Occult - Revision history

Occultwiki at 19:43, 2 September 2025

2025-09-02T19:43:52Z

Occultwiki at 08:26, 12 February 2025

2025-02-12T08:26:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:26, 12 February 2025
Line 24:		Line 24:
	The French esotericist [[Éliphas Lévi]] popularised the term "occultism" in the 1850s. His reinterpretation of traditional esoteric ideas has led to him being called the origin of "the occultist current properly so-called."		The French esotericist [[Éliphas Lévi]] popularised the term "occultism" in the 1850s. His reinterpretation of traditional esoteric ideas has led to him being called the origin of "the occultist current properly so-called."

	In the ~~English-speaking world~~, ~~prominent figures in~~ the ~~development~~ of ~~occultism included [[Helena Blavatsky]]~~ and ~~other figures associated with her [[Theosophy\|Theosophical]] Society~~, ~~senior figures~~ in the ~~[[Hermetic Order~~ of the ~~Golden Dawn]] like William Wynn Westcott and [[Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers]]~~, ~~as well as other individuals such as Paschal Beverly Randolph, Emma Hardinge Britten, [[Arthur Edward Waite]], and—in~~ the ~~early twentieth century—[[Aleister Crowley]], [[Dion Fortune]], and [[Israel Regardie]]~~.		Unlike older forms of esotericism, occultism does not reject "scientific progress or modernity." In his work about Lévi, the German historian of religion Julian Strube has argued that the occultist wish for a "synthesis" of religion, science, and philosophy directly resulted from the context of contemporary socialism and progressive Catholicism. Similar to spiritualism, but in declared opposition to it, the emergence of occultism should thus be seen within the context of radical social reform, which was often concerned with establishing new forms of "scientific religion" while at the same time propagating the revival of an ancient tradition of "true religion."

	~~Unlike older forms~~ of ~~esotericism~~, ~~occultism does not reject "scientific progress or modernity~~.~~" In his work about Lévi,~~ the ~~German historian~~ of ~~religion Julian Strube has argued that the occultist wish for a "synthesis"~~ of ~~religion~~, ~~science~~, ~~and philosophy directly resulted~~ from the ~~context~~ of ~~contemporary socialism~~ and ~~progressive Catholicism~~. ~~Similar to spiritualism~~, but in declared opposition to it, the emergence of occultism should thus be seen within the context of radical social reform, which was often concerned with establishing new forms of "scientific religion" while at the same time propagating the revival of an ancient tradition of "true religion."		Another feature of occultists is that—unlike earlier esotericists—they often openly distanced themselves from [[Christianity]], in some cases (like that of [[Aleister Crowley]]) even adopting explicitly anti-Christian stances. This reflected how pervasive the influence of secularisation had been on all areas of European society. In rejecting Christianity, these occultists sometimes turned towards pre-Christian belief systems and embraced forms of Modern [[Paganism]], while others instead took influence from the religions of Asia, such as [[Hindu]]ism and [[Buddhism]]. In various cases, certain occultists did both.

	Another feature of occultists is that—unlike earlier esotericists—they often openly distanced themselves from [[Christianity]], in some cases (like that of Crowley) even adopting explicitly anti-Christian stances. This reflected how pervasive the influence of secularisation had been on all areas of European society. In rejecting Christianity, these occultists sometimes turned towards pre-Christian belief systems and embraced forms of Modern [[Paganism]], while others instead took influence from the religions of Asia, such as [[Hindu]]ism and [[Buddhism]]. In various cases, certain occultists did both. Another characteristic of these occultists was the emphasis that they placed on "the spiritual realization of the individual," an idea that would strongly influence the twentieth-century [[New Age]] and Human Potential Movement. This spiritual realization was encouraged both through traditional Western 'occult sciences' like alchemy and [[ritual magic]], but by the start of the twentieth century had also begun to include practices drawn from non-Western contexts, such as [[yoga]].		Another characteristic of these occultists was the emphasis that they placed on "the spiritual realization of the individual," an idea that would strongly influence the twentieth-century [[New Age]] and Human Potential Movement. This spiritual realization was encouraged both through traditional Western 'occult sciences' like alchemy and [[ritual magic]], but by the start of the twentieth century had also begun to include practices drawn from non-Western contexts, such as [[yoga]].

