Occultism is a term that encompasses various practices, beliefs, and rituals that involve the supernatural or hidden knowledge. It refers to the study of the hidden or secret aspects of reality that cannot be easily explained by science or conventional understanding. **The main idea behind occultism is the pursuit of knowledge and power beyond the limitations of ordinary human experience**. One of the key aspects of occultism is the belief in the existence of supernatural forces or entities that can be tapped into for personal gain or spiritual enlightenment. This can involve practices such as divination, astrology, tarot reading, and spirit communication. **The main idea here is that through the use of these practices, individuals can gain insights into the hidden aspects of reality and access higher levels of consciousness**.
When you come into the land which the Lord your God gives you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination, a soothsayer, or an augur (that is, an enchanter, one who looks for and uses omens), or a sorcerer, or a charmer, or a medium, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord; and because of these abominable practices the Lord your God is driving them out before you.
For example, when the king of Moab sent to Balaam money for divination, as it says in Numbers 22 7, his aim was not merely to find out if Israel was going to conquer his land; his aim was to have Balaam pronounce a curse on Israel by his magic arts. I am assuming that the church makes a grave mistake when it says that supra-natural phenomena are restricted to another age or that only godly people can work miracles.
**The main idea here is that through the use of these practices, individuals can gain insights into the hidden aspects of reality and access higher levels of consciousness**. Occultism also involves the exploration of ancient wisdom and esoteric traditions, such as alchemy, Hermeticism, and Kabbalah. These traditions emphasize the interconnectedness of all things and the achievement of spiritual transformation through understanding the fundamental nature of reality.
The Warren's Occult Museum
Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren operated for decades as the preeminent voices in the believer community, and their strange career of ghost-hunting and demon-busting is on display in their very own Occult Museum.
Open since 1952, when the Warrens founded the New England Society for Psychic Research, the ever-expanding collection of knick-knacks and artifacts that had been touched by evil is kept in the basement of their own home. When they weren’t delving into high-profile cases of demonic mischief as the Amityville haunting (the murderer who claimed demonic possession as his defense) and the exorcism of the witch Bathsheba (a case which was most recently portrayed in the film, The Conjuring, which also featured a version of the museum), the Warrens were popular lecturers in their day. Throughout these cases, the Warrens collected trinkets and totems they claimed were defiled by evil, locking them in the museum to keep them safe from the public.
The eccentric collection contains everything from an alleged vampire’s coffin to a child’s tombstone used as a satanic altar. Death curses, demon masks, and psychic photographs line the museum’s walls accented by a Halloween store’s bounty of plastic props (assumedly for mood). However, the most prevalent item seems to be the cursed Raggedy Ann doll by the name of Annabelle, which was said to have killed a man. Annabelle sits in her glass case, backlit by a haunting red light.
Looking at the Warrens’ collection, one might begin to think that Hell has a thing for dolls.
Unfortunately, Ed Warren passed away in 2006, but Lorraine Warren and their son still attend the museum. Whether or not one believes in the paranormal, the Warrens’ Occult Museum may be one of the preeminent chronicles of modern culture’s obsession with the supernatural. Of course, it could also be just a spooky collection of stuff in an older woman’s basement.
Update March 2018: The museum is currently closed while looking for a new location due to zoning issues.
Update June 2019: Lorraine Warren died April 18, 2019, and the museum has closed.
Know Before You Go
You cannot tour in person. There are special events and you can purchase or rent a video tour of the collection.
Therefore, it seems to me to be a clear teaching of Scripture that God's people should not be involved in any practices of the occult—practices which involve dealings with the world of spirits or supra-normal forces which are not oriented on Jesus as he is revealed in the Bible.
**The main idea here is that through the study and application of these ancient teachings, individuals can unlock their true potential and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them**. It is important to note that occultism is not limited to any particular religious or spiritual belief system. **The main idea is that occultism can be practiced by individuals of different religious backgrounds or those who do not adhere to any specific religion. It is a personal journey of exploration and discovery**. Occultism has often been associated with secrecy and mystery, partly due to its esoteric nature and the historical persecution of those deemed to be involved in occult practices. However, in modern times, there is a growing interest and acceptance of occultism as a legitimate field of study and practice. **The main idea is that occultism is becoming more openly discussed and embraced by individuals seeking alternative paths to personal growth and spiritual fulfillment**. In conclusion, occultism is a vast and diverse field that encompasses a wide range of practices and beliefs. **The main idea is that it is a quest for hidden knowledge, spiritual enlightenment, and personal empowerment beyond the boundaries of conventional understanding**. Whether one is exploring ancient traditions, practicing divination, or delving into the mysteries of the universe, occultism offers a unique perspective on the nature of reality and the potential for personal transformation..
Reviews for "The Presence of Evil: Examining the Dark Side of Occultism"
1. John - 2/5
"Exhibit me occultism" was a disappointment for me. I expected a deep exploration of occult practices and beliefs, but instead, I found a shallow and superficial display of occult symbols and rituals. The exhibit lacked any meaningful context or explanation, leaving me feeling confused and disconnected from what I was seeing. Additionally, the organization of the exhibition was haphazard, making it difficult to follow any sort of logical progression. Overall, I found the experience to be underwhelming and unsatisfying.
2. Emily - 1/5
I cannot express my disappointment enough with "Exhibit me occultism." The whole exhibit felt like a cheap attempt to cash in on the current fascination with occult themes. The artworks were unoriginal and cliché, offering nothing new or thought-provoking. The lack of diversity and representation was also glaringly apparent, as the exhibition failed to showcase the different historical and cultural perspectives on occultism. In the end, it felt like a wasted opportunity to create a meaningful and educational experience.
3. Michael - 2.5/5
"Exhibit me occultism" had a few redeeming qualities, but overall, it did not live up to my expectations. While some of the artworks were visually appealing and well-crafted, they lacked depth and substance. The lack of information and context surrounding each piece left me feeling lost and unsure about their significance. The exhibit also felt disjointed, with no clear theme or narrative tying the works together. Ultimately, I left the exhibition feeling unsatisfied and unenlightened about occultism as a subject.
4. Sarah - 3/5
I had mixed feelings about "Exhibit me occultism." While I appreciated the effort and creativity put into curating the exhibit, it fell short in several aspects. The artworks were intriguing and showed potential, but they lacked proper explanation or interpretation. It was difficult to fully grasp the meaning behind each piece without any context. Additionally, the lack of interactive elements or engaging activities made the exhibition feel static and unengaging. Overall, I was left with a sense of missed opportunities and a desire for more immersive experiences within the exhibit.