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Occultism is the study of occult or hidden [[wisdom]]. To the occultist it is the study of "[[Truth]]", a deeper truth that exists beneath the surface: 'The truth is always hidden in plain sight'. It can involve such subjects as [[magic]] (alternatively spelled and defined as magick), [[alchemy]], [[ESP|extra-sensory perception]], [[astrology]], spiritualism and numerology. There is often a strong religious element to these studies and [[beliefs]], and many occultists profess adherence to religions such as [[Gnosticism]], [[Hermeticism]], Luciferianism, Thelema, and Neopaganism. While [[Christianity]], [[Judaism]], [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Islam]] are generally not considered occult, some of their modern [[interpretation]]s can be, as the interpretation of Hinduism within [[Theosophy]] or the various occult interpretations of the Jewish [[Kabbalah]]. Orthodox members of such religions are likely to consider such interpretations false; For example, the Kabbalah Centre has been criticised by Jewish scholars.[8]

Occultism is the study of occult or hidden [[wisdom]]. To the occultist it is the study of "[[Truth]]", a deeper truth that exists beneath the surface: 'The truth is always hidden in plain sight'. It can involve such subjects as [[magic]] (alternatively spelled and defined as magick), [[alchemy]], [[ESP|extra-sensory perception]], [[astrology]], spiritualism and numerology. There is often a strong religious element to these studies and [[beliefs]], and many occultists profess adherence to religions such as [[Gnosticism]], [[Hermeticism]], Luciferianism, Thelema, and Neopaganism. While [[Christianity]], [[Judaism]], [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Islam]] are generally not considered occult, some of their modern [[interpretation]]s can be, as the interpretation of Hinduism within [[Theosophy]] or the various occult interpretations of the Jewish [[Kabbalah]]. Orthodox members of such religions are likely to consider such interpretations false; For example, the Kabbalah Centre has been criticised by Jewish scholars.[8]

The word "occult" is somewhat [[generic]], in that almost everything that isn't claimed by any of the major religions can be considered the occult. Even religious scientists have difficulties in defining occultism. A broad definition is offered by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_Goodrick-Clarke Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke]:

The word "occult" is somewhat [[generic]], in that almost everything that isn't claimed by any of the major religions can be considered the occult. Even religious scientists have difficulties in defining occultism. A broad definition is offered by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_Goodrick-Clarke Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke]:

<blockquote>"OCCULTISM has its basis in a religious way of [[thinking]], the roots of which stretch back into antiquity and which may be described as the Western esoteric [[tradition]]. Its principal ingredients have been identified as Gnosticism, the Hermetic treatises on alchemy and magic, Neo-Platonism, and the Kabbalah, all originating in the eastern Mediterranean area during the first few centuries AD."[9]</blockquote>

<blockquote>"OCCULTISM has its basis in a religious way of [[thinking]], the roots of which stretch back into antiquity and which may be described as the Western esoteric [[tradition]]. Its principal ingredients have been identified as Gnosticism, the Hermetic treatises on alchemy and magic, Neo-Platonism, and the Kabbalah, all originating in the eastern Mediterranean area during the first few centuries AD."[9]</blockquote>

From the 15th to 17th century, these kinds of [[idea]]s that are alternatively described as Western esotericism had a brief revival. Alchemy used to be common among highly important seventeenth-century scientists, such as[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Newton Isaac Newton][10] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gottfried_Leibniz Gottfried Leibniz.][11] Isaac Newton was accused of introducing occult agencies into [[natural science]] when he postulated [[gravity]] as a force capable of acting over vast distances.[12] This revival of alchemy and other occult studies was halted by the triumph of empirical sciences and the Age of Enlightenment. "By the eighteenth century these unorthodox religious and philosophical concerns were well defined as 'occult', inasmuch as they lay on the outermost fringe of accepted forms of knowledge and [[discourse]],"[13] and were only preserved by a few antiquarians and [[mystics]]. However, from about 1770 onwards, a renewed desire for [[mystery]], an interest in the Middle Ages and a [[romantic]] temper encouraged a revival of occultism in Europe, "a reaction to the [[Rationality|rationalist]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Enlightenment Enlightenment]."[13]

