What exactly is "the occult"?

Answer 1

Any belief that is against the truth of Jesus Christ, who is God and is the only way to be saved, go to heaven, and avoid eternal hell.

Answer 2

"Occultism" generally refers to any of a number of esoteric practices involving the study and practice of magic. Some of the more common categories include ceremonial magic; hermeticism; Chaos magic; Qabalah; Alchemy; and other such forms.

While outside the occult and pagan communities people generally use the term "occultism" as a broad term, there is a distinction among many modern practitioners. Paganism is often seen as distinct from occultism, as the former is more spirituality based, and magic is often seen as a secondary focus. (Paganism, in this case, refers to certain religions such as Wicca, Druidry, etc.).

For more information, I highly recommend http://www.spiralnature.com which has an excellent array of articles on numerous related topics.

Answer 3

The occult is merely secrets kept from those who do not seek them. The occult tends to be feared because people are afraid of that which they do not understand.

Answer 4

"The" occult?

1. of or pertaining to magic, astrology, or any system claiming use or knowledge of secret or supernatural powers or agencies.
2. beyond the range of ordinary knowledge or understanding; mysterious.
3. secret; disclosed or communicated only to the initiated.
4. hidden from view.


So basically it's anything that is hidden information, mysteries... a lot of things could fall into these definitions. Claiming to have understanding beyond what is considered normal would be considered occult... no matter where they claim they got the information.

Answer 5

Occult means hidden, or dark, as in, not out in the open.

Occult knowledge is esoteric, not known by the masses.

It's gotten a sinister connotation because occult practitioners (from a Judeo-Christian standpoint, anyway), tend to do ceremonial magic and command demons, make golems, stuff like that.

But they hid their knowledge and their grimoires are all fake...so I don't know how evil they were, exactly.

But it's not what you'd do in church on Sunday.

Answer 6

Occult practices are anything which communicates with spirits;
such as: Tarot cards, Ouija boards, Table-tipping, Sceances, etc.
These are very dangerous, because they are deceitful.
Just because information checks out as valid,
does not make it right.

Answer 7

Like pagans and all that do magic its not against jesus !!! view my questions on magick for for info

Answer 8

Satan's religions (witchcraft, new age, etc)
If you have the new Harry Potter book (of any of them), its full of its teachings

Answer 9

A LARGE GROUP OF DEVIL WORSHIPPERS!!!!!
evil satanists that commit sacrafices to lucifer to attract his attention, they hope to be first in line when the devil takes over the earth... sick b'stards