What is Occultism?

Occultism is a broad system of thought and practice that deals with mystical, supernatural, and magical forces believed to lie beyond the grasp of ordinary human perception. Rooted in the Latin occultus, meaning "hidden" or "secret," it encompasses a wide range of esoteric knowledge and practices—from alchemy, Kabbalah, and divination to witchcraft, sorcery, astrology, and ceremonial magic. Unlike mainstream religious systems, which are often publicly practiced and widely accepted, occultism thrives in the realm of the arcane, reserved for the initiated; those who simply want more and are willing to delve into the mysterious and often misunderstood aspects of existence. It explores hidden truths, metaphysical realities, spiritual transformation, and the unseen universe. In many communities—particularly those like the inner-city ghettos of Brooklyn—the word “occult” triggers fear and stigma, largely due to centuries of religious dogma that equates anything outside of orthodox Christianity with devil worship or evil. But to dismiss occultism as inherently "demonic" is intellectually lazy and historically inaccurate. This knee-jerk reaction is less about the occult itself and more about how conditioned society is to fear what it doesn’t understand—especially when it challenges the comfort zone of dominant religious narratives. Occultism is not about embracing darkness or rejecting God; it’s about seeking hidden knowledge, self-empowerment, and direct engagement with the mysteries of the universe that mainstream ideologies often overlook, suppress, or demonize. Hopefully, this explanation is satisfactory because, it don't get more simpler than that!