Lucian leaned heavily on his porch railing, the misty Appalachian morning stretching endlessly before him. His back ached, and his vision had been clouded for days, but he chalked it up to getting older. Annie, sipping coffee beside him, wasn’t convinced.
“It’s not just age, Lucian,” she said gently. “The symptoms you’re describing—the stomach pain, the nausea, the blurry vision—they’re too interconnected to be random. Something’s wrong.”
Lucian grumbled but didn’t argue. The truth was, he felt worse than he let on. His memory had started to slip, and the once-vivid colors of his surroundings seemed dimmer. Annie was right, but seeing a doctor meant confronting the insurance system, something he had little patience for. Appointments took weeks, sometimes months, and the costs were crushing.
Annie, as always, had another plan. “I’ve got something that can help. It’s not conventional, but it’ll get us answers faster than waiting on an insurance approval.”
Lucian narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean?”
Annie’s lab, hidden in the modest shed behind her cabin, was a marvel of ingenuity and resourcefulness. Lucian had always assumed it was just for her “experiments,” but today, she revealed its full scope. Among the clutter of beakers, screens, and what looked like a mechanical octopus, sat a sleek device she called a chemputer. Nearby, a portable MRI machine whirred to life.
“How in the world did you get this?” Lucian asked, astonished.
Annie shrugged. “I’ve been building up my lab piece by piece for years. Most of this tech is repurposed or open-source. The government doesn’t make it easy—everything’s taxed or regulated to death—but I’m working on ways to make these resources more accessible. Technology like this could save lives if it weren’t so tied up in bureaucracy.”
Lucian hesitated. “So, this machine is gonna… see inside me?”
Annie nodded. “That’s the idea. If there’s something compressing your nerves or affecting your organs, this will show us.”
Despite his skepticism, Lucian agreed. The scan took minutes, and the results were immediate. Annie pointed to the screen, where a bright cluster of compressed nerves near Lucian’s spine glowed.
“There it is,” she said. “It’s causing all those symptoms. If we address this, you’ll start to feel a lot better.”
Lucian stared at the image, the weight of his ignorance sinking in. “I never would’ve guessed. I thought it was just… everything falling apart.”
“That’s the thing about the body,” Annie said. “So much of it is hidden, just like the world around us. Without the right tools or knowledge, we’re blind to it.”
As Lucian recovered in the following weeks, he found himself thinking more and more about Annie’s lab and the technology she wielded so deftly. He’d always been a humble man, content with his limited understanding of the world. But now, he felt something shift.
One morning, he sat on his porch, watching the sunrise. The colors seemed a little brighter, his vision clearer than it had been in years. He thought about the boundaries of knowledge—how every person, no matter how wise, eventually hits a wall where their understanding ends. He thought about microscopes, chemputers, and Annie’s “occult” machines that revealed the unseen.
Occult. The word took on a new meaning. It wasn’t about secrecy or mysticism; it was about uncovering what was hidden, seeking out the invisible threads that connect everything. He remembered Annie’s explanation of occult blood tests, where doctors use microscopes to analyze particles too small for the naked eye. Without those tools, even the smartest people would miss critical details.
For the first time in years, Lucian felt a spark of curiosity. What else was out there, waiting to be discovered? What other assumptions had he made, only to find they were wrong?
He thought about the “fools” in Annie’s network—the goths, punks, and misfits who the world dismissed as dreamers or troublemakers. Maybe they weren’t fools at all. Maybe their curiosity, their refusal to accept the limits placed on them, was the smartest thing of all.
When Annie joined him on the porch that morning, Lucian smiled. “I’ve been thinking about what you said… about knowledge and boundaries.”
“Oh?” Annie asked, curious.
“There’s joy in not knowing everything,” Lucian said. “In realizing how much more there is to learn. Even stage magic… it’s all about what you can’t see. People like surprises. They like the wonder of the unknown.”
Annie nodded. “That’s what keeps us going, isn’t it? The curiosity, the challenge, the chance to discover something new.”
