Cult vs. Occult: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A cult is a system of religious beliefs and rituals, often centered around a charismatic leader, while the occult refers to mystical, supernatural, or magical beliefs, practices, or phenomena.
Key Differences
The term "cult" is derived from the Latin word "cultus," which means care or adoration, often relating to religious practices or devoted groups, while "occult" comes from the Latin "occultus," meaning hidden or secret, and is associated with mystical, supernatural, or magical beliefs and practices. Cults are typically characterized by their intense devotion to a specific idea, deity, or leader, often forming tight-knit communities around these, whereas the occult refers to practices and knowledge that are not widely accepted or understood by mainstream society, delving into the mysterious or esoteric aspects of the supernatural.
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Dec 02, 2023
Cults often face social scrutiny or negative perceptions due to their extreme beliefs or practices and the intense loyalty demanded from members. In contrast, the occult is generally viewed as an exploration or practice of hidden truths or supernatural powers, and its followers might not belong to a specific group or community. While cult members are usually part of a distinct group with a clear hierarchy and set of practices, those involved in the occult may practice individually or in loosely affiliated groups without a rigid structure.
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Dec 02, 2023
Cults often have structured rituals, ceremonies, and practices centered around their specific beliefs or the teachings of their leader. These practices are typically known to and performed by cult members only. The occult, however, involves practices like divination, astrology, alchemy, and spiritualism, which are aimed at understanding or manipulating hidden aspects of reality, and might be practiced both privately and by those with a casual interest.
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Dec 02, 2023
The purpose of a cult is usually to promote and sustain the beliefs of the group, often centered around a charismatic leader or a specific set of teachings. The goal of occult practices, however, is to gain knowledge or power over the supernatural or hidden forces of the universe. Cults often seek to grow their membership and influence, focusing on communal living or shared experiences, whereas occult practices are more individualistic, seeking personal enlightenment or power.
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Dec 02, 2023
Throughout history, various cults have emerged and dissipated, often leaving significant cultural or historical impacts, sometimes seen as radical or dangerous by mainstream society. The occult, on the other hand, has been a part of human history across different cultures, with its practices often shrouded in mystery and sometimes forbidden, attracting those who seek knowledge beyond the conventional boundaries of understanding. Both cults and the occult have been subjects of public fascination and fear, with their secretive and often misunderstood natures sparking curiosity and suspicion.
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Dec 02, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A system of religious beliefs and rituals.
Mystical, supernatural, or magical beliefs or phenomena.
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Structure
Often has a defined leadership and hierarchy.
More individualistic, lacking formal structure.
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Focus
Centered around specific teachings or a leader.
Concerned with hidden or esoteric knowledge.
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Public Perception
Sometimes viewed negatively due to extreme practices.
Often associated with mystery and secrecy.
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Practices
Rituals and teachings are usually tangible and observable.
Practices are esoteric and often secretive.
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Cult and Occult Definitions
Cult
A social group defined by its unusual religious, spiritual, or philosophical beliefs.
Members of the cult shared a deep commitment to their utopian ideals.
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Nov 25, 2023
Occult
Supernatural, mystical, or magical beliefs, practices, or phenomena.
She studied the occult and claimed to possess psychic abilities.
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Cult
A following that develops around a particular object, person, or theme.
The book achieved cult status and inspired a dedicated fan base.
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Occult
Beyond the range of ordinary knowledge or understanding.
He devoted his life to exploring the occult mysteries of the universe.
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Cult
A system of religious veneration directed towards a particular figure or object.
The cult of the sun god involved elaborate ceremonies and rituals.
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Occult
Secret; known only to a select few.
The society was rumored to engage in occult practices behind closed doors.
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Nov 25, 2023
Cult
A relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister.
The cult in the mountains was rumored to engage in bizarre rituals.
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Occult
Involving or relating to mystical, supernatural, or magical powers or phenomena.
The ancient manuscript contained diagrams and instructions for occult rituals.
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Cult
A misplaced or excessive admiration for a particular thing.
The cult of celebrity has a significant influence on social media trends.
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Occult
Of, relating to, or dealing with supernatural or magical influences, agencies, or occurrences
Occult astrological powers.
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Cult
A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.
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Occult
Beyond the realm of human comprehension; inscrutable
The causes of those phenomena remain occult.
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Occult
Hidden from view; concealed
"Hatchlings and juveniles ... keep to this occult place through all the seasons" (David M. Carroll).
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Cult
The formal means of expressing religious reverence; religious ceremony and ritual.
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Occult
(Medicine) Detectable only by microscopic examination or chemical analysis, as a minute blood sample.
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Cult
A usually nonscientific method or regimen claimed by its originator to have exclusive or exceptional power in curing a particular disease.
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Occult
Not accompanied by readily detectable signs or symptoms
Occult carcinoma.
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Cult
Obsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a person, principle, or thing.
