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OCCULT SCIENCES – MEANING AND HISTORICAL INTERPRETATION

Occult Sciences - Meaning and Historical Interpretation

The occult is a category of esoteric and supernatural beliefs and practices, encompassing phenomena involving a ‘hidden’ or ‘secret’ agency, such as magic and mysticism.

It can also refer to paranormal ideas such as extra-sensory perception and parapsychology.

The Occult, from the Latin word occultus, meaning “clandestine”, “hidden”, “secret”, is defined as “knowledge of the hidden”.

In common usage, occult refers to “knowledge of the paranormal”, as opposed to “knowledge of the measurable”, usually referred to as science. The words esoteric and arcane are sometimes used to describe the occult, although they do not have the same meaning.

The term “occult sciences” is often used in a broad and sometimes vague way, and the practices and beliefs associated with it can vary widely, often concerned with knowledge that is considered beyond the scope of mainstream science or common understanding.

It was used in 16th-century Europe to refer to astrology, alchemy, and natural magic, although the concept is present all over the world since immemorial times.

The term “occultism” emerged in 19th-century France and became associated with various esoteric groups and traditions.

It generally refers to a collection of practices and beliefs that explore hidden knowledge, unseen forces and dimensions, with the three major branches traditionally being alchemy, astrology and magic.

While these sciences have long been shrouded in secrecy, they have played a profound role in shaping philosophical thought, mystical practices, and even early scientific inquiry.

Often misunderstood or dismissed as superstition, these sciences have played a significant role in human history, blending philosophy and practical wisdom.

Many occult practices are rooted in esoteric traditions, which are characterized by their focus on inner knowledge and understanding.

The 3 Main Occult Sciences:

Alchemy: The practice of transforming base metals into gold and seeking the elixir of life.

Astrology: The study of the influence of celestial bodies on human affairs and events.

Natural Magic (Magia Naturalis): The use of rituals, incantations and practices to influence events or achieve specific outcomes, harnessing the powers of nature.

Other branches of Occult sciences are:

Numerology: the belief in an occult, divine or mystical relationship between a number and one or more coinciding events.

Divination: the practice of seeking knowledge or predicting the future through various methods, such as cartomancy, scrying or palmistry.

Spiritualism: the belief in communication with the spirits of the dead.

Witchcraft: the practice of using magic, often with a focus on nature and healing.

Hermeticism: a system that emphasizes the importance of knowledge and wisdom, often associated with ancient Greek and Egyptian traditions.

Kabbalah: a Jewish mystical tradition that explores the hidden nature of the divine and the universe.

Let’s explore these concepts in detail:

1. Alchemy: The Sacred Art of Transformation

Alchemy is one of the oldest and most profound occult sciences, rooted in ancient Egypt, Greece, India and later flourishing in the Islamic Golden Age and medieval Europe. Alchemists sought to transform base metals into gold and discover the philosopher’s stone, a legendary substance believed to grant immortality.

It carried deep symbolic meanings tied to personal transformation, enlightenment and inner purification. Figures such as Paracelsus and Nicholas Flamel contributed heavily to this field, blending chemistry with mysticism.

The alchemical process mirrors the stages of inner growth: calcination (breaking down ego), dissolution (facing the unconscious), coagulation (integration of opposites).

While modern science emerged from alchemy’s experimental methods, its symbolic depth remains relevant for seekers of self-realization.

2. Astrology: Mapping the Cosmic Blueprint

Astrology traces its origins to Babylonian star charts and Jyotish Vedic Astrology, and gained prominence mostly in Mediterranean and Asian cultures.

By observing celestial bodies and their movements, astrologers believed they could predict events, understand personality traits, and guide decision-making.

The zodiac system, planetary alignments, and horoscopes are some of the enduring legacies of astrology.

Modern astrology has evolved to include psychological insights, often used for self-reflection and guidance.

3. Natural Magic (Magia Naturalis):

Natural magic deals with natural forces directly, as opposed to ceremonial magic which deals with the summoning of spirits. Natural magic makes use of physical substances from the natural world, such as stones or herbs.

It includes disciplines that we would today consider fields of natural science, such as chemistry and botany.

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa discusses natural magic in his Three Books of Occult Philosophy (1533), where he calls it “nothing else but the highest power of natural sciences”.

Magia Naturalis (in English, Natural Magic) is a work of popular science by Giambattista della Porta first published in Naples in 1558.

