The word Occult seems to conjure images of dark figures gathering to summon ancient, evil entities. It's an image much favoured by 1960's Horror movies and the Holywood "scare factory".
I remember queueing to see the film The Exorcist.
Standing outside the cinema were evangelical and not-so-evangelical Christians imploring us not to go in and offering to save our souls if we did. All of which added to the atmosphere inside the cinema. And, in many ways, the way some viewed the film.
What we were watching as we witnessed Damian Karras fight to expel a demon from Regan O'Neil, was based on Christian mythology.
The idea of possession is common in many spiritual systems. Within many Christian teachings, we hear of Saints and holy folk being inspired by "the spirit of the Lord". Is this not a kind of possession?
Following the release of the film there was a sanctimonious outcry against all things "occult". The Quija board, introduced as a toy and a party game, post The Exorcist was rebranded as a "gateway" for possession; a device of the Devil.
Tarot cards, long viewed with suspicion, also become the target of evangelical "hate"' and yet another way for the Devil to "take control".
The idea of demonic possession can only really exist within a theology which promotes both a Devil and a God duality.. You're either on one side or the other.
Thus those of faith are set against those of other faiths; the pursuit of knowledge outside of the scriptures is actively discouraged.
There are some questions you just can't be allowed to ask. Some mysteries can only be explored by the priesthood. It's quite enlightening to realise that the Medieval Inquisition was originally designed to bring errant priests in line. They not only had access to apocryphal texts but to writings of those outside of the Church.
The writings of the Gnostics and the early Christian mystics were suppressed
The alchemical and philosophical musings of early Islamic teachers were hidden.
The mysteries within the Jewish tradition are ignored.
Many "teachings" were hidden.
The word occult means "hidden". Those who seek to explore these alternative texts and practices "Occultists"
The word "Occult" has long been shrouded in mystery and misconceptions.
Often associated with dark rituals and sinister gatherings, the Occult has captivated the minds of many, fueling Hollywood's imagination and fostering a sense of fear.
The word Occult simply means "hidden".
Every spiritual tradition, including the "religions of the book" (Judaism, Islam and Christianity) all have their "secret" or "hidden" teachings. Such teachings are part and parcel of the mysteries and symbolism within their tradition.
There are "hidden" truths or meanings at the heart of every spiritual pathway.
An Occultist seeks to explore and understand these "hidden" teachings and symbolism. The goal is to seek a deeper connection with the Cosmos - the connections between the material and spiritual worlds.
For some established religions such explorations can be seen as a threat to orthodoxy. "The priesthood" hold the keys to the mystery and bar the doorway for those who seek a more personal connection with it.
The Christian and Muslim 'mystery' teachings were often defined as heretical and thus seekers were disciplined.
Originally, the word "heresy" was an unemotional term that meant to engage in the act of choosing a course of action or a set of principles.
In contemporary culture, to be called a heretic may be considered something of a compliment, suggesting that one is an independent or adventurous thinker.
However, in the epistles of St. Paul, heretics were condemned as being those dangerous teachers who sought to distort or corrupt the teachings of Jesus (c. 6 b.c.e.–c. 30 c.e.). Ironically, it was in Antioch, the city where those who followed Jesus of Nazareth were first called Christians, that Bishop Ignatius (c. 40–107) became the first of the Church Fathers to use the term "heretic" to condemn those he believed were altering the true understanding of Christ.
In Islam, Sufism could be thought of as the religion's mystical side. In essence, Sufism is a spiritual path which encourages self-learning to recognise one's vices and be softened by one's virtues.
The ultimate aim of the Occultist is to reveal and understand what is hidden.
They believe there's an underlying truth to the world that is mysteriously hidden from most of us. To this end, Occultism and Science are not incompatible.
The problem is that many organised religions have projected their own darkest fears onto those who study the Occult. Was it not the case that Adam and Eve were forbidden from eating the fruit of a certain tree?
When the did do you remember what happened?
Such knowledge is forbidden
Embracing the Occult.
The Occult is often seen as dangerous due to its perceived association with dark forces, black magic, and supernatural entities.
Many believe that engaging in occult practices can lead to negative consequences, such as inviting evil spirits into one's life or causing harm to oneself or others.
Additionally, the secrecy and mystery surrounding occult practices can make them seem even more ominous and foreboding to those who do not understand or partake in them. The idea of wielding power and knowledge beyond the realm of the known can be intimidating and unsettling to some.
Furthermore, the Occult has historically been associated with marginalized and persecuted groups, such as witches and sorcerers, leading to a stigma that persists to this day. This negative perception is often reinforced by popular culture, which often portrays occult practices in a sensationalized and fear-inducing manner.
Seekers and Sensationalists
Those who call themselves Occultists can be broadly divided into two groups.
There are the seekers, those who are wanting to look more deeply into the teachings; to challenge the meanings behind the words; to understand the symbolic nature of the texts,
There are the sensationalists, those who are more interested in noteriety than knowledge. These are the folk you will see asking questions like...
"How do I summon the Devil?" or "How can I make a Demon (or Angel) make someone fall in love with me?"
The sensationalists play into and perpetuate the sterotype created by orthodox religion.
Ultimately, the fear of the Occult stems from a lack of understanding and misinformation even propaganda.
The Occult holds within its depths a treasure trove of wisdom, healing, and spiritual enlightenment.
Alan /|\
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