What Is The Occult and What Draws People To It?

What is the Occult?  

Written by Alanzo Paul, speaker at OCCA, The Oxford Centre For Christian Apologetics  

 

Imagine a world where ancient secrets whisper promises of power, justice, and happiness; where crystals pulse with mystic energy; where the veil between the physical and spirit worlds is razor-thin. This is the world of Occultism, where hope, wisdom, and power are sought through mystical, supernatural, or magical practices that claim to operate beyond the bounds of normal human understanding. It sounds intriguing, exhilarating, and perhaps even life-changing. But what is it about these occult practices that appear so tremendously alluring in our current generation? 

In this exploration, we will aim to do four things.  

First, we’ll trace the etymology and the scope of the term “the occult.” Next, we’ll examine specific examples of occult practices in a systematic way. We’ll then look at what it is about the occult that draws people in, and why it’s something worth taking seriously. Finally, we’ll critically assess whether these practices live up to the enticing promises they make. 

 

What does Occult mean? Where does it come from? 

The word “occult” derives directly from the Latin term occultus, meaning “concealed, hidden, or secret.”i Therefore, when we speak of occultism, we are referring to the study and exploration of concealed, hidden, or secret knowledge, particularly as it relates to magic or supernatural phenomena. 

Occultism, in its myriad forms, posits that individuals can gain this hidden knowledge and power by performing certain magical or spiritual rituals. These practices are often explicitly taught against by established, bundled religions such as Christianity. Occult practices include, but are not limited to, seances, using Ouija boards, crystal healing, and tarot card readings. 

But what, precisely, constitutes this ‘hidden or secret knowledge’? 

The answer is highly contingent upon the specific tradition one engages with, given the extreme diversity within occultism. However, the core focus frequently consists of: 

• Insights into the supernatural realm. 

• Tapping into supernatural forces. 

• Foreseeing the future (Divination). 

• Gaining magical powers. 

• Alternative interpretations of reality. 

• Exploring the mysteries of existence. 

• Achieving personal enlightenment. 

• Achieving personal goals (e.g., Manifesting, Cursing). 

It is crucial to recognise that when someone refers to the occult, it is often employed as a blanket term, not specific to any single set of beliefs or practices. The phrase “the occult” is thus a catch-all designation and can refer to a vast spectrum, including: 

• Alchemy 

• Astrology 

• Divination 

• Hermeticism 

• Kabbalah 

• Magic(k) (i.e., black, ceremonial, chaos) 

• Necromancy 

• Neopaganism 

• Santeria 

• Satanism 

• Sorcery 

• Spiritualism 

• Thelema 

• Witchcraft 

According to the research of the Springtide Research Institute, each of these sets of beliefs constitutes an “unbundled faith.” This term signifies that they are highly customisable, allowing adherents the tremendous appeal of picking and choosing from a range of beliefs and practices to collate their own individual spirituality. This is a foundational factor in their contemporary appeal. 

To illustrate this necessary nuance, consider Satanism. Most people assume this refers universally to the worship of a literal Satan. However, the reality is far more complex and nuanced: 

• Atheistic Satanists do not believe in a literal God or Satan. 

• Theistic Satanists believe in both God and a literal Satan, and potentially other gods and goddesses. 

• I-theists believe that they themselves are God. 

• Setianists practice a form of Satanism centred on the Egyptian god Set and the concept of radical self-empowerment.ii 

 

The Appeal of the Unbundled Faith: Individualism and Autonomy 

Why is this ‘unbundled faith’ appealing?  This trend is rooted in broader cultural and historical shifts, particularly within the Western world. A significant factor is the dramatic rise of individualism—the philosophical belief in the primary importance of individual autonomy and self-expression over collective or institutional authority.  

This individualism really began to take shape during the Renaissance and Reformation, marking a clear departure from the more rigid, collective structures of the medieval world. It brought with it a new emphasis on personal freedom, autonomy, and the right to interpret truth for oneself. The Enlightenment only pushed this further, championing critical thought, a healthy scepticism toward inherited authority, and the pursuit of one’s own understanding of truth. 

And as we trace this development, we can’t overlook the key figures who helped shape the increasingly “unbundled” landscape of contemporary occultism. 

One such example is Aleister Crowley (1875-1947), the influential English occultist, writer, and ceremonial magician, best known for founding the religious philosophy of Thelema. This philosophy focussed on  individual will and personal freedom. His famous dictum encapsulates this entire worldview: 

“Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.” 