	==Modern usage==		==Modern usage==
Line 37:		Line 37:
	==Occultism and technology==		==Occultism and technology==
	Recently scholars have offered perspectives on the occult as intertwined with media and technology. Examples include the work of film and media theorist Jeffrey Sconce and religious studies scholar John Durham Peters, both of whom suggest that occult movements historically utilize media and apparati as tools to reveal hidden aspects of reality or laws of nature. Erik Davis in his book ''Techgnosis'' gives an overview of occultism both ancient and modern from the perspective of cybernetics and information technologies.		Recently scholars have offered perspectives on the occult as intertwined with media and technology. Examples include the work of film and media theorist Jeffrey Sconce and religious studies scholar John Durham Peters, both of whom suggest that occult movements historically utilize media and apparati as tools to reveal hidden aspects of reality or laws of nature. Erik Davis in his book ''Techgnosis'' gives an overview of occultism both ancient and modern from the perspective of cybernetics and information technologies.

			==Major figures==
			In the English-speaking world, prominent figures in the development of occultism included [[Helena Blavatsky]] and other figures associated with her [[Theosophy\|Theosophical]] Society.

			Senior figures in the [[Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn]] like William Wynn Westcott and [[Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers]], as well as other individuals such as Paschal Beverly Randolph, Emma Hardinge Britten, [[Arthur Edward Waite]], and—in the early twentieth century—[[Aleister Crowley]], [[Dion Fortune]], and [[Israel Regardie]].

			More modern influences include [[Anton LaVey]] and [[Damien Echols]].

	==Popular culture==		==Popular culture==

Occultwiki: /* Modern usage */

2025-02-12T08:23:23Z

Modern usage

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:23, 12 February 2025
Line 33:		Line 33:
	The term occult has also been used as a substantivized adjective as "the occult," a term that has been particularly widely used among journalists and sociologists. This term was popularised by the publication of Colin Wilson's 1971 book ''The Occult''. This term has been used as an "intellectual waste-basket" into which a wide array of beliefs and practices have been placed because they do not fit readily into the categories of religion or science.		The term occult has also been used as a substantivized adjective as "the occult," a term that has been particularly widely used among journalists and sociologists. This term was popularised by the publication of Colin Wilson's 1971 book ''The Occult''. This term has been used as an "intellectual waste-basket" into which a wide array of beliefs and practices have been placed because they do not fit readily into the categories of religion or science.

	According to Hanegraaff, "the occult" is a category into which gets placed a range of beliefs from "spirits or fairies to parapsychological experiments, from UFO-abductions to Oriental mysticism, from vampire legends to [[channeling]], and so on."		According to Hanegraaff, "the occult" is a category into which gets placed a range of beliefs from "spirits or [[fairy\|fairies]] to parapsychological experiments, from UFO-abductions to Oriental mysticism, from vampire legends to [[channeling]], and so on."

	==Occultism and technology==		==Occultism and technology==

Occultwiki: /* Etymology */

2024-11-28T07:37:57Z

Etymology

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:37, 28 November 2024
Line 7:		Line 7:

	==Etymology==		==Etymology==
	The occult (from the Latin word ''occultus'' "clandestine, hidden, secret") is "knowledge of the hidden." In common usage, occult refers to "knowledge of the paranormal," as opposed to "knowledge of the measurable," usually referred to as science. The term is sometimes taken to mean knowledge that "is meant only for certain people" or that "must be kept hidden," but for Theosophist [[Helena Blavatsky]], it is simply the study of a deeper spiritual reality that extends beyond pure reason and the physical sciences.		The occult (from the Latin word ''occultus'' "clandestine, hidden, secret") is "knowledge of the hidden." In common usage, occult refers to "knowledge of the paranormal," as opposed to "knowledge of the measurable," usually referred to as science. The term is sometimes taken to mean knowledge that "is meant only for certain people" or that "must be kept hidden," but for [[Theosophy\|Theosophist]] [[Helena Blavatsky]], it is simply the study of a deeper spiritual reality that extends beyond pure reason and the physical sciences.

