What Is the Occult?
What does occult mean?
Occult means hidden. The occult is a broad body of esoteric knowledge and practice, not a single religion, that includes alchemy, ceremonial magic, astrology, divination, sigil craft and inner work. Its aim is illumination: understanding the unseen forces in yourself and the world.
| Branch | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Alchemy | Transformation of matter and of the self |
| Ceremonial magic | Structured ritual, symbols and correspondences |
| Astrology | Reading the influence of the planets and stars |
| Divination | Insight through tarot, pendulums, runes or scrying |
| Sigil craft | Condensing an intention into a magical symbol |
| Shadow work | Facing the hidden self to reclaim personal power |
Common Occult Practices
Planetary hour rituals
Each day and hour is traditionally ruled by a planet. Timing a working to the matching planetary hour adds precision: Saturn hours for banishing and boundaries, Venus hours for love and attraction, Jupiter hours for growth. Read more in advanced spellcasting.
Mirror work and scrying
Gazing into a black mirror or polished obsidian can quiet the mind and open a trance like state for reflection, intuition and spirit work. See our mirror magic guide.
Banishing rituals
Ceremonial traditions use structured banishing rites, the best known being the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram from the Golden Dawn tradition, to clear unwanted energy and centre the practitioner before deeper work.
Sigil activation
A sigil is a symbol built from your intention. Once drawn, it is charged through focus, breath, candle flame or movement, then released or kept hidden. Learn the method in sigil magic.
Occult Symbols and Tools
| Tool or symbol | Meaning and use |
|---|---|
| Athame | Ritual blade used to direct energy, never to cut |
| Pentagram | Five elements in balance; protection and invocation |
| Black candle | Banishing, protection, working with the unknown |
| Obsidian or onyx | Scrying, shadow work and grounding |
| Book of Shadows | Your personal grimoire of rituals and results |
| Planetary seals | Symbols used to align a working with a planet |
| Besom | Sweeps away stagnant energy and marks sacred space |
Find ritual blades in athames and ritual knives, mirrors and crystal balls in scrying and spirit work, and journals in grimoires.
The Anatomy of a Ritual
Six parts of almost every ritual
Use this as a framework and adapt it to your path.
Preparation. Cleanse the space with smoke, sound, salt or visualisation, and gather your tools.
Set the space. Cast a circle or boundary, call in any deities, ancestors or guides, and ground yourself.
State your intent. Say your purpose aloud, for example, “I perform this ritual to call in strength and clarity.”
Magical action. Light candles, burn herbs, draw sigils, chant, write or move.
Raise and release energy. Let the energy build, then release it outward at its peak.
Gratitude and close. Thank what you called in, open the circle, ground and record the experience.
Three Rituals to Begin With
Full moon releasing spell
Write what you wish to release on a slip of paper. Light a candle and say, “Under this moon, I release what no longer aligns.” Burn the paper safely in a fireproof bowl, thank the moon and close.
Protection mirror ritual
Place a small mirror facing outward near your front door and ring it with rosemary and mugwort. Light a black candle and say, “All harm is reflected; none may pass.” Leave the mirror in place as a ward.
Self love bath spell
Add rose petals, salt and a few drops of diluted essential oil to a bath. Light a pink candle and repeat, “I am loved. I am whole. I am divine.” Soak and visualise glowing energy filling your body.
Journal prompts
Which element feels most powerful to me? When do I feel most connected to magic? What rituals do I already perform without realising? How do I want to feel during and after ritual?
Occult Questions Answered
Is the occult dangerous?
The occult is not inherently dark or dangerous. Like any powerful practice, it asks for care, clear intent and respect. Grounding, protection and keeping records are the foundations of safe practice.
What is the difference between occultism and witchcraft?
Witchcraft is a practical craft of spells and folk magic. Occultism is the wider study of hidden knowledge, including ceremonial magic, alchemy and astrology. Many witches draw on both.
Where should a beginner start with the occult?
Start with ritual structure, a journal and one practice such as tarot, sigils or planetary timing. Add more as your understanding grows.
Occult Tools for Your Altar
Ritual blades, scrying mirrors, grimoires and candles for occult practice. Australian owned, shipping worldwide.
