Spooky Science!

Spooky Science!

I have a keen interest in the lesser known (often less respected) fields of study. Sometimes called Esoteric Sciences or Occult Sciences, or in some cases Pseudosciences. I don’t like the term pseudoscience because (to me) it feels rude and dismissive, especially if the subject does attempt to use scientific methodology.

This is a list of all of those strange and spooky sciences (Dubious though some may seem) that fit these categories and what they entail. I couldn’t decide if I should call this post Spooky Science of Weird Science. I think Spooky Science is probably slightly more accurate considering some of the subject matter.

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Pseudosciences / Paranormal Sciences / non-specified:

Parapsychology – The study and investigation of claims of the paranormal and beliefs related to the paranormal including ghostly or psychic phenomena. I studied parapsychology with The Stratford Career Institute in a course that was half Astrology and half Parapsychology. Though you do not need a degree to call yourself a parapsycholgoist, it is preferred you have a Ph.D. in psychology and related fields in order to be taken seriously, especially in academic settings. Accredited degrees in parapsychology do exist but they are extremely rare. But anyone can call themselves a Parapsychologist if they so choose. It is not a protected title.

Cryptozoology – Cryptozoology is a subcategory of traditional zoology and is the investigation and hypothesizing in regard to undiscovered animal life. This includes Bigfoot, The Loch Ness Monster, and Champ (North American equivalent of The Loch Ness Monster). Cryptozoology deals heavily with Lazarus Taxon, and Relic Species. There are no accredited degrees in Cryptozoology. Anyone can call themselves a Cryptozoologist but it is recommended that you have a degree in traditional Zoology, biology, folklore, and possibly anthropology.

Paracryptozoology – Paracryptozoology (Sometimes spelt as Para-cryptozoology) is a very new concept (only about fifteen-years-old). It is a subcategory of Cryptozoology that combines Parapsychology and Cryptozoology. It is such a new concept that there aren’t even non-accredited online courses in the subject… yet. Paracryptzooology entails investigations into claims of paranormal based corporeal manifestations such as tactile entities with psychic potentiality or otherworldly origins. This includes the likes of Shadow People, The Black-Eyed-Children, The Jersey Devil, and the Roup-Garou (The Louisiana werewolf). Anyone can call themselves a Paracryptozoologist but it si recommended that you study Parapsychology, Zoology, Biology, folklore, and anthropology first. Entities considered “zooform” manifestations fit under both Paracryptozoology and Parapsychology.

Demonology – This one sounds scary and sinister but in reality it is just the study of spiritual beliefs and folklore tied to harmful and malevolent entities and manifestations. It may be considered a sub-category of theology or Divinity but also parapsychology and paracryptozoology. Demonologists specialize in claims of demonic activity and supposed encounters with demonic presences. Demonologists are often trained in banishing and exorcism rituals to try to help people who believe they are dealing with a malevolent force. There are no accredited degrees in demonology. Anyone can claim to be a Demonologist but it is recommended to have studied subjects like Folklore and theology.

Lycanthropology – Lycanthropology is a pretty new term and it is a subcategory of Cryptozoology or more likely Paracryptozoology. It is the study of the folklore and beliefs about werewolves and other shapeshifting creatures. You do not need a degree to be a Lycanthropologist but it’s recommended that you study folklore or have some education in folklore.

Vampirology - Vampirology (not be confused with Vampireology) is the study of vampire related folklore and beliefs. You do not need a degree to consider yourself a vampirologist but it is recommended that you have some education in folklore. This is a sub-category of Cryptozoology or Paracrypozoology or even Parapsychology.

Dragonology – Dragonology (somtiemse called Dracology) is the study of beliefs and folklore related to dragons. This is a sub-category of Cryptozoology or Paracryptozoology. You do not need a degree to be a dragonologist but it is recommended that you have some education in folklore.

