© 2016 – Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter May 2016
by Bruce Johnson
The term occultism is among the most misunderstood and misinterpreted words in use today. The Merriam-Webster dictionary New Edition defines occult as that which is secret or hidden. A second definition describes occultism as the knowledge of supernatural agencies and their effects. Replacing the word supernatural in the second definition with the term para-physical or ethereal would be more accurate, as Occultism recognizes the invisible spheres as part of nature and not beyond it. It is unfortunate that in the minds of many people unfamiliar with dictionary usage that the word occult is synonymous with witchcraft, negative magic, or alignment with evil forces.
The path of occultism is a balance to the path of the mystic. The occultist follows the path of knowledge of nature’s laws, works on the line of the will, and accents a head approach to truth. The occultist studies invisible forces as the unseen causes of effects on different planes of spirit/matter including the physical plane. Astrologically, occultists attune to the planet Uranus. The mystic focuses more on the path of love, the force of love, the personal religious experience, and through the heart chakra. Neptune is the planet connected with mystics. The ideal is to be a blend of the occultist and the mystic, blending scientific intelligence with soul love. This is the progressed soul that works strongly and equally well through the head and heart centers for the good of the whole.
Occultists are divided into two main categories or groups. The Brotherhood of Light is the occult order of positive love and selfless humanitarian service, empowering light and goodness in harmless ways. They are advocates of the Good Law, and work continuously for the manifestation of God’s plan on earth as revealed by the agents of the Solar Logos, the Dhyan-Chohans of the seven rays. The leaders of the forces of light include- Jesus, Buddha, Archangels, and the Perfected Adepts and their students, whether in spirit or physically incarnated. All are earmarked by a love of good, truth and soul Illumination.
The evil occultists that use their knowledge of nature’s laws for cruel and harmful work are called the brothers of the shadow. Selfishness, wrong use of power, and a lack of concern for a divine higher will are always present with the negative occultist. They oppose the work of good at every turn, empower forces that resist the unfolding of Divine Will, and so misuse their puny free will and ensure their own ultimate destruction if unrepentant. They are earmarked by their hatred, repulsion to truth, and a willful denial of the underlying unity of humanity. They and their teachings are to be shunned by all who love the light.
Occultists, like research scientists, are examining the subtle planes of life that permeate and surround our physical earth. Energies, forces, and the laws that govern them on these intangible planes of life, are the realm of Esoteric Science. Like any other field, it’s what is done with knowledge that makes it good or evil, not the knowledge itself. The judge who uses legal knowledge to block justice, and businessman who uses financial knowledge to cheat others, are no different than the occultist who foolishly chooses to use esoteric knowledge immorally. The law of karma is inescapable, and will guarantee a bountiful harvest of pain and suffering for each deserving harm-doer.
Bruce Johnson has over 30 years of study in the fields of Ancient Wisdom and occultism. He has taught classes on a wide range of topics, from Atlantis to mediums to Zoroaster. He is also a spiritualist minister, with a background in spiritual astrology. He lives in Colorado with his wife and their cat.
