okulte

Okulte is a term used in several languages to denote what English speakers refer to as the occult—the hidden, secret, or esoteric aspect of knowledge and practice. The word derives from the Latin occultus, meaning hidden or concealed; in many linguistic contexts similar forms appear as adjectives or nouns related to occultism, occult sciences, and mysticism. The spelling okulte may appear as a variant in some languages, though standardized forms differ by language.

Historically and culturally, okulte ideas cover a wide range of beliefs and practices, from alchemy and astrology to magic and spiritualism. In Western history, organized occult movements emerged in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with groups and writers exploring hidden correspondences between the material world and hidden forces. The term also appears in literature, art, and popular culture, where it is used to evoke mystery, secrecy, or arcane knowledge.

Contemporary usage of okulte persists in modern esotericism, neo-paganism, and New Age circles, as well as in fiction, gaming, and music that reference occult themes. In academic discourse, distinctions are drawn between occultism, esotericism, and parapsychology, with critical scholarship examining claims of hidden knowledge and evaluating methodological validity. Overall, okulte denotes a spectrum of ideas about hidden powers, concealed laws of nature, and modes of inquiry beyond mainstream science.