The Future of Occultism, by Herbert Adams

Perusing the rise of occultism and nontraditional religions in the United States

2018

The Occult Review, 1905

The terms “occult” and “mystic” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. The occultist studies secret sciences like alchemy and astrology, while the mystic focuses on re-establishing a connection with the divine through introspection and a defined rule of life. The distinction lies in their purposes: the occultist seeks to understand the external world, while the mystic aims for the soul’s union with God. The life of the mystic, centered around sanctity and contemplation, differs from the occultist’s pursuit of secret knowledge. While occultists often specialize in specific branches like alchemy or astrology, mystics, following a single path of inward contemplation, lack specialization. The transmission of occult knowledge occurs through initiation in schools, whereas mystic knowledge, primarily a gift of the Church, is accessible through its literature.

Alchemy "Sorcery has been called Magic: but Magic is Wisdom, and there is no wisdom in Sorcery" PARACELSUS. The Occultist is one who intelligently and continuously applies himself to the understanding of the hidden forces in nature and to the laws of the interior world, to the end that he may consciously cooperate with nature and the spiritual intelligences in the production of effects of service to himself and to his fellow-beings. This entails upon him a close study of the mystery and power of sound, number, colour, form; the psychological laws underlying all expression of faculty; the laws of sympathy and antipathy; the law of vibration; of spiritual and natural affinity; the law of periodicity, of cosmic energy, planetary action; occult correspondences, etc. To these labours he must bring a natural gift of understanding, an unusual degree of patience and devotion, and a keen perception of natural facts. The Medium, or natural sensitive, is one who holds himself in negative relations to the interior worlds, and submits himself to the operation of influences proceeding from things and persons, as well as to that of discarnate intelligences. The medium cultivates an unusual degree of responsiveness to environment and to the emanations (atomic, magnetic or psychic) and suggestions of other persons. The phenomena developed by this process of mediumism include automatism (temporary loss of control over the motor nerves), as in the phenomena of involuntary speech and automatic writing; hypercesthesia, as in the function of clairvoyance, clairaudience, psychometry, etc.; trance, with its attendant phenomena of unconscious cerebration, obsession, and a variety of physical effects of a supernormal character. In its highest manifestation, following upon the "crucifying of the flesh," the subjugation of the passions, and a process of intense religious aspiration, mediumism is frequently followed by spiritual revelation and spontaneous prophecy. "But this sort cometh not but by fasting and prayer."

Magic, Ritual, and Witchcraft, 2023

Recent years have seen a surge in scholarly monographs and edited volumes on the occult and broader esoteric topics, a clear indication of both growing interest in the field and expanding recognition of the continuing role these currents play in shaping modern societies and cultures around the world. Despite the relative newness of the academic study of Western esotericism, which is conventionally believed to have entered mainstream academic discourse with Antoine Faivre's (1934-2021) groundbreaking work L'ésotérisme (1992), the field has achieved impressive theoretical and methodological sophistication in the span of a mere four decades. The present volume, The Occult Nineteenth Century: Roots, Developments, and Impact on the Modern World, is an excellent example of the theoretical depth, interdisciplinary breadth, and topical variety characteristic of the field today, bringing together some of the biggest names and most innovative thinkers in the field of esoteric studies. The editors of the volume, Lukas Pokorny and Franz Winter, have accomplished a formidable task, masterfully combining seventeen chapters by well-established and up-and-coming scholars of esotericism into a multifaceted yet coherent collection celebrating the pioneering work of Karl Baier, Associate Professor Emeritus at the University of Vienna. Unfortunately, two groundbreaking works by Baier, often referenced by the contributors, Yoga auf dem Weg nach Westen. Beiträge zur Rezeptionsgeschichte (1998) (Yoga on the Way to the West. Contributions to the History of Reception) and Meditation und Moderne: Zur Genese eines Kernbereichs moderner Spiritualität in der Wechselwirkung zwischen Westeuropa, Nordamerika und Asien (2008) (Meditation and Modernity: On the Genesis of a Core Area of Modern Spirituality in the Interaction between Western Europe, North America, and Asia) are yet to be translated into English. It is beyond doubt that this volume will be of great interest both to scholars of alternative spiritualities and to a wider audience of non-specialists who want to gain a broader understanding of various occult movements and their

