5 Occult Concepts That Explain the World Better Than Science
Throughout my extensive research into occult philosophy, I’ve been fortunate to gain a ton of knowledge that has truly enriched my understanding of the world. This journey has been deeply personal, as it has allowed me to explore the hidden corners of my mind and connect with a broader spiritual and philosophical landscape.
What I’ve come to realize during this time is profound: if the world weren’t so rigid and complex, we could all live and practice our lives in such diverse and meaningful ways that are truly personalized to our unique needs and desires. This realization has inspired me to seek out a more balanced and harmonious existence, one that embraces the individuality and creativity that lie within each of us. It’s also motivated me to share this knowledge with you all, hoping to spark a similar sense of wonder and empowerment in your own lives!
Now don’t get me wrong; science is brilliant at breaking things down—atoms, ecosystems, the expansion of the universe. It gives us answers, solutions, and a framework to navigate the physical world. But let’s be honest: science often trips over itself when trying to explain the messy, intangible, and deeply human parts of existence.
The cracks where logic doesn’t fit? That’s where the occult slips in. Occult philosophy thrives on the edges of understanding. It doesn’t just ask “how”—it asks “why,” “what if,” and “what does this mean for me?” While science maps reality in clean, objective terms, the occult dives into the subjective, the mysterious, and the uncomfortable truths that can’t be measured in a lab.
Here are five esoteric concepts that, in their raw and provocative nature, offer a far more compelling explanation of the world than science ever could:
1. As Above, So Below: The Reflective Nature of Reality
This phrase is a cornerstone of hermetic philosophy, a cryptic little mantra that implies the micro mirrors the macro, and vice versa. In simpler terms: the structure of the universe can be seen in the structure of a single human life.
Science has its own version of this idea in fractals and self-similarity across scales—patterns that replicate endlessly from the molecular level to the cosmic. But where science stops at structure, the occult digs deeper.
As above, so below isn’t just a reflection of patterns; it’s a commentary on how everything—your struggles, desires, and choices—ties into larger systems. Your internal chaos mirrors societal chaos. A broken relationship might reflect a deeper imbalance in your worldview. It’s not just poetic metaphor; it’s a map for self-awareness.
When science shrugs at the meaning of human patterns, the occult says, Look closer. What’s happening out there is happening in here, too.
2. The Law of Correspondence: Connection Beyond Logic
Occult philosophy insists that nothing exists in isolation. Every force, event, or idea has a counterpart. Correspondence suggests that unrelated things—symbols, objects, emotions—are part of an invisible web of connection. You lose something important, and suddenly, you’re flooded with strange coincidences that feel almost intentional.
What science brushes off as statistical anomalies, the occult embraces as part of the design. For example, synchronicity—the idea that unrelated events can feel meaningfully connected—is often dismissed by science as cognitive bias.
Yet, anyone who’s experienced these “coincidences” knows they carry a weight science can’t quantify. Correspondence doesn’t just explain why these events happen; it dares to ask what they mean. It argues that your personal reality is shaped not just by physical actions but by symbols, metaphors, and the unseen forces tying them all together.
3. The Hermetic Principle of Polarity: Duality Without Simplicity
In science, opposites are defined by contrast: positive and negative, light and dark, heat and cold. The occult, however, sees polarity not as opposition but as two ends of the same spectrum. Hot and cold, for instance, are both expressions of temperature; they’re not enemies, just different manifestations of the same underlying force.
The principle of polarity teaches that extremes are always interconnected. Love and hate, joy and grief—they aren’t separate forces battling for dominance. They’re two expressions of the same energy. This doesn’t just help explain emotional complexity; it’s a tool for navigating life. Feeling overwhelmed by fear?
Polarity suggests that courage isn’t its opposite—it’s a reframing of the same energy. Science is great at measuring extremes, but it struggles with the liminal space between them. The occult lives in that in-between, showing how the line between opposites is much thinner than it seems.
