Occult
The occult means knowledge of the hidden or paranormal and is often itself shrouded in mystery and rituals. Other rituals presented here form part of mysterious religions which are not widely understood in Western culture.
Those hung and burned were victims of a widespread hysteria in Scotland during the 17th century - fuelled by the fear of Satan and the occult.
J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis are two of the most influential fantasy authors of all time, and their novels are beloved across the world. However, several conspiracy theorists claim these two men were heavily involved in the occult and were priming their readers for a New World Order - the one conspiracy to rule them all.
Clairvius Narcisse was a Haitian man said to have been turned into a living zombie by a bokor, or witch doctor. His story was the subject of a book, The Serpent and the Rainbow, and scientific investigation.
Isaac Newton (1643 - 1727), the noted British scientist and mathematician, wrote many works that would now be classified as occult studies. These occult works explored chronology, alchemy, and Biblical interpretation especially of the Apocalypse.
The word Alchemy comes from the Arabic al-kimia and refers to an early form of science which involves the investigation of nature and an early philosophical and spiritual discipline.
Campaigners have submitted a petition to the Scottish Parliament calling for the last woman convicted under the Witchcraft Act to be pardoned.
Astrology is a group of systems, traditions, and beliefs in which knowledge of the relative positions of celestial bodies and related details is held to be useful in understanding, interpreting, and organising information about personality, human affairs, and other terrestrial matters.
Voodoo is the westernisation of the religious tradition originating in West Africa, which became prominent in the New World due to the importation of African slaves. West African Vodun is the original form of the religion; Haitian Vodou and Louisiana Voodoo are its descendants in the New World.
The term Witchcraft comes from the Old English word wiccecræft, meaning sorcery or necromancy. In historical, religious and mythological contexts, is the use of certain kinds of supernatural or magical powers.
