Unraveling the Myths: Government Tracking of Occultists and Census Data

Is there any government data on occultists? If so, can we trust it?

George:

Why would this be relevant to anyone? No, there is no 'government census' data on 'occult experts' anywhere. You might encounter some completely fake estimates on this at some occult website which, of course, will be promoting all sorts of products and services for sale.

You seem to be so immersed in this fantasy world that you have actually come up with this sort of a question. Well at some point in the future maybe you’ll grow up a bit and have a more mature and realistic sense of how life works in the real world.

Why on Earth Would They Do That?

Some might wonder, why would a government be interested in counting occultists? Perhaps the answer lies in the nature of reality itself. As Jerry Biddle, a participant in the discussion, mentioned, there are those who are not very in touch with reality. The idea of a government conducting a census on occultists could be seen as a clear example of such an approach.

Such a census would be practically impossible, given the nature of occult practices. For instance, if someone obtains a collection of Aleister Crowley books decades ago and occasionally buys more books while practicing privately, how would the government be aware? Similarly, if someone learns Kabbalah from a neighbor and continues their studies independently, how would they differentiate this from someone studying Jewish rituals in a regular group?

Government Capabilities and Realities

It's essential to consider that the capacity and methods of governments vary significantly. Larger countries like the United States, England, Germany, and Canada have the resources to conduct extensive censuses. However, smaller countries might lack the equipment and expertise to undertake such detailed surveying of their populations.

This doesn't mean that the government's lack of specific data on occultists means they don't exist or that their activities are unimportant. There's a thin line between public interest and nosiness. Governments typically gather data on their citizens for public administration, statistical analysis, and other practical purposes. However, tracking occultists specifically would not be a priority unless there were urgent and specific reasons to do so.

The Magic of Concealment

As Jerry Biddle shared, there are instances where individuals can lead double lives undetected. The 1960s TV show I Lead Three Lives illustrated this concept, where an FBI agent had a neighbor who was also an FBI agent, unbeknownst to him. This scenario is reminiscent of the idea that some individuals can engage in occult practices without being noticed by the authorities.

Additionally, not everything gets recorded or monitored. There are many secrets, traditions, and practices that remain untold. The government's focus is not on understanding or documenting every individual's beliefs or activities, but on ensuring public safety, promoting social cohesion, and providing essential services.

Conclusion and Reflection

In conclusion, while the notion of a government census on occultists might seem intriguing or even peculiar, it is highly unlikely to be a practical or feasible undertaking. Occult practices, like many other aspects of personal or private lives, often remain hidden. Governments tend to focus on broader, more critical aspects of society, and the tracking of individuals who practice occultism is not likely to be one of them.

Ultimately, the existence and activities of occultists are a matter of personal choice and belief, and their significance should be judged not by governmental records but by their impact on society and individuals.