Lucian leaned back in his chair, the aches in his body fading into the background. For the first time in weeks, he felt alive. There was so much he didn’t know—but instead of fear, he felt hope.
“Let’s see what else is out there,” he said, raising his coffee mug. Annie raised hers too, their laughter mingling with the sound of the wind in the trees.
Occultism
The word "occult" comes from Latin, like "oculus" for eye and "occultare" for hiding. It's about diving into the mysteries of life, where ignorance meets the thirst for knowledge. Sure, there's some crossover with cults, especially when people get into the weird or dark stuff, but they're not the same thing. Think of occultism as a quest for knowledge, not some cult gathering. Cults can latch onto anything, including occult ideas, to seem mysterious or powerful.
Occultism is all about embracing the unknown, exploring beyond what we know. There's a whole universe out there we haven't even scratched the surface of, from new science to undiscovered worlds.
The heart of occultism is about seeing what's hidden, craving discovery at the edge of existence. It's about dealing with the uncertainty life throws at us—whether it's the fear of a car crash, getting cancer, or a rocket blowing up.
Other terms might capture this dance with the unknown, but "occultism" is about living with eyes wide open, seeking knowledge amidst the risks and mysteries of life. It's about brave exploration into new thoughts and experiences, not just dark intentions but also the wonder scientists chase in understanding the natural "magic" of the world.
The four pillars of occultism are:
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Ignorance - We start not knowing shit.
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Awareness - We learn, we grow, we see more.
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Inquiry - We keep asking questions, driven by curiosity.
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Prediction - We make guesses, plan for what might come next.
In this light, occultism is a journey through cycles of ignorance, enlightenment, constant questioning, and speculative prediction. It's about embracing the unknown, expanding our consciousness, and daring to predict based on what we've learned.
The Occultist
Embracing the essence of occultism means boldly stepping into unknown realms, not out of reluctance to learn, but from an understanding that growth often leads to uncharted territories. In spiritual traditions, magick and occultism coexist in a symbiotic dance, where occultism probes into the shadows, misconceptions, and missing pieces, while magick focuses on tangible designs and rituals. An occultist navigates the labyrinth of danger, uncertainty, limits, paradoxes, and loss with a nuanced understanding.
The occultist is one who gazes unflinchingly into the void, driven by a complex thirst for knowledge. This desire draws individuals bravely into the abyss of black holes and the trials of shattered spirits, pushing them ever forward. At its core, occultism champions the embrace of ignorance, learning, and overcoming challenges. The occultist acknowledges their own folly, driven by an unquenchable quest for knowledge, adaptable to new ways of solving problems, dreaming, and experiencing life.
The Four Pillars of Occultism:
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Ignorance - This pillar acknowledges our inherent limitations, echoing the agnostic stance that there's always more to learn. In occultism, ignorance is not a barrier but an expansive field for growth, inviting inquiry and unexpected learning, turning the unknown into a playground for exploration.
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Awareness - Here, we delve into the ability to form mental images of our existence from sensory data, through our evolved bodies. Awareness is about the vivid connections we make with the world—be it the beauty of nature, the scent of the air, or the melody of music. It's the "oculus" of occultism, where seeing equates to understanding.
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Inquiry - This pillar opens the door to discovery and the conscious expansion of thought. Inquiry thrives on questioning and oracular practices, engaging with awareness in a dance of curiosity, analysis, and creative exploration. It's a never-ending loop that not only deepens understanding but also reshapes our mental landscapes, linking ignorance with knowledge in a dynamic cycle.
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Prediction - The final pillar uses accumulated knowledge to forecast future scenarios, from weather patterns to market trends or personal life paths. In high-stakes fields like science, philosophy, and business, prediction is deeply intertwined with occultism. It's about making guesses from a place of uncertainty, guiding us through the vast unknown with curiosity as our compass.
In this framework, occultism isn't just about the mystical or the hidden; it's a philosophy of engaging with life's mysteries, embracing our limitations, and expanding our consciousness through the interplay of ignorance, awareness, inquiry, and prediction. It's a journey of transformation, encouraging us to look beyond what's known and to live with an adventurous spirit in the face of life's great uncertainties.
