Western Esotericism

Throughout human history, there has always existed the outcasts, the misunderstood, the rejected ones, simply because their view of the world is different. These individuals arrive proposing new theories and methods which are initially rejected by those who find it difficult to change. New ideas challenge the status quo, they represent a threat to those in positions of authority and power. Institutionalized organizations are afraid of new concepts for it shakes up and exposes the flaws and weaknesses within the system, forcing them to rebuild, restructure, and renew. These kind of effects are not welcomed in any major establishment worldwide. We see it in politics, religion, mainstream culture, and even academic institutions.

The term for these types of "radical" ideas are often called “esoteric knowledge,” "esoteric wisdom," or the term which i prefer, Esoteric Philosophy. In the last couple of decades, in formal academic research, a new term has arisen which presents "esoteric knowledge" as an official subject of study, which academics call Western Esotericism. Some academic institutions across North America study the subject of esotericism under the main field of Religious Studies.

Esotericism is one of the many growing genres of spirituality, which I believe to be the most appealing and relevant to our modern culture. In this essay, I’ll explore this fast-growing subject of Western Esotericism. And the first thing we must do is establish a standard definition. So, what exactly is Western Esotericism?

One can get a sense for “esoteric knowledge” by reading the works of esoteric authors, which each writer presents from a different point of view. Classical authors will present the genre differently than modern authors, but there's always an underlying connection between them—similar to comparing modern and classic styles of music within the same genre. The general advice to approach learning the genre, is to begin with the most up to date research—books or articles published within the last five years or so.

Prior to the 1980’s, esoteric wisdom was considered "rejected knowledge" that mainstream religion and science didn’t find compelling enough to study and integrate into their field of science or theology. Esoteric wisdom was often in contrast to both science and religion, presenting it as countercultural in nature. But from the 1990’s onward, there’s been gradual progress towards the acceptance of these "occult" or esoteric concepts. Since the 90’s, esoteric concepts have gradually made a presence in domains such as mainstream culture, science, and religious organizations.

Within science, many researchers have begun integrating these esoteric ancient methods of knowledge with scientific models that are taught in standard university training. Such as in the field of clinical psychology, where "contemplative practices" from Buddhism are being integrated into the western model of psychology—thereby combining the best methods from both worlds.

In the religious arena, authorities are beginning to endorse esoteric forms of meditation. As in the case of Joseph Azize, a Catholic priest, who has written a book endorsing the “occult” practices of the mystic George Gurdjieff. Also, Hans Urs von Balthasar, a Catholic theologian, wrote the forward to Meditations on the Tarot, a book on occult magic and mysticism. Even the Pope John Paul II was seen owning a copy of the German translation of Meditations on the Tarot. With these types of support, or at least mild interest of church officials, "esoteric works" are gradually reaching the footsteps of the Catholic church, which brings hope that religious people will also explore these esoteric mysteries. The aim of every great philosopher is to introduce ancient esoteric knowledge to the contemporary culture, in terms they can understand, value, and put into practice.

Esoteric Philosophy, or Western Esotericism, is “hidden knowledge” of the reality of things which only a small number of people know about. Western Esotericism consists of "currents"—movements, schools, and traditions—which offer and teach spiritual knowledge through a various set of methods, i.e. meditation and contemplative study. The teachings of these “mystery schools” offer “higher knowledge” which elevate common knowledge; students then no longer see the world the same. It must also be noted that even Eastern schools of philosophy, such as Buddhism, can be included within the ensemble of Western Esotericism. Also, even though esoteric concepts are typically associated with religion, they don’t always have to directly correspond to spiritual ideas. There are esoteric dimensions in philosophy and science which are not directly connected to spiritual forces—as in the case of Quantum theory.  

A definition which has prevailed in the academic study of Western Esotericism, define the subject as a historically related set of concepts in Western culture which share a certain resemblance that are identified according to a set of characteristics. And regardless of genre, current, or stream, esotericism will contain these four main characteristics:

1. The "principle of correspondences," where invisible forces in the universe affect natural forces in the world. The ancient Greek mage Hermes declares: “as above, so below.” Pointing to the idea that through alignment with invisible universal forces—such as planets and constellations—one can influence earthly events.  

2. The idea of a “living nature,” which presents the natural world as being embedded with spiritual energy— such as trees, rivers, lakes, mountains, ancient temples, and sacred geographic sites.

3. The vital role of the imagination. Imagination is considered an “organ of the soul," which if employed properly, as in the case of meditation and contemplative study, "higher knowledge" may be reached. Imagination provides “insights” which a rational calculating brain cannot get access to. Therefore, a high degree of creativity is required to reach higher wisdom.

4. The concept of transmutation. Every student of the mysteries is on a journey of self-discovery and self-development. The aspiration of the esotericists is to reach their ultimate potential. The journey to "mastery" requires effort and diligence.

There’s also two secondary characteristics which are common but not necessary:

1. All religions share a commonality and are connected at the root. Even-though world religions appear different at the surface level (exoteric dimension), at the deeper “esoteric dimension,” they all reveal an inner web of connectivity. There's a beautiful analogy of the "rose of the world," where each flower pedal represents a different world religion, which are all connected at the stem.

2. Specific methods of transmission, in which esoteric knowledge is transmitted through established channels and in successive stages; as in the case of eastern yoga and the chakra system; or Christianity and the Lord's Prayer.

   
   

In conclusion, Western Esotericism and Esoteric Philosophy should be placed between science and religion, and not be considered a “third tradition” that opposes them. Esotericism should function as a bridge between reason and faith. One must at-least acknowledge the existence of "hidden dimensions" that are waiting for our super-ordinary senses to open. The “occult” ceases being occult when enough people become aware of it.

Modern research demonstrates that esoteric knowledge has gradually entered the main stage of society—through music, television, movies, and art. And when a movement spreads rapidly—either in politics, religion, literature, or music—it must be brought into consideration that a “higher force” is guiding it. A cultural phenomenon doesn’t occur randomly or by accident. Cultural movements demonstrate the principle of “correspondences,” which proposes that earthly events are caused by "invisible" spiritual forces. Hermes Trismegistus declared, “as above, so below.” And Jesus stated, “on earth as it is in heaven.”