esoteric-and-occult

The Esoteric & The Occult

Esoteric - What does the word even mean? So many of us equate this to spooky things, and it is used often (even here) with the word occult.

Esoteric is a highly misunderstood word used to describe any kind of specialized knowledge, such as that associated with academic, religious or scientific disciplines that require specialized study. Some interpretations of esotericism are very broad indeed, and include even unusual and non-scientific belief systems (such as the occult). It is not difficult, knowing this, why people associate this word with the occult.

The word "occult" on the other hand, means knowledge of the supernatural. The term is sometimes popularly taken to mean knowledge meant only for certain select peoples or knowledge that must be kept hidden from the uninitiated or unworthy, but for most practicing occultists it is simply the study of a deeper spiritual perceived reality that extends beyond the senses or pure reason and science.

The term occult is also used as 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 works.

Moving Forward

So now we can clearly understand what these terms really mean, and when you explore the sites listed here (and there are a lot of them) in Spiritandsky SKR, you will be more able to understand where they are coming from. As you might image all things esoteric and occult are not necessarily "evil" though it can be argued that much of it that falls into this category really IS. Any faith or belief system that implies or outright asks you to do anything that is morally wrong, in my opinion, should be avoided. A good example is satanism, another is black magic. Both of these fall into this category, and by there very nature are pretty bad. I say this not because I believe or disbelieve, I say this based on the things they encourage you to actually do. For example, harming animals (or people) in rituals, or attempting to cast harmful spells (can be damaging at least psychologically) makes them undesirable to most everyone, religious or atheist alike.

However, some studies that fall into the esoteric and occult category are not necessarily bad. For example Rosicrucianism is not bad, in that it teaches love and tolerance, though some religions will not agree. Freemasonry is also in this category, but it too teaches brotherhood and tolerance.

So not everything esoteric and occult is "bad" but a lot of it is, so do your exploring with open eyes and your guard up, and as always - Be careful in what you put your faith in.

Below is a listing of categories in the SKR pertaining to esoteric-and-occult