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What is occultism, and why is it becoming such a popular topic today? Is it the same as black magic? Is it astrology? Is it all of the above, or a mixture of these elements and others, perhaps darker and more dangerous?
The word “occult” comes from Latin, and the root meaning is to conceal or to cover over (occultare). The idea behind occultism is that there is secret knowledge that gives the owner of that knowledge magical power over elements which are otherwise beyond man’s control. Usually, this secret knowledge is obtained through some sort of communication with demonic powers or the souls of the dead.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is clear on the matter: “All practices of magic or sorcery, by which one attempts to tame occult powers, so as to place them at one’s service and have a supernatural power over others — even if this were for the sake of restoring their health — are gravely contrary to the virtue of religion. These practices are even more to be condemned when accompanied by the intention of harming someone, or when they have recourse to the intervention of demons” (No. 2117, emphasis added). Notice that this section condemns what we would call both white magic and black magic. Magic and sorcery are sins against the First Commandment.
What about astrology? Is it the same thing? Astrology is an occult science that determines the influence of the stars and planets upon the fate of man. The sky at the time of a person’s birth is said to predict different aspects of an individual’s life, like friends and enemies, spouse and children, inheritance and longevity, etc. In ancient times, astrology and divination were considered very important sciences. For the modern Christian, what harm are they? Again, here is what the Catechism has to say: “All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to ‘unveil’ the future. Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone” (No. 2116, emphasis in original). Once again, we find here sins against the First Commandment.
Continued below.
The Occult Disposes Us to Satan
The word “occult” comes from Latin, and the root meaning is to conceal or to cover over (occultare). The idea behind occultism is that there is secret knowledge that gives the owner of that knowledge magical power over elements which are otherwise beyond man’s control. Usually, this secret knowledge is obtained through some sort of communication with demonic powers or the souls of the dead.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is clear on the matter: “All practices of magic or sorcery, by which one attempts to tame occult powers, so as to place them at one’s service and have a supernatural power over others — even if this were for the sake of restoring their health — are gravely contrary to the virtue of religion. These practices are even more to be condemned when accompanied by the intention of harming someone, or when they have recourse to the intervention of demons” (No. 2117, emphasis added). Notice that this section condemns what we would call both white magic and black magic. Magic and sorcery are sins against the First Commandment.
What about astrology? Is it the same thing? Astrology is an occult science that determines the influence of the stars and planets upon the fate of man. The sky at the time of a person’s birth is said to predict different aspects of an individual’s life, like friends and enemies, spouse and children, inheritance and longevity, etc. In ancient times, astrology and divination were considered very important sciences. For the modern Christian, what harm are they? Again, here is what the Catechism has to say: “All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to ‘unveil’ the future. Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone” (No. 2116, emphasis in original). Once again, we find here sins against the First Commandment.
Continued below.
The Occult Disposes Us to Satan