	The earliest known usage of the term occultism is in the French language, as ''l'occultisme''. In this form it appears in A. de Lestrange's article that was published in Jean-Baptiste Richard de Randonvilliers' ''Dictionnaire des mots nouveaux'' ("Dictionary of new words") in 1842. However, it was not related, at this point, to the notion of ''Ésotérisme chrétien'', as has been claimed by Hanegraaff, but to describe a political "system of occulticity" that was directed against priests and aristocrats.		The earliest known usage of the term occultism is in the French language, as ''l'occultisme''. In this form it appears in A. de Lestrange's article that was published in Jean-Baptiste Richard de Randonvilliers' ''Dictionnaire des mots nouveaux'' ("Dictionary of new words") in 1842. However, it was not related, at this point, to the notion of ''Ésotérisme chrétien'', as has been claimed by Hanegraaff, but to describe a political "system of occulticity" that was directed against priests and aristocrats.

	Various twentieth-century writers on the subject used the term occultism in different ways. Some writers, such as the German philosopher Theodor W. Adorno in his "Theses Against Occultism," employed the term as a broad synonym for irrationality.In his 1950 book L'occultisme, Robert Amadou used the term as a synonym for esotericism, an approach that the later scholar of esotericism Marco Pasi suggested left the term superfluous. Unlike Amadou, other writers saw occultism and esotericism as different, albeit related, phenomena. In the 1970s, the sociologist Edward Tiryakian distinguished between occultism, which he used in reference to practices, techniques, and procedures, and esotericism, which he defined as the religious or philosophical belief systems on which such practices are based. This division was initially adopted by the early academic scholar of esotericism, Antoine Faivre, although he later abandoned it; it has been rejected by most scholars who study esotericism.		Various twentieth-century writers on the subject used the term occultism in different ways. Some writers, such as the German philosopher Theodor W. Adorno in his "Theses Against Occultism," employed the term as a broad synonym for irrationality.

			In his 1950 book ''L'occultisme'', Robert Amadou used the term as a synonym for esotericism, an approach that the later scholar of esotericism Marco Pasi suggested left the term superfluous. Unlike Amadou, other writers saw occultism and esotericism as different, albeit related, phenomena. In the 1970s, the sociologist Edward Tiryakian distinguished between occultism, which he used in reference to practices, techniques, and procedures, and esotericism, which he defined as the religious or philosophical belief systems on which such practices are based. This division was initially adopted by the early academic scholar of esotericism, Antoine Faivre, although he later abandoned it; it has been rejected by most scholars who study esotericism.

	==Occult sciences==		==Occult sciences==

Occultwiki: /* Occult sciences */

2024-11-28T07:37:00Z

Occult sciences

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:37, 28 November 2024
Line 14:		Line 14:

	==Occult sciences==		==Occult sciences==
	The idea of "occult sciences" developed in the sixteenth century. The term usually encompassed three ~~practices—astrology~~, alchemy, and natural ~~magic—although~~ sometimes various forms of divination were also included rather than being subsumed under natural magic. These were grouped together because, according to the Dutch scholar of hermeticism Wouter Hanegraaff, "each one of them engaged in a systematic investigation of nature and natural processes, in the context of theoretical frameworks that relied heavily on a belief in occult qualities, virtues or forces." Although there are areas of overlap between these different occult sciences, they are separate and in some cases practitioners of one would reject the others as being illegitimate.		The idea of "occult sciences" developed in the sixteenth century. The term usually encompassed three practices: [[astrology]], [[alchemy]], and [[natural magic]], although sometimes various forms of divination were also included rather than being subsumed under natural magic. These were grouped together because, according to the Dutch scholar of hermeticism Wouter Hanegraaff, "each one of them engaged in a systematic investigation of nature and natural processes, in the context of theoretical frameworks that relied heavily on a belief in occult qualities, virtues or forces." Although there are areas of overlap between these different occult sciences, they are separate and in some cases practitioners of one would reject the others as being illegitimate.

