From the Greek esōterikos, “inner”, esotericism names teaching given to a circle within, as distinct from the exoteric teaching given to all. Scholars such as Antoine Faivre use it for Western currents including Hermeticism, Christian Kabbalah, alchemy and theosophy. Many mystical traditions distinguish an outer and an inner sense of religion.
Esotericism
Inner or hidden teaching reserved for initiates; in scholarship, a family of Western currents such as Hermeticism.
Also: esoteric, exoteric