The world of occultism encompasses the hidden aspects of life and the universe. In our last blog post, we covered art history's basic concepts and methods. This time, we explore the world of occultism—the arcana part of our motto, where art meets arcana.

The occult has always been a source of fascination for those who seek to understand the mysteries of life. Whether interested in astrology, numerology, divination, or other forms of esoteric knowledge, the world of the occult offers something for everyone. This journey of discovery reveals a wealth of information available through ancient texts, modern interpretations, and personal experiences.

My exploration of the occult began during work on a Master's thesis in Art History, which dealt with the interplay between art and alchemy in Surrealist art. The more I delved into this topic, the more I realized that a whole world of hidden knowledge lay just beneath the surface.

Occultism vs. Esoterism

Occultism is the study of hidden or secret knowledge and practices associated with mystical, supernatural, or paranormal phenomena. It explores the mysterious and concealed forces that lie beyond the boundaries of conventional understanding. The term "occultus," which means hidden or concealed, is derived from Latin. Examples of occult practices include magic, divination, and alchemy.

Esotericism is a broad concept that encompasses a range of unconventional, inner, or spiritually deep teachings and traditions. It goes beyond the boundaries of occultism by including all kinds of mystical, spiritual, or philosophical teachings. Esoteric knowledge may require a particular level of initiation or insight to grasp its depth. In various religious, philosophical, and spiritual traditions, esoteric teachings involve hidden meanings, symbols, or allegories.

One example of esotericism is the concept of chakras in Hinduism and Buddhism. Chakras are energy centers located throughout the body that are believed to be responsible for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The knowledge of chakras is considered esoteric because it requires an understanding of the body and the workings of energy.

While occultism and esotericism share some similarities, their scope and approach differ. Occultism focuses more on the practical application of hidden knowledge and practices, such as using magic to achieve specific outcomes. Esotericism emphasizes the spiritual and philosophical aspects of hidden teachings, seeking to provide insights into the nature of reality and the human experience.

The Silhouette of trees during sunset — Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash

A Short History of Occultism

The study of occultism is a way to explore the evolution of human spirituality over time. Although its exact origins are hard to trace, individuals have been seeking hidden knowledge and engaging in mystical practices for thousands of years. There has been a longstanding fascination with the unknown, from ancient shamans and healers to modern-day practitioners of different occult traditions. While some may dismiss occultism as mere superstition or fantasy, it has played a role in shaping human culture and consciousness throughout history.

The Roots of Occultism

In ancient civilizations, occultism was often associated with priestly classes or mystery schools that guarded secret knowledge. The priesthood held esoteric knowledge of rituals, symbolism, and the afterlife in ancient Egypt. The mystical teachings of Hermes Trismegistus, often associated with Hermeticism, emerged during this era and laid the groundwork for Western esoteric traditions.

During the Hellenistic period, various mystical elements fused, resulting in the rise of syncretic traditions. Theurgy, a form of ritual magic aiming to invoke the presence of deities, gained prominence. Neoplatonism, with figures such as Plotinus and Iamblichus, explored the spiritual dimensions of existence and influenced how mysticism was understood.

From Darkness to Light

The Middle Ages saw the rise of alchemy, a spiritual and proto-scientific pursuit aimed at transmuting base metals into gold and achieving spiritual enlightenment. Alchemists veiled their teachings in symbolic language, making it accessible only to those initiated into their secret circles. During this period, grimoires containing instructions for magical rituals and spells became more popular. Occultists had to be secretive to avoid the church's prosecution.

The Renaissance marked a revival of interest in the classical wisdom of antiquity, leading to a resurgence of Hermeticism. Figures such as Marsilio Ficino and Giovanni Pico della Mirandola sought to reconcile Hermetic teachings with Christian theology. The witch trials and the Inquisition targeted those perceived as practitioners of the occult, contributing to an atmosphere of fear and secrecy surrounding esoteric knowledge. Remnants of this atmosphere persist today.

The Enlightenment era brought a more rationalistic worldview, challenging traditional mystical beliefs. The occult persisted, adapting to changing cultural landscapes. In the 19th century, a new wave of occult movements emerged, such as Theosophy, which sought to explore the hidden dimensions of reality and promote spiritual evolution.