Its twenty books include observations upon geology, optics, medicines, poisons, cooking, metallurgy, magnetism, cosmetics, perfumes, gunpowder and invisible writing.

Other branches are:

Numerology: The Language and Power of Numbers

Numerology is the study of numbers and their mystical significance. It suggests that numbers hold vibrational frequencies that influence life patterns, character traits, and future events. Each number is believed to have symbolic meaning, with calculations such as life path numbers or destiny numbers serving as tools for insight and guidance.

For example, the number 1 signifies independence and leadership, while 7 embodies introspection and wisdom.

Divination: The Art of Revelation and Seeking Hidden Truths

Divination is a broad category encompassing methods like tarot reading, scrying, I Ching, and runes. Practitioners use symbolic tools and intuition to uncover hidden truths or foresee potential outcomes. Tarot, in particular, has grown in popularity due to its rich imagery and capacity to offer revelations.

Each method relies on symbolic language that taps into the subconscious, offering intuitive guidance.

In Hebrew, “Nachash” means “serpent” or “snake”, and is associated with divination, and is also used to describe the serpent in the Garden of Eden.

Spiritualism

Spiritualism was popular in the 19th and 20th centuries, according to which an individual’s awareness persists after death and may be contacted by the living.

The afterlife, or “spirit world”, is seen by spiritualists not as a static place, but as one in which spirits continue to interact and evolve.

These two beliefs—that contact with spirits is possible, and that spirits are more advanced than humans—lead spiritualists to believe that spirits are capable of advising the living on moral and ethical issues and the nature of God.

Witchcraft

Witchcraft is the use of alleged supernatural powers or magic by a person called a witch.

Traditionally, “witchcraft” means the use of magic to inflict harm or misfortune on others, and this remains the most common and widespread meaning.

Many indigenous belief systems that include the concept of witchcraft likewise define witches as malevolent, and seek healers (such as medicine people and witch doctors) to ward-off and undo bewitchment.

The reality is that there are “white witches”, practitioners who focus on benevolent magic, using their abilities for healing, protection, and positive energy, and “black witches”, who are associated with harmful magic.

Hermeticism

Hermeticism is a philosophical and religious tradition based on the writings attributed to the legendary figure of Hermes Trismegistus, encompassing occultism, magic, and a search for ancient wisdom, with roots in ancient Greek and Egyptian traditions and influential during the Renaissance. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of the universe and the potential for human growth through understanding and interacting with natural laws.

The Kabbalah: Sacred Mystical Wisdom

Stemming from Jewish esotericism, it is focused on the structure of the universe, the soul’s journey and the nature of God.

Kabbalistic teachings use sacred texts like the Zohar to unlock deeper mystical truths. The Tree of Life, a core symbol in Kabbalistic practice, maps out divine energies and paths of wisdom and enlightenment.

Zahir and Sufism

Ẓāhir is an Arabic term for what is external and manifest. Certain esoteric interpretations of Islam maintain that the Quran has an exoteric or apparent meaning, known as zahir, but also an underlying esoteric meaning, known as batin, which can be interpreted only by a figure of esoteric knowledge.

In Sufism, the actions of an individual are the zahir, and the intention in the heart is the batin. Zahir is the world of bodies whereas batin is the world of souls.

The zahir (exoteric) form and the batin (esoteric) essence co-exist, in that the zahir form is the manifestation of the batin essence. The zahir (outer form) without the batin (essence) is just like a mirage or an illusion.

Throughout history, these occult sciences have influenced art, literature, scientific thought and personal growth. Renaissance thinkers merged esoteric knowledge with scientific ideas.

These principles also shaped many influential occult societies.

They have endured for centuries because they speak to the universal human desire for meaning, transformation, and connection with unseen forces.

In modern times, the occult sciences have experienced a resurgence as people seek mystical meaning outside conventional frameworks.

Whether approached as symbolic tools for introspection or as genuine systems of exploration, these disciplines continue to captivate those drawn to the mysteries of existence.

By integrating these timeless practices into your life, you can create a deeply immersive experience that offers both mystical insight and practical wisdom.

While often shrouded in mystery, they reflect a timeless quest for deeper understanding, a journey that transcends the physical world and invites seekers to explore the unseen realms of consciousness and the self.

