What is the occult?

Answer

The dictionary defines occult as “hidden, secret, and mysterious, particularly concerning the supernatural.” Examples of occult practices include astrology, witchcraft (Wicca), the black arts, fortune-telling, magic (both black and white), Ouija boards, Tarot cards, spiritism, parapsychology, and Satanism. Throughout history, humans have always shown an interest in the occult, from ancient times to the present day. Occult practices and psychic phenomena have fascinated millions of people globally, and this fascination is not exclusive to the uninformed or uneducated. Various factors contribute to the allure of the occult for everyone, even in our era of technological and scientific advancements.

One reason occult practices attract us is our innate curiosity. Many individuals who dabble in the occult often start with seemingly “harmless” activities like playing with an Ouija board out of mere curiosity. Those who experiment in this manner often find themselves progressively delving deeper into the occult. Regrettably, this kind of involvement is comparable to quicksand—easy to enter but challenging to escape. Another aspect that makes the occult intriguing is its perceived ability to provide swift and effortless answers to life’s inquiries. Astrologers predict your future, Ouija boards and Tarot cards offer guidance, and psychics claim to connect you with deceased relatives who assure you that all is well in the afterlife. Occult practices are influenced by demons who provide just enough information to maintain the interest of their victims while gaining more control over susceptible hearts and minds.

The peril of engaging in occult practices cannot be emphasized enough. God explicitly warned the Israelites against involvement in the occult «And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people. », (Leviticus 20:6). The pagan nations surrounding Israel were deeply involved in divination, sorcery, witchcraft, and spiritism. This is one reason why God granted His people the authority to expel them from the land (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). The New Testament indicates that the growing interest in the occult signifies the end of the age: “The [Holy] Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and teachings inspired by demons” «Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; », (1 Timothy 4:1).

How can we identify the occult and its promoters? An incident involving Paul and Barnabas in the early days of the church provides insight. As they journeyed through the entire island, they arrived in Paphos. There, they encountered a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, who served the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, summoned Barnabas and Saul because he desired to hear the word of God. However, Elymas the sorcerer (whose name means magician) opposed them and attempted to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Then Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on Elymas and rebuked him, saying, ‘You are a child of the devil and an enemy of all that is right! You are filled with all sorts of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord?’” (Acts 13:6-10).

This account reveals several traits of those associated with the occult. They are false prophets (verse 6) who reject fundamental Christian doctrines such as the divinity of Christ, the fall of humanity into sin, heaven, hell, and salvation.Salvation and the atoning work of Christ on the cross. Second, they seek to influence other people, especially those in positions of power, to turn them from the faith (verses 6-7). Third, they do everything in their power to prevent the true gospel of Christ from being spread, opposing His ministers at every turn (verse 8). When the truth of the gospel is curtailed, watered down, or flatly rejected, Satan and his demons rejoice.

There is no mistaking the fact that the occult in all its forms should be avoided. We are to “be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” «Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: », (1 Peter 5:8). Part of being self-controlled and alert is being wise to Satan’s schemes, but not to delve into the details of every occult practice and phenomenon. We are to understand the devil’s ultimate goal—the destruction of our souls—and take the offense by putting on the “full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-18). Only then can we stand firm and extinguish the “flaming arrows” of the evil one.