	During the Age of Enlightenment, occultism increasingly came to be seen as intrinsically incompatible with the concept of science. From that point on, use of "occult science(s)" implied a conscious polemic against mainstream science. Nevertheless, the philosopher and card game historian Michael Dummett, whose analysis of the historical evidence suggested that fortune-telling and ~~occult interpretations using cards~~ were unknown before the 18th century, said that the term occult science was not misplaced because "people who believe in the possibility of unveiling the future or of exercising supernormal powers do so because the efficacy of the methods they employ coheres with some systematic conception which they hold of the way the universe functions...however flimsy its empirical basis."		During the Age of Enlightenment, occultism increasingly came to be seen as intrinsically incompatible with the concept of science. From that point on, use of "occult science(s)" implied a conscious polemic against mainstream science. Nevertheless, the philosopher and card game historian Michael Dummett, whose analysis of the historical evidence suggested that [[divination\|fortune-telling]] and [[cartomancy]] were unknown before the 18th century, said that the term occult science was not misplaced because "people who believe in the possibility of unveiling the future or of exercising supernormal powers do so because the efficacy of the methods they employ coheres with some systematic conception which they hold of the way the universe functions...however flimsy its empirical basis."

	==Occultism==		==Occultism==

Occultwiki: /* Occultism */

2024-11-19T07:54:12Z

Occultism

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:54, 19 November 2024
Line 20:		Line 20:
	==Occultism==		==Occultism==
	[[File:Aleister Crowley-Golden Dawn.jpg\|350px\|thumb\|Occultist Aleister Crowley wearing his ritual attire]]		[[File:Aleister Crowley-Golden Dawn.jpg\|350px\|thumb\|Occultist Aleister Crowley wearing his ritual attire]]
	The French esotericist Éliphas Lévi popularised the term "occultism" in the 1850s. His reinterpretation of traditional esoteric ideas has led to him being called the origin of "the occultist current properly so-called."		The French esotericist [[Éliphas Lévi]] popularised the term "occultism" in the 1850s. His reinterpretation of traditional esoteric ideas has led to him being called the origin of "the occultist current properly so-called."

	In the English-speaking world, prominent figures in the development of occultism included [[Helena Blavatsky]] and other figures associated with her [[Theosophy\|Theosophical]] Society, senior figures in the [[Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn]] like William Wynn Westcott and [[Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers]], as well as other individuals such as Paschal Beverly Randolph, Emma Hardinge Britten, [[Arthur Edward Waite]], and—in the early twentieth century—[[Aleister Crowley]], [[Dion Fortune]], and [[Israel Regardie]].		In the English-speaking world, prominent figures in the development of occultism included [[Helena Blavatsky]] and other figures associated with her [[Theosophy\|Theosophical]] Society, senior figures in the [[Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn]] like William Wynn Westcott and [[Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers]], as well as other individuals such as Paschal Beverly Randolph, Emma Hardinge Britten, [[Arthur Edward Waite]], and—in the early twentieth century—[[Aleister Crowley]], [[Dion Fortune]], and [[Israel Regardie]].

Occultwiki: /* Modern usage */

2024-11-19T07:53:37Z

Modern usage

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:53, 19 November 2024
Line 31:		Line 31:
	The term occult has also been used as a substantivized adjective as "the occult," a term that has been particularly widely used among journalists and sociologists. This term was popularised by the publication of Colin Wilson's 1971 book ''The Occult''. This term has been used as an "intellectual waste-basket" into which a wide array of beliefs and practices have been placed because they do not fit readily into the categories of religion or science.		The term occult has also been used as a substantivized adjective as "the occult," a term that has been particularly widely used among journalists and sociologists. This term was popularised by the publication of Colin Wilson's 1971 book ''The Occult''. This term has been used as an "intellectual waste-basket" into which a wide array of beliefs and practices have been placed because they do not fit readily into the categories of religion or science.

	According to Hanegraaff, "the occult" is a category into which gets placed a range of beliefs from "spirits or fairies to parapsychological experiments, from UFO-abductions to Oriental mysticism, from vampire legends to [[~~channelling~~]], and so on."		According to Hanegraaff, "the occult" is a category into which gets placed a range of beliefs from "spirits or fairies to parapsychological experiments, from UFO-abductions to Oriental mysticism, from vampire legends to [[channeling]], and so on."

	==Occultism and technology==		==Occultism and technology==

Occultwiki: /* Modern usage */

2024-11-19T07:53:26Z

Modern usage

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:53, 19 November 2024
Line 31:		Line 31:
	The term occult has also been used as a substantivized adjective as "the occult," a term that has been particularly widely used among journalists and sociologists. This term was popularised by the publication of Colin Wilson's 1971 book ''The Occult''. This term has been used as an "intellectual waste-basket" into which a wide array of beliefs and practices have been placed because they do not fit readily into the categories of religion or science.		The term occult has also been used as a substantivized adjective as "the occult," a term that has been particularly widely used among journalists and sociologists. This term was popularised by the publication of Colin Wilson's 1971 book ''The Occult''. This term has been used as an "intellectual waste-basket" into which a wide array of beliefs and practices have been placed because they do not fit readily into the categories of religion or science.