London, Hodder and Stoughton, 1906

Is written a well-known British scholar, mystic, and member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Published in the early 20th century, this book is a deep exploration of various mystical traditions, occult philosophies, and esoteric systems, with a focus on how these systems reflect aspects of an ancient Secret Tradition—a body of hidden spiritual knowledge passed down through ages. Key Themes and Concepts: • Mysticism and its Core Principles: Waite examines mysticism as the pursuit of direct, personal experience of the Divine. He emphasizes that mysticism transcends organized religion, focusing instead on the individual's inner path toward spiritual truth. Waite explores different forms of mysticism across history and cultures, including Christian mysticism, Kabbalistic mysticism, and alchemical traditions. • The Secret Tradition: Waite often refers to the Secret Tradition, a term he uses to describe a thread of hidden, spiritual knowledge believed to have existed in ancient civilizations, mystical teachings, and religious sects. This tradition includes esoteric wisdom that claims to reveal deeper truths about human existence, the nature of the Divine, and the universe. Waite suggests that this tradition can be traced through various mystical systems, from ancient Egypt to Christian mystics and Rosicrucian teachings. • The Role of Symbols and Allegory: Central to Waite’s work is the idea that symbols and allegory serve as the language of the mystics, conveying hidden truths that cannot be expressed in ordinary terms. He explores the use of symbolism in mystical texts and the importance of interpreting these symbols correctly to unlock the knowledge they contain. The book delves into the symbolic significance of alchemical processes, religious rituals, and sacred texts. • Alchemy and the Inner Transformation: In discussing alchemy, Waite does not limit himself to the material aspect of transforming base metals into gold. Instead, he views alchemy as a spiritual process where the alchemist undergoes an inner transformation—purifying the soul and attaining divine wisdom. The stages of alchemical work are seen as metaphors for the stages of mystical awakening and spiritual development. • Christian Mysticism and the Western Esoteric Tradition: Waite frequently returns to Christian mysticism, particularly the works of mystics like St. John of the Cross, Meister Eckhart, and the early Christian Gnostics. He highlights how these mystics sought direct communion with the Divine, often through contemplation, ascetic practices, and the transformation of the self. He connects this to the broader Western esoteric tradition, arguing that Christian mysticism is an integral part of the Secret Tradition. • The Hermetic and Rosicrucian Traditions: Waite was deeply influenced by Hermeticism and Rosicrucianism, and he explores their mystical teachings in this work. Both traditions emphasize the pursuit of hidden knowledge, spiritual transformation, and the belief in a cosmic order governed by divine principles. Waite ties these systems to the Secret Tradition, asserting that they offer keys to understanding universal spiritual truths. • Mysticism as an Inner Journey: Throughout the book, Waite stresses that mysticism is an inner journey, where the individual seeks not only knowledge but personal transformation. He suggests that the true mystic must go beyond intellectual understanding and experience the divine reality firsthand, through meditation, contemplation, and a purified life. Significance: This book serves as an in-depth study of mystical thought, connecting historical and contemporary mystical practices to a unified esoteric tradition. Waite was deeply committed to uncovering the hidden wisdom within religious and mystical texts, believing that these teachings point to a perennial truth shared across different spiritual systems. For readers interested in Western esotericism, alchemy, mysticism, and the evolution of secret societies, Waite’s work is both a scholarly resource and a personal reflection on the nature of spiritual experience. Influence: Arthur Edward Waite is perhaps best known for his involvement in the occult revival of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly his role in the creation of the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck. His broader body of work, including "Studies in Mysticism", has had a lasting influence on the study of mysticism, esotericism, and the occult. Waite’s emphasis on a Christianized mysticism also distinguishes him from other contemporaries in the esoteric world, like Aleister Crowley. Contents with quick short summary Becoming: PART I: THE HITHER SIDE OF THE PORTAL This section explores The Life of the Mystic, which introduces the basic concepts of mysticism. It continues with The Enterprise of Sanctity, a discussion on the pursuit of holiness, and The Sense of the Infinite, which delves into the mystic's awareness of boundless spiritual realms. Topics such as Supernatural Goodness and A Question