Claim: The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was devoted to knowledge.

The occult -LRB- from the Latin word occultus `` clandestine , hidden , secret '' -RRB- is `` knowledge of the hidden . '' In common English usage , occult refers to `` knowledge of the paranormal , '' as opposed to `` knowledge of the measurable , '' usually referred to as science . The term is sometimes taken to mean knowledge that `` is meant only for certain people '' or that `` must be kept hidden '' , but for most practicing occultists it is simply the study of a deeper spiritual reality that extends beyond pure reason and the physical sciences . The terms esoteric and arcane can also be used to describe the occult , in addition to their meanings unrelated to the supernatural .   It also describes a number of magical organizations or orders , the teachings and practices taught by them , and to a large body of current and historical literature and spiritual philosophy related to this subject .