There super posts by Gadfly, Hath, and Lion certainly put the lie to the theory expressed by VC that people connect Scn and Occultism/Satanism because of Nibs interview in Penthouse.
Obviously, a ton of reading on the subjects of the Occult has been done by the 3 mentioned posters, and the conclusion that they have drawn from that is that there is connection between Scn and Occultism.
"Case Closed"
Chlng
That doesn't really mean much.
There is also a "connection" between the occult and the USA if one notices the US one dollar bill (the "eye" in the pyramid on the back). There are actually many more connections with the occult if one researches the links to Masonry and the formation of the USA. Many card-carrying Christians see that as "bad" (since supposedly one learns at the 33rd degree in Masonry that "Lucifier" is the "good guy"), whereas I see a great deal of it as "good". The typical stance of conspiracy theorists is that all aims towards a "New World Order" are "bad". Heck, IT IS ONE WORLD. What is wrong with getting rid of typical myopic urges towards ones own local nationalism, ethnicity and religion? In truth, it is often limited personal views and attachments along these lines (nationalism, ethnicity and religion) that to a large degree CAUSE all the trouble (conflict, arguments). But, this isn't about that.
To me the comparison between occult "initiations" and Scientology upper levels is LOOSE at best. There is a similarity in that one must complete the EARLIER levels before moving on to the next level. But heck, that is common in MANY areas of life - one must complete addition before moving on to algebra. One must complete "division" before moving onto "fractions". A great deal of ANY sort of knowledge builds on earlier knowledge.
The ONLY similarity really is that as with occult and esoteric traditions, the advanced "level" or "degree" is SECRET, and one must show having successfully achieved the earlier level or degree to be permitted to "move on". Part of that seems to be tied into the very nature of things and is somewhat of a necessity - though I have no doubt that MANY occult leaders USE the "secret" aspect as a means of control and manipulation (the hidden carrot on the stick).
For example, in certain Chakra exercises, one must concentrate upon or hold onto the "color" or "energy" of a certain Chakra (energy centre) while "moving" this color through the other Chakras. If one is unfamiliar with the traditional characteristics of the Chakras, and is also unable to concentrate WELL, then the exercises cannot be properly done. One MUST master earlier levels and abilities to do the "next" exercises properly and to some result. With "mental techniques" it is far trickier, and most people NEVER take ANY action to learn about, much less improve or master, such "abilities" as "placing attention at will", "concentration", or "imagination".
A tradition in occult matters states that, in the past, various information and techniques were kept "secret" to prevent the "immoral, uncouth, and selfish" from misusing the abilities and power the techniques supposedly delivered. There is some dispute about that, as with all OT type powers, who really ever gets them? Also, much modern information says that the "secrecy" no longer matters, because so many people are "ready" to apply the techniques. To me, MUCH of this may be airy-fairy nonsense. But, my gut tells me that some of it is NOT.
All modern visualization and affirmation techniques are based on what was previously held "secret" by various groups (Rosicrucians, various magicians, etc). Now the use of this stuff is widespread and common.
Hubbard stated somewhere that the power of any "secret" lies in the desire of a thetan to WANT the mystery that is "hidden". The whole "mystery sandwich" scenario. Possibly, in Scn, the main reason for secrecy with various levels is NOT to prevent the untrained from harming his or herself (as is sometimes claimed), but primarily to "hook" the Church member with the "secret" and "hidden" data. I have no doubt that a great deal of "secrecy", in the past too by occult societies, has been to lure and ensnare others.
I agree with Claire. Scn has to stand or fall AS IT IS. Where it came from is really quite meaningless. I do not consider "occult connections" as negative in some general way, since from where I see it, there are many positive aspects to "occult information", just as there are "negative". And in the end any person will JUDGE the "good" or "bad" of some aspect of the occult largely on ones own (limited and slanted) education, knowledge, experience, indoctrination, beliefs, biases and fixed ideas.