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
Anne Marie de Georgel & Catherine Delort are tried for consuming the corpses of newborns in the name of devil worship.
Helena Blavatsky establishes Theosophy which has deep roots in occultism and Eastern philosophies.
William Wynn Westcott, Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, and William Robert Woodman start the order to revive occult practices and literature.
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
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.
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.
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
Philosopher's stone
The stone is believed to be made through alchemy and claimed to have the ability to grant immortal life.
Crystal healing
Some people use crystals therapy to heal wounds and diseases using the positive and negative aura of the crystals.
Gemstones
Occultists believe the power inside gems can be used to heal and empower people.
Athame and banishing rituals
The athame is the knife with a black handle used for banishing rituals.
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
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.
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.
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 |