Esotericism refers to the practice of esoteric knowledge or the state of being obscure. Esoteric knowledge is that which is specialized or advanced in nature, available to a narrow circle of initiated, enlightened, and highly educated people. Esotericism involves an element of initiation such as the requirement that one can be tested before learning the higher truth. Esotericism is getting more popular nowadays across society and can be defined as spiritual movements and currents that appear mostly in western culture.
Esotericism ideas are mainly based on the Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, and Hermeticism of late antiquity. These are the teachings of Paracelsus, Renaissance magic, Christian Kabbalah, Theosophy, Rosicrucianism, and the new age as explained as one of the definitions. Nowadays, many skeptical commentators state that modern-day esotericism is no longer a secret but it is mysterious.
Esotericism can be derived from the word of the middle age, which was based on the European region. Modern esotericism involves mystical elements from the philosophy and religion of cultures around the world. The people who believe in this stream, who are seeking knowledge are characterized by the belief in the spiritual or astral world. In short, esotericism is also based on the idea that the earthly world resembles the heavenly one. Also, esotericists believe that invisible spiritual forces can also be turned to the person’s advantage.
You may be wondering if that is esotericism good or bad and what is all this for. According to Czech culture, incense sticks, tarot cards, rituals, and meditation aids are some of the esoteric properties, which is used by the people in order to keep their spiritual perception.
Many esoteric traditions imply that their teachings can only be passed from the master to the disciple through the path of initiation. Also, the validity of the teachings is attested in various forms of certifications or authentication bearing on the lineage, tradition, and credentials of the group or secret society. Also, the process of individual initiation fully represents the ritualization of the reception of that certain tradition.
Western esotericism refers to the meaning and deep hidden spiritual mysteries found in nature, mythology, philosophies, and religion, which is rooted in the ancient teachings of Egypt and Greece. In 1992, a French scholar named Antoine Favire defines there are six characteristics of esotericism that exist in different proportions. Correspondences, living nature, transmutation, imagination, or meditations are considered intrinsic characteristics on the other hand transmission and concordance are considered non-intrinsic characteristics.
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