occultal

Occultal is a rarely used adjective that refers to things relating to the occult or to hidden, esoteric knowledge and practices. In some scholarly and speculative contexts, it is used to emphasize inner or concealed aspects of occult traditions, as opposed to public or exoteric elements.

Etymology and usage: The term derives from the Latin occultus meaning hidden, secret, combined with the English suffix -al. It remains a neologism with limited attestation in major dictionaries and is primarily found in niche writings, speculative fiction, or discussions of esotericism.

Usage notes: Because it is not widely established, readers should beware potential ambiguity with the more common term occult. When used, occultal often functions as a technical descriptor within a larger taxonomy of hidden knowledge, artifacts, or rites. See also occult, esotericism, esoteric, occultation.