What do you think of Occult Sciences and what do they represent to you? Do you experiment with any of them? Let us know in the comment section, subscribe and share the post!!!

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Occult Sciences – Meaning and Historical Interpretation


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Links and References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchemy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrology

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermeticism

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_magic

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magia_Naturalis

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numerology

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divination

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabbalah

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serpents_in_the_Bible

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zahir_(Islam)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sufism

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritualism_(movement)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witchcraft

https://thonyc.wordpress.com/2022/02/16/the-demise-of-the-occult-sciences/

PICS:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermes_Trismegistus#/media/File:Hermes_mercurius_trismegistus_siena_cathedral.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermeticism#/media/File:HermesTrismegistusCauc.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchemy#/media/File:Aurora_consurgens_zurich_044_f-21v-44_dragon-pot.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchemy#/media/File:Al-Jaahith_-_African_Arab_Naturalist_-_Basra_-_al_jahiz.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchemy#/media/File:Esoteric_Taijitu.svg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchemy#/media/File:Joseph_Wright_of_Derby_The_Alchemist.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchemy#/media/File:Raimundus_Lullus_alchemic_page.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchemy#/media/File:Fotothek_df_tg_0006104_Theosophie_%5E_Alchemie_%5E_Judentum_%5E_Kabbala.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrology#/media/File:Marcantonio_Raimondi_-_Two_Women_with_the_Signs_of_Libra_and_Scorpio.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrology#/media/File:P._26_’The_Zodiac_Man’_a_diagram_of_a_human_body_and_astrological_symbols_with_instructions_explaining_the_importance_of_astrology_from_a_medical_perspective.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrology#/media/File:Robert_Fludd’s_An_Astrologer_Casting_a_Horoscope_1617.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_astrology#/media/File:Beit_alfa01.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vintage_astrology_dark_blue.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:JYOTISHACHARYA_MUDIT_MISHRA.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinrich_Cornelius_Agrippa#/media/File:Portrait_of_Agrippa_Wellcome_L0000100.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%D0%9B%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%9A%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B0_2.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botany#/media/File:Arabidopsis_thaliana_inflorescencias.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botany#/media/File:Oryza_sativa_-_K%C3%B6hler%E2%80%93s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-232.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_element#/media/File:Leibniz_four_elements.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numerology#/media/File:Agrippan_numerology_table.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divination#/media/File:Rhumsiki_crab_sorceror.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritualism_(movement)#/media/File:Spirit_rappings_coverpage_to_sheet_music_1853.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witchcraft#/media/File:John_William_Waterhouse_-_Magic_Circle.JPG

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabbalah#/media/File:Portae_Lucis_1516.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sufism#/media/File:Tomb_of_Abdul_Qadir_Jilani,_Baghdad.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sufism#/media/File:Six_Sufi_masters.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_occult_symbols#/media/File:Green_lion_consuming_the_sun.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_occult_symbols#/media/File:WLA_vanda_Vishnu_as_the_Cosmic_Man.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_occult_symbols#/media/File:Squaring_the_circle.jpg

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-books-library-magic-8404320

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-priest-occult-religion-8644753

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-trial-witch-fantasy-8649795

https://pixabay.com/photos/crystal-ball-fortune-telling-ball-8392380

https://pixabay.com/photos/fortune-telling-tarot-to-come-up-4896472

https://pixabay.com/photos/mural-painting-wall-painting-art-2796296

https://pixabay.com/photos/girl-dress-building-ruins-5477610

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchemy#/media/File:Splendor_Solis_22_sun_rising_over_city.jpg

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Cycles of Time in Vedic Cosmology – The 4 Yugas – Part 1

Cycles of Time in Vedic Cosmology - The 4 Yugas - Part 1

Hindu Vedic texts describe four Yugas (world ages) in a Yuga Cycle—Krita (Satya) Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga—where, starting in order from the first age, each Yuga’s length decreases by one-fourth (25%), giving proportions of 4:3:2:1

As a Yuga Cycle progresses through the four Yugas, each Yuga’s length and humanity’s general moral and physical state within each Yuga decrease by one-fourth.

Each Yuga is characterized by varying degrees of virtue and vice, wisdom and ignorance, and dharma (righteousness) and adharma (unrighteousness).