4. The Rule of Threefold Return: Consequence Beyond Physics
Karma often gets watered down into a pop-culture idea of “what goes around comes around.” But the occult’s threefold law takes it further, suggesting that every action—good, bad, or indifferent—comes back with amplified force.
Cast harm into the world, and harm returns not as punishment but as a natural ripple of that consequence. Put good into the world, and its return carries exponential weight. Science traditionally examines phenomena through straightforward cause-and-effect relationships, often focusing on linear progressions where one event leads directly to another.
However, it often struggles to capture the complex and layered nature of our decisions, which can produce effects that multiply and interact in unexpected ways. Our actions as humans don't just create simple, predictable outcomes; they can initiate chains of events that grow in complexity and impact over time, creating a web of consequences that are difficult to predict or quantify using standard scientific methods.
Why does a single act of kindness resonate so deeply? Why does unchecked anger spiral into unforeseen consequences? The occult’s perspective on consequences isn’t moralistic; it’s mechanical. This concept is as much about accountability as it is about empowerment. It forces you to think beyond the immediate result of your actions, asking: What are the ripples I’m setting in motion?
5. The Alchemical Process: Transformation as a Cycle
Alchemy is often reduced to the pursuit of turning lead into gold—a quaint historical footnote in science’s evolution. But true alchemy was never just about metal. It was—and still is—a philosophy of transformation. Lead and gold are metaphors for the self. The base material (lead) represents the parts of you that are raw, unformed, and heavy. Gold is the refined self—lighter, brighter, and forged through struggle.
Science can tell you how cells regenerate, how the brain processes trauma, how habits form. But alchemy explains the why behind transformation. It frames struggle not as a problem to be solved but as an integral part of growth.
Calcination, dissolution, and coagulation form the stages of a chemical journey that mirrors the human experience of transformation and self-discovery. The process begins with calcination, a fiery purification that strips away the unnecessary, burning away the dross to reveal the essential core beneath. This is a time of intense reflection, where one begins to cast aside the illusions and impurities accumulated over time.
Next comes dissolution, a stage of deep introspection where old structures and beliefs are broken down. It is a time for letting go of outdated habits and ideas, much like dissolving bonds that once seemed unbreakable. This phase requires courage, as it involves dismantling one's protective barriers, leaving behind comfort zones to explore the unfamiliar.
Finally, there's coagulation, the phase of reconstruction. Here, from the remnants of the past, something new and robust is forged. It's the alchemical rebirth, where a person emerges transformed, having integrated the lessons learned from the previous stages. This rebuilding is not simply a return to the original state, but an evolution into an entity more aligned with one’s true self.
Through each stage, the journey can be deeply personal, reflecting a unique path of self-awareness and growth. Calcination, dissolution, and coagulation are not merely chemical stages but serve as a profound blueprint for personal evolution, guiding one towards a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
This transformative cycle encourages embracing change, fostering resilience, and celebrating the unfolding of a renewed identity. Where science provides explanations, alchemy offers profound meaning. It asserts that transformation isn’t merely possible—it’s inevitable, provided you’re willing to endure the transformative fire.
Why the Occult Makes You Ask Better Questions
Science excels at answers. It gives us the tools, cures, and frameworks to navigate the tangible. But answers, for all their value, are useless without the right questions. This is where the occult shines. It doesn’t care about tidy conclusions; it cares about pulling you deeper into the unknown, daring you to challenge what you think you understand.
Occult principles don’t aim to replace science—they simply just… fill in its gaps. They explain not just the mechanics of life but the meaning, the purpose, the strange and chaotic connections that defy logic.
They don’t seek to fix the world; they ask what the world is asking of you. And sometimes, just by asking the right question; life is far more enjoyable than always trying to find the answers.
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Monique gripped the steering wheel of her weathered Subaru, stealing glances at her best friend, Ashleigh, in the passenger seat. The winding mountain road stretched before them, an endless ribbon cutting through the dense, shadowy forest. As the sun reached its apex in the sky, casting long fingers of light through the trees, Monique felt a familiar tightness in her chest.
