There is this persistent stereotype that the occult attracts mostly broken people and those susceptible to outside influences, and I’ve been wondering if this is true to some extent.
Clearly, I don’t believe it’s the case for the majority of people.
Many of us gravitate to the occult because of our interests and philosophies.
But why do some people think that the occult is for the broken? Let’s break it down!
1. The Occult Offers Instant Power?
There is a claim that the occult attracts broken individuals because it provides instant power without any sacrifice.
Supposedly, there’s no cost, no labor, no prayer; you just turn to the occult, and you’re powerful.
I don’t know about you, but as someone who’s been fascinated by the occult for a long time, I’ve found it very humbling.
Sure, it provides a different perspective where you feel like an active agent in your life rather than a pawn, but it’s still far from having power.
For the most part, it’s reading books, listening to music, and trying to recreate small rituals that make you feel like a fool.
It’s fun and fulfilling. But powerful? Not exactly.
It takes years of devotion and work to start feeling like you finally know what you’re doing. I’d say that is a cost.
2. Connecting With Nature
The occult, when approached responsibly, fulfills our need for connection.
For people who are broken and those who can’t connect to the people around them, it offers a chance to feel one with nature.
Paths like Wicca and witchcraft especially help you feel connected.
You start tracking the moon phases, observing the changing seasons, and working with plants and crystals. You start to feel just how much your existence matters in the grand scheme of things.
When you feel isolated and disconnected, ritual practices help you appreciate and love the Earth more.
The modern lifestyle and the Abrahamic religions have severed our relationship with Her, and the occult can help us return to this, more natural form of worship.
This doesn’t necessarily attract damaged people, but it can help anyone live a more fulfilled life.
3. Rejecting Powerlessness
Feeling powerless to change things that weigh you down is one of the worst feelings known to man.
Whether you’re dealing with an abusive relationship or a dead-end job, that sense of being a pawn in your own life eats away at your soul.
While the occult doesn’t make you shoot thunderbolts from your fingers, it can do wonders for your mindset and attitude.
Broken or not, anyone can benefit from this change.
As you dabble in subtle magic and nature worship, you start to see power and energy everywhere, including within yourself.
Eventually, this feeling can help you break free from toxic dynamics and anything else holding you back.
And this also doesn’t come without a cost. It takes conscious effort to unlearn the behaviors that keep you stuck and adopt a new worldview.
That’s serious emotional labor.
4. Breaking Bad Habits
This newfound sense of power directly translates into breaking the habits that hinder your well-being.
When you feel broken, self-sabotage is almost a given.
But when you start seeing yourself as the expression of the divine and an integral part of this world, your sense of self grows.
But when you start practicing the occult, you begin to view yourself as a sovereign being worthy of care.
This gives you the motivation to stop drinking, smoking, or allowing someone to undermine you.
Most banishing rituals are done not to chase away ghosts, but our own inner demons that keep us from moving forward.
The occult provides the extra psychological edge needed to actually stick to your guns when your resolve starts to waver.
5. A Trap for Sensitive Souls?
I’ve said enough about the empowering aspects of the occult, but when does this path actually harm broken individuals?
Many of these people tend to be desperate for a sense of belonging, which can make them eager to join groups and fall for love bombing.
The occult itself isn’t the issue; the people in it are.
Coercive cults hide in plain sight within the religious and occult communities, disguising themselves as mystery schools and covens.
Solitary practice is the safest option, but belonging to a group of like-minded people is much more fulfilling.
When joining a coven, it’s crucial to look for signs of cult-like manipulation, such as an authority figure everyone listens to, extorting money, or isolating you from friends and family.
These things can ruin lives, so be very careful while searching for a community.
6. Between Healing and Escapism
Occult practice can indeed be of help on your path toward healing, but another thing to look out for is escapism.
It can easily become a cope that you use as an excuse not to do the real work or see a therapist.
Broken or not, the practice can provide a sense of fulfillment, but don’t forget that the other aspects of your life need attention, too.
It is seductive to think you can meditate your way out of a financial crisis, but that’s not how the occult works.
It’s something you practice to strengthen your mind and invite luck, but it’s not the ultimate solution.
True empowerment requires integrating your magical practice with actions.
A little Aquarius, devoted to writing and embroidery. Through my writing, I hope to empower readers to align with their true selves and navigate life’s mysteries with confidence.