Psychological Mechanisms Behind Esoteric Practices

Abstract

The authors of this chapter analyze the psychological mechanisms of esoteric traditions, combining research results in the field of symbolic cognition, consciousness and cultural psychology studies. The chapter provides an insight into the role of symbolism, intuition and altered states of awareness as cognitive mechanisms that contribute to individual meaning-making and cultural identity. It offers a scientific explanation of esoteric disciplines like meditation, ritual, and divination, in terms of connection to available psychological theories in depth, cognitive, and transpersonal psychology. The chapter also examines the cultural importance of esoteric systems and presents a new integrated model Psychological Esoteric Dynamics (PED), that explains why esoteric practices affect consciousness and lead to cultural evolution. The article indicates how the interdisciplinary approach to the relationship between psychology and esotericism was of relevance in contemporary scientific and cultural studies.