List of occult terms

List of occult terms

This glossary provides definitions for essential terminology from esoteric traditions, holistic practices, magical systems, and occult studies. Terms are formatted as headings for direct URL navigation.

Alchemy

The ancient practice of transmuting base metals into gold, symbolizing spiritual transformation and purification through laboratory processes and allegorical symbolism. Combines chemistry, philosophy, and mysticism.

Astral Projection

Conscious out-of-body experience where one's spiritual double ("astral body") travels independently of the physical form. Considered foundational in ceremonial magic and mystical training.

Aura

An electromagnetic energy field said to surround living beings, perceived clairvoyantly as colored layers indicating physical, emotional, and spiritual states. Measured in holistic healing modalities.

Chaos Magic

Modern occult paradigm emphasizing belief as a tool, where practitioners adopt shifting paradigms to achieve results. Prioritizes experimentation over traditional dogmas.

Chakras

Sanskrit for "wheels"; seven energy centers along the spine in Hindu and yogic traditions, each governing specific physical, emotional, and spiritual functions.

Divination

Methods for obtaining hidden knowledge through symbolic interpretation, including tarot, runes, scrying, and I Ching. Based on synchronistic principles.

Enochian Magic

Angel-based ceremonial system channeled by John Dee and Edward Kelley (1583-1589), featuring a unique language, tablets, and hierarchies of celestial beings.

Geomancy

Earth-divination practice interpreting patterns in soil, stones, or sand. Also denotes astrological calculations based on terrestrial energy lines (ley lines).

Hermeticism

Philosophical tradition based on writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus (2nd-3rd century CE), emphasizing "As above, so below" and mentalism principles.

Kabbalah

Jewish mystical system mapping divine emanations through the Tree of Life. Central to Western ceremonial magic for understanding cosmic structures.

Ley Lines

Hypothetical alignments connecting ancient sacred sites, believed by dowsers to carry earth energies. Popularized in modern Earth mysteries studies.

Magic

Distinguished from stage illusion by Aleister Crowley as "the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will." Denotes ritual intention manifesting results.

Necromancy

Communication with the dead for prophecy or knowledge, historically involving graveside rituals. Modern usage includes spirit mediumship.

Neopaganism

Contemporary nature-based religions reviving pre-Christian European practices, including Wicca, Druidry, and Heathenry. Emphasizes seasonal cycles and polytheism.

Numerology

Study of mystical relationships between numbers and events. Systems include Pythagorean, Chaldean, and Kabbalistic interpretations of names/dates.

Reiki

Japanese energy healing technique where practitioners channel universal life force through hands-on touch for physical and emotional balance.

Scrying

Divination method using reflective surfaces (crystal balls, mirrors, water) to induce visions. Historical practitioners include Nostradamus.

Sigil

Symbolic representation of magical intent, created by abstracting letters or concepts. Activated through concentration or ritual.

Theurgy

Ritual practices designed to invoke divine presence or achieve spiritual elevation, contrasting with thaumaturgy (wonder-working).

Prana

The Sanskrit word for "life force" or "vital energy" in Hinduism, yoga, and Ayurveda. It is believed to be the fundamental cosmic energy of all living beings and the universe. The concept is central to breathing exercises, known as pranayama, which are used to control and direct this energy.

Anthroposophy

A philosophy founded by esotericist Rudolf Steiner. It posits a path of knowledge to guide the spiritual in the human being to the spiritual in the universe. It is a spiritual movement that grew out of theosophy and has a wide range of applications, including Waldorf education, biodynamic agriculture, and anthroposophical medicine.

Buddhism

A nontheistic religion and philosophy originating in ancient India, based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha. The central tenets include the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which aim to end suffering and achieve enlightenment, or nirvana.

Divination

The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means. Methods include interpreting omens, signs, and symbols, such as through astrology, tarot, or I Ching. It is distinct from fortune-telling in that it is often seen as a more spiritual or ritualistic practice.

Karma

A Sanskrit word meaning "action," "work," or "deed." In Hinduism and Buddhism, it refers to the spiritual principle of cause and effect where intent and actions of an individual (cause) influence the future of that individual (effect). Good actions, good intent, and good thoughts contribute to good karma and future happiness, while bad actions, bad intent, and bad thoughts contribute to bad karma and future suffering.

Sacred Geometry

The belief that certain geometric shapes and proportions have a sacred or divine quality. It involves the study of these patterns in nature and ancient architecture, such as the Golden ratio and the Flower of Life, and is used in spiritual practices to represent the fundamental structures of the universe.

Thelema

A new religious movement founded by Aleister Crowley. The central principle is the Law of Thelema, which is "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Love is the law, love under will." It is a syncretic philosophy that draws from a wide range of traditions, including ceremonial magic, paganism, and yoga.

Wicca

Modern pagan witchcraft tradition founded by Gerald Gardner (1954), featuring duotheism (Goddess and God), seasonal sabbats, and ethical magic.

Yoga

Ancient Indian system unifying body, mind, and spirit through postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and meditation. Basis of holistic energy work.