At first glance, this statement may appear profound, a compelling call to radical personal freedom that resonates deeply with much of our culture’s individualistic values. However, in my critical view, it is a distorted rewording of a much older, much more influential spiritual wisdom, articulated by the great African Theologian, St. Augustine of Hippo, who advised: 

“Love God and do whatever you please.” 

The distinction is critical. Notice what Crowley achieved: he presented a spirituality that reflects the autonomy and individuality sought by modern Western culture, but he amputated God from the equation. By contrast, Augustine’s directive suggested that true freedom and ultimate fulfilment come not from unchecked autonomy, but from aligning one’s will with the Creator. Crowley’s philosophy removes the transcendent anchor, reducing spirituality to the mantra of self-will be done, rather than Thy Will Be Done. 

What People Are Seeking from The Occult: The Resurgence of the Sacred 

In the past decade, human imagination is demonstrably undergoing  are-enchantment—a veritable renaissance of spirituality and wellness. This phenomenon is particularly evident amongst younger generations navigating our digital world.iii 

While atheism remains present, the New Atheist movement, once spearheaded by former giants of debate such as Richard Dawkins and the late Christopher Hitchens, has significantly diminished in its cultural influence. Recent scholarly work by figures like Alister McGrath and Justin Brierley have mapped this change.iv In my own frequent experience speaking in secular spaces, I can verify that this shift is consistent: I rarely encounter the Dawkins-like New Atheism of a decade ago. 

However, this decline does not signal a resurgence of traditional Christianity. Instead, what I and many others have observed is a dramatic resurgence of what Christians would term alternative spirituality, which very often includes occult beliefs and practices. This is not a trivial trend; it is rapidly gaining momentum and new adherents. 

• Sociological Evidence: Spiritualities like Shamanism, which believes that everything is alive, has a spirit, and is joined with the earth, are reported to be among the fastest-growing religious movements, according to a 2022 census.v Jonathan Horwitz, who runs the Scandinavian Centre for Shamanic Studies, notes that people are now freer to explore their spirituality, stating, “there is a big movement to put the soul back into our lives.”vi 

• Economic Evidence: The global spirituality and wellness industry now amounts to a staggering $3.7 trillion,vii fuelling what some have aptly named the “joyconomy”—a burgeoning market that thrives on fostering positivity, connection, and holistic well-being. 

• Pop-Culture Evidence: #WitchTok on TikTok boasts 6.9 million posts with billions of views. On streaming platforms like Netflix, series such as Wednesday enjoy an enormous fan base, showcasing a narrative where witchcraft is openly practiced, celebrated, and normalised. Celebrities, from Vanessa Hudgens openly sharing experiences with the paranormal (including claimed acts of necromancy in a graveyard)viii to Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox publicly embracing occult practices (such as wearing each other’s blood and performing blood bonding rituals),ix have contributed to its cultural normalisation. 

In fact, the Springtide Research Institute has documented the rise in Occult practices among youth so high that 51% of 13–25-year-olds engage in it at some level (e.g., tarot cards or fortune telling).x 

This pervasiveness was strikingly brought home to me recently during a small group discussion with a local youth group on John 10. We read the line, “the thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy, but I have come to give you life, and life to the full.” In this text, Jesus assumes the existence of Satan, whom He calls “the thief.” To my utter surprise, no one in that discussion questioned Satan’s existence. Not a soul. When I even asked how strange it was that Jesus speaks of Satan as a real person, it did not strike anyone as unbelievable. Not long ago, one would have had to defend such a claim against a Western-materialistic secular epistemology that denied the non-material. Yet, here it was, accepted as true. 

Equally fascinating was a follow-up conversation. A young man asked, “Is it sinful to wear crystals?” I was genuinely taken aback. I had never taken it seriously. When I quickly polled the small group, well over 80% raised their hand to confirm that they had friends at school who wore crystals. My mind was immediately opened to the sheer pervasiveness of the Occult—the widespread practice of putting trust in mystical, supernatural, or magical systems for the offer of hope, wisdom, or empowerment. 

 

Why Occult Beliefs Must Be Taken Seriously 

From the Christian worldview perspective, the existence of Satan, demons, ghosts, and magic is affirmed as real. 

Let me be precise and clarify this statement: 

• This does not mean Christians need to fear Satan, demons, ghosts, and magic. 