of Service examine the ethical dimensions of mystical practice. The section closes with Asceticism and Mysticism, exploring the balance between self-discipline and spiritual awakening, and The Foundation of the Higher Magia, which discusses the groundwork for mystical practices. PART II: VESTIGES OF THE OUTER WAYS This part begins with Lesser Mysteries of the Life of Life, discussing introductory mystical teachings and practices. By-ways of Half a Century reflects on half a century's worth of mystical exploration. Mesmerism and Hypnotism touches upon these influential practices and their spiritual implications. Then, The Saviours of Louis XVI examines figures involved in mystical or esoteric attempts to save the French king. Other sections include The Paradise of Hermes, which discusses Hermetic traditions, and Some Offices of Vain Observance, exploring ritualistic practices that may not yield deeper spiritual results. It continues with Dwellers on the Threshold, a look at beings or forces encountered in mysticism. Lastly, it covers Who Stand at the Door and Knock, a symbolic reflection on initiation, A Masque of Anarchy, which might explore the chaos before spiritual order, and Powers of the Deep, which deals with hidden or subconscious spiritual forces. PART III: THE COURTS OF THE TEMPLE In this final part, The Garden of Venus opens with a discussion on love and mysticism. The Gate and the Sanctuary examines the entry into deeper spiritual practices, and The Voice of the Beloved focuses on the mystic’s relationship with the Divine. Following these are Stewards of the Mysteries, which looks at those who safeguard esoteric knowledge, and The Building Word, likely concerning the spoken power of creation in mystical practices. It continues with Rumours of the Mystic Quest, which reflects on the search for spiritual truth, and ends with The Veil of the Sanctum Sanctorum, discussing the ultimate revelations in mysticism and sacred mysteries. Tags- Mysticism, esotericism, spiritual awakening, asceticism, supernatural goodness, divine knowledge, secret tradition, alchemy, Hermeticism, Rosicrucianism, spiritual transformation, meditation, contemplation, inner journey, enlightenment, sacred geometry, initiation rites, ritual symbolism, gnostic wisdom, cosmic consciousness, divine union, hidden knowledge, spiritual quest, higher consciousness, transcendental experience, occult practices, celestial realms, astral projection, sacred texts, ancient mysteries, esoteric teachings, divine mysteries, kabbalistic mysticism, spiritual purification, soul ascension, divine illumination, mystical traditions, soul alchemy, ancient wisdom, sacred rituals, theurgy, spiritual hierarchies, angelic orders, divine ecstasy, sacred initiation, cosmic harmony, metaphysical realms, divine emanations, spiritual mastery, occult philosophy, soul enlightenment, initiation into mysteries, divine archetypes, spiritual pilgrimage, spiritual rebirth, divine revelation, ancient symbols, the occult arts, sacred knowledge, divine messengers, sacred science, divine intervention, mystical union, esoteric initiation, alchemical symbols, spiritual discipline, divine forces, initiation into higher worlds, sacred sanctuary, divine contemplation, inner temple, divine visions, celestial beings, ancient rites, mystical philosophy, spiritual guardians, the great work, sacred journey, divine wisdom, astral realms, soul awakening, divine transformation, sacred mysteries, secret orders, esoteric symbols, divine energy, spiritual elevation, inner sanctum, higher initiation, ancient codes, divine providence, esoteric wisdom, spiritual guardianship, divine consciousness, sacred esoterica, secret manuscripts, hidden doctrines, divine path, spiritual insight, the inner path, ancient doctrines, arcane symbols, mystical teachings, divine encounters, celestial wisdom, spiritual purification rites, sacred portals, spiritual transcendence, the hidden way, divine paths, soul evolution, ancient scrolls, divine quests, celestial guardians, sacred hieroglyphs, divine presence, esoteric traditions, cosmic knowledge, hidden wisdom, sacred power, divine messengers, ancient divinity, esoteric philosophy, divine ascension, mystical rites, spiritual gateways, secret manuscripts, sacred temples, spiritual resonance, divine harmonics, cosmic order, hidden realms, spiritual light, sacred initiation, spiritual synthesis, divine gateways, soul purification, esoteric rituals, divine forces, cosmic initiation, sacred union, arcane knowledge, celestial hierarchies, soul illumination, secret ceremonies, spiritual revelations, divine keys, mystical esoterica, divine realms, sacred traditions, ancient initiates, spiritual alchemy, divine pilgrimage, inner wisdom, sacred energies, divine rites, esoteric power, the secret teachings, sacred traditions, divine destiny, occult mysteries, cosmic cycles, divine mastery, sacred pathways, divine truth, hidden teachings...

Nazariyyat, 2021

In: Kurt Almqvist & Louise Belfrage (eds.), Hilma af Klint: The Art of Seeing the Invisible, Stockholm 2015.