Modern-day Interpretations

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a proliferation of secret societies and occult orders, such as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and the Ordo Templi Orientis. These groups delved into ceremonial magic, astrology, and divination, drawing on ancient traditions and contemporary spiritual ideas.

The 20th century witnessed the popularization of occultism through literature, with figures like Aleister Crowley and Madame Blavatsky gaining prominence. Crowley's Thelema and its emphasis on individual spiritual attainment left a lasting impact on modern occultism. In the latter half of the 20th century, occult themes entered popular culture, influencing music, literature, and film. The New Age movement, with its eclectic blend of spiritual teachings, drew inspiration from magical traditions and contributed to a broader interest in esotericism.

Today, occultism continues to evolve, with practitioners exploring various traditions, from traditional witchcraft to chaos magic. The internet has facilitated the exchange of occult knowledge, creating a global community of seekers. The long history of occultism remains a testament to the enduring human quest for hidden truths and mystical experiences.

The Alchemist in Search of the Philosopher's Stone by Joseph Wright, 1771 (Source)

Methods of Occultism

Divination is the practice of seeking knowledge about the future or unknown through supernatural means. It can take many forms, such as tarot card readings, astrology, and scrying. Tarot reading uses cards to find symbolic meanings, while astrology studies the movements of celestial bodies and their relation to human affairs. Scrying involves gazing into reflective surfaces to gain insight into the future.

Ritual magic involves using symbols, words, and actions to achieve a desired outcome. This can include casting spells, creating talismans, and performing ceremonies. Spells are often used to bring about a specific change, such as attracting love or wealth, while talismans are objects believed to have magical powers. Ceremonies are more elaborate rituals often performed in groups and involve invoking deities or spirits.

Alchemy is another method that has been around for centuries. It is the practice of transforming base materials into gold or other precious substances. Alchemy is also a spiritual practice involving transforming the self. Alchemists believe that working with physical substances can also transform their spiritual selves.

Witchcraft is a method of using magic to influence the natural world. Practitioners, also known as witches, often use rituals, spells, and divination to communicate with spirits and harness their power. Witchcraft has a rich history and has been practiced in many cultures worldwide. While some people associate witchcraft with evil or dark forces, many modern practitioners view it as a positive and empowering spiritual practice that celebrates the natural world and individual autonomy.

Waite-Smith tarot cards are a good example of occultism — Photo by Viva Luna Studios on Unsplash

Misconceptions Surrounding the Occult

When exploring occult subjects, not everyone sees them in a positive light. There are several misconceptions and fears about the occult that persist in our cultures and societies. One of the most common misunderstandings is that the occult is inherently evil or demonic. This belief is primarily fueled by religious dogma and scaremongering.

The occult is a rich and multifaceted field that incorporates numerous practices, beliefs, and traditions. It is even a part of the history of the religions that condemn it. In its early years and even today, Christianity has magic and rituals as a part of its faith.

While some occult techniques engage with dark or negative energies, these do not represent the entire field of the occult. Many practitioners use their knowledge and skills to promote healing, positivity, and personal growth.

Another misconception is that the occult is only meant for the elite or privileged, stemming from the idea that occult knowledge is secretive or exclusive. This belief is not solely held by those outside of the community, as gatekeeping exists within the occult community as well. While some practices do require specialized knowledge and training, there are numerous resources and communities available for those interested in exploring the occult. Many traditions emphasize the importance of personal experience and individual interpretation, making them accessible regardless of background or education.

These misconceptions can negatively impact the comprehension and study of the occult. They can lead to misunderstandings, biases, and stereotypes, discouraging potential researchers or promoting fear-driven approaches. These false beliefs may result in disrespect towards those who practice the occult, putting them in danger. Dispelling these misconceptions allows for accurate and objective understanding of the occult and promotes respectful and unbiased discourse.

Conclusion

Occultism is an extensive field encompassing a wide range of practices, beliefs, and traditions. Its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations, and its essence has evolved to adapt to changing societal and cultural conditions. Despite skepticism and suspicion, occultism sparks curiosity and invites exploration. From ancient traditions to modern forms of spirituality and mysticism, the study of occultism offers insights into our search for cosmic meaning and understanding.

Introduction to Occultism

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