Occult

High school (ages 12+)
Philosophy & Big Questions

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/occult

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the academic field?Modern scholarly research categorizes occultism within the field of Western esotericism studies
2. What is the contemporary cultural synthesis?The intersection of occult themes and popular culture is termed 'occulture'
3. What does the word "occult" mean?Occult means hidden or secret knowledge. It includes ideas like magic, mysticism, and extrasensory perception.
4. What kinds of activities are part of the occult?The occult has many activities, such as magic rituals, meditation, astrology, alchemy, and using Tarot cards for divination.

Esotericism: Teachings or practices intended for or understood by a select group possessing special knowledge.
Parapsychology: The study of alleged psychic phenomena and other paranormal claims.
Occultism: A broad category of esoteric currents and traditions that emerged in the mid-19th century and their descendants.