occultistes

Occultistes are practitioners or scholars of occultism, a broad field oriented toward hidden or esoteric knowledge about the nature of reality, the soul, and the forces shaping the world. The term covers a wide range of traditions and practices, including alchemy, astrology, Hermeticism, Kabbalah, magic and ritual, divination, and various streams of mysticism and esotericism. In contemporary usage, an occultiste may engage in study, practice, or both, rather than subscribing to any single dogma.

Historically, occultism has roots in ancient and medieval traditions and was associated with learned circles that claimed access to concealed truths. In the early modern period, authorities often suppressed occultist activity, while in the 19th and 20th centuries it underwent revivals through movements such as Theosophy, ceremonial magic, and various esoteric orders. The term encompasses both private seekers and organized groups, and it has influenced literature, philosophy, and art.

Common practices linked to occultistes include studying correspondences between macrocosm and microcosm, performing rituals, working with talismans or symbols, alchemical symbolism, meditation, astral projection, and divination methods such as tarot or astrology. In academic settings, occultism is examined as a historical and cultural phenomenon within esotericism, highlighting how hidden knowledge has shaped religious and spiritual landscapes while remaining controversial or contested.