In the Western world, “occult” usually evokes evil connotations associated with witchcraft and sorcery, summoning the dead, and ritual sacrifice. In some Eastern cultures, however, religion and occultism are frequently blended into a morally neutral form. Western occult beliefs pertain to “secret philosophies” such as “Hellenistic magic and alchemy” combined with “Jewish mysticism.” 

Occult practitioners are supposedly gifted with powers and knowledge available to specially chosen individuals or people of great intellect. Occultists or spiritualists, as they are sometimes known, seek “secret wisdom” such as the key to eternal life. The word “occult” means “hidden.”

Occultism might entertain, but even if one does not experience demonic possession, there is a subtle danger that the Christian dabbling in occultism “just for fun” will stray from God’s peace.