Esotericism, from the ancient Greek “esoteros” means “to be turned inward”. During Antiquity, the term was used to evoke mysterious or spiritual teachings and practices reserved for initiates.

Among the most popular today, we can notably mention astrology, lithotherapy, palmistry or even cartomancy.

Esotericism refers to the practice of para-sciences, occult sciences which invite introspection.

These teachings are based on the decryption and analysis of natural signs such as the rituals associated with the lunar cycle, the reading of stones, maps or even astral themes.

The subjects on esotericism flourish in recent years in the press and particularly in the women’s media. This enthusiasm is confirmed by a study conducted by the IFOP for Femme Actuelle at the end of 2020. 58% of French people questioned believe in at least one of the disciplines of para-sciences.

Among the most popular, we find:

• astrology (41%);
• palmistry (i.e. reading the lines of the hand (29%));
• witchcraft (28%);
• clairvoyance (26%);
• numerology (26%);
• fortune-telling (23%).

How to explain the emergence of esoteric practices in recent years?

In her book Witches, the undefeated power of women (ed. La Découverte, 2018), Mona Chollet returns to the figure of the witch, an enigmatic symbol of emancipation, far from the persecuted woman because she is considered dangerous, corrupt and guilty of exercising his powers against men.

Sensitivity and instinct are returned to the center of these occult sciences raised to the rank of tools of introspection, but often qualified as “good women” activities.

Astrology is based on the interpretation of celestial configurations such as the movement of the planets, the sun and the moon. It allows in particular to decipher the themes and astral signs.

While astrology and the idea of ​​a parallel between events as well as celestial configuration is nothing new, the emergence of a cult around nature may not be foreign to the growing fascination. for this pseudo-science.

In search of meaning, Man stares at the moon, the sun and the planets as massive representations of the power of nature. An observation of cycles which is also an invitation to slow down and which requires listening to your instincts.

This divinatory practice, which dates back to the XNUMXth century, is considered a pseudo-science. The right hand would correspond to the person in the making while the left hand symbolizes more the past.

Each hand has several lines that the practice of palmistry could interpret:

• The lifeline;
• The head line;
• The heart line;
• The line of fate;
• The line of luck.

The analysis of the seven mounts scattered in the palm of the hand brings forward characteristics related to the personality of the person.

Esoteric practice turned towards nature, lithotherapy allows to know and understand the powers considered – by this teaching – as therapeutic.

Popularized in 1970 by the New-age movement, lithotherapy has been widely reused in the beauty sector to offer holistic treatments through the energy of stones. In the world of jewelry and jewelry, we highlight “beneficial” jewelry in line with the personality of the person. According to this pseudo-science, crystals, loaded with beneficial energies, could act on mental and psychic well-being.

It is probably one of the most popular esoteric practices. Who has never wanted to be drawn the cards in order to have a glimpse of what the future holds.

For the bachelorette party of her best friend, Solène, 29, had called on a fortune teller. “It’s more modern than clairvoyance,” emphasizes the young woman. We were all amused and scared to shoot a dark omen oracle. ”

Behind the game, there is also a work of analysis on his present and future life. “The activity was a nod to my friend’s new married life as a married woman, but also a way to think about the future and reconnect with oneself.”