From the 15th to 17th century, these kinds of [[idea]]s that are alternatively described as Western esotericism had a brief revival. Alchemy used to be common among highly important seventeenth-century scientists, such as[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Newton Isaac Newton][10] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gottfried_Leibniz Gottfried Leibniz.][11] Isaac Newton was accused of introducing occult agencies into [[natural science]] when he postulated [[gravity]] as a force capable of acting over vast distances.[12] This revival of alchemy and other occult studies was halted by the triumph of empirical sciences and the Age of Enlightenment. "By the eighteenth century these unorthodox religious and philosophical concerns were well defined as 'occult', inasmuch as they lay on the outermost fringe of accepted forms of knowledge and [[discourse]],"[13] and were only preserved by a few antiquarians and [[mystics]]. However, from about 1770 onwards, a renewed desire for [[mystery]], an interest in the Middle Ages and a [[romantic]] temper encouraged a revival of occultism in Europe, "a reaction to the [[Rationality|rationalist]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Enlightenment Enlightenment]."[13]

Based on his [[research]] into the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esotericism_in_Germany_and_Austria modern German occult revival 1890-1910], Goodrick-Clarke puts forward a thesis on the driving [[force]] behind occultism. Behind its many varied forms apparently lies a [[uniform]] [[function]], "a strong desire to reconcile the findings of modern natural science with a religious view that could restore man to a position of centrality and dignity in the universe.[14]

Based on his [[research]] into the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esotericism_in_Germany_and_Austria modern German occult revival 1890-1910], Goodrick-Clarke puts forward a thesis on the driving [[force]] behind occultism. Behind its many varied forms apparently lies a [[uniform]] [[function]], "a strong desire to reconcile the findings of modern natural science with a religious view that could restore man to a position of centrality and dignity in the universe.[14]

That the Kabbalah has been considered an occult study is also perhaps because of its popularity among [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magi magi] (the biblical wise men who visited the Infant Jesus are said to have been magi of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianism Zoroastrianism]) and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelema Thelemites]. Kabbalah was later adopted by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermetic_Order_of_the_Golden_Dawn Golden Dawn] and brought out into the open by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleister_Crowley Aleister Crowley] and his protégé [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Regardie Israel Regardie]. Since that time many [[authors]] have emphasized a syncretic approach by drawing parallels between different disciplines.[15]

That the Kabbalah has been considered an occult study is also perhaps because of its popularity among [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magi magi] (the biblical wise men who visited the Infant Jesus are said to have been magi of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianism Zoroastrianism]) and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelema Thelemites]. Kabbalah was later adopted by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermetic_Order_of_the_Golden_Dawn Golden Dawn] and brought out into the open by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleister_Crowley Aleister Crowley] and his protégé [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Regardie Israel Regardie]. Since that time many [[authors]] have emphasized a syncretic approach by drawing parallels between different disciplines.[15]

Direct [[insight]] into or [[perception]] of the occult does not usually consist of access to [[physical]]ly measurable [[facts]], but is arrived at through the [[mind]] or the [[spirit]]. The term can refer to mental, [[psychological]] or [[spiritual]] [[training]]. It is important to note, however, that many occultists will also study science (perceiving science as an adjunct to 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]]; a physical object, a [[ritual]]istic [[action]] (for example, [[meditation]] or chanting), or a medium in which one becomes wholly immersed. These are just a few examples of the vast and numerous avenues that can be explored.

