What is the Difference Between Cult and Occult?

The terms "cult" and "occult" are often confused, but they have distinct meanings. Here are the differences between the two:

Cult: A cult is generally considered to be a religious, spiritual, or philosophically fringe belief system developed, perpetuated, espoused, and/or enforced by a singular, charismatic leader. Cults are typically associated with religious or semi-religious groups that are not part of mainstream religion. They often involve a small group of people who have not found acceptance or satisfaction within mainstream religious institutions.
Occult: The term "occult" comes from the Latin word "occultus," meaning "hidden" or "secret". It refers to a disparate set of beliefs and practices from across all cultures and time periods that deal with hidden or secretive means to attain personal power, often characterized by a reliance on the supernatural to achieve its ends. The occult includes practices such as fortune-telling, witchcraft, trance-channeling, and the use of tools like tarot cards, crystal balls, Ouija boards, and horoscopes.

While there is some overlap between cults and the occult, in that some cults may be involved in occultic practices, not all cults indulge in the occult. It is important to note that the exact definition of what constitutes a "cult" is debated, and the term "occult" has varying interpretations depending on the context.