to knowledge of the hidden. It encompasses a range of esoteric subjects and practices generally excluded from mainstream science and religion. These subjects often involve alleged supernatural phenomena, paranormal abilities, and secret or hidden wisdom.

Historically, the term "occult" was associated with the "occult sciences," encompassing fields such as alchemy, astrology, and magic. These disciplines sought to understand and manipulate the hidden forces believed to govern the natural world and human destiny.

The modern understanding of "occult" is broader and encompasses a wide range of spiritual and paranormal topics, including but not limited to:

• Esotericism: Inner or hidden teachings accessible only to initiates.
• Magic: The use of rituals, spells, or incantations to influence events or achieve desired outcomes through supernatural means.
• Divination: Practices such as tarot reading, astrology, and numerology aimed at gaining insight into the future or understanding hidden aspects of the present.
• Spiritualism: Belief in and communication with spirits of the dead.
• Demonology: The study and classification of demons.
• Hermeticism: A philosophical and religious tradition based on the writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus.
• Theosophy: A philosophical system that seeks to understand the divine nature of reality through intuition and mystical insight.

The appeal of the occult often stems from a desire for spiritual exploration, a dissatisfaction with conventional religious or scientific explanations, and a belief in the existence of hidden realities and powers. The study and practice of occult subjects can be controversial and are often viewed with skepticism or outright opposition by mainstream institutions. The line between legitimate spiritual exploration and potentially harmful beliefs or practices can be blurred within occultism, necessitating careful discernment and ethical considerations.