EXERCISE #21: Summon the Fool
Objective: To critically analyze your own moments of stupidity, exploring the fine line between beneficial ignorance and harmful folly, questioning if a dash of stupidity is healthy, and debating the pursuit of all-knowingness.
Step 1: Set the Stage for Fools
Choose a spot where you can think deeply - maybe a quiet room or a bench in a park. No need for decorations, but if you're inclined, place something that represents folly, like a comic book or a puzzle with missing pieces, to remind you of the exercise's theme.
Step 2: Confront Your Inner Fool
Sit down, close your eyes, and imagine sitting across from your own 'Fool' self - the part of you that acts or thinks in ways you might later call stupid or naive.
Step 3: The Folly Balance
Now, debate with yourself:
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Is Stupidity Sometimes Good? Argue whether a little ignorance or foolishness can make life more enjoyable, less predictable, or even more human.
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The All-Knowing Dream: Discuss the implications of striving for omniscience. Would it strip away the joy of learning, the humility of not knowing, or even the fun of making mistakes?
Step 4: Insight from Ignorance
Write down or voice three key takeaways:
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An instance where your stupidity was an asset.
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A time when it was a clear liability.
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Your opinion on whether embracing some folly can enrich life.
Conclusion: Thank the Fool for the lesson. Consider how acknowledging and occasionally embracing your stupidity might actually lead to wisdom, not just about yourself but about the human condition. How can you apply this understanding to navigate life more authentically, appreciating both the knowledge you seek and the ignorance you sometimes cherish?
Occult > Cult
Despite sharing a similar sound, occultism isn’t the same as cultism. While occultism can occasionally intersect with cult activities, they are fundamentally distinct. Occultism is rooted in a philosophy of curious exploration and knowledge-seeking, whereas cultism often involves groups engaging in behaviors widely considered unacceptable. Occultism has been unfairly painted as sinister by religious figures and popular culture, but it's essential to look at its core principles: a philosophy driven by curiosity and the pursuit of hidden knowledge.
The human spirit naturally seeks to explore mysteries, embrace ignorance, and venture into uncharted territories throughout life. Even in medicine, terms like 'occult blood' refer to detecting hidden elements, guiding us towards understanding the unknown. Occultism, then, is an everyday yet inspiring philosophy that champions curiosity about our existence.
Despite its enigmatic nature, the pursuit of knowledge inherent in occultism has psychological benefits. We often encounter problems that seem unsolvable, only to turn these challenges into opportunities for remarkable discoveries.
At its core, occultism is an endless quest for new insights. It acknowledges our human limitations - our finite capabilities, resources, and opportunities - yet encourages us to push these boundaries with curiosity and a touch of folly.
Occultism is a tangible journey of exploration and discovery. It can be daunting or challenging, confronting us with our fears, limitations, and missed experiences. However, it promotes humility, respect for individuality, and a deeper dive into the unknown, examining the essence of our existence. There might be apprehension about engaging with occultism if one doesn't value seeking new wisdom, but it embodies a spirit of eagerness, passion, and interest.
On the flip side, cults are characterized by dogma and extremism, often employing tactics that society broadly rejects. Cult behavior aims to isolate individuals from external influences, leading to a tunnel vision where their beliefs are seen as superior and all-encompassing. As Richard Grannon describes, this can manifest in a "cult of one," where an individual assumes absolute authority, demanding others follow without question.
Cult behavior typically suppresses questioning, critical thinking, and open dialogue. Emotional manipulation, through guilt, fear, or affection, is a hallmark, alongside isolation from diverse perspectives, further entrenching rigid beliefs. The impact of such dynamics, while concentrated within a group or individual, can extend far beyond, affecting communities and individuals around them.
While there's historical overlap where occult practices have been part of cult rituals, it's vital to differentiate occultism's foundational philosophy of curiosity and knowledge-seeking from the control and isolation of cults. The word "occult" simply means "hidden" or "esoteric" with no inherent negative connotation. Instead of focusing on the aberrations, we should highlight occultism's aim of exploration and discovery. By connecting occult practices to positive, societal, and enriching pursuits, individuals can steer their journey of inquiry towards beneficial outcomes, fostering rational predictions, and advancing into the unknown with intent and purpose.
