Not since the seventeenth century have subjects been taught in the university that would today be considered occult. Not, at any rate, until our own time.
Now, however, courses in parapsychology, astrology, and other occult-related subjects are being offered, either for credit in the regular curriculum or unofficially in a "free university" setting. College bookstores are filled with occult offerings, and informal student interest is considerable. How are we to account for this upsurge of fascination with the occult among students in pursuit of higher learning?
Occultism holds out all sorts of promises to fulfill human needs-to expand consciousness, open up new realms of experience, bring enlightenment. It would claim to be able to open doors to the great mysteries of being, including preexistence and life after death.
