Post-secular esotericism? Some reflections on the transformation of esotericism
Scripta Instituti Donneriani Aboensis January 16, 2019 Kennet Granholm
The academic study of Western esotericism has become established as a discipline, yet most research focuses on historical forms, neglecting contemporary expressions. The dominant definition of Western esotericism, developed by Antoine Faivre, may not fit modern manifestations. Late modern societal transformations—described by sociologists as late modernity, liquid modernity, or post-modernity—also affect esoteric spiritualities. The article discusses these late modern changes and their relation to Western esotericism, arguing for updated conceptual and methodological tools to study current esoteric phenomena.