Occultism refers to a broad set of beliefs and practices that deal with the mystical, supernatural, and paranormal phenomena beyond the realm of conventional understanding. It involves the study of hidden knowledge or secrets, often relating to the supernatural or mystical aspects of the universe. The term “occult” derives from the Latin word “occultus,” meaning hidden or secret. Occultism encompasses a wide range of practices, including divination, ritual magic, alchemy, astrology, numerology, and various forms of spiritualism. Followers of occultism often believe in the existence of spiritual entities, such as angels, demons, and other supernatural beings, and in the power of ritualistic practices to affect the physical world. Some people practice occultism for spiritual or religious reasons, while others are drawn to it out of curiosity or a desire to explore hidden knowledge. The study and practice of occultism have a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Greece, and continue to be a subject of interest and debate in modern times.
Published in Chapter:
Dark Tourism: A Novel Trending Sector in Tourism – A Study in the Indian Subcontinent
Copyright: © 2023
|Pages: 29
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-6684-7242-2.ch007
Abstract
The chapter delves into a relatively newer segment in tourism arena: dark tourism. Dark tourism is a phenomenon that embodies the dramatic side of society including some horrific experiences. It is a complex fusion of history and heritage, tourism, and catastrophes. It has a tonne of promises and could definitely improve the economic progress of any country. It has the most vibrant youthful tourists. Due to its own attitudes and views, the Indian subcontinent lags in recognising this gold mine and promoting it, though it has always been observed as a spiritual hub and capital of occultism, hovering around the esoteric, supernatural beliefs and practices. If the Indian subcontinent adopts the global perspective on dark tourism and develops the necessary rules, infrastructure, and defences to deal with controversies and political concerns, it will see a significant increase in its domestic and international tourism-related earnings through exploration of this vast domain of possibilities.