What does occultism mean?
Occultism names the study or practice of ideas and traditions that concern hidden knowledge, supernatural forces, or esoteric methods of understanding the world. It can include practices historically associated with astrology, alchemy, magical rituals, divination, and secret doctrines, although occultism is also used in narrower scholarly contexts to describe particular historical movements, such as Western occultism. The term is not simply a synonym for superstition: academic treatments of occultism often examine the intellectual, religious, artistic, and social histories surrounding these beliefs. In modern usage, it may carry a slightly skeptical or sensational tone, especially when referring to claims that cannot be empirically verified. In historical and cultural writing, however, it is an important term for describing traditions that influenced religion, philosophy, literature, art, and the development of early modern science.
nounThe study of or practice with supernatural forces, hidden knowledge, and esoteric or mystical beliefs. It may also refer more broadly to doctrines or practices regarded as secret or inaccessible to ordinary knowledge.
- The study of or practice with supernatural forces, hidden knowledge, and mystical or esoteric practices.
- A body of secret, obscure, or esoteric doctrine or belief.
"The museum's collection explores European occultism, including astrology, alchemy, and the history of magical texts."
"She wrote a history of occultism in early modern Europe, tracing the popularity of astrology and alchemy."
"His interest in occultism developed gradually as he studied folklore, philosophy, and religious symbolism."
The plural is rarely used because the word normally describes a field or body of practice considered as a whole.
"The exhibition compares different occultisms and their relationships with religion and science."
Occultism sits at the crossroads of religion, philosophy, and folklore, preserving traces of the ideas that once helped shape modern science.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does occultism come from?
The word derives from Latin occultus, meaning hidden or concealed, which comes from the verb occulere, “to hide.” The English adjective occult developed from this Latin word and was used for things hidden, secret, or not openly known. Occultism, formed in the 19th century with the suffix -ism, came to denote the broader study or practice of hidden and supernatural knowledge.
Related word forms
How occultism is actually used
The word is neutral or historical when discussing academic research, folklore, or religious history, but may sound dismissive when used to label unconventional beliefs or practices. Its meanings overlap with mysticism and esotericism, but occultism often has a stronger association with hidden knowledge and ritual practice.
Easily confused with occultism
Mysticism broadly concerns spiritual experience or the pursuit of direct knowledge of the divine, whereas occultism more often concerns hidden or esoteric knowledge and practices involving supernatural forces.
Esotericism can refer to any specialized or restricted body of knowledge, while occultism specifically emphasizes practices or beliefs associated with the hidden and supernatural.