ENCYCLOPEDIA OF OCCULTISM & PARAPSYCHOLOGY: A Compendium of Information on the Occult Sciences, Magic, Demonology, Superstitions, Spiritism, Mysticism, Metaphysics, Psychical Science, and Parapsychology, with Biographical and Bibliographical Notes and Comprehensive Indexes  – FIFTH EDITION  (VOLUME ONE A-L)

This fifth edition of the Encyclopedia of Occultism & Parapsychology (EOP) continues the tradition established by its predecessors in providing the most comprehensive coverage of the fields of occultism and parapsychology. The production of this massively ambitious work was sparked by a heightened interest in psychic phenomena, the occult, witchcraft, and related topics in the 1970s.

‘Ihis interest, which led directly to the New Age movement of the 1980s, provided a continued wealth of material for parapsychologists to examine. It also led to a reaction by a group of debunkers to form the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of the Claims of the Paranormal, litis group believed that Utey were spokesmen for the scientific establishment.

The term “occult” remains suspect in many circles. The word derives from Latin and simply means “to shut off from view or exposure.” However, it eventually came to refer to realities specifically hidden from common sight; the occult realm is invisible to the physical eye but can be seen by an inner “spiritual” vision and/or grasped by psychic intuition.

The occult is the opposite of “apocalypse,” which means “to uncover.” The last book of the Christian Bible is alternatively called The Apocalypse or The Revelation. To many religious people, the term occult denotes that which is opposite of what God has revealed; hence, the realm of Satan and his legions of demons.

Some substance for this observation has been provided by religious leaders who combine an exploration of the occult with open opposition to the more traditional religions and religious institutions.

The occult also includes a host of techniques and practices originally designed and created to contact the extrasensory realm. Most frequently associated with the term occult are the techniques of magic and divination (including astrology, the tarot, and palmistry).

In addition, various forms of meditation, yoga, and psychic development should be included, as well as some practices more commonly associated with religion, such as speaking in tongues, prayer, and mysticism.

Language: English              Format: PDF                Pages: 954                  Size: 6 mb

Encyclopedia Of Occultism & Parapsychology by G. Melton (PDF)