Unlocking the Mysteries of the Occult: A Comprehensive List of 50 Practices

Some people who are interested in UFOs and UAPs may also be interested in the idea of ancient aliens or ancient astronauts, which suggests that extraterrestrial beings may have visited Earth in the distant past and influenced human civilization. This concept has been explored in various occult and pseudoscientific beliefs, such as Theosophy and ancient astronaut theory.

Additionally, some individuals who claim to have had experiences with UFOs or extraterrestrial beings may describe these experiences in terms that are reminiscent of mystical or spiritual experiences. This could lead them to seek out spiritual or occult practices in order to better understand or make sense of their experiences.

Here’s a revised list of occult practices with a brief description, an estimate of their popularity, and a popular book and author about each:

1. Astrology – the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies and their influence on human affairs. Astrology is a very popular occult practice. A popular book on astrology is “The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need” by Joanna Martine Woolfolk.
2. Tarot Reading – the use of Tarot cards to gain insight into past, present, and future events, as well as personal or spiritual development. Tarot reading is a widely popular occult practice. A popular book on Tarot is “The Complete Book of Tarot Reading” by Evelin Burger and Johannes Fiebig.
3. Numerology – the study of the numerical values of letters, words, names, and ideas, with the belief that they have occult significance. Numerology is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on numerology is “Numerology: The Complete Guide” by Matthew Goodwin.
4. Divination – the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through supernatural means, such as tarot reading or scrying. Divination is a widely popular occult practice. A popular book on divination is “The Complete Guide to Divination: How to Foretell the Future Using the Most Popular Methods of Prediction” by Richard Webster.
5. Alchemy – the practice of transforming base metals into gold or finding the “elixir of life,” a mystical substance that grants eternal youth and immortality. Alchemy is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on alchemy is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho.
6. Kabbalah – a form of Jewish mysticism that seeks to explain the nature of God and the universe through esoteric teachings and interpretations of the Hebrew Bible. Kabbalah is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Kabbalah is “The Essential Kabbalah” by Daniel C. Matt.
7. Hermeticism – a spiritual and philosophical system based on the writings attributed to the mythical figure Hermes Trismegistus, which emphasize the unity of all things and the power of the human will. Hermeticism is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Hermeticism is “The Kybalion” by Three Initiates.
8. Witchcraft – a practice that involves the use of magic, spells, and rituals to influence events or people in the physical world. Witchcraft is a widely popular occult practice. A popular book on witchcraft is “Witchcraft Today” by Gerald Gardner.
9. Shamanism – a practice that involves the use of altered states of consciousness to communicate with the spirit world and gain spiritual insight and healing. Shamanism is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on shamanism is “The Way of the Shaman” by Michael Harner.
10. Thelema – a spiritual philosophy and religion that emphasizes individualism and personal will, as well as the practice of magick. Thelema is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Thelema is “The Book of the Law” by Aleister Crowley.
11. Hereditary Witchcraft – a form of witchcraft that emphasizes the passing down of knowledge and practices through familial lines. Hereditary witchcraft is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on hereditary witchcraft is “Mastering Witchcraft” by Paul Huson.
12. Chaos Magick – a modern, eclectic form of magick that emphasizes the use of belief and willpower to achieve results. Chaos magick is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on chaos magick is “Condensed Chaos” by Phil Hine.
13. Theurgy – a form of magick that emphasizes the invocation of divine entities or forces for spiritual or mystical purposes. Theurgy is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Theurgy is “Theurgy, or the Hermetic Practice: A Treatise on Spiritual Alchemy” by E.J. Langford Garstin.
14. Spiritualism – a belief system that emphasizes the possibility of communication with the spirits of the dead. Spiritualism was very popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A popular book on Spiritualism is “The Spirits’ Book” by Allan Kardec.
15. Gnosticism – a diverse set of spiritual beliefs that emphasize direct spiritual experience and the attainment of gnosis, or intuitive knowledge. Gnosticism is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Gnosticism is “The Gnostic Gospels” by Elaine Pagels.
16. Enochian Magick – a system of magick based on the teachings of the Elizabethan occultist John Dee and his associate Edward Kelley, who claimed to have received messages from angels. Enochian magick is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Enochian magick is “Enochian Magick for Beginners” by Donald Tyson.