1. Satya Yuga (The Age of Truth)

Satya Yuga, also known as the Golden Age or the Age of Truth, is the first and most revered of the Yugas. It is characterized by a time of truth, virtue, and divine presence. In this era, humanity is said to live in harmony with the divine, and righteousness prevails. The divine essence is fully manifest, and people are endowed with immense wisdom and spiritual purity. The moral and ethical standards are at their highest, and there is no need for religious practices or rituals since truth and righteousness are innate.

In this age, the human lifespan is said to be the longest, and there is no suffering or conflict. The concept of Dharma is fully realized, and the divine is perceived directly by all. The natural world is in its prime, reflecting the purity and perfection of this age.

2. Treta Yuga (The Age of Treta)

Following Satya Yuga is Treta Yuga, often referred to as the Silver Age. This period marks a gradual decline in virtue and an increase in the need for religious practices and rituals to maintain Dharma. Although righteousness still prevails, it is somewhat diminished compared to the previous age. In Treta Yuga, humanity begins to experience the emergence of moral and spiritual decay.

In this era, the lifespan of human beings decreases, and the divine presence becomes less direct. The need for sacrifices, rituals, and religious observances arises to uphold Dharma and compensate for the growing imperfections. The epic Ramayana is set in Treta Yuga, reflecting the narrative of divine intervention and the heroic struggle to restore righteousness.

3. Dwapara Yuga (The Age of Dwapara)

Dwapara Yuga, or the Bronze Age, represents a further decline in the moral and spiritual quality of humanity. During this age, virtue and righteousness are significantly diminished, and the human experience becomes more fraught with conflict and suffering. Dharma and adharma are in constant flux, and the balance between them becomes more precarious.

In Dwapara Yuga, the lifespan of human beings continues to decrease, and religious practices become more complex and ritualistic. The Mahabharata, another epic of the Vedic tradition, is set in this age, depicting the moral and ethical challenges faced by individuals and societies. The epic highlights the role of divine intervention and the consequences of human actions in the struggle to restore righteousness.

4. Kali Yuga (The Age of Darkness)

The final Yuga is Kali Yuga, often referred to as the Age of Darkness or the Iron Age. This era is characterized by the greatest decline in virtue and the predominance of adharma. In Kali Yuga, humanity experiences the greatest suffering, ignorance, and moral corruption. The divine presence is least apparent, and the human lifespan is the shortest.

The principles of Dharma are greatly obscured, and the world is marked by conflict, deceit, and chaos. Religious practices become increasingly necessary as a means to combat the pervasive ignorance and evil. Kali Yuga is believed to be the current age, and according to tradition, it will eventually lead to the end of the cosmic cycle, after which a new cycle of Satya Yuga will begin.

What do you think about the 4 Yugas of Vedic Cosmology? Post your comments below and share the post!!!


Video version here:

Cycles of Time in Vedic Cosmology – The 4 Yugas – Part 1


Interesting sources, additional info, images, credits, attributions and other points of views here:

Elemental Energy and how to use it, check our course here: https://www.udemy.com/course/elemental-energy-for-success-and-well-being/?referralCode=A680413E03BEAD96E744

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Websites:

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http://lennyblandino.com/

https://www.staciebronson.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1372429986896515


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuga_cycle

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swami_Sri_Yukteswar_Giri

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satya_Yuga

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kali_Yuga

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dvapara_Yuga

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treta_Yuga

http://veda.wikidot.com/vedic-time-system#toc8

https://www.historicmysteries.com/myths-legends/kali-yuga/36125/

https://www.bibhudevmisra.com/2012/07/end-of-kali-yuga-in-2025-unraveling.html?m=0

https://www.dwapara-yuga.org

https://maypoleofwisdom.com/law-of-the-4-ages/

https://twospiritsonesoul.com/blog/are-we-living-in-the-kali-yuga

PICS:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Four_Yugas_of_Hindu_Eschatology.svg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Yugas.png

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Yuga_Cycle.png

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:4_yugas.PNG

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Yugas-Ages-based-on-Sri-Yukteswar_af.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kalki_(centre).jpg

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-hindu-style-goddess-8670920

The four ages of Hindu cosmology (Peter Hermes Furian / Adobe Stock)

https://www.reddit.com/r/hinduism/comments/14lupco/which_of_the_yuga_cycle_model_between_these_two/

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-suffering-hell-dante-8425585

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Motion_of_Sun,_Earth_and_Moon_around_the_Milky_Way.jpg