Science is often considered to be the polar opposite of occultism. Science is based on observation, experimentation, and the search for empirical evidence, while occultism is typically associated with mystical practices, esoteric knowledge, and supernatural phenomena. However, despite their apparent differences, science and occultism share some important similarities. One of the main similarities between science and occultism is their fundamental goal: the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the natural world. Both seek to unravel the mysteries of existence and find answers to profound questions about the universe, although they approach this quest in different ways. Another similarity lies in the methods used by both science and occultism to achieve their goals.
There is a circulated narrative that science precludes the occult. However, there does exist a marriage between the two beliefs. Many pagans see scientific perspectives as describing the same reality as their paganistic beliefs. A person who finds solace in reading their tarot spread before they start their day does not mean that they cannot also know the validity of the theory of evolution or the Big Bang Theory. Science and occultism do not have to have a relationship akin to the Capulets and Montagues. There can be and often there is a marriage between the two. Worldviews are complex. Belief in science or occultism does not have to be all or nothing. To those that get up in arms at witchcraft because of a steadfast confidence in science, witchcraft is not necessarily anti-science. If someone reads tarot or casually abides by astrology, it does not mean that they cannot simultaneously hold a belief in science.
Living in the 21st century United States, it is difficult to think of a way of creating knowledge and establishing truth that is not based on the scientific method and objectivity. Science has become the dominant epistemology of the Western world since the beginning of the Scientific Revolution in the 16th century, or so the conventional historical narrative goes.
Another similarity lies in the methods used by both science and occultism to achieve their goals. While science relies on a systematic and methodical approach to gather data, test hypotheses, and draw conclusions, occultism employs various practices such as divination, astrology, and ritualistic ceremonies. These methods may appear subjective or unscientific, but they still aim to uncover hidden truths and gain insight into the mysteries of life.
Don’t hate on the occult
The algorithm that guides the TikTok For You Page really has a way of both discovering and confirming aspects of myself. It confirmed my love of drag as my feed became engulfed with drag-related content. I also came to find that I am a lover of weaponsmithing. One side of TikTok that has always been lurking among my For You Page, but I’ve, for some reason, always tried to ignore is astrology and witchtok. Being a person of science and going through an education system that prioritizes “objective” truth, I’ve been trained to take horoscopes and crystals with a grain of salt.
However, I’ve always been compelled to witchcraft. Something about the methods and ideologies of the practice has given me psychological solace and food for thought when reflecting on my mental health. I’ve realized that the sense of shame I feel for having an interest in the occult comes from the way that epistemologies other than science are discussed with derision. Spiritualist practices do not deserve belittlement and should instead be recognized as one of many ways to gather knowledge from this world.
One mantra that I base many of my opinions on is if someone’s actions don’t hurt me or anyone else, then I do not have the right to dictate what that person should do. Practicing witchcraft, charging crystals and reading tarot hurts no one. One gross misconception of spiritual practices is that it is all hexes and curses. Presumably, most people’s perceptions of what a witchcraft practitioner looks like are the Hex Girls, Aggie Cromwell or the witches from Hocus Pocus.
But witchcraft and other occult practices are much more than a method to siphon out one’s vengeance into the world. Many occult practices are benevolent in nature in the form of healing or daily guidance. If these practices are not putting out anything negative, why go great lengths to berate them? More to the point, if people who practice the occult do not hurt you, there is not a major reason to criticize them. If these people are not a threat to others or public health, then how intensely can one force them to shun their beliefs. Let those who wish to conduct witchcraft conduct it and those who wish to not be involved in witchcraft not be involved.
Practitioners can gain psychological benefits from their craft if one needs to see tangible results backed by science to be convinced of the reasons why people engage in witchcraft. An early 2000s study reported that participants claimed to feel sensations such as heat and vibrations while holding a crystal and meditating. Much of these sensations were attributed to the placebo effect, but that doesn’t mean they should be discounted. Therapeutic benefits from the placebo effect can be genuine and can be considered as an aspect of a treatment’s efficacy. Even the most scientific-backed psychotherapeutic treatments still get most of their effectiveness from being a placebo. Tarot has recently been incorporated into some treatment plans by therapists. Tarot can be combined with evidence-based talk therapy and medication for a holistic approach to mental health. A primary way the cards are used is to galvanize dialogue. A client’s reaction to a card being pulled during a reading can provide an insight and direction to a therapist’s treatment plan.
Science has become the dominant epistemology of the Western world since the beginning of the Scientific Revolution in the 16th century, or so the conventional historical narrative goes. Living in the 21st century United States, it is difficult to think of a way of creating knowledge and establishing truth that is not based on the scientific method and objectivity. In school, the scientific method reigned supreme. This is not without warrant. Scientific inquiry has yielded most of the technological advancements that are foundational to contemporary society. However, there needs to be awareness that science cannot answer every question nor can it solve every problem.