• This does not mean every story about them is credible or true. 

• But this does mean that at least some of them are, in fact, credible and true. 

So, why must we take Occult beliefs seriously? I contend there are at least three key reasons: 

1. The Atheistic Challenge: If one holds that atheism is true—that God does not exist—then one is faced with the task of providing a reasonable, naturalistic explanation for the vast number of accounts, spanning history and cultures, of individuals who have credibly reported experiencing supernatural phenomena. These experiences, at least, appear to have non-naturalistic or non-physical causes. It seems intellectually insufficient to dismiss the sheer volume of “smoke” and conclude there is no possibility of “fire.” 
2. The Theistic Consistency: If the God of the Judeo-Christian tradition exists, then there is nothing incoherent or contradictory about acknowledging the existence of spiritual entities and powers (such as angels, demons, and the like). If God is real, then the statement “Satan, demons, ghosts, and magic are real” is actually quite reasonable and logically consistent within that framework. 
3. The Christian Authority: The Christian worldview holds that the Bible is both true and the authoritative foundation of its beliefs. The Bible explicitly acknowledges the existence of Satan, demons, and certain forms of magic. Therefore, for Christians, the only logically consistent position is to affirm the existence of these entities. 

The Seven Longings Driving the Turn to the Occult 

Why are people then, turning to the Occult? This is an infinitely complex question. Some may dismiss it as simple rebellion or fantasy, and while that may be the case for a small number, it is a reductionistic view. The deep allure of occult beliefs and practices goes much further. 

Here are seven core longings fuelling this phenomenon: 

1. Longing for Healing from Deep Hurt: Many who turn to the Occult have heartbreaking stories of trauma, abuse, and church-based hurt. 
2. Longing to Regain Control: In an age where so much feels out of control – be it school, work, home, friendships, finances, and even bigger, global events – the Occult promises a structured path to regain personal control and agency. 
3. Longing for Justice: Many practitioners, particularly on platforms like TikTok, promote spells to “hex” those who have caused pain. It is presented as a way to get justice when one feels utterly powerless. 
4. Longing for Guidance: In the chaos of uncertainty, the Occult offers guidance and certainty through practices like tarot readings and astrology. 
5. Longing for Trust: As trust in traditional authorities (governments, media, religious institutions) erodes, the Occult presents itself as a reliable, direct, and unmediated source of truth. 
6. Longing for Community: Loneliness is an epidemic. The Occult promises a solution, offering a sense of belonging in covens, spiritual communities, and online groups. 
7. Longing for Something More: Many people long for an existence that transcends the physical world. The Occult promises to satisfy this longing through contact with spiritual forces and hidden realms. 

Distinguished scholar Charles Taylor argues that Western materialistic secularism, (which is the worldview that claims God, the sacred, and the supernatural do not exist) has left many with a deep existential void. Here, we cannot forget that nature abhors a vacuum. Therefore, something must fill it. Occult practices become intensely attractive precisely because of the promise that they will bring this much-needed existential and spiritual fulfilment.xi 

 

The Ultimate Deficiency: Does the Occult Deliver? 

The critical question remains: Does the Occult live up to its promises? 

In theologian and author, Charles D. Fraune’s recent book, The Rise of the Occult, he lays out some detailed case studies, which are a sobering read. Those who turn to occultism in search of healing, justice, trust, or something more, often ultimately find themselves even more hurt, consumed by a need for revenge, betrayed by broken spiritual trust, and discovering that the “something more” they invited into their lives is not peaceful or good, but haunting and evil.xii 

Fraune’s interviews become particularly intense when the subject turns to diabolical retribution—the spiritual attacks that some individuals experience when attempting to leave the Occult. The accounts are chilling: 

• Christopher, upon deciding to leave, had a six-foot stick crash through the back window of his car, stopping precisely at the headrest of the driver’s seat the next morning. The incident was captured on his home surveillance system. He stated, “If I had been in the seat, it would have impaled me.” 

