3 Factors That Make The Occult So Mysteriously Alluring

Do you find astrology, numerology or tarot fascinating? Here's what likely draws you to it.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | September 12, 2024

Belief in the occult—whether it's astrology, tarot or other mystical practices—can be a source of comfort, guidance and meaning for many. These practices often offer a sense of connection to something greater, providing insights that resonate deeply with personal experiences. However, our belief in the occult is also shaped by certain cognitive biases—subtle mental shortcuts that our brains use to make sense of the world.

While the allure of the occult is strong, recognizing these mental shortcuts can help us navigate the line between curiosity and credulity. Remember, understanding these biases doesn't diminish the value of these beliefs but rather sheds light on how our minds work when we interpret the unknown.

Here are three cognitive biases that play a role in guiding our belief in the occult.

1. Confirmation Bias—Seeing What We Expect To See

Confirmation bias is the tendency to focus on information that supports our existing beliefs while disregarding anything that contradicts them. For instance, if you strongly believe in astrology, you might notice how certain traits in your zodiac sign match your personality, while ignoring traits that don't. This selective attention can make occult beliefs feel more accurate and personal, reinforcing your faith in them.

This tendency also plays a significant role in broader systems of thought, like religion. A 2021 article published in Theology and Science explores how religious beliefs are often rooted in personal experiences, which are resistant to change. It argues that these beliefs are shaped by confirmation bias, which stands in stark contrast to scientific thinking, characterized by objectivity, testability and reliance on reliable evidence.

While confirmation bias can offer certain advantages, such as:

Cognitive efficiency. Simplifying decision-making by filtering information to match existing beliefs, making judgments quicker and easier.
Emotional stability. Providing comfort and reassurance by validating beliefs, especially in uncertain situations.
Social cohesion. Strengthening group identity and social bonds by aligning beliefs within a community.

These benefits come at a cost:

Skewed perception. By filtering out contradictory evidence, confirmation bias can lead to a distorted understanding of the world.
Reinforcement of fallacies. It can support incorrect or harmful beliefs by ignoring evidence that challenges them.
Limited problem-solving. By focusing only on information that supports existing views, it can hinder the discovery of better solutions.

To achieve a more balanced perspective, it's imperative to diversify your information sources, actively seek out opposing viewpoints, and remain open to revising your beliefs in light of new evidence. This approach not only broadens your understanding but also fosters a more accurate and adaptable view of the world.

2. Apophenia—Finding Patterns in Randomness

Apophenia refers to a "disposition toward false-positive errors"—a tendency to perceive patterns or connections that aren't actually present. For instance, someone who believes in numerology might frequently encounter the number 7 in various contexts, such as on clocks, license plates and receipts. They could interpret these occurrences as meaningful signs from the universe, suggesting something significant about their life.

However, these patterns are often purely coincidental and lack any deeper inherent meaning. Apophenia causes these random events to appear interconnected, even though they are simply isolated instances without any real connection.

While recognizing patterns can be a natural and sometimes useful cognitive process, overreliance on these perceived connections can lead to several pitfalls:

Misinterpretation of randomness. Apophenia can result in attributing supernatural or significant meaning to random events, fostering misguided or irrational beliefs.
Overgeneralization. This tendency can also lead to broad, sweeping assumptions based on limited or irrelevant data, leading to poor decision-making and irrational conclusions.

It's important to balance the natural inclination to find meaning in patterns with an awareness of randomness. By practicing critical analysis of these perceived connections, you can maintain a more grounded perspective.

3. Barnum Effect—Finding Personal Meaning In General Statements

According to a 2023 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, the "Barnum effect" is a psychological tendency where people readily accept broad and vague personality descriptions as accurately reflecting their own traits. This is a common experience in astrology or personality readings, where broad descriptions feel uniquely accurate. For instance, people often tend to believe that the statement "others take advantage of your kindness" personally, even though it can apply to almost everyone. Because these statements are designed to apply to a wide range of people, they often resonate strongly, making the occult feel deeply personal.

While attributing personal meaning to generalized statements can have some benefits—such as providing reassurance and validation, which can be emotionally comforting—it can also lead to issues. For instance:

Misinterpretation of vagueness. Generalized statements may be accepted as highly accurate despite lacking specific relevance or evidence.
Reinforcement of unfounded beliefs. By ascribing personal significance to broad statements, individuals may strengthen beliefs in unproven or speculative practices.
Over-reliance on general advice. People may place undue trust in vague advice, leading to misguided decisions.

To mitigate the Barnum effect, consider the following strategies:

Critically evaluate the specificity of statements. Assess whether information is genuinely relevant and accurate, rather than accepting it based on perceived personal significance.
Seek evidence-based insights. Look for information that is specific, detailed, and supported by evidence rather than generalized or vague statements.
Consult with professionals or experts in relevant fields to obtain accurate and personalized advice. This helps ensure that guidance and information are based on reliable and relevant sources.

In reality, the occult is more about the natural human experience. It's a reflection of our deepest fears, hopes, and desires—a mirror that shows us who we are and what we seek in a world full of mysteries.

Do you find yourself baited by potentially false information? Take the Psychological Misconception Questionnaire to gain clarity.

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.