	According to Hanegraaff, "the occult" is a category into which gets placed a range of beliefs from "spirits or fairies to parapsychological experiments, from UFO-abductions to Oriental mysticism, from vampire legends to channelling, and so on."		According to Hanegraaff, "the occult" is a category into which gets placed a range of beliefs from "spirits or fairies to parapsychological experiments, from UFO-abductions to Oriental mysticism, from vampire legends to [[channelling]], and so on."

	==Occultism and technology==		==Occultism and technology==

Occultwiki at 03:35, 11 November 2024

2024-11-11T03:35:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:35, 11 November 2024
Line 4:		Line 4:
	The term occult sciences was used in 16th-century Europe to refer to [[astrology]], [[alchemy]], and [[natural magic]], which today are considered pseudosciences. The term occultism emerged in 19th-century France, where it came to be associated with various French esoteric groups connected to [[Éliphas Lévi]] and [[Papus]], and in 1875 was introduced into the English language by the esotericist [[Helena Blavatsky]].		The term occult sciences was used in 16th-century Europe to refer to [[astrology]], [[alchemy]], and [[natural magic]], which today are considered pseudosciences. The term occultism emerged in 19th-century France, where it came to be associated with various French esoteric groups connected to [[Éliphas Lévi]] and [[Papus]], and in 1875 was introduced into the English language by the esotericist [[Helena Blavatsky]].

	Throughout the 20th century, the term was used idiosyncratically by a range of different authors, but by the 21st century was commonly employed – including by academic scholars of esotericism – to refer to a range of esoteric currents that developed in the mid-19th century and their descendants. Occultism is thus often used to categorise such esoteric traditions as [[Spiritualism]], [[Theosophy]], Anthroposophy, the [[Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn]], and New Age.		Throughout the 20th century, the term was used idiosyncratically by a range of different authors, but by the 21st century was commonly employed – including by academic scholars of esotericism – to refer to a range of esoteric currents that developed in the mid-19th century and their descendants. Occultism is thus often used to categorise such esoteric traditions as [[Spiritualism]], [[Theosophy]], Anthroposophy, the [[Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn]], and [[New Age]].

	==Etymology==		==Etymology==
Line 26:		Line 26:
	Unlike older forms of esotericism, occultism does not reject "scientific progress or modernity." In his work about Lévi, the German historian of religion Julian Strube has argued that the occultist wish for a "synthesis" of religion, science, and philosophy directly resulted from the context of contemporary socialism and progressive Catholicism. Similar to spiritualism, but in declared opposition to it, the emergence of occultism should thus be seen within the context of radical social reform, which was often concerned with establishing new forms of "scientific religion" while at the same time propagating the revival of an ancient tradition of "true religion."		Unlike older forms of esotericism, occultism does not reject "scientific progress or modernity." In his work about Lévi, the German historian of religion Julian Strube has argued that the occultist wish for a "synthesis" of religion, science, and philosophy directly resulted from the context of contemporary socialism and progressive Catholicism. Similar to spiritualism, but in declared opposition to it, the emergence of occultism should thus be seen within the context of radical social reform, which was often concerned with establishing new forms of "scientific religion" while at the same time propagating the revival of an ancient tradition of "true religion."

