Genuine occultism that actually works is a topic that often invokes curiosity, skepticism, and fascination. Occultism refers to a range of practices, beliefs, and knowledge that is hidden or secret. It encompasses various arts, such as astrology, divination, alchemy, spellcraft, and ritual. **The main idea that should be emphasized is that genuine occultism is not a purely fictional or fantastical concept, but rather a practical, experiential, and transformative journey.** It is rooted in the belief that there is more to the world than what meets the eye and that by understanding and harnessing these hidden forces, individuals can bring about changes in their lives. Contrary to popular misconceptions, occultism is not solely about mystical and supernatural abilities, but rather a comprehensive study of the unseen dimensions of reality.
Contrary to popular misconceptions, occultism is not solely about mystical and supernatural abilities, but rather a comprehensive study of the unseen dimensions of reality. It seeks to explore the interconnectedness of the universe, tap into higher levels of consciousness, and unlock the potential hidden within oneself. **One aspect that distinguishes genuine occultism is its focus on personal growth, self-discovery, and spiritual development.
WitchTok: the rise of the occult on social media has eerie parallels with the 16th century
Rebekah King does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
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It’s 1.30am in the morning, and I’m about to watch a duel between magicians. One is a “demonolater”, a word I have never heard before, someone who claims they worship demons and can petition them in return for knowledge or power. The other describes themselves as a “Solomonic magician”, and claims to be able to command demons to do his bidding, as some Jewish and Islamic traditions have believed of King Solomon, who ruled Israel in the 10th century BC.
I first discovered this debate because, in the course of studying 16th century books of magic attributed to Solomon, I had found, to my astonishment, that “Solomonic magic” is still alive and well today, and growing in popularity. Twitter had suggested to me that I might be interested in an account called “Solomonic magic”, and a few clicks later I had found myself immersed in a vast online community of young occultists, tweeting and retweeting the latest theories and controversies, and using TikTok to share their craft.
To my further bemusement, it seemed that the tradition of Solomonic magic had recently faced accusations that its strict and authoritative approach to the command of demons amounted to a form of abuse, akin to domestic violence. As I had made a note in my diary of a public debate that I wanted to attend out of sheer curiosity, it seemed astonishing to be asking myself whether Solomonic magic, the same found in books of necromancy dating back hundreds of years, was on the brink of cancellation in 2021.
At 28, I’m slightly too old to be familiar with the platform Twitch, mostly used for live video streaming, but tonight I’ve managed to get it working for this particular debate. As an atheist, I’m very likely in the minority, though I’m not the only Brit to have turned up in spite of it being such an ungodly hour this side of the pond. The chat box is buzzing as occultists of various stripes arrive to hear the arguments.
My mum would hate this, I can’t help thinking to myself. She didn’t even let me read Harry Potter.
When people ask me what I do, it’s always fun to tell them, “I study magic at Cambridge University.” It’s technically true. I’m researching the representation of magic on the early modern stage, and am interested in the ways in which dangerous, forbidden or “occult” knowledge was theorised by Shakespeare and his contemporaries. My research combines my fascination with the mechanisms of belief with my love of storytelling and the stage. When I’m not researching plays, I’m writing them: I’m an award-winning playwright, whose work has been performed across the UK and abroad.
British painter George Romney was only one of many artists whose imagination was inspired by the three witches in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY
Suspending disbelief is my forte, but actually believing is something I’ve never been very good at. The history of magic fascinates me because it is a history of people – of human faults and foibles, vanities, hopes and needs – rather than because of any genuine investment in the esoteric. This is why I’m here to listen to articulate and likeable young people across the globe discussing theories of knowledge and the supernatural – beliefs to which I myself cannot subscribe.
Even more astonishingly, these Generation Z occultists, with their substantial followings on Twitter and TikTok, are about to debate a form of magic that lies at the heart of my research into Shakespeare’s England.
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** Practitioners understand that genuine occult practices are not quick fixes or shortcuts to material gains, but rather tools for personal transformation. It requires dedication, discipline, and a genuine desire to delve into the depths of one's own being. Another essential element of genuine occultism is a deep respect for the ethical considerations and consequences associated with the use of occult knowledge and practices. True practitioners are cautious and mindful of the potential repercussions of their actions, understanding the karmic effects that may be triggered. It is important to note that genuine occultism does not guarantee immediate or tangible results. The journey into the occult requires patience, perseverance, and the willingness to learn from both successes and failures. It is a path of continuous exploration and growth, where practitioners are encouraged to critically analyze and experiment with different methodologies and approaches to discover what resonates with them. **Ultimately, genuine occultism that works is not about supernatural powers or extravagance, but rather a sincere dedication to self-improvement, spiritual growth, and the exploration of hidden dimensions of reality. It is a journey that requires an open mind, humility, and a genuine desire to seek and understand the mysteries of the universe.**.
Reviews for "Ancient Wisdom, Modern World: Genuine Occultism for the Modern Age"
1. Emily Smith - 2 stars - Although I was initially intrigued by the concept of "Genuine occultism that actually works," I found this book to be a major letdown. The author claims to provide practical and effective occult techniques, but all I found were vague and poorly explained rituals that were hard to follow. The lack of detailed instructions and the overwhelming amount of esoteric jargon made it nearly impossible for a beginner like myself to grasp the concepts. Overall, I felt the book was more about the author showcasing their knowledge rather than actually providing accessible and useful occult practices.
2. John Anderson - 1 star - "Genuine occultism that actually works" was a complete waste of my time and money. The author makes grand promises of practical occult techniques, but fails to deliver on any of them. The book is filled with obscure references and convoluted rituals that seemed more like a fantasy novel than a guide to genuine occultism. I was hoping to find practical advice on how to incorporate occult practices into my daily life, but all I got were confusing and impractical rituals that seemed more like a chore than anything else. Save your money and look for a better book on the subject.
3. Samantha Thompson - 2 stars - As someone who has been interested in occultism for years, I was excited to dive into "Genuine occultism that actually works." However, I was left disappointed and frustrated with this book. The author claims to offer effective techniques, but they were poorly explained and lacked any real substance. The rituals provided were complex and seemed more like a test of patience than a practical approach to occultism. I was hoping for an accessible and informative book that would help me deepen my understanding of the occult, but all I got were vague instructions and a sense of confusion. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone serious about exploring occultism.