Growing up in a deeply religious family, I was scared of the esoteric and occult. Sunday school isn’t exactly the place where they are teaching critical thinking and mystical concepts. Yet, esoteric and occult are actually deeply ingrained into mystical Christian teachings, and many have no idea.
There is so much misconception about esoteric and occult practices. Honestly, this ties in well with the blog I wrote about how when we go through a spiritual awakening, people might think we’re crazy. This belief and judgment generally come from a lack of understanding outside the status quo.
If you are here, you are likely working to deconstruct your own views and better understand how the esoteric and occult truly align with your beliefs (or don’t align). To start, let’s define esoteric practices. Esoteric and occult are related but not exactly the same.
What is Esoteric?
“Esoteric” refers to knowledge that is understood or meant to be understood by a small group of people with specialized knowledge or interest. It often involves spiritual or mystical teachings that are not widely known or understood. (Hence, not evil, just not widely known or understood).
What is Occult?
On the other hand, “occult” refers to practices, beliefs, or knowledge that deal with supernatural or mystical forces. Let me ask you a question: Is God supernatural? Yes. I believe that God’s supernatural nature, while not fitting the definition of the occult, warrants a closer examination of the historical and cultural influences on our beliefs and perceptions.
The concept of the occult has been intertwined with secrecy, hidden knowledge, and practices deemed mysterious or forbidden.
Occult is often associated with being evil, which is far from the truth.
This association has fostered a sense of fear or suspicion surrounding anything labeled as occult.
Yet, when we strip away these layers of perception, we find that the supernatural and spiritual are intrinsic to human experiences across cultures and time periods. You see it everywhere around you and throughout modern religion. At its core, the term “occult” refers to practices, beliefs, or knowledge that deals with supernatural or mystical forces.
By this technical definition, concepts like God, deities, and spiritual energies would indeed fall under the umbrella of the occult.
The idea of God is often seen as the highest form of supernatural belief. From a technical point of view, God would be grouped as occult because of His transcendent nature.
However, this grouping comes from how humans organize things, rather than from a fundamental quality of divinity. It shows how we try to understand what we don’t know and how we struggle with ideas that are beyond our immediate understanding.
Additionally, labeling certain beliefs or practices as occult has been used to control, manipulate, and divide. This has led to the spread of myths and misunderstandings, creating barriers between different spiritual traditions and promoting fear of the unknown. By breaking down the hidden or secret knowledge, we can question these ideas that try to confine and restrict our exploration of the mysterious and spiritual worlds.
When we understand that labels are created by humans, so we should not let that control our understanding of divine or spiritual truths. Instead, we can adopt a viewpoint that goes beyond limitations and embraces the variety and diversity of spiritual experiences.
Common Misconceptions about Esoteric Practices
Esoteric Practices are Dark or Evil:
Many people think esoteric practices are dark or evil because they are mysterious. But esoteric traditions focus on personal growth, spiritual enlightenment, and understanding existence.
At the core, esoteric practices embody the same ideals of Christianity and modern religions. These practices include meditation, alchemy, astrology, and different forms of divination, all aiming to understand the self and the universe.
Esoteric Knowledge is Secretive and Exclusive:
The purpose of esoteric knowledge being passed down through select groups was to protect profound truths from misunderstanding or misuse, and believers from outside persecution. The secrecy was for self-protection, not due to any evil intentions.
Today, this knowledge is accessible to anyone genuinely interested in learning.
All Esoteric Practices are the Same:
Esoteric practices come from many different cultures and traditions. They are not all the same, but are made up of different systems and beliefs. Each one has its own methods and goals.
Esoteric Symbols are Inherently Magical:
Symbols like the pentagram and pentacle are often thought to have magical powers. But these symbols actually represent deeper spiritual ideas and are used to help focus a practitioner’s intent and energy.
They are similar to the cross and sacramental bread as symbols of divine connection.
Understanding the Pentagram and Pentacle Which Have Been Associated with Evil
The Pentagram
The pentagram is a five-pointed star, often drawn with a single continuous line. It has been used in various cultures throughout history, including ancient Greece, China, and Egypt, and has had multiple meanings:
Elemental Balance:
Each point of the pentagram is said to represent one of the five elements: earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. It symbolizes the balance and harmony of these elements within the cosmos and the individual.
Protection:
In many traditions, the pentagram is used as a symbol of protection. When drawn with a single point upwards, it is thought to ward off negative energies and create a safe space for spiritual practice.
Human Microcosm:
The pentagram is also seen as a representation of the human being, with the five points corresponding to the head, arms, and legs, emphasizing the harmony of the physical and spiritual aspects of humanity.
The Pentacle
The pentacle is a pentagram enclosed within a circle. This symbol holds additional layers of meaning:
Unity and Wholeness:
The circle surrounding the pentagram signifies unity, wholeness, and the interconnectedness of all things. It emphasizes that the elements and forces represented by the pentagram are part of a greater whole.
Protection and Empowerment:
The pentacle is commonly used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke protection and empowerment. The circle is believed to enhance the protective qualities of the pentagram and create a boundary that negative forces cannot penetrate.
Spiritual Journey:
For many practitioners, the pentacle represents the journey toward spiritual enlightenment. The enclosed star reflects the path of self-discovery and the quest to understand the universe and one’s place within it.
Embracing the True Essence of Esoteric Practices Understanding the true nature of esoteric practices and symbols like the pentagram and pentacle can open doors to profound spiritual growth and self-awareness.
By dispelling misconceptions, we can appreciate these ancient traditions’ wisdom and beauty, fostering a deeper connection with the world around us. In embracing esoteric practices, remember that they are not about secrecy or exclusivity but about seeking deeper truths and enriching our spiritual lives.
Whether through meditation, study, or ritual, these practices offer pathways to personal and universal harmony.
By exploring and respecting these traditions, we can uncover the hidden treasures of esoteric wisdom and apply them to our modern lives, enriching our journey toward self-discovery and spiritual awakening.
It’s important to remember that people with bad intentions can practice any religion or spiritual belief. Many who practice esoteric or occult beliefs have the same positive and loving intent as many followers of popular world religions.
