Occultism, << uh KUHL tihz uhm, >> is a term that refers to a wide range of beliefs and practices involving magical, secret, or unseen forces. Occultism includes astrology, fortunetelling, magic, and spiritualism—the belief that spirits of the dead communicate with the living. People who believe in occultism consider it to be based on hidden knowledge that ordinary people do not have.
Some scientists reject all occult practices. Others believe in telepathy, extrasensory perception (ESP), and certain other powers, which they call paranormal (outside normal awareness). Opinion regarding some practices has changed through the years. Until the late 1800’s, for example, most scientists considered hypnosis an occult practice. However, many scientists accept hypnosis today and use it in medicine and psychology.
Since the mid-1900’s, there has been a widespread revival of occultism in the Western world, including Europe, where occult belief and practice date back hundreds of years. Today, occultism is also common in isolated, nonindustrial societies throughout the world.