The radio played softly, filling the silence between them. Ashleigh’s eyes were fixed on the view outside, but she could sense Monique’s unease.
“You know, this is exactly what we need,” Ashleigh said, her voice gentle yet firm. “Getting away will help clear your mind.”
Monique sighed, her grip tightening. “I don’t know, Ash. What if this is just another failed attempt to escape my life?”
“It won’t be,” Ashleigh insisted, turning to face her friend. “You’ve been through so much, Mo. I know you’re stronger than you realize. It’s time you remembered that. We both need this time away to breathe and heal.”
Monique glanced at Ashleigh, seeing the determination in her eyes. “I hope you’re right,” she muttered, returning her gaze to the road.
At thirty-two, Monique wore her experiences like invisible scars. Her once-bright smile now seemed forced, a mask to hide the turmoil beneath the surface. This vacation was meant to be an escape, a chance to outrun the shadows of guilt and grief that had dogged her steps since that fateful night.
The car rounded another bend, and Ashleigh gasped softly. “Hey Mo, look!”
Their friendship had been a lifeline for Monique, a bond forged through years of shared experiences, laughter, and tears. Ashleigh’s unwavering support and infectious optimism had always been a source of strength for Monique, especially during the darkest times. Despite the heavy weight of her recent past, Monique felt a flicker of hope as they ventured deeper into the mountains, guided by Ashleigh’s constant belief in her resilience.
As they approached the clearing, a cabin emerged from the wilderness. Its weathered exterior spoke of years of neglect but also held a mysterious charm. Like hollow eyes, the windows watched their arrival with curiosity and anticipation.
Monique eased the car to a stop, killing the engine. “Home sweet home,” she said sarcastically. The silence was so loud that the only sound was the tick of the cooling engine and their shallow breaths.
Monique’s feeble attempt at humor fell flat in the eerie stillness. Neither woman moved to exit the car. Monique’s mind drifted, remembering her previous argument with her brother Marcus. He had insisted this trip would help her heal, but Monique couldn’t take the mix of pity and encouragement in his eyes. It was her fault David was gone. Her actions had shattered so many lives.
A sudden movement in the trees snapped Monique back to the present. She tensed, eyes scanning the tree line. “Did you see that?”
Ashleigh frowned, peering into the gathering darkness. “See what?”
For a heartbeat, Monique thought she glimpsed a person standing motionless among the pines. Then it was gone, leaving her to wonder if it had been a trick of the fading light.
“It’s nothing,” Monique said, more to convince herself than Ashleigh. “Come on, let’s get our stuff inside before dark.”
They exited the car, the crunch of gravel under their feet echoing through the silent forest. Monique couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched as they retrieved their bags from the trunk.
Ashleigh bumped her shoulder playfully against Monique’s. “Hey, this is supposed to be fun, remember? Two weeks of rest, relaxation, and zero cell service.”
Monique managed to put up a small smile, grateful for her friend’s unrelenting support. “You’re right. I don’t think I could’ve done this alone.”
As they approached the cabin, keys jingling in Monique’s hand, a chill wind whipped through the clearing. It carried the scent of pine and something else – something old and vaguely unsettling.
Monique hesitated at the threshold, her hand on the tarnished doorknob. This was their refuge, a chance to heal and move forward. Yet, as she gazed into the cabin’s shadowy interior, she couldn’t shake the feeling that they had made a terrible mistake.
With a deep breath, Monique pushed open the door. It swung inward with a mournful creak, revealing musty darkness within. Neither noticed the gleaming eyes watching from the forest’s edge as she and Ashleigh stepped inside.
The musty air inside the cabin tickled Monique’s nose as she fumbled for a light switch. A soft click and warm light flooded the room, revealing a cozy interior that immediately dispelled any lingering unease. The cabin’s weathered exterior had hidden a warm, inviting space that promised comfort and relaxation.