There can be a blind faith in science. Reducing everything to logic and objectivity can miss much of the human experience. Furthermore, unwavering faith in science can ignore bias that can creep into science and lack of acknowledgement that science is first and foremost a social system and not a supernatural entity that descended from the ether. Religion and occult practices are alternative bases for inquiry. I myself am not a religious person, yet I respect that there are people who use these practices to guide their life. This is, again, if they do not push their beliefs upon me. Science is not the only theory of knowledge that exists and other epistemological methods should be taken into account.
There is a circulated narrative that science precludes the occult. However, there does exist a marriage between the two beliefs. Many pagans see scientific perspectives as describing the same reality as their paganistic beliefs. A person who finds solace in reading their tarot spread before they start their day does not mean that they cannot also know the validity of the theory of evolution or the Big Bang Theory. Science and occultism do not have to have a relationship akin to the Capulets and Montagues. There can be and often there is a marriage between the two. Worldviews are complex. Belief in science or occultism does not have to be all or nothing. To those that get up in arms at witchcraft because of a steadfast confidence in science, witchcraft is not necessarily anti-science. If someone reads tarot or casually abides by astrology, it does not mean that they cannot simultaneously hold a belief in science.
Occult practices have been on the rise in the past decade, but so has scorn against them. The hate that astrology and related practices receive is unwarranted. To embrace astrology is not to reject science. The two co-exist. Spiritualist practices do not deserve condescension. They should be recognized as another way of gaining knowledge and connecting with the outside world. To bring the point home, if the people practicing the occult are harming others and are propagating falsehoods detrimental to the public, they should be criticized and brought to question their beliefs. However, the practices I am discussing are the more innocuous practices that people partake in that only affect themselves. If a person’s witchcraft only affects them, then they should be able to go on their way free from hate and scorn.
Ben Davis is an Opinion Columnist & can be reached at [email protected]
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The algorithm that guides the TikTok For You Page really has a way of both discovering and confirming aspects of myself. It confirmed my love of drag as my feed became engulfed with drag-related content. I also came to find that I am a lover of weaponsmithing. One side of TikTok that has always been lurking among my For You Page, but I’ve, for some reason, always tried to ignore is astrology and witchtok. Being a person of science and going through an education system that prioritizes “objective” truth, I’ve been trained to take horoscopes and crystals with a grain of salt.
Additionally, both science and occultism share a certain sense of awe and wonder towards the unknown and the unexplained. They acknowledge that there is much about the cosmos that remains beyond human comprehension, and both encourage a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness towards the mysteries of the universe. Furthermore, science and occultism both recognize the interconnectedness of all things. Science explores the interplay of energy and matter, the intricate web of cause and effect, and the complex systems that govern the natural world. Similarly, occultism explores the interconnectedness of spiritual, mental, and physical realms, and emphasizes the notion that everything is connected on a deeper level. However, the key difference between science and occultism lies in the tangible nature of scientific knowledge. Science seeks to understand the world through measurable phenomena, reproducible experiments, and the accumulation of empirical evidence. This emphasis on tangibility sets science apart from occultism, which often deals with subjective experiences, intangible forces, and deeply personal insights. In conclusion, science and occultism may seem like two completely different realms, but they share more similarities than one might initially assume. Both disciplines aim to uncover the mysteries of existence, employ methods to understand the unknown, recognize interconnectedness, and embrace wonder. The main distinction between them lies in the tangible nature of scientific knowledge, which sets it apart from the more esoteric and subjective aspects of occultism. Ultimately, both science and occultism contribute to our collective quest for knowledge and understanding, each offering a unique perspective on the mysteries of the universe..
Reviews for "The Magical World of Science: Exploring the Parallels with Occult Traditions"
1. Jake - ⭐⭐ - Although I was intrigued by the concept of comparing science to occultism, I ultimately found "Science is similar to occultism but tangible" to be a disappointing read. The author seemed to have a superficial understanding of both subjects, and their attempt to draw parallels between the two fell flat. I was expecting a thought-provoking exploration, but instead, the book felt disjointed and lacked a coherent argument. Overall, I was left wanting more substance and nuance in the author's analysis.
2. Sarah - ⭐ - I had high hopes for "Science is similar to occultism but tangible," but it quickly turned into a frustrating experience. The author's writing style was convoluted and difficult to follow, making it hard to grasp their points. Additionally, I found the arguments presented to be weak and unsupported. The book lacked substantial evidence and relied too heavily on vague comparisons. Ultimately, I couldn't connect with the author's perspective, and it left me feeling unsatisfied and confused.
3. Mike - ⭐⭐⭐ - "Science is similar to occultism but tangible" promised an intriguing exploration of two seemingly contrasting subjects. However, the execution fell short. The book lacked depth and failed to offer any compelling insights into either science or occultism. The author seemed to rely on broad generalizations rather than providing nuanced analysis. While there were a few interesting points, overall, it felt like a missed opportunity to dive deeper into the complexities and similarities between the two topics. I would recommend seeking out more comprehensive and well-researched works on the subject instead.