• Andrew experienced extreme psychological disturbances and began acting radically out of character until a church intervention was conducted.xiii 

• Philomena suffered from a mysterious illness and “acute disturbances at night, where she would wake up and see things or suffer from terrifying dreams from which she awoke disturbed.”xiv 

• Dr. Gallagher, a mental health professional, recounts how his patient Steve was perfectly healthy before entering the Occult. Yet, his involvement and attempted exit from the Occult resulted in experiencing “visions of spirit and other paranormal images.” Dr. Gallagher reported that Steve’s visions “turned hostile and violent and often struck Steve on the head.”xv 

Can these incidents all be dismissed as coincidence? Possibly. However, when scores and scores of similar stories are credibly reported, well-documented, and recounted by individuals who lack any clear motivation to fabricate them, one begins to seriously question if coincidence or hoax is in fact the rational answer. While some stories may be fabrications, it seems like an intellectual stretch to conclude that all of them are. 

If, and it appears so, some of these accounts are legitimate, then it casts a serious shadow of doubt on the claim that the Occult truly delivers on its promises. More than that, it suggests that these beliefs and practices have the potential to be extremely dangerous. 

Moreover, if, as reasoned earlier, the Christian worldview is true, then we have ample reason to believe at least some of these stories are indeed true. The devil, demons, angels, and various forms of magic exist if God exists. 

And if that is true, then nothing can ultimately rid you of true demonic oppression or possession but the name and person of Jesus Christ. As Philippians 2:9-11 reads, 

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” 

In fact, Jesus Himself warned that Satan is not interested in being your friend, helping you manifest something, or telling you the future. Jesus Christ taught that Satan has only one plan for your life: to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). But Jesus came that you might have “life and have it to the full” (John 10:10). 

“The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work” (1 John 3:8). 

Satan will harm. Satan will lie. Satan will haunt. But the Good News of Christianity is that Christ will heal. Christ is truth. Christ is love. 

The seven longings that draw people to the occult: for healing, control, guidance, trust, justice, community, and something more, are, from the Christian worldview perspective, good, true, and beautiful longings. 

The Oxford Scholar C.S. Lewis, in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, captured this truth through the Christ-figure, Aslan, speaking to the existence of a spiritual power infinitely greater than any occult magic. He says: 

“… though the Witch knew the Deep Magic, there is a magic deeper still which she did not know. Her knowledge goes back only to the dawn of time. But if she could have looked a little further back, into the stillness and the darkness before Time dawned, she would have read there a different incantation. She would have known that when a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor’s stead, the Table would crack and Death itself would start working backward.”xvi 

Can Occult beliefs and practices superficially and immediately meet some of those longings? Certainly. But only the depth and truth of the Gospel, the “deeper magic,” can perfectly and completely satisfy. Its “magic” is deeper and infinitely more powerful, and it will not harm you. 

• Are you someone who is hurting? Jesus is the Great Physician. He came to “bind up the broken-hearted” (Isaiah 61:1). 

• Do you feel like life is out of control? Jesus is the calm in the storm (Matthew 8:26). 

• Are you longing for guidance? Jesus is the Wonderful Counsellor (Isaiah 9:6). 

• Are you longing for trust? Jesus is “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). 

• Are you longing for justice? Jesus is the King of justice (Isaiah 32:1). 

• Are you longing for community? Jesus promised to never leave you (Matthew 28:19) and provides you with a new family, the Church (Romans 12:5). 

• Are you longing for something more? Jesus is God Almighty, who gave His life for you out of love (Galatians 2:20), was raised three days later (Luke 24:5-6), demonstrating that death is not final, but that a whole new eternal world of joy awaits those who desire a relationship with Him. 

 

Conclusion 

As we have explored, the allure of the occult is an intensely powerful cultural force, offering promises of control, justice, and deep spiritual connection in a world that often feels chaotic and out of balance. We have established that these beliefs are not merely fantasies but must be taken seriously, as they speak to deep human longings and operate within a spiritual reality acknowledged by the Christian worldview. However, while these practices may seem to offer immediate and customisable solutions, the evidence suggests they often fail to deliver lasting fulfilment, and, indeed, can be incredibly dangerous. Ultimately, it is worth asking whether the deepest longings of our souls might only be truly satisfied by something infinitely greater—something rooted not in hidden, self-willed knowledge, but in the ultimate truth and sacrificial love offered by Jesus Christ, who promises life in all its boundless fullness. 

Learning More

OCCA The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics was established in 2004 to raise up the next generation of evangelist-apologists. By 2021, around 350 emerging evangelists from around the world had studied on the OCCA one-year programme. This course equipped each of them to share and defend the gospel message and to come alongside others to help them with their intellectual objections and heartfelt concerns about the Christian faith. Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to see our latest articles from our team of speakers.