	Another feature of occultists is that—unlike earlier esotericists—they often openly distanced themselves from [[Christianity]], in some cases (like that of Crowley) even adopting explicitly anti-Christian stances. This reflected how pervasive the influence of secularisation had been on all areas of European society. In rejecting Christianity, these occultists sometimes turned towards pre-Christian belief systems and embraced forms of Modern [[Paganism]], while others instead took influence from the religions of Asia, such as [[Hindu]]ism and [[Buddhism]]. In various cases, certain occultists did both. Another characteristic of these occultists was the emphasis that they placed on "the spiritual realization of the individual," an idea that would strongly influence the twentieth-century New Age and Human Potential Movement. This spiritual realization was encouraged both through traditional Western 'occult sciences' like alchemy and [[ritual magic]], but by the start of the twentieth century had also begun to include practices drawn from non-Western contexts, such as [[yoga]].		Another feature of occultists is that—unlike earlier esotericists—they often openly distanced themselves from [[Christianity]], in some cases (like that of Crowley) even adopting explicitly anti-Christian stances. This reflected how pervasive the influence of secularisation had been on all areas of European society. In rejecting Christianity, these occultists sometimes turned towards pre-Christian belief systems and embraced forms of Modern [[Paganism]], while others instead took influence from the religions of Asia, such as [[Hindu]]ism and [[Buddhism]]. In various cases, certain occultists did both. Another characteristic of these occultists was the emphasis that they placed on "the spiritual realization of the individual," an idea that would strongly influence the twentieth-century [[New Age]] and Human Potential Movement. This spiritual realization was encouraged both through traditional Western 'occult sciences' like alchemy and [[ritual magic]], but by the start of the twentieth century had also begun to include practices drawn from non-Western contexts, such as [[yoga]].

	==Modern usage==		==Modern usage==

Occultwiki at 03:17, 11 November 2024

2024-11-11T03:17:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:17, 11 November 2024
Line 4:		Line 4:
	The term occult sciences was used in 16th-century Europe to refer to [[astrology]], [[alchemy]], and [[natural magic]], which today are considered pseudosciences. The term occultism emerged in 19th-century France, where it came to be associated with various French esoteric groups connected to [[Éliphas Lévi]] and [[Papus]], and in 1875 was introduced into the English language by the esotericist [[Helena Blavatsky]].		The term occult sciences was used in 16th-century Europe to refer to [[astrology]], [[alchemy]], and [[natural magic]], which today are considered pseudosciences. The term occultism emerged in 19th-century France, where it came to be associated with various French esoteric groups connected to [[Éliphas Lévi]] and [[Papus]], and in 1875 was introduced into the English language by the esotericist [[Helena Blavatsky]].

	Throughout the 20th century, the term was used idiosyncratically by a range of different authors, but by the 21st century was commonly employed – including by academic scholars of esotericism – to refer to a range of esoteric currents that developed in the mid-19th century and their descendants. Occultism is thus often used to categorise such esoteric traditions as Spiritualism, [[Theosophy]], Anthroposophy, the [[Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn]], and New Age.		Throughout the 20th century, the term was used idiosyncratically by a range of different authors, but by the 21st century was commonly employed – including by academic scholars of esotericism – to refer to a range of esoteric currents that developed in the mid-19th century and their descendants. Occultism is thus often used to categorise such esoteric traditions as [[Spiritualism]], [[Theosophy]], Anthroposophy, the [[Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn]], and New Age.

	==Etymology==		==Etymology==

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:43, 2 September 2025
Line 2:		Line 2:
	The '''occult''', in the broadest sense, is a category of supernatural beliefs and practices which generally fall outside the scope of religion and science, encompassing such phenomena involving otherworldly agency as mysticism, spirituality, and [[ritual magic]]. It can also refer to supernatural ideas like extra-sensory perception and parapsychology.		The '''occult''', in the broadest sense, is a category of supernatural beliefs and practices which generally fall outside the scope of religion and science, encompassing such phenomena involving otherworldly agency as mysticism, spirituality, and [[ritual magic]]. It can also refer to supernatural ideas like extra-sensory perception and parapsychology.

	The term occult sciences was used in 16th-century Europe to refer to [[astrology]], [[alchemy]], and [[natural magic]], which ~~today are~~ considered ~~pseudosciences~~. The term occultism emerged in 19th-century France, where it came to be associated with various French esoteric groups connected to [[Éliphas Lévi]] and [[Papus]], and in 1875 was introduced into the English language by the esotericist [[Helena Blavatsky]].		The term ''occult sciences'' was used in 16th-century Europe to refer to [[astrology]], [[alchemy]], and [[natural magic]], during which time they were more or less considered legitimate proto-scientific disciplines. The term ''occultism'' emerged in 19th-century France, where it came to be associated with various French esoteric groups connected to [[Éliphas Lévi]] and [[Papus]], and in 1875 was introduced into the English language by the esotericist [[Helena Blavatsky]].