“Wow, Ash,” Monique breathed, taking in the rustic charm of the living room. A stone fireplace dominated one wall, flanked by well-worn but comfortable-looking furniture. The wooden walls were adorned with old photographs and paintings of the surrounding wilderness, adding to the cabin’s quaint appeal.
“This place is pretty nice,” Monique said, her tone lightening.
Ashleigh beamed, already hauling their bags inside. “I told you! I found this place online while Marcus and I searched for venues for the big day. It had great reviews from other guests for a quick reprieve.”
They began exploring the cabin, starting in the living room. Monique noticed a large, plush rug beside the fireplace and a stack of firewood beside it. A sturdy wooden coffee table held an assortment of nature magazines and a few board games.
“I can already picture us cozying up here with a fire going,” Monique said, her spirits lifting.
“Exactly,” Ashleigh agreed. “This is our sanctuary for the next two weeks.”
They moved into the kitchen, a small but well-equipped space with modern appliances that contrasted with the rustic charm of the rest of the cabin. The countertops were clean and stocked with basic cooking supplies, and a welcome basket on the table held locally sourced produce and a bottle of wine.
“Look at this,” Monique said, picking up a small jar of homemade jam. “They thought of everything.”
They continued their tour, finding a bathroom with surprisingly modern fixtures. The shower was spacious, and the vanity was stocked with fluffy towels and various bathroom products. Monique smirked as she noticed the stockpile of feminine hygiene products.
“I’m not sure how she knew to stock up on feminine hygiene products,” Monique said with a raised eyebrow. I guess you told her it was us, huh?”
Ashleigh laughed. “Yeah, I mentioned it was two women staying. Figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask for the essentials.”
“I’m impressed; this is way nicer than I expected,” Monique said.
“Wait until you see the bedrooms,” Ashleigh replied, leading the way upstairs.
The main bedroom was the highlight of the cabin. It featured a large bed with a rustic wooden frame dressed in cozy quilts and soft pillows. French doors opened onto a covered porch that overlooked a babbling stream. Monique stepped outside, inhaling the fresh mountain air and listening to the soothing sound of the water.
“This view is unbelievable,” she said, turning to Ashleigh. “I can’t believe you found this place.”
Ashleigh joined her on the porch. “I knew we needed somewhere special. Somewhere, we could relax and disconnect from everything.”
The second bedroom was smaller but equally charming. It had a single bed and a window that offered a view of the dense forest. Ashleigh placed her bag on the bed and turned to Monique.
“This will be my room. You get the primary suite,” she said with a smile.
Monique felt a surge of gratitude. “Thanks, Ash. Really.”
“I’ve got a whole itinerary planned, too! I promised hiking, yoga, and that winery visit. Oh, and I brought some art supplies for you. I thought you might want to get back into sketching.”
Monique’s throat tightened at her friend’s thoughtfulness. She hadn’t touched her art supplies since before the accident.
“You’re spoiling me on this trip, Ash. Seriously.”
“You just call me Big Momma, Ash.” Ashleigh responded with a terrible impression of a masculine man who provides a special kind of “sugar.” A slight smirk sneaked in, about to make her break character.
Monique looks at her and says, “Anything for you, Big Momma.”
They fell onto the bed after bursting into laughter. After regaining their composure, the two returned downstairs when Monique surprised her friend and wrapped her in an affectionate embrace that symbolized their 20 years of friendship and history. After unpacking, they spent the next hour or so discussing the latest gossip from home. Monique felt more at ease than she had in a while, thanks to the cozy vibe and Ashleigh’s company.
They decided to stroll before dinner as the sun dropped below the tree line, leaving long shadows across the clearing. The forest trail was alive with the sounds of birds settling in for the night and small animals rustling in the underbrush.
“You know, Mo, sometimes all we need is a little nature to remind us of what life is really about,” Ashleigh said softly as they passed the stream. “Two weeks of peace will do wonders for your soul.”
Monique nodded, taking a deep breath of the pine-scented air, fighting her mind’s attempts to remember the hikes with David. He epitomized getting outside and getting to it. She’d thought of him fondly instead of with heavy guilt. A faint sense of hope was felt for the first time in months. Maybe she could start getting better here.
