roseembolism (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
roseembolism) wrote2007-02-05 09:33 pm
roseembolism) wrote2007-02-05 09:33 pm
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Meme: Why the Occult is a "Biiig Sekret"
For a recent thread on rpg.net, people were given the opportunity to try their hand at the Modern Occult genre: specifically, answering why, if the occult exists in the world, why it wouldn't be public knowledge. So, I put on my pointed cap, and came up with what I thought was a different tack, one that would resonate with gamers.
The secret to the Occult being a big secret is simple: occultism is the geekiest occupation imaginable. No kidding: if you thought painting miniatures was anal and fiddly, that's nothing compared to figuring out what Sephira to use to create a given spell. If you thought learning Klingon and writing Dr. Who fanfic was a recipe for cold, lonely Friday nights, that's nothing compared to learning the names of the spirits or scripting out rituals. And you honestly DO have a better chance of that nice girl behind the cash register being interested in your character, than of her wanting to hear your research on the names of Mesopotamian demons.
So to spare themselves a lifetime of wedgies and trash-canning incidents, occultists tend to hide their avocation away. The occultists with good sense and self-control have relatively normal lives, going about their jobs and relationships, with only occasional meetings with fellow occultists. Far too many though are consumed by their interests, delving more and more into dark lore until something snaps and they tell everybody on the bus how in three nights the Lesser Grand Conjunction will happen, and those with the right ancient knowledge can control blue-spotted lizards and geckos. Which tends to get you kicked off the bus several miles short of one's destination. Do you know how HARD it is to trudge five miles across the moore to an isolated hilltop alter, all while clutching a sack full of geckos? DO YOU?
It’s not worth it I tell you. Especially when you realize in your desperate haste you left the house wearing house slippers instead of shoes.
The secret to the Occult being a big secret is simple: occultism is the geekiest occupation imaginable. No kidding: if you thought painting miniatures was anal and fiddly, that's nothing compared to figuring out what Sephira to use to create a given spell. If you thought learning Klingon and writing Dr. Who fanfic was a recipe for cold, lonely Friday nights, that's nothing compared to learning the names of the spirits or scripting out rituals. And you honestly DO have a better chance of that nice girl behind the cash register being interested in your character, than of her wanting to hear your research on the names of Mesopotamian demons.
So to spare themselves a lifetime of wedgies and trash-canning incidents, occultists tend to hide their avocation away. The occultists with good sense and self-control have relatively normal lives, going about their jobs and relationships, with only occasional meetings with fellow occultists. Far too many though are consumed by their interests, delving more and more into dark lore until something snaps and they tell everybody on the bus how in three nights the Lesser Grand Conjunction will happen, and those with the right ancient knowledge can control blue-spotted lizards and geckos. Which tends to get you kicked off the bus several miles short of one's destination. Do you know how HARD it is to trudge five miles across the moore to an isolated hilltop alter, all while clutching a sack full of geckos? DO YOU?
It’s not worth it I tell you. Especially when you realize in your desperate haste you left the house wearing house slippers instead of shoes.