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**EDWARD D. ANDREWS** (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 200+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).

The word “occult” is derived from the Latin word “occultus,” which means hidden, mysterious or esoteric. Those who practice the occult believe that it involves using hidden knowledge or gnosis to interfere with physical nature. This includes unconventional practices such as reciting formulas, making gestures, mixing incompatible elements, performing healing spells, and secret ceremonies that attempt to alter physical nature. The hidden knowledge, according to occultists, is the force that lies at the base of the universe, and it can only be obtained through secret communication with that force. However, what exactly this force is depends on the source of their gnosis. It could be God, the devil or the soul of the universe. Nonetheless, one thing is certain – it is not the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The occult is a term used to describe various practices, beliefs, and phenomena that are outside the realm of conventional science and religion. It encompasses a wide range of subjects, from astrology and divination to ritual magic and the paranormal. This article will explore the occult in detail, examining its history, practices, and impact on society.

Origins and History of the Occult

The origins of the occult can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Babylon, and Greece, where esoteric practices and beliefs were an integral part of religious and cultural life. These ancient cultures developed systems of astrology, divination, and magic, which were used for predicting the future, healing, and communicating with the gods.

In the Middle Ages, the occult became associated with heretical beliefs and practices, such as witchcraft, demonology, and alchemy. The persecution of supposed witches and sorcerers by the Christian Church and secular authorities was widespread, resulting in countless deaths and a lasting legacy of fear and superstition.

During the Renaissance, interest in the occult was revived as scholars rediscovered ancient texts and esoteric knowledge. The teachings of Hermeticism, an ancient Egyptian philosophical and religious tradition, were particularly influential in this period. The Renaissance saw the emergence of numerous occult societies, such as the Rosicrucians and Freemasons, which sought to explore the hidden mysteries of the universe.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the occult experienced a revival with the emergence of various spiritual and mystical movements such as Theosophy, Anthroposophy, and the New Age movement. These movements sought to integrate occult practices and beliefs with modern science and psychology and to promote spiritual and personal growth.

Practices and Beliefs of the Occult

The occult encompasses a wide range of practices and beliefs, but some of the most common include astrology, divination, ritual magic, and the paranormal.

Astrology is the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and planets, in relation to human affairs and natural phenomena. Astrology is used for predicting the future, understanding personality traits, and making important life decisions.

Divination is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through various methods, such as tarot cards, runes, or the I Ching. Divination is often used for personal guidance and self-discovery.

Ritual magic is the practice of using ceremonial rituals and spells to achieve specific goals, such as healing, protection, or personal transformation. The use of symbols, sigils, and invocations is often employed in ritual magic.

The paranormal refers to phenomena that are outside the scope of conventional science, such as ghosts, psychic abilities, and UFO sightings. Paranormal experiences are often used as evidence of the existence of other dimensions or realities beyond the physical world.

The occult also encompasses various spiritual and mystical beliefs, such as reincarnation, karma, and the power of thought and intention to create reality. Many occultists also believe in the existence of hidden or secret knowledge that can only be revealed through esoteric practices and initiations.

Impact of the Occult on Society

The occult has been associated with various forms of abuse, such as cults and abusive relationships, and has been linked to mental health problems and delusional thinking. The occult has also been used as a tool for manipulation and exploitation by those seeking power and control over others.

In some cases, the occult has been used as a means of rebellion against mainstream society, particularly in youth subcultures. The popularity of the occult has increased in popular culture in recent years, with TV shows, movies, and books featuring supernatural themes and characters. However, the true nature of the occult is often misunderstood, and its practices can be dangerous and harmful.

Many occult practices involve attempts to contact supernatural entities or forces, such as demons or spirits. This can involve rituals, spells, or the use of divination tools such as tarot cards or Ouija boards. Some occult practices also involve the use of drugs or other mind-altering substances to induce altered states of consciousness.

While some practitioners of the occult believe that their practices are harmless and can be used for self-improvement or spiritual growth, there are many potential dangers associated with these practices. For example, attempting to contact supernatural entities can lead to spiritual possession or other negative spiritual consequences. The use of mind-altering substances can also be dangerous and can lead to addiction or other negative health outcomes.

Additionally, some occult practices are associated with criminal activity, such as the use of black magic or the summoning of evil spirits to cause harm to others. There have been many cases of people being harmed or killed as a result of occult practices gone wrong, either through accidental injury or intentional harm caused by practitioners.

