The Occult

The word occult comes from the Latin occultus meaning clandestine, hidden or secret, refers to anything that is unknown. It encompasses a wide array of beliefs, practices, and disciplines including astrology, alchemy, magic, mysticism, the paranormal, and various forms of spiritualism. The occult often intersects with the metaphysical, the supernatural, and the esoteric. but for most practicing occultists it is simply the study of a deeper spiritual "reality" that extends beyond pure reason and the physical sciences. The terms esoteric and arcane can have a very similar meaning, and the three terms are often interchangeable.

Images: 1)Eliphas Levi's Pentagram, figure of the microcosm, the magical formula of Man. 2) A baphomet at a session of freemasons. 3) Tarot card - "15 Devil"

The occult is a broad and diverse field, and the practices and beliefs within the realm of the occult listed here are only a small representation of what falls under its umbrella. The validity and efficacy of these practices are widely debated, and they are often met with skepticism from the scientific community. It's essential to approach the occult with a critical and informed mindset.

1. Astrology: A belief system that posits a connection between the positions of celestial bodies (like stars and planets) and human affairs. It is used to interpret or predict individual personality traits and life events based on the alignment of the stars at the time of a person's birth.

2. Alchemy: An ancient practice that sought to transform base metals into gold and to discover the elixir of life, often combining elements of chemistry, mysticism, and philosophy.

3. Magic: The practice of using rituals, spells, symbols, and other means to manipulate the natural world or to achieve specific ends, often based on the belief in supernatural forces or entities.

4. Divination: The art or practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means, such as through reading tarot cards, crystal balls, palm reading, or consulting oracles.

5. Theosophy: A philosophical and religious system that seeks to understand the divine by exploring the hidden, unrevealed aspects of reality. It combines elements from various world religions and philosophies to create a synthesized body of knowledge.

6. Kabbalah: An esoteric method of interpreting the scriptures of the Hebrew Bible, which includes various mystical and magical practices aimed at achieving a closer understanding of God.

7. Hermeticism: A philosophical and religious system based on the teachings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the pursuit of divine wisdom through personal transformation.

8. Witchcraft: The practice of using natural forces and the assistance of supernatural entities to bring about desired changes, often associated with the worship of nature and deities.

9. Demonology: The study of demons or malevolent spirits, often with the aim of understanding and controlling them.

10. Numerology: The belief in a divine or mystical relationship between numbers and certain events or phenomena, often used to determine a person's destiny or to uncover hidden meanings.

11. Gnosis: From the Greek word for "knowledge," gnosis refers to the pursuit of esoteric or mystical knowledge of the divine.

12. Spiritualism: The belief that the spirits of the dead can communicate with the living, often through mediums.

13. Ceremonial Magic: The use of rituals and ceremonies to invoke or control spiritual beings or to achieve specific magical ends.

14. Occult Symbols: Symbols and signs that are believed to hold mystical or magical power, such as the pentagram, the ouroboros, or the eye of Horus.

15. Grimoires: Texts that contain instructions for performing various magical rituals and spells, often including information on the invocation of spirits or the practice of divination.

Baphomet the Sabbatic Goat

Baphomet is a symbolic figure with origins in medieval Europe, often associated with the occult, paganism, and the worship of the devil in various Christian texts. The term "sabbatic goat" or "sabbatic goat-idol" is derived from the concept of the witches' sabbath, a gathering of witches that was believed to occur during the Middle Ages. The image of Baphomet is typically depicted as a goat-headed androgyne with elements of both male and female characteristics, often with horns, a beard, and breasts. It is sometimes shown with wings, cloven hooves, and a torch between its horns. The figure is seated on a throne, surrounded by various occult symbols such as the pentagram and the caduceus.

The character of Baphomet was introduced in the 14th century during the trials of the Knights Templar, a Christian military order. The knights were accused of heresy and idol worship, and some were said to have confessed to worshipping an idol called Baphomet. However, the historical accuracy of these claims is widely debated. The most well-known modern depiction of Baphomet was created by the French occultist Eliphas Levi in 1855. This image has since been adopted by various groups, including the Church of Satan and the modern Wiccan movement, as a symbol of rebellion against Christian norms and as a representation of the divine masculine and feminine aspects within the self.

In contemporary times, Baphomet is often used as a symbol of the darker aspects of human nature, individual freedom, and the rejection of religious dogmas. It is important to note that interpretations of Baphomet vary widely, and the figure does not hold the same significance for all individuals or groups who use its image. Some see it as a purely symbolic representation of duality and balance, while others view it as an embodiment of evil or a deity to be revered. The symbolism of Baphomet is complex and multifaceted, reflecting the diverse beliefs and practices of those who incorporate it into their spiritual or philosophical frameworks.


