The contribution of Western Esotericism to transpersonal psychology

Transpersonal Psychology shares key characteristics with Western Esotericism, particularly the modern occult revival. The article argues that ideas from several key transpersonal psychologists align with Antoine Faivre's definition of Western Esotericism. It then examines whether this association is appropriate, discusses its implications, and explores the potential for re-synthesizing the two traditions.

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Abstract

In this article I argue that Transpersonal Psychology has a close relationship with Western Esotericism, represented by the contemporary ‘modern occult revival’. I present an overview of a few key transpersonal psychologists and how their ideas display the characteristics of Western Esotericism as defined by Antoine Faivre. I then discuss whether this approach is appropriate, the implications of associating Western Esotericism with Transpersonal Psychology, and the potential for a re-synthesis of these two traditions.