The word ''occult'' comes from the Latin word ''occultus'' (clandestine, hidden, secret), referring to "knowledge of the hidden". In the medical sense it is used to refer to a structure or process that is hidden, e.g. an "occult bleed" may be one detected indirectly by the presence of otherwise unexplained anaemia.

The word has many uses in the English language, popularly meaning "knowledge of the paranormal", as opposed to "knowledge of the measurable", usually referred to as science. The term is sometimes popularly taken to mean "knowledge meant only for certain people" or "knowledge that must be kept hidden", but for most practicing occultists it is simply the study of a deeper spiritual reality that extends beyond pure reason and the physical sciences. The terms ''esoteric'' and ''arcane'' can have a very similar meaning, and the three terms are often interchangeable.

The term ''occult'' is also used as a label given to a number of magical organizations or orders, the teachings and practices taught by them, and to a large body of current and historical literature and spiritual philosophy related to this subject.

Occultism

Occultism is the term used to describe the study of occult practices including (but not limited to) magic, alchemy, extra-sensory perception, astrology, spiritualism, and divination. Intepretation of occultism and its concepts can be found in the belief structures of religions such as Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Wicca, Satanism, Thelema, and Neopaganism. A broad definition is offered by Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke:

}}

From the 15th to 17th century, these ideas that are alternatively described as Western esotericism, which had a revival from about 1770 onwards, due to a renewed desire for mystery, an interest in the Middle Ages and a romantic "reaction to the rationalist Enlightenment.". Alchemy was common among highly important seventeenth-century scientists, such as Isaac Newton, and Gottfried Leibniz. Newton was even accused of introducing occult agencies into natural science when he postulated gravity as a force capable of acting over vast distances. "By the eighteenth century these unorthodox religious and philosophical concerns were well defined as 'occult', inasmuch as they lay on the outermost fringe of accepted forms of knowledge and discourse," They were, however, preserved by antiquarians and mystics.

Based on his research into the modern German occult revival (1890–1910), Goodrick-Clarke puts forward a thesis on the driving force behind occultism. Behind its many varied forms apparently lies a uniform function, "a strong desire to reconcile the findings of modern natural science with a religious view that could restore man to a position of centrality and dignity in the universe. Since that time many authors have emphasized a syncretic approach by drawing parallels between different disciplines.

Direct insight into our perception of the occult does not usually consist of access to physically measurable facts, but is arrived at through the mind or the spirit. The term can refer to mental, psychological or spiritual training. Many occultists have studied science (perceiving science as an adjunct to alchemy) to add validity to occult knowledge in a day and age where the mystical can easily be undermined as flights of fancy. An oft-cited means of gaining insight into the occult is the use of a focus; a physical object, a ritualistic action (for example, meditation or chanting), or a medium in which one becomes wholly immersed. These are just a few examples of the vast and numerous avenues that can be explored.

Science and the occult

To the occultist, occultism is conceived of as the study of the inner nature of things, as opposed to the outer characteristics that are studied by science. The German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer designates this "inner nature" with the term ''Will'', and suggests that science and mathematics are unable to penetrate beyond the relationship between one thing and another in order to explain the "inner nature" of the thing itself, independent of any external causal relationships with other "things". Schopenhauer also points towards this inherently relativistic nature of mathematics and conventional science in his formulation of the 'World as Will'. By defining a thing solely in terms of its external relationships or effects we only find its external, or explicit nature. Occultism, on the other hand, is concerned with the nature of the "thing-in-itself". This is often accomplished through direct perceptual awareness, known as mysticism. From the scientific perspective, occultism is regarded as unscientific as it does not make use of the scientific method (that is, observation and experimentation) to obtain facts.

Occult qualities

In the Middle Ages, occult qualities were physical properties that had no rational explanation. At that time magnetism was sometimes called an occult quality.

