What is hidden or veiled is described as esoteric.
The first necessary step that must be taken to know the meaning of the esoteric term is to discover its etymological origin. In this case we can point out that it is a word that comes from Greek, it is exactly the result of the sum of several lexical components of it, such as the following:
-The adverb “eso”, which can be translated as “inside”.
-The comparative suffix “teros”.
-The suffix “-ikos”, which is used to indicate “relative to”.
This adjective is used to describe that which is veiled, confidential or hidden .
Concept of esoteric
The esoteric, therefore, is something that is difficult to understand since accessing its essence is complicated. When the term is applied to a doctrine , it refers to knowledge that is transmitted only to disciples or followers who are initiated into the matter in question .
Generally, esotericism refers to a set of practices , rituals and knowledge that are secret and that are only shared and transmitted among a minority. Those who are not part of that group lack access to the esoteric.
Freemasonry is an esoteric movement: those who are not Freemasons cannot access its acts and rites.
Topics that are difficult to understand or access
In the same way, we have to highlight the existence of what is known as esoteric themes that are framed within the aforementioned practices and rituals. Specifically, among the most significant are everything from karma to the spiritual philosophy that responds to the name of Wicca Magic through regressions, clairvoyance or even divination of the future.
However, another relevant topic of this type is the so-called Kabbalah, which is a mystical type of wisdom that has been associated with Judaism.
Esoteric knowledge and movements
To understand esoteric knowledge, in short, one must reach a certain degree of initiation. The so-called occult sciences , for example, are esoteric: they are not based on the scientific method nor can their postulates be verified through empirical demonstrations.
Freemasonry is often noted as an esoteric movement because those who are not Freemasons do not have access to its rites and acts. The doctrine, in this way, is hidden from the rest of society .
Tarot, astrology and magic
Certain esoteric disciplines, such as tarot and astrology , have ended up integrating into Western culture. Their knowledge and practices, within this framework, are marketed and offered to the entire community.
Even magic , an esoteric art in its beginnings, became a spectacle. We no longer talk about magicians, but about illusionists who star in a show.
Esoteric stores
Currently there are many stores that are specialized in the field of esotericism. And in them you can purchase products as varied as candles of different colors, holy water, incense, amulets against negative energies, items against the evil eye...
It is important to establish, finally, that esoteric must be differentiated from the word exoteric . In this case, this is used to mention what are very simple and simple philosophies that everyone, even those who are outside of them and their study, can understand.