To understand the nature of esoteric and occult secrets it is worthwhile looking at origin of the words esoteric and occult. Esoteric derives from the Greek word esoterikos, from the root word eso, 'within' . The word occult derives from the Latin words occulere, 'conceal' and occultus, 'secret' . Both of these words, esoteric and occult, are used to describe the study of arcane wisdom, the spiritual mysteries, and magical and hermetic philosophies.

'Secrets' often form the basis of many mystery schools, occult organisations, and magical groups. Often there are various oaths and obligations a student or member is expected to undertake and uphold, even if they end their association with the group or philosophy. There was, and still is, often said to be a punishment for revealing of the 'secrets' to non-members, sometimes to be enforced by members of the group or perhaps via karmic laws or self-inflicted punishment of guardian of one's own soul.

The safeguarding of 'secrets' by groups often forms a control structure that is designed and enforced via a hierarchy. Perhaps it is solely at the discretion of a group's leader, or perhaps via a council, committee, or members of a certain rank or grade.

There may be many reasons given for the control of such information, such that it is incredibly powerful, dangerous in the wrong hands, or that it will not be understood, abused, or ridiculed by non-occultists. There even may just be some emphasis on the importance of keeping secrets, maintaining oaths and obligations, or working out of sight (as is the essence of occult). Generally what it boils down to though is control, with the leader or leadership seeking to control who can and who can't learn the so-called 'secrets' peculiar to their system. I would even go as far as saying that for some groups or ideologies, the careful controlling of 'secrets' is to cover up the lack of true wisdom and understanding.

I am not suggesting that these groups don't have knowledge that they closely guard and keep secret. However, I do call into question the occult and esoteric nature of these 'secrets'. The can keep knowledge hidden, and call it a 'secret'. They can maintain that it is wisdom, and claim that a person needs a certain amount of understanding to understand and safely or correctly use the information, concept or technique.

Knowledge can be gained others; individuals, groups, books, etc. There is no doubt about that. The modern Information Age has seen a proliferation of philosophic, hermetic, magical and religious texts either via books or in more modern times via the Internet. All manner of once secret information has now been revealed, and is easily obtainable by anyone with access to a search engine. Sometimes various control mechanisms have been invoked to have 'secrets' removed from the web pages, even to the point of lawsuits to target those who revealed the information.

Some will argue that these groups have the right to control their knowledge, their information, and only reveal it to those they deem worthy of it. Perhaps it is their right to attempt to control information they are in possession of. I would like to suggest that all the energy put into controlling and maintaining secrecy is pointless and doesn't really assist in understanding and wisdom of esoteric and occult concepts. Further, I would like to suggest that true occult and esoteric secrets cannot be revealed