I've gone down the rabbit hole these last few months really trying to figure out the occult and from what I've read and experienced, I can tell you with certainty that it's real.
Occult practices are all based around exploiting parts of the human mind and body. It's like the lesser known features that don't generally get taught to people because they're either extremely difficult to actually practice or potentially dangerous (both are true)
The Freemasons knew about this stuff. Hillary Clinton and John Podesta hinted towards extremely specific practices all throughout the WikiLeaks. I don't even think most people picked up the that the time of day they were sending certain messages had ritual significance.
Anyway, this stuff is scary af but also very useful in the world. I've incorporated some of the safer practices into my daily routine (meditation, constant intentionality, thought-feeling separation) and I've noticed an insane change in my life. If anyone has questions about the occult I'd be happy to answer.
Occult, simply means hidden. Nothing more than that.
Let's not perpetuate ignorance, stupidity and fear because something is labeled "occult".
Not long ago, simple meditation (direct communion with God) was an "occult" practice, because it cut in on the church's business by keeping it hidden from you so you'd keep showing up in hopes you'd get answers... but since they're greedy bastards hell bent on control, they'd never teach you how to meditate and quiet your mind so you can communicate with God directly. Anyone who thinks meditation is "bad" is, and I quote, "a fucking retard".
There is certainly such a thing as "magick", distinct from the magic, associated with stagecraft and slight of hand. The sort of bullshit that the assholes practice like spirit cooking, torture, sacrifice etc. That's dark, heavy, soul shattering stuff that you SHOULD be very cautious about. I see no harm in researching it if you have a solid connection to God and you're not stupid...as an adult of course, so you can understand what goes on to not be naive. I wouldn't even want anyone under 21 screwing around with a ouija board. If you aren't aware of what is going on, you'll be blinded to what your kids could potentially get mixed up in.
Clothe yourself in the full armor of God and use what He gave you between your ears. If you think that reading, hearing or discussing anything labelled "occult" is somehow going to take you out from under God's protection and flip you over to the dark side, I'd say you've got some work to do. Pray and ask God to help.