In
Western esotericism the terms
Left-Hand Path and
Right-Hand Path refer to a
dichotomy between two opposing approaches to magic. This terminology is used in various groups involved in the
occult and
ceremonial magic. In some definitions, the
Left-Hand Path is equated with malicious
black magic and the
Right-Hand Path with benevolent
white magic. Other occultists have criticised this definition, believing that the Left-Right dichotomy refers merely to different kinds of working, and does not necessarily connote good or bad magical actions.