Secular Occultism
Occultism transcends traditional boundaries of religion or secularism. It can be embraced by those who follow a specific faith, those on an agnostic path, or even those with atheistic perspectives. Occultism harmonizes with both scientific inquiry and mystical exploration. When viewed as a philosophy of curiosity-driven knowledge-seeking, it can profoundly influence many facets of human life, fostering a reverence for ignorance, awareness, inquiry, and the art of prediction. It encourages us to courageously delve into the unknown, equipped with tools and strategies that lead us into new realms of magick and occultism.
Secular occultism represents a worldview where the journey is an autonomous adventure into the unexplored. At its heart, it champions personal experimentation, allowing individuals to investigate life's mysteries on their own terms. There's an acknowledgment of the value of voluntary association within this sphere, where people might choose to come together to share knowledge, experiences, or insights of their own free will. However, the essence of this approach remains one of independence, urging individuals to carve their unique paths through the vast, enigmatic landscape of existence. This perspective prioritizes personal agency and autonomy, empowering people to craft their narratives, explore mysteries that capture their imagination, and make predictions aligned with their personal understanding of the cosmos.
Curiosity
JJ's top recommended metaphysics shop, Dilly's, is tucked away in Kingsport, Tennessee, and is now run by the daughter and son-in-law of its founders, Dillard and Sally Clark. Dilly's is a treasure trove filled with candles, crystals, metaphysical and occult literature, local artwork, spell oils, herbs, ritual tools, tapestries, and tarot decks. It's a haven for those curious about the esoteric, offering an open-minded environment. The bookstore section doesn't shy away from diversity, housing atheist and scientific readings alongside texts from every major religion.
Occultism embodies the perpetual cycle of curiosity, moving from ignorance through awareness, into inquiry, and onward to theory and prediction. Curiosity is the thread that weaves through the pillars of occultism, acting as the catalyst that drives individuals along this transformative path. The occultist embraces the active pursuit of knowledge, venturing into realms of awareness where they confront both their limitations and the boundless possibilities beyond. This ongoing cycle ensures that the seeker is never trapped in a mire of ignorance but instead continuously evolves, questions, and refines their understanding to navigate the complex quilt of reality. In this way, curiosity lights the path of occultism.
EXERCISE #22: Metaphysical Exploration and Community Connection Challenge
Step 1: Choose Your Destination
Embark on a journey to a local metaphysical shop. As you approach and enter, be mindful of your surroundings. Observe the displays of crystals, the variety of tarot decks, the shelves of mystical books, and any unique artifacts. Let your senses guide you.
Step 2: Document Your Exploration
Bring a notebook or use your phone to take notes. List the items that resonate with you, noting the energies or feelings they evoke. Write down any questions or observations that come to mind while you explore. This isn't just about cataloging; it's about connecting with the energy of the space and its contents.
Step 3: Engage and Learn
Initiate conversations with the staff or fellow visitors. Ask about the significance of certain items, seek recommendations tailored to your interests, and share your curiosity about metaphysical practices. This interaction is key to gaining deeper insights and fostering a sense of community within this metaphysical haven.
Step 4: Discover Community Events
Look for flyers, notice boards, or digital screens advertising local metaphysical events, workshops, or gatherings. Make note of any that intrigue you, like classes, meditation groups, or public rituals. These events are your gateway to expanding your knowledge, networking with like-minded individuals, and actively engaging in the metaphysical community.
Step 5: Reflect and Integrate
After your visit, set aside time for reflection. Revisit your notes, focusing on the items that particularly moved you and the nuggets of wisdom from your conversations. Research the events you've noted down, considering how you might participate. Think about how you can weave new metaphysical ideas or practices into your daily life. Embrace the ongoing journey of inquiry and the community spirit you've encountered, using this experience as a springboard for personal growth and connection.