Direct [[insight]] into or [[perception]] of the occult does not usually consist of access to [[physical]]ly measurable [[facts]], but is arrived at through the [[mind]] or the [[spirit]]. The term can refer to mental, [[psychological]] or [[spiritual]] [[training]]. It is important to note, however, that many occultists will also study science (perceiving science as an adjunct to 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]]; a physical object, a [[ritual]]istic [[action]] (for example, [[meditation]] or chanting), or a medium in which one becomes wholly immersed. These are just a few examples of the vast and numerous avenues that can be explored.

==Science and the occult==

==Science and the occult==

Occultism is conceived of as the study of the [[Inner Life|inner nature]] of [[things]], as opposed to the outer characteristics that are studied by [[science]]. The German [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immanuel_Kant Kantian] philosopher [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Schopenhauer Arthur Schopenhauer] designates this 'inner nature' with the term 'Will', and suggests that science and [[mathematics]] are unable to penetrate beyond the [[relationship]] between one thing and another in order to explain the 'inner nature' of the thing itself, independent of any external causal relationships with other 'things'.[16] Schopenhauer also points towards this inherently [[relativistic]] nature of mathematics and conventional science in his formulation of the '''World as Will'''. By defining a thing solely in terms of its external relationships or effects we only find its external, or explicit nature. Occultism, on the other hand, is concerned with the [[nature]] of the 'thing-in-itself'. This is often accomplished through direct perceptual awareness, known as mysticism.

Occultism is conceived of as the study of the [[Inner Life|inner nature]] of [[things]], as opposed to the outer characteristics that are studied by [[science]]. The German [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immanuel_Kant Kantian] philosopher [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Schopenhauer Arthur Schopenhauer] designates this 'inner nature' with the term 'Will', and suggests that science and [[mathematics]] are unable to penetrate beyond the [[relationship]] between one thing and another in order to explain the 'inner nature' of the thing itself, independent of any external causal relationships with other 'things'.[16] Schopenhauer also points towards this inherently [[relativistic]] nature of mathematics and conventional science in his formulation of the '''World as Will'''. By defining a thing solely in terms of its external relationships or effects we only find its external, or explicit nature. Occultism, on the other hand, is concerned with the [[nature]] of the 'thing-in-itself'. This is often accomplished through direct perceptual awareness, known as mysticism.

==Occult qualities==

==Occult qualities==

In the Middle Ages, occult qualities were physical properties that had no rational explanation. At that time [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetism magnetism] was sometimes called an occult [[quality]]. [17]

In the Middle Ages, occult qualities were physical properties that had no rational explanation. At that time [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetism magnetism] was sometimes called an occult [[quality]]. [17]

==Academia & Occultism==

==Academia & Occultism==

There have been various attempts to integrate occultism into an academic framework including a master's program at the [http://institute.daynal.org/books/extended_reference/humanities/philosophy/hermetic.html University of Amsterdam].[15]

There have been various attempts to integrate occultism into an academic framework including a master's program at the [https://institute.daynal.org/books/extended_reference/humanities/philosophy/hermetic.html University of Amsterdam].[15]

==Religion and the occult==

==Religion and the occult==

Some religious denominations view the occult as being anything [[supernatural]] or [[paranormal]] which is not achieved by or through [[God]] (as defined by those religious denominations), and is therefore the work of an opposing and malevolent entity. The word has negative connotations for many people, and while certain [[practice]]s considered by some to be "occult" are also found within [[mainstream]] [[religion]]s, in this [[context]] the term "occult" is rarely used and is sometimes substituted with "esoteric".

Some religious denominations view the occult as being anything [[supernatural]] or [[paranormal]] which is not achieved by or through [[God]] (as defined by those religious denominations), and is therefore the work of an opposing and malevolent entity. The word has negative connotations for many people, and while certain [[practice]]s considered by some to be "occult" are also found within [[mainstream]] [[religion]]s, in this [[context]] the term "occult" is rarely used and is sometimes substituted with "esoteric".