17. The Order of the Golden Dawn – a 19th-century secret society that sought to combine various occult practices and beliefs, including Hermeticism, Kabbalah, and tarot reading. The Order of the Golden Dawn was very influential in the development of modern Western occultism. A popular book on the Golden Dawn is “The Golden Dawn: The Original Account of the Teachings, Rites, and Ceremonies of the Hermetic Order” by Israel Regardie.
18. Theosophy – a spiritual movement that seeks to synthesize various religious and philosophical traditions into a cohesive whole, emphasizing the idea of spiritual evolution and the unity of all things. Theosophy was very popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A popular book on Theosophy is “The Secret Doctrine” by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky.
19. Rosicrucianism – a spiritual and philosophical movement that emphasizes the attainment of mystical knowledge and the realization of one’s true self. Rosicrucianism is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Rosicrucianism is “The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception” by Max Heindel.
20. The Necronomicon – a fictional grimoire (book of spells) created by the horror writer H.P. Lovecraft, which has become a popular reference in modern occultism. While the Necronomicon is not a genuine occult text, it has inspired many real-world occult practices and beliefs. A popular book on the Necronomicon is “The Necronomicon” by Simon.
21. Luciferianism – a belief system that venerates Lucifer as a bringer of light and knowledge. Luciferianism is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Luciferianism is “Liber AL vel Legis: The Book of the Law” by Aleister Crowley.
22. Satanism – a diverse set of beliefs and practices that often involve the veneration of Satan as a symbol of individualism, rebellion, or carnal desire. Satanism is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Satanism is “The Satanic Bible” by Anton Szandor LaVey.
23. Goetia – a system of magick that involves the invocation and control of demons for various purposes. Goetia is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Goetia is “The Lesser Key of Solomon” by Joseph H. Peterson.
24. Voodoo – a syncretic religion that originated in Haiti and combines elements of African traditional religion, Catholicism, and other spiritual practices. Voodoo is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Voodoo is “Voodoo in Haiti” by Alfred Metraux.
25. Druidry – a modern reconstruction of the spiritual practices of the ancient Celtic druids. Druidry is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Druidry is “The Druidry Handbook: Spiritual Practice Rooted in the Living Earth” by John Michael Greer.
26. Theosophical Society – a society dedicated to the study of theosophy, a spiritual philosophy that seeks to synthesize various religious and philosophical traditions into a cohesive whole. The Theosophical Society was very popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A popular book on the Theosophical Society is “The Key to Theosophy” by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky.
27. Egregore – a thought form or collective psychic entity created by a group of people through shared beliefs, practices, and rituals. Egregores are believed to have an independent existence and can influence the thoughts and behavior of their creators. Egregore is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Egregores is “Creating Magical Entities: A Complete Guide to Entity Creation” by David Michael Cunningham.
28. Hellenism – a modern revival of the ancient Greek religion and philosophy. Hellenism is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Hellenism is “Hellenismos: Practicing Greek Polytheism Today” by Tony Mierzwicki.
29. Thelemic Magick – a system of magick based on the teachings of Aleister Crowley and his interpretation of The Book of the Law. Thelemic magick is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Thelemic magick is “Magick in Theory and Practice” by Aleister Crowley.
30. New Age – a diverse and eclectic set of spiritual beliefs and practices that emerged in the 1970s and emphasizes personal spiritual growth, holistic health, and environmentalism. New Age is a very popular occult practice. A popular book on New Age is “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne.
31. The Black Arts – a term used to describe various dark or malevolent practices such as necromancy, demonology, and black magic. The Black Arts are a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on The Black Arts is “The Complete Book of Witchcraft” by Raymond Buckland.
32. The Western Mystery Tradition – a modern Western esoteric tradition that draws from various occult practices and philosophies, such as Hermeticism, Kabbalah, and alchemy. The Western Mystery Tradition is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on The Western Mystery Tradition is “Modern Magick: Twelve Lessons in the High Magickal Arts” by Donald Michael Kraig.
33. Psychic Abilities – a set of abilities such as clairvoyance, telepathy, and precognition, that are believed to allow individuals to perceive information beyond the physical senses. Psychic abilities are a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on psychic abilities is “You Are Psychic: The Art of Clairvoyant Reading and Healing” by Debra Lynne Katz.
34. Runes – an ancient Germanic writing system that is also used for divination and magical purposes. Runes are a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on runes is “The Book of Runes: A Handbook for the Use of an Ancient Oracle: The Viking Runes” by Ralph Blum.