Returning to the cabin, they fell into an easy rhythm of setting dinner together. Ashleigh pulled out the fresh trout they had picked up on the way during the drive-up while Monique set the table. Preparing a meal brought a sense of normalcy that Monique hadn’t realized she’d been missing.
“Who knew we’d make such a great kitchen team?” Monique remarked with a small smile as she arranged the trout on a plate.
“Remember our college days? We were practically gourmet chefs with a hot plate and a microwave,” Ashleigh replied with a laugh, tearing open a packet of herbs.
Monique chuckled. “Yeah, those were the days. Having real food and a real kitchen for a change.”
“Exactly. “And, real friends who stick by your side no matter what,” Ashleigh said, her tone more serious as she met Monique’s eyes.
Monique felt a warmth spread through her chest. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, Ash.”
“Luckily for you, you’ll never have to find out,” Ashleigh replied with a wink.
Monique nodded, feeling a sense of contentment that had been forgotten for far too long. Ashleigh’s promise of a peaceful retreat was beginning to make her feel like things might get better.
They settled to eat, savoring the freshly cooked trout and reminiscing about their road trip. The cabin filled with the delicious aroma of lemon pepper seasonings and thyme, and their laughter echoed through the rustic space.
“This trout was a great idea,” Monique said, licking her fingers. “We should stop by that market again on the way back.”
“Deal,” Ashleigh agreed, holding her fork in a mock toast. “To our first bestie dinner in the cabin!”
“First bestie dinner in the cabin!” Monique echoed, clinking her fork against Ashleigh’s.
After dinner, Monique and Ashleigh settled onto the cabin’s porch, glasses of wine in hand. The surrounding forest hummed with the evening chorus of crickets and frogs. The air was incredible, and the night sky revealed a blanket of stars.
“To, new beginnings,” Ashleigh said, raising her glass of wine.
Monique clinked her glass against her dear friend’s, a genuine smile tugging at her lips. “To a new beginning.”
They sipped their wine in comfortable silence, listening to the symphony of nature around them. Monique felt a sense of peace she hadn’t experienced in a long time.
“So,” Ashleigh began, her voice gentle, “how are you doing, Mo? And don’t give me that ‘I’m fine’ nonsense. I was afraid we’d have to admit you soon enough!”
Monique laughed wryly, then sighed, swirling the wine into her glass. “Honestly? I don’t know. Some days are… better than others.” She paused, struggling to find the words.
“It’s just… everywhere I go back home, I see him. David, I mean. Or I see the looks people give me like they’re just waiting for me to break down.”
Ashleigh reached out and gently squeezed Monique’s hand. “He was your college sweetheart, turned husband, Mo; I can’t even begin to understand how you feel. You are so strong for even making it through the day, even though all you want to do is curl up into a ball and hit ‘Do Not Disturb.’”
“It’s a pain I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy, and please know I appreciate you and this beautiful cabin you got for us. I just…” Monique trailed off; her gaze fixed on the darkening forest.
“I can’t help feeling like I’m running away.”
“You’re not running away,” Ashleigh insisted. “You’re taking time to heal; that’s why we’re here. There’s a huge difference.”
Monique nodded slowly. “I guess so. It’s just difficult to see it that way sometimes.”
Ashleigh leaned back in her chair, looking up at the sky. “Something about being out here makes everything else seem so small. The stars, the trees, the sounds of the forest—it’s like a reminder that there’s so much more to life than the pain we carry.”
Monique followed her gaze, the stars twinkling above them. “You’re right. I’ve missed this. Just being able to look up and feel… connected to something bigger.”
“Let’s make a pact,” Ashleigh said suddenly, turning to face Monique. “For the next two weeks, we focus on the present. No dwelling on the past, no worrying about the future. Just being here, right now, is all we need.”
Monique’s eyes met Ashleigh’s, and she saw the sincerity and determination in her friend’s gaze. “I can do that,” she agreed, “for you and me.”
