The Top 13 Occultists of All Time

The occult is a vast and fascinating subject, and there have been many influential occultists throughout history. These occultists have explored the mysteries of the universe, the nature of reality, and the potential for human transformation. Their work has helped to shape the course of history and to make the occult more accessible to people of all backgrounds.

Here are 11 of the most notable occultists:

1. Aleister Crowley (1875-1947): Crowley was a British occultist, writer, and mountaineer. He was a founder of Thelema, a religious philosophy that emphasizes personal freedom and spiritual enlightenment. Crowley’s writings on magic and spirituality have been influential in both the occult and mainstream cultures.
2. Eliphas Levi (1810-1875): Levi was a French occultist, writer, and ceremonial magician. He was one of the most influential figures in the 19th century occult revival. Levi’s writings on magic and symbolism helped to popularize the tarot and other occult symbols.
3. Helena Blavatsky (1831-1891): Blavatsky was a Russian-born occultist, writer, and co-founder of the Theosophical Society. She was a major figure in the 19th century occult revival. Blavatsky’s writings on esoteric philosophy and spiritualism helped to popularize the idea of a universal brotherhood of humanity.
4. Franz Bardon (1909-1958): Bardon was a Czech occultist, writer, and teacher. He developed a system of magic called Hermetics that is still used by occultists today. Bardon’s writings on magic and spirituality are known for their clarity and practicality.
5. Gerald Gardner (1884-1964): Gardner was an English occultist, writer, and founder of Wicca. He is considered to be the “father of modern Wicca.” Gardner’s writings on Wicca helped to popularize this new form of witchcraft.
6. William Wynn Westcott (1848-1923): Westcott was an English lawyer, Freemason, and occultist. He was one of the three co-founders of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Westcott was a prolific writer, and he contributed to many of the Golden Dawn’s rituals and teachings.
7. William Robert Woodman (1860-1916): Woodman was an English surgeon, Freemason, and occultist. He was one of the three co-founders of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Woodman was a skilled ritualist, and he played a key role in the development of the Golden Dawn’s system of magic.
8. Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers (1854-1918): Mathers was a Scottish occultist, Freemason, and ceremonial magician. He was one of the three co-founders of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Mathers was a scholar of esoteric lore, and he translated many important texts into English. He was also a prolific writer, and he authored several books on magic and occultism.
9. Manly P. Hall (1873-1949): Hall was an American occultist, writer, and lecturer. He was a major figure in the 20th century occult revival. Hall’s writings on esoteric philosophy and symbolism helped to popularize the idea of a “secret wisdom” that could be found in all cultures.
10. Israel Regardie (1907-1985): Regardie was an American occultist, writer, and teacher. He was a student of Aleister Crowley and Franz Bardon. Regardie’s writings on magic and spirituality are known for their clarity and detail.
11. Dion Fortune (1890-1946): Fortune was an English occultist, writer, and founder of the Society of the Inner Light. She was a major figure in the 20th century occult revival. Fortune’s writings on magic and spirituality helped to popularize the idea of a “white magic” that could be used for good.
12. Charles Stansfeld Jones (1886-1950): Jones was an English occultist, writer, and teacher. He was a student of Aleister Crowley and a member of the Ordo Templi Orientis. Jones’ writings on magic and spirituality are known for their originality and depth.
13. Paul Foster Case (1884-1954): Case was an American occultist, writer, and teacher. He was a student of A. E. Waite and a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Case’s writings on magic and spirituality are known for their clarity and precision.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the many influential occultists who have shaped the course of history. Their work has helped to popularize the occult and to make it more accessible to people of all backgrounds. The occult is a vast and fascinating subject, and there is still much to learn about it. The occultists on this list have made significant contributions to our understanding of the occult, and their work continues to inspire and inform occultists.