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While reading tonight I came across an essay that discussed whether or not the conventional definition of the term occult was still valid.

The word occult comes from latin meaning hidden. The essay argues that since the use of the supernatural is now not hidden, it is no longer occult. And, the meaning of the word has changed.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/occult1.htm

My question is: Do you agree with this belief. If so, why do you agree?

we do not know everything about the occult so in a way much of it is still esoteric so I would say no I do not agree

Yes, it depends on what you consider occult, definition aside. Is it the study of beliefs and practices that aren't accepted by the mainstream population? Then no.

Is it the practice of a non-mainstream religion (like Druids, Wiccans, etc.)? Then I'd say yes.There are so many religions and groups now that would be considered Heretic even 150 years ago that the definition as it relates to religion is no longer valid in my opinion.

Yes, the word occult still has some meaning, however, I doubt the word will fall into disuse, like so many other obsolete terms. I think people will continue to call it occult, however the meaning of the word will change.

It's on the same lines as New Wave. We all know what type of music that is, but back then they called it New Wave, which nowadays is 'old wave', but is still called New Wave, because that's what we got used to calling it.

To the general public it is being buried in the "metaphysical." It takes a personal connection to become a knower of the secret. To all others it is merely secret knowledge. There will always be the difference and the true meaning of the occult.

Really, I have no idea about what occult is supossed to be again(that all changes well as politics), so I really cant comment this in a way, sorry.

In the sense of what we talk about here, no none of the basics are occult anymore.

But there are still many, many things that remain hidden for many reasons.

the occult is still alive..there are still underground occults with beliefs and practices that the public mainstram does not go by nor know about.

Trivia...

the website you are referring to is biased... so take what is mentioned on there with a grain of salt...

as for me.. I do not believe that the meaning has changed due to the fact that there are many hidden societies and organizations.. but thanks to hollywood... the numbers of what has remained "hidden" have changed...

Extreme

I realize the web site is biased. I was just interested in what they said about the meaning of the word no longer being valid.

It is fascinating to me that we overuse words. It was mentioned above about the word New Wave.

But, my original question was answered very well here already. The occult must still exist when there are groups who practdice in secret.

And, while the meaning of the word may have changed to mainstream society, to some it is alive and well hidden.

True... it is still used, but I don't agree that the meaning of the word has changed.

The occult still exists.

However, terms do adapt and change meaning throughout time, so the meaning of terms like witchcraft and such are to be considered in historical context. E.g. Pharmacia is latin for witchcraft... so forth and so on.

i absolutly agree with that the words meaning has been invalid for some time now that its becoming more known and socially acceptable it isnt hidden its just not talked about with everyone its not shealtered or taken but its out there so i guess we have to find another word lol

yes it still exist, as untill the mind of poeple open up fully, then there will always be a aprt that will be hiden willingly or without wanting to as al the knowledge of the occult sciences are still a constant quest and in progress.

ChartreuseDreams
Wanted to thank you for deciding to humor us as you have with your information. It was a good read. Everything but the first line. That was arrogant.... You still write very well.

Is the occult still alive and strong. YEP it sure is. Not too long ago I was in a group that that meet two times a month. That is considered study of the occult. Well, let me tell you that it is there. If you have not witnessed some of the things that happen in a gathering you are surely missing out.

lots of terms could use updating .. some got a bad rep after the days of witch-hunts.

The term occult will always be in use... as with many other terminology, they change and are adapted in many ways... but Ch. Dreams put it beautifully.

I would have to agree with this belief. Back in the day, it may have been an occult. It was secretive and was not socially accepted. If you were to say you saw things, or talked about potions or spells, you'd be committed. Now, it's if you don't see things or hear things, you're the abnormal. Paranormal groups have been around for ages. When tehy were hidden from "normies" they were occults. Now, since they are in our day to day lives, people who were known in occults are being recognized as "living a lifestyle". So yes, I agree with this belief.

I think the Occult is more alive today than it has ever been. More people are looking for new and different beliefs. The Occult offers many choices for a person to choose. Hop onto Ebay, for instance, and type in Occult, Wiccan, or Pagan. You will be amazed at the amount of literature, alter tools, spells, ritual items, etc.

I didn't think Occult would still be a valid term.
Since It's supposed to broadly symbalize all pagan and arcane beliefs.

But then again.....Perhaps....That's only a perception. Pagans are still a much hated group......Who knows why though.

But Atheists are even more hated.........

I think This world has a long way to go before Religious Tolerance is achieved.