	Throughout the 20th century, the term was used idiosyncratically by a range of different authors, but by the 21st century was commonly employed – including by academic scholars of esotericism – to refer to a range of esoteric currents that developed in the mid-19th century and their descendants. Occultism is thus often used to categorise such esoteric traditions as [[Spiritualism]], [[Theosophy]], Anthroposophy, the [[Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn]], and [[New Age]].		Throughout the 20th century, the term was used idiosyncratically by a range of different authors, but by the 21st century was commonly employed – including by academic scholars of esotericism – to refer to a range of esoteric currents that developed in the mid-19th century and their descendants. Occultism is thus often used to categorise such esoteric traditions as [[Spiritualism]], [[Theosophy]], Anthroposophy, the [[Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn]], and [[New Age]].
Line 22:		Line 22:
	==Occultism==		==Occultism==
	[[File:Aleister Crowley-Golden Dawn.jpg\|350px\|thumb\|Occultist Aleister Crowley wearing his ritual attire]]		[[File:Aleister Crowley-Golden Dawn.jpg\|350px\|thumb\|Occultist Aleister Crowley wearing his ritual attire]]
	The French esotericist [[Éliphas Lévi]] popularised the term "occultism" in the 1850s. ~~His reinterpretation of traditional esoteric ideas has led to him being called the origin of "the occultist current properly so-called."~~		The French esotericist [[Éliphas Lévi]] popularised the term "occultism" in the 1850s.

	Unlike older forms of esotericism, occultism does not reject "scientific progress or modernity." In his work about Lévi, the German historian of religion Julian Strube has argued that the occultist wish for a "synthesis" of religion, science, and philosophy directly resulted from the context of contemporary socialism and progressive Catholicism. Similar to spiritualism, but in declared opposition to it, the emergence of occultism should thus be seen within the context of radical social reform, which was often concerned with establishing new forms of "scientific religion" while at the same time propagating the revival of an ancient tradition of "true religion."		Unlike older forms of esotericism, occultism does not reject "scientific progress or modernity." In his work about Lévi, the German historian of religion Julian Strube has argued that the [[occultist]] wish for a "synthesis" of religion, science, and philosophy directly resulted from the context of contemporary socialism and progressive [[Christianity\|Catholicism]]. Similar to spiritualism, but in declared opposition to it, the emergence of occultism should thus be seen within the context of radical social reform, which was often concerned with establishing new forms of "scientific religion" while at the same time propagating the revival of an ancient tradition of "true religion."

	Another feature of occultists is that—unlike earlier esotericists—they often openly distanced themselves from [[Christianity]], in some cases (like that of [[Aleister Crowley]]) even adopting explicitly anti-Christian stances. This reflected how pervasive the influence of secularisation had been on all areas of European society. In rejecting Christianity, these occultists sometimes turned towards pre-Christian belief systems and embraced forms of Modern [[Paganism]], while others instead took influence from the religions of Asia, such as [[Hindu]]ism and [[Buddhism]]. In various cases, certain occultists did both.		Another feature of occultists is that—unlike earlier esotericists—they often openly distanced themselves from [[Christianity]], in some cases (like that of [[Aleister Crowley]]) even adopting explicitly anti-Christian stances. This reflected how pervasive the influence of secularisation had been on all areas of European society. In rejecting Christianity, these occultists sometimes turned towards pre-Christian belief systems and embraced forms of Modern [[Paganism]], while others instead took influence from the religions of Asia, such as [[Hindu]]ism and [[Buddhism]]. In various cases, certain occultists did both.
Line 43:		Line 43:
	Senior figures in the [[Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn]] like William Wynn Westcott and [[Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers]], as well as other individuals such as Paschal Beverly Randolph, Emma Hardinge Britten, [[Arthur Edward Waite]], and—in the early twentieth century—[[Aleister Crowley]], [[Dion Fortune]], and [[Israel Regardie]].		Senior figures in the [[Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn]] like William Wynn Westcott and [[Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers]], as well as other individuals such as Paschal Beverly Randolph, Emma Hardinge Britten, [[Arthur Edward Waite]], and—in the early twentieth century—[[Aleister Crowley]], [[Dion Fortune]], and [[Israel Regardie]].

	More modern influences include [[Anton LaVey]] ~~and~~ [[Damien Echols]].		More modern influences include [[Anton LaVey]], [[Damien Echols]], and [[Travis McHenry]].

	==Popular culture==		==Popular culture==