What is occultism?

Occultism is a broad term referring to a set of practices, beliefs and philosophies that deal with the hidden, mysterious and supernatural aspects of reality. The term ‘occultism’ comes from the Latin word ‘occultus’, meaning ‘hidden’ or ‘secret’. Occultism encompasses a wide range of practices, including astrology, alchemy, divination, magic, mysticism and various spiritual traditions.
One of the key features of occultism is the belief in the existence of invisible forces and energies that can be manipulated to achieve desired results. Occultists believe that there are hidden aspects of reality that can be discovered and understood through certain practices, and that these hidden aspects are the key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe. One of the earliest forms of occultism is astrology, which can be traced back to ancient civilisations. Astrology is based on the belief that the movements and positions of celestial bodies have a direct impact on human affairs, and that an understanding of these movements and positions can be used to predict the future. Astrology remains a popular form of divination to this day and is widely used for both personal and cultural purposes. Alchemy is another ancient form of occultism that has had a lasting impact on Western culture. Alchemy is based on the belief that it is possible to transform base metals into gold and that this transformation can also serve spiritual transformation. Alchemy was widely practised in the Middle Ages and its practitioners sought to uncover the secrets of the universe through a combination of philosophical, scientific and mystical practices. Divination is another important aspect of the occult and refers to the practice of using various methods such as tarot cards, runes and the I Ching to gain insight into the future or answer questions about the present. Divination has been used throughout human history and remains a popular form of divination today. Magic is another central aspect of the occult and refers to the practice of using rituals, spell casting and other techniques to obtain desired results. Magic has been practised in various forms throughout human history and has been associated with both good and evil. Many occultists believe that magic can be used for both positive and negative purposes, and that it is up to the individual practitioner how it is used. Finally, mysticism is an important aspect of occultism and refers to the belief that it is possible to achieve a state of union with the divine. Mysticism is central to many spiritual traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism and Sufism, and is based on the belief that an individual can achieve a state of directly experiencing the divine through specific practices such as meditation, contemplation and prayer .
In summary, occultism is a complex and diverse field that encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices and philosophies. Whether it is seen as a source of knowledge and power or as a form of superstition and delusion, the influence that occultism has had on human culture and history cannot be denied. Whether one chooses to embrace or reject the principles of the occult, it remains an important part of the human experience and continues to be studied and practised by individuals and groups around the world.