List of occultists

List of Occultists

This is a comprehensive list of notable occultists throughout history. Occultism refers to the study and practice of hidden or esoteric knowledge, often involving supernatural or mystical elements. The individuals listed below have made significant contributions to the field of occultism and have played a crucial role in shaping its development.

Ancient Occultists

Hermes Trismegistus

Hermes Trismegistus, also known as Thoth, is a legendary figure in ancient Egyptian mythology and a central figure in Hermeticism. He is believed to have authored the Corpus Hermeticum, a collection of texts that explore various occult and philosophical concepts.

Pythagoras

Pythagoras was an ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician who founded the Pythagorean school of thought. While primarily known for his contributions to mathematics, Pythagoras also delved into occult practices and believed in the mystical properties of numbers.

Medieval Occultists

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa was a German occultist, theologian, and writer. His most famous work, "De Occulta Philosophia," explores various occult topics such as astrology, alchemy, and magic. Agrippa's writings had a significant influence on later occultists and esoteric traditions.

Paracelsus

Paracelsus, born Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim, was a Swiss physician, alchemist, and occultist. He is known for his revolutionary ideas in medicine and his belief in the existence of hidden forces in nature. Paracelsus's works laid the foundation for the development of modern alchemy and contributed to the understanding of occult principles.

Modern Occultists

Aleister Crowley

Aleister Crowley was an English occultist, writer, and ceremonial magician. He founded the religious movement known as Thelema and authored numerous influential texts on occultism, including "The Book of the Law." Crowley's teachings and practices continue to have a significant impact on modern occultism.

Helena Blavatsky

Helena Blavatsky was a Russian occultist, philosopher, and co-founder of the Theosophical Society. She is best known for her book "The Secret Doctrine," which explores theosophical concepts and the history of occultism. Blavatsky's work played a crucial role in popularizing occult ideas in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Contemporary Occultists

Anton LaVey

Anton LaVey was an American occultist and author who founded the Church of Satan. His book "The Satanic Bible" outlines the philosophy and rituals of the Church of Satan, which gained significant attention and controversy. LaVey's influence on modern occultism is primarily associated with his promotion of individualism and self-indulgence.

Israel Regardie

Israel Regardie was a British occultist and writer who played a significant role in the revival of Western esoteric traditions. He studied under Aleister Crowley and later became an advocate for the teachings of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Regardie's works, such as "The Golden Dawn" and "The Tree of Life," continue to be influential in contemporary occult circles.

See Also

• Occultism
• Hermeticism
• Alchemy
• Thelema
• Theosophical Society