n.
Theories, practices, and rituals based on esoteric knowledge of the world of spirits and unknown forces.
The wide range of occult beliefs and practices includes astrology , alchemy , divination , magic , and witchcraft and sorcery. Devotees of occultism seek to explore spiritual mysteries through what they regard as higher powers of the mind. The Western tradition of occultism has its roots in Hellenistic magic and alchemy (especially the Hermetic writings ascribed to Thoth ) and in the Jewish mysticism associated with the Kabbala .