esotericism

belief in or study of hidden inner knowledge

Root

eso- / esoter: within, inner, or for insiders

Other words with the eso- / esoter root

esoteric: intended for or understood by only a small inner group
esoterica: specialized or obscure knowledge known by a small group

Eso gives inner. Esotericism is the world of inner-circle teachings, symbols, and hidden knowledge.

The novel borrowed from esotericism without asking readers to believe any of it.

Esotericism helps the eso family feel like a place: an inner room of teachings, rituals, symbols, and specialist knowledge. It belongs beside esoteric and esoterica.