Esotericism

Western esotericism encompasses the traditions of hidden or initiatory knowledge that run alongside mainstream philosophy and religion — Hermeticism, alchemy, Kabbalah, Rosicrucianism, Theosophy, and Anthroposophy. From Ficino's Platonic magic to Paracelsus's alchemical medicine, to Böhme's mystical theosophy and Steiner's Anthroposophy, esoteric thinkers sought direct access to spiritual realities through symbolic, experiential, and contemplative means.