Religion and the occult

Some religious denominations view the occult as being anything supernatural or paranormal which is not achieved by or through God (as defined by those religious denominations), and is therefore the work of an opposing and malevolent entity. The word has negative connotations for many people, and while certain practices considered by some to be "occult" are also found within mainstream religions, in this context the term "occult" is rarely used and is sometimes substituted with "esoteric".

Religious Jewish Views

In Rabbinic Judaism, an entire body of literature, collectively known as Kabbalah has been dedicated to what some might call occult science. Major books dedicated Kabbalah include Sefer Yetzirah, The Zohar, Pardes Rimonim, and Eitz Chaim. For a more exhaustive look at these subjects, see Kabbalah.

Though there is a popular myth that one must be a 40 year old Jewish man, and learned in the Talmud before one is allowed to delve into Kabbalah, Chaim Vital says exactly the opposite in his introduction to Eitz Chaim. There he argues that it is incumbent on everyone to learn Kabbalah - even those who are unable to understand the Talmud. Further, the father of the Lurianic School of Kabalah, Isaac Luria (known as the Ari HaKadosh, or the Holy Lion) was not yet 40 years old when he passed away.

Christian Views

Christian authorities have generally regarded occultism as heretical whenever they met this: from early Christian times, in the form of gnosticism, to late Renaissance times, in the form of various occult philosophies. Though there is a Christian occult tradition that goes back at least to Renaissance times, when Marsilio Ficino developed a Christian Hermeticism and Pico della Mirandola developed a Christian form of Kabbalism, mainstream institutional Christianity has always resisted occult influences, which are:

monistic in contrast to Christian dualistic beliefs of a separation between body and spirit;

generally not monotheistic, frequently asserting a gradation of human souls between mortals and God; and

sometimes not even theistic in character.

Furthermore, there are heterodox branches of Esoteric Christianity that practice divination, blessings, or appealing to angels for certain intervention, which they view as perfectly righteous, often supportable by gospel (for instance, claiming that the old commandment against divination was superseded by Christ's birth, and noting that the Magi used astrology to locate Bethlehem). Rosicrucianism, one of the most celebrated of Christianity's mystical offshoots, has lent aspects of its philosophy to most Christian-based occultism since the 17th century.

Hindu Views

Tantra, originating in India, includes amongst its various branches a variety of ritualistic practices ranging from visualisation exercises and the chanting of mantras to elaborate rituals involving sex or animal sacrifice, sometimes performed in forbidden places such as cremation grounds. Tantric texts were at one stage unavailable for mass public consumption due to the social stigma attached to the practices. In general, Tantra was predominantly associated with black magic and the Tantriks were held in great dishonor.

See also

Ariosophy

Esotericism

List of magical terms and traditions

Magic (paranormal)

Nazism and occultism

Neotantra

Occult science

Spiritualism

Theosophy

Paranormal

Notes

References

Harold W. Percival, Joined the Theosophical Society in 1892. After the death of William Quan Judge in 1896, organized the Theosophical Society Independent and then wrote ''Thinking and Destiny'' which covers in plan terms the purpose of the universe and occult meanings.

Further reading

Bardon, Franz (1971). ''Initiation into Hermetics''. Wuppertal: Ruggeberg.

Fortune, Dion (2000). ''The Mystical Qabala''. Weiser Books. ISBN 1578631505

Gettings, Fred, ''Vision of the Occult'', Century Hutchinson Ltd, 1987. ISBN 0712614389

Martin, W., Rische, J., Rische, K., & VanGordon, K. (2008). ''The Kingdom of the Occult''. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Regardie, I., Cicero, C., & Cicero, S. T. (2001). ''The Tree of Life: An Illustrated Study in Magic''. St. Paul, Minn: Llewellyn Publications.

Rogers, L. W. (1909). ''Hints to Young Students of Occultism''. Albany, N.Y.: The Theosophical Book Company.

Shepard, Leslie (editor), ''Encyclopedia of Occultism & Parapsychology'', Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1978

Spence, Lewis, ''Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology'', 1920.

Davis, R., ''True to His Ways: Purity & Safety in Christian Spiritual Practice'' (ACW Press, Ozark AL, 2006), ISBN 1932124616.

