Belief in the esoteric began in ancient times. Famous names including Pythagoras, Homer and Plato investigated the subject and believed in the immortal soul and reincarnation. It was Pythagoras who ascertained the figures for the principles of existence.

In the late eighteenth century, modern chemistry was developed, signaling the decline of the practice of alchemy and, in place of the teaching of alchemy, electricity and magnetism grew in importance. Spiritualism, occultism and many other subbranches developed in this important period for esotericism, and are still being expanded and modernized to this day. Thus, nowadays, channeling, fortune-telling and healing are very important parts of esotericism.