Esotericism and Magic: What is the Difference in Simple Terms

Magic is widely discussed today. Social networks actively promote Tarot card readings and candle rituals, while friends and colleagues are always ready to provide a number for some grandmother-sorceress. It seems that about a third of the population of the country is engaged in enchantments.

On themed forums, you often hear not only about magic but also about esotericism. Tarot readers, witches, and other sorcerers use these concepts interchangeably. Many people, who are far from this mystical sphere, do not understand the differences between these terms. They believe that a magician and an esotericist are the same.

But that is not the case. Not every esotericist is a magician, and unfortunately, far from all witches and healers can call themselves esotericists.

Esotericism represents a field of knowledge about phenomena and entities related to the otherworld. It encompasses numerous books and writings that have reached us from ancient times. By the way, initially, this knowledge was passed only to chosen individuals and was carefully concealed from everyone else. In fact, that’s how the word “esotericism” came about – in Greek, it means “secret,” “sacred.”

Magic, on the other hand, involves specific actions aimed at changing a person's fate. In other words, all the notorious rituals, divinations, whispers, and spells – all of this is pure magic. Here, a person, having mastered a certain technique of using specific tools (cards, candles, runes, etc.), tries to solve some problems for other people.

The goals of magic and esotericism even differ. Esotericists strive for self-knowledge and understanding of that realm of reality which cannot be scientifically explained. They are interested in how humans interact with mystical energies, and how these energies influence us.

Magicians, in most cases, are driven by ambition and gain. Such people simply convince others of their magical abilities in order to provide services for money.

To understand what esotericism and magic are – and what the difference is, you just need to look closely at those who practice them. And determine what their purpose is. For esotericists, the main thing is personal spiritual development and broadening their horizons through new knowledge. For magicians, their clients and earnings from these clients come first. Many, of course, will not agree with such an interpretation. Therefore, among sorcerers and other magical practitioners, you can hear the words “esotericism,” “esoteric.” In reality, very few of them are genuinely interested in the hidden knowledge of the universe. And rarely does anyone understand the true meaning of these words themselves.