Let me ask you a question, anon - what do you hope to gain from engaging in occultic or esoteric practices? What I've noticed, due to God's providence is that most if not all occultic practices have a common root - vainglory. It all comes down to the temptation of pride.
This is going to be a bit long so I'm going to break it up between Esotericism and Magic.
- On Esotericism -
Esotericism comes from the presupposition of self-divination, specifically through concealed knowledge that the common man cannot see or understand. You are enlightened so to speak due to this.
The flaw in this not only comes from the idea of the fact that a man alone can give himself salvation or a man alone can give himself wisdom by his own will, but also comes from the idea that you alone can figure out the truth, without any aid or instruction. And that you can interpret things so that they say what you want them to say. Of course people do this, whether realizing it or not so that they can pat themselves on the back and feel good about how smart they are. This is exactly what the Kabbalists do, and what the Zohar does. In this, you nullify the Scriptures of their context and meaning, as Christ said to the Pharisees - > "making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do." (Mark 7:13 NKJ)
>To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding,
>To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity;
>To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion–
>A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,
>To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles.
>The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:2-7 NKJ)
Though the idea of self-divination through knowledge is a pervasive and somewhat tempting one, you also have to realize that knowledge =/= truth. Just because the Quran exists and says things doesn't make it true, and just because the Talmud says things doesn't make it fact.
>Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
>In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
>Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. (Proverbs 3:5-7 NKJ)
Furthermore, the revelations, wisdom and instruction of the Scripture and the law God has given us through it provides us with far more understanding and utility than any other text.
No other esoteric text containing encrypted so-called knowledge can even remotely compare to our God-breathed Scripture.
>But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
>and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
>All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
>that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:14-17 NKJ)
>Neither seek what is too difficult for you, nor investigate what is beyond your power.
>Reflect upon what you have been commanded, for what is hidden is not your concern.
>Do not meddle in matters that are beyond you, for more than you can understand has been shown you.
>For their conceit has led many astray, and wrong opinion has impaired their judgment.
(Sir 3:21-24 NRS)
Esotericism is also antithetical to the Bible in that we are explicitly called to evangelize and spread the Word of God to the ends of the earth, not to keep our knowledge concealed and hidden to a select few elders and enlightened folk.
>And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15 NKJ)
>"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
>"Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
>"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16 NKJ)