Definition

1. Noun:
   • A believer in occultism: An "occultist" is a person who believes in or studies occultism, which involves hidden or supernatural knowledge, forces, and practices beyond the scope of ordinary science and religion.
   • Someone versed in the occult arts: An "occultist" is also someone who is knowledgeable and skilled in various occult arts, such as divination, magic, alchemy, or esoteric spiritual traditions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The famous author was also a practicing occultist who studied ancient mystical texts.
  • She consulted an occultist to gain insight into her future through tarot cards.
  • Many occultists in the 19th century were interested in spiritualism and communicating with the dead.

Advanced Usage

• As a descriptor: The term can be used attributively to describe practices, knowledge, or communities associated with such a person.
  • The library contained a vast collection of occultist literature.
• Historical context: Often used to refer to figures in Western esoteric traditions, such as those involved in Hermeticism, Theosophy, or ceremonial magic.
  • Aleister Crowley is one of the most well-known and controversial occultists of the 20th century.

Variants and Related Words

• Occult (adj/n): Relating to mystical, supernatural, or magical powers, phenomena, or knowledge. As a noun, it refers to such matters collectively.
  • He had a deep interest in the occult.
• Occultism (n): The study of or belief in occult supernatural powers or knowledge.
  • Her research focused on the history of European occultism.

Synonyms

• Mystic: A person who seeks by contemplation and self-surrender to obtain unity with or absorption into the Deity or the absolute. (Overlaps in seeking esoteric spiritual knowledge).
• Esotericist: A person who studies or is an expert in esoteric doctrines or practices.
• Magician (in a non-stage sense): A person who practices magic, especially ritual or ceremonial magic.

Related Phrases

• Practicing occultist: Emphasizes the active application of occult knowledge or rituals.
  • He was not just a theorist but a practicing occultist.
• Modern occultist: Refers to contemporary adherents or practitioners.
  • The conference attracted modern occultists from various neo-pagan traditions.

Related Idioms

(Note: There are no common idioms centered solely on the word "occultist." The term itself is specific and technical.)

Noun

1. a believer in occultism; someone versed in the occult arts