Please dont give just a one word answer's to this question as i find that some people need to know the truth and explination of it, as it's not as it's been made out to be. ie (scary, evil, connected to devil worshiper's).
2006-08-15 15:37:12 · 7 answers · asked by kimsy 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
1. Of, relating to, or dealing with supernatural influences, agencies, or phenomena.
2. Beyond the realm of human comprehension; inscrutable.
3. Available only to the initiate; secret: occult lore. See Synonyms at mysterious.
4. Hidden from view; concealed.
2006-08-15 15:41:54 · answer #1 · answered by m_knobel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Occult is a label given to a number of organizations or orders, and the teachings and practices as taught by them. The name also extends to a large body of literature, and spiritual philosophy.
The word occult comes from the Latin occultus (clandestine, hidden, secret), referring to the 'knowledge of the secret' or 'knowledge of the hidden' and often popularly meaning 'knowledge of the supernatural', as opposed to 'knowledge of the visible' or 'knowledge of the measurable', usually referred to as science. The modern term's meaning is often imprecisely translated and used as a term for 'secret knowledge' or 'hidden knowledge', in the sense of meaning 'knowledge meant only for certain people' or 'knowledge that must be kept hidden'. For most practicing occultists, however, it is simply the study of a deeper spiritual "reality" that cannot be understood using pure reason or physical sciences.
2006-08-15 15:43:02 · answer #2 · answered by death_from_above 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The previous answers have pretty well covered the meaning.
I would also add that connotations of both black and white magic relate to the occult.
The occultist is a person whi has gained secret knowledge and is able to use it. If used for good, it is white magic, if for bad, then black magic.
Usually a person will have had to achieve a certain level of personal evolution before they are able to understand any of the occult lore, and as a result there are very few who practice black magic, fortunately
2006-08-15 16:03:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The word occult comes from the Latin occultus (clandestine, hidden, secret), referring to the 'knowledge of the secret' or 'knowledge of the hidden' and often popularly meaning 'knowledge of the supernatural', as opposed to 'knowledge of the visible' or 'knowledge of the measurable', usually referred to as science. The modern term's meaning is often imprecisely translated and used as a term for 'secret knowledge' or 'hidden knowledge', in the sense of meaning 'knowledge meant only for certain people' or 'knowledge that must be kept hidden'. For most practicing occultists, however, it is simply the study of a deeper spiritual "reality" that cannot be understood using pure reason or physical sciences
2006-08-15 15:43:39 · answer #4 · answered by hateful_cow 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Occult means "secret" as in secret knowledge. Basically implies that the knowledge in the paths that are labeled as occult is for those who have earned the right to know it, in other words put in the blood, sweat, and tears into doing the studying, the work, and basically proving themselves worthy.
2006-08-15 15:52:20 · answer #5 · answered by Abriel 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Occult just means 'hidden' or dark.
Christians use it to lump together all other minor religions which they consider to be evil, like wicca and other pagan religions.
2006-08-15 15:44:15 · answer #6 · answered by eggman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occult
2006-08-15 15:44:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