	Home Ghosts Extraterrestrial life Contact with, influence and intervention of the supernatural. Unexplained disappearances This subject has been placed for educational purposes only. Divination Tasseography - Reading of tea leaves in a cup Tarot Cards Spiritualism/Spiritism The House dedicated to ghosts and "spirit" photographing "Spirit" Photographs and "Spirit" Photographing (1800's - 1900's) Witchcraft and Witches Occult Stigmata Psychic Dreams The Occult The word occult comes from the Latin occultus meaning clandestine, hidden or secret, refers to anything that is unknown. It encompasses a wide array of beliefs, practices, and disciplines including astrology, alchemy, magic, mysticism, the paranormal, and various forms of spiritualism. The occult often intersects with the metaphysical, the supernatural, and the esoteric. but for most practicing occultists it is simply the study of a deeper spiritual "reality" that extends beyond pure reason and the physical sciences. The terms esoteric and arcane can have a very similar meaning, and the three terms are often interchangeable. Images: 1)Eliphas Levi's Pentagram, figure of the microcosm, the magical formula of Man. 2) A baphomet at a session of freemasons. 3) Tarot card - "15 Devil" The occult is a broad and diverse field, and the practices and beliefs within the realm of the occult listed here are only a small representation of what falls under its umbrella. The validity and efficacy of these practices are widely debated, and they are often met with skepticism from the scientific community. It's essential to approach the occult with a critical and informed mindset. 1. Astrology: A belief system that posits a connection between the positions of celestial bodies (like stars and planets) and human affairs. It is used to interpret or predict individual personality traits and life events based on the alignment of the stars at the time of a person's birth. 2. Alchemy: An ancient practice that sought to transform base metals into gold and to discover the elixir of life, often combining elements of chemistry, mysticism, and philosophy. 3. Magic: The practice of using rituals, spells, symbols, and other means to manipulate the natural world or to achieve specific ends, often based on the belief in supernatural forces or entities. 4. Divination: The art or practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means, such as through reading tarot cards, crystal balls, palm reading, or consulting oracles. 5. Theosophy: A philosophical and religious system that seeks to understand the divine by exploring the hidden, unrevealed aspects of reality. It combines elements from various world religions and philosophies to create a synthesized body of knowledge. 6. Kabbalah: An esoteric method of interpreting the scriptures of the Hebrew Bible, which includes various mystical and magical practices aimed at achieving a closer understanding of God. 7. Hermeticism: A philosophical and religious system based on the teachings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the pursuit of divine wisdom through personal transformation. 8. Witchcraft: The practice of using natural forces and the assistance of supernatural entities to bring about desired changes, often associated with the worship of nature and deities. 9. Demonology: The study of demons or malevolent spirits, often with the aim of understanding and controlling them. 10. Numerology: The belief in a divine or mystical relationship between numbers and certain events or phenomena, often used to determine a person's destiny or to uncover hidden meanings. 11. Gnosis: From the Greek word for "knowledge," gnosis refers to the pursuit of esoteric or mystical knowledge of the divine. 12. Spiritualism: The belief that the spirits of the dead can communicate with the living, often through mediums. 13. Ceremonial Magic: The use of rituals and ceremonies to invoke or control spiritual beings or to achieve specific magical ends. 14. Occult Symbols: Symbols and signs that are believed to hold mystical or magical power, such as the pentagram, the ouroboros, or the eye of Horus. 15. Grimoires: Texts that contain instructions for performing various magical rituals and spells, often including information on the invocation of spirits or the practice of divination. Baphomet the Sabbatic Goat Baphomet the Sabbatic Goat Baphomet is a symbolic figure with origins in medieval Europe, often associated with the occult, paganism, and the worship of the devil in various Christian texts. The term "sabbatic goat" or "sabbatic goat-idol" is derived from the concept of the witches' sabbath, a gathering of witches that was believed to occur during the Middle Ages. The image of Baphomet is typically depicted as a goat-headed androgyne with elements of both male and female characteristics, often with horns, a beard, and breasts. It is sometimes shown with wings, cloven hooves, and a torch between its horns. The figure is seated on a throne, surrounded by various occult symbols such as the pentagram and the caduceus. The character of Baphomet was introduced in the 14th century during the trials of the Knights Templar, a Christian military order. The knights were accused of heresy and idol worship, and some were said to have confessed to worshipping an idol called Baphomet. However, the historical accuracy of these claims is widely debated. The most well-known modern depiction of Baphomet was created by the French occultist Eliphas Levi in 1855. This image has since been adopted by various groups, including the Church of Satan and the modern Wiccan movement, as a symbol of rebellion against Christian norms and as a representation of the divine masculine and feminine aspects within the self. In contemporary times, Baphomet is often used as a symbol of the darker aspects of human nature, individual freedom, and the rejection of religious dogmas. It is important to note that interpretations of Baphomet vary widely, and the figure does not hold the same significance for all individuals or groups who use its image. Some see it as a purely symbolic representation of duality and balance, while others view it as an embodiment of evil or a deity to be revered. The symbolism of Baphomet is complex and multifaceted, reflecting the diverse beliefs and practices of those who incorporate it into their spiritual or philosophical frameworks.