Despite the potential dangers associated with occult practices, many people continue to be drawn to the occult for various reasons. Some may be seeking a sense of power or control over their lives, while others may be searching for spiritual meaning or a connection to supernatural forces. Whatever their reasons, it is important for individuals to approach the occult with caution and to be aware of the potential dangers associated with these practices.

In some cases, people may be drawn to the occult as a form of rebellion against mainstream religion or society. The occult has often been associated with counterculture movements, particularly in youth subcultures such as goth or punk.

The occult is a wide range of practices that are considered fascinating and a source of spiritual knowledge to those who dabble in it. However, for Christians, these practices are viewed as deeply evil and spirit-threatening. The occult includes practices such as alchemy, astrology, divination, sorcery, and Witchcraft (Black Magic). Satan is a deceiver who tempts and devours human souls, and the occult is one of the ways he draws people away from knowing Christ.

While some may view the occult as harmless, Christians see it as a dangerous spiritual threat. The occult is a form of rebellion against mainstream society and its norms, and it can lead to the destruction of one’s spirit. The use of objects like crystals and crystal balls, as well as practices like fortune-telling, horoscopes, and Tarot Card reading, are viewed as tools of the devil. Christians believe that only God has the power to know the future and reveal it to us.

Other practices, such as talking to dead spirits or conducting seances, are seen as attempts to communicate with the dead, which goes against the teachings of Christianity. Christians believe that death is final and that there is no communication with the dead. Additionally, practices like paganism, spiritualism, and Wicca (White Witchcraft) are viewed as idolatrous and go against the teachings of the Bible.

The occult has been used as a means of rebellion against mainstream society, particularly for those who feel marginalized or rejected by society. However, this rebellion comes at a great cost. Involvement in the occult can lead to spiritual, emotional, and physical harm, as well as the loss of one’s connection with God.

Christians believe that the only way to combat the dangers of the occult is through spiritual warfare. Satan and his followers use deception to draw people away from God and into darkness, but Christians can resist these temptations by relying on the power of God. The Bible teaches that Christians should put on the full armor of God to protect themselves from the attacks of the devil. This includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.

The interest in the occult is due to several factors. Firstly, some churches have diluted the central teachings of Christ, leaving a spiritual void that invites people to seek alternative sources of fulfillment. This creates an opening for occult practices to attract new followers. Secondly, the enigmatic nature of the occult appeals to our sense of curiosity. People who perceive the occult as harmless can get easily drawn into its practices and become trapped without realizing the harmful effects. Thirdly, humans seek answers to life’s fundamental questions, and the occult offers a distorted version of reality that provides these answers. However, these practices are a fraudulent representation of God’s power, and although they can reveal incredible things, they are not the ultimate truth. Lastly, with the end times approaching, it is expected that demonic activity will increase as a warning sign (see Mark 13:22; 1 Timothy 4:1).

The occult is a field that can be intentionally misleading and filled with inaccuracies, often for financial gain. Additionally, some people will believe anything that fits their desires or is fascinating, regardless of the facts. However, the danger of true demonic deception is also present. The Bible teaches that a deceitful and harmful spirit world exists that distorts reality and destroys lives. Despite fraudulent practices, Christians must acknowledge that the occult is a real phenomenon. The Bible gives evidence of its existence, such as Saul’s encounter with the medium of Endor (1 Sm 28). It is essential not to disregard this reality, as the adversary of God is also very real.

The Bible is clear that involvement in the occult is involvement in the devil’s works, which is seen in First John 3:8 stating that “The one who commits sin is of the Devil, for the Devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God was revealed for this purpose: to destroy the Devil’s works.” Therefore, Christians must remember that all occultic practices are denounced in the Bible (see Dt 18:9-14; Acts 13:6-12) and can lead to serious spiritual and psychological outcomes. The path to the occult may seem fascinating and harmless, but it is always destructive. On the other hand, the path to Christ may be narrow but it always leads to eternal life.

In conclusion, the occult is a wide range of practices that are viewed as dangerous and evil by Christians. These practices are seen as a form of rebellion against mainstream society and a threat to one’s spiritual well-being. Christians believe that the only way to combat the dangers of the occult is through spiritual warfare and relying on the power of God. It is important for Christians to stay vigilant and resist the temptation to dabble in the occult, as the consequences can be severe.