35. Golden Dawn – a secret society that emerged in the late 19th century and sought to combine various occult practices and beliefs, including Hermeticism, Kabbalah, and tarot reading. The Golden Dawn was very influential in the development of modern Western occultism. A popular book on Golden Dawn is “The Golden Dawn: The Original Account of the Teachings, Rites, and Ceremonies of the Hermetic Order” by Israel Regardie.
36. The Order of the Silver Star – a magical order that was founded by the occultist and author Kenneth Grant. The Order of the Silver Star emphasizes the use of sexual magick and the exploration of the “Nightside” of consciousness. The Order of the Silver Star is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on The Order of the Silver Star is “The Nightside of Eden” by Kenneth Grant.
37. Ceremonial Magick – a system of magick that emphasizes the use of ceremonial rituals and symbolism to achieve spiritual and mystical goals. Ceremonial magick is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on ceremonial magick is “Modern Magick: Twelve Lessons in the High Magickal Arts” by Donald Michael Kraig.
38. Esoteric Christianity – a set of spiritual beliefs and practices that emphasize the mystical and symbolic aspects of Christianity. Esoteric Christianity is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Esoteric Christianity is “The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church” by Vladimir Lossky.
39. The Path of the Warrior – a spiritual path that emphasizes the development of personal strength, courage, and willpower through physical and mental training. The Path of the Warrior is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on The Path of the Warrior is “The Book of Five Rings” by Miyamoto Musashi.
40. Vampirism – a set of beliefs and practices that involve the emulation of vampires, either as a form of spiritual or personal development, or as a lifestyle choice. Vampirism is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Vampirism is “The Vampire Bible: The New Testament of the Vampires” by Lucifer Fulci.
41. Theosophical Astrology – a system of astrology that combines traditional astrological principles with theosophical concepts, such as reincarnation and karma. Theosophical Astrology is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Theosophical Astrology is “Esoteric Astrology” by Alice A. Bailey.
42. The O.T.O. – Ordo Templi Orientis – a secret society founded by the occultist and author Aleister Crowley, which seeks to promote the spiritual and philosophical teachings of Thelema. The O.T.O. is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on The O.T.O. is “Liber AL vel Legis: The Book of the Law” by Aleister Crowley.
43. Energetic Healing – a set of techniques and practices that involve the manipulation of the body’s energy fields to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Energetic Healing is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Energetic Healing is “Hands of Light: A Guide to Healing Through the Human Energy Field” by Barbara Brennan.
44. Automatic Writing – a practice that involves channeling messages from spirits, guides, or other supernatural entities through writing or typing. Automatic Writing is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Automatic Writing is “Automatic Writing and Cross Correspondence” by Geraldine Cummins.
45. Astral Projection – a practice that involves consciously leaving one’s physical body and traveling through the astral plane, a realm of consciousness that is said to exist beyond the physical world. Astral Projection is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Astral Projection is “Journeys Out of the Body” by Robert A. Monroe.
46. The Fourth Way – a spiritual and philosophical system developed by the Russian mystic G.I. Gurdjieff, which emphasizes the cultivation of consciousness and the overcoming of mechanical habits and reactions. The Fourth Way is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on The Fourth Way is “In Search of the Miraculous” by P.D. Ouspensky.
47. The Book of Shadows – a personal journal or grimoire used by Wiccans and other practitioners of witchcraft to record spells, rituals, and other magical practices. The Book of Shadows is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on The Book of Shadows is “To Ride a Silver Broomstick: New Generation Witchcraft” by Silver RavenWolf.
48. Hypnosis – a technique that involves inducing a trance state in a person and suggesting changes in their behavior or perceptions. Hypnosis is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Hypnosis is “The Art of Hypnosis: Mastering Basic Techniques” by Roy Hunter.
49. The Urantia Book – a spiritual text that claims to reveal new truths about God, the universe, and human destiny. The Urantia Book is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on The Urantia Book is “The Urantia Book: Revealing the Mysteries of God, the Universe, World History, Jesus, and Ourselves” by Multiple Authors.
50. Gnostic Christianity – a form of Christianity that emphasizes the importance of personal spiritual experience and the attainment of gnosis, or intuitive knowledge. Gnostic Christianity is a moderately popular occult practice. A popular book on Gnostic Christianity is “The Gospel of Thomas: The Hidden Sayings of Jesus” by Marvin W. Meyer.