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Esotericism
Esotericism (from the Greek esoterikos "inner") is the set of doctrines and practices presented as "inner" or reserved knowledge, in opposition to the "exoteric" (outer, accessible to all). It includes traditions such as hermeticism, kabbalah, alchemy, astrology, theosophy, ritual magic and Rosicrucianism.
Academic studies
"Western esotericism" is today a recognised academic field: chairs at the Sorbonne (Antoine Faivre, Wouter Hanegraaff), systematic studies of its historical developments from the Renaissance (Ficino, Pico della Mirandola) to the 20th century (Steiner, Gurdjieff, Crowley). It should be distinguished from esotericism as a commercial or popular practice.
Characteristics
Antoine Faivre identified six characteristics of Western esotericism: correspondence between microcosm and macrocosm, living nature, active imagination, transmutation, the praxis of concordance among traditions, initiatic transmission. These are criteria of historical classification, not positions of personal allegiance.
FAQ
Does esoteric mean secret?
Originally yes, it meant "inner" to an initiate group. In current usage it means "unconventional", often with a commercial slant.
Is it a religion?
Esotericism and religion have often been intertwined but they are distinct concepts. Esotericism is a way of interpreting the sacred, not a unified religious institution.
Is it compatible with science?
Historically, esotericism precedes the modern separation between science and magic. Today its practices are studied by the humanities, not assessed in terms of empirical verification.