Ufology – Also called UFOlogy or Uapology or UAPology - Ufology is the study of and investigation of reports of Unidentified Anomalous (formerly Aerial) Phenomenon (UAP). Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) is the older acronym that is now considered outdated. You do not need a degree to be a Ufologist. But it is recommended that you study physics, astronomy, astrophysics, and aerospace. Uapology or UAPology is a newer term for Ufology, relying on the newer, more accepted, modern acronym of Unidentified Anomalous (formerly Aerial) Phenomena. As a field of study the term Ufologist is still the preferred term even though UAP is the preferred acronym for the phenomena.

Metaphysics – Metaphysics (also known as Metaphysical Science) is the foundational branch of philosophy that explores the nature of existence and the fundamental nature of existence, the universe and reality, beyond conventional physical science, Metaphysics is more abstract and deals in the meaning of existence, what it means for something to exist and how the universe is structured. Anyone can call themselves a metaphysician. You can get a degree in metaphysics. There are two ways to study metaphysics. The first is the accredited, secular study of metaphysics, which usually requires a bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in philosophy, especially if you intend to work for a secular university. The other method of studying Metaphysics is the spiritual course of study often called Metaphysical Science. This version of Metaphysics is taught through a seminary or other religious / spiritual studies. These programs focus on holistic healing, spiritual counseling, consciousness, and alternative medicine. Though the spiritual version is considered non-accredited, it can be used if you want to pursue a path in Spiritual Counseling and could be of use in Parapsychology and Paracryptozoology. I happen to have a spiritual based D.META (Doctor of Metaphysics) degree from ULC (Universal Life Church). Metaphysics is extremely useful in parapsychology because it helps produce a framework for theories on how psychic phenomena like telepathy, telekinesis, and clairvoyance, may occur.

Divinity – The study of Theology, Religion, Ministry, and Spiritual leadership. Doctorates in Divinity in the US are almost all exclusively honorary (D.D. titles given by religious institutions). I have an honorary D.D. from ULC (The Universal Life Church). I Also have a Litterarum humanarum (Doctor of Humane letters) (L.H.D.), and D.Litt. (Litterarum Doctor) also from ULC. Divinity also entails the nature of the spiritual world and the prospect of the how and why divine entities may behave.

Esoteric and Occult Sciences:

Astrology – Astrology is the study of beliefs in the zodiac and related material such as how celestial bodies are believed to influence or reflect human behavior and Earthlyinvents. It also entails the history of the beliefs and ideas connected to signs and their connection to astronomy. You do not need to have a degree to be considered an astrologer. It is not a regulated title. In fact no accredited university in the USA offers a degree in astrology. There are schools that offer courses in the subject, but there are no degrees (at least in the USA) for Astrology. I studied Astrology when I took Astrology / Parapsychology with the Stratford career Institute though I confess that I do not remember much about it. You may need a business license or fortune-telling-license to practice astrology as a business.

Palmistry – The study of the belief that individual destinies might correlate with the markings of one’s hand. The study also entails the history of the beliefs. I studied Palmistry when I took Astrology / Parapsychology with the Stratford career Institute though I confess that I do not remember much about it. You may need a business license or fortune-telling-license to practice Palmistry as a business.

Numerology – Numerology is the study of beliefs related mystical, spiritiaul, or psychological connections to specific numbers, their appearances, formations, and calculations. This entails esoteric beliefs about specific numbers and calculations having meaning and power, as well as superstitions tied to certain numbers. Numerology may also be connected with Sacred Geometry and mathematical concepts like The Golden Ratio, of which the Pentagram is considered the perfect example. There is no accredited degree in numerology and you do not need a degree to consider yourself a numerologist. I studied numerology when I took Astrology / Parapsychology with the Stratford career Institute though I confess that I do not remember much about it.

