Arcanism

Arcanism is a broad category of religious and philosophical thought that hold a loose set of principles in common, namely that the Truth of the world is hidden, unrevealed, manipulated, or otherwise arcane. Other common elements include:

• A transcendent process to achieve enlightenment of the Truth.
• An eschewing of the material as evil or imprisoning.
• Rejection of traditional morality and organized authority structures.
• Emphasis on symbolism, mysticism, and esoteric writings.

Some consider alchemy and other more organized magical arts as arcane religions.