This paper analyses the notion of esotericism from the double perspective of cultural studies and social psychology in order to clarify its meaning and show its topicality in a context of advanced secularisation. Starting from the cognitive schemata which organise the imaginary, the motifs which structure narrative and the actors who offer testimonies of lived experiences, it will attempt to explain the development of a specifically esoteric culture. As the argument unfolds, it will examine this minority culture’s relation with the majority culture and explore its social and political potentialities.