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Occultist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ฎ
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occultist

[ษ™หˆkสŒltษชst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

belief system

A person who believes in the study of hidden knowledge or supernatural powers beyond the realm of ordinary human understanding.

Synonyms

magician, mystic, sorcerer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
occultist

An individual interested in hidden or mystical knowledge and practices, often associated with the supernatural or mystical traditions.

  • She was known as an occultist, studying ancient texts and conducting rituals.
mystic

A person who seeks to attain a direct, intimate union with the divine or absolute, often through meditation and contemplation.

  • The mystic spent years in meditation, seeking a deeper understanding of the universe.
magician

Someone who performs magic tricks for entertainment purposes, often in front of an audience.

  • The magician pulled a rabbit out of his hat, leaving the audience in awe.
sorcerer

A person who practices magic with the intent of influencing events, often depicted as using spells or enchantments; sometimes has a negative or dark connotation.

  • The village feared the sorcerer who was rumored to cast curses on his enemies.

Examples of usage

  • The occultist spent hours delving into ancient texts seeking hidden truths.
  • She consulted with an occultist to gain insight into her dreams.
Context #2 | Noun

religion

A member of a group or community that practices occultism or esoteric spiritual beliefs.

Synonyms

medium, mystic, seer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
occultist

An occultist is someone who practices or studies mystical or hidden knowledge, often related to the supernatural, magic, and the esoteric. They usually delve into secretive or obscure practices.

  • The famous occultist performed rituals that few understood.
  • As an occultist, she was deeply involved in the study of ancient texts and alchemy.
mystic

A mystic is someone who seeks a direct and personal experience with the divine or spiritual truths through contemplation and self-surrender. Mystics are often associated with profound religious or spiritual experiences.

  • The mystic devoted his life to meditation and seeking union with the divine.
  • In her writings, the mystic described visions of celestial beings.
medium

A medium is a person who claims to communicate with spirits of the dead. This word is often used in the context of sรฉances or spiritualist gatherings.

  • The medium held a sรฉance to help the family connect with their deceased relatives.
  • She works as a medium, helping people to get messages from the afterlife.
seer

A seer is a person who is believed to be able to see into the future or have special insight, often through supernatural means. This term is frequently associated with prophecies and visions.

  • The ancient seer predicted the rise and fall of many kingdoms.
  • As a child, she was known as a seer who could foresee future events.

Examples of usage

  • The occultist performed rituals to connect with spiritual entities.
  • Many occultists believe in the power of divination.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • Various cultures have their own interpretations of the occult, from ancient Egyptian magic practices to the Kabbalah in Jewish mysticism.
  • The Renaissance period saw a revival of occult practices in Europe, blending science with mysticism.
  • Contemporary interest in the occult has surged in popular culture, influencing movies, books, and music, often presenting it as glamorous or thrilling.

Psychology

  • Occult practices can evoke feelings of curiosity and wonder but may also involve psychological elements of belief and perception.
  • Individuals drawn to the occult may seek answers to life's big questions, exploring what lies beyond conventional understanding.
  • Research suggests engagement with occult beliefs can fulfill psychological needs, including a search for control and certainty in life.

History

  • In the 19th century, the Theosophical Society promoted exploring mystical philosophies and brought attention to occult practices.
  • The rise of modern psychology in the 20th century began to dissect the influences of occultism on mental health and societal norms.
  • Notable figures, like Aleister Crowley, shaped contemporary understandings of the occult through their writings and practices.

Origin of 'occultist'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'occult' originates from the Latin word 'occultus', meaning 'hidden' or 'secret'.
  • Historically, the word described anything that was concealed from the ordinary view, not just in a mystical context.
  • The modern sense often links to spiritual and magical studies, relating to a rich tradition of mystical thought.

The term 'occultist' originated from the Latin word 'occultus,' meaning hidden or secret. It gained popularity in the 19th century with the rise of spiritualism and theosophy. Occultists are often associated with practices such as divination, alchemy, and ritual magic, seeking to uncover hidden knowledge and spiritual truths.

See also: occultation, occultism.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,939, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.