RELIGIOUS STUDIES OF ESOTERICISM AND OCCULT PRACTICES

The terms esotericism and occultism used to be used interchangeably but today they can be separated understanding by esotericism theoretical constructions and by occultism astrological magical alchemical and other practices. Mysticism is presented as a belief in the existence of supernatural forces with which man can communicate and as a religious practice of union with God. Mysticism is distinguished as real mysticism which includes clairvoyance divination partly astrology; and as active mysticism which includes animal magnetism magic theurgy necromancy magic spiritualism and mediumism. The Christian approach to real mysticism is threefold and distinguishes between divine mysticism natural mysticism and demonic mysticism. In religious studies magical rituals ritual actions and incantations are seen as a way of influencing natural and divine forces that can help bring about mystical creation.The collection will be useful for religious studies and philosophical research as well as for practical use by philosophers religious scholars and psychologists.