Original German term: Okkult
Plain English
Occult means hidden. Historically, it referred to areas such as esoteric philosophy, alchemy, astrology, and spiritual knowledge.
Modern Translation
In Steiner’s time, occult did not automatically mean sinister. It often meant knowledge concerned with hidden or inward dimensions of reality.
Why It Matters
Steiner used the word in some early and technical contexts, partly because of the Theosophical vocabulary of his time.
For Beginners
Today the word carries too much baggage for ordinary public communication. Esoteric, spiritual, or contemplative are usually better choices.
Important Context
The word occult had a broader and more neutral meaning in Steiner’s time than it usually has today.