Occultism can be associated with satanic practices.
Occultism is the group of pseudo-sciences, doctrines and activities linked to magic and mystery . Devoting oneself to these issues that seek to control the natural world and approach hidden universes is also called occultism.
It is assumed that these practices seek to enable human beings to master certain powers that remain hidden, either within their being or in the environment. In many cases, occult practices are linked to religion , especially devil -worshipping movements.
Occultism and Catholicism
Catholicism , faced with this reality and aware that occultism can distance men from the Christian faith, has fought occultism throughout history, condemning its practices and postulates.
Centuries ago, the way the Catholic Church attacked occultism, considering it linked to the devil, was by using the Holy Inquisition , which sent thousands of men and women to the stake.
The view of science
For traditional science , occultism is linked to superstition and magical beliefs . It is usually recognized, however, that occultism served to generate valid knowledge in ancient times, when the scientific method had not yet been developed.
Although the definition of occultism is vague, several popular disciplines often fall within its scope. Astrology and divination , in this sense, are part of occultism since their postulates cannot be supported by reason. Thinking that a person's date of birth can mark their destiny or that a card is able to indicate what will happen in the future alludes to the action of some hidden force, inaccessible to science.
Divination through cards is part of occultism.
Occult practices
In this framework, it is common for occult practices to be called occult sciences . These have existed since practically the origins of humanity and their purpose is to unravel the mysteries of nature and enhance human powers.
Starting from this meaning, we could say that there are numerous examples that exist. Among these it is worth highlighting the following:
- Cartomancy . It is the prediction of the future or divination that is carried out through playing cards. These can be both those of the Spanish deck and those of the English one, for example.
- Alchemy . One of the oldest occult sciences, without a doubt, since it was born in Ancient Mesopotamia . It is a mixture of medicine, art, chemistry and metallurgy, among other disciplines. Its objectives are the transmutation of the soul, the conversion of metal into gold and obtaining the philosopher's stone that would give eternal life.
- Numerology . This divination practice, as its name indicates, is based on the use of numbers.
- Herbalism . Medicinal plants are what become the tool, base and essence of this occult science, which uses them extractively to prevent and cure diseases of all kinds.
In the modern era, therefore, occultism is not always associated with the dark or satanic , but can be linked to spiritual practices or mystical beliefs that enjoy a certain social recognition.