Occult

The word occult comes from Latin occultus (hidden), referring to supposed secret or hidden knowledge of the supernatural. See occultism.

Many (especially conservative Christians) use it to refer many practices which they disapprove of but which those who participate in it do not consider occult (Dungeons & Dragons, heavy metal music, even sometimes Catholicism!).

Even for those who do consider what they are doing occult (e.g. ceremonial magicians, Satanists, etc.), their beliefs and practices are normally far from being secret or hidden, being found very easily (in books or on the Internet).

See also:

• Esotericism
• Gnosticism
• Hermeticism