The Occult Overview
The occult encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices that explore the hidden or unknown aspects of reality.
This section provides an introduction to some key areas within the occult, including the history and use of Ouija boards, the interpretations and symbolism of tarot cards, and the diverse traditions of witchcraft.
These articles aim to provide informative overviews of these subjects, encouraging further research and exploration. This is an ongoing project, and I plan to add more articles covering other areas of occult study in the future.
The Occult Topics
The occult encompasses a broad range of topics, often overlapping and intertwined. Here's a list of key areas:
Divination
- Tarot Cards: Using a deck of cards for divination and self-discovery.
- Ouija Boards: A planchette and board used for alleged spirit communication.
- Astrology: The study of celestial bodies and their supposed influence on human affairs.
- Numerology: The belief in the mystical significance of numbers.
- Palmistry (Chiromancy): Reading the lines and features of the hand.
- Runes: Ancient Germanic alphabet used for divination.
- I Ching: An ancient Chinese divination text.
- Pendulum Dowsing: Using a pendulum to answer questions or locate objects.
- Crystal Ball Gazing (Scrying): Using a reflective surface to gain psychic visions.
Magic and Witchcraft
- Wicca: A modern pagan religion that often incorporates witchcraft.
- Traditional Witchcraft: Practices rooted in folk magic and pre-Christian beliefs.
- Ceremonial Magic: Complex rituals and invocations, often involving esoteric symbolism.
- Chaos Magic: A modern magical system emphasizing personal belief and flexibility.
- Green Witchcraft/Herbalism: Magic and healing using plants and herbs.
- Elemental Magic: Working with the elements of earth, air, fire, and water.
- Spellcasting: The use of rituals, words, and tools to achieve a desired outcome.
Esotericism and Mysticism
- Hermeticism: A philosophical and religious tradition based on the writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus.
- Gnosticism: A diverse set of religious ideas emphasizing spiritual knowledge and salvation.
- Theosophy: A system of esoteric philosophy concerned with the nature of the universe and humanity's place within it.
- Kabbalah: A mystical tradition within Judaism.
- Alchemy: A philosophical and protoscientific tradition focused on the transmutation of matter.
- Spiritualism: The belief in communication with spirits of the dead.
Parapsychology and Psychic Phenomena
- Extrasensory Perception (ESP): Perception beyond the five senses.
- Telepathy: Mind-to-mind communication.
- Clairvoyance: The ability to see events or objects distant in time or space.
- Precognition: The ability to foresee the future.
- Psychokinesis (Telekinesis): The ability to move objects with the mind.
It's important to note that the occult is not a monolithic entity. There's a wide range of perspectives, beliefs, and practices within these various areas. Some people approach the occult with a skeptical or scientific mindset, while others embrace its mystical and spiritual aspects.
