Practices, principles, beliefs, or knowledge possessed by select individuals, not intended for the general body of disciples and/or general public. See also Western Esotericism.
The term Esotericism refers to the doctrines or practices of esoteric knowledge, or otherwise the quality or state of being described as esoteric.http://www.webster.com/dictionary/esotericism Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary : esotericism Esoteric knowledge is that which is specialised or advanced in nature, available only to a narrow circle of "enlightened", "initiated", or highly educated people.http://www.webster.com/dictionary/esoteric Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary : esoteric Items pertaining to Esotericism may be known as Esoterica.http://www.webster.com/dictionary/esoterica Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary : esoterica Some interpretations of esotericism are very broad and include even unconventional and non-scientific belief systems. In contrast, exoteric knowledge is knowledge that is well-known or public.