In [[Judaism]], special spiritual studies such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabbalah Kabbalah] have been allowed for certain individuals (such as rabbis and their chosen students). Furthermore, there are branches of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esoteric_Christianity Esoteric 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 divination was superseded by Christ's birth, and noting that the Magi used [[astrology]] to locate Bethlehem). [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosicrucian 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.

In [[Judaism]], special spiritual studies such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabbalah Kabbalah] have been allowed for certain individuals (such as rabbis and their chosen students). Furthermore, there are branches of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esoteric_Christianity Esoteric 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 divination was superseded by Christ's birth, and noting that the Magi used [[astrology]] to locate Bethlehem). [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosicrucian 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.

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantra Tantra], originating in India, includes amongst its various branches a variety of ritualistic practices ranging from visualisation exercises and the chanting of [[mantra]]s to elaborate [[rituals]] involving [[sex]] or animal [[sacrifice]], sometimes performed in forbidden places such as cremation grounds. Tantric texts were at one stage unavailable for mass [[public]] consumption due to the social stigma attached to the practices. In general, tantra was predominantly associated with black magic and the tantriks were held in great dishonor.

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantra Tantra], originating in India, includes amongst its various branches a variety of ritualistic practices ranging from visualisation exercises and the chanting of [[mantra]]s to elaborate [[rituals]] involving [[sex]] or animal [[sacrifice]], sometimes performed in forbidden places such as cremation grounds. Tantric texts were at one stage unavailable for mass [[public]] consumption due to the social stigma attached to the practices. In general, tantra was predominantly associated with black magic and the tantriks were held in great dishonor.

==See also==

==See also==

*'''''[[Secret]]'''''

*'''''[[Secret]]'''''

# Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. Harvard Medical School 2005. 1272 pages ISBN 0684863731

# Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. Harvard Medical School 2005. 1272 pages ISBN 0684863731

# Underhill, E. (1974). Mysticism, Meridian, New York,.

# Underhill, E. (1974). Mysticism, Meridian, New York,.

# http://www.icrcanada.org/kundandpara.html

# https://www.icrcanada.org/kundandpara.html

# Blavatsky, H. P. (1897). Occultism of the secret doctrine. [Whitefish, Mont.]: Kessinger Pub., LLC.

# Blavatsky, H. P. (1897). Occultism of the secret doctrine. [Whitefish, Mont.]: Kessinger Pub., LLC.

# Houghton Mifflin Company. (2004). The American Heritage College Thesaurus. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. Page 530.

# Houghton Mifflin Company. (2004). The American Heritage College Thesaurus. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. Page 530.

# Religion, Science, and Worldview: Essays in Honor of Richard S. Westfall, Margaret J. Osler, Paul Lawrence Farber, Cambridge University Press, 2002, ISBN 0521524938

# Religion, Science, and Worldview: Essays in Honor of Richard S. Westfall, Margaret J. Osler, Paul Lawrence Farber, Cambridge University Press, 2002, ISBN 0521524938

==References==

==References==

*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Walker Walker, Benjamin] (1980). Encyclopedia of the Occult, the Esoteric and the Supernatural. New York: Stein & Day. ISBN 0-8128-6051-9.

*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Walker Walker, Benjamin] (1980). Encyclopedia of the Occult, the Esoteric and the Supernatural. New York: Stein & Day. ISBN 0-8128-6051-9.

*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_W._Percival Harold W. Percival], Joined the Theosophical Society in 1892. After the death of William Q. Judge in 1896, organized the Theosophical Society Independent and then wrote Thinking and Destiny which covers in plan terms the purpose of the universe and occult meanings.

*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_W._Percival Harold W. Percival], Joined the Theosophical Society in 1892. After the death of William Q. Judge in 1896, organized the Theosophical Society Independent and then wrote Thinking and Destiny which covers in plan terms the purpose of the universe and occult meanings.

==Further reading==

==Further reading==

*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dion_Fortune Bardon, Franz] (1971). Initiation into Hermetics. Wuppertal: Ruggeberg.