External links

Center for History of Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents, University of Amsterdam

University of Exeter Centre for the Study of Esotericism (EXESESO)

ESSWE European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism, with many links to associated organizations, libraries, scholars etc.

Joseph H. Peterson, Twilit Grotto: Archives of Western Esoterica (Esoteric Archives: Occult Literature)

Asiya, Magical Athenaeum (Collection of occult works in PDF Format)

eLibrary of ancient books on occultism, spiritism, spiritualism, séances, development of mediumship in the Western and Oriental Traditions. Many technical advice on ITC and EVP, and practical tips concerning the development of different forms of Mediumship provided by medium Maryse Locke.

the MYSTICA.ORG An on-line encyclopedia of the occult

Category:Esotericism

Category:Pseudoscience

af:Okkult ar:تنجيمية bg:Окултизъм ca:Ocultisme cy:Yr Ocwlt da:Okkultisme de:Okkultismus et:Okultism es:Ocultismo eo:Okultismo fr:Occultisme ga:Briotais gl:Ocultismo ko:오컬트 hr:Okultizam id:Okultisme it:Occulto he:תורת הנסתר ka:ოკულტიზმი lv:Okultisms lt:Okultizmas hu:Okkultizmus mk:Окултизам nl:Occultisme ja:オカルト no:Okkultisme nn:Okkultisme pl:Okultyzm pt:Ocultismo ro:Ocultism ru:Оккультизм sq:Okultizmi si:ගුප්තශාස්ත්‍ර simple:Occult sk:Okultizmus sr:Окултизам sh:Okultizam fi:Okkultismi sv:Ockultism th:รหัสญาณ tr:Okültizm uk:Окультизм zh:神秘学

Professor Griff is an American rapper and spoken word artist. He is a member of the hip hop group Public Enemy and head of the Security of the First World.

Early years in Public Enemy

After returning from the army, he started a security service to work the local party circuit, calling it Unity Force. At the time, Carlton Ridenhour (a.k.a. Chuck D) was part of the Spectrum City DJ-for-hire service led by Hank Shocklee, and Spectrum and Unity Force frequently worked side-by-side at local events. When Public Enemy was formed and signed to Def Jam, Ridenhour invited Griffin to be a sideman. Unity Force was renamed "The Security of the First World", or S1W for short. The S1W's were brought along, and became a curious combination of bodyguards/dancers for the band. Their stage routines were a loose combination of martial arts, military drill and "step show" dances lifted from black college fraternities.

His role was also that of road manager and "Minister of Information", the intellectual public face of the band for interviews et cetera, as Flavor Flav was the "fun" one. He was rarely MC'ing, except between songs. Professor Griff has started to emerge on the conspiracy theory scene, typically New World Order conspiracy theory. He is known for linking these allegations to past and present celebrities.

Controversy and departure from Public Enemy

Before the release of ''It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back'', Professor Griff, in his role as Minister of Information, gave interviews to UK magazines on behalf of Public Enemy, during which he made homophobic and antisemitic remarks. However, there was little controversy until May 22, 1989, when Griffin was interviewed by the ''Washington Times''. At the time, Public Enemy enjoyed unprecedented mainstream attention with the single "Fight the Power" from the soundtrack of Spike Lee's ''Do the Right Thing''.

During the interview with David Mills, Griffin made numerous statements such as "Jews are responsible for the majority of the wickedness in the world". When the interview was published, a media firestorm emerged, and the band found themselves under intense scrutiny.

In a series of press conferences, Griffin was either fired, quit, or never left. Def Jam co-founder Rick Rubin had already left the label by then; taking his place alongside Russell Simmons was Lyor Cohen, the son of Israeli immigrants who had run Rush Artist Management since 1985. Before the dust settled, Cohen claims to have arranged for a Holocaust Museum to give the band a private tour.

