The word 'occult' comes from a Latin word 'occultus' meaning 'hidden'. It's about secret knowledge related to the human mind and the laws of nature, both the physical ones we can see and the spiritual ones we can't. People often misunderstand the occult, thinking it's all about scary rituals or demons, like in movies, but that's not really accurate.

This knowledge is kept secret on purpose, creating a gap between those who know it and those who don't. It's important to understand that being 'occult' doesn't mean something is bad or evil; it just means it's hidden.

This knowledge is often organized in a certain way, where only a few people really understand everything. This creates a power imbalance, with those at the top knowing more and often trying to keep it that way.

There are two types of knowledge here: exoteric, which is what everyone knows, and esoteric, which is deeper and only for a few people. The people in control of this secret knowledge sometimes discourage others from learning about it, making them think it's not important or silly.

To put it simply, the occult is like a big, secret library with all kinds of books about the mind and the universe. Most people only get to see the common books (exoteric), but there are also special, hidden ones (esoteric) that only some can access. The ones who know more have more power, and they often keep some knowledge to themselves.

In summary, the occult is a complex area with lots of hidden information. It's not just about dark or evil things but includes a wide range of knowledge about our world and beyond, available in different levels to different people.

Mark Passio on Occult Knowledge