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Cult
An exclusive group of persons sharing an esoteric, usually artistic or intellectual interest.
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Cult
A group, sect or movement following an unorthodox religious or philosophical system of beliefs, especially one in which members remove and exclude themselves from greater society, including family members not part of the cult, and show extreme devotion to a charismatic leader.
Two former cult members explain the difficulties they had extricating themselves from it.
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Occult
To become concealed or extinguished at regular intervals
A lighthouse beacon that occults every 45 seconds.
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Cult
The veneration, devotion, and religious rites given to a deity (especially in a historical polytheistic context), or (in a Christian context) to a saint.
The cult of Apollo
The cult of Mary
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Occult
To cover or hide from view.
The Earth occults the Moon during a lunar eclipse.
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Cult
(informal) A group of people having an obsession with or intense admiration for a particular activity, idea, person or thing.
The heavy metal cult; the cult of basketball; the guitarist's cult of loyal fans; the cult of celebrity
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Occult
(medicine) Secret; hidden from general knowledge; undetected.
Occult blood loss; occult cancer
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Occult
Related to the occult; pertaining to mysticism, magic, or astrology.
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Cult
Attentive care; homage; worship.
Every one is convinced of the reality of a better self, and of the cult or homage which is due to it.
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Cult
A system of religious belief and worship.
That which was the religion of Moses is the ceremonial or cult of the religion of Christ.
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Occult
Hidden from the eye or the understanding; invisible; secret; concealed; unknown.
It is of an occult kind, and is so insensible in its advances as to escape observation.
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Cult
A system of intense religious veneration of a particular person, idea, or object, especially one considered spurious or irrational by traditional religious bodies; as, the Moonie cult.
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Occult
Supernatural forces and events and beings collectively;
She doesn't believe in the supernatural
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Cult
A strong devotion or interest in a particular person, idea or thing without religious associations, or the people holding such an interest; as, the cult of James Dean; the cult of personality in totalitarian societies.
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Occult
Cause an eclipse of (a celestial body) by intervention;
The Sun eclipses the moon today
Planets and stars often are occulted by other celestial bodies
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Cult
An interest followed with exaggerated zeal;
He always follows the latest fads
It was all the rage that season
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Occult
Become concealed or hidden from view or have its light extinguished;
The beam of light occults every so often
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Cult
A system of religious beliefs and rituals;
Devoted to the cultus of the Blessed Virgin
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Occult
Hidden and difficult to see;
An occult fracture
Occult blood in the stool
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Occult
Having an import not apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence; beyond ordinary understanding;
Mysterious symbols
The mystical style of Blake
Occult lore
The secret learning of the ancients
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Occult
Hidden from view; not detectable by ordinary means.
The detective believed there was an occult connection between the mysterious events.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a cult?
A cult is a group characterized by shared religious or spiritual beliefs, often centered around a charismatic leader.
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Dec 02, 2023
What does the occult involve?
The occult involves mystical, supernatural, or magical beliefs, practices, or phenomena.
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Is the occult always associated with dark practices?
No, the occult encompasses a wide range of practices, not all of which are dark or negative.
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Do cults always have a religious basis?
While many cults are religious, some may be centered around philosophical or spiritual ideas rather than traditional religion.
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Can cults be harmful?
While not all cults are harmful, some can be due to extreme beliefs or practices.
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Are occult practices legal?
Most occult practices are legal, provided they do not violate any laws.
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Is the occult linked to religion?
The occult can intersect with religious beliefs, but it is not inherently religious.
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Are all cults secretive?
Not necessarily, though some cults may be secretive or exclusive, others are more open and public.
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Can cults be beneficial?
Depending on their practices and beliefs, some cults can provide a sense of community and belonging.
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How does one join a cult?
Joining a cult usually involves accepting its beliefs and practices, often through a formal or informal initiation process.
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Do cults always have a negative impact?
Not always, but some cults can have negative impacts on their members and the wider community.
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Is the occult always secretive?
While the occult often involves hidden or esoteric knowledge, not all aspects are necessarily secretive.
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Can anyone practice occult arts?
Yes, occult practices are often individualistic and can be explored by anyone interested.
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Does the occult always involve magic?
Magic is a common element in the occult, but not all occult practices involve magic.
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Can the occult provide real supernatural abilities?
Beliefs in the occult's ability to provide supernatural powers vary, and there is no scientific evidence to support such claims.
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Can cult membership be dangerous?
It can be, particularly if the cult engages in harmful or extreme practices.
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Can the occult influence everyday life?
For those who believe in it, the occult can have a significant influence on their worldview and daily choices.
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Are there famous cults in history?
Yes, there have been several famous cults throughout history, known for their unique beliefs and practices.
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Do all occult practices involve rituals?
Many do, but not all occult practices are ritualistic.
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What is the appeal of joining a cult?
People may join cults for various reasons, including seeking community, meaning, or spiritual enlightenment.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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