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Occult
*** Shopping-Tip: Occult
{{Otheruses|occult (disambiguation)}}
The word '''occult''' comes from
Latin ''occultus'' (clandestine, hidden, secret), referring to the '
knowledge of the
secret' or 'knowledge of the hidden' and often meaning 'knowledge of the
supernatural', as opposed to 'knowledge of the visible' or 'knowledge of the measurable', usually referred to as
science. The modern term's meaning is often imprecisely translated and used as a term for 'secret knowledge' or 'hidden knowledge', in the sense of meaning 'knowledge meant only for certain people' or 'knowledge that must be kept hidden'. For most practicing occultists, however, it is simply the study of a deeper spiritual reality that cannot be understood using pure reason or material science.
Occultism
Occultism is the study of supposed occult or hidden wisdom. To the Occultist it is the study of Truth, or rather the deeper truth that exists beyond the surface: 'The Truth Is Always Hidden In Plain Sight'. It may be considered by some to be a 'grey' area, perhaps larger than any other in the realm of
religion. It can deal with subjects ranging from
talismans,
magic (paranormal) magic (alternatively spelled and defined as
magick), sorcery, and
voodoo, to ESP (
Extra-sensory perception),
astrology,
numerology,
lucid dreams, or even religions such as
Hinduism and
Buddhism. It is all encompassing in that most everything that isn't claimed by any of the major religions (and many things that are) is included in the realm of the occult. Even
Kabbalah has been considered an occult study, perhaps because of its popularity amongst
magi and
Thelema Thelemites. The 'Wise Men' in the bible who visited the
Infant Jesus are said to have been Magi of the Kabbalah. It was later adopted by the
Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn Golden Dawn and brought out into the open by
Aleister Crowley and his protégé
Israel Regardie. Since that time many authors have added insight to the study of the Occult by drawing parallels between different disciplines.
Direct insight into or perception of the occult is said not to consist of access to physically measurable facts, but to be arrived at through the mind or the
soul spirit. The term can refer to
mind mental,
psychology psychological or
spirituality spiritual training. It is important to note however, that many occultists will also study science (perceiving science as a branch of Alchemy) to add validity to occult knowledge in a day and age where the mystical can easily be undermined as flights-of-fancy. An oft-cited means of gaining insight into the occult is the use of a
focus (spirituality) focus. A focus may be a physical object, a
ritualistic action (for example,
meditation or
chanting), or a medium in which one becomes wholly
immersion immersed. The previous examples are but a mere sample of the vast and numerous avenues that can be explored.
The beliefs and practices of those who consider their activities "occult" or part of "the occult" in the more usual western interpretation 'hidden knowledge' (
ceremony ceremonial magic (paranormal) magicians, and so on) are generally far from being secret or hidden, being found very easily in print or on the
Internet. This ready availability is historically recent and corresponds to a reduced interest in traditional religion and the promulgation by occultists of the perception of the occult as a broad term for a radical alternative to orthodoxy. As there are huge amounts of authors of the occult in the modern age, it is important for the student to question the validity of all books and to cross reference numerous times with other authors on the same subject. 'Beware False Prophets'. Most mass printed Occult knowledge is however, only for beginners. The sourcing of the more in-depth and advanced work can be a 'trial-of-spirit' in itself.
History
Occultism has seen countless resurgences throughout
history.
H. P. Lovecraft,
Anton LaVey,
Gerina Dunwich,
Robert Owen Scott Jr.,
Aleister Crowley and
Robert Anton Wilson have ensured occultism a permanent place in western
popular culture.
The occult and religious approach
Some religious denominations view the occult as being anything supernatural which is not done by the power of their faith, but by the power of an opposing and therefore malevolant entity. The religions that dictate a malevolent entity exists often view that rituals outside their standard worship may be potentially harmful or blasphemous, although much depends on the outlook of the faith.
For example, in Judaism, special spiritual studies such as
Kabbalah were allowed for certain individuals (such as rabbis and their chosen students). These studies do not conform to mainstream Jewish ritual; charms and protections were often crafted as wards against evil, but it is questionable if
talisman talismans are still crafted in any branch of Judaism. Also, some forms of Islam allow spirits to be commanded in the name of
Allah to do righteous works and assist steadfast Muslims. Furthermore, there are mystical branches of Christianity that practice divination, blessings, or appealing to angels for certain intervention, which they view as perfectly righteous, often supportable by gospel (for instance, claiming that the old commandment against diviniation was superseded by Christ's birth, and noting that the
Magi used
astrology to locate Bethlehem).
Rosicrucianism, one of the most celebrated of Christianity's mystical offshoots, has lent aspects of its philosophy to most Christian-based occultism since the 17th century.
See also
*
Anthroposophy
*
Astrology
*
Christian anarchism
*
Divination
*
Esotericism
*
Gnosticism
*
Hermeticism
*
Isaac Newton's occult studies
*
Left-Hand Path and Right-Hand Path
*
List of occult authors
*
List of occultists
*
National mysticism
*
New Age
*
Neopaganism
*
Pataphysics
*
Rosicrucian
*
Sufism
*
Theosophy
*
Western mystery tradition
*
Esoteric Christianity
External links
{{wiktionarypar|Occult}}
-
The Hermetic Library
-
Glossary of Magick, Hermeticism, and the Occult
-
Apologetics Index - Christian website about cults and the occult.
Category:Occult
Category:Esotericism
af:Okkultisme
da:Okkultisme
de:Okkultismus
et:Okultism
fa:نهان‌شناسی
fr:Occultisme
id:Okultisme
nl:Occultisme
ja:オカルト
pl:Okultyzm
pt:Ocultismo
zh:神秘å¦
fi:okkultismi
{{commonscat|Occult}}
This
:Category category comprises article pertaining to supernatural influences, agencies, or phenomena thought to be beyond the realm of human comprehension and available only to the initiated while hidden from others.
For related topics, see
:Category:Spirituality and
:Category:New Age. For groups that may foster occult practices, see
:Category:New religious movements.
Category:Religious faiths, traditions, and movements
Category:Esotericism
bg:КатегориÑ?:Окултизъм
cs:Kategorie:Esoterismus
de:Kategorie:Okkultismus
es:CategorÃa:Ocultismo
fr:Catégorie:Ésotérisme
nl:Categorie:Occultisme
tl:Category:Okultismo
uk:КатегоріÑ?:Езотерика
zh:Category:神秘å¸
*** Shopping-Tip: Occult
