Occult Motivated Groups

There are millions of practitioners of occult religions around the world. Witchcraft, Voodoo (Afro-Christian Syncretized Religions) and Satanism have some similarities but many differences. The primary difference is that the Gods worshipped by these three distinct religions are believed by their practitioners to have nothing in common with each other. Just as all Christians do not believe the same, neither do all witches, all voodoo practitioners, or all Satanists. Within each of the occult religions are distinct subgroups. The study and understanding of the groups, let alone the subgroups, would be a very time-consuming endeavor.

This is only a brief overview. When you begin to investigate the occult, prepare yourself for extensive reading. There are thousands of books on the occult. The books can be acquired at occult stores. In large metropolitan areas these stores are located in the telephone directory yellow pages under "Occult." Many books on occult practices can be purchased at "New Age" bookstores, also located in the yellow pages under "Books." Used bookstores frequently have a number of books in their "occult" or "metaphysical" sections. In every culture in the world there are individuals who practice magic. We are focusing on those groups most likely encountered in English-speaking countries. These groups' beliefs are based on beliefs founded in European witchcraft or paganism, Satanism, and the Afro-Christian Syncretized (Voodoo) religions.