How do scholars use the terms occultism and esotericism differently?

In the academic study of esotericism, scholars often distinguish between the terms "occultism" and "esotericism" based on their scope and historical application, though usage has varied significantly over time.1

• Esotericism: Scholars often treat this as a broad, overarching category. Some, like Wouter J. Hanegraaff, define it as a historiographical concept encompassing "rejected knowledge"—traditions marginalized by mainstream religious and scientific authorities. Others, such as Arthur Versluis, use a typological approach, reserving the term for traditions that transmit spiritual knowledge to a limited circle of followers.2
• Occultism: While sometimes used synonymously with esotericism in the 20th century, modern scholars often use "occultism" more specifically to describe esoteric traditions that have adapted to the modern, secularized, and scientific world. Some historians follow Hanegraaff’s definition, which views occultism as a subset of esotericism focused on navigating a "disenchanted" modern society. Others prefer a more restrictive definition, applying the label only to those groups or individuals who historically used "occultist" as a self-description.13

Ultimately, these terms are considered highly malleable, and their precise meaning depends heavily on the specific academic context in which they appear.1