A comprehensive examination of the occult tradition - Term Paper Example

A Comprehensive Examination Of The Occult Tradition The world of literature is really fascinating. People are intrigued by the question as to why we study literature. The answer is simply to educate and enrich the mind with adequate knowledge to assist in handling life problems. Moreover, literature brings diversity into to many areas of study because anything can be critically studied and analyzed (Inge 2008). Therefore, as a result of flexibility of study within literature, the purpose of this study is to give a comprehensive examination of the occult tradition.

The word occult is derived from a Greek word ‘occultus’ meaning knowledge that is hidden or simply paranormal knowledge (Greer 2003). However, this word is only applied by a certain group of people as opposed to all. To the people who practice the art of occultism, it simply refers to a more indepth spiritual reality that advances beyond the physical sciences and pure reason. Therefore, the occult tradition is one with a deep history that has roots in the eastern region of the mediterrenean in the first centuries AD.

In addition, the occult tradition was considered partly synonymous with mystical and esoteric two terminologies which seem alike with religion (Lycourinos 2012).On the other hand, the occult tradition in western civilization were incorporated in a variety of western paths but the systems to occultism still remain rooted to the ancient western beliefs. This is very much visible in a variety of Hollywood movies (Edwards 2005). The movies depict a society practicing dark magic with a lot of spiritualism but these powers are limited to just a few who believe in the acts.

Thus, the occult tradition is universal though beliefs and understanding of the sect is limited in meaning. On the contrary, the occult tradition in literature is widely portrayed through secret societies whereby it is defined as a religion highly treasured and adorned (Martin, 2008). In conclusion, the world of literature is fascinating. It brings flexibility in study. On the contrary, the occult tradition is a set of practices with a hidden meaning only known to just a few. Furthermore, there exists a lot of exploration of the occult tradition in literature as well as films as a result of so many mysteries surrounding the subject.

Finally, the knowledge on occultism is important because it helps us understand the people in the sect and the reasons that lead them in engaging in occultic culture.Works CitedLycourinos, Damon Zacharias. Occult Traditions. 1st ed. [Geelong, vic.]: Numen Books, 2012. Print. Inge, M. Thomas. Literature. 1st ed. Chapel Hill: North Carolina University Press, 2008. Print.Katz, David S. The Occult Tradition. 1st ed. London: 2005. Print. MacDonald, Paul S. The Heterodox And Occult Tradition. 1st ed.

Aldershot [u.a.]: Ashgate, 2007. Print. Greer, John Michael. The New Encyclopedia Of The Occult. MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2003. Print. Martin et al. The Kingdom Of The Occult. 1st ed. Nashville, Tennesse.: 2008. Print. Messent, Peter B. Literature Of The Occult ; A Collection Of Critical Essays. 1st ed. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall publishers, 1981. Print. Fry, Carrol L. Cinema Of The Occult. 1st ed. Bethlehem: University of Lehigh Press, 2008. Print. Surette, Leon, and Demetres P Tryphonopoulos.

Literary Modernism And Occult Tradition. National Poetry Foundation (1996): Print. Edwards, Emily D. Metaphysical Media. 1st ed. Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press, 2005. Print. Beyer, Catherine. What Is The Occult? – An Introduction To Occultism – Western Occult Tradition - Western Esoteric Tradition. About.com Alternative Religions. N. p., 2014. Web. 25 Apr. 2014.