Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

MonNov 18

International Occult Day – November 18, 2024

We are observing International Occult Day on November 18. It’s a day to revel in the unknown and delve into the depths of the mysteries that surround us. It aims at looking in the shadows and at the stars to the unknown mystic world. The word occult has a Latin origin, where it means “hidden knowledge” or “the knowledge of the unknown.” The term ‘occult’ now refers to the practices related to mysticism, spirituality, and esoteric arts like alchemy, future sight, healing, supernatural gifts, and many more. Many religions and cultures have some occultic elements. We are dedicating Occult Day to better understanding such concepts.

History of International Occult Day

Occultism is as old as humans. We do not know who or what started it. But we do know that the word was coined somewhere around the 16th century in Europe. The term ‘occult’ refers to practices outside organized religions that have roots in magic, the supernatural, mythical beasts, and magical concoctions. Occult practices also include searching for oneself. The search for the meaning of life, the profane thoughts and messages one ought to feel from deep-dwelling to the inner self, the quest to find spiritual awakening, etc. are all part of occult practices. One might question the relevance of occultism in modern times. But occult factions are still active, and there are more than a million people in the U.S.A. who believe in it. Occultism is fast gaining momentum, just like in the old days. But it is different now. Occult practices are not about world domination through dubious practices. Now it is more about conquering the inner self and finding the truth beyond human comprehension. Or so it is in the general case.

Western occultism has deep roots in macrocosm — microcosm concepts. It emphasizes the connection between human beings and cosmic concepts and structures, both physical and psychological. Through it, people can gain enlightenment and powers beyond their natural state. Such paranormal powers are never proved, but there are always figures in history who claim to have such powers. The most prominent among such people are usually the founders of some religion or major movement. Although prophetic abilities are not a guarantee with occultism, it claims to have some ways to find meaning in a meaningless world. It helps practitioners tap into their full potential, hidden within the soul. Modern occultism is about empowerment.

Modern society considers occultism a pseudoscience. Occult Day, on the other hand, is devoted to dwelling on the mystery of what is unknown. It is a day for experimentation and the discovery of powers that have yet to be sensed and discovered — a day to try to find the full potential of the soul and nature around us.

International Occult Day timeline

1335
The Sabbath Trials

Anne Marie de Georgel & Catherine Delort are tried for consuming the corpses of newborns in the name of devil worship.

1875
Establishment of Theosophy

Helena Blavatsky establishes Theosophy which has deep roots in occultism and Eastern philosophies.

1888
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn

William Wynn Westcott, Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, and William Robert Woodman start the order to revive occult practices and literature.

1922
Builders of the Adytum

Paul Foster Case creates the Builders of Adytum, a society that teaches Hermetic Kabbalah, astrology, and occult tarot.

International Occult Day FAQs

Who was Bridget Bishop?

Bridget Bishop was the first person accused of witchcraft during the Salem witch trials in 1692.

What is the occult and what does it mean?

The occult is a group of supernatural beliefs and practices which fall outside the scope of religion and science. It involves otherworldly agency such as mysticism, spirituality, and magic.

What are some examples of occult practices?

Occult practices include astrology, witchcraft (Wicca), the black arts, fortune-telling, magic (both black and white), Ouija boards, Tarot cards, spiritism, parapsychology, and Satanism.

How to Observe International Occult Day

  1. Read your future

    Find a fortune-teller or a crystal-gazer to read your future. It is best to note down their observations to confirm them in the future.

  2. Try to make contact with the beyond

    Get an Ouija Board or gaze into the mirror at midnight. Try to make contact with the unknown. It is best to have some friends to help.

  3. Remember the witches

    Around 50,000 people were executed in witch hunts in Europe. Take a moment to remember them and their effort to learn occult practices in those dark ages.

5 Facts About Occult Artifacts That Will Interest You

  1. Philosopher's stone

    The stone is believed to be made through alchemy and claimed to have the ability to grant immortal life.

  2. Crystal healing

    Some people use crystals therapy to heal wounds and diseases using the positive and negative aura of the crystals.

  3. Gemstones

    Occultists believe the power inside gems can be used to heal and empower people.

  4. Athame and banishing rituals

    The athame is the knife with a black handle used for banishing rituals.

  5. Wicca and cauldron

    Wicca is a modern pagan religion, and they represent the cauldron as the womb of the goddess.

Why International Occult Day is Important

  1. It makes sense of the senseless

    Some things just would not make sense in this universe even with modern science. On this Occult Day, we can try to consider them as the inner workings of a magically connected world.

  2. We try to understand history

    Medieval western culture is deeply influenced by occult ideologies, literature, and art. To understand occult ideas is to understand parts of history itself.

  3. We want to find another approach

    Our own mind does not obey us sometimes. Use Occult Day to communicate with yourself through a different angle, and let us see if we can hear any messages from deep within ourselves

International Occult Day dates

Year Date Day
2024 November 18 Monday
2025 November 18 Tuesday
2026 November 18 Wednesday
2027 November 18 Thursday
2028 November 18 Saturday