Witchcraft. Astrology. Tarot.
The occult is having a moment. Once upon a time, people had to hide their interest in topics like tarot, astrology, and witchcraft. These days, esotericism is trending big time, which means we can proudly display our love for all things obscure and occult.
The occult helps us make sense of the universe, appreciate the world around us, and better understand ourselves. Some occult practices are the perfect remedy in an uncertain world, especially when approached with caution, care, and knowledge.
Want to expand what you know about the occult? Keep reading!
What does occult mean?
In the most literal sense, occult means secret. The word's Latin origins translate to "hidden" and "conceal".
It's no surprise that German astrology, occultist, and philosopher Agrippa of Nettesheim chose that word in the 16th century when writing about his interests in secret philosophies.
Occultism refers to beliefs, and practices that fall outside the scope of science. It comprises all things supernatural, paranormal, magical, mystical, and esoteric.
Some types of occultism include:
💎 Alchemy: Harry Potter wasn't the only practitioner of magic to seek out the Philosopher's Stone. The supposed elixir of life has been the goal of many alchemists throughout history. Alchemy is an ancient philosophy focused on immortality and transformation, mainly turning base metals into gold.
⭐ Astrology: The study of cosmic influences. Astrology means forecasting events by observing the planets, stars, and other cosmic bodies in the sky. Astrologers believe we can learn a lot about ourselves and the world around us by analyzing astronomical positions at certain points in time, like your birthday or the year ahead.
🔮 Divination: Tarot cards. Runestones. Palmistry. Tea leaves. These are all forms of divination, the practice of gaining secret knowledge through supernatural or spiritual means. Psychics, mediums, and clairvoyants all practice divination when they tap into their abilities.
📜 Kabbalah: Kabbalah is most simply summarized as an ancient Jewish tradition of mysticism. It was all the rage in the early 2000s among celebrities like Madonna, Britney Spears, Lindsey Lohan, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, and others.
🔢 Numerology: There is a language to numbers. Numbers can be found all around us and some believe each number has a divinely significant meaning. Numerologists interpret the symbolism in numbers and examine names and birth dates to determine the significant numbers in your life.
🧿 Shamanism: An ancient tribal healing art deeply connected to the sacredness of the earth. Many shamans connect with the spirit world as a way to heal others, which they reach through trances or other altered states of consciousness.
🧙♀️ Witchcraft: The practice of magic. Everything in the universe is made of energy, like the stars, the trees, and ourselves. Witchcraft is the belief that those energies can be harnessed as a means to an end, usually through rituals or spells.
What does esoteric mean?
The word “esoteric” means something only taught to a special group of people, typically because it’s hard to understand. Esotericism refers to the beliefs and practices of that esoteric knowledge. Also known as Western esotericism, the term is used to describe the modern-day study of occult topics.
The occult has existed since the dawn of time. As long as we’ve existed, we have sought to find greater meaning in the world around us. To this day, the occult continues to entertain and captivate us. Regular people everywhere turn to occult practices like divination, astrology, and witchcraft to bring meaning and understanding into their lives.
Not sure where to start? Browse the occult readings section of our platform for a list of expert occultists available to help you 24/7. No matter what you’re facing, there is an occult reader that can guide you through.
