RELIG274 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Western Esotericism, Fama Fraternitatis, Rosy Cross

• School: University of Alberta
• Department: Religious Studies
• Course: RELIG274
• Professor: Glen Fairen

Document Summary

19th centure occult (march 6th - march 13th) Occult is a common-sense term that varies from the academic understanding of the term. There are implications of oddness, or "otherness" of that which is occult. The same issues arise when the term "occult" is used as when "magic/witchcraft" is used. Esoteric is the occult rebranded, this term applies legitimacy to the occult practices. This is the more sophisticated. ( high magic - low magic = eso - occ) All of these terms are not that useful in addressing specific subjects, as they do more to mystify than to explain. When scholars use these terms, it aids them in avoiding rigorous discussion of mystical/occult topics. Common definitions: beyong the range of ordinary knowledge; mysterious, secret; disclosed or communicated only to the initiated, of or pertaining to magic, astrology, and other alleged sciences claiming use or knowledge of secret, mysterious, or supernatural. (hidden element)