Some people think that some truths and knowledge are hidden or secret. To get this knowledge, people must show that they are worthy of it. This idea is called esotericism. Very often esotericism is linked to religion or belief systems. It can describe mystical, spiritual or occult points of view. Esotericism studies Gnosticism, Yoga, Alchemy, Magic, Spiritualism, Hypnosis, Astrology, Meditation, Mysticism, and Occultism. Many followers of Abrahamic faiths, particularly Christianity and Islam, have criticized Esotericism as black magic, although some esotericists and members of groups in Esotericism are against black magic. Esotericism in religion is called "obscurantism".
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Esoteric concepts and groups often have an Initiation ritual, such as Freemasonry, an esoteric secret society. Esoteric knowledge cannot be proven by science, because it is mostly spiritual and supernatural.
Esotericism can also be about understanding symbolism and hidden meanings of many different books. They include religious books, philosophy books and books about history. They use these books as their texts.