Ashleigh grinned, holding out her pinky finger. “Pinky swear?”
Monique laughed; a sound that felt foreign yet incredible. She linked her pinky with Ashleigh’s. “I pinky swear.”
They stayed on the porch longer, wrapped in blankets, occasionally pointing out an exceptionally bright star or a constellation they recognized. The conversation flowed easily, with light-hearted banter and more profound reflections.
“So, how are the wedding plans going?” Monique asked, genuinely curious.
Ashleigh’s eyes lit up. “Oh, Marc and I have been so busy. It’s coming together, but you know how stressful it can get. Finding the right venue, finalizing the guest list, and don’t even get me started on the dress fittings.”
Monique smiled. “I can’t wait to see you walk down the aisle. You’re going to look stunning.”
Ashleigh squeezed her hand. “And you will be right there beside me, Miss. Maid of Honor, and all. You know I couldn’t do this without you, Mo.”
Monique’s heart warmed at her friend’s words. “I’m honored. Truly.”
“Who else besides my ride-or-die would I want to marry my brother?”
They continued to sip their wine after sharing a giggle. As the night grew colder, they decided to head inside. They secured the cabin, double-checking the locks on the doors and windows before settling into their respective rooms.
As Monique lay in bed, drifting off to sleep to the gentle babbling of the stream outside, she felt a sense of calm wash over her, the weight of the past months lifting ever so slightly. For the first time in a long while — she allowed herself to hope this retreat might bring the healing she desperately needed.
She was about to drift off when a faint sound reached her ears—something soft like gravel crunching underfoot. Monique’s eyes snapped open, and she strained to hear her heart racing. The sound was muffled but distinct, moving slowly around the cabin.
She held her breath, eyes fixed on the shadowy outline of the window. For a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of movement—a vague, shadowed figure blending into the night. She started peering out of the window when she was proven correct by being startled back into bed, playing asleep to avoid detection. The figure paused, leering into the window, no longer lingering at the forest’s edge from their arrival. She and Ashleigh were on the second floor of the log cabin; how could they have possibly gotten up here? Monique’s heart began to pound in her chest as she scrambled to find her phone and turn on the flashlight. Immediately after she looked up, the figure disappeared, leaving only an eerie silence in the master cabin suite. Shadows cast on her wall began forming the same silhouette she’d just seen a moment prior.
Monique exhaled shakily, feeling quite irrational. She told herself it must be a trick of the moonlight and her overactive imagination, but the unease lingered. She instinctively knew she should check on Ashleigh, but trepidation kept her in bed, her intuition faltering in the oppressive silence. The promise of peace in this dense forest now felt tenuous, as if the darkness outside held secrets that were just beginning to stir.
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What is ‘Oli’s Inkwell Symposium?’
Oli’s Inkwell Symposium is a sub-blog (separate from my creative writing) dedicated to the various forms of storytelling. Not just myself, but any writer wanting to be apart of something unique and communal! This is intended to be a haven for writers, artists, and anyone with a love for exploring the depths of human emotion and the mysteries of the universe. Here, I’ll share diverse insights, ideas, and stories that push the boundaries of reality and dive into the fantastical.
I want this to be more than just a blog – I want it to be a community. This is where we can talk about the stories that shape us, the emotions that drive us, and the creativity that fuels us. That's why I created the symposium: to have a place to share my explorations of the fantastical, the mysterious, and the deeply human.
Here, I invite you to join me in the endless game of hide-and-seek. In this game, we bring the hidden corners of the mind into the light, and creativity is the key to opening new worlds for us to explore.
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Manifestations
As part of this journey, I’m excited to introduce you to Manifestations: Tales of Unchecked Emotion—an ongoing anthology where emotions don’t just simmer beneath the surface; they break free, take physical form, and start to influence the world around them in ways that are both beautiful and terrifying. Stay tuned for the next post, where you can learn how to submit your writing and potentially be featured here on the page!
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