In an attempt to defuse the situation, Ridenhour first expressed an apology on his behalf, and fired Griffin soon thereafter. Griffin later rejoined the group, provoking more protests, causing Ridenhour to briefly disband the group. When Public Enemy reformed, due to increasing attention from the press and pressure from Def Jam hierarchy, Griffin was no longer with the band.

Griffin later publicly expressed remorse for his statements after a meeting with the National Holocaust Awareness Student Organization in 1990.

In his 2009 book, entitled "Analytixz", Griff once again admitted the faults in his alleged 1989 statement: "to say the Jews are responsible for the majority of wickedness that went on around the globe I would have to know about the majority of wickedness that went on around the globe, which is impossible... I'm not the best knower [God] is. Then, not only knowing that, I would have to know who is at the crux of all of the problems in the world and then blame Jewish people, which is not correct." Griff also pointed out that not only were his words taken out of context, but that the recording has never been released to the public for an unbiased listen.

Afrocentrism

Although himself partly Native American, Griffin has embraced a form of Afrocentrism. "Muslim, Christian, Jew / Here's a little somethin' I thought you knew / There is only one God and God is one / The rich praises none."

After his departure from Public Enemy, Griffin formed his own group, the Last Asiatic Disciples. Griffin's albums were of an Islamic and Afrocentric style,. combined with increasingly spoken word lyrics.

He is a member of The Nation of Islam which his lyrics and record titles as a solo artist referenced. Another general theme in his lyrics is New World Order conspiracy.

Discography

Year	Album	Chart Positions
		! width="45"	! width="45"
1990		127	24
1991		—	70
1992		—	—
1998		—	—
2001		—	—

Footnotes

Category:African American Muslims Category:Converts to Islam Category:Living people Category:Members of the Nation of Gods and Earths Category:People from Nassau County, New York Category:Public Enemy members Category:Rappers from Long Island Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:American people of Native American descent

de:Professor Griff fr:Professor Griff

Name	The Enigma
Birth name	Paul Lawrence
Birth place	Seattle
Known for	extensive body modifications
Occupation	performer, actor, musician
Footnotes	}}

The Enigma, born Paul Lawrence, is a sideshow performer, actor, and musician who has undergone extensive body modification, including horn implants, ear reshaping, multiple body piercings, and a full-body jigsaw-puzzle tattoo. His tattooing process began on December 20, 1992, under the needle of "Katzen the Tiger Lady," heavily tattooed herself, whom he later married, and has since divorced. To date, the Enigma has had more than two hundred tattoo artists work on him, with as many as twenty-three underway at one time.

Biography

The Enigma was raised in Seattle and began studying music when he was six years old. In 1991, he was a founding member of the Jim Rose Circus, with which he toured until 1998. The Enigma then toured with Katzen, playing music and doing sideshow performances under the moniker "Human Marvels". He performed at Universal Studios Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights event in fall 2007, performing various tricks with fire, power tools, and blades. He has also performed at Detroit's Theatre Bizarre.

Media Appearances

The Enigma has appeared in a number of television programs including ''The X-Files'' (episode "Humbug") where he played the Conundrum, and ''Penn & Teller: Bullshit!''. The Enigma was featured in the 2005 documentary film ''Freaky Circus Guy'' alongside sideshow performers Katzen, Danielle D'Meux, and William Darke. In 2004, The Enigma appeared with Mike Patton, Jane Wiedlin, Karen Black and Katzen, in Steve Balderson's film ''Firecracker''. A toy based on the Enigma's ''X-Files'' character the Conundrum was sold as part of Palisades Toys' ''X-Files'' PALz action figure line. He currently performs with Serana Rose in a freak show act called Show Devils.

References

External links

TheEnigmaLive.com

The Enigma on BMEzine

Interview in ''Prick'' magazine

Interviews with The Enigma and Katzen on tattoo website

Enigma Interview with Paul Clark, 1997

Official Website of Show Devils The Enigma's Current Touring Show

Category:American actors Category:Body modification Category:Sideshow performers Category:Pigface members Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:Living people Category:People from Seattle, Washington

de:The Enigma pt:The Enigma