Zodiac

Celestial belt divided into twelve 30° signs, forming astrological framework for personality analysis and predictive systems.

Akashic Records

Theosophical concept of an ethereal library containing universal knowledge and all souls' histories, accessed through meditation.

Banishing Ritual

Ceremonial act to remove unwanted energies or entities, such as the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP).

Correspondences

Symbolic relationships between colors, planets, herbs, and elements in magical systems. Core to Hermetic "doctrine of signatures."

Egregore

Psychic entity created by collective belief or group ritual, gaining autonomous existence (e.g., corporate "brand spirits").

Kundalini

Dormant serpentine energy at the base of the spine in yogic tradition, awakened through spiritual practices to achieve enlightenment.

Pathworking

Guided visualization technique traversing symbolic landscapes (e.g., Kabbalistic Tree paths) for inner transformation.

Qliphoth

Kabbalistic "shadow tree" representing unbalanced forces or demonic realms, counterpart to the Sephirotic Tree of Life.

Shadow Work

Psychological integration of repressed aspects of self through Jungian analysis and ritual practices.

Thaumaturgy

Practical magic focused on producing physical effects or miracles, distinguished from mystical theurgy.

Vril

Hypothetical universal life force in 19th-century occultism, analogous to chi or prana. Featured in Nazi occult theories.

Asana

Meditative posture in yoga and ceremonial magic designed to channel energy and stabilize consciousness. Different positions activate specific energy pathways.

Athame

Ritual dagger with black handle used in Wicca and ceremonial magic for directing energy. Never draws physical blood; symbolic tool for casting circles.

Book of Shadows

Wiccan grimoire containing rituals, spells, and magical lore. Traditionally hand-copied, now often digital. Term coined by Gerald Gardner.

Cartomancy

Divination using playing cards (distinct from tarot). Common systems include French-suited decks interpreting suits and numbers symbolically.

Cosmic Consciousness

State of transcendent awareness where individual perception merges with universal mind. Described by mystics like Ramakrishna and Teilhard de Chardin.

Demonology

Systematic study of demons and infernal hierarchies, including classification, summoning protocols, and protection rituals across cultures.

Elementals

Nature spirits associated with classical elements: gnomes (earth), sylphs (air), undines (water), salamanders (fire). Central to Paracelsian philosophy.

Esbat

Wiccan ritual gathering during moon phases, typically full moons. Contrasts with solar Sabbats in the Wheel of the Year.

Evocation

Ritual act of summoning spiritual entities to visible appearance, often within protective circles or triangles of art.

Familiar

Spirit companion taking animal form, assisting practitioners in magical work. Historically associated with witches' cats or toads.

Goetia

Segment of the Lesser Key of Solomon detailing 72 demons and summoning methods. Combines Judeo-Christian angelology with pagan spirit lore.

Grimoire

Magical instruction manual containing rituals, symbols, and spirit correspondences. Famous examples include Key of Solomon and Abramelin.

Hoodoo

African American folk magic blending Central African spirituality, Native American herbalism, and European grimoire traditions.

I Ching

Ancient Chinese divination system using 64 hexagrams formed by tossing coins or yarrow stalks. Interprets cosmic patterns through Taoist philosophy.

Invocation

Ritual calling of divine forces into one's own consciousness, contrasting with evocation's external manifestation.

Lamen

Magical breastplate or pendant inscribed with sacred symbols, worn during rituals to amplify protection and intention.

Magus

Advanced initiate who has attained mastery over spiritual and material realms through magical training. Highest grade in some traditions.

Obeah

Afro-Caribbean spiritual practice focusing on protection, healing, and justice through herbal charms and ancestral communion.

Orisha

Deities in Yoruba religion (and diaspora traditions like Santería) representing natural forces and human archetypes.

Palming

Psychic technique of reading energy imprints from objects through touch. Used in psychometry and forensic intuition.

Qabalah

Western esoteric adaptation of Jewish Kabbalah, emphasizing ceremonial magic paths and Christian mystical interpretations.

Runes

Ancient Germanic alphabetic symbols used for divination and magic. Elder Futhark is most common system in neopagan practice.

Seidr

Norse shamanic practice involving trance prophecy, spirit journeys, and magical weaving of fate strands.

Talisman

Object charged with specific magical energies for protection or manifestation. Distinguished from amulet by intentional consecration.

Unverified Personal Gnosis (UPG)

Spiritual insights received through personal experience rather than established tradition. Controversial in reconstructionist pagan groups.

Vortex

Geographic location believed to concentrate earth energies, facilitating spiritual experiences (e.g., Sedona, Glastonbury Tor).

Wand

Ritual tool representing the element of air or fire, used to direct energy in ceremonial magic. Often crafted from specific woods.

Xoanon

Primitive cult image believed to house divine presence. Ancient Greek term now applied to animistic consecration of idols.

Yantra

Geometric diagram in Hindu and Buddhist tantra for meditation focus. Two-dimensional counterpart to three-dimensional mandala.

Zombi

In Vodou tradition, a reanimated corpse under sorcerer's control. Differs from Hollywood depictions; linked to neurotoxin pharmacology.