Sacred Geometry – Sacred Geometry is the study of geometric patterns and proportions with symbolic or spiritual significance. It is a specific subcategory of Numerology popularized by Pythagoras, himself, who was a major advocate of The Golden Ratio symbolized by his Pythagorean sigil, The Pentagram. Sacred Geometry can be found in the symbols of many world religions including the Pentagram (Haykal to Baha’i), the Christian cross, the Kemetic Ankh, the Asatru Valknut, and the Star of David (Magen David / Shield of David).

I Ching Practices – I Ching is also known as The Book of Changes. It is a philosophical guide to the cosmos, an ethical / moral manual, and tool for divination using symbolic “hexagrams” to provide clarity, wisdom, guidance, and enlightenment. I studied I Ching when I took Astrology / Parapsychology with the Stratford career Institute though I confess that I do not remember much about it but I remember it was considerably difficult for me. Before my course with The Stratford Career Institute I had a previous exposure to a fictionalized depiction of I Ching in the TV series, Dark Shadows, where meditation and I Ching wands were powerful enough to enable astral projection and time travel. You may need a business license or fortune-telling-license to practice I Ching related divination as a business.

Kabbalah - Kabbalah is an ancient Hebrew form of mysticism and philosophy derived from religious texts. Similar to the spiritual form of the study of Metaphysics, Kabbalah seeks to explain the mystical relationship with the infinite and unknowable Creator and the finite mortal perception of The Universe and reality. It explores the spiritual mechanics and hidden meanings underlying reality. Metaphysics and Kabbalah go hand-in-hand. You do not need to be Jewish to study the philosophies of Kabbalah and its concepts but it is fundamentally of Jewish origin and rooted in the Jewish faith and the sacred text of The Torah.

Hermeticism – Re-popularized in the nineteenth century, Hermeticism is the ancient philosophical, spiritual and religious traditions that derived from merging the Greek God Hermes with the Egyptian God, Thoth. Hermeticism heavily influenced Western Mysticism, Alchemy, Astrology, and science.

Alchemy – Alchemy is a protoscience that gives way to modern concepts like chemistry. Alchemy is no longer recognized as a science. Anyone can call themselves an alchemist or Alchemic Occultist but you cannot get a valid degree on the subject. It is recommended that you study the history of the beliefs attached to alchemy and its evolution into chemistry instead. Alchemy deals heavily with concepts with transmutation and the search for universal healing as well as immortality.

Mysticism – Mysticism is a spiritual path where you attempt to commune or otherwise connect with the spiritual or unknowable. There are degrees related to the history of mystcism and mystic beliefs but it is not required to be a mystic.

Spiritualism – Similar to mysticism but specifically dealing with consciousness surviving after death, spiritualism is the popular notion that the dead are aware and can be communicated with. You do not need a degree to be a Spiritualist but there are degrees for studying the history of spiritualism beliefs and practices.

Occultism – Occultism is the study of esoteric beliefs related to magick and the supernatural. You do not need a degree to be considered an Occultist but it is recommended that you study folklore. There are degrees in The Occult but it is nto required for being an Occultist.

Witchery – The study of beliefs, practices, and history tied to the concept of witches and witchcraft. There ar many study options for people interested in the folklore and history of witches but you do not need a degree to identify as a witch. Many people who identify as witches are using the archaic meaning which more precisely meant one with wisdom or who seeks wisdom. This is how Wiccans use the word as Wiccan, itself, is an archaic word for witch with the original wisdom meaning attached to the word. The word Wizardology is a fictionalized version of Witchery.

Divination – Derived from divine wisdom, Divination is attempts to predict the future. This includes scrying, dowsing, spiritual communing, and meditation. You do not need a degree but to do it professionally you may need a fortune telling license.

Tarot – The attempt to read someone’s past, present, future, or obtain divine knowledge using Tarot cards.

Oneiromancy – Meaning Dream magick, it is the study of interpreting dreams or attempting to enter the dreams of others.

You can get a degree in the history and study of Esoteric Science and Occult Science as a whole.