The whole of beliefs, knowledge and practices known as "the occult" could be with every reason regarded as the beginnings of the modern day sciences. Alchemy was the direct ancestor of chemistry, astrology the forerunner of astronomy, magnetism the predecessor of hypnotism; medicine evolved from magic, zoology from crude medieval bestiaries and mineralogy from primitive crystal mysticism. We can also trace many of the early processes of philosophy, psychology and theology to these same unorthodox roots.

Science has barely scratched the surface of human knowledge. It is slow and ponderous, being by nature cautious and skeptical. Just a generation ago it was fashionable to mock and sneer at the occult sciences. Today, men of science have placed them under a microscope as subjects fit for the most scrutinizing and careful examination. The results of their analysis over the past 50 years, if it hasn't broken the barrier between men and the supernatural, at least served to enable us to see things with a clearer vision, to open our minds and to regard such research with more tolerance.

Ghostly visions are proven to happen, whatever their nature may be, hallucinatory or otherwise; the manufacturing of gold has been achieved, if only in small quantities; mind powers have been researched and studied by different countries and government agencies; the existence of extraterrestrial life is believed by over half of the world's population and hypnotism is being utilized in ordinary medical practice.

It is not our wish to promote or discredit beliefs about any of the subjects that encompass the so called 'occult sciences,' but only to inform as for the meaning of the words, terms, definitions and concepts of it. We can only hope it will enlighten and perhaps even entertain some of the cyber pilgrims that wonder in here...

We will not pretend that this online encyclopedia covers all of the thousands ― maybe millions  ―  of words, topics and fields that could be included in an occult and paranormal encyclopedia...

 

Getting Started

Occultopedia is an A to Z encyclopedia of metaphysical, curious and supernatural people, things, practices and events; an online treasury of unusual, occult and secret knowledge and information. Access it alphabetically....

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

Or browse the information about a particular subject using our category listing. Other Occultopedia features include a local search engine, a Virtual Shopping Mall and an Occult Shop where you can find occult related products and more. Get thousands of new age and metaphysical titles at Higher Learning, Occultopedia's book store. Breathtaking New Age poster and print designs for your home, office or place of business are available at Occultopedia's New Age Posters and Art Prints Shop.

To get the latest on what's going on around the world in the occult, science, spiritual and paranormal scene, check our occult, strange and paranormal news page.