*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dion_Fortune Bardon, Franz] (1971). Initiation into Hermetics. Wuppertal: Ruggeberg.

*Fortune, Dion (2000). The Mystical Qabala. Weiser Books. ISBN 1578631505

*Fortune, Dion (2000). The Mystical Qabala. Weiser Books. ISBN 1578631505

*Gettings, Fred, Vision Of The Occult, Century Hutchinson Ltd, 1987. ISBN 0712614389

*Gettings, Fred, Vision Of The Occult, Century Hutchinson Ltd, 1987. ISBN 0712614389

*Rogers, L. W. (1909). 'Hints to Young Students of Occultism. Albany, N.Y.: The Theosophical Book Company.

*Rogers, L. W. (1909). 'Hints to Young Students of Occultism. Albany, N.Y.: The Theosophical Book Company.

*Shepard, Leslie (editor), Encyclopedia of Occultism & Parapsychology, Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1978

*Shepard, Leslie (editor), Encyclopedia of Occultism & Parapsychology, Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1978

*Spence, Lewis, [http://books.google.com/books?id=U1qqguX24fAC&printsec=frontcover Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology], 1920.

*Spence, Lewis, [https://books.google.com/books?id=U1qqguX24fAC&printsec=frontcover Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology], 1920.

==External links==

==External links==

* [http://www.thelemicstudies.com Journal of Thelemic Studies] - the first non-partisan, academic journal investigating the occult tradition of Thelema, founded by the infamous Aleister Crowley

* [https://www.thelemicstudies.com Journal of Thelemic Studies] - the first non-partisan, academic journal investigating the occult tradition of Thelema, founded by the infamous Aleister Crowley

* [http://www.amsterdamhermetica.com University of Amsterdam Center for Study of Western Esotericism]

* [https://www.amsterdamhermetica.com University of Amsterdam Center for Study of Western Esotericism]

* [http://www.huss.ex.ac.uk/research/exeseso/ University of Exeter Centre for the Study of Esotericism (EXESESO)]

* [https://www.huss.ex.ac.uk/research/exeseso/ University of Exeter Centre for the Study of Esotericism (EXESESO)]

* [http://www.esswe.org ESSWE] European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism, with many links to associated organizations, libraries, scholars etc.

* [https://www.esswe.org ESSWE] European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism, with many links to associated organizations, libraries, scholars etc.

* Joseph H. Peterson , [http://www.esotericarchives.com Twilit Grotto: Archives of Western Esoterica] (Esoteric Archives: Occult Literature)

* Joseph H. Peterson , [https://www.esotericarchives.com Twilit Grotto: Archives of Western Esoterica] (Esoteric Archives: Occult Literature)

* Asiya, [http://asiya.org/index.php?topic=MagicalAthenaeum Magical Athenaeum] (Collection of occult works in PDF Format)

* Asiya, [https://asiya.org/index.php?topic=MagicalAthenaeum Magical Athenaeum] (Collection of occult works in PDF Format)

*[http://transcommunication.org/ eLibrary of ancient books] on occultism, spiritism, spiritualism, séances, development of mediumship in the Western and Oriental Traditions. Many technical advice on ITC and EVP, and practical tips concerning the development of different forms of Mediumship provided by medium Maryse Locke.

*[https://transcommunication.org/ eLibrary of ancient books] on occultism, spiritism, spiritualism, séances, development of mediumship in the Western and Oriental Traditions. Many technical advice on ITC and EVP, and practical tips concerning the development of different forms of Mediumship provided by medium Maryse Locke.

* [http://www.themystica.org/mystica/default.html the MYSTICA.ORG] An on-line encyclopedia of the occult

* [https://www.themystica.org/mystica/default.html the MYSTICA.ORG] An on-line encyclopedia of the occult

[[Category: Religion]]

[[Category: Religion]]

[[Category